Somebody's Gonna Pee in a Cup, West Coast - Link to new TR 1/21

[Steppesister]

I'll take a bus over to Disney Springs to eat a late lunch at Jock Lindsey'

I approve of this plan!

My mom and dad bought my Universal ticket for me for Christmas,

Suh-weeeeet!! Your parents are da bomb!

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Hey Andy! Your trip is coming up fast! All the updated plans sound great.
You must be getting excited

 

[afwdwfan]

We accidentally did this at Ohana back in May. I got the time for our adr mixed up by a half an hour and they ended up letting us check in at 7 anyways. Though generally they make you wait till 20 minutes before.

Plans look good!

Thanks! I know sometimes they can be flexible, other times not so much. I'll just have to see. I'll keep checking and hope something opens up. If not, I might even consider just canceling it. It is actually for Beaches and Cream so if all else fails, I might just go and when I'm seated ask for a No Way Jose and the check.

We've gotten in 20-25 minutes before an ADR. Never tried any earlier. But I'm guessing that if you can get in before 7 and not eat too slowly, hopefully you'll be able to catch at least some of the fireworks.
But I'll try to take a video to post on my TR later just to make you jealous in case you don't see them.

I never eat slowly. I'm not planning on it being a long stay in the restaurant, but you just never know how quickly you'll be seated and I'm figuring I'll want to be headed towards DHS by at least 7:30.

I think they will love Seuss Landing. That's one of my favorite parts of Island of Adventure (along with Harry Potter, of course). Just remember that both Cat in the Hat and High in the Sky Trolley Ride have height requirements ... I don't remember what they are, but it's something to be aware of.

Plans sound great!

I know they'll enjoy it. I still just wonder if it will be worth it for them since they won't be able to do much at all there.

Andy, congratulations on your exciting news! I hope your wife is feeling well and I look forward to hearing updates about your new arrival!

She is doing pretty well so far. She has been fighting some nausea at night, but really just discomfort rather than "morning sickness."

I think your trip plans sound great! It's pretty easy to swap around FP+ (and you already have the big guns of 7DMT and A&E) so I think you'll find a plan that works. I can't believe your trip is just around the corner!

I felt like that would give me the most flexibility. Get the big ones first then worry about the details later.

I hope your family had a very Merry Christmas and I look forward to hearing about last-minute updates before you head to Orlando next week!

Thank you! We had a nice Christmas and I hope you did as well!

I approve of this plan!

That's all that matters.

Suh-weeeeet!! Your parents are da bomb!

Most of the time.

Hey Andy! Your trip is coming up fast! All the updated plans sound great.
You must be getting excited

It sure is. I'm definitely ready for it. I mean it really is saying something when it is Christmas and I'm sitting around thinking "I'll be checking into Pop Century exactly 2 weeks from now!"

 

[franandaj]

I keep forgetting that you drive to Disney, good plan to get started earilier. As far as getting in early at Beaches and Cream, since you're a party of one, you could always sit at the counter. That might help speed thing up.
The rest sounds great. I'm sure the "work" part will fly by and you'll have time with DD to enjoy the princesses . But as you say, hopefully the ladies will want some rest time in the room while you get in a few of the headliner rides.
Not long now!

 

[afwdwfan]

I keep forgetting that you drive to Disney, good plan to get started earilier. As far as getting in early at Beaches and Cream, since you're a party of one, you could always sit at the counter. That might help speed thing up.

Oh! I hadn't even thought of that. I've never been there before, so is the counter kind of like bar seating at the typical restaurant where it is seat yourself, first come first served?

The rest sounds great. I'm sure the "work" part will fly by and you'll have time with DD to enjoy the princesses . But as you say, hopefully the ladies will want some rest time in the room while you get in a few of the headliner rides.
Not long now!

It will definitely be here soon. I'm sure they'll want some rest time, but possibly DD more than DW. She's still going strong and this pregnancy hasn't seemed to slow her down at all. She was even getting on the elliptical after we stuffed ourselves on Christmas while my lazy butt was sitting around doing nothing.

