Where in the World should I stay??!!!

Picture downloaded from Disneyworld.com
We stayed there and loved it.

Now comes the agonizing decision as to where to rest my weary head between sorties to the various parks.  As much as I want to stay at one of the premium resorts, I'm afraid the that the cost would soon outstrip my budget for the trip.  I have always dreamed of staying on the resort loop but I can't justify this type of expense doing this on my own with out my family to share the experience.  I have stayed at the Boardwalk resort before and really enjoyed it.  All the Crescent Lake resorts are beautiful and close to all the Epcot and Hollywood Studios action. The time I was lucky enough to stay at the Boardwalk Villas, I used the little balcony that came with the room every morning.  I would sit out there and have coffee and watch eagles land on the swan statue at the Swan and Dolphin.  On more than one morning I could see hot air balloons rise into the morning skies. But, once again, the cost is pretty high.   So, while i'm not ruling out a deluxe resort completely,  Chances are, the cost for Crescent Lake and the Resort Loop are not good.  I have stayed at Kidani Village as well some time ago. .  Of all the resorts where we have stayed, this one might be the most beautiful. Jiko a Cooking Place at the Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Walt Disney World.  The Wilderness Lodge Looks beautiful as well yet both these places might be out of reach. I don't think I need the extravagance of staying at one of the Deluxe resorts anyway.

Disney is very proud of the water Villa's at the Polynesian .
We will only stay there if we win the lottery or something.
This photo was downloaded form Disneyworld.com

The Moderate resorts are more affordable and offer some strong contenders for my choice of resort.  I have stayed in two of the Moderate resorts and both experiences were memorable. My first "adult" visit to Walt Disney World occurred in 1985.  With only Epcot and the Magic Kingdom to explore, we chose at that time to stay in an offsite Hotel.  I think it was a Sheraton Hotel very close to the parks.  I really enjoyed the trip and the hotel was really nice.  It wasn't until 2000 that  I got my first taste of staying on property.  My parents took my family to Disney World in October of that year.  We actually drove down and stayed in the Caribbean Beach Resort.  That was an eyeopener for me.  I discovered on that trip how much more I enjoyed the total Disney immersion  one gets when staying in an onsite resort.  Things have changes a bit since 2000.  The bus drivers use to regale their passengers with stories of Walt Disney and Disney world.  I'm sure that due to safety concerns or maybe liability issues, Disney stopped that practice some time between 2000 and 2009 when we finally returned to Walt Disney World. I understand why they had to stop the stories, but I miss them.

Downloaded from Disneyworld.com
We stayed at the Caribbean beach resort in 2000.

Anyway,  A moderate resort could be much less painful on my pocket book than a stay at Disney's deluxe resort alternatives.   The two things sacrificed when staying at the Moderate resorts are the proximity to the parks and the fabulous restaurants that most of the deluxe resorts have. Even if I plan to stay at the more moderate priced resorts I hope to be able to dine in places like the California Grill or Ohana.  I hope the flying fish will be open as well, I've not eaten there over the past couple of trips and I must say, its one of my favorites.  I have stayed at two of the Moderate resorts in my tenure going to Disney.  First, as I mentioned above, I have stayed at the Caribbean beach resort. since i have been there, Disney has done some extensive rework on some of the rooms, giving them a pirate them.  To be honest, I don't need to stay in a Pirate Themed room. I would leave those rooms for the Kids who would get a kick out of them.  The one drawback the Caribbean beach resorts has the bus stops at each resort area before making its way to the parks.  If I was the in the last resort area on the loop then I might as well kiss getting a seat on the bus goodbye. Also, I've read complaints about wait times between buses, some have waited over 1/2 an hour to get a bus.  I don't remember that much time ever going by to get a bus when I stayed in 2000.  But I also remember that visitors had to take an extra bus from their resort area to a central location before catching a bus to the parks. My memory could be flawed however.  The situation with the buses is something to keep in mind when I choose a resort at which to say.

