Anyone got a Disneyworld / Florida holiday planned - Part 4

[ChippyMinton]

Hope no-one minds if I start another thread as the old one is full?

Or are you all in Orlando now?

We only had the map from Alamo too, but was easy for us to get to Disney resorts. I had printed off maps from the internet of various areas (Maingate, I Drive) so we could find the supermarket we wanted and Universal, plus any offsite restaurants we particularly wanted to go to. In the past I've bought a full proper map of the area as well off a website. If you haven't got a sat nav maybe printed RAC type directions would be an option for the villa address? Always good as a backup even with technology!

We're going in August.. just a few questions!

What did you wear on your feet? Trainers? Flip flops?
My DD wants to get a pearl! Any ideas of where to get one? I think she's seen something on YouTube!
Best character breakfast?
Best fireworks?

Many thanks!

Thanks re maps, I think I'm going to buy one and go prepared

We got back on Monday. I wore converse and flat sandals during the day, and flip flops.

Something comfortable as there's a lot of walking.

Trainers are probably the best for all the walking as they have support, but in the evenings for more relaxed wandering flip flops are fine. One of the best tips I followed was take trainers you've already worn in rather than new ones. It seems really obvious now, but I'd always bought new ones to go before. This latest trip was the first one I had no blisters or feet trouble at all because my trainers were already broken in.

Pretty sure you can buy pearls in Epcot in the Japan pavilion. We did the Ohana character breakfast and it was great, it's all you can eat but they serve it 'family style' which means they bring it to you so it's more of a relaxing experience than being up and down for a buffet. It's at the Polynesian so there is an island theme with Hawaiian music and kids activities. You get to meet Lilo and Stitch along with Mickey and Pluto. It was DS's favourite character interaction. I'm not much into breakfasts but it was well worth it. And you can then monorail into MK in minutes!

Fireworks must sees are Happily Ever After at MK (even if Wishes was better and I miss it) . I would say you need to be a bit closer to the castle to get the full effect, so getting a good spot is worth planning for. Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios is a favourite of mine but that's a sit down fireworks and light show, you can get a Fast Pass for priority seating so you don't have to go in ages before.

Does anyone know if I'll be allowed to take my GoPro on the water rides at Typhoon Lagoon / Blizzard Beach / Aquatica etc?
I've seen loads of YouTube videos on water rides where clearly a GoPro has been used, but did the people have to sneak them on do you think or are they allowed?
If you're holding a GoPro in one hand obviously you can hold on properly so just wondering if they'll refuse on health & safety grounds!

We're in Florida at the moment and they are pretty hot on health and safety at Disney and other main resorts. They won't allow selfie sticks in parks for example in case you attack someone with one. They have people stationed at the top of every water slide/ride checking you on and I don't think they'd allow a gopro. Unless you can get one which straps to you head and leaves your hands free?

Ha ha, just imagining how ridiculous I'd look with a GoPro attached to my head
DS might wear it though!
Seriously though, there are so many YouTube videos of people on rides that it must be possible somehow.
Hope you're having an amazing time poppy.
Three weeks today we'll be there

Just back from a water park and saw a woman with a handheld camera on a stick - but in the wave pool not on a ride.

Maybe I'll get a head attachment to take just in case. DS is desperate to film on some of the slides.

Thanks so much @MerricatsHouse great advice x

I work fit flops
Very comfy

I live in flip flops in Florida, it's all I wear.

I felt obliged to come back and add 'and clothes of course!'

Animal Swish flip flops are my footwear of choice. Once paid lasted me two or three trips as well. I also had Mickey Mouse Crocs obviously.

Just seen the forecast for the next few weeks - rain and thunderstorms! Will need to pack wellies...

That's just Florida in the summer. Put a poncho on and crack on with your day. Afternoon thunderstorms last about an hour then pass. It will still be hot and sunny unless there is a tropical storm/hurricane in the area, which there currently isn't. Central Florida is very rarely affected by larger storms.

We are going next august! Haven't booked flights - but booked two weeks in Port orleans riverside with the free mealplan.
Super excited!

Hi I'm currently looking into going next year. Can anyone advise how much I should budget for 2 weeks park tickets, Disney only.

We plan to stay in a villa.

Thanks

In Florida now......

Have just done 5 days in a row at the parks. Albeit with one at a water park. We are all thoroughly pooped and plan a VERY lazy day by the pool tomorrow.

Top tip - if you want to go on the new Avatar ride, Flights of Passage, get to Animal Kingdom at 7:30am. We did this and were on the ride at 9:05.

It was worth it. Flights of Passage is easily the best ride at Disney. It will take your breath away!

During the day, wait times are averaging 3 hours so it's well worth the early start.

That may be too early for my lot, Bacon ! We won't be driving. Does the coach (staying in disney port orleans riverside) get there in time to start queuing at 7:30?
And was this with fast pass?

If you're staying at a Disney resort take advantage of Early Extra Magic Hours when the park opens at 8am to resort guests instead of 9am. On those days the buses will start between 6.30am and 7am

Sorry, sent too soon. Evening extra magic hours are far busier and will make the park the "chosen" park for many resort guests so try to avoid on that day. I assume you know as a resort guest you can also book FPs 60 days in advance rather than 30, which may help you in securing some Pandora FPs, but you would still have to book bang on your 60 day mark to ensure you get one.

If your lot aren't early risers you may struggle in August, although if Toy Story has opened by then some of the focus may well be off Animal Kingdom and would lead to slightly smaller queues.

sweet that was without a Fastpass. We're staying offsite so getting a Fastpass was impossible!

Sorry, not sure about Disney buses.

We were the second people,in the queue at 7:30 but by 8 it was heaving.