Disney Vacations

[Swaggs]

I’m here now. We aren’t eating in restaurants, so that’s been a downer. Trams are down and that makes parking miserable, particularly for MK. The worst is not having fast passes any longer.

[Poli]

We're considering taking the kids to Land next year. I have family near that area which would cut costs...as well as enough travel points that outside of food and park tickets we'd be there for virtually free.

My cousin did tell me to wait because it's not quite the same right now.

[AnalBumCover]

Originally Posted by Poli

We're considering taking the kids to Land next year. I have family near that area which would cut costs...as well as enough travel points that outside of food and park tickets we'd be there for virtually free.

My cousin did tell me to wait because it's not quite the same right now.

I was talking to a cast member about a month ago, and he was saying the park was at 35% capacity. But the reason for that, is that the employment is only at 35% as well. The workers are simply not returning.

[AnalBumCover]

I booked a stay at Aulani for my 50th birthday in January. It'll be our first time there.

[Edward64]

This looks really cool for any Star Wars nerd. But the $4,800-$6,000 price for 2 nights for family of 2 or 4 is too rich for me.

(Maybe for the grandkids but my kids, nah )

Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser Preview: Amazing, Expensive

The concept of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is that that it’s a two-night hotel stay combined with a two day Star Wars LARP (that’s Live Action Role Playing, for those not caught up with your immersive-experience lingo). You are a guest onboard the luxury starship Halcyon, a passenger ship celebrating its 275th year in space (which appears to fall somewhere between the end of The Last Jedi and the start of The Rise of Skywalker, much like its predecessor at the Disney Parks, Galaxy’s Edge). Think of it like the QE2, but with more droids. You’re there to relax, take advantage of the shipboard amenities, enjoy some fine food, and be serenaded at dinner by a galactic pop superstar (kinda like Cher, if Cher was a Twi’lek). Unfortunately, your peaceful journey is interrupted by a visit from the First Order, investigating rumors of Resistance activity onboard.

Across two nights, you’ll be both an observer to and a participant in the narrative that unfolds from there, and get to know a colorful cast of new but familiar Star Wars archetype characters along the way (which isn’t to say appearances by more familiar faces is out of the question; Disney owns the rights to all of them, after all).

The backbone of the narrative is, not unproblematically for anyone who goes on vacation to get away from a life spent staring at screens, an app. When you board the ship, you’ll be handed your “datapad,” which looks a lot like an iPhone 12 mini running a stripped-down OS (the default unlock code is, naturally, “1138”). This is where much of the narrative will unfold, and how your own schedule will be shaped.

[Lathum]

Anyone ever eaten at Morimoto at Disney Springs or Il Mulino at Swan and Dolphin?

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Anyone ever eaten at Morimoto at Disney Springs or Il Mulino at Swan and Dolphin?

I've been to Il Mulino, but it was in like 2013.

[bob]

For those in the know... what is Genie+ and do I need it?

[bob]

Also, we haven't been in about 5 years. Plan is one day at Magic Kingdom and one day at either Epcot or Hollywood Studios. Any other big changes we need to be aware of?

[Lathum]

Star Wars land in Hollywood studios is pretty amazing. Epcot has added the ratatouille ride which I heard is fun. Wife and I will be there in a couple weeks and I hope to go on it unless there is a stupid wait.

[flere-imsaho]

I don't see anything in that Genie+ thing that you can't do via the regular app. It looks like it is mainly making recommendations based on your interests, but things like reserving places in line or using FastPasses (or whatever they're called now) are things you've always been able to do in the app.

[Swaggs]

I may be a little off since my wife is the Disney expert and manages the schedule when we go, but Fastpass is gone and Genie+ is essentially the same thing only you pay for it per day and can only book one thing at a time. If it sounds worse and like a money grab, it is, but it is Disney. If money is not a major factor and you want to experience the newer attractions (if Disney is something you only do every 5-10 years), I’d recommend getting it for one day at each park so you can hit all the big attractions. And, with all that said, no guarantees on the newer Star Wars rides.

[flere-imsaho]

Oh, well if that's the only way to get Fastpass, then you need to do it. Fastpass saves you a LOT of time.

