Weekend Update: We’re Going to Walt Disney World!
We’re going to Walt Disney World! That probably is not surprising with Pandora – World of Avatar opening soon, Happily Ever After having debuted last night, River of Light still being new-to-us, and a bunch of other changes occurring around the resort. This is a trip for which we are both really excited.
To be honest, the buildup to Walt Disney World trips is not as exciting as it once was. When we were going one or two times per year and those were our only vacations, we made countdown calendars and really built up the hype for ourselves before each trip. The night before we left was, literally, like Christmas eve as a kid. I couldn’t sleep.
As we started visiting more, that sense of anticipation waned. The trips to Walt Disney World themselves have never become mundane (and the moment they did, we’d cut back on going; this is part of the reason we have no desire to ever live in Florida). I think other Walt Disney World regulars might understand the decrease in anticipation. (Woe is us, right?) Yet this trip is decidedly different. Our hype levels are at 11, and we’re excitedly counting down the days…
A large part of this is Pandora – World of Avatar. I still remember when it was announced some six (yes, six) years ago, and I wrote my reaction in defense of the project to a chorus of criticism (and people asking why?!). Since then, I think more critics have come around on Pandora.
Regardless of whether it’s good or bad, I’m just looking forward to finally seeing it after so many years of anticipation. In the back of my mind, I’m also hoping that Pandora is knock-your-socks-off amazing, but I’m trying to keep my expectations in check. I think I’d settle for a beautiful, otherworldly environment with one of the attractions being solid (hopefully Na’vi River Journey). Animal Kingdom’s dining is already “too” good, so I’d be fine with the food being lackluster. I assume the merchandise will be a mix of puzzling and poor.
It’s the biggest addition to Walt Disney World…probably since Animal Kingdom itself, and I’m also excited to explore every inch of it, photograph it, and write about it. I am really eager to do all of this. I’ve diligently avoided all spoilers of the land, although I’ve inadvertently seen a couple things I wish I hadn’t (now that AP previews have started, I’ll probably keep a low profile on Twitter as my muted keywords are insufficient). I’m ready.
Beyond Pandora – World of Avatar, there’s a lot we want to see this trip. There’s Happily Ever After, Rivers of Light, Copper Creek, Flower and Garden at Epcot, new dining at Disney Springs, and more I’m probably forgetting. This coupled with the fact that it’s a really short trip means we have a really packed itinerary during which I know we will not be able to accomplish everything. While that makes me a bit uneasy, it also makes me more excited; it’s both a challenge and a promise of a subsequent trip that will contain more new-to-us experiences.
I don’t know why I’m sharing all of this here–I woke up early and perhaps I’ve had a bit too much coffee already this morning. Or, perhaps my exuberance is boiling over. (Probably both.)
I’m also not sure whether we’ll do a trip report about this visit. We’ve already done a few this year, and I worry that more might cross that line from sharing our experiences to boasting about our travels. We realize we are incredibly fortunate to be able to do this, and don’t want our posts to enter showboating territory.
Because just what I need is to become even more hyped up, the other day I was watching old Walt Disney World videos on YouTube (as one does) when this little gem appeared…
It’s great–you should definitely watch it. I am a real sucker for the 25th Anniversary, and I’d say this rough timeframe is the ultimate era at Walt Disney World–at least for me. I even like the Castle Cake as a temporary thing.
I’ve mentioned that I collect old Walt Disney World vacation planning DVDs, and I enjoy re-watching past years to see what was being promoted in a given year, and how things have changed over time.
I never even considered the possibility that the vacation planning videos predated DVDs, and were once sent out as VHS tapes. Well, this revelation led me to eBay, which led me to whole stockpile of old VHS tapes. I have yet to buy them as we don’t have a VCR, but I’m still considering it. (Sarah, if you’re reading this, that’s…uh…totally a joke?)
