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mnmsoinlove
Mommy to 2 sweet girls!
Member since 3/09 8585 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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More Disney advice needed
Please help this disney virgin out. Today I'm at the 180 day mark. I got up this morning and was able to snag reservations at Cinderella's royal table for breakfast on our first full day and lunch at Be Our Guest. I got a reservation at cape may for breakfast day 2.
I have no clue what else I should be booking. Mainly because I'm not sure which parks I should do. We have a 3 day pass. Were staying on property for those days with the deluxe dining.
Should we go magic kingdom for 2 days and than maybe Hollywood studoios. Not sure my girls would love Epcot but maybe they would. They will be 5 & 7. What other dining reservations should I be making? My dh has Manhattan tastes so food is important to him even at Disney 
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Posted 3/20/17 1:00 PM  |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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More Disney advice needed
I have girls 5 & 7 and they like Epcot. We don't like Hollywood studios - in fact when we go in August this year we are skipping that park all together! I would do 2 days at MK bc that is the park with the most for them - then pick a day at Epcot or AK. My girls like Epcot bc they like walking around all the different countries and there is a lot of indoor interactive stuff to do. AK is good too and there will be more to do now that Panadora and Rivers of Light are opening.
We really like Ohana dinner at the Poly. If you decided to do AK, Tusker house breakfast is our favorite!
What hotel are you staying at?
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| Posted 3/20/17 3:07 PM |
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mnmsoinlove
Mommy to 2 sweet girls!
Member since 3/09 8585 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by Aries14
I have girls 5 & 7 and they like Epcot. We don't like Hollywood studios - in fact when we go in August this year we are skipping that park all together! I would do 2 days at MK bc that is the park with the most for them - then pick a day at Epcot or AK. My girls like Epcot bc they like walking around all the different countries and there is a lot of indoor interactive stuff to do. AK is good too and there will be more to do now that Panadora and Rivers of Light are opening.
We really like Ohana dinner at the Poly. If you decided to do AK, Tusker house breakfast is our favorite!
What hotel are you staying at?
Art of Animation. What's the cons to Hollywood studios?
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| Posted 3/20/17 4:16 PM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: More Disney advice needed
If you're staying at AoA will you have a car to get to Cape May? And are you going to a park that day?
I would definitely do two MK days. There's just so much there.
For the second day it's a tough choice. I mean you'll have fun at whatever park you choose so don't stress it too much.
Epcot- the fun rides are Test Track, Soaring, Frozen and the Seas with Nemo. There's also the Imagination Ride and I really like the Character Spot there because you can meet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy and they're in regular costumes as opposed to specialty ones like at AK. There's also tons of princess meet and greets in the World Showcase. As for food there I like La Hacienda in Mexico and Le Cellier in Canada, but most of them are pretty good.
Hollywood Studios- A lot of the park is closed off for construction so that's why people don't like it right now. However, your girls might like the Frozen Sing Along, Star Tours, the Beauty and the Beast and/or Little Mermaid shows and Toy Story Mania. If they're thrill seekers Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster are fun. There I would try to eat at the Brown Derby. I think your DH will like the more upscale food and atmosphere. If you want more kid friendly try Primetime or Hollywood and Vine if your girls are still into Disney Jr.
If you're up for a super long day you could try to do both parks. Start in HS, have lunch, then take the boat to Epcot and stay through Illuminations.
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| Posted 3/20/17 5:41 PM |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by mnmsoinlove
Posted by Aries14
I have girls 5 & 7 and they like Epcot. We don't like Hollywood studios - in fact when we go in August this year we are skipping that park all together! I would do 2 days at MK bc that is the park with the most for them - then pick a day at Epcot or AK. My girls like Epcot bc they like walking around all the different countries and there is a lot of indoor interactive stuff to do. AK is good too and there will be more to do now that Panadora and Rivers of Light are opening.
We really like Ohana dinner at the Poly. If you decided to do AK, Tusker house breakfast is our favorite!
What hotel are you staying at?
Art of Animation. What's the cons to Hollywood studios?