 

[pkondz]

Thursday 1/7: I'm going to move up my departure time. I was planning to leave after work, but I think I'll plan to leave around lunch time. I'll hit the road right away and try to be through Louisville before rush hour and hit Atlanta late at night, just after rush hour. I'll spend the night in a Fairfield Inn on points, just south of Atlanta so that I won't have to hit Friday traffic there.

How bout leave in the morning?

I really don't know what I'll do at this point.

And that's kinda nice, ain't it?

But, I kind of want to see Symphony in the Stars from the entrance of DHS.

What's that?

My mom and dad bought my Universal ticket for me for Christmas

Nice!

so I'll go ahead and get the Express pass

How does that work, compared to a FP+?

If time allows, I'll hopefully have time to haul all of our crap to our room and change before heading over to the Poly for a 5pm dinner. I'm really looking forward to this,

Interesting.
I'd look forward to other things.
But if you like hauling crap from room to room, that's okay I guess.

I saw that ABC Family had a Harry Potter marathon this weekend.

Saw that too.
I'm not even sure if I've seen them all.
I will now.

 

[franandaj]

Oh! I hadn't even thought of that. I've never been there before, so is the counter kind of like bar seating at the typical restaurant where it is seat yourself, first come first served?

I'm giving away a little for my upcoming TR. We ate there for the first time on our last trip and I was astonished at how small the place was. I'm pretty sure the counter was for walk ups.

 

[ursalita]

Hi Andy! Long time, no see.

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family. How exciting!

I'm just getting caught up on your upcoming trip. Whew! It will be as you said a "whirlwind" of a trip but it sounds super fun. Looking forward to hearing about it.

 

[afwdwfan]

How bout leave in the morning?

Just twist my arm, why don't ya?

And that's kinda nice, ain't it?

What's that?

It is a new fireworks show at DHS that just started this month. I think it is supposed to be the same show that they used to do during Star Wars weekends... fireworks set to Star Wars music.

Nice!

It really was.

How does that work, compared to a FP+?

Well, it's slightly more complicated, yet much easier to use. Express Pass is front of the line access much the same as FP+, but it isn't free. If you stay at one of the Universal resorts (with the exception of Cabana Bay which is their "value" tier) you get free unlimited access for every day that you're staying there. If you're not staying there, you can purchase Express Pass by the day. You have the option to buy an Unlimited Express Pass, which allows you to ride each ride as many times as you want, or you can buy a basic Express Pass which gives you that front of the line access once per attraction. The Harry Potter attractions are not included in the Express Pass program. Unlike FP, you don't have to reserve a time and come back later. You just walk up, show your pass and get in the EP line. I kind of like that, but it seems to me that it can easily make the waits balloon because they really have no control on the traffic and how or when they're used. They sell limited numbers of passes per day though and they use price to somewhat control the use of them. I'm just getting a basic EP, one ride per attraction, and I've seen prices for that one ranging from $40 to $140 (the price for tomorrow) and I'm sure even higher than that. They set price based on expected crowd levels. They have it set at $70 for the day I'll be there.

Interesting.
I'd look forward to other things.
But if you like hauling crap from room to room, that's okay I guess.

Well, you know. As long as it isn't up a bunch of stairs in the summer heat.

Saw that too.
I'm not even sure if I've seen them all.
I will now.

I just finished the 4th one last night. I'm going to try to continue to watch them all, but... I'm having a hard time watching them. They're long and I'm really not as into them as I thought I'd be. As many good things as I've heard, I thought once I just committed to start watching them, I'd really enjoy them and find myself immersed in them. Not so much. I keep sitting there and then getting bored/distracted and start doing something else while I watch and then I'm trying to figure out what I missed later. But DS and I have had fun building Legos while it plays in the background.

Basically, it seems like all I need to know is every movie starts during the summer, they all go to Hogwarts, something goes horribly wrong, Harry isn't responsible yet they always blame him, he spends the whole movie trying to right the wrong, he comes out on top, Dumbledore tells him all the things he did wrong in skirting the rules then gives him a slap on the wrist and some kind of reward for having thwarted the evil. Maybe some plot twists will come later, but it seems pretty consistent through all of them thus far.

I'm giving away a little for my upcoming TR. We ate there for the first time on our last trip and I was astonished at how small the place was. I'm pretty sure the counter was for walk ups.

