Hello from Orlando!

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Wed, 01/01/2014 - 16:55

Melli

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Posts: 56

Hello from Orlando!

Hiya Everyone. I am new to this forum (obivously), but not entirely new to WDW for Grown Ups. I've been following the Facebook page for a while, and decided to check out the website. I saw the forum, and figured: heck! Why not? Talk to other fellow Disney lovers would be fun. So here I am!

I guess I should introduce myself: my name is Melanie, but most people just call me Melli. I am 27 years old... I guess that counts as a grown up right? (I still think I am 5 but don't tell my adult self that, she's touchy about the subject) I was going to sign up with the name DisneyBaby, and then I figured Melli would do just fine. However DisneyBaby does explain a lot about myself as my parents met at the German Pavilion at Epcot Center. I grew up surrounded by Disney. It's all I have really known (well that is until I expanded my horizons.... Now Harry Potter takes up a lot of my life as well).

As you see from my subject line, I am in Orlando. I live and work and play here. I was an Annual Passholder but then you know finances can be a bummer (such is the Adult life). BUT I am happy and proud to say I will be an AP again by the end of this month. My current job allows me to afford Luxuries for a change. So I am bouncing off the walls at the idea of being able to just walk through the parks and take it all in...

So I am excited to be here. I definitely am going to seek out people's experiences and thoughts about WDW. I want to be able to experience it all and share it with y'all... Ok. I should stop talking. Girls do talk too much, and I am no exception.

xoxo

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:00

JoAnn C

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Posts: 6757

Glad you joined us. Tell us about some of your favorites (rides, restaurants, etc).

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Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:09

Spook

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Posts: 2786

welcome! I'm so happy to hear you'll be an AP holder again ( and maybe a bit jealous too ) I am also a Harry Potter fan!

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:21

Melli

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Posts: 56

I have quite a few favorites, but when I go to Disney, these are the rides I will try to get in my day as best as I can (there's a lot of park hopping involved):
- Spaceship Earth (in German).
- Maelstrom.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.
- Carousel of Progress.
- Dumbo.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris.
These are my favorites to do anytime, any day. Oh, and I forgot the Monorail. I am quite content riding the Monorail.

When it comes to restaurants, I haven't been to many, as of yet. So I hope to read reviews that will make me want to try a particular place. And the negative reviews (I've seen a couple people state the disappointment in Chef Mickeys) will push me to try it out and see for myself, and hope for a better experience But of the few restaurants I have been to, the Teppan Edo is so far my favorite.

As it is, my favorite princess (and one of my favorite Disney movies, after Bambi and Dumbo) is Belle, and therefore Beauty and the Beast, I am hoping to eat at Be Our Guest. It is my goal for the year 2014 (I heard reservations are hard to get with this place...).

EDIT: Spook Potter/Disney fans combined are the best

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:19

Vettelover

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Posts: 4658

Hello and to our group. Glad you decided to join us. Get ready for a lot of talk of food, it's one of our favorite topics.

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Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:22

Spook

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Joined: 04/27/2012

Posts: 2786

Melli wrote:

I have quite a few favorites, but when I go to Disney, these are the rides I will try to get in my day as best as I can (there's a lot of park hopping involved):
- Spaceship Earth (in German).
- Maelstrom.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.
- Carousel of Progress.
- Dumbo.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris.
These are my favorites to do anytime, any day. Oh, and I forgot the Monorail. I am quite content riding the Monorail.

When it comes to restaurants, I haven't been to many, as of yet. So I hope to read reviews that will make me want to try a particular place. And the negative reviews (I've seen a couple people state the disappointment in Chef Mickeys) will push me to try it out and see for myself, and hope for a better experience But of the few restaurants I have been to, the Teppan Edo is so far my favorite.

As it is, my favorite princess (and one of my favorite Disney movies, after Bambi and Dumbo) is Belle, and therefore Beauty and the Beast, I am hoping to eat at Be Our Guest. It is my goal for the year 2014 (I heard reservations are hard to get with this place...).

EDIT: Spook Potter/Disney fans combined are the best

If only Disney made Harry Potter World instead of Universal......

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 17:30

Melli

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Posts: 56

Universal did a really good job with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And sadly, I can't be mad at them: I worked it. I worked at Dragon Challenge (formerly known as Dueling Dragons). I wore those green patted pants and brown suspenders. I was there for over a year, and really enjoyed it. But I left for a better paying position.

BUT, and don't get me wrong I do love Universal, I can safely say that the only good thing about Universal is Harry Potter. I will say this time and time again, the difference between Disney and Universal is Disney pays attention to detail which Universal didn't until Potter came around. But I am excited about Diagon Alley.

__________________

"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 21:41

Spook

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Posts: 2786

Melli wrote:

Universal did a really good job with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And sadly, I can't be mad at them: I worked it. I worked at Dragon Challenge (formerly known as Dueling Dragons). I wore those green patted pants and brown suspenders. I was there for over a year, and really enjoyed it. But I left for a better paying position.