There is pretty much nothing for them at HS. They wont be big enough for Rock n Roll rollercoaster.. My kids like rollercoasters but hated Tower of Terror. There's really no rides for them - just shows and even that they weren't thrilled with. We also didn't like any of the restaurants, except Brown Derby but that's a 2 credit restaurant. If you hade 7 days worth of tickets then I would say go and walk around but expect it to be half day.. But if I only had 3 days - I wouldn't spend it at HS. We have gone 2x in the least 3 years and we always end up leaving that park within 2 or 3 hours and feeling like we wasted time
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| Posted 3/20/17 6:23 PM |
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mnmsoinlove
Mommy to 2 sweet girls!
Member since 3/09 8585 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by phoenix913
If you're staying at AoA will you have a car to get to Cape May? And are you going to a park that day?
I would definitely do two MK days. There's just so much there.
For the second day it's a tough choice. I mean you'll have fun at whatever park you choose so don't stress it too much.
Epcot- the fun rides are Test Track, Soaring, Frozen and the Seas with Nemo. There's also the Imagination Ride and I really like the Character Spot there because you can meet Mickey, Minnie and Goofy and they're in regular costumes as opposed to specialty ones like at AK. There's also tons of princess meet and greets in the World Showcase. As for food there I like La Hacienda in Mexico and Le Cellier in Canada, but most of them are pretty good.
Hollywood Studios- A lot of the park is closed off for construction so that's why people don't like it right now. However, your girls might like the Frozen Sing Along, Star Tours, the Beauty and the Beast and/or Little Mermaid shows and Toy Story Mania. If they're thrill seekers Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster are fun. There I would try to eat at the Brown Derby. I think your DH will like the more upscale food and atmosphere. If you want more kid friendly try Primetime or Hollywood and Vine if your girls are still into Disney Jr.
If you're up for a super long day you could try to do both parks. Start in HS, have lunch, then take the boat to Epcot and stay through Illuminations.
We will be renting a car while we are there. Is it very far from AOA to cape may? I've read that the transportation from AOA is not the most ideal. My kids begged to stay at this resort and since its a vaca all about them were going with it. I hope it will be ok.
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| Posted 3/20/17 6:36 PM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: More Disney advice needed
We've stayed at AoA twice with no car and had absolutely no issues. I thought the bus service was quite good actually. I just wanted to make sure you knew you couldn't get to Cape May by bus. I don't think it's a very long drive, probably about 10-15 minutes.
AoA is a great hotel. The theming is wonderful there. Be sure to walk through all the sections (Cars etc.) to really appreciate all the little differences between sections like appropriate plant life etc.
Also it's nice to stroll across the bridge to Pop Century and take a look around over there. You can also see the HS fireworks from the bridge.
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| Posted 3/20/17 8:14 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
I wouldn't waste your time with Cape May. You will have to drive there, then drive to the Magic Kingdom and that's eating up a lot of time for something not THAT great. I would try to get a breakfast at the MK or at the monorail hotels so you are close to the park.
I actually wouldn't even bother driving to the MK. It's a total pain. You have to park, then take a tram to the transportation and ticket center, then board the boat or the monorail to the MK. The only way you get dropped off at the front gates is when you take the bus from your resort. Then when you leave the park, you could be waiting in the line for the monorail or the boat forever, depending on when you leave. If after a fireworks or parade, you could be waiting an hour.
Honestly your husband will be disappointed if he is a "manhattan" foodie. Especially with the character buffets. They aren't really great at all. I think Epoct has the better restaurants of the bunch.
I would do 2 days MK and 1 day Epcot or Animal Kingdom.
Message edited 3/20/2017 9:33:45 PM.
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| Posted 3/20/17 9:30 PM |
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StaceyLu
LIF Adolescent
Member since 2/17 572 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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More Disney advice needed
If your husband has NYC food taste, your best bet is to book dining at the resorts. Some of the best are bluezoo, Flying Fish, Citricos, Narcoossee's & California Grill. For in-park dining, EPCOT has the best restaurants, like Le Cellier.
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| Posted 3/20/17 10:35 PM |
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MegZee
My bunny
Member since 5/06 8777 total posts
Name:
Meaghan
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More Disney advice needed
If you have breakfast at cape may I would just do Epcot that day because you can walk from the beach club to Epcot. Unless your kids are into Star Wars or Disney jr stuff I agree to skip HS. We are going for 6 days and I only built in a morning at HS because my kids are little and they only want to do Disney Jr show and toy story midway mania.