Thanks! I'll have to look into this possibility. Still not sure how I want to play things here.

Hi Andy! Long time, no see.

Welcome back to the Dis!

First of all, congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family. How exciting!

Thanks!

I'm just getting caught up on your upcoming trip. Whew! It will be as you said a "whirlwind" of a trip but it sounds super fun. Looking forward to hearing about it.

It's definitely going to be a quick visit, but it is always nice just to get a little bit of the magic.

 

[pkondz]

Just twist my arm, why don't ya?

Like I had to twist very hard!

It is a new fireworks show at DHS that just started this month. I think it is supposed to be the same show that they used to do during Star Wars weekends... fireworks set to Star Wars music.

Ah. Does it replace or join the Frozen one?

Well, it's slightly more complicated, yet much easier to use. Express Pass is front of the line access much the same as FP+, but it isn't free. If you stay at one of the Universal resorts (with the exception of Cabana Bay which is their "value" tier) you get free unlimited access for every day that you're staying there. If you're not staying there, you can purchase Express Pass by the day. You have the option to buy an Unlimited Express Pass, which allows you to ride each ride as many times as you want, or you can buy a basic Express Pass which gives you that front of the line access once per attraction. The Harry Potter attractions are not included in the Express Pass program. Unlike FP, you don't have to reserve a time and come back later. You just walk up, show your pass and get in the EP line. I kind of like that, but it seems to me that it can easily make the waits balloon because they really have no control on the traffic and how or when they're used. They sell limited numbers of passes per day though and they use price to somewhat control the use of them. I'm just getting a basic EP, one ride per attraction, and I've seen prices for that one ranging from $40 to $140 (the price for tomorrow) and I'm sure even higher than that. They set price based on expected crowd levels. They have it set at $70 for the day I'll be there.

Pricey, but... sounds totally worth the expense.

Well, you know. As long as it isn't up a bunch of stairs in the summer heat.

Who would do something stupid like....


Oh, Gawd!

I just finished the 4th one last night. I'm going to try to continue to watch them all, but... I'm having a hard time watching them. They're long and I'm really not as into them as I thought I'd be. As many good things as I've heard, I thought once I just committed to start watching them, I'd really enjoy them and find myself immersed in them. Not so much. I keep sitting there and then getting bored/distracted and start doing something else while I watch and then I'm trying to figure out what I missed later. But DS and I have had fun building Legos while it plays in the background.

I think the later ones are better than the earlier ones.
The early ones seemed more geared to kids while the later ones are darker.

Basically, it seems like all I need to know is every movie starts during the summer, they all go to Hogwarts, something goes horribly wrong, Harry isn't responsible yet they always blame him, he spends the whole movie trying to right the wrong, he comes out on top, Dumbledore tells him all the things he did wrong in skirting the rules then gives him a slap on the wrist and some kind of reward for having thwarted the evil. Maybe some plot twists will come later, but it seems pretty consistent through all of them thus far.

Pretty much. Although I think towards the end it gets better.
I could be wrong, I don't really remember.

I'll be watching them (well, not all. I've seen the first few too often) later since they're airing up here this weekend.

 

[afwdwfan]

Ah. Does it replace or join the Frozen one?

Replaces.

Kind of.

They haven't had any nightly fireworks at the Studios in a while. The Frozen fireworks were just for the special Summer Frozen Come to Our Park And Give Us Your Money Because We Have Anna & Elsa - Just Forget About All the Closed Attractions Event.

 

[SarahDisney]

I just finished the 4th one last night. I'm going to try to continue to watch them all, but... I'm having a hard time watching them. They're long and I'm really not as into them as I thought I'd be. As many good things as I've heard, I thought once I just committed to start watching them, I'd really enjoy them and find myself immersed in them. Not so much. I keep sitting there and then getting bored/distracted and start doing something else while I watch and then I'm trying to figure out what I missed later. But DS and I have had fun building Legos while it plays in the background.

