marvelousmouse

Hi, folks! This is not a full trip report, really. No one here wants to to read that, lol. But I wanted to post brief points as a few folks here were really helpful. And in case there are lurkers looking for updated info.

I stayed 9 nights at Fort Wilderness campground. Very nice. A fan is completely necessary, and either bring one that plugs in or bring a Costco size package of batteries. I loved that the campground had both the boat and bus option. I think I'd have a hark time staying at one of the value resorts after that. But don't camp there in the summer unless you really like camping. If I was only doing it because of the price, my tent would have been relocated to the dumpster after the first night

1 day at Typhoon Lagoon, 1 day at universal, 6 days in the WDW parks. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it except Universal. That was a fairly miserable day but I'm glad I went once- Harry Potter sections were amazing.

If there are lurkers here wondering about my ticket: I got park hopper and water parks. I would do park hopper again for sure. I wouldn't do water parks unless you have full days to kill. It was too hot in the afternoon to go to the water parks! But I will say Typhoon lagoon was definitely Disney- meaning over the top fun, and very well run.

Food: thanks for the recs! Tokyo Dining surpassed my expectations. My only complaint there is that the sushi menu is very limited. But that is to be expected- the quality was there. Norcal_jo- thank you for recommending Jiko's. I was not blown away by the steak (that was slightly a disappointment) but on the other hand, South African Cabernet is a new obsession. And the service was hands down the best I had on property. A very pleasant end to my last evening!

Board walk section was neat. Disney Springs is much more extensive than downtown Disney in California. I was pleasantly surprised.

Best meal: difficult choice, but I think it would be either BOG tuna Niçoise salad or fish and chips at the rose and crown in Epcot. I really have no complaints overall, though. I ate pretty well for relatively cheap. Morrocco was especially a good deal.

Best drink: I would go back for the Grand Marnier Orang slush. Yes. I would fly cross country and buy a ticket for Epcot for that. Has anyone been to Epcot Food and Wine festival? It won't happen anytime soon, but I'm really curious.

A fast pass isn't necessary for soaring. I should have gone for the test track fp. I rode Frozen ever after to escape the sun. The listed wait was 90 minutes, I was boarding at 60. Surprisingly, it was completely worth that wait. The animatronics are just amazing.

I think in general what really impressed me was the theming of the different queues. I rode a few rides that I had FP'd for again just so I could see the theming. Everest especially is really fun.

The Ginger Snaps joke is still part of the Jungle Cruise. I'd read several reports online that they had cut it due to the recent tragedy, but no. I would have understood if it got cut, but I'm glad it didn't. I'm one of those dorks who loves Jungle Cruise, corny jokes and all.

If I had to give another first timer advice...I'd say be smart about ADRs and fast passes. They are not necessary at Disneyland. They are totally necessary at WDW. One of the things that I hadn't expected is just how long it takes to get from park to other parks or resorts. Be lazy when you make your ADRs or allow for about twice the amount of time you think it'll take. I still thought park hopping was worth it, but I did have to reschedule a few ADRs.

Another thing that I don't bother with at DLR are the extra magic hours. Those are worth staying late (or getting up early) for at WDW. Fast pass quotas don't exist and you can just zoom through the line.

Last, I'm one of those people who is done with DLR and DCA after 2 or (in heavy crowds) 3 days. I had a 6 day pass at WDW, and if I hadn't flown, I would have seriously considered adding on a 7th or 8th. So at least during the summer, and especially if you have small kids, I'd say 4-5 days absolute minimum. Crazy. Can't believe I'm saying that. But the parks are so spread out and there is so much to do.

schmerl

What didn't you like about Universal?
We love both WDW and the Universal Parks. In fact we prefer Universal.....especially while staying on site and getting unlimited express access.

marvelousmouse

Really just a preference/health thing. I love roller coasters and water rides. Simulation rides, on the other hand, eventually make me sick no matter what kind of precautions I take. By the time I got through Universal, I was sick enough that I really only could ride the Harry Potter rides at Islands of Adventure. You know it's time to stop when the escalators to the parking garage at triggering your vertigo. Ugh. If I'd had a nice air conditioned room to go back to, maybe it would have been different, but between the heat and motion sickness, it was all around awful.

I think I should probably say also that I knew what to expect going in. I can't ride star tours. I can't play the really intricate first person video games. I went mostly because I really wanted to see the Harry Potter stuff. At Disney, I can entertain myself for hours on the dark rides or shopping. I didn't find that the case at Universal. But I'll say that the express pass was worth the money, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Mummy, mib, and Rockit.

rncheryl

Did you eat at BOMA in the Animal Kingdom lodge? It remains one of our favorites, and we try a new South African wine each time.

Food and Wine festival is a lot of fun, and you can go thru $100 in the blink of an eye

lantana

Sounds like a fun trip. So, you stayed in one of the cabins? Was it nice? I've read they've been renovated.

I am not a Universal person either. Stayed at a couple of their resorts and they're nice but I am DIsney all the way. My d went to HP World w/ school and loved it but hasn't asked to return.

Jiko is a favorite of mine. The servers there are so great.

I agree that at least 4-5 days at WDW is necessary, if possible.

A FP for Soarin' used to be important but they've added a theatre and can accommodate more ppl (same w/ Toy Story Mania over in Hollywood Studios). Also, Frozen has become the hot ticket. Glad you liked that one. I was there a few weeks ago and gave up my FP+ b/c I realized I was organizing a whole day around a ride I wasn't even that interested in!

Thanks for your report.

marvelousmouse

Lantana- ha! No, wish I'd stayed in one of the cabins. I tent camped. I'd meant to go look at the cabins but in reality I spent very little time at FW because of the heat. I hear you about arranging your whole day around the frozen fp...that is why I ended up standing in line because although I had snagged a fast pass, it became too complicated to use. Would have hated to ride Toy Story before the increased capacity, then, because that was a LONG line.

Dukey1

I can fully relate to the Universal vs Disney thing. Sorry, but despite Universal having some higher quality attractions the maintenance, staff, etc., simply cannot compare to Disney IMO.