Totally random, but I’d highly recommend giving that circa-1996 video a watch. There’s some really great footage in there (although I’m bummed Figment and Dreamfinder were snubbed), and you’ll definitely want to watch all the way until the end when the Disney Institute and Disney Cruise Line (coming 1998!) are both plugged pretty extensively.
It’s really fascinating to watch that followed by the current (free) Walt Disney World vacation planning video that you can watch online. Obviously, a lot has changed about the parks. More than that, though, as things like Disney’s promotional style and the clothing styles of guests are dramatically different. I also feel like–and maybe this is just me–the guests speak differently in the 1996 video than 2017 one. Seriously, it’s as if the pitch of guest voices have changed over the years!
I think that’s it for this post. It wasn’t really much of an update so much as it was the hurriedly ramblings of an over-caffeinated and over-excited dude. I guess by now you should realize that comes with the territory in reading this blog: sometimes you get posts that are insanely helpful, other times I amuse myself by writing nonsense about Festivus. I’m sorry?
I guess to make this worth your time…are there any things you’d like to see us cover during the course of this visit to Walt Disney World? As mentioned, it’s a quick trip, so going out to Caribbean Beach to check out the temporary buffet or Pop Century to see the room renovations firsthand are probably out of the question (as much as I’d like to see both). I’m open to a few requests, but keep in mind that the first night of this visit is our AP preview of Pandora, and if it blows my mind, I might just forgo all other plans and spend the rest of the visit scheming of ways to sneak back inside. 😉
Planning a Walt Disney World trip? Learn about hotels on our Walt Disney World Hotels Reviews page. For where to eat, read our Walt Disney World Restaurant Reviews. To save money on tickets or determine which type to buy, read our Tips for Saving Money on Walt Disney World Tickets post. Our What to Pack for Disney Trips post takes a unique look at clever items to take. For what to do and when to do it, our Walt Disney World Ride Guides will help. For comprehensive advice, the best place to start is our Walt Disney World Trip Planning Guide for everything you need to know!
Your Thoughts
Are you similarly hyped for Pandora – World of Avatar and/or other new additions to Walt Disney World? Anything specific coverage you’d like to see come out of this trip we take? Any other random thoughts to go with my stream-of-consciousness rambling? 😉 Share any questions, tips, or additional thoughts you have in the comments below!
PLEASE tell us about your upcoming trip. It’s not showboating when you provide valuable information for travelers. We are visiting Disney World in mid-December, and I appreciate any information on Pandora, Rivers of Light, Happily Ever After, etc. I have used your experiences to help make my vacations better. We don’t visit Disney World frequently so your posts help us make the most of our trips when we do go. Thank you for sharing.
I am with so many others here who say that your trip reports never are perceived as “show boating”.Tto the contrary, I think you do a great job at always making your readers understand that you do not take it for granted and feel very fortunate to go with the frequency that you do! I too am fortunate to visit WDW with frequency and feel the same as you do – incredibly grateful that I am able to. So please do give us a trip report after this most exciting trip to see so many new things!
I am with you on being really excited to see Pandora, I just returned last week and was sad when the AP preview dates were announced and didn’t coincide with my dates, but that just means I get to see it in October. While I am not a super fan of Avatar the movie, I say anything that has Joe Rohde and James Cameron collaborating is going to be mind-blowingly EPIC! And I can only imagine the level of detail they have gone to, to immerse people in the world of Pandora. #cantwait !!
My first trip to WDW was in 1996 and I watched that planning video over and over and over before and for years after …. I was three at the time if that makes it less weird lol.
OMG that video. What a difference from today’s dvds! I laughed through that whole thing. It almost seemed peculiar to me because you could probably count on two hands the number of kids in that whole video. It seemed completely aimed for adults. After watching that, you’d almost think twice about bringing kids, it makes Disney seem like one big party. From the drunk, up-front close ups at Pleasure Island, to women running around Baywatch-esque in bikinis. Hilarious. Also loved all the activities people are engaging in on the *pristine* lakes. I remember that as a kid staying at the Fort. Not so much anymore! So 90s…
It’s not possible to showboat with Trip Reports! I love reading them!! Have a great trip!
