Honeymoon at Disneyworld-Epcot-Sea World Any Tips?
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GREYFUZZY 7/10/07 11:51 A
I'm probably going to forget something I wanted to say, but here goes! This is gonna be long!
Other peoples' opinions of which parks they like and how long each takes for them are okay, but you won't know what YOU like best until you're there. Pay the extra money to get the Park Hopper feature on your tickets, and USE it, even if only to go into MGM and ride the Tower of Terror one last time before going to the Magic Kingdom for the day or something.(Or, you can do like my family and eat every meal at a different Epcot country each day, hehe!) Either way, if you have the Park Hopper you won't have to spend 2 days at a park where you really only wanted a day and a half.
There are a lot of good ways to maximize your time while there. I am not a morning person, but it is always worth getting to the parks EARLY - by 11 or 12, the crowds have really started to pick up. Go in more or less when they open, ride the major rides or at least get FastPasses for them, and then you can feel free to see the rest of the park in a more leisurely fashion. Also, make sure you get a map and use it till you really DO know the park like the back of your hand.
Also, this is hard to explain, but if you are willing to skip around within the park, you can save time. Most people come in, start on one side of the park, and work their way around in a circle. What happens, though, is that when everyone comes into the Magic Kingdom and starts in Tomorrowland, all of those rides get backlogged with people while Fantasyland is almost empty! In other words, at any given time, a third to half of the areas in a park are busy, while the rest are much less crowded, because the crowds kind of travel in waves. If you are willing to do some extra walking, you can always be in an emptier section... if Fantasyland is crowded, just walk to one of the adjacent sections and the lines will probably be shorter.
Also, if you don't care anything about the fireworks/parades/etc. (or are spending your second day in the same park and have already seen it), the lines are INSANELY short during those times! I will note, though, that I think all of the end-of-the-night fireworks and shows are worth seeing at least once.
Get to all shows earlier than you think you need to, or you may not get very good seats...in fact, show up 10 minutes before showtime and you may not get seats at all! The newer the show, the earlier you should arrive.
Tempting though it may be, DO NOT hit any water rides during the hottest part of the day. The lines are much shorter in the morning and later in the evening.
Rides that tend to have VERY long wait times that you should make a point of riding early or getting FastPasses for (not all of these have the FastPass feature): At Disney-MGM: Tower of Terror, Rock'n'Roller Coaster At Animal Kingdom: Kali River Rapids, Expedition Everest, Kilimanjaro Safaris At the Magic Kingdom: Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, the Haunted Mansion At Epcot: Mission Space, Test Track, Soarin
Just because a ride or show does not have a huge line doesn't mean it's not worth seeing... in my opinion, some of the coolest stuff is mostly overlooked.
Same goes for the countries at Epcot. For example, Japan has a little restaurant and bar over the main shop that is usually pretty empty... but they serve tasty sake martinis, who knew! Most people seem to be afraid of the food in Morocco, but it is delicious and will taste somewhat familiar to you if you like Indian, Greek or Middle Eastern food. The pastries in Norway are less familiar but just as good as the ones in France. In other words... experiment, try new stuff, and don't pass anything up just because it looks empty!
Last but not least, try to work it so that you're not eating a meal at a usual mealtime (noon-ish, 6-ish). All the restaurants are more crowded then, so grab a snack if you're starving, but try to eat before or after the mealtime rush. From 2 to 5 PM or so, all the eateries are much less busy.
...and if all else fails and you are bored stiff in a long line, peruse your map to figure out where to go next, or look for hidden Mickeys!
EMILYAF51885 7/6/07 9:56 A
I would love to have a honeymoon at Disney World, but I don't think my fiance is thrilled with the idea. My favorite place to stay is Coronado Springs. The Polynesian Resort is also really nice, but also more expensive. Staying on Disney property is definitely the way to go.
MEEKO32198 7/5/07 8:52 P
I would recommend any of the Disney hotels actually, even their cheaper ones like the All-star resort are nice. The fun thing is if you stay on property you can also hop buses to other hotels and use their pools. One of my favorite hotels is Port Orleans, my other favorite is the Wilderness Lodge.
ELFKITTY 7/5/07 4:26 P
You're going to have an awesome honeymoon!! We went to Disneyworld about 5 years ago and had the most amazing trip. Epcot was by FAR our favorite place- we went there 3 days! We loved the different countries, and actually had some pretty yummy food at a lot of them. =)
WHIRLWIND2 7/5/07 2:56 P
Hi everyone,
MEEKO32198, Thank you so much you have been so helpful! Since you live there you probably do not stay in a hotel but do you have any tips on where to stay? I know best western has a hotel there but I am not sure if they do the extended hour passes. I have heard that you can by points from people who have time shares there. Hmmm
I am so happy to hear about epcot. I have always wanted to travel the world and I figured this would be the closest I could get right now. :) I was so excited and then heard it was not that great. Glad to know it sounds like I will have a blast. I will be sure to get fast passes as soon as I get to the park.
