Disney World!

[OZZYGT]

I'm off to Orlando, Florida on the 20th of this month! I'm staying for a week with many of my friends and I never been there before (but I went to Disney Land in L.A. when I was like 10 though).....so....I was wondering if any of you guys have gone there?

If so, then what are the best attractions? worst rides? what should I take with me? I know I'm a little old to go but thinking it over...disney can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of the age. I know there's a ride that'll supposely speed up to 250MPH!!!!

I'm staying at a not so expensive hotel, but it's inside the park...It has a nice pool though...I'll post pics later.



Ciao!

 

[McLaren]

EDIT: It double posted somehow. Ignore.

 

[McLaren]

Wow, it was around '98 since I went. There wasn't any of these rides like Rock N' Roll coaster or Spider Man.

Epcot is pretty good if you want a good look at the world, and the test car track was fun for me.

In Disneyland, def. check out Space Mt. and the World of Tomorrow. Some very cool stuff in that area. The rest I don't have to vague a memory of though I think that wild train rollercoaster was there as I remember riding it. And def. check out Pirates of the Caribbean boat ride. When I went, it wasn't like the movies, though I heard some place now has one based on the 2nd movie.

Best places to go in that area though, Universal Studios' Them Park (and Islands of Adventure), and MGM-Studios. Tower of Terror, Jaws, the Psycho house, King Kong, Earthquake, Back to the Future ( 👍 ), all VERY cool rides. They've added quite a few like a dragon one, Spider Man, Men In Black, Rock N' Roll Coaster. It isn't Disney Land, but it's incredibly cool. They even have a Star Wars simulator that's something like Epcot's Inside the Human Body.

If you like Animals, there is the Animal Kingdom which isn't too far away. But don't just explore Disney Land. You gotta check out everything.

 

[a6m5]

Only Disneyland I've been to was the Tokyo Disneyland. I think I was eleven. Disney World sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you have a great time there. 👍

 

[OZZYGT]

thank both of you guys

I Forgot to mention that I was going to Universal Studios and to Kennedy space center as well it should be very fun.

Here's a small view of the pool of the hotel where I'm going to be staying at

Ciao!

 

[a6m5]

Cool. I've been to the Universal Studios in California couple of times. As a huge movie-buff, I really get a kick out of that place. Kennedy Space Center should be a great experience.... makes me want to get a NASA t-shirt.

 

[Omnis]

thank both of you guys

I Forgot to mention that I was going to Universal Studios and to Kennedy space center as well it should be very fun.

Here's a small view of the pool of the hotel where I'm going to be staying at

Ciao!

We stayed at The Music for our last concert we did there. Do you know which building you'll be in? We had the Western. They have a bunch of different hotels like The Music, The Sports, etc. with multiple buildings like (for the music), the western, the jazz, the broadway, and the rock n' roll in that area.

Is this your first time going to Disney? I think every kid in the world should go to epcot. It's very mentally stimulating. When I went back there, I was just blown away by the architecture and stuff, though. If you're going to go to epcot, stay until midnight for the fireworks show. MGM is fun only during memorial day weekend when it becomes Star Wars Weekends. Be sure to go next year for SW's 30th anniversary. If you go to the Magic Kingdom, be sure to check out Thunder Mountain Railroad too. That place is awesome. Just go and enjoy the atmosphere. I wouldn't advise going to the Animal Kingdom. You'll most likely be miserable in the heat, but I haven't been on that everest ride, and even then I don't think it's all that worth it.

You should check out Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios, too. They're more of the "rides" parks, whereas Disney's parks are more geared towards imagination and environment.

 

[OZZYGT]

well I don't know in wich building we are going to be staying at, our travel agent told us we were going to be at the music themed hotel and that was about it. I didn't even know there were many buildings of it.

What's the best thrill ride? Space Mountain?.
I'm really looking forward to check epcot center out. I wanna go to every "country" that they have.

So what about that music hotel? How was it? how are the rooms?

Is the food expensive?

BTW thank for the advice Omnis


Ciao!