I would love a trip report for this visit to see what your reactions are to the new things! I’m (theoretically) going in a few weeks.
Not showboating AT ALL!! Keep the posts and reviews on all things Disney coming! You are my absolute fave Disney blogger and very much respect your opinions. I think I read y’all are staying at POP this trip?
Ps (sorry!) You are definitely not showboating to me!
I never even considered it. When I hear you guys are off on a trip I am Insta/Twitter/Facebook ready for updates!
How else can I live vicariously until August?? (I know – August, ugh, but late August – I’m not a total noob)
I am also going in late August (for the 3rd time with my daughter). It’s my only choice as I am a teacher in MA. Any suggestions for dining (dinning plan 1TS, 1QS, & 2 snacks deal)???
Hi Jason
We never stay on site (sacrilege I know) and have never actually used the dining plan! (And have been going for almost 30 years!)
We are more go with the flow – casual some days, some days we want a sit down meal to be served rather than do it ourselves. I would imagine its much more valuable with smaller children and if you are staying onsite, you kind of ‘know where you are’ more in regards to budgeting.
Hopefully someone will have a better answer. There are some articles Tom has written on here about the dining plan though – might help.
Just curious – is it as expensive to be have a holiday during school breaks in the US as it is in the UK? Its crazy here, I always think how hard it must be for teachers and their families – no bargains to be had at all!
Hope you had a great time!
I just wondered – can you ‘get’ Pandora without having seen the film? Its really never appealed to me but will sit through it if I have to…
I am thinking so. Just a guess. I really hated the movie, so I could not even tell you the entire storyline, but I am so excited for this land. I know it will be visually stunning, as was the film.
Thanks Mindy! I anticipate not liking it but I guess its like Disney homework! 🙂
We’re heading to AK late August and my wife just watched it this weekend. She’s had no interest up until now. I think you’ll enjoy it more if you watch it but hey I haven’t seen all the Disney movies represented in the park and love it all so it’s not he be all and end all to watch the movie. Give it a go and if you’re not enjoying it then just turn it off.
Great thanks Jamie – will give it a try!
I’d love as much detail and feedback on Pandora as possible 🙂 Following updates on in it from the UK, and knowing it’s a good long while before I can get to WDW, I’m greedy for all the pictures and details you’re up for providing. I’ve always been happy to live your Disney (and other) trips vicariously, and have never thought of it as showboating or bragging- good on you guys for working so hard to be able to afford these adventures 🙂
Not only am I hoping (& waiting on the edge of my seat!) for a new Pandora centered trip report, but I’m hoping for an update to your One day touring plan for Animal Kingdom.
I’m feeling a little anxious about fitting everything in with the new Pandora addition, and would greatly appreciate your sage advice on the best way to tackle the park.
Thanks so much for taking the time to do this blog. I for one’ greatly appreciate it!
I get it about feeling like boasting but I have never felt your trip reports come off as anything besides you just trying to give as many details as possible to help others in their future travels. And just the fact you are even “thinking” about it shows you are past the “oh look at me” stage anyway. You are a gateway for so many people to live vicariously through you so if anything think about how much Joy you are bringing others… Especially for a trip you are counting down the days to with so much excitement! Cheers! And lol do you have a PO Box? I can send you a VCR 🙂
I think no matter the origin of said VCR, Sarah would not be too happy about me acquiring one–especially with pretty much every video I want on YouTube. Thanks for the offer, though! 🙂
A couple of years ago, I bought a used Sega Saturn because I was obsessed with Christmas NiGHTS into Dreams. I had to end up getting rid of that, but I still have the Sega Dreamcast (for Walt Disney World Magical Racing Tour!) and several other items that are “clutter.”