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| Posted 3/21/17 6:57 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by MegZee
If you have breakfast at cape may I would just do Epcot that day because you can walk from the beach club to Epcot. Unless your kids are into Star Wars or Disney jr stuff I agree to skip HS. We are going for 6 days and I only built in a morning at HS because my kids are little and they only want to do Disney Jr show and toy story midway mania.
The only problem with this is you can't keep your car parked at the resort all day. Most resorts it's not an issue, but this one gets packed because it's also a convention hotel, and they give you a time limit pass.
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| Posted 3/21/17 7:02 AM |
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M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
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More Disney advice needed
I would do Epcot in addition to MK. We took my DD when she was 4.5 and we all had a great time. We did Animal Kingdom too, but weren't too impressed. Epcot and MK were our favorites.
As far as dining, I wasn't blown away by any of the food at the parks. I thought 1900 Park Fare was a great dining experience with Cinderella, Prince Charming, etc. My DD loved it. Akershaus at Epcot was good for princesses too.
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| Posted 3/21/17 7:51 AM |
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GoodThoughts
Dreams do come true
Member since 2/12 2259 total posts
Name:
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More Disney advice needed
I wouldn't bother renting a car. I think it actually will waste far more time than using the buses. For instance, if you drove to Cape May, you'd then have to get back in the car to drive to the park afterwards since there's a time limit for parking at hotels at which you are not a guest.
Choosing restaurants is tough because you said the trip is all about your children, but also said food quality is important to your DH. To me, they are mutually exclusive. For kids, character dining is truly a blast (dinner at 1900 Park Fare is our favorite). You are not going to get a M'httn quality experience at a character dine.
With only 3 days, I'd get rid of Cape May and stick with dining in the parks or at monorail resorts on your MK days. I'd also consider downgrading to the Disney Dining Plan rather than the deluxe dining plan. That's a LOT of food and an enormous amount of time wasted sitting at meals, especially when you only have 3 days.
Message edited 3/21/2017 8:34:11 AM.
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| Posted 3/21/17 8:32 AM |
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luvmykids8
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by GoodThoughts
I wouldn't bother renting a car. I think it actually will waste far more time than using the buses. For instance, if you drove to Cape May, you'd then have to get back in the car to drive to the park afterwards since there's a time limit for parking at hotels at which you are not a guest.
Choosing restaurants is tough because you said the trip is all about your children, but also said food quality is important to your DH. To me, they are mutually exclusive. For kids, character dining is truly a blast (dinner at 1900 Park Fare is our favorite). You are not going to get a M'httn quality experience at a character dine.
With only 3 days, I'd get rid of Cape May and stick with dining in the parks or at monorail resorts on your MK days. I'd also consider downgrading to the Disney Dining Plan rather than the deluxe dining plan. That's a LOT of food and an enormous amount of time wasted sitting at meals, especially when you only have 3 days.
All of this. I was going to say same thing.
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| Posted 3/21/17 8:45 AM |
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pumpkinmom
LIF Adult
Member since 5/12 2912 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
I've always liked hollywood studios better than epcot, as an adult and with my young children. My kids are not as old as yours though, so I would check the attractions and height requirements. We're still a Disney junior family. I don't think I ever went to the attractions they closed for construction. The one thing Epcot has now that we might not be able to skip is Anna and Elsa.
Message edited 3/21/2017 12:16:39 PM.
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| Posted 3/21/17 11:00 AM |
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mnmsoinlove
Mommy to 2 sweet girls!
Member since 3/09 8585 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by GoodThoughts
I wouldn't bother renting a car. I think it actually will waste far more time than using the buses. For instance, if you drove to Cape May, you'd then have to get back in the car to drive to the park afterwards since there's a time limit for parking at hotels at which you are not a guest.
Choosing restaurants is tough because you said the trip is all about your children, but also said food quality is important to your DH. To me, they are mutually exclusive. For kids, character dining is truly a blast (dinner at 1900 Park Fare is our favorite). You are not going to get a M'httn quality experience at a character dine.
