Disney World Adult Vacation
We left our home on Saturday 9/14 and made the drive to Gatlinburg. We stayed at a super cute apartment in the mountains through VBRO.
On our way out we rode the Moonshine Mountain Coaster. Such a neat experience
Moonshine Mountain Coaster in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
We stayed at a “Good Enough to Sleep In” House in Kissimmee Florida. It was super close to the parks but the pictures on VBRO are not what we checked into. The owners of this house were extremely difficult and hard to work with. Our door didn't seal tight, and we could only keep the temperature at 73.
We enjoyed 4 days at Disney. The ticket was $400 each person.
I will talk about the rides that we went on in a bit.
We did go to the Outlet Mall specifically for The Character Warehouse, which is the actual Disney outlet store. This place was a shit show and although we did get some good shirts and a lightsaber I don't think I would make it a point to go back. It's in an open-air mall, it was 100 outside and the store I wanted to check out was a mess with swarms of people and strollers.
On our way home we went to Murfreesboro and stayed in the cutest VBRO house that was perfect. It was an older home, but it literally had everything we needed. We left on Sunday 9/22 to our way home and actually stuck in Packer traffic in Nashville.
We drove, which isn't too bad. Getting there is definitely easier than the ride home but saves a ton of money. I would never book using a TA.
This trip was $800 each for 4 people. Only adults and we had a great time. The trick is comparing Undercover Tourist, Sams Club, Get Away Today, Disney and if you have anything through your job that gives you ticket discounts. You don't have to pay full price; you also don't have to stay on site. There are many good neighbor hotels and VBRO & Air BNB among others where you can get lodging for a lower cost. Staying on site does have its perks, you don't have to drive or pay for parking, but the savings is huge.
We also don't book any restaurants and count on the quick service meals to eat. It saves a ton of money and avoids overpaying for a meal we may not like.
When you get into Florida you will see the signs for $39 Disney tickets. Please know those are through the Westgate which is a Time Share. Sure, you will be able to buy tickets at that price but there is a huge cost, a 4-hour time share presentation.
I also can't say this enough, travel during the off season. You will save tons of money and have smaller crowds to deal with.
Animal Kingdom
This was our first park. This is such a cool place. There is so much to look at here. So many shops and walking trails. We didn't do any of the walking trails and we avoided the few little kid rides. The park is open 8-6 and we were there from about 830-5 and were able to do everything we wanted.
We started our day in Pandora. There are two Avatar rides that we didn't get to ride last time. After the disappointment of the one we rode we didn't ride the other
Avatar: Flight of Passage. This is the one we didn't ride. The wait was long, and we were disappointed with the first ride
Description: Climb atop a winged mountain banshee for a breathtaking 3D flight over Pandora's otherworldly landscape.
Na'Vi River Journey. This one we rode and although the scenery is beautiful, it's a boring ride. The animatronics are outstanding, but it just was a bunch of nothing.
Description: Take a mystical journey by boat into Pandora's glowing bio-luminescent rainforest.
Kilimanjaro Safaris. The line for this said 70 minutes. My husband and I went to wait while the other two went to the bathroom. At some point Andy stopped to wait for them while I continued in line. I was almost to the front when we texted me to come back because we were still waiting. I was very frustrated when I got back because I had been at the front, the really nice lady that worked the ride took us through to the fast pass line. The regular line was super quick and within 15 minutes I had been in the front.
This is more an experience than a ride, however it's truly amazing and worth a wait
Description: Set off in an open-air vehicle for a guided tour of a lush African savanna and spot real animals roaming free.
Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain. We were lucky enough to be able to ride this one twice. I didn't ride it last time and now I regret it because it's such a fun ride. It's the only real thrill type ride here and it's super fun!
Description: Careen through icy Himalayan peaks on a speeding train while avoiding the clutches of the mythic Yeti.
Kali River Rapids. This is always a must ride. It's really fun trying to figure out who's going to end up backwards or the most wet. We ended up pretty dry on our ride
Description: Set out on a thrilling whitewater adventure through a lush jungle in the heart of Asia.
It's Tough to be a Bug!. This isn't a ride, it's an attraction/show and it's really cute. We didn't have time last time to stop and younger kids can be a little scared. Hopper is scary and the seats both “sting you” and allow the other “bugs” to run out first.
Description: Discover what it's like to be a bug during this 3D film and live show inspired by the Disney and Pixar movie A Bug's Life
Dinosaur. This is another one I didn't ride last time and regret it. It's super fun! It's very shakey and moves a lot, it's also very loud.