Okay, I'm coming at this from a different angle because I was already a crazy fan (I had books 4-7 delivered the day they came out like the rest of the Potter fanatics). But ... I think that if you like the story and you want to be immersed in them, you can be. But not everyone likes the story. If the plot doesn't interest you, some of the special effects are kinda cool, but it may not be enough to keep you interested.
That said ... I still think it's worth it to check out the Harry Potter stuff in the parks, it just may not be as meaningful to you.
Also ... if you watch #5 and hate it, please still watch 6-8. In my not-so-humble opinion, #5 is the stupidest one. I feel the same way about the book.

Basically, it seems like all I need to know is every movie starts during the summer, they all go to Hogwarts, something goes horribly wrong, Harry isn't responsible yet they always blame him, he spends the whole movie trying to right the wrong, he comes out on top, Dumbledore tells him all the things he did wrong in skirting the rules then gives him a slap on the wrist and some kind of reward for having thwarted the evil. Maybe some plot twists will come later, but it seems pretty consistent through all of them thus far.

Pretty much, yeah.
That changes with #6, where Harry doesn't really do anything wrong (well, a few minor things), and #7-8, where the entire structure of the book (and therefore movies) is different.

The early ones seemed more geared to kids while the later ones are darker.

Agreed ... but that's also how the books were. The earlier books were a bit lighter, and they got darker as Harry got older.
Although I actually like the earlier ones better sometimes. It depends on my mood. Some days I just don't want to watch something so dark.
Then again, I am still kind of a young'un. I've still got almost a year until I turn old (aka 30)

 

[franandaj]

Basically, it seems like all I need to know is every movie starts during the summer, they all go to Hogwarts, something goes horribly wrong, Harry isn't responsible yet they always blame him, he spends the whole movie trying to right the wrong, he comes out on top, Dumbledore tells him all the things he did wrong in skirting the rules then gives him a slap on the wrist and some kind of reward for having thwarted the evil. Maybe some plot twists will come later, but it seems pretty consistent through all of them thus far.

That's the problem with getting the story solely from the movies. I'm not saying go out and read all the books. I actually didn't, we listened to them on CD in the car, mostly on long road trips. But there is so much in the books that is just glossed over in the movies. I think there was one movie where Dobie (the house elf) played a pivotal role in the book and he wasn't even cast in the movie.

Your assessment above is pretty much spot on as far as the movies go. The books have much more details that seem meaningless as you're reading them, but when you get to book six and seven all those things you thought were just there for filler get sewn up into the story. In the movies you're kind of left scratching your head as to how things came together.

But then again the entire storyline appeals to a certain type of person and it sounds like you're just not as into it as many Potterheads. I liked the whole series well enough and I can quote most of the folklore, but I've never dressed up as a character from the film or done anything fanatical. I did enjoy Hogsmeade and can't wait to see Diagon Alley, but can totally see it if you're not as impressed. But at least by having observed the movies, you'll know what it is that you're not as impressed with.

I had friends who visited Carsland and had only seen the first 30 minutes of the film, so they totally didn't get it whatsoever. They thought it was silly and totally over hyped. It's all in your perspective.

 

[afwdwfan]

Okay, I'm coming at this from a different angle because I was already a crazy fan (I had books 4-7 delivered the day they came out like the rest of the Potter fanatics). But ... I think that if you like the story and you want to be immersed in them, you can be. But not everyone likes the story. If the plot doesn't interest you, some of the special effects are kinda cool, but it may not be enough to keep you interested.
That said ... I still think it's worth it to check out the Harry Potter stuff in the parks, it just may not be as meaningful to you.
Also ... if you watch #5 and hate it, please still watch 6-8. In my not-so-humble opinion, #5 is the stupidest one. I feel the same way about the book.

I don't know that it is the plot that doesn't interest me. I mean I like Star Wars and they recycle plots.

It isn't that I don't like the movies. I do. But I guess I'm just not as impressed by them as I expected to be? So far, I'd call them ok. Something I'd sit and watch for a while if I'm flipping through channels and see it on, but maybe not run out and buy the boxed set on Blu Ray.

Pretty much, yeah.
That changes with #6, where Harry doesn't really do anything wrong (well, a few minor things), and #7-8, where the entire structure of the book (and therefore movies) is different.

I'll keep going and see...

