Walt Disney World 2003
We did not originally intend to travel to Orlando/Disney in 2003. We started by looking at a return visit to Myrtle Beach or possibly a Florida beach destination. However, while checking on our options, we determined that the cost would not be that different (perhaps due to the state of the travel industry) to go to any of the destinations of interest. We just could not walk away from the opportunity to take the kids to Disney.
Disney, especially at Easter time, is not a destination to tackle without a game plan. This was probably the most researched and planned out trip we have taken as a family. Much of our research was a reading of the book The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2003 (link is to Amazon.com listing). The book actually had recommendations as to what order to visit the attractions, and other tips we found extremely useful.
We purchased our vacation package through Expedia. We had looked at staying at a Disney resort -- but found them to be a bit more expensive. The package we found included accommodations at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Ultimately, this was perfect for us. Each day we could do Disney from Morning to Mid or Late Afternoon -- then enjoy the pools and the restaurant/pool bar in the late afternoon and evening. I would stay there again without hesitation.
Easter Sunday, April 20, 2003 -- Travel Day
Our flight arrived after 8 pm -- which was too late. Arriving earlier would have allowed us to become better acquainted with the accommodations, eat at a reasonable hour, and take advantage of the facility.
- Connector in Chicago -- Thomas sees Chicago's sky line
- LATE dinner at Gatorville Pool Bar and Restaurant
Monday, April 21, 2003 -- Epcot
- Early arrival, first car at the gate
- Test track breaks down just as we are about to ride
- Lunch in Italy -- used priority seating
- Thomas' favorite ride is Spaceship Earth
- Alyssa buy's Princess hat
We elected to do Epcot first, figuring it would not be all that interesting to the kids if they had seen the Magic Kingdom first. This seemed to be a good strategy.
Tuesday, April 22, 2003 -- Magic Kingdom
- Early arrival
- Characters arrive by train to open the park in a brief show
- The magic of Main Street USA -- there's just something magical about the Magic Kingdom
- Lunch at Cinderella's Castle, included brief appearances by Cinderella herself -- used priority seating
- Parade in Afternoon
- Thomas buys pirate's hook after seeing Pirates of the Caribbean and meeting Captain Hook
I truly believe that the Magic Kingdom is the most magical place on earth. As much as I enjoyed Epcot the day before, THIS was Disney!
Wednesday, April 23, 2003 -- Disney MGM Studios
- Early arrival, but didn't follow a game plan which was a mistake
- Star Tours
- Studio Tour
- Fast pass to Little Mermaid show
Thursday, April 24, 2003 -- Magic Kingdom
- Alyssa sees princesses in show outside of Cinderella's Castle
- Character hunting in Mickey's Toontown fair
- Mickey Mouse himself!
- CINDERELLA!!!!!
- Thomas buys pirate's hat -- then finds a pirate patch lost in the street
- Alyssa gets a hair wrap while Thomas waits (and waits, and waits)
Friday, April 25, 2003 -- Travel Day
- Up at 4:00 am for a 7:30 am flight -- never again!
- Upgraded to First Class for connector flight from Chicago to Detroit
Other tips
We rented a locker every day so we could take our camcorder, but not carry it all day. This was a great idea.
Next Year?
Florida is the place to go. The weather is perfect and it's a great way to get over the Winter blues. As for Disney again? Not as a primary destination. I'm favoring Daytona Beach with day trips to Cape Canaveral and perhaps one day at the Magic Kingdom. This year I missed the ocean and the beach and want to plan two days with nothing but beach time.
If possible, I want to avoid flying in late and flying out early. Mid day travel would be so much better.