With only 3 days, I'd get rid of Cape May and stick with dining in the parks or at monorail resorts on your MK days. I'd also consider downgrading to the Disney Dining Plan rather than the deluxe dining plan. That's a LOT of food and an enormous amount of time wasted sitting at meals, especially when you only have 3 days.
Thank you! We are renting a car because we are staying at the Sheraton Vistana for 4 days after AOA. I'm afraid if we go down a plan we will end up paying out of pocket for a lot of food. My dh will want to eat 3 meals a day. What do you suggest for a breakfast other than cape may. I had to lower dh expectations. It's going to just have to be about the kids I think.
Message edited 3/21/2017 9:58:30 PM.
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| Posted 3/21/17 8:58 PM |
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Aries14
Can't plan life...
Member since 8/08 2860 total posts
Name:
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More Disney advice needed
I like Crystal Palace in MK and Tusker House in AK for breakfast.
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| Posted 3/22/17 10:12 AM |
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CSK
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/11 892 total posts
Name:
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More Disney advice needed
There are high quality resturants at Disney, but they aren't always where you want them to be.
For example. Sanna is great, high quality food. Its in the Animal Kingdom lodge- Kidanai Village. There is another at the AKL as well, Jinko.
There is good dining in Epcot, Magic Kingdom, be our guest is really good but not sure what else high quality, we just did 2.5 days at MK, but didn't have many meals there, we did BOG for lunch 1 day with a quick service dinner, another we went from there to the Hoopty doo revue.
A lot of the nicer dining is in the resorts and disney springs (which is convenient to the Sheraton Vistana). Homecomin I hear is great, we couldn't get a table.
I do think you need to lower your husbands expectations somewhat. There are nice meals at disney some as good a high quality NYC meals, but its not going to be every day.
Also, we did the Sheraton Vistana 2 times ago for Disney and its a great property if you're staying offsite. The Sheraton suite was practically palatial, compared to some disney rooms and it had nice pools too.
Message edited 3/22/2017 10:29:16 AM.
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| Posted 3/22/17 10:23 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15660 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
I like Ohana for Breakfast. But, again...definitely not upscale food. There are no character buffets that are.
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| Posted 3/22/17 11:05 AM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Sorry, not a fan of the Disney restaurants. Food is just not that good... the hotels have the best onsite (versus at the parks)... but nothing really memorable.
Universal resorts have some great places attached to their hotels. If you are in the area, check them out. Emeril and Palm come to mind.
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| Posted 3/22/17 1:18 PM |
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Summergrl14
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/16 625 total posts
Name:
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Re: More Disney advice needed
Posted by mnmsoinlove
Posted by GoodThoughts
I wouldn't bother renting a car. I think it actually will waste far more time than using the buses. For instance, if you drove to Cape May, you'd then have to get back in the car to drive to the park afterwards since there's a time limit for parking at hotels at which you are not a guest.
Choosing restaurants is tough because you said the trip is all about your children, but also said food quality is important to your DH. To me, they are mutually exclusive. For kids, character dining is truly a blast (dinner at 1900 Park Fare is our favorite). You are not going to get a M'httn quality experience at a character dine.
With only 3 days, I'd get rid of Cape May and stick with dining in the parks or at monorail resorts on your MK days. I'd also consider downgrading to the Disney Dining Plan rather than the deluxe dining plan. That's a LOT of food and an enormous amount of time wasted sitting at meals, especially when you only have 3 days.
Thank you! We are renting a car because we are staying at the Sheraton Vistana for 4 days after AOA. I'm afraid if we go down a plan we will end up paying out of pocket for a lot of food. My dh will want to eat 3 meals a day. What do you suggest for a breakfast other than cape may. I had to lower dh expectations. It's going to just have to be about the kids I think.
Have you stayed at the Sheraton Vistana before? I'm considering staying there next October through our timeshare. It looks really nice, but I feel like you never know.
On a note about dining, my DH is also very particular about food and when we went to disney a few years ago and we did the deluxe plan and it was honestly just way too much food and I felt like we ended up planning our days around where we were going to eat in order to get the best bang for our buck for the deluxe plan and not around what we wanted to see in Disney. Next time around I would just get the regular plan and pay out of pocket for a few sit down meals that we really wanted to try.
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| Posted 3/23/17 10:01 AM |
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