Agreed ... but that's also how the books were. The earlier books were a bit lighter, and they got darker as Harry got older.
Although I actually like the earlier ones better sometimes. It depends on my mood. Some days I just don't want to watch something so dark.
Then again, I am still kind of a young'un. I've still got almost a year until I turn old (aka 30)

I don't think they're that light... I mean there's death and if you aren't creeped out by Moaning Myrtle, then there's something wrong with you.

That's the problem with getting the story solely from the movies. I'm not saying go out and read all the books. I actually didn't, we listened to them on CD in the car, mostly on long road trips. But there is so much in the books that is just glossed over in the movies. I think there was one movie where Dobie (the house elf) played a pivotal role in the book and he wasn't even cast in the movie.

Your assessment above is pretty much spot on as far as the movies go. The books have much more details that seem meaningless as you're reading them, but when you get to book six and seven all those things you thought were just there for filler get sewn up into the story. In the movies you're kind of left scratching your head as to how things came together.

But then again the entire storyline appeals to a certain type of person and it sounds like you're just not as into it as many Potterheads. I liked the whole series well enough and I can quote most of the folklore, but I've never dressed up as a character from the film or done anything fanatical. I did enjoy Hogsmeade and can't wait to see Diagon Alley, but can totally see it if you're not as impressed. But at least by having observed the movies, you'll know what it is that you're not as impressed with.

I had friends who visited Carsland and had only seen the first 30 minutes of the film, so they totally didn't get it whatsoever. They thought it was silly and totally over hyped. It's all in your perspective.

What you say really makes a lot of sense. I mean I like the movies... I'm just not blown away by them if that makes sense. Like I mentioned above, I'd probably sit and watch again if I'm flipping channels and see it on, but it isn't something I want to add to the Blu Ray collection.

I do plan to read the books eventually though and maybe that will make me want to watch them all again. I enjoy reading and I tend to download e-books onto my phone and I'll just pull it out and read on my lunch break or I'm sitting around waiting somewhere. I already downloaded the first book, but haven't started it yet. I wanted to try to see the movies before I go just so I have a better understanding of what I'm seeing in the parks. I've already been to the part in IoA. I really was impressed by it without having seen any of the movies, but I didn't really know what I was looking at and I just didn't care to take my time and take in some of the details.

When I saw the first movie a lot of things really just jumped out and grabbed me that I remembered seeing in the park. I've got to give props to Universal in the job that they did re-creating the environment of the films. This is really why I wanted to make the effort to see the movies to get some of the backstory behind what I'll see in Diagon Alley.

So basically, I'll keep watching, and I'll keep an open mind. Maybe the last 4 movies will really enthrall me and I'll become a Potterhead. Or maybe I'll feel the same way about them and the Potter series will just be a series of 8 "ok" movies that I've seen and may or may not see again.

 

[pkondz]

The Frozen fireworks were just for the special Summer Frozen Come to Our Park And Give Us Your Money Because We Have Anna & Elsa - Just Forget About All the Closed Attractions Event.

That's interesting. We went to the We're-having-Frozen-Fireworks-to-distract-the-masses-so-you-and-your-daughter-can-ride-the-only-two-rides-that-are-worth-riding-event.

 

[khertz]

Wow I'm away from the Dis for a bit, and I miss so much. Congrats on the new addition!! Hopefully DW is not feeling too bad for your trip and has a comfortable pregnancy!!

Plans look good. I think the Express Pass and being solo is going to help you get through the Universal attractions really quickly. The EP lines are (at least in our experience) nowhere near the same as FP. Like 5 minutes or less most of the time! We got sooooo spoiled in October using EP, going to Disney after was tough. Our upcoming trip we are doing Disney first and then Universal so we can end our trip walking on to everything. I can't wait!

 

[afwdwfan]

Wow I'm away from the Dis for a bit, and I miss so much. Congrats on the new addition!! Hopefully DW is not feeling too bad for your trip and has a comfortable pregnancy!!

Thanks! So far she's been doing really well. I guess we'll see how she does with all the walking at Disney World, but around home she hasn't slowed down much at all and has even been using the elliptical.