BUT, and don't get me wrong I do love Universal, I can safely say that the only good thing about Universal is Harry Potter. I will say this time and time again, the difference between Disney and Universal is Disney pays attention to detail which Universal didn't until Potter came around. But I am excited about Diagon Alley.

I agree universal did a good job ( although it's too small but they are expanding it). I just wish Disney did it since then you wouldn't have to go off property to get to it And with Disneys attention to detail, I believe it'd be even better than what it is now ( which is pretty good!)

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 22:23

Kristen K.

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Posts: 23803

Helli Melli! Welcome to our Happy Place!

Sat, 01/04/2014 - 05:16

Ms.Mouse

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Posts: 358

Hi Melli,
I am also a Harry Potter fan and loved visiting IOA for just that reason. We are going to wait until 2015 to visit again maybe the crowds won't be as crazy after the first year of Diagon Alley. So jealous you are so close to it all! Welcome!

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 22:52

Melli

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Joined: 01/01/2014

Posts: 56

Spook, I suppose you are right about that. I think Disney probably would have done much more to it. Either way, I am anxious about the Diagon Alley expansion.

Ms. Mouse, when I first visited the Potter world, it was in September 2010. It opened in June that year. I knew I had to wait until the Summer crowds were gone. And I was right to do so. My friend and I got to see everything, and do the main Potter ride twice So I am planning on visiting the expansion in September this year again. It'll be safe to assume it won't be as crowded as in the summer

And thank you everyone for your welcome wishes

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 23:12

Spook

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Joined: 04/27/2012

Posts: 2786

When does the expansion open?

Wed, 01/01/2014 - 23:35

JoAnn C

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Posts: 6757

Spook wrote:

When does the expansion open?

Last I saw it was scheduled to open in July of this year. That was a while ago. I don't know if that has changed.

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Wed, 01/01/2014 - 23:45

Melli

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Posts: 56

Tbh, I have no idea. I heard July as well at first, then I heard late May. So it fluctuates. I am sure they will announce sometime soon an official date.

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Thu, 01/02/2014 - 00:24

Eeyore

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Joined: 11/22/2012

Posts: 1120

Welcome! It's always nice having someone on the forum who actually lives in the Disney bubble! So, what's it like living around Disney? I am assuming it never gets old, otherwise you would not be joining this site! Anyway, welcome!

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Thu, 01/02/2014 - 02:56

PirateGirl

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Joined: 08/01/2012

Posts: 2037

Welcome Melli and Happy New Year. As you can see everyone on this site absolutely loves, Loves, LOVES all things Disney. I am looking forward to hearing all about what you love about Disney.

Thu, 01/02/2014 - 14:40

Allie

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Posts: 5477

Hi and ! How cute that your parents met in Epcot! What a great story!

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Fri, 01/03/2014 - 07:23

Magic Mirror

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Fri, 01/03/2014 - 12:38

alicemouse

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Hi Melli, welcome to the board!!

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Sat, 01/04/2014 - 03:27

kywildcatchick

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Posts: 281

Melli wrote:

I have quite a few favorites, but when I go to Disney, these are the rides I will try to get in my day as best as I can (there's a lot of park hopping involved):
- Spaceship Earth (in German).
- Maelstrom.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover.
- Carousel of Progress.
- Dumbo.
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Kilimanjaro Safaris.
These are my favorites to do anytime, any day. Oh, and I forgot the Monorail. I am quite content riding the Monorail.

When it comes to restaurants, I haven't been to many, as of yet. So I hope to read reviews that will make me want to try a particular place. And the negative reviews (I've seen a couple people state the disappointment in Chef Mickeys) will push me to try it out and see for myself, and hope for a better experience But of the few restaurants I have been to, the Teppan Edo is so far my favorite.

As it is, my favorite princess (and one of my favorite Disney movies, after Bambi and Dumbo) is Belle, and therefore Beauty and the Beast, I am hoping to eat at Be Our Guest. It is my goal for the year 2014 (I heard reservations are hard to get with this place...).

EDIT: Spook Potter/Disney fans combined are the best

Hello and welcome!! I too am a Belle fan and BOG restaurant is a must do!! One hint is to get to the podium at 4:30 when they start seating for dinner and you can possibly get in for dinner. We have been lucky twice so far doing this when reservations were full

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Sat, 01/04/2014 - 05:20

Ms.Mouse

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Posts: 358

We did BOG for lunch. We had to wait in the line but it went quickly. The food was delicious, so if you can't get an ADR then lunch is always an option.

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 01:05

JMUDukz

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Posts: 822

Hi Melli and welcome!! I love Belle and LOVE the Fantasyland expansion with so much focus on B&TB. Hope you get BOG soon, it's worth the experience!

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 01:13

RobynPrincess

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Hi and welcome! I would live in Orlando given half the chance so I'm super jealous!

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 09:59

Disney Holic

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Hi and welcome
I'm also a newbie to the forum, it seems a very friendly group. As someone who lives so far from the World and can only make occasional visits, I am really looking forward to getting ideas from someone who lives and works in the Magic and maybe learning insider tips.
My daughter and I are both mad Harry Potter fans too and looking forward to seeing the Diagon Alley expansion in mid November, hopefully the crowds will have died down.

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 11