Hope you both had a great 4th of July. :)
Jaime
MEEKO32198 7/5/07 8:06 A
From what I've heard they are going to be closing down the ride here in July and it's supposed to be closed till November at the earliest.
I originally wanted to get married at Disney, but couldn't afford it. The weddings there are sooo beautiful though!!!
LYDJOYS 7/4/07 7:22 P
MEEK ... those are some really great tips!! I'm glad I'm not the only one that loves Epcot!! And I didn't know about the new ride, that's awesome! I feel the same way about it being more of an adult park. Anyway, thanks for the info. Any new word on if/when Spaceship Earth will be closed for rehab? I'm crossing my fingers that it will be back open when I get married there in Dec...
MEEKO32198 7/4/07 5:12 P
I noticed you mentioned as well you are interested in Discovery Cove. My fiance took me there for Valentines day last year and it was amazing! Everything is included in your park entrance so you don't have to pay for anything (well besides pictures or souveniers). There is a great lazy fresh water river that goes into a bird aviary as well. By the end of the day I was so worn out that I just grabbed my fiance's wetsuit leash (the thing they use to zip up their wetsuit), and let him drag me around the river as I floated along.
EPCOT is honestly my favorite of the Disney parks. It's a more adult park. There are some really good rides up front, like Soarin, Test Track, and Mission Space (I recommend the less-intense ride if you get motion sickness like I do).
The back of the park is like a little world showcase. Each area is themed like their country. An interesting side note is that Disney does not own these areas, they are sponsored by stores normally in their home country. For example, my favorite area is the Japanese land, it has this GIANT store with tons of fun asian items. There are movies in some pavillions, and rides in Mexico (inside the big Aztec temple- most people don't realize there is a lot inside there), and in Norway. Both are water rides.
Right now there is talks about a Mt. Fuji ride opening in the Japan pavillion in the next year or two. So that's going to be interesting. During the Summer months you will definately want to plan 2 days at Magic Kingdom and maybe 2 days seeing everything at Epcot. The lines will be very long, so just make sure that you take advantage of your fast passes.
If you stay on Disney property they also have extended hours in which certain parks open early or close late for guests staying at their hotels. This is a great incentive to stay on property. It's pretty rare that the parks close up and don't let anyone in. The only days I have heard about that are on big holidays like today for example where everyone wants to go see the fireworks.
You will have a fun time! Remember, it's your honeymoon, relax and take your time. The good news is that during the Summer the parks are open late, so you should be able to see everything.
If you have any other questions let me know. I know these parks like the back of my hand. :)
WHIRLWIND2 7/4/07 1:48 P
LYDJOYS and MEEKO32198, Thank you both sooo much for your suggestions!! I was actually starting to feel a little down about honeymooning at disneyworld. It was starting to sound like it was not going to be as much fun as I thought. I have been to disneyland reciently and loved it but it was sounding like I might as well go back there. I am glad you two put a new spin on things. Thank you both for all the tips. And do not feel bad about the long post I need all the tips I can get. :)
We are goin at the end of June. I know this is a popular month but what can I do, the wedding is June 21st. So we will be there from the 22nd or 23rd to the 29th or 30th for a total of eight days. I want to spend two at sea world so that leaves six for disnyland, epcot, animal kingdom, ect.
Once again thank you for all the tips. :)
Jaime
Oh yeah I have heard that sometimes people cannot get into the parks because they are full to capacity. So if we are there in the morning and leave to eat lunch at the hotel and try and go back we may not be able to get in. Any tips on this? I would hate for that to happen. And if it does, is that just for disneyworld? Could we still go see animal kingdom or epcot? Do they fill up as offten? Thanks once again for any advice.
MEEKO32198 7/4/07 11:41 A
Well as an Orlando native I might be able to help a bit. Depending on what time of year you are coming there are different things to do. In the September to earl November months at EPCOT there is a wonderful festival called "Food and Wine", and it's like you get to eat samples of food (you have to pay for them, but they are cheap), all around the world showcase. Plus it's not to hot.
At Seaworld if you're going during the Summer months stay for the show "Sealions tonight". It's hilarious and only done in Summer. There are 2 great places I would suggest at Seaworld - Sharks Underwater Grill, which is attached to the shark encounter and has these huge viewing windows in the Restaurant, very cool. The other is my favorite, Backstage at Believe, which lets you eat dinner at the Shamu stadium in the backstage area and the trainers will tell you about the whales and bring them close for you to see.
