| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
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| 271.1 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Sun Jul 28 1991 18:04 | 33 |
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Ok, I'll start.
Generally speaking, we think WDW/Disneyland is best at night,
and when we are planning our itinerary, this is where the
tradeoffs really occur. By getting into the routine of taking
a 3-4 hour nap every afternoon, we find that we can keep the
kids (and adults) out till midnight without problems.
During the day we spend a lot of time going on indoor rides,
eating in the restaurants, and other places that are inside
and air conditioned. However, at night we usually spend a lot
more time outside at the live shows, parades, outdoor rides,
or just relaxing around the park. The Florida summer nights
are much more comfortable than the hot daytime sun. We also
think that the atmosphere of WDW is enhanced at night.
There are a couple of attractions that I think are MUCH better
after dark, especially Big Thunder Mt. Railroad and Indiana
Jones Stunt Spectacular. I can't think of a single outdoor
stage show that does not look better under the lights. At
Disneyland, we liked the Frontierland Hoedown (especially
Jennifer, then 5, who got to square dance with Mickey).
We haven't gone to the FW Campfire Program or the FW
Marshmallow Marsh Excursion yet (the latter is not running
this summer). We would like to try them both if possible. We
are also looking forward to the new and improved ELP debut
next summer.
We have a lot more favorites, but would rather hear what you
especially like.
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| 271.2 | Night Time is Magic! | WOTVAX::BATTY | Well, I wouldn't start from here! | Mon Jul 29 1991 08:07 | 32 |
| Jim, I totally agree with you about the night, everything comes
alive once it's gone dark. There aren't many rides that are
improved, 'cos most are inside (You've already mentioned Big
Thunder,but IMHO Jungle Cruise also benefits, the surroundings
seem to close in and become more intense.), but there is a 'fairy
magic' at night. Main Street is a wonderous place, especially with
the floodlit castle in the background. EPCOT takes on a whole new
lease of life with Spaceship Earth floodlit above it. It's
certainly obvious during the day, but at night it seems bigger and
more mystical.
None of the fireworks displays would be effective during
the day, and the ELP and Water Pageant just wouldn't work at all.
Our tour plan was similar to yours, do the rides in the morning,
eating, pool-time and sleep during the afternoon, but do all the
sightseeing and wandering about at night.
On the FW front, the campfire singaround and movie are OK,
its a great shame about the Marshmallow Marsh trip. It was great
singing along round the firepits, roasting marshmallows and
watching the Water Pageant from the lakeside. We did the Hayride,
which was good but not the same, and got talking to one of the
castmembers about the MM. It was obviously cancelled due to the
mosquito scare, but that problem has not reoccurred this year. He
reckoned that it was not a profitable venture, and will not be
restarted unless there is a protest lobby. I'm planning to write
to the FW management asking about it, and if enough interest is
shown it might start again (but not in time for your trip!).
Regards,
Mike in Warrington.
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| 271.3 | WDW at Night | VISUAL::SCOPA | I'd rather be in Orlando | Mon Jul 29 1991 13:22 | 99 |
| Jim,
As you well know I do Disney only in the Summer and that's because of
many reasons...first and foremost the long hours.
Let's take each theme park and discuss the nite-time adventures...
TMK
RIding the WDW Express (train) at night during the Summer months really
cools you off and it's really refreshing to circle the park on the
train and observe all the lighted attractions.
The Wedway People Mover is also great to ride at night...TomorrowLand
does not have the crowds at night.
I like looking at the outside of The Haunted Mansion at night. Next
time I plan to take some video footage of the old house at night.
If you go to BTM's exit you can see the lighted Mark Twain at
night...it's a pretty sight.
I've never done 20K Leagues at night....anyone want to comment?
How about the Jungle Cruise? I haven't.
I have walked through the Swiss Family Robinson Tree at night because
it's not crowded and you can really stop and look at things.
There's something about AdventureLand at night (especially between 11
and Midnight) that gives it a magical touch.
Take a ride on "Pirates..." after 11:30. When you exit the attraction
the area is empty...no crowds.
Oops, almost forgot...how about the Skyway at night?
Oh yes, the ELP and Fantasy in the Sky.....always a pleasure.
Hint hint....have an ice cream at the Plaza restaurant right after the
fireworks....not too crowded 'cause not too many people eat that late.
When we're in TMK at night we plan for a late supper and usually eat at
the Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant.....go to the back and sit near
the windows so you can see the lighted castle.
Finally, I could spend all night in TMK just gazing at the castle when
it's lit....something about it.
EPCOT
Visit the Land Pavillion at night....I thought about this driving
home...the pavillion must look different from inside at night...not to
mention "Listen to the Land".
HOw about those jumping fountains outside EO?
