NostalgicDad
"iHopeWeNeverLoseSomeOfTheThingsOfThePast"-WD
- Joined
- Jul 10, 2006
I've been reading this forum for several months leading up to our first ever visit to DL a couple of weeks ago. I found lots of information that really helped us prepare for the trip. So, I figured I'd give a very brief summary of our DL experience. For me to fully describe the experience, it would take a few pages in a book!
We spent 8 days in southern California and our last 3 were at DL, 6/25-27. The crowds were horrendous on the 26th and 27th but we expected that going in with the re-dedication of POTC. Even so, we were impressed with the way they are able to keep people moving at this park. The FastPass worked great and we never stood in a line longer than 30 minutes with the exception of POTC. We did EE on the 27th so we waited in the POTC line back on Main Street, but when the ride opened at 8am, we moved very quickly and basically never stopped moving until we were on the ride. We got in line at 7:30am and were on the ride by 8:30am. Me, my DW, DS12, DD8, and DS5 all had the best time of our life. We stayed at the park from open to close each day with no breaks. Our thinking was that we're at DL and as long as we can maintain our sanity, we'll worry about rest and sleep when we get home. So, we made the most of it pacing ourselves throughout each day. There were the typical, but only occasional tense moments you might expect with 3 kids but overall we enjoyed every moment! We still didn't get to see and do everything we wanted but we did get to accomplish all the major shows, rides and a character meal at Ariel's Grotto. The PS at Blue Bayou was really nice as well and the pancakes at the Riverbelle Terrace were the best! I think overall my favorite ride was the TOT of DCA. At DL my favorite was Indiana Jones but Haunted Mansion and POTC were right up there. Fantasmic was super but I must say the thing that really got me was the fireworks show. Aside from it being an awesome show, the way they end it with the extremely large display that just hangs over the castle with Tinkerbell in the sky and the Wish Upon A Star song playing, it actually moved me and DW to tears. I'm not sure if it's because it made me remember being a kid and watching the Disney movie on the weekend with that same scenario or if it was just the emotion of having my own family being able to see this and getting caught up in the moment. Whatever it was, there was magic involved.
We were all relieved when we got to sleep in the next morning at the hotel before heading to the airport. But, we all missed the park and wanted to go back for more. It'll have to wait for another day which I hope is sooner than later. DL is certainly one magical place indeed.
We spent 8 days in southern California and our last 3 were at DL, 6/25-27. The crowds were horrendous on the 26th and 27th but we expected that going in with the re-dedication of POTC. Even so, we were impressed with the way they are able to keep people moving at this park. The FastPass worked great and we never stood in a line longer than 30 minutes with the exception of POTC. We did EE on the 27th so we waited in the POTC line back on Main Street, but when the ride opened at 8am, we moved very quickly and basically never stopped moving until we were on the ride. We got in line at 7:30am and were on the ride by 8:30am. Me, my DW, DS12, DD8, and DS5 all had the best time of our life. We stayed at the park from open to close each day with no breaks. Our thinking was that we're at DL and as long as we can maintain our sanity, we'll worry about rest and sleep when we get home. So, we made the most of it pacing ourselves throughout each day. There were the typical, but only occasional tense moments you might expect with 3 kids but overall we enjoyed every moment! We still didn't get to see and do everything we wanted but we did get to accomplish all the major shows, rides and a character meal at Ariel's Grotto. The PS at Blue Bayou was really nice as well and the pancakes at the Riverbelle Terrace were the best! I think overall my favorite ride was the TOT of DCA. At DL my favorite was Indiana Jones but Haunted Mansion and POTC were right up there. Fantasmic was super but I must say the thing that really got me was the fireworks show. Aside from it being an awesome show, the way they end it with the extremely large display that just hangs over the castle with Tinkerbell in the sky and the Wish Upon A Star song playing, it actually moved me and DW to tears. I'm not sure if it's because it made me remember being a kid and watching the Disney movie on the weekend with that same scenario or if it was just the emotion of having my own family being able to see this and getting caught up in the moment. Whatever it was, there was magic involved.
We were all relieved when we got to sleep in the next morning at the hotel before heading to the airport. But, we all missed the park and wanted to go back for more. It'll have to wait for another day which I hope is sooner than later. DL is certainly one magical place indeed.
, we thought our DD8 would enjoy it the most so we decided on Ariel's Grotto for a 1pm lunch with the princesses. I think it was well worth it as we had Ariel, Aurora, Snow White, Belle, and Jasmine come by the table. Our other PS was at Blue Bayou for a 5pm dinner on a different day. This was a totally unique experience and highly recommended.
I'm trying to plan a 4 night/3 day trip right now! 
Which hotel were you in ?