[molson]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Star Wars land in Hollywood studios is pretty amazing. Epcot has added the ratatouille ride which I heard is fun. Wife and I will be there in a couple weeks and I hope to go on it unless there is a stupid wait.

We got escorted off ratouille in Orlando when it broke down, that was interesting.

We did ride it later and it was fun, it's in that new modern genre of trackless rides where you feel like you're in the movie.

[molson]

Originally Posted by flere-imsaho

Oh, well if that's the only way to get Fastpass, then you need to do it. Fastpass saves you a LOT of time.

It's definitely worth it.

There's some strategy to it. There's a handful of "Lightning Lane" eligible rides at each park. You can have one active lightning pass open at a time, and can also book one every 2 hours. There is a limited number available per ride per day, so you have to jump on what you really want to do early. We would jump on as soon as eligible, 7AM I think, to try to get the first one, which might be a Rise of the Resistance entry at 2PM or something. Then you get another one at 9AM that might for be a less popular ride at 10:30 AM, then you could get another one right after you completed that ride. It's definitely worth some time researching the weirdo Disney blogs to figure out how you want to do it. It's oddly satisfying when you execute a well-planned out strategy.

On top of that, you can also pay extra to enter the Lightning Lane at certain times, for certain rides. A few ride Lightning lanes are pay-only, and can't be accessed with Genius+. You have to make the choice whether to be annoyed by all that, which woul be entirely reasonable, or to just give in to the Disney overlords, pay whatever they want, and go on as much shit as you can.

This is a pretty good recap

403 Forbidden.

[flere-imsaho]

100% agreed with molson's writeup - very good explanation of how it all works.

We were lucky that we had a Disney superfan as a neighbor who explained how everything worked to my wife, but after about a half a day on-site even I figured out how you finagled the passes thing.

And molson's 100% right that you can make a choice whether to be annoyed, or just surrender your wallet for the happiness of the family you brought along. I chose the latter (and, when we went to Universal in LA last year, happily did the same, which, honestly, feels like it meant the difference between doing 5-8 rides in a whole day and the roughly 20-25 (I lost track) that we did do).

[Lathum]

I see some have done the purchase of Genie plus or individual lightening lane passes?

Wife and I are going to Epcot without kids Saturday and wondering if it is worth it or we should just grab an adult beverage and wait in line. It would only be for Soarin and maybe Frozen Ever after, and Ratatouille if it is even an option. I plan on trying to get a boarding group for the Guardians of the Galaxy at 7AM.

[Swaggs]

Originally Posted by Lathum

I see some have done the purchase of Genie plus or individual lightening lane passes?

Wife and I are going to Epcot without kids Saturday and wondering if it is worth it or we should just grab an adult beverage and wait in line. It would only be for Soarin and maybe Frozen Ever after, and Ratatouille if it is even an option. I plan on trying to get a boarding group for the Guardians of the Galaxy at 7AM.

I would. For two people and only going to be there one day. It will save you a ton of time.

[flere-imsaho]

It's one of those things that seems like a stupid use of money but in reality is a good use of money. And, if you have kids, an absolutely invaluable use of money.

[Lathum]

Off to a good start. Did the genie plus. Got in a boarding group for the new guardians of the galaxy and used my first lightening lane for an early soaring reservation so it frees up early. We ate at Morimoto last night at Disney springs. Holy shit. It was incredible. Expensive if you drink. Was about $250 with tip for wife and I but it was worth it.

[Lathum]

Just got back to the hotel. Holy crap it was hot.

We got there about 8:45 and went right on Soarin, amazing as always. After that headed over to the Ratatouille ride. Really fun, basically rise of the resistance but you're a rat. From there we we kind of at an in between spot waiting for the Guardians virtual queue to get to our spot so we did Mission Space. It was fine, indoors. We killed a little time then the Guardians of the Galaxy was ready. OMG, like no other coaster I've ever been on. Unreal. So good.

After that we had lunch at the British restaurant, I think Rose and Crown? Then walked around the world eating and drinking. Stopped for a drink at the boardwalk on the way back and now cleaning up and gonna chill in the room with a bottle of wine and order pizza.

a thoroughly awesome day.

[flere-imsaho]

That's great to hear. Now, stay cool!

