First trip to Disney World

[FindingNamo]

That daddy in the honey pot. Oh my.

[pli1018]

I visited the Tokyo resort last May, and not much really stands up to their standards of detail, theming and their dedication to upkeep. ALL of the animatronics are working and running smoothly, even on rides like Journey to the Center of the Earth or Sindbad's Storybook Voyages, where the animatronics are far more complex and complicated than what we have in the US parks. There's never that one bird that's not singing along to Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah. I went to California Adventure this past December and two major animatronics in the flagship Radiator Springs Racers were already not working a little over a year after opening. Would literally never happen in Japan. One of the main reasons for this is because the Tokyo resort isn't technically owned by Disney. Disney does all the creative aspects of the resort, while it is entirely funded by the Tokyo-based Oriental Land Company. The OLC knows that no matter how much money they funnel into their resort, the investment will ALWAYS pay off. And that money is apparently everywhere you look.

Just to stress that, check out the Pooh video Eric posted. In the Heffalumps and Woozles room, there is an entire ride vehicle full of animatronics that just dances with the other vehicles. A ride vehicle of that sort is astronomically expensive, yet they have one that guests do not occupy. They go all out with everything they build. Compare any stateside attraction with the Tokyo version and your jaw will drop, particularly Toy Story Mania and Tower of Terror.

The other ride in Tokyo is with LPS technology is Aquatopia. If you watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIh5keBwiKc it's easier to see how the ride system works, though Pooh is much more complex. Basically, if you're a fan of theme parks and Disney, Tokyo Disney resort should absolutely be at the top of your Must-See list. Thread-jack over, sorry GuyFromGermany!

The new Cabana Bay hotel at Universal looks quite nice and even though you don't get an Unlimited Express pass, you still get early access to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter every morning, which is always a plus considering that's the busiest place across both parks.

[FindingNamo]

I was never once awake early enough to take advantage of the early admission and knew if I did get up early I would desperately need a nap by 3 pm.

[pli1018]

Very true, Namo. The on-property resort perks are nice of course, but you can also get a room at the DoubleTree right at the gate to Universal for a fraction of the cost and the rooms are very nice. In addition to being a 10 minute walk from the parks, DoubleTree guests also get a discount card that you can use on merch and food at specific locations across the resort. Not bad for $98 a night.

[Eris0303]

Saw this on Facebook:

Star Wars Weekends is returning to Disney’s Hollywood Studio every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16-June 15, 2014. Also adding to the fun, fireworks featuring Star Wars music will be presented each evening during this year’s event.

[GuyfromGermany]

So what are YOUR favorite restaurants in Disney World? :)

[Mr Roxy]

Bring a ton of money

Resign yourselves to long lines

Try and see the "Carousel Of progress or whatever it is called now. It was originally in the GE Pavillion at the 1964 World's Fair and the audio animatronic figures will amaze.

[Eris0303]

So what are YOUR favorite restaurants in Disney World? :)

Well, earlier in the thread I mentioned Prime Time Cafe and Sci-Fi Drive in

[Mister Matt]

I love:

Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom) breakfast buffet
Le Cellier (EPCOT) Canada
Raglan Road (Downtown Disney)
Jiko (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Teppan Edo (EPCOT) Japan

[ShbrtAlley44]

Via Napoli is full of yum.

[GuyfromGermany]

Thanks everyone for your recommendations... it was THE BEST TRIP EVEEEEER!!!!

[Anthony Fremont]

Three things:

Tower of Terror
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Drinking around the world

[EricMontreal22]

Great photo, and I'm glad you had a great time! Any highlights?

[GuyfromGermany]

SO many!!!

Boma at the Animal Kingdom Lodge was wonderul (Zebra Domes...OMG!)
Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman was probably the best ride I've ever been on
"Germany" at Epcot... so much fun as a German
and I really LOVED my Magic Band...

but there's been SO much great stuff... it's difficult to find the hightlights!

[EricMontreal22]

I'm glad you had such a great time! How did you divide the trip--ie how many days did you spend in each park + Universal? While I don't think I'd place Spiderman as the very best ride I've ever been on, I do think it's one of them.

And yeah, it's always fun to see your country represented--albeit the Canada part of EPCOT is pretty underwhelming... :P

[GuyfromGermany]

Here's what we did...
2 days Magic Kingdom
2 days Hollywood Studios
1 day Epcot
1 day Animal Kingdom (which really surprised me! what a beautiful park!)
2 days Universal/Islands of Adventure (we did park-hopping both days)
1 day Busch Gardens
1 day for Outlet shopping...
and we also went to Typhoon Lagoon and spent time at Downton Disney and the resorts...

[EricMontreal22]

That pretty much sounds like a perfect trip to me...

[Brian07663NJ]

Thanks for sharing - great picture with Mickey.
WOW you really did a LOT! So glad it was all that you hoped for.

Did you get to ride the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ride in the Magic Kingdom?

[DottieD'Luscia]

Glad you had a wonderful time!

[Mister Matt]

Sounds fantastic! So glad you had a great time. I can't wait to get back to WDW.

[SonofRobbieJ]

I GO IN TWO DAYS.

I'm a titch excited, can you tell? I wanna ride that mine train!!!!

[PalJoey]

Glad you enjoyed it, GfG!

And I know YOU will, Robbie--and you'll be happy on this visit to find out that there are many lines on which senior citizens can cut to the front.

[SonofRobbieJ]

What great info, PJ! I got back on Monday, so I hope I get to see you next Tuesday!!!

[GuyfromGermany]

No, unfortunately the Mine Train wasn't open yet... neither was Falcon's Fury and Diagon Alley...
Guess I have to go again soon...

[SonofRobbieJ]

The train apparently opened last week. I'm terribly excited.

[EricMontreal22]

Watching the on-ride videos of the Mine Train I admit, as much as I will miss Snow White's Scary Adventures (and I hope they don't remove the superior version in California) the animatronic scenes, particularly of the hag, are pretty impressive. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpWjGLxgW8s