I really loved the French Quarter. It is one of my favorite places
to stay.  This photo was downloaded from Disneyworld.com

I have also stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter.  Wow, did I have fun there.  The amazing architecture of the place absolutely brings me back to New Orleans and the Vieux Carre.  We could have been in a hotel in the middle of the French Quarter. They offer beignets as well.  Those puffy doughnuts covered in powdered sugar along with a hot cup of coffee are the perfect way to start a day in Disney World.  The bus service going to the French Quarter is great.  They often got their own bus and when the bus stopped at Port Orleans - Riverside, it always stopped first at the French Quarter.  While all my trips to Disney World are special, The trip we stayed at the French Quarter remains in my mind, one of the best vacations I ever had.  This was the first trip my wife and I took by our selves without the Kids since we had kids.  I always think of this as a special moment in our lives where we got to share Disney together without worrying about anybody but ourselves.  Also we Celebrated our 25 anniversary of our first trip together to Disney World. in 1985. We visited Disney world during the Holidays for the first time.  This was also the first trip we took with the Dining Plan which allowed us to try many different restaurants that we might not have visited otherwise.  Once again, there are special rooms that were recently added to the resort and once again, I don't need to stay in one.  While it might be a lot of fun to stay in one of those rooms, families with kids would get so much more out of them. I could see how staying in one of the special rooms could make a child's experience at Walt Disney World even more magical.  The only drawback to the French Quarter is that, recently it has been almost impossible to get the free Dining Plan there.  If i can get the Dining Plan there then this resort might be at the top of my list.  Otherwise, I will probably have to let it pass.

This is a beautiful Resort with a good Mexican restaurant.
Maybe I should consider staying at the Coronado Springs Resort.
This picture was downloaded from Disneyworld.com

Still in consideration is the other Moderate resort choice of Coronado Springs. Having never stayed there I don't know a lot about the Coronado Springs resort.  I enjoy Middle and South American culture having visited Mexico and Brazil a number of times so It might be just the ticket for a solo trip to Disney.  I hear the restaurant there is very good and since we are talking about Disney, The rooms will be clean and the beds comfortable. As with the Caribbean Beach resort, the Dining plan is often offered as a perk, which makes it all the more attractive.  Like many of the Disney Resorts and hotels, Coronado Springs is a Convention center.  Would this make the resort more crowded?  Probably not but I don't know.  As time grows nearer to booking, I will definitely consider Coronado Springs.

We have stayed here more than any other Resort.  For Value and
comfort, the All star resorts are great.  I just think All Star Sports is the
best of all of them.  This Picture was downloaded from Disneyworld.com.

While I love the moderate resorts, More that likely, I'll end up at a Value resort.  Most of the Value resorts have a lot going for them, however. They have great pools and decent food courts for breakfast.  The theming of the rooms provides enough immersion in the Disney universe to keep me happy.  The bus service, like all over the property, is wonderful at the Value Resorts.  The only little hick-up that I noticed is that, sometimes, the bus visits more than one Resort.  One of the reasons I prefer the All Star Sports over Music and Movies is the fact that the buses stop there first before going to the other resorts.  I would get a chance for a seat that way.  I don't mind standing on the bus  but my feet will be happier by the end of the day with any rest I can give them.  I am seriously considering staying at Pop Century this time.  I've never stayed there and thought it would be fun to try a new resort.  I know the Art of Animation Resort is mostly Villas. The Art of Animation resort does, however, have single rooms.  The cost looks comparable to the other Value resorts so this might be an option as well.  It might come down to the known quantity of the All Star Sports, or, my more adventurous self wins in the end and I choose one of the other resorts.  Lots of unknowns prevent me from declaring a choice at this time.

Pop Century looks like a fun place to stay.
This picture was downloaded form Disneyworld.com

So, after all this, and after all these words and considerations I'll tell you where I'm leaning.  Of course nothing is set in stone at this time but, if I decide I want to save some cash, I think I want to try the Pop Century resort.  If I can get the Dining plan and want to be a bit more lavish with my room I'll probably choose Port Orleans French Quarter.  A lot of my consideration will revolve around where the Dining Plan is offered if it is offered at all.  The only thing that is certain, is the fact that I will stay in a Disney resort.  The perks of more time in the park, the Magical Express, and the transportation system, outweigh any small savings I might get by staying offsite.  I plan on moving between the parks some and those buses will come in handy.  If I am completely honest, I yearn for the total immersion in Disney that the onsite resorts offer.  Almost from the time I board the Magical Express at Orlando International till I leave the Tragical Express to return home I will be surrounded by Disney.  Immersion in Disney is just what this 57 year old Mouse Junkie needs.

Bonnie and I acting up before the Pirates and Friends Desert Cruise.
This Photo was NOT downloaded from Disneyworld.com

When to go may have been decided.

Near Skagway, Alaska.

The planning process is still young.  But after returning from a resent Alaska cruise, the decision may have been made as to when my solo trip to Walt Disney World will take place.  I have narrowed it down to late fall, maybe the week after Thanksgiving or the following week in 2017.  The decision is base on several things and the exact week will probably be determined by when and if I can get the dining plan in the time range I want. My contemplation and decision focused on a couple of things.