 

[Keef]

I don't remember the trip I took to Disney World a while back. In recent years I've been to Orlando twice and Universal Studios is by far my favorite park. It's more theme than amusement, therefore a lack of rides compared to Cedar Point or Kings Island, etc., but it's still very fun. I can find my way around the place pretty fluently after only two trips. All the rollercoasters are fun, but there's this one ride that's the Spider Man something-or-other. It's similar to Drop Zone and those other drop-you-from-really-high sort of rides, but this one has two small carriages and it shoots you up in the air with a menacing force, apexes, then yanks you back down and finally ends with a nice, springy up and down bounce. I dread to remember the noise I made when that thing pulled me back down--that feeling was god-awful and I will avoid at all costs that feeling again. I didn't puke, but I made the noise. I guess you have to ride that one at least once though.

I've been to Epcot which is more of an educational and informative place. It has a big lake in the rear surrounded by little areas with specific countries' themes.I don't remember many of them, but I had some good fish & chips in the England section and I remember the neat colonial-style theater from the U.S. part. I remember one that was really sandy and rocky--take your pick on the desert counrty cause I forget. There are about 10-15 areas in all.

MGM Studios has a bunch of neat shows with classic movie themes and such. They also have the Tower of Terror--which you'l get hooked on--and the Rockin' Rollercoaster, hosted by Areosmith. Well, a video of them. It's nice to rocket to 70mph in only ~3 seconds. I don't know if they still keep the lights dark inside, but I have this funny feeling they've lit it more since it might be "dangerous". Whatever.

I'm sure I missed a couple; that animal one, Magic Kingdom, and I know nothing of Walt Disney World (the proper name). Oh, you have to go to Downtown Disney while you're away. It's a more adult-oriented place, with a bunch of dance clubs and some fun stuff going on. It's a pretty busy joint. Good place to find some girls. Try the water parks. I've never been to either of them--there's two--but I'm sure they're fun as hell. Overall my experinces were okay trouble-free and pretty high quality, but not perfect. No trip is perfect. And make sure you chill in International Boulevard or Avenue ot whatever they call it now. Last time I was there my cousin and I spied a Murcielago and Gallardo parked out in front of our Hampton Inn at this super-nice seafood restaurant. Teh owners tooke forever to come out so we walked about a block away to a Walgreens to buy me a belt when an SRT-10, Viper of course, pulled in to turn around. We talked with the guy for a minute or two before he left. Back to the restaurant we headed, where we sat another 20 minutes before the owners came out with their gorgeous girlfriends and fired up those Italian beasts. The Gallardo was actually louder than the Murc, but the big Bull sounded like the Devil himself was screaming right in your ear. That Irish guy I met and I simultaneously shat our pants and fell to our knees in awe. I've never since heard a sound that gave me goose bumps like that big 12. NowI know why they called the last model the Diablo.

Ramblings over, I hope I've enlightened you about the Disney parks and Lamborghini's superior exhaust tuning.

 

[Omnis]

The rooms are pretty mediocre. It's a decent stay but it's nothing super special. It's pretty interesting, though. They have the piano pool and then another HUGE pool that stretches most of the walk to the cafeteria. They made a pretty good omelette. Everything in disney is somewhat expensive, by the way. Be prepared.

If you go to the magic kingdom, be sure to go the main street fast food joint on the way out just to grab some fries. They're a nice snack to to exit the park with.

Universal's parks have all the thrill rides. Do not go to disney's parks expecting thrill rides. The only cool thrill-like rides in all of Disney's parks are Thunder Mountain, Space Mountain, and Splash Mountain in the Magic Kingdom, the Tower of Terror in MGM, and Everest in Animal Kingdom.

Islands of Adventure, however, has all kinds of coasters and similar stuff in itself. Islands of Adventure is seperate from Universal Studios. Universal has milder rides and is more focused on movie-based themes. Islands of Adventure is the newer, thrill-ride dedicated installment. Cool rides there include:

Dueling Dragons (huge dual steel coaster)


Hulk (blast-off (0 to REALLY fast in like a second) coaster)


Dudely Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls (log flume ride like splash mountain)


Popeye's ride thing (soak-raft ride)



This is Mythos and Poseidon's Fury. Mythos is an EXCELLENT restaurant. I had a steakburger there that was heavenly. Poseidon's Fury is also a very cool show/ride thing. You walk through it. I won't spoil it.

Dr. Doom's death drop (self-explanatory. You shoot up and fall down and crap.)


Jurassic Park (tour ride thing that turns into a HUGE drop. It's like splash mountain x4.)


Enjoy yourself, eh?