[Lathum]

Question about Universal

In the process of booking an 8 day Universal/Disney trip. Doing the first 5 days at Disney. Staying at Art of Animation. Going to do 3 parks, AK, MK, and Hollywood Studios. The other 2 days pool days.

For Universal we are staying at Cabana Bay. Going to do 2 park days. One at Universal and one at Islands of Adventure and one pool day.

My question is apparently you need a park hopper to ride the Hogwarts Express. It would be an extra $220. Just wondering if it is worth it or is it kind of a meh experience. My kids are big Harry Potter fans so I am leaning towards getting one. Was just hoping to get some opinions.

[Edward64]

Wife and I were talking about taking a trip and checking out Galaxy's Edge. Our lab is pretty old and we don't want to put her in a kennel so will have to ask the daughter during a summer school/work break to watch her.

[Lathum]

Its pretty amazing. Well worth a trip.

[Edward64]

Were you Rebel or Empire?

I watched some YT videos on how the Storm Troopers would interact with you?

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Edward64

Were you Rebel or Empire?

I watched some YT videos on how the Storm Troopers would interact with you?

We didn't do the hotel, it wasn't built yet. I thought you meant the Star Wars land itself. I met someone who did the hotel and said it was awesome.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Lathum

We didn't do the hotel, it wasn't built yet. I thought you meant the Star Wars land itself. I met someone who did the hotel and said it was awesome.

The YT videos I saw was actually in the Galaxy's Edge theme park, not hotel. Storm troopers patrolling around and making remarks to guests.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Edward64

The YT videos I saw was actually in the Galaxy's Edge theme park, not hotel. Storm troopers patrolling around and making remarks to guests.

ah yes, we did witness that and it was fun. If someone for example had a tee shirt with Yoda on it they would give them a hard time. Stuff like that

[Flasch186]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Question about Universal

In the process of booking an 8 day Universal/Disney trip. Doing the first 5 days at Disney. Staying at Art of Animation. Going to do 3 parks, AK, MK, and Hollywood Studios. The other 2 days pool days.

For Universal we are staying at Cabana Bay. Going to do 2 park days. One at Universal and one at Islands of Adventure and one pool day.

My question is apparently you need a park hopper to ride the Hogwarts Express. It would be an extra $220. Just wondering if it is worth it or is it kind of a meh experience. My kids are big Harry Potter fans so I am leaning towards getting one. Was just hoping to get some opinions.

So HE is cool BUT its really just a quick 'monorail' from one park to the other where you can experience the other half of the Harry Potter rides - which are great but point is that while the HE is a *ride and cool it more cinema than coaster. Is that ride alone worth $220, no but if you're then doing HP stuff at both parks the same day and getting the full HP experience than yeah its worth it.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Flasch186

So HE is cool BUT its really just a quick 'monorail' from one park to the other where you can experience the other half of the Harry Potter rides - which are great but point is that while the HE is a *ride and cool it more cinema than coaster. Is that ride alone worth $220, no but if you're then doing HP stuff at both parks the same day and getting the full HP experience than yeah its worth it.

Thanks.

The logical side of me says it is silly to pay over $200 for it, but on a trip that will approach 10K it seems silly to try and cut corners. I also know in June it is silly, but in February when we are at the park I am going to wish I had done it.

[Lathum]

Dola- Disney is so much more stream lined with their technology than Universal it is amazing.

I am a little freaked out. I booked Cabana Bay, I have the reservation confirmation, but nothing is showing up in mu Universal account where I can access the reservation.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Lathum

My question is apparently you need a park hopper to ride the Hogwarts Express. It would be an extra $220. Just wondering if it is worth it or is it kind of a meh experience.

Totally worth it. Not even a question if you have kids that are Harry Potter fans. Pretty much true of everything in the HP area of Universal. Buy all the extras (like the wand thing). Ignore the cost in relation to the overall cost of the trip.

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by Lathum

The logical side of me says it is silly to pay over $200 for it, but on a trip that will approach 10K it seems silly to try and cut corners.

This is my general opinion an all things Disney parks (& Universal too, for that matter). Open your wallet and take your beating like a man. The joy your kids will have makes it all worth it.

