Originally Posted By CDF1 I don't think you will get any disagreement from posters to this site that between Disney and Universal you have two stellar theme park companies that continue to push each other to new heights with themeing and cutting edge attractions; comparing those two to amusement park companies like Cedar Point or Six Flags where themeing is nothing more than putting a superhero decal or some faux buildings around a steel coaster is like the difference between night and day. I am most likely leaving out some small handful of parks that are out there in Europe or Africa or Australia but I doubt it. I always view the comments regarding comparisons between Disney and Universal resorts and their attractions as being about which cream is the tastier version. I would guess many posters to this site feel the same way. We're lucky to live at a time when such companies exist and are willing and able to compete in such a way for our business in this type of entertainment area.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>> I am most likely leaving out some small handful of parks that are out there in Europe or Africa or Australia but I doubt it.<<< Well, I would argue that Europa Park and Phantasialand in Germany do many things better than Disney, as well as Futuroscope, Pou de Fou and Efteling.
Originally Posted By MinnieSummer Driving through the gates of WDW, Voices of Liberty, Hall of Presidents, Snow on main street and Christmas at WDW in general, The Candlelight Processional, the different smells of each resort, AKL -- waking up to a giraffe right outside your balcony, getting an unexpected room upgrade at CR for our dd's birthday
Originally Posted By Bolna <<YESSSSS, forgot that one. Love the area around Boma and Jiko. Also the lounge off the right of the lobby. DAKL really grew on me, past trip....>> It's still my favourite resort at WDW and I am really having a hard time knowing that I won't stay there during my next trip - despite looking forward to staying at the Boardwalk very much. With lounge to the right of the lobby - are you talking about the Victoria Falls - on the level between Boma and lobby? Very nice place, but beware of the tables, they are dangerous. I was attacked by one on my last trip... You should check out the library (I think called Sunset Room or so) on the left side of the lobby as well. Very nice area, there is an outlook over the sunset savanna and there are also some interesting display cases.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>You should check out the library (I think called Sunset Room or so) on the left side of the lobby as well. Very nice area, there is an outlook over the sunset savanna and there are also some interesting display cases.<<< You know, I think that's what I am refering to. That's why I liked the area... all the detail. What's up with the tables? LOL
Originally Posted By markonefive Can one just take the monorail from the transportation hub through EPCOT in the evening without necessarily going in the park? I like the idea of just being able to travel through and enjoy the lights at night. That's something we enjoyed about DLR - the monorail as an attraction, not just a means of transport. Sitting back, watching the park go by . . .
Originally Posted By JenniBarra Another vote for AKL! There's nothing like sitting in a nice rocking chair off the lobby, watching giraffes, while waiting for it to be time for our Boma ADR. Speaking of food, I love the unique dining opportunities, and we make a point of revisiting certain favorites every trip. Sitting on the beach, watching the electrical water pagaent and/or the fireworks at MK. Spending time with Figment, even if it isn't the original. Cruising over Tomorrowland on the TTA and thinking back upon the Peoplemover.
Originally Posted By Bolna <<You know, I think that's what I am refering to. That's why I liked the area... all the detail. >> Yes, I thought it would be something you would enjoy. In the evenings they have something called a "Cultural Safari" there when one CM from Africa speaks about his or her home country, shows some pictures and talks about how life is there. I saw it twice (on different trips) and really enjoyed it. <<What's up with the tables? LOL>> they are decorated with spikes on the table legs, looks very "African", but my knee and the spike did not get along very well...
Originally Posted By Bolna <<Can one just take the monorail from the transportation hub through EPCOT in the evening without necessarily going in the park?>> Yes, the Epcot monorail station is outside the park and I think you could just stay in the train for a round trip. Not necessary to enter Epcot.
Originally Posted By JenniBarra >>In the evenings they have something called a "Cultural Safari" there when one CM from Africa speaks about his or her home country, shows some pictures and talks about how life is there. I saw it twice (on different trips) and really enjoyed it.<< We've done this a couple times, too, and enjoyed it each time. My very extroverted husband also will just strike up conversations with various CMs and ask about their home countries. Another fun little thing with AKL is the restaurant tour. It was nice to learn more about the architecture and so on of Boma and Jiko. (Not to mention, we got to sample some delish food, too! )
Originally Posted By Bolna Yes, the restaurant tour is great as well. Also a good way to find out what Zebra Domes are without paying for them. That's the great thing about AKL that there are so many different activities going on which are specific for the resort - not just showing a Disney movie on the beach or so. And the CMs are indeed really great to talk to.
Originally Posted By Boardwalkbum .>> I was attacked by one on my last trip...<< I had a girlfriend that got attacked by a Victoria Falls table a few years ago.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>>Can one just take the monorail from the transportation hub through EPCOT in the evening without necessarily going in the park? I like the idea of just being able to travel through and enjoy the lights at night. That's something we enjoyed about DLR - the monorail as an attraction, not just a means of transport. Sitting back, watching the park go by . . .<<< Yep, one of my fave things to do on our arrival day.
Originally Posted By EPCOT Explorer >>In the evenings they have something called a "Cultural Safari" there when one CM from Africa speaks about his or her home country, shows some pictures and talks about how life is there. I saw it twice (on different trips) and really enjoyed it.<< Very nice! Quite happy they still do things like that! >>>they are decorated with spikes on the table legs, looks very "African", but my knee and the spike did not get along very well... ,<<<< OWCH.
Originally Posted By TDLFAN "Believe, There's Still Magic" at WDW. Actually no. That show is done at DL park. But for real magic.. look further to the east.... Tokyo.
Originally Posted By juicer Oh...I cant forget having a couple of those Grande Mariner Grey Goose Orange Slushies from France - those are so good - they are magical!
Originally Posted By Fort Nighttime rides on Bay Lake from FW to Contemporary Bike ride at night from campground to WL FW Christmas lights Walk from DHS to BW That first step into the WL...what a beautiful place!
Originally Posted By ChiMike >>Bike ride at night from campground to WL FW Christmas lights<< Great ones, can't agree more
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom juicer, I think your talking about the Grande Mariner orange slushies and the Grey Goose lemon slushies which are two totally seperate drinks. Can't say I have ever thought about mixing them together.... what an evil idea!
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom Oh course the real thing to do at EPCOT is to drink your way around the World Showcase.... you start with a Blue Margarita in Mexico and that last till France where you get a Grey Goose slushie....