Plans look good. I think the Express Pass and being solo is going to help you get through the Universal attractions really quickly. The EP lines are (at least in our experience) nowhere near the same as FP. Like 5 minutes or less most of the time! We got sooooo spoiled in October using EP, going to Disney after was tough. Our upcoming trip we are doing Disney first and then Universal so we can end our trip walking on to everything. I can't wait!

This is why I decided to get it. I knew I could get through all the attractions I want to do without much problem. I'd probably be dealing with lines that are maybe 20 - 40 minutes max and that would be probably after noon when I'm finishing up. But... if I figure a 5 minute wait and factor that against even a 10 minute wait here and a 15 minute wait there... that time really adds up and could end up being very beneficial to get me out of the park an hour or 2 earlier.

 

[natebenma]

I'll be back with more replies later when I'm on a computer but I just wanted to let you all know, and more specifically @SarahDisney and @SimplyGoofy, that I'm posting this message while watching Prisoner of Azkaban. I saw that ABC Family had a Harry Potter marathon this weekend. I set the DVR and am working on my homework before Universal. I'm on number 3 now...way too many to go. But I'm trying.

I was going to ask what you thought about the movies, but then saw your later replies.

Basically, it seems like all I need to know is every movie starts during the summer, they all go to Hogwarts, something goes horribly wrong, Harry isn't responsible yet they always blame him, he spends the whole movie trying to right the wrong, he comes out on top, Dumbledore tells him all the things he did wrong in skirting the rules then gives him a slap on the wrist and some kind of reward for having thwarted the evil. Maybe some plot twists will come later, but it seems pretty consistent through all of them thus far.

*SPOILER ALERT*

I know they'll enjoy it. I still just wonder if it will be worth it for them since they won't be able to do much at all there.

How does your daughter feel about dinosaurs? There's a lot of hands-on activities in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.

Is Camp Jurassic still there? An explorer-themed playground for little ones.

There is Pteranadon Flyers which is a ride in the sky ride. I'm not sure if this would be an acceptable ride for your wife. I know there are age restrictions, like you can't ride unless you are with a child. Not sure if there is a minimum height limit.


Then there is the new Velociraptor encounter (may be too scary). You have to keep your back to the raptor while they take your picture.

Toon Lagoon is bright and colorful and has some fun photo ops. But they should definitely check out Me Ship, The Olive. It is a multi-level, multi-room play structure (accessed by stairs). Interactive and hands-on. At the top, there are water cannons that you can shoot, for free, at people on the Bluto's water ride. There are also spectacular views of the park from up there.

Even without having the Harry Potter background, going through the Wizarding World, watching people using the interactive wands, seeing the Frog Choir show and/or the Durmstrang/Beauxbatons show (both outside). Forbidden Journey is out for them, but it might be worth it for them to go through the castle tour. They will get to see some of the inside of the castle (like the talking portraits) but not ride the rides or have an obscene wait in the queue.

I think there are lots of meet and greet opportunities with Superheroes in Marvel Island. Not sure how crowded these are. We have never done them.

Trying to think what else may interest your daughter and be safe for your wife. If I come up with some other ideas or suggestions, I'll let you know.

:

As far as getting in early at Beaches and Cream, since you're a party of one, you could always sit at the counter. That might help speed thing up.

I may try to employ this strategy. As it turns out, I have a last minute solo trip to Florida next week to help my friend Teena prepare for a life-changing move to Las Vegas. I will be travelling to Florida on the same day as you. Limited Disney time, and our schedules don't match up at all. My only visit to a theme park will be the evening of Friday Jan 8 and then I will be spending Sunday Jan 10 hanging around the Beach Club while Teena works. I couldn't get a dining reservation at Beaches & Cream, but I may try a walk-up to dine at the counter for lunch.

 

[afwdwfan]

I was going to ask what you thought about the movies, but then saw your later replies.

Well, I'm on the sixth one right now. I just saw the first half hour or so the other day and haven't seen the rest since, but I like it. I actually liked the fifth movie a little better than the previous ones too.

How does your daughter feel about dinosaurs? There's a lot of hands-on activities in the Jurassic Park Discovery Center.

Is Camp Jurassic still there? An explorer-themed playground for little ones.