Description: Travel back in time on a perilous prehistoric race to rescue a dinosaur-before the meteor s tricks
Epcot
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow. This was our second park. They are open 9-9 and we were there from 930 until about 930 PM. It was also being set up for International Food & Wine so there was extra food available. There aren't a ton of rides here but the ones that are here are quality. We didn't make it to the acquiram to see Nemo or Crush but we rode everything else we wanted.
Spaceship Earth. We didn't get to ride this one last time as it was down, it kept going down this time while we were on it. It was a little crazy and we thought for sure we'd have to walk down the stairs! I forgot how slow moving this ride is, it's very visually stunning though
Description: Travel through time and explore the remarkable history of human communication from the Stone Age to the computer Age
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. This ride is simply just amazing! It's smooth and stunning and so much fun! We didn't get in on the first virtual queue. When we got to the park we decided to purchase a lightening lane for it and then try for the 1 PM virtual queue. We got a spot for the virtual which was set to be called before our lightening lane. We got called for our virtual queue while we were in line for Remy, so we ran from France to make sure we could get on. The let us on for our virtual even though we were a few minutes late (they give you an hour) then while we were in line we were called for our Lightening Lane so we got to get off the best ride ever and go right back on!
Description: Take off on an intergalactic chase through space and time with the Guardians of the Galaxy.
Soarin' Around the World. This one never peaked my interest, to be honest I find it rather boring. Everyone else wanted to go on it and loved it!
Description: Take flight on a breezy, airborne adventure as you hang glide above the breathtaking wonders of the world.
Remy's Ratatouille Adventure. This ride is really a gem. It's located in France and is very popular. You ride in a little mouse car with 3D glasses through the kitchen. It's just the cutest! We got crapes and ice cream to eat while standing in line!
Description: Feel like you've been shrunk down to Chef Remy's size for a 4D culinary adventure based on the Disney and Pixar film Ratatouille. When you're small, life is a big adventure
Frozen Ever After. This is another cute one. It used to be a different scarier ride before it was re-done. It's located in Norway along with Ana & Elsa meet and Greets (That's super fun too)
Description: Voyage to Arendelle aboard an ancient Nordic vessel as you take a musical tour of the wintery world of Frozen
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros. This was just ok but it really is a must ride. It's located in Mexico inside the building.
Description: Take in the sights of Mexico and the antics of 3 feathered amigos on this gentle boat ride through the Mexico Pavilion
We did not ride Mission Space and Test Track was down for refurbishment. We just didn't make it to the Turtle Talk with Crush or Nemo. We ate food and explored around the world
Journey into the Imagination with Figment. I love this one, its one of my favorites! We also had a chance to meet Figment after the ride and be warned, they did not do the costume justice. This is located in World Celebration
Description: Figment the playful dragon is your guide on this delightful ride through the sensory labs of Imagination Institute
Magic Kingdom
This park is truly amazing. The castle, the rides, the food, just everything! This was meant to be our second park but they closed early for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party on Tuesday so we decided to wait. It was open 9-10 and we got there at 930 and got on the ferry boat at 1030. It was truly an awesome day. We rode every single ride that we wanted to except for Jungle Cruise which was closed for refurbishment.
Tron Lightcycle Run. We couldn't ride this last time, it was virtual queue only and even though we got in the queue our time didn't come up until after the park was closed. This time it is a regular queue so we could stand in line. It was the longest ride line we stood in the entire time we were here. It was over an hour but actually moved quickly. It's a super short fast ride. This is located at the end of Tomorrowland
Description: Speed across a world with no horizons in a high-stakes race based on the Disney sci-fi film TRON; Lecacy.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. We rode this last time and it's a super fun ride. It really is a classic, this ride is located in Frontierland.
Description: Race through a haunted gold mine aboard a speeding train on this thrilling coaster-style ride
Haunted Mansion. This is another classic, it's so cute and “spooky”. This is one of the rides that has a complete storyline behind it and the movies were made based on the ride. This ride is located in Liberty Square
Description: Climb aboard a gloomy doom buggy for a grave journey through a labyrinth of haunted chambers
Pirates of the Caribbean. This is such a cute, amazing ride. Catchy songs and Jack Sparrow. This ride is located in Adventureland.
Description: Set sail on a swashbuckling voyage to a long-forgotten time and place when pirates and privateers ruled the seas.
It's a Small Word. This is my most favorite ride. I'm not sure why, it's just happiness in a ride for me. This is located in Fantasyland.
Description: Embark on a whimsical boat ride past a jubilant chorus of children from around the globe.