Each country is more inviting at night but especially those between AA
and Canada.
Okay let's talk about Illuminations....another reason for being at
EPCOT at night....has anyone thought about watching Illuminations from
Canada or Great Britain....Jim, if you get a chance try watching from
Canada and tell us if it's a good spot....I haven't tried it....another
brilliant idea as I'm driving home last year.
MGM
It goes without saying that you only see Indy Jones at night.
ALso, Theatre of the Stars' shows are more enjoyable at
night....cooler.
Walk in front of TGMR at night.....after 9...quite the atmostphere.
I'm wondering how Catastrophy Canyon, the New York streets, Honey I
Shrunk the Kids, and toontown/TMNT are at night.
Gertie from Gertie's Ice Cream has lighted eyes at night.
Also at night look down Hollywood Blvd. to find the neon Pluto wagging
his tail.
Sorcery in the Sky cannot be described....last year we saw it 3 times.
General
There is a difference in music at night....in the morning when you walk
through the parks the music is a bit energetic and springy..at night
it's mellow and melancholy...neat and relaxing.
Hey Jim....yer giving me the 'itis again.
Mike
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| 271.4 | | AAARGH::LOWELL | Grim Grinning Ghosts... | Mon Jul 29 1991 18:18 | 53 |
| Hey Mike, my 'itis is bigger than your 'itis!
TMK
I pretty much agree with what's already been said - train, WEDway,
parades, shows, etc..
Thunder Mountain is a must!
The Jungle Cruise is ok. I had read about it in here and expected
much more. The only thing between complete darkness and you is
the lights on the boat which the guide can turn off at any time.
I think this could be used to enhance the ride much more than it
is. Imagine yourself cruising past the elephant that is threatening
to squirt the boat. Just as it rears its head - poof, darkness.
Imagine the same thing occuring as you head for the waterfall. Now
that's what I'd call an adventure. I think Disney blew it big time
by not doing this sort of thing.
After you've gazed at the Mark Twain from the Big Thunder Mountain
exit, head over to the loading dock and take a ride on it. The
special effects are better.
I like 20,000 Leagues better at night since the illusion of being
in deep water is better plus it's cooler when standing in line. Are
you able to see all the wires controlling the special effects during
the day? You can at night but it doesn't spoil stuff too much.
EPCOT
Illuminations is a must. I've watched them from the UK in the past.
Not too bad but there are a lot of trees in that area. Consider three
things when choosing a spot - 1) make sure you have a clear view
across the lagoon, 2) make sure you have a clear view when looking
up in the sky over the center of the lagoon (fireworks!!!), 3) make
sure you have a head on view of the fountains.
MGM
Definitely a must see. So much neon.
We did Honey, I Shrunk the Kids at night but never got around to
trying it during the day. Judging by the daytime photos I've seen,
it's much better at night.
Check out the Ewok village. Definitely much better at night!
Hotels
Check out the Contemporary's observation deck! Great view of the
Magic Kingdom, etc.
In season, go to the CBR and have a drink by the outside bar. Get
a table near the water and watch the fireworks from Illuminations
and MGM.
Ruth
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| 271.5 | kids up till midnight? | CUPMK::JETTE | | Tue Aug 06 1991 15:43 | 15 |
| This probably belongs under Small Children but - How can I keep a 5 year
old up till midnight? Even an afternoon nap won't get her to last
that long! (at least I don't think so)
I do agree my husband and I love WDW at night - there is nothing to
compare it to, but with small kids I can't see how you can do it.
I picture them screaming cause there tired or sleeping in the stroller
(which means no rides since there asleep)
Kathy
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| 271.6 | | PAPPAS::JIM | Jim Pappas | Tue Aug 06 1991 17:17 | 24 |
| I guess it depends upon your kids.
Last summer (1990), our kids were 4, 6, and 8 and we took naps
every day. We would typically head back to the hotel in the
early afternoon (~ 1:00) and sleep for a few hours (until ~
5:00). We were all refreshed and we had no problems keeping
awake until midnight.
The year before (1989), our kids were 3, 5, and 7. We were at
WDW in Nov/Dec when the MK was closing early. That year we
did not take naps, but at night we would get an in-room
babysitter and my wife and I would go out to dinner and to
EPCOT which was open later.
In 1987, we went to Disneyland during the summer when the park
was open until 1:00 AM. We only had the two oldest kids with
us and they were 3 and 5. Disneyland was extremely busy that
summer, especially during the afternoon. We would go into the
park early in the morning, take the monorail back to the hotel
to swim and then sleep during the afternoon, and go back into
the parks at night. At least one night we stayed till the
park closed, but on the next day we would let the kids sleep
late and then spend the day at the hotel.
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