behappy
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Apr 12, 2002
- Messages
- 180
It's been a month since we got back, but, you know how the holidays can keep you busy...especially with late T'giving this year, coupled with spending the next week at WDW!!! As I noted above, sometimes I can be long-winded, so I'll just hit the high points!
We had our best trip ever (our 10th, I think)!!! Were able to catch an early flight (arriving MCO 7:30AM) on Dec 1 and got to CR to check-in/check our luggage (room wouldn't be ready until >2PM)....and walked over to the MK by 9:30AM. We activated our APs which we had used to get very good rates for a Tower Room at CR and GV at Poly. We stayed 2 nights at CR and had a great view of the MK from our room on the 9th floor. The family (DW, DS, DD, DMIL) all enjoyed the Contemporary and the novelty of the Monorail passing thru. No complaints, but, was really surprised at how loud the fireworks show from MVMCP was (wow!).
After 2nd night, moved to Poly. We had rented a car (a must as far as I'm concerned) and the CM at the CR insinuated we 'must' use our car to transfer our luggage....no big deal, but, I thought I'd seen otherwise here. In any event, we checked out early and took our things over to the Poly to get checked in there...again, room available after 2PM, so it was off to the parks! We were fortunate for our entire visit never to have to
More wonderful time in the parks, and back to the Poly to prep for the Dec 3 MVMCP. As I said, the entire trip was wonderful, but, perhaps the most wonderful part was our gardenview room with a perfect view of Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary, and Space Mountain....also, the layout of the room in the Poly seemed more spacious than the CR.
The Poly is now, without a doubt, our favorite resort! It's just the perfect match for us. The kids loved the volcano pool, and we were fortunate to have 2 days where the temps were high enough for comfortable swimming.
Back to MVMCP....it was great...got our wristbands early, hung out in Tomorrowland while they emptied the park, and got dinner at Cosmic Ray's. While many of the subsequent MVMCPs were plagued by bad (really BAD) weather, ours was wonderful...long sleeves and later, a light jacket.
DS and DD both participated in the Pirate Cruise and the Cooking Class at the GF. They enjoyed both, but, rated only the Pirate Cruise a 'must do again'!
Now....my tips to newbies and veterans alike:
1) Remember (every day) how lucky you are to be able to be at WDW. While for some it is an infrequent event, nonetheless, there are many people who would love to be able to go, that can't. Reminding DD/DS how lucky they were, seemed to help keep them grounded.
2) Plan ahead. If you are reading this, you are doing one of the best things you can do, learn about Disney. Figure out what are the important things you must do, and plan for them. If it's a character meal or an event like the Pirate Cruise or HDDR, be sure to get a PS. I can't imagine trying to explain to a young child why they can't 'eat with Mickey', when they see others doing it.
3) Don't overplan and don't try to do 'everything'! I make a habit of 'people-watching' while waiting in line and see so much tension (and anger) among those who have a minute-by-minute plan they must complete. Typically a DS or DD is pleading for Mom or Dad to slow down. It's very sad to me, when the kids are 'victims' of over-zealous parents who think they are doing the right thing. It's impossible to know what will happen when you get to the park...sometime rides break down, or the weather doesn't cooperate. Trying to complete the perfect plan seems like the recipe for disappointment. WDW will still be here next year or in 5 years, whenever you can make your next trip.
4) Relax! When things go wrong, go with the flow. Yes, things will go wrong, don't let them ruin your vacation. Yes, there are rude people at WDW....they are the same rude people you cross paths with every day at home. Don't let them get you down. Don't sweat the small stuff (and it really is small stuff).
5) Don't have unrealistic expectations! Yes, WDW is magical, but, I'm pained everytime I read posts from folks who go and don't 'feel the magic'. Don't walk around waiting for the magic to happen, it's at least 50% up to you to create the magical feeling.
6) At the end of the day, remember tip #1!
Y'all have fun and a Happy and Healthy New Year
We had our best trip ever (our 10th, I think)!!! Were able to catch an early flight (arriving MCO 7:30AM) on Dec 1 and got to CR to check-in/check our luggage (room wouldn't be ready until >2PM)....and walked over to the MK by 9:30AM. We activated our APs which we had used to get very good rates for a Tower Room at CR and GV at Poly. We stayed 2 nights at CR and had a great view of the MK from our room on the 9th floor. The family (DW, DS, DD, DMIL) all enjoyed the Contemporary and the novelty of the Monorail passing thru. No complaints, but, was really surprised at how loud the fireworks show from MVMCP was (wow!).
After 2nd night, moved to Poly. We had rented a car (a must as far as I'm concerned) and the CM at the CR insinuated we 'must' use our car to transfer our luggage....no big deal, but, I thought I'd seen otherwise here. In any event, we checked out early and took our things over to the Poly to get checked in there...again, room available after 2PM, so it was off to the parks! We were fortunate for our entire visit never to have to
More wonderful time in the parks, and back to the Poly to prep for the Dec 3 MVMCP. As I said, the entire trip was wonderful, but, perhaps the most wonderful part was our gardenview room with a perfect view of Cinderella Castle, the Contemporary, and Space Mountain....also, the layout of the room in the Poly seemed more spacious than the CR.
The Poly is now, without a doubt, our favorite resort! It's just the perfect match for us. The kids loved the volcano pool, and we were fortunate to have 2 days where the temps were high enough for comfortable swimming.
Back to MVMCP....it was great...got our wristbands early, hung out in Tomorrowland while they emptied the park, and got dinner at Cosmic Ray's. While many of the subsequent MVMCPs were plagued by bad (really BAD) weather, ours was wonderful...long sleeves and later, a light jacket.
DS and DD both participated in the Pirate Cruise and the Cooking Class at the GF. They enjoyed both, but, rated only the Pirate Cruise a 'must do again'!
Now....my tips to newbies and veterans alike:
1) Remember (every day) how lucky you are to be able to be at WDW. While for some it is an infrequent event, nonetheless, there are many people who would love to be able to go, that can't. Reminding DD/DS how lucky they were, seemed to help keep them grounded.
2) Plan ahead. If you are reading this, you are doing one of the best things you can do, learn about Disney. Figure out what are the important things you must do, and plan for them. If it's a character meal or an event like the Pirate Cruise or HDDR, be sure to get a PS. I can't imagine trying to explain to a young child why they can't 'eat with Mickey', when they see others doing it.
3) Don't overplan and don't try to do 'everything'! I make a habit of 'people-watching' while waiting in line and see so much tension (and anger) among those who have a minute-by-minute plan they must complete. Typically a DS or DD is pleading for Mom or Dad to slow down. It's very sad to me, when the kids are 'victims' of over-zealous parents who think they are doing the right thing. It's impossible to know what will happen when you get to the park...sometime rides break down, or the weather doesn't cooperate. Trying to complete the perfect plan seems like the recipe for disappointment. WDW will still be here next year or in 5 years, whenever you can make your next trip.
4) Relax! When things go wrong, go with the flow. Yes, things will go wrong, don't let them ruin your vacation. Yes, there are rude people at WDW....they are the same rude people you cross paths with every day at home. Don't let them get you down. Don't sweat the small stuff (and it really is small stuff).
5) Don't have unrealistic expectations! Yes, WDW is magical, but, I'm pained everytime I read posts from folks who go and don't 'feel the magic'. Don't walk around waiting for the magic to happen, it's at least 50% up to you to create the magical feeling.
6) At the end of the day, remember tip #1!
Y'all have fun and a Happy and Healthy New Year
I think everyone heading down should carry a copy of your wonderful tips to be happy.
