Originally Posted By vbdad55 Lot's covered already so I'll just hit highlights. I grew up ( literally) with DL when I was young. it required cross country drives from Chicago in the 50's and 60's but was cool nonetheless... the last 20+ years WDW mainly home ( DVC owner)- so I agree with the advice not to compare a much as you can - enjoy each for what they are. Magic Kingdom musts: ( even though some are repeats from DL) the classics HM- BTMRR-SM etc. fun: Country Bear Jamboree Buzz Lightyear Tiki Room Under New Management experiences-- Wishes is great. Also things I like to do when there- have a hot dog from Casey's at the end of main street- sit outside and if you're lucky the ragtime piano player will be out there- it's justa lot of fun and a throwback to a time at the parks way before your time. If you're really lucky you might also catch the dapper Dan's favorite places to eat ( and yes heed the warnings to book 5-6 months out if you want best times etc. ) Liberty Tree Inn for lunch- some nice pastas and salads and a killer pot roast Crystal Palace- breakfast ( note this is with Pooh characters) Also watch for talking garbage can near Cosmic Rays outside-runs around like R2D2 also. Studios: Indiana Jones stunt show the first time is great Great Movie Ride- even with some maintenance issues is wonderful Tower of Terror( original) and Rock N Roller Coaster both fun and easier to get on since Toy Story Mania now the biggest fast pass eater Catch some of the 'streetmosphere' actors - always entertaining. Star Tours will have new movie by then ( if you don't see it at DL first) Voyage of the Little Mermain still enjoyable to me.. And I can't believe i am saying this but the American Idol Experience actually better than you would expect If you happen to go during Star Wars Weekends- that is special as the parks are alive with SW character and park divide into dark and light side- also the parade becomes a no miss also eating wise lots of choices. my fave is Prime Time 50's Cafe- with interactive wait staff- and killer Chicken Pot pie and like home smores. Sci Fi Diner is fun- but prefer lunch vs dinner there due to menu- shakes and burgers- good vegetarian chili Brown Derby- is expensive but the grapefruit cake is worth a taste Animal Kingdom: Safari's / Everest / Dinosaur and Kali are the highlights for me do not miss It's Tough to be a bug 3 D shows ( with one amazing animatronic) - inside the Tree of Life Food choices are weaker-- Flame Tree BBQ is pretty good for counter service EPCOT: I echo allowing at least 2 full days-- Reflections of Earth Fireworks are so good you'll want to see them both days. Spaceship Earth Test Track Living Seas with Nemo and although neutered a bit a few yewars ago- see Journey Into Imagination just to say you did.. the concept was brilliant, but they have dumbed it down from original version dont miss Club Cool- a free tasting station for Coke products from around the world- Mezzo Mix from Germany my fave take your time and stroll the lands each day - all have something special to offer as stated all restaurants are really good my faves: Biergarten- Germany LeCellier - France Nine Dragons- China Rose & Crown - UK the new pizza place in Italy I hear is worth it also Downtown Disney - don't miss Raglan Road Irish Pub
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>Buzz Lightyear<<< Really? It is inferior to the DL version, and given the OP is a DL regular, I wouldn't recommend wasting the time, and using it to do something unique instead.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>do not miss It's Tough to be a bug 3 D shows ( with one amazing animatronic) - inside the Tree of Life<<< I would agree if this is a list to someone who has never been to a Disney park, but with the exception of the amazing queue in the tree of life (which is definately worth exploring), once you are in the lobby, the experience is pretty much identical to DCA. Still great, but just be warned it is not significantly different (FWIW - ITTBAB is my fave 4D film at WDW)
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>> Mezzo Mix from Germany my fave<<< VB Dad - did you know you can ask for this in the Biergarten too? Also you can make it yourself at any self service soda station - half coke, half orange soda.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo >>>my faves: Biergarten- Germany LeCellier - France Nine Dragons- China Rose & Crown - UK<<< Oh, I did not state my favs. I agree with the top 3 (I would not go to the Rose and Crown personally, but then again I live in the UK). I would swap out the Rose and Crown for either Teppan Edo in the Japan Pavillion, or lunch at the San Angel Inn is cool (think traditional mexican - not tex mex, in a Blue Bayou/Mayan setting). Also restaurant Marrakech has fantastic live entertainment with a band and belly dancer, and the mint tea is to die for. My biggest endorsement is I have been to all the World Showcase countries in real life, with the exception of Japan, and the food is pretty authentic at most of the table service restaurants.
Originally Posted By sjhym333 not to mention that both China and Morocco are two resturants that you can almost always get into without a reservation.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 >>>Buzz Lightyear<<< Really? It is inferior to the DL version, and given the OP is a DL regular, I wouldn't recommend wasting the time, and using it to do something unique instead. ---forgot about the DL history when I typed that-- but I can tell you when I am there with younger kids in the family- Buzz is a huge hit..trying to go with what everyone likes- not just me
Originally Posted By vbdad55 >>> Mezzo Mix from Germany my fave<<< VB Dad - did you know you can ask for this in the Biergarten too? Also you can make it yourself at any self service soda station - half coke, half orange soda ---- didn't know I could get it at the Biergaren( and we go there every trip)- as far as making it- we have a fair number of German grocery stores here that carry it actually
Originally Posted By vbdad55 I agree with the top 3 (I would not go to the Rose and Crown personally, but then again I live in the UK) --- since they returned Scotch eggs to the menu I put a plug in for them- plus the beer choices are very good.
Originally Posted By leobloom >> not to mention that both China and Morocco are two resturants that you can almost always get into without a reservation. << We have eaten at the China restaurant many times, but also really enjoyed a meal at the Morocco restaurant. I'm not surprised that it isn't usually booked, but I would definitely go back there. Good food and atmosphere.