 

[OZZYGT]

Oh, you have to go to Downtown Disney while you're away. It's a more adult-oriented place, with a bunch of dance clubs and some fun stuff going on. It's a pretty busy joint. Good place to find some girls........Ramblings over, I hope I've enlightened you about the Disney parks and Lamborghini's superior exhaust tuning.

My girlfriend is coming with me , so I won't have a chance to practice my moves . And yes, I'm very informed now...thanks for all the heads up bro

Omins: is this wrong or you have your own band?

We stayed at The Music for our last concert we did there

And now you got me pretty exicted about adventure Island! Is it INSIDE the park? or outside, because i'm not sure if it's included in our package.
we have a 7 day trip and as far as I know, the parks included are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, Universal Studios, Kennedy Space Center.

I'll ask my travel agent.


Ciao!

 

[Omnis]

No, our school chorus performed with some other choruses for Disney's candlelight christmas concert at epcot. I've done it 2 years straight now.

The music and adjacent hotels are a ways from disney, no farther than any other hotel...


Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure are right next to each other. You can always grab a 1-day ticket at the gate for Islands if your package won't let you in, though. Ask them about it.

edit: Check it out:



See those parking garages next to where it says citywalk? You park there, and then you walk to CityWalk. That's just a bunch of stores and shops and restaraunts. It's basically a public mini-mall. Afterwards, you choose which park you want to visit and walk across the attached bridge to each park's entrance.

 

[OZZYGT]

Damn! I thought Adv. Island was inside , ok so I think we'll miss that one...as I don't think we have enough days to spare one for that one.

Sunday: we arrive at 12 noon
Monday: We head up to Magic Kingdom
Tuesday: We hit Epcot C.
Wednesday: Explore Animal Kingdom
Thursday: MGM Time.
Friday: Universal Studios
Saturday:Kennedy Space Center
Sunday: We pack our bags and leave

Is it really tiring in regards of walking around the park or are there ways to transport yourself around the park i.e.: Shuttles or trains?

Ciao!

 

[Omnis]

You'll make it. There's somewhat of a lot of walking but it's no big deal unless you're elderly or real obese.

Man, I would totally ditch Animal Kingdom and go to Islands, though. I don't know about Everest, but the only cool thing that AK had was the safari ride, and that had a constant 2 hour wait because it's the only thing that makes people actually go there.

 

[OZZYGT]

Thanx for all the advice Omins...now, the only thing that worries me is the wheather...I just hope the Gods from Florida don't send a mighty hurricane when I'm there


Ciao!

 

[Keef]

Thanks for the map OMnis, now I'm remembering a lot more of Universal. I forgot the place was divided up into many different sections. Island of Adventure is where all the parks are (that Dr. Doom thing is the killer I was speaking of, and the Jurassic park ride is also quite spectacular). It was a great time there. Universal Studios itself is where all the theme rides and shows are. City Walk is sort of like Downtown Disney, but I like it better. There aren't any clubs I remember but there are a ton of shops and stores and restaurants (isn't that where Margaritaville is?). Margaritaville is a pretty nice place to eat. I don't know why it's so cool when the giant tank thing fills up with margarita stuff but it is. Anyway, they also have a big Virgin store there, which is a badass store and the only one I've been to. It's where I first spied the GT4 strategy guide and I spent 10 minutes standing there looking through it!

I see your schedule and I recommend you get up extra early to attend all of Universal. It was by far the most fun park for our age group in my opinion. It's not hard to attend all the Universal sections in a day but you won't be able to ride everything. Still, it's a great time seeing the sites and sneaking a peek at the girls when your own lady is looking the other way. Oh, and watch out for all those crazy Asian tourists.

 

[OZZYGT]

(isn't that where Margaritaville is?). Margaritaville is a pretty nice place to eat.

Hahaha, that's funny...my girlfriends name is "Margherita" actually...so I think she'll like it

Still, it's a great time seeing the sites and sneaking a peek at the girls when your own lady is looking the other way. Oh, and watch out for all those crazy Asian tourists.

mmm...don't worry, I'll dodge karate kicks with some Capoeira moves

So..nobody else from GTP is goign to Disney for the summer?? It's alright...representin' GTP people!!...ok let me stop


Ciao!

