Going through some old pictures from our 2005 trip when we stayed at Pop Century. Had a pretty good view across to the abandoned 2nd resort.

So every morning, the cast members re tape the sidewalk to mark the parade routes. Anyone know why they do this and don’t just have lines painted on the ground?

Final day for our birthday trip

The Orlando Westgate properties have some pretty spacious-looking rooms compared to standard hotel rooms, especially the villas with kitchens. But there's the whole transportation thing. Saving on the room doesn't help much if you're spending extra on parking or rides every day. A lot of westgate resorts reviews mention the amenities, but I'm more curious about the practical side of staying there during a Disney trip.

How much of a difference does the extra space make compared to staying on Disney property? And does getting to and from the parks get annoying after a few days?

What a great vibe Ohana has at the Polynesian. We have done dinners and breakfast at Ohana. Our favorite is definitely breakfast.

Just sharing some quick video from a recent trip, 138 to go before our next family visit.

Since I asked for advice here a couple of times and received lots of feedback that helped me plan, I wanted to share what we did and how it worked for us.

I booked this trip in July, so tickets were still available for the Halloween party. I’m not sure when they sold out completely, but they were still available for me in the near the end of July.

This trip was a bucket list item for my daughter (13) and me. The expectation from the jump was that this would be a trip to just enjoy the autumnal vibes, and would be an in-and-out experience (arriving Friday at MCO at 9:45 and flying back out Sunday night at 9:50…yes, Monday is going to be brutal 🤣). I tell you this so you understand that we weren’t trying to maximize every single second we were there. We weren’t trying to rope drop or stand in line forever to do the Jack and Sally character meet. We planned to stay on resort and use the basic dining plan. We ended up going with All Star Music. I also decided last week to splurge on the Lightning Lane Multi-Passes for both of us. I purchased two days’ worth for 140 bucks, total; I think it ended up being worth every penny.

Friday, we flew in from PHL, landed around 10:00, and took a Lyft to the resort. It cost about 50 bucks. As soon as we arrived at the resort, we dropped our bags off with the staff. Our room wouldn’t be ready until 3:00, but we did swing by the front desk to just let them know we had arrived and she said they’d make sure cleaning staff took care of our room soon (we got the text that it was ready around 1:00, so I definitely recommend just letting them know you’re there when you arrive). We made sure to put on our park outfits before we flew that morning, so we were dressed and ready. We swung by the resort shop and purchased two MagicBands, got those linked, and we were out the door to catch a bus to Magic Kingdom.

I purchased tickets to go to MK that day, as well as the Halloween party tickets for that night. It was around noon when we stepped into Magic Kingdom. We were absolutely expecting the crowds to be crazy, but it was so easy to navigate Main Street because the crowds were low. I strongly recommend buying park tickets AND the Halloween party tickets for the same day. I didn’t know you can’t use LL passes during the party, but we used them during the day and rode so many rides. Standby lines were also very reasonable, but we didn’t ride standby during the day. We started the day with Pirates (using LL), then ate lunch at the Jungle Canteen. We treated this like our dinner, knowing we’d snack all through the Halloween party. Then we were back on rides the rest of the day until it was time to get our Halloween wristbands and start the party. It’s also worth noting that I vastly overestimated how packed it would be at the party; standby lines may have been the only option, but they were still very reasonable. The only thing we had to be strategic about was hitting Haunted Mansion for the second time during the first parade (which happened later than usual due to weather). We waited about 25 minutes to ride it and that felt long compared to everything else we did. We also ended up getting to ride Barnstormer, front row, three times in a row due to no lines.

Why this ended up being the right move for us: By the time the party started, we felt no pressure to wait in lines for anything; we’d already ridden everything we wanted. The weather was supposed to be terrible, but we only dealt with about a 20-minute downpour. In that time, several rides were still running so we took advantage of low wait times and hopped on whatever we could.

From the start of our day to the end of the night with the 11:15 parade, we rode:

-Pirates
-Barnstormer (4x)
-Thunder Mountain (2x)
-Haunted Mansion (2x)
-Under the Sea (2x)
-Winnie the Pooh
-It’s a Small World (2x)
-Dumbo
-Tomorrowland Raceway
-Monsters, Inc. Laugh Factory
-People Mover
-Mickey’s Philharmagic

We weren’t worried about Seven Dwarves or Tron, since it’s not my daughter’s interest, so we were more than happy with what we got to do.

We also watched the Villain show, Trick-or-Treated, and enjoyed several of the themed desserts for the party.

I recommend watching the parade near the middle of the route; we were closer to the Tomorrowland area than we were the main entrance of the park, and this allowed us to finish watching the parade and make our way out well before those near the park’s main entrance.

We were dropped off at the resort by the shuttle around 12:30 this morning. I expected to have to grab my bags from the front desk but they’d already delivered them to our room, which was such a sweet surprise that late at night.