Me watching the Buzz Lightyear show during the Very Merry Christmas party some years ago.

The Magic Kingdom Christmas tree.

Who doesn't love the electrical Water Pageant since 1971

The first and perhaps most important reason for my choice is simply that I love the Holidays at Walt Disney World.  I love how all the parks are in their full Holiday regalia.  I can't wait to see the Candlelight Processional.  I am an amateur singer and I consider the Candlelight Processional to be one of the "don't miss" vocal performances of my year.  I really love singing Handel hallelujah chorus with the everybody else in the crowd at the end of the performance. Yes, I pretty much know the Tenor part by heart! Since I will be on my own, I want to take some time and hear the stories from "Holidays Around the World" at Epcot's world Showcase and maybe go to the Very Merry Christmas party to see the Holiday Wishes fireworks.  The last time we were at Disney world we couldn't fit the Iconic fireworks at the Magic Kingdom into our schedules.  The countless events and attractions that are only offered over the Holidays in all the parks perhaps motivate me the most to go during the Holiday season.

Love the Candlelight Processional.

Took this picture in 2010.

The second reason, and perhaps not quite as important to me are financial in nature.  We all know that a trip to the World requires a big investment in time and money.  Having just returned from Alaska, and with my wife wanting to do a Non-Disney vacation next year as well,  if I can push out my trip to the end of next year, I should be able to tuck away enough money in my vacation fund to be able to easily afford the trip.   This is not a small consideration when you think about all the other demands on the resources available.  Since many of the signature restaurants I like require two dining credits, I would like to be able to have some money tucked away for extra table services meals.  I will probably do the Candlelight Processional Dining event and have considered doing a desert party for other fireworks shows.  While you can get the Candlelight Processional dinner with two dining credits, I will probably pay for the event ahead of time. The desert party will need to be funded up front as well.  

Next time, I need to figure out where to stay.

Will the Weather be the Deciding factor?

Food and Wine.... In the rain.

I walked out into an humid Indiana  summer afternoon a few days ago and was struck by how hot and sticky it was.  The summers in Indiana are not unbearable but some days it comes very close. As almost all things do my experience with the Indiana sun got me to thinking about Disney World.  Perhaps I wasn't thinking about Disney World as much as the location for Disney World.  Central Florida summers last well into October and November.  Do I really want to deal with all the heat and Humidity that a trip to the Food and Wine Festival would bring?  The last time my wife and i visited the food and wine festival it rained a good portion of the trip, keeping the heat and humidity down and,  to be honest, the rain wasn't all bad.  We were able to get to the food booths with little or no wait. I have, however, been to the land of the mouse in October when the broiling sun wilted more that just the vegetation in the area.    Do I really want to deal with all that?  I'm not sure.

Hollywood Studios Chrismas Tree

Eat to the Beat Concert

When we made our first Holiday trip to Walt Disney World,  central Florida was gripped by record low temperatures for nearly the whole week we were there.  I have a picture of which i am very fond of the steam rising from the seven seas lagoon because the air was so cold.  My Wife and I packed jackets and Sweat shirts to protect ourselves form the cold weather. Boy we were glad we did. I think of that trip to Disney as one of my favorites.  The last time we went to Disney World in December it was beautiful.  Warmth without the oppressing humidity ruled the day with the exception of on rainy day at Hollywood Studios.  For those of you that were wondering, We brought parka's in case of rain, but they were too flimsy and the sides split.  I quickly discovered that the forest on the Moon of Endor did very little to keep you dry.

One of my Favorites... the Castle at night dressed for the Holidays.

Candlelight Processional.

The Steam over 7 seas Lagoon.

So i'm still not sure what to do or when to go.  Do I risk the heat and humidity of a late September

Trip?  Do I run the risk of Cooler weather with an early December trip. I love the Food and Wine Festival and I'm passionate about the holidays in Disney World too.  Should I Eat to the beat, or let the Candlelight Processional awe me as it always does. Should I enjoy Holiday wishes and the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas party or the Not So Scary Halloween party and the wonderful fireworks that go with them.  Maybe that is an argument for another blog post.

Looks like a Solo Trip in 2017.

Pirate's league is loads of fun.

Some time has gone by with not many developments with my next trip to Disney, I have found a few things worth talking about.  Increasingly more than likely, I will be taking this trip without my wife. She has signed off on my trip saying that she has no desire to go but understand my need to go visit the mouse more often that she does.   I have to admit right up front that I need my fix sooner rather than later.

This was a "Where in the World am I" photo.