 

[CDailey]

You are going to have a blast. When you go to Universal, I HIGHLY recommend going to Margartiaville in City Walk. I've been to Universal twice in the past month and loved it both times. I ate at Margaritaville both times, too. It has an excellent atmosphere. You definately have to check out Islands of Adventure if you can. I'm not big on rollercoasters (so I didn't ride Duelling Dragons or HULK) but the park is still very enjoyable. 👍

 

[Omnis]

Well, the last time I went was a while ago, and Mythos was by far the best food on campus.

 

[McLaren]

Man, I'll probably have to make a trip someday back now that Omnis has explained Islands of Adventure. I remember I was there when it was all being built, and U.Studios were giving sneak peaks at the rides.

OH, and at MGM, if you like Indiana Jones (or not), I still suggest you go see their "play". Lot's of explosions and noise, right in your face. Totally awesome show!👍

 

[Pupik]

I suppose I have to put my 2 cents in as a Florida Resident, not to mention, I've been behind the scenes.

Magic Kingdom:

- Wear a hat. Bring something that will hold a bottle of water.

- You'd be surprised how useless a camera is there. Don't bring expensive equipment. There's nothing entirely special about videotaping Disney World.

- Do not use Will Call for tickets. It's a pain in the arse. Florida Residents have to use it to save $5.

- Use the FastPass system carefully, you can use it every 2 hours, but of course, it's not a guarantee that it's going to save you any time. But you can get a "reserved" spot to wait 5-10 minutes instead of 45 minutes. If you get there at the park's opening (9am), you'll be amazed how short the lines for the most popular rides are.

- Space Mountain is fun. Don't wear a hat during the ride, you'll lose it. Sit on it for the duration of the ride. Get a Fast Pass for this ride.

- Hide your camera in your pocket for Splash Mountain. Wait until it's really hot out for that ride.

- Thunder Mountain is right next to Splash Mountain, it's pretty fast for a non-loop-de-loop roller coaster. Same goes for the hat.

- The rides do go faster when it's busy. Lines never have a waiting time of more than 45 minutes, otherwise peple get scared, children cry. Avoid Fantasyland (Pooh, Peter Pan, Small World) because the lines are usually full of screaming kids and take over an hour.

- Philharmagic is always under-rated. Go there when you're tired and want a place to sit for a while (trust me, 99% humidity and 99 degrees Fahrenheit will wear you out in a Floridian mid-Summer). It's air-conditioned, away from the elements, and it's the only place where you can get a free comfy seat in the whole park.

- Avoid the Grand Prix/Tomorrowland Raceway. It's really bad, although you can see a map of the outiline of the USGP course. It's a mockery of go-karts, and a complete waste of fuel.

- Use the Tomorrowland people mover. A good way to relax for a moment.

- Save the Carosel of Progress for last. A good way to end your trip.


* [I'll add more later.]

 

[Omnis]

Word. When we went, my friend Tatianna and I lounged on the people mover while the other two girls went on space mountain.

The only reason to go on the "go-karts" is purely for nostalgia. If you drive that thing as a child, you become OBLIGATED to put in at least one lap duing your visit. It's basically designed for 3-4 year olds, and it was the first thing I ever drove, so it's great to go on if you have small kids. ...But, you dont...right? Hahaha.

Do NOT wear crappy shoes, by the way. Tell that to your girlfriends as well. Go out to a specialty running shoe store or something and pick up a pair of comfortable sneaks, no matter how ugly. You will immediately realize that Disney is the anti-fashion capital of the world. If you sacrifice comfort for looks, you will suffer.

You might want to wear swimtrunks to Universal and Magic Kingdom, too. You don't have to... but at least you won't have to worry about Jaws or Splash Mountain.

 

[Pupik]

You will immediately realize that Disney is the anti-fashion capital of the world. If you sacrifice comfort for looks, you will suffer.

Also, bring sunscreen. There's not a lot of shade at Disney World.

Epcot:

- The people working at each Nation are really from that country; sometimes you can converse with them in the language that they're representing.

- There's a Coca-Cola section that looks like a mini glacier, and there's a neat place to cool off from the heat and drink free soda. My wife and I go there about 3-4 times each time we visit Epcot.

- Look for hidden Mickeys. Every pice of artwork in the park has one. Some are obvious, others are extremely subtle or hidden. A hidden Mickey is anything that looks like the Mickey Mouse head icon. It's a great way to kill time for a moment (especially when waiting on line).

- France and Italy are the two most uselss nations in the Park. There's nothing there but a few clothing shops and an Italian restaurant little inside ventilation.