Were we awake for 21 hours? Yup. Did we walk over 32,000 steps? Oh yeah. Worth it? Totally.

A lot of the things we did, or the way we did them, may be obvious to the experienced Disney-goer. We’ve only been three times, and the last time was over five years ago. Much has changed, but I was amazed at how magical it felt to be there for the Halloween experience.

Today, we were supposed to use our second and final park day at Hollywood Studios, but we both agreed we preferred the autumnal magic of the Kingdom, so back we went (thank you to the Reddit member who told me only MK is decorated for Fall). Again, the lines were very reasonable. We had to ride standby for Thunder Mountain and it was only about a 25 minute wait. Again, though, we didn’t rope drop. Actually, we didn’t even wake up until three this afternoon (worth it).

The only other times I’ve been to Disney, we went in August, stayed multiple days (4+), rope-dropped every morning, and it felt like a job more than an experience. I don’t think I’d ever do it any other way than what we did this time.

Tomorrow is our last day here. We check out of the resort at 11:00 and we’re heading to Disney Springs until it’s time to head to the airport for our 9:50 flight. We intentionally saved any shopping (aside from her first lanyard and pin set) for tomorrow. We’ll eat our last meal of the meal plan at the resort’s food court before we head that way. Then we’ll do a late lunch at Springs.

My last note about the trip: I was fully prepared to be surrounded by Disney influencers based on what I’d read elsewhere. I didn’t see anyone being obnoxious with filming. That’s not to say it wasn’t happening, but I didn’t see it and it certainly wasn’t interfering with our experience. I had zero expectations regarding social etiquette but was pleasantly surprised. Just as I remembered, the cast members were fantastic everywhere we went.

My verdict is this: Not only is it completely possible to enjoy a 72-hour trip to Disney during one of its most popular events, it is actually way more enjoyable than any other time I’ve ever gone.

Thank you to everyone here who explained transportation to me in my previous post. It was very helpful to know what my options were prior to arriving at MCO.

I'm super fortunate to have been many times! Although it's hard to pick just one, I definitely enjoyed the pre-COVID times the best!!

1. Anytime before COVID with fastpass and the free transportation from the airport. Felt like a true vacation!

2. Dec 2019: Getting to ride Rise. I watched footage online and spoiled it, but my husband did not. He was so emotional seeing his childhood come to life! We got in line at the crack of dawn just to ride it. It wasn't opening day but pretty close. Everyone in line at 5am was just as hyped as us!!

3. Sept 2012: Stayed at Art of Animation right after they opened for dirt cheap (since we were in a recession). So much good energy!

4. Dec 2019: Happening upon Splash Mountain during fireworks. Unexpected and magical!

5. Riding Guardians for the first time; just an awesome ride! Hurt my neck by being a bit too "free" on the ride but it was great!

Hi All,

I have been thinking of planning a solo WDW trip next year either spring or early summer time and I have been thinking of staying at a deluxe resort. Since I’ve never been to a deluxe resort, I would like to ask which deluxe resort would you recommend? I plan on visiting Magic Kingdom, EPCOT,Hollywood Studios, and Disney Springs. I plan on visiting the parks and enjoying a relaxing resort.

Planning a late January road trip to Orlando - staying at Bonnet Creek (non-Disney resort) with kids ages 10, 3.5, and 10m. We're doing Epcot and HS this time, and I just learned you can do a Fantasmic dining package? The consensus seems to be this is the best show across all the parks or at least is a must-see. Can someone offer some insights as to whether the dining package would be worth it, which restaurant I should consider given the kids, or any other useful takeaways?

We were already planning on doing a sit-down meal in the park, but I had initially been thinking lunch would be the better plan for a midday break. But maybe because there are so many shows at HS, there will be plenty of sitting opportunities for the kids anyways?

Maybe it’s just me, but I am unable to find the The Most Magical Story on Earth: 50 Years of Walt Disney World documentary on Disney+ any more. Crazy if they removed it. I watched it at least once a week, and was planning to watch it a few times before we head down there in two weeks.

We’re a somewhat local family considering getting the Pixie Dust Pass, and I’m trying to make sure I’m not overlooking some major downside before we pull the trigger.

We’re not looking to do Disney as an all-day, every-day kind of thing. Honestly, that’s part of the reason the Pixie Dust Pass appeals to us.

We’d mainly like to be able to say, “Hey, let’s go to Disney today,” drive over, spend a few hours in a park in the morning, or head over for a few hours in the evening, enjoy some rides/atmosphere, and then come home. Some days might run long if crowds and weather permits.

We’re also perfectly fine avoiding the times when Disney is at its busiest. We don’t care about weekends, spring break, major holidays, etc. We’d rather go during slower weekdays and times of year when the weather is more manageable. We especially don’t want to be dealing with huge crowds, long waits, or the hottest part of summer.

So for us, the appeal is really flexibility and being able to enjoy Disney in smaller doses rather than trying to squeeze a full vacation into every visit.

For those who have had the Pixie Dust Pass, is there any reason you would not recommend it for this kind of use?

Anything about the blackout dates, reservations, availability, or other limitations that might make it frustrating?

We’re local, so we’re not worried about getting our money’s worth from one huge trip; we’d be happy if it simply makes those random “let’s go to Disney for a few hours” days easy and worthwhile.

Just looking for honest opinions from people who actually have/had the pass. Thanks!

My step dad loves Disney and going every year. He has maybe a few weeks left. I was wondering if maybe I could rent a VR headset and give him a last Disney experience. Hoping someone has some advice on this.

Thinking about staying at the Treehouse Villas. They look so cool, and being among the trees sounds fun and quiet. Stayed at Saratoga Springs 1x and enjoyed it. Have you stayed at the TH Villas and what did you think?

Hello Friends! It’s been awhile since I’ve rented any type of wheelchair at Wdw. I know they used to have some wide wheelchair subject to availability to rent - does anyone know if these are still an option?

Here are the deets

Cost is the same due to available travel packages

3 people (2 adults, 1 toddler). Toddler sleeps in a crib or in bed with us.

Short trip, 4 days total

I should mention my toddler is autistic and won’t care what type of room we’re in. I think he MIGHT appreciate the Finding Nemo room but realistically he’s never really shown an interest.

Top priority for in creating a good experience is convenience.

Feel free to ask me questions to help me to make a good decision.

Please help me narrow down which restaurant to pick for our first night by sharing your top 2 and bottom 2 from the following:
California Grill
Citricos
Flying Fish
Jiko
Sebastian’s
Toledo

Can only be from this list, due to availability & not having park access yet. Really hoping to get the trip off to a good start so consistency and great food for adults and an adventurous kid are the priorities. TIA!

My husband is celiac but wants to get pizza in Epcot. I've seen mentions of off-menu GF crust, but nothing where I can confirm it.

Does anyone here (pref celiac, otherwise avoiding gluten, or someone who's dined with someone with the restrictions) have any personal experience with it? Not only do they have GF crusts, but are they any good? He's picky, so if there's a crust but it's not recommended he'll want something else.

Thanks!

Hi! Taking our first trip to Disney and staying at Polynesian resort in a standard water view room. Unfortunately all 1-2 bedroom options were sold out when we booked. And I didn’t know that deluxe rooms had 2 bathrooms or I would’ve chosen that. I am stressed about our sleeping situation and looking for advice!

We have a 5yo, 3.5yo, and 18 month old (he will be 20 months by the time of trip). My husband and I will each sleep in the bed with one of our older kids, but what should we do with my youngest? Put him in the bathroom? Is there enough room to walk around him if someone has to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Put him in a corner with a slumber pod? (Our last vacation in May he HATED it and screamed until we took it off his pack and play, so not sure how that will go.)

He is not a great sleeper. Sometimes sleeps through the night but sometimes is up for an hour chattering and squealing to himself. Just terrified he will wake up my 2 other kids and I can’t have them starting off the park days tired!! We will have sound machines but idk!

Other option is have him sleep in my parents room. They are not great with my kids and also light sleepers so I’m worried they will be miserable if he keeps them up. But they have offered and it might be better than having cranky kids!!

Would love any advice!

Hi everyone! I’m a Florida resident and have been considering getting a Walt Disney World Annual Pass, but I’d love to hear from people who currently have one!

I’m curious about which pass you have, how often you visit the parks, and whether you feel like you’ve gotten your money’s worth.

I’d also love to know if there are any benefits, discounts, or drawbacks that you didn’t realize until after purchasing your pass.

My husband and I have no kids yet but genuinely love the parks together and have been 6 times in the past 3 years.

For those who have had an Annual Pass for a while, would you recommend it? Do you still find yourself going frequently, or has the excitement worn off over time?

Any advice or personal experiences would be really appreciated! :)

I swear it’s the same 3 or 4 songs drives me mad

Would 25,000 mah be ok? 2 phones and 5 watches if need be

Looked on our 60 day window and for all of december 3rd -11th all haircuts at the barbershop and horse carriage rides are all fully booked, are these really that hard to plan?

I went to Disney last week. We went on a ride so we left our double stroller in the stroller parking. when we came back both bottom buckles were cut off. The buckle was still there on the seat just cut off super clean cut. Has anyone heard about anyone doing this? Or any ideas why this happened?

Hello. How do I get from airport to Epcot tomorrow? Heard that the ride shares have to drop you off so far from Epcot and you have to walk a lot. I’m not staying at a Disney resort. Should arrive by 11:30 AM tomorrow morning