Currently, and for next few years, Hollywood Studios is undergoing reconfiguration and construction of new attractions. Next year, when I plan to go,  Even more of Hollywood Studios could be consumed by the construction of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land.  Even so, I have not had the opportunity to see the new Star Wars fireworks show, and i want to see that pretty badly.  In addition to addition to many Star Wars attractions, I can't go to Disney's Hollywood Studios with out singing my lungs out on Rock and Roller Coaster or take the drop at The Tower of Terror,  The new (at least for me)  Frozen show  was pretty good. I especially like the tongue in cheek apporch the cast took to the Frozen story, yet,  I also believe one can get too much of a good thing. I think that Frozen is becoming a bit over saturated in the parks. I will probably indulge in one of my favorite shows, Beauty and the Beast. The opening song always gets my heart going and brings a tear of joy to my eye. Boun Jour!    If I can score a fast pass, I will definitely do Toy Story Midway Mania, and   hopefully, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular will still be offered. Hollywood studios still offers quite a bit to do.

This is my Desktop's Wallpaper.

At the Magic Kingdom I look forward to Peter Pan,  Small World, Carousel of Progress, and Space Mountain.  I really enjoy Splash mountain as well and I hope I can work that in while I'm there. In the New Fantasy Land.  I really enjoy Enchanted Tales with Belle. I'm 57 years old now and still really enjoyed that attraction.  To be honest, I don't need to play any of the parts. what I mainly love about Enchanted Tails with Bell are the look on young faces when they meet Belle and act out her story. The Little Mermaid - Ariel's undersea Adventure is a fun attraction as well.  The new animatronics are pretty amazing. Of course Pirates of the Caribbean is a must do, Along with the Haunted Manson. I have to see Mickey's Philharmagic and the Monster Laugh Floor. I personally love both of those attractions. I would also love to sneak in a visit to the Tiki Room.

As a short Aside,  Many of the attractions in the Magic Kingdom feature the talents of one of my favorites of all time, Thurl Ravenscroft.  You might know him as Tony the Tiger or the Iconic voice that sings "Your a Mean One, Mr Grinch" in how the Grinch stole Christmas.  You can her him in the Haunted Mansion,  As Buff the Buffalo in the country Bear Jamboree and as Fritz and many other voices in the Tiki Room including Tangaroa, the Tiki god in the pre-show. He even did some of the songs in Pirates of the Caribbean. Thurl Passed in 2005 from at age 91 from prostate cancer.  There are other good bass singers, but Thurls distinctive voice is something for which I listen every trip.

Now, You might be wondering,  Why haven't I said anything about The Seven Dwarves Mine Train. I know that many will think that my opinion is Blasphemous or at least a little crazy, but I am not overly enamored with this attraction.   I agree that the animatronics are amazing and we all love Snow White, but I found the train cars more than a little cramped and the attraction is a little short.  I would rather spend my wait time or a fastpass on something else.  If I can get on in under 45 minutes I might consider doing this attraction on this trip, otherwise, probably gonna pass for now.

The last time my wife and I went to Disney World, We didn't get a chance to see the Wishes Nighttime Spectacular and I missed not seeing it.  Something about standing in front of Cinderella's castle and seeing fireworks perfectly coordinated with my favorite Disney music gives me the feeling that I've lost 40 or more years from my age.   In the past we as waited for Holiday Wishes, we sang along with the carols.  Soon everyone near us was singing too. Among the big crowds that gather for the Wishes this version of shared Disney magic touches me deeply .  This upcoming trip I will find my place in front of the castle and feel the awe I always feel when I watch the night blossom with color, music and fire.

To Quote from the musical "Oliver", "Food Glorious food!"

I have several attractions I want to do in Epcot.  Starting in Future World, I want to hit the usual attractions.  The Test Track is a blast and since I should be able to do the Single Rider line, I might be able to save that precious top tier fastpast for Soarin'.  Of course I must do Mission space each time I go.  Some of the less Hyped rides are a lot of fun too.  I really enjoy Turtle talk with Crush for the same reasons I enjoy Enchanted Tales with Bell.  The kids are so cute as they interact with Crush. Turtle talk has some pretty amazing technology as well.  Like the Monster Laugh Floor, Live actors are used to voice Crush and he reacts in real time with the audience, I think this is pretty amazing stuff.