- Japan's department store (Mitsuyoshi?) is a neat place to play with stuff. Try not to buy something!

- The Mexican restaurant is nice and cool, rather dark inside. Free salsa and chips!

- China's movie is cool: 360-degrees of viewing! You have to stand, though.

- See the America movie, complete with animatronics.

- England's got storytellers, it's nice and quiet in the gardens.

- If you're up to it, Germany's Beirgarten (sp?) has more food than you could possibly eat. Don't go if you're vegetarian and expecting quiet!

- Test Track is fun, I've never gone on Mission: Space, it wasn't open when I last went.

- Take that food-based "info-ride" for something different; you'll learn something and see how food can be grown.

MGM Studios:

- This can be done in half a day.

- Tower of Terror. 'nuff said.

- Try the 1950's cafe; it's like sitting in a TV show from that era. It's the escence of 50-year-old fictional Americana.

- You can be on the audience of a Disney/ABC TV program.

- The Magical Movie Expereince (I forget the real name) is quite cheesy and dull. A long wait for nothing.

- Not much else.

Animal Kingdom

- It's a zoo. The Safari is okay.

- The big tree in the center is made of plastic. "You maen it's fake?" As the tour guide told us; we don't use the "f-word", it's Disney.

Other Disney World notes:

- Yes, there's a Disney jail. It's a trailer, not really part of the hidden underground setup that's sealed off to the public.

- The elaborate underground of Disney is only available to special tours (we got to see it though...it "ruins" the magic for some people; for people like me, it was my favorite part of the trip.) Even the garbage chute was cool (trash flying by at 60 mph is quite spectacular).

- Disney's website is the worst; navigation varies from page to page, the search engine isn't very good at providing relevant results, information is always 8-10 pages away from any other page, and it takes forever to load because nearly everything's in Flash. I just wanted to rant about that, since we're on the topic.

 

[Omnis]

Yeah, it's a total dump behind America and stuff. You'll see the stage on the lake at America that we performed on.

Two more notes:

-Despite the cool waterfall, Canada is a canadian version of China.

-Don't buy Iced Green Tea at Japan.

 

[FoolKiller]

I know there's a ride that'll supposely speed up to 250MPH!!!!

Wait...what ride is that?

Now I feel like I am missing something by spending all my time at Cedar Point.

 

[Studentdriver]

Too late to influence your plans, I guess, but I just thought I'd mention that the Blizzard Beach waterpark is abso-freakin-lutely wonderful. There's a tubing creek that goes all the way around the park, a cool eight-lane toboggan race, the biggest family raft ride in the world (it looks as if the person opposite you is going to fall on you when you hit the banking), and the tallest and fastest waterslide in the world. It's something like 230 feet tall and you reach speeds of 82 MPH.

 

[McLaren]

I'll add 1 more thing. You won't be able to see the old Pirates of the Caribbean ride, as they redid it into the 2nd movie's version.

I have no doubts you're probably not going to see some of things that have been thought about pirates, and more about what happens in the 2nd movie. 👎.

IMO, it would be a shame, because the original ride had some extremely funny things to see.

 

[Omnis]

SERIOUSLY? Man, that SUCKS. That's so not fair. I love Pirates, but the original ride is a serious classic. Oh well. I just hope they don't screw it up.

*****Spoilers. (Don't read this, Ozzy.)********

The pitch black drop in the beginning scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. Some of the animatronics they had on that ride were just amazing. The pirate ship battle was the coolest part of the ride, though.

 

[McLaren]

Yep, sadly. Was a very cool ride. It'll open July 7th Ozzy, so you'll have a chance to ride it.

 

[Pupik]

Pirates of the Carribean was modified! I hope it's not exposing it's superstructure. It's always a good place to cool down from the heat, and talk like a pirate for 10 minutes.

Oh, one more thing: With package deals by staying in the WDW resorts, you can arrange to have breakfast at the Crystal Palace (Magic Kingdom). They let you in the park 60-90 minutes early, which is nice if you're an early bird. Breakfast is an all-you-can eat buffet, so if you're used to light breakfasts, it might be a waste of money. However, they usually have "characters" which means people dress up and draw attention while you go get more food. They'll even come to your table, if you want.

Then you're done with breakfast, and in the middle of the park already. The Crystal Palace is neat from a design standpoint because there's almost no artificial lighting, sunlight illuminates the large rooms quite well.