DOIN' DISNEY!
Welcome to our Disney page which currently has just begun. My intent here is to include some pictures of what I consider "good stuff" and some do's and don'ts for the first time Disney visitor. First and foremost let me say that you will never invest money any wiser for you and your kids than this trip. It can get a little pricey but then what pricetag do you put on a childs smile or your memories of the trip? We have visited twice and enjoyed it each time. I will try to take you on a brief guided tour of our trip prep and trip.
Our planning began two years ago with the obvoius. Save up enough money. I am not the plastic type so I wanted everything paid for before we left except for food and daily purchases (trinkets, hair braids, tee shirts etc.). After talking to a travel agent, we decided on 7 days, six nights at one of the Disney hotels. Also I included one day passes at Universal Studios and Sea World. Total package including RT airfare from Chicago to Orlando was around $1900 for two of us. Add $100 per day for operating expenses and a round $2500 was my goal. It proved extremely accurate but we skimped on nothing. This is not the kind of trip to cut lots of corners...some but not lots. I'm sure this can be done less expensive by staying off property. We also did not rent a car. I will explain my reasoning shortly.
Packing was fairly standard for a warm climate; shorts. tee shirts, sun block etc. However there are a few things you may not think of until you are buying one at Disney. Folk's, Florida is hot and rainy in the summer and Disney can't do anything about it. Bring a light poncho of some kind or purchase a poncho there as a functional souvenier. Do it before it rains. The lines are shorter. Speaking of lines, you will be standing in plenty of them. Don't be misled by "looking " at the line. Most wind endlessly around and through things to keep you from seeing a 30-45 minute wait. This is where the trusty water bottle comes in handy. Bring one and something to hold it ie a strap. Try to remain hands free. I saw some people with backpacks and gizmos that resembled going on safari but all their stuff like cameras and wallets were protected from the elements ( and water rides) and you could also hang on to the safety bar of the roller coaster your kid talked you into riding. Sunglasses are also essential along with a hat. This is especially important for those of us who are follically impaired. Nothing worse than a sunburned bald spot.
Read the literature you receive. Each park opens early certain days of the week for Disney resort guests. Use this to get in the "really good rides" when the lines are shorter. Try to plan your day ahead as much as possible. The transportation system is outstanding. Buses take you virtually anywhere in the park, along with the mono rail and ferry boats thus if you stay on property a car is really unneccessary. We even caught a shuttle to both Seaworld and Universal right from our hotel. Mears Shuttle Service goes all over the area to almost anywhere you chose.
The Animal KingdomThis park opens first and closes first so it is the logical starting point.
At this writng it is the newest addition and well worth the trip especially for the nature lovers. Also one real good roller/adventure ride, Countdown to Extinction, and of course plenty of live animals in a natural setting. The Safari Ride features a real truck driven by a guide to take you through the 110 acre preserve. If your going to video it's a bumpy ride. Wait til the truck stops. It's like going to a zoo but your in the cage not the animals. Hidden motes and natural barriers insure that a giraffe won't sit next to you. The Disney folks also try to employ some authentic humans. Our driver sported a very nice English accent and hailed from Capetown SA. One of the clerks we purchased our souvenier stuffed gorilla from was originally living in Nairobi Kenya. I'm sure they didn't travel all that way for the wages but it is a nice touch.
In truth many are college students working summer jobs for Disney. There is also a slow moving River Ride which is just that . Relaxing but not much else. Do it if the line is short.
The centerpiece of the park is a hugh tree which you will recognize from every Nat. Geographic you have ever seen of Africa. Though the botanical name escapes me, it is known as the "Upside Down Tree" or " The Tree of Life".
It only has foilage 3 months of the year to conserve water so it appears as it's roots are in the sky. It provides shelter and home to a variety of creatures thus the Tree of Life moniker. This particular "manmade" speciman is decorated with 350 carvings of animals all over the trunk and roots. Underneath it's massive canopy is an amphitheater which seats 450 people. You wind through the roots to get there but the wait is well worth it. The show is a 3-D production which suddenly takes on a 4th D. You will see what I mean when you get there. This one is a must see.
Another "must see" show is the live production of The Lion King.
It features some animated but mostly very talented live actors that put on an entertaining and colorful 1/2 hour performance for kids and adults alike.
These pictures give a little preview of the show. The players are extremely talented and the audience is encouraged to participate. Again somewhat of a wait but the schedules are posted so you can plan ahead. A WORD OF CAUTION. When approaching a long wait (and you will more than once) make sure your water or beverage bottle is full, everyone has gone to the restroom prior to getting in line and the kids have something to do while in line. YoYo's, toys, anything that may keep them from driving you bananas. Disney doe help some with water mists and videos along the way but they still get ancy.
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