Lol! Your “collecting” cracks me up but as a fellow Christmas nut I can’t judge you for wanting to experience the nostalgia with that game. Whatever will keep you as the “jolliest nut” is a win in my book 🙂 (please tell me you are a Christmas Vacation fan too!)
Hi Tom, I seem to be with the majority in encouraging you to write a trip report. They are so much fun–we can all live vicariously through you. And you provide lots of fodder for photo and itinerary ideas.
You do not come off to me as being “self important” to me–although I have seen that show up in places with some Disney Fans, so I appreciate that you are cognizant of that being a “thing” and careful to avoid it. My family went to Disneyland last October. We had a blast and thoroughly enjoyed the trip. However, there are a lot of APs at Disneyland and some of them were outright rude when we were there (many of whom claimed to be former CMs). My family of 5 (who goes to Disney every 2 years or so) was not affected by some of the comments, but we were there with my nieces, nephew, brothers and parents, some of whom will probably only visit a Disney resort once or twice in their lives. They were completely turned off when some Disney APs started rolling their eyes when rain (unexpectedly) began falling in late October. Kids around them were sobbing (we were in the Star Wars area) because Jedi Training was cancelled. The DLR APs were right next to my mom, who was off to the side, and said, “Oh wah wah. A little rain and your trip is ruined. Grow up.” Honestly, our kids were fine in 10 minutes, but, at the time, they were devastated. Jedi Training was probably the thing some of them were most looking forward to. It may have been silly to the APs, but it was important to these kids. They got over it–obviously we all know this is not the end of the world–but they were sad. And I think they had a right to be sad.
The only post of yours I didn’t enjoy was the one where about 200 people commented with their pet peeves about Disney-goers. That actually really soured me to the whole Disney Fan world, and I avoided your blog for a while afterward. The complaints about people stopping to look at maps in the middle of the walkway, the complaints about strollers, the complaints about blah blah blah. Get over it, everyone. If you can’t look past yourself and some basic human faux pas from time to time, then Disney is not the place for you, in my opinion.
Thank you for your posts. They are a fun reading “escape” for many of us.
If it makes you feel any better, many in the Disneyland fan community are themselves aware of the “Passholes” who have the kind of attitude you described. So other APs have issues with that type of AP, too.
Interesting perspective about that Pet Peeves post. I had not thought of that, but I can definitely see how it could have come across that way. For me, that was less about Disney regulars v. casual tourists, and more venting about oblivious tourist behavior you see all over the place. Most of that stuff is not unique to Disney, and I think we’ve all been guilty of behavior that others would call their pet peeve at times. 🙂
Please post another Trip Report. I love those. It is what brought me to your site in the first place. I will always be here but I would love the trip reports they are great.
I like the exuberance and I adore your old trip reports that detail how little sleep you had and your excitement. For those of us who are unable to travel, trip reports are always gems.
Wow Tom..you brought me back with that old school video!! I’m a former college program participant from the Spring of 1996. How time flies!! We stayed at WL last month for several nights and amidst all the construction, we can see how everything is coming along nicely. The new villas and cabins look amazing (we know, we were staying in a “lake view” room that is now facing cabins in the distance). The new Geyser Point bar and grill is a refreshing addition with an excellent view of Bay Lake. Very cool place to grab a burger and a beer. Enjoy your trip!
I very much hope you write a trip review. Reading all of your experiences REALLY psychs me up for my first trip as a grown-up and all of your advice is invaluable.
Yes! Def write a report! Headed there Memorial Day weekend!
I am so excited to see Pandora! Hubby happens to have a work conference the week before so we managed to piggyback a couple days vacation over Memorial Day weekend. We got our fast passes for 3 days there. I love animal kingdom and the tree of life. I can’t wait to see the park at night and would wager that Pandora is going to be stunning at night. 🙂
I’m looking forward to your review of Happily Ever After!