World showcase attracts me in a different fashion.  When I think of the World Showcase, I think of food.  My wife and I wandered the World showcase  sampling food from around the world when we had the opportunity to go to the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.  I want to revisit the festival and get my favorites again and the availability of the Food and Wine festival will factor in to my decision as to when I want to take my solo vacation to Disney World.  If i book mid to late September next year, I can indulge in all the wonderful foods, wines and beers that are offered.  Best part of that is, I don't have to drive home.

The World showcase also offers another seasonal favorite that will defiantly influence my chose of when to visit.  I can't deny the fact that my favorite time of year to visit Disney World is during the holidays.  An early December trip could include the majestic Candlelight Processional.  Seeing the talented Orchestra and the beautiful music for the mass choir sends chills down my spine thinking of it now.  As an amateur singer, I can appreciate the work that goes into producing such and amazing choral event and it staggers me  when i see the amount musical talent Walt Disney World has at it's disposal. The decorations in Epcot, all the parks really, are so gorgeous and Holiday Wishes is not something to be missed if you can help it.

Animal Kingdom has a very unique tree.

Finally, while Hollywood studios has a major overhaul in the works, Animal Kingdom is about to wrap up their scheduled expansions.  This summer, the Rivers of Color will open on the lake behind the tree of life.  I was able to find the press preview on You Tube and it looks nothing short of breathtaking.  I am going to fastpass the Rivers of Color if it is available.  Also,  next summer, Pandora is suppose to open. I have been following the construction of Pandora for some time and it look amazing.  Hopefully, Pandora will be open whether I choose September or December to visit. The opening of Pandora will influence my decision  as well.

Other less important factors could have an impact on when I go.  I would dearly love to see the New Star wars film at Disney springs when it opens like we did for Episode VII.  Unless Episode VIII's opening slips more, I could probably arrange to be in Florida when it opens. Also, I believe the weather is better in December.  September could be full of rain and if a hurricane brews in the Atlantic, it could mar a few days at the parks.  To be honest, one of my wife's and my best day at the Food and Wine Festival during a rainy day in October.  the lines to the food booths were very short and we had our ponchos to keep us less wet.  Finally, I would like to go when the free dining plan is offered.  That might be the hardest factor of all to accommodate since Disney has reduced or in many cases eliminated the free dining plan.  I have seen where free dining is offered this fall and Rumors have circulated that it will be offered again next year.

To wrap all of this up, its easy for me to say that no matter when I end up in the park in 2017, i will have fun.  I have been to Disney in the spring,  the summer, early fall and during the holidays have had a marvelous time each time.  So whenever I choose to go to Disney World, I know I will find my happy place again.

I'm back this time with a new purpose

Monster Laugh Floor.  What a hoot! and I was That guy!

I have recently been writing some pretty extensive posts on the Mouse Junkies Facebook page over the past year or so.  Upon reflection, I thought that even though, lots of people like my post, not everyone might want to slug through them all the time.  I hit upon the thought that I could use my old Disney blog to allow those that wanted to read everything the opportunity to do so, and allow those that are not interested the opportunity to skip over it all. I will continue to put short comments and a few pictures on the Facebook page and just post a link to my blog when I have more to say.   This doesn't lesson my love for Disney, I just want to respect the time of those in the group.

My first topic for my resurrected blog will, of course, be the planning process for the next Disney trip.  My wife, who has been wonderful about my need to go to Disney, is kind of tired of going.  She wants to do other things and enjoy vacation at other locations.  I can respect that point of view, but, like any other Disney Junkie, I need a fix from time to time or I go through withdrawal.  I get grumpy and a little depressed. The best remedy for this could be a solo trip to Walt Disney World.  I am really having trouble deciding when to go however.  We can't make a trip this year.  Almost all of our vacation dollars are going to a cruise to Alaska with my Parents.  It will be my Dad's 80th birthday and my sister and brother-in-law will be coming as well.  I like cruises and having the cruise on which to look forward has helped.  But still, eating at the back of my mind is the desire to go to the House of the Mouse.  I want to see the fireworks at the castle and ride the Rock 'n' Roller coaster to name just a couple of my favorite things. But Going this year is out.

So, My eye has turned to opportunities in 2017 for a solo trip.  going late January after MLK day is tempting because the crowds are low, but that might be too close to the cruise to justify.  Also, There are rumors that i cannot confirm that Pandora in Animal kingdom could be open sometime in 2017 perhaps in the summer. So, It would make sense to delay my trip till the fall.  The rivers of light in Animal kingdom is slated to open very soon,  perhaps next month if what i have read is correct.  Also, the next start wars film will be coming out at the end of the year.  Maybe another Christmas adventure would be in order.  Over the next few months, I will be writing more on this subject, and any input you have would be appreciated as well.