There is Pteranadon Flyers which is a ride in the sky ride. I'm not sure if this would be an acceptable ride for your wife. I know there are age restrictions, like you can't ride unless you are with a child. Not sure if there is a minimum height limit.


Then there is the new Velociraptor encounter (may be too scary). You have to keep your back to the raptor while they take your picture.

This would be awesome for DS... but I don't think she'd care much for it.

Toon Lagoon is bright and colorful and has some fun photo ops. But they should definitely check out Me Ship, The Olive. It is a multi-level, multi-room play structure (accessed by stairs). Interactive and hands-on. At the top, there are water cannons that you can shoot, for free, at people on the Bluto's water ride. There are also spectacular views of the park from up there.

I think there are lots of meet and greet opportunities with Superheroes in Marvel Island. Not sure how crowded these are. We have never done them.

There are a few possibilities. But our main thought was that either US or IoA, if they just each do a 1 park, 1 day ticket it will cost $200 (or 2 parks would be pushing $300) and when it is all said and done they can only do a very small portion of the things available to them.

Then again, Sea World tickets aren't cheap either. But there are animals to see and some shows that DD would probably like.

Even without having the Harry Potter background, going through the Wizarding World, watching people using the interactive wands, seeing the Frog Choir show and/or the Durmstrang/Beauxbatons show (both outside). Forbidden Journey is out for them, but it might be worth it for them to go through the castle tour. They will get to see some of the inside of the castle (like the talking portraits) but not ride the rides or have an obscene wait in the queue.

I don't think DW would be the least bit interested. I was watching one of the Potter movies the other day and she left the room. She is less interested in even giving them a chance than I am.

Trying to think what else may interest your daughter and be safe for your wife. If I come up with some other ideas or suggestions, I'll let you know.

Thanks... but as of right now I think they're leaning pretty heavily towards Sea World. For one thing, it is a little bit cheaper, and we think DD will love seeing the animals.

In addition to that, I've showed her on a map how to get there from our hotel. It is literally about a block and a turn away from where we'll be staying. I'm driving my truck, which is a 3/4 ton crew cab diesel and it takes about 10 acres to do a U turn with it and she isn't crazy about driving it very far so this looks like a solid winner.

I may try to employ this strategy. As it turns out, I have a last minute solo trip to Florida next week to help my friend Teena prepare for a life-changing move to Las Vegas. I will be travelling to Florida on the same day as you. Limited Disney time, and our schedules don't match up at all. My only visit to a theme park will be the evening of Friday Jan 8 and then I will be spending Sunday Jan 10 hanging around the Beach Club while Teena works. I couldn't get a dining reservation at Beaches & Cream, but I may try a walk-up to dine at the counter for lunch.

Oh! Well, cool! Good luck with the Beaches & Cream thing. I've just seen the itinerary for the other Dads' plans on Friday, so I actually think I might have to cut B&C out of my plans entirely if I want to get to hang out with them. Which really doesn't bother me too much. They're planning to start the bar crawl at 5 pm at Belle Vue Lounge

 

[natebenma]

Well, I'm on the sixth one right now. I just saw the first half hour or so the other day and haven't seen the rest since, but I like it. I actually liked the fifth movie a little better than the previous ones too.

Oh, good!

There are a few possibilities. But our main thought was that either US or IoA, if they just each do a 1 park, 1 day ticket it will cost $200 (or 2 parks would be pushing $300) and when it is all said and done they can only do a very small portion of the things available to them.

Then again, Sea World tickets aren't cheap either. But there are animals to see and some shows that DD would probably like.

As much as I love US/IoA, I totally think Sea World would be a better place for your daughter and wife. Like you said, so much more they will be able to do. Are there any special offers currently for tickets on the SW website? Or Undercover Tourist? Or AAA? The last time we went to SW, their website had adult admission at kids prices and AAA had a similar offer that included lunch at the park.

Oh! Well, cool! Good luck with the Beaches & Cream thing. I've just seen the itinerary for the other Dads' plans on Friday, so I actually think I might have to cut B&C out of my plans entirely if I want to get to hang out with them. Which really doesn't bother me too much. They're planning to start the bar crawl at 5 pm at Belle Vue Lounge

Although I don't drink much, a bar crawl with buddies > B&C solo.