[Kodos]

We’re running the Disney gambit this week. The vacation was originally planned for two years ago, but, of course, Covid changed the plan. We’re staying at the Polynesian. The people we know who have come here have come back with Covid. Not surprising—many occasions where you get packed in with others. We all got the new booster a couple of weeks ago, and we mask up when indoors if social distancing isn’t realistic. Almost nobody is wearing a mask, except for some employees. Let’s all just pretend it’s over I guess.

Looking forward to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween party tonight. The Star Wars stuff was cool yesterday, although it’d be better with another fan. My son likes Star Wars, but doesn’t love it like I do. Wife and daughter don’t, and daughter isn’t good at taking one for the team.

Overall, having fun so far. Prices are ridiculous. This is definitely the last Disney trip. Kids are 17 and 13 now. At the end of the day, they consistently want to camp out on their devices in our room rather than go to dinner or swim in the pool. Seems like a waste. Wife said we should have just stayed at some hotel.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Wife and daughter don’t, and daughter isn’t good at taking one for the team.

Teenage daughters. I've experienced that.

Overall, having fun so far. Prices are ridiculous. This is definitely the last Disney trip. Kids are 17 and 13 now. At the end of the day, they consistently want to camp out on their devices in our room rather than go to dinner or swim in the pool. Seems like a waste. Wife said we should have just stayed at some hotel.

I think we've taken the kids 3 or 4 times when they were younger. After that, they've shown no interest.

Yeah, prices are ridiculous. But you are paying for the "experience" and those theme parks do give pretty good experiences.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Kodos

The Star Wars stuff was cool yesterday, although it’d be better with another fan. My son likes Star Wars, but doesn’t love it like I do. Wife and daughter don’t, and daughter isn’t good at taking one for the team.

I feel this so much. Wife and I did a weekend in Disney just us 2 years ago that we built in to a work trip. Rise of the Resistance just opened and you needed to be at the park at 5:30 AM to get in the virtual queue. She was a good sport about it but would have been cool to share it with someone as enthusiastic as me.

[Kodos]

At least my daughter likes roller coasters and Tower of Terror rides. Having a companion makes those things more fun.

[PilotMan]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Seems like a waste. Wife said we should have just stayed at some hotel.

Sorry man, out of everything you wrote, this hits as the closest to how you're actually feeling about the trip. Anytime you spend that kind of money, and plan for something so big, and have the highest of hopes for your kids and your family it's really, really hard to live up to. The two year break was really hard with their ages too. I hope you can find something positive to really take out of it and bring it home with good feelings all around.

[Kodos]

The Guardians of the Galaxy and Test Track rides at Epcot are really fun.

[Capital]

How crowded was it this past week? We considering going this time of year next year.

[Kodos]

It’s seemed pretty crowded. Like more crowded than I like. But then I always have had an aversion to crowds. I think the Halloween stuff makes October a popular month to be here.

[Lathum]

The guardians of the galaxy ride was amazing

[MrBug708]

I have a Disney Cruise set for next month Looking forward to seeing the ship all decked out with Christmas decorations.

[AnalBumCover]

Originally Posted by Kodos

It’s seemed pretty crowded. Like more crowded than I like. But then I always have had an aversion to crowds. I think the Halloween stuff makes October a popular month to be here.

Plus, the Food and Wine Festival is in full swing at Epcot.

[Kodos]

Epcot was really crowded yesterday.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by MrBug708

I have a Disney Cruise set for next month Looking forward to seeing the ship all decked out with Christmas decorations.

Have you been on one before? They are pretty awesome.

[Kodos]

Rockit at Universal is really good too.

[Lathum]

Originally Posted by Kodos

Rockit at Universal is really good too.

Sounds like we are doing the trip you are currently on in Feb. 5 days Disney then 3 at Universal.

When you're home I would love a report on the trip!

[Kodos]

Originally Posted by Kodos

We’re running the Disney gambit this week. The vacation was originally planned for two years ago, but, of course, Covid changed the plan. We’re staying at the Polynesian. The people we know who have come here have come back with Covid. Not surprising—many occasions where you get packed in with others. We all got the new booster a couple of weeks ago, and we mask up when indoors if social distancing isn’t realistic. Almost nobody is wearing a mask, except for some employees. Let’s all just pretend it’s over I guess.

Welp, we were very careful, and my wife still tested positive this morning on one of the home tests. Crap.