At the Magic Kingdom head towards the back first and hit Splash Mountain, Thundermountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Haunted Mansion early in the morning. This will give you time to linger in the fantasy land areas, and wait in line for some of the other gems like the Jungle Cruise and Tiki Room show.
Also, you might want to think about getting park hoppers and hitting MGM and Animal Kingdom. You can do those 2 parks in one day easily. Start in MGM and go on the big rides like Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster first. Then hop one of the buses to Animal Kingdom, and run to the back of the park to get your fast pass for the new Mt. Everest ride. If you don't fast pass that ride another suggestion is to go on the single rider line which takes like 20 minutes in comparison to the 1-2 hour line.
LYDJOYS 7/3/07 2:30 P
I guess I am an odd ball but I actually really love Epcot. I just got back from Disney like a week ago, and the lines were really not THAT bad.... Not like they are around Christmas.
I have eaten at several of the restaurants around the worlds as well. I did not like the French pavilion restaurant at all actually. However, the french restaurant at the Canadian pavilion called "Le Cellier" is very wonderful and worth every penny. The dinner menu is better than lunch though. We eat there every time we go. Also, the Mexican pavilion has a restaurant that is by the water (quick service)thatis very good with a beautiful view over the lake.
If you actually walk through each land and take time looking through all the stores it takes a long time to go through all of them. There may not be a LOT of things at each pavilion but really they can't add too much to each since it already takes so long to go through everything. Some of the pavilions are better than others, but I do think the themeing overall is done very well, and holds true to what the countries actually look like with each having a very distinct flavor.
Sorry this post is SO long ;)
I rode Mission Space 2 weeks ago. And although I wouldn't do the orange side (has spinning) I did do the green and it was one of my favorite things I have EVER done there. It is really no worse than any light simulator ride. (I.E. Star tours)
Soarin' will take your breath away and is definitely worth the long wait.
My parents actually love test track. I think some people are afraid to ride it since it is labeled "the fastest ride" but it is really not that bad and is a lot of fun.
If you add all the countries with those rides plus a few rides through the countries, the aquarium, and just looking around the other buildings, I think there is plenty there to do. They are really trying to update Epcot currently, and if you don't know where to look I guess people don't find a lot to do. When my family goes however, all of us LOVE it and we never feel like we have enough time there.
Sorry again the post is so long. I guess I just love Disney so much it gives me a lot of opinions on the subject
WHIRLWIND2 6/13/07 11:51 P
Thanks everyone.
Well that is really dissapointing about Epcot. I was hoping for something like a mini vacation around the world. :( I guess not.
I would LOVE to go to discovery cove!!! When I was little I wanted to be a trainer at sea world! :) Sadly my future husband is afraid of water. He won't even take baths and I can not get him into a jacuzzi, not even on our wedding night. So since it is his honeymoon to I will let him off the hook this time. Next time we go to Florida I will for sure be going!! :)
Jaime
CHEWIEKIKI 6/13/07 12:29 P
The Lands (I think that's what it's called - but I might be confusing it with a ride) at Epcot is very small. Each country has a bar, a restaurant, and 1-2 small shops. It's not like each one is very much of an environment. They just circle one side of a lake, and you walk around the lake.
Many people like to "drink their way around the world" and try the different beers and wines. The wine is a major ripoff with two exceptions (IIRC) Sam Adams beer and French pomegranate kirs. IMO, the restaurants are ripoffs with bad food, but a LOT of people like to make reservations at one of the restaurants for a special dinner. (Just avoid Norway unless you're Norwegian!) You need to make these reservations early - they book up fast.
There are some good rides in Epcot - there's the space ride, and a cool one that shows how they grow organic foods and stuff. But to me, none of that is particularly thrilling. And I wouldn't go on the space ride when we were there because I have heart issue and people have died. The hang gliding ride is supposed to be amazing.
Generally we only go to Epcot when they're having a big food festival where you can buy small bites at each country for a couple bucks. Otherwise, it's our "break" for a beer between going to other parks.
COOLGIRLJ1999 6/13/07 9:11 A
We just went to flordia for our honeymoon. We left on tuesday spent our first day at Magic Kingdom. The 2nd day at Epcot and Animal kingdom, then the next day we headed to DISCOVERY COVE (which was the highlight of our trip must say the most amazing thing ive ever done well worth the money) we also did sea world that night. then the next day we did another park and Blizzard beach. then our last day we did MGM and Typhon Lagon we had alot of fun at the water parks we were more able to relax.. It was really busy and there were long lines. we did the water parks when the weather wasnt the best but we didnt think it was to bad it allowed for hardly any lines at all so we loved it.. My husband didnt actually swim with the dolphins but he had a great time with the snorkling and just relaxing it was a little expesive but we thought it was well worth..
WHIRLWIND2 6/12/07 10:21 P
Thanks we are getting a hotel at disneyworld and plan to come back to the hotel during the day.
OK I am a little confused. Everyone is saying that Epcot is a lot of shopping with a few rides. I thought it was really neat with several "mini countries" inside. Aren't there things from around the world to see? I know they have restaurants with food from different countries but I thought the attmasphere (sp) would be kinda like visiting a different country. That is why I am so excited to go. Am I wrong?
Jaime
ENSOLEILLE 6/12/07 9:50 P
Don't forget some time to relax! It's your honeymoon! Epcot is only a day or so for me since I tend to buzz through shopping quickly, maybe take a day and go to Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Mountain -- relax on the lazy river and enjoy destressing from the wedding!
WHIRLWIND2 6/12/07 7:20 P
Hi guys, Thank you all for the tips. It sounds like I need to spend time at animal kingdom too, something I had not planned on.
I would LOVE to go to discovery cove!!! When I was younger I wanted to be a trainer at sea world. I love dolphins!! However, sadly, my boyfriend is afraid of water. Someday I will get to discovery cove but I do not think I should do that to my guy on our honeymoon. :)
So it looks like 2-3 days at epcot 2 days at disneyworld 1 day at animal kingdom 2 days at sea world
So that means eight days. Good that is what we had planned. :)
If anyone else has any ideas I am always open to them! I want all the advice I can get to make this honeymoon special and stress free!!
Thanks again.
Jaime
CHEWIEKIKI 6/11/07 3:24 P
Epcot is a half to a full day for me. I like "the lands," but it's mostly shops so I zip through pretty quickly. There are some cool rides though.
(I'm lucky - with a Disney employee in the family, we get to be picky. We can do 3 parks in 1 day and just hit our favories - no pressure to "get our money's worth.")
WDW is at least full day - maybe two if you love it. Animal Kingdom is definitely a full day. I don't like MGM - it's very focused on roller coasters, which aren't my thing.
Definitely get your fast passes as soon as you get there, and it can help to go straight to the back of the park and work your way forward.
If you want a break, there is some great outlet shopping, and there is a place called Discovery Cove where you can swim with dolphins.
And be sure to wear your cheesy bride and groom mouse ears!
LYDJOYS 6/10/07 7:09 P
3 days should be good. Disney World is where my fiance proposed and where we will be getting married in Oct, and honeymooning...lol. (We love Disney!!)
To see every country in it's fullness it really does take close to two days. I would suggest picking one day, heading for the countries and staying put there for the whole day.
Also, if you want to ride test track, soarin, or mission space, I highly recommend using Fast Pass and getting the fast passess early in the day. They will save a lot of time. Normal waiting time for Soarin can sometimes be 2 hours... so fast passing that ride is a must. It is well worth it though...
Another tip is to catch the rides late in the day. Never under estimate the tired children...lol. About an hour before the park closes a lot of people leave... or go shopping. In that hour we rode test track 3 times and soarin...
WHIRLWIND2 6/9/07 4:52 P
Thanks for the tip. :) I think we are going to spend three days at Epcot. I was just wondering if that was enough or if we would be rushed. I am going there because I want my "trip around the world". :) SO I want to have enough time to get a good experience. Thanks again and I hope you have fun on your honeymoon as well. :)
Jaime
MATTSGIRL4 6/8/07 10:19 P
Tha is where I want to go for my honeymoon!!!!!!! Epcot is BEAUTIFUL you must spend at least a few days visiting. I love the Magic Kingdom too. :) No advice for Sea Wrl but Disney Wor is all-around awesome.
Make sure you and your new hubby find those little mouse ears they sell that you can wear on the steets. Each one has a veil for the bride and a top hat for the groom. Sooooo adorable.
Have fun and best of luck to you!
Love, Katie
WHIRLWIND2 6/7/07 1:56 P
Hi everyone, We are going to Disneyworld for our honeymoon. I know it is several parks together. We will be spending 2-3 days at Disneyworld and 1-2 days at Seaworld. I am not sure how many days we should plan for Epcot. I was told that we do not want to try and do everything in one day. I am so excited about Epcot!! It will be like traveling around the world!! Since we do not have the money to do that this is the next best thing! :) Any tips, ideas, suggestions, ect would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks and I look forward to talking with you.