Monster's Inc Laugh Floor. This is an attraction that just a good time! It's super funny and these guys are so good and getting people to laugh. This is located in Tomorrowland.
Description: Participate in a hilarious gag-tastic interactive comedy show
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. I have never been able to ride this since the line is always so long! We got super lucky; it had been shut down for issues. We were walking past and saw them testing it and decided to hop in line. We waited about 10 minutes with some other people and were able to hop right now! It was amazing and not at all what I expected. This is located in Fantasyland.
Description: Race through the diamond mine from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on a swaying family coaster ride
Space Mountain. I forgot how fun this ride is! I didn't ride it last time and regretted it. It was so much fun! This is located in Tomorrowland
Description: Blast off on a rip-roaring rocket into the furthest reaches of outer space on this roller-coaster ride in the dark
Tiana's Bayou Adventure. This was closed while we were there last year. We got in on the later virtual queue and were able to ride it. It's super cute!! All they did was re-theme it, it's exactly the same as Splash Mountain!
Description: Drop on in and come along for the ride with Princess Tiana on this exhilarating musical adventure.
Hollywood Studios
This was our last park; it wasn't intended to be that way. I call this one the “adult” park because besides Toy Story Land most of the rides are geared towards adults and people seeking more thrill rides. We got here at 930 and left at 930, it was so much fun! We rode every single ride except the couple little kid rides and although I wanted to, there just wasn't time to watch Indiana Jones or Muppets 3D.
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Wow this ride is cute! The colors inside are amazing and it feels like you are actually in a cartoon! You also will never know if you're going to do the Congo or the Cha Cha! This is located in Hollywood Boulevard
Description: Zip away on a zany adventure through a cartoon universe crammed with surprises
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This is a decent fun time. Last time I was a gunner, this time the girls flew. We were terrible but it was so much fun! The ride attendant reminded up when it was over that he too was on the ship! This is located in Star War's Galaxy's Edge
Description: Fly the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling interactive smuggling mission
Rock N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This was closed for refurbishment last time we were here; they did a really good job because it's a nice smooth ride now! It's my husband's favorite and the only ride at Disney that goes upside down! This is located in Sunset Boulevard
Description: Race along the darkened freeways of Los Angeles in a super-stretch limo to the rockin' tunes of Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash. This one is geared towards kids and is very popular, however it's actually super quick and really fun. The theming on this ride and the Toy Story area is amazing! You will literally feel like a toy. This is obviously located in Toy Story Land
Description: Take off on a family-friendly coaster that twists and turns past giant toys and spring across Andy's oversized backyard!
Star Tours ~ The Adventure Continue. This not popular at all, in fact both times I've been to Disney we were able to walk on. It's definitely under rated as this is super fun! Located in Echo Lake
Description: Make the jump to hyperspace on a thrilling 3D space flight to legendary destinations from the Star Wars Saga
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This is a crazy ride, before you even get on the ride you will be stunned by the things you encounter on the way. Even if you aren't a Star War's fan you will probably enjoy this a lot! Located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Description: Join the resistance in an unforgettable battle against the first order on this exciting ride
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. I rode this last time, and I was actually excited to ride it again! This is such a fun ride, and you don't know how many times or how far you will drop! This is located in Sunset Boulevard
Description: Hurtle up and down aboard a haunted elevator-style life. You're about to enter....The Twilight Zone
I saved this for the end as it was easier to explain, plus there's a story involved!
Savi's Workshop ~ Handbuilt Lightsabers. This is located in Galaxy's Edge, and you have to schedule an appointment. Several members of our party did this last time but this time only one did. You can schedule an appointment on the App or Website. For whatever the app wasn't allowing me to schedule, so I went to the website. Even though I typed in Disney World it somehow scheduled me in Disneyland! I didn't notice it until the next day, so I had to call and cancel it “Hi, I have a lightsaber build scheduled however I'm literally standing in Disney World” they were very understanding and helped me to cancel it.
You can buy lightsabers at most of the stores in and around Galaxy's Edge, however Savi's gives you the opportunity to build one from parts, it's a super neat experience. You will have to put in a credit card to book and that will charge you as soon as you check in.
I feel like Disney makes it easy for anyone to visit no matter you're budget. 4 days definitely isn't long enough to see everything however it is enough to ride all the rides. As with our last visit we took a day off, allowed ourselves to sleep in and just take a day of rest of the crazyness of the parks.
I love going to theme parks like this. My personal opinion is that Disney truly is the Happiest Place on Earth. I know it seems expensive however it's 100% worth it.
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