random musings

It's worth it to get up early.  Even if you aren't an early riser and don't want to have to hear an alarm clock on vacation, if you can make it to Rope Drop at Magic Kingdom, just once, DO IT.  Being able to explore, without a bunch of others, is WONDERFUL.

Akershus is one of my favorite meals.  Obviously it isn't for everyone, but if you want a character meal, AND good food, I highly recommend, it is a great value.

The Seas Pavilion is an awesome aquarium and hidden gem.  You could spend an entire day, just there...the fact that it is just a small portion of EPCOT amazes me.  If you can catch a dolphin show, or see the Manatees, you won't be disappointed.

Living With The Land was our sleeper ride.  We only rode it to kill some time because there was no wait, and ended up loving it.  We rode it a three or four times and each time spotted something new.

Never skip an opportunity to bang some drums...always fun, and there just so happen to be lots of opportunities, all over Animal Kingdom Lodge and Epcot.

If you go during the Holiday season, try and catch a few Epcot storytellers.  They do more than just tell the stories of holiday celebrations in their native countries, they put on a show...the Pea loved them.

Disney is pretty good at making waiting not terrible.  This is in the queue for Turtle Talk with Crush...touch screen video screens with quizzes.

It's a small world...classic...love it!

In need of a flying fix and Dumbo has an hour long wait?  Head to Adventureland and the Magic Carpets...

...it's essentially the same, except you aren't flying over Fantasyland.

Every corner was decorated for the holidays.  It is a wonderful time of year to visit, if you can tolerate the crowds (which I struggled with on a few occasions...but I have panic attacks in Walmart if I have to go on a Saturday, so perhaps my tolerance is low).

All the trees are huge, wicked huge, and are decorated with some really cool ornaments, themed for the park they are in.

Fireworks are tough to photograph, but fun to watch.

Get a Disney Visa if you plan on going on a regular basis or love Disney stuff.  You get a discount on merchandise, you get the opportunity to visit this special character spot and get a free photo, and if you get one of the incentive offers to sign up, you can't beat it.  I was able to get a $200 gift card, just by signing up, and only use it for the perks.

Villa accommodations are WONDERFUL.  They are bigger than the standard hotel rooms...

...just as nice...

...and have a kitchenette.  You have to buy or rent DVC points in order to stay in a villa, but I would recommend it.

Photopass service is wonderful.  It isn't perfect and you have to take advantage by stopping at the photogs, but for the most part you get good quality pictures.  It doesn't cost anything to get pictures taken, but if you want any of them you have to either buy the individual photos or a photo cd.  I went with the photo cd and got about 300 pictures that I now have the rights to do with as I please (personally, can't sell or anything).  I use Walgreens, but Walmart, Snapfish, CVS, and others can all make prints, photobooks, gifts, etc. from the pictures.

We actually did a few character meets in the park this time, last year we only met characters at meals.  I think you get more interaction and since there is a photopass photog you also get more pictures.  I don't think I would wait in an hour long line for any of them though...we caught Daisy as she was walking to her post in the morning and were the first in line.

The Pirates League...

...and Bippity Boppity Boutique are wonderful experiences.  I wouldn't say they are a MUST do, but we enjoyed them and I think they are a good value if you bring a costume from home.

The detail, costuming, singing and dancing, at the shows, are all top notch.  I am a big fan...it is also a good time during the day to chill out and have a snack.

Nemo show...worth repeating, EXCELLENT.

Ditto for the Lion King.

Every time I saw this warning on a ride I thought to myself "holding hands is acceptable, spontaneous dancing, not so much."

Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is fun, both the Pea and I loved it and we rode as often as we could (as with ANY ride however, not worth an hour wait, which we saw most of the time we were there...FASTPASS IT!)

My henna tat after the paste fell off...it looked nice about a week.  This was one of those things I did on a whim, and was pleased with.  Fun, but not a must do.