There's so much grumbling around here, let's bring some cheer. DISers with upcoming trips, what experiences are you excited for? I'm not just talking rides, I'm talking shows, street performers, snacks, what have you...
I'm going in March 2016 on my "Reboot Trip" as it were, it's the first time in a very long time (effectively a first time all over again) with my DGF and we're setting up for a great trip. It's been interesting for me, as a WDW veteran started to get frustrated by all the taking the World has been doing, to see it through her eyes. There are so many things she is excited for that I think we take for granted, making ride and show closures seem a great deal worse to us. Here is our list, in no particular order:
Magic Kingdom:
- Space Mountain! (this is my favorite coaster of all time, and we will be riding it a few times)
- Space Ranger Spin (DGF wants to take me down a peg, apparently I mention being a Galactic Hero a lot...)
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain
- Seven Dwarves Mine Train (We will hopefully get an FP for this, if not, we'll make it work somehow, neither of us have ever ridden it so it's worth a shot)
- Peter Pan's Flight
- Philharmagic
- Wishes!
- Haunted Mansion
- Mad Tea Party (Again DGF has challenged my rein as lead spinner of the cup, we got a real pressure cooker here...)
- Casey's
- Be our Guest (My DGF is a foodie and a huge fan of BatB)
- Pirates
- IASMW (Ok, excited is a strong word, but it's a staple!)
- DOLE WHIP!
Epcot:
- Flower and Garden! (This is a big deal for DGF, she and her mom garden together all the time, it's my second time experiencing it, first time was a day stop at Epcot coming back from a cruise)
- Spaceship Earth (this is my traditional first ride of every trip, no exceptions. It's the first thing I ever rode in WDW with my sister when we were kids and I have to go on it first every time)
- Mission: Space
- Test Track
- Soarin' (assuming it's open, if not, well, that's alright, just a good excuse to make another trip)
- Rose & Crown (We will have a late dinner there to see...)
- IllumiNations (which I like better than Wishes, DGF will be the arbiter)
- San Angel Inn
- Three Cabelleros
- Club Cool
- Living with the Land
- Sunshine Seasons (my favorite QS)
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- Captain EO (For DGF, she loves MJ! I've never actually seen it though)
- Figment! (I love it, stop judging me, one little spark...)
- World Showcase
- Ellen's Energ--- no I'm kidding, let's be real, we nap in the Hall of Presidents
Animal Kingdom: (Traditionally my least favorite park, DGF is super excited for it and now I'm excited all over again)
- The Safari (of course! I miss when it had the poacher storyline, but it's still fun)
- Countdown to Extinction (the true and proper name)
- Expedition Everest! (DGF is a little nervous about coasters but enjoys them all the same, this one is a win for me because I love the ride and I'll get to hold on to her to make her feel safe)
- Kali River Rapids (scorching temperature pending)
- Flights of Wonder (never seen it! DGF loves birds!)
- Festival of the Lion King (never seen it!)
- It's Tough to Be a Bug (DGF will freak out, funny for me )
- Finding Nemo (never seen it!)
- Yak & Yeti (keep missing it on trips, I'm determined to try it this time)
- That jalapeno-cheese pretzel thing I seem to constantly just miss
- Primeval Whirl
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
- Rock'n'roller coaster! (again, DGF is nervous, but loves coasters and Aerosmith, as do I)
- Tower of Terror (This isn't a tier 1 ride? I disagree but will enjoy the good fortune)
- Toy Story Mania (she seeks to dethrone me again... foolish mortal)
- The Great Movie Ride
- Star Tours
- Did I mention Star Tours?
- Indiana Jones Stunt Show (DGF has never seen the IJ movies, I'm hoping this will convince her they're worth watching)
- Fantasmic (if it's showing, we've never seen it)
- Mama Melrose (hoping to do the F! Dining thing)
Admittedly DHS is a little light at the moment, I miss Backlot tour and I never tried the Animation Academy, but I'm still excited, worst case we end up day with a nice swim or a romantic nap in the room!
Speaking of the room....
Port Orlean Riverside:
- The resort! (I've never stayed above Value, she's never even stayed on site!)
- Piano Bob
- Boat to DTD/DS
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits (I'm told I need to pop over to POFQ one morning to get this, but it's worth it!)
- Pools
- Hot Tubs
In general:
- DDP! First time for both of us, we are planning lots of Table Service restaurants, which is a total change for me
- California Grill
- Raglan Road (I wanted to try this last trip, but I got overruled by family, one of the little ones would only eat at places that served chicken nuggets....)
- Having a rental car! (DME and Disney Transport is a nice perk, but the end of night crush and the time wasted on connections is frustrating)
- The Monorail! (Just the same, I can't miss the Monorail)
- MagicBands (first trip with)
- FP+ (first trip with, slightly nervous but mostly excited, DGF and I are early risers, so I think early mornings at the park and later afternoon FPs are going to be our jam)
- Downtown Disney/Springs (DGF loves gift shops and shopping and the stores will be great for her, I want to try out the new IJ bar)
- This one is only on my list, DGF doesn't know yet but we are going to Victoria & Albert's for the Chef's Table (my TA snagged it for me, she's awesome)
- We are considering renting a little boat from one of the MK resorts to putter around the lagoon for a bit, haven't decided
So that's a pretty comprehensive list, we're going for 7 days, 6 nights, so it will be a little tight in fact I think. If not, that's okay, I might actually unwind on a Disney vacation for once, which is another new and good thing!
So in the spirit of remembering all of the great magic WDW still offers us, what are you excited for?
Adam