DL First Timers - FINALLY!
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After many trips to WDW we finally got the chance to check out the "original" if only for one day. But we ended up getting some bang for our buck....
Heading back from a family trip to Hawaii (fantastic BTW!) we planned one day at the park before heading out on the redeye home. First thing I realized - WHEN WE GOT THERE around 9 at night - it was a marathon week-end! and we would b there the Sunday of the race. Not a promising thought. So checked in at our hotel right across the street - very convenient - and walked across the street to get park hoppers for the next day and looking to get there early to beat the anticipated crowds.
Sooo....the crowds - not a problem at all!! :thumbsup: Filled up a bit later in the afternoon but we started at ropedrop at 9 and left the park a bit after 4 - did not notice a ton of runners back at the park. Oh, weather was excellent too. The park of course is surrounded by "real life" but once you are in the park it is hardly noticeable. And what did we get done you ask? Well -- utilizing the ol' fastpass strategies of the past we hit up Cali Scream, TSM and TofT twice, and the Matterhorn, Cars Land, IASW, Mr. Toad, Autopia, PoTC, BTMRR, and Splash. Plus the shooting arcade (which actually works) and a spin on the Monorail. Did not think we would accomplish so many things in that timeframe which included almost an hour wait for our last minute decision to do Splash. Great time indeed.
Observations....first, I am a long time Disneyphile but I never knew how similar the WDW MK park is to the original in DL. A bit odd at first - felt like I was in Orlando at times - but actually made navigating easier being first timers and all and there were of course differences as well. IASW - again, had no idea you load/unload outside. Actually thought that was pretty cool! Noticed they did throw in some updated characters along the ride - Lilo/Stitch, Ariel, Woody - out of place don't you think? Mr. Toad....ahhh, missed you old buddy! Funny thing was all I seemed to remember from the WDW ride waaay back in the day was the train headlights. I think. Glad it still lives on. Oh, couldn't get on the sub ride which was the other "throwback" attraction I was Jonesing for. Line was too long.
:( Matterhorn - loved it! Just the right mix of old Disney, a bit rickety with a bit of theming thrown in....one of our faves. Both cars rides were cool in their own way. A sucker for Tomorrowland Speedway from my pre-teen years, Autopia was interesting with some sweet car styles and a longer track than the WDW attraction. The ride in cars land was themed really well and the Test Track-like race at the end totally makes the ride.
Rode the monorail. Don't remember what model they are using but they are nice looking vehicles AND no standing - a plus. Not sure why they didn't tie a stop into the on-site hotel you cruise right past however. And it goes at a nice clip too. Missed 2 attractions because closed - HM and Space. Definitely wanted to hit up HM but oh well.
Glad we made a day of it and if we do get out to the left coast again would definitely do a two day trip back and tie in some other stuff. :mickey:
