Trip Report 4/8-4/15

Tuesday-Landed around 10:00 AM. Arrived at VillaDirect offices around 11:30. Our house was ready so we were able to get right in as opposed to waiting for offical check-in at 4:00. We stayed in Emerald Island. We had a 4 bed/3bath home with pool and hot tub. We were very satisfied with the home and resort in general (although we never used the resort amenities-no time). It was great to have the space (4 adults, 4 kids-ages 11,7,7,4), kitchen, and not to have to shelp all the kids and stuff to the pool. Went to Downtown Disney that night to look around.

Wednesday-Animal Kingdom. We had character meal at Tusker House. The food was excellent and a good variety. We were seated in the first room so the characters came in our room first. Loved the Animal Kingdom and all the rides. Only disappointment was not getting in to Finding Nemo. We arrived for the 3:15 show at 2:45 but it was already filled.

Thursday-Epcot (My favorite!) We really enjoyed Soarin. I stayed off Mission Space as I was afraid of motion sickness but the boys in our group liked it. The flower displays were beautiful. Ate at Marrakesh in Morocco for lunch. Food was fine, belly dancing entertainment was good. Pastry ';snack'; in France was wonderful. Stayed all the way through to Illuminations which we had not seen before. Wonderful show.

Friday-Magic Kingdom We kept it short only staying till 1:00. Toured Adventureland and part of Fantasyland. My four year old was chosen to ';drive'; the Jungle Cruise boat! Really enjoyed Mickey%26#39;s Philharmagic, another thing we did not do before. Park was not crowded at all.

Saturday-Typhoon Lagoon We had never been to a Disney waterpark and this was a big hit. We arrived at 9 for a 10 o%26#39;clock opening and were able to get great seats by the surf pool. We loved the body slides, Crush and Gusher, and Shark Reef. I will not do Humunga Cowabunga again though. The serious drop and painful landing did me in. Devoured the ice cream sundae in the sand bucket. Ended up staying till 5:00. Takeout from Passage to India on 192-very good food.

Sunday-Hollywood Studios Chilly on this day! Was selected to be an extra in the Indian Jones show, very cool. Left the park around 3:00. Had lunch at the Earl of Sandwich, excellent. Came back at 6:00 for a few more rides and Fantasmic. Still enjoy Fantasmic the most of all the night shows.

Monday-Magic Kingdom Did the rest of Magic Kingdom. Slightly more crowded but manageable. Enjoyed the Monsters inc. show.. Ate dinner at Ragalan Road. The music had not started yet, but we enjoyed our meal and service was excellent. Strolled Downtown Disney. Boys still love the Lego Store and could spend hours there.

We shopped at Publix on 192 for groceries which was close by. Purchased our tickets ahead of time on Undercover Tourist. When we started our trip the weather was in the upper 80%26#39;s and we were wondering if heating the pool was a mistake. However, there was a cold snap on Sunday and Monday (highs in the 60%26#39;s) and the adults in our party would not have used the pool if it had not been heated. In retrospect it was worth the money. Our house was very close to Disney and we had no problems at all with traffic. We arrived at all the parks thirty minutes before opening and were able to do all the major rides (planning ahead and utilizing Fastpass). Of course, it%26#39;s impossible to get to everything but I know they do it that way to entice you to come back. I still love the beauty, friendliness, and cleanliness of the Disney Parks. Thanks to everyone on these board for the tips.

Trip Report 4/8-4/15

Great trip report. We go May 22nd.. Can%26#39;t wait!

:)

Trip Report 4/8-4/15

Sounds like you did it just right-not spending every minute at Disney and planning as much as possible in advance. We usually stay in a suite hotel with a kitchen but may try a villa,it really is so much better to have all the space and be able to cook your own meals if you choose. See you next time

Great report; glad you trip was so enjoyable!!

Disfaninnyc-we really enjoyed a home rental. Being a family of 5 (3 very busy boys) it%26#39;s too hard to stay in a small hotel room for an entire week. All of us would lose our minds. We had a washer/dryer too, which helps cut down on clothing we need to bring.

My four year old told me today we need to ';start the vacation over';!

Great trip report!

I get more and more excited with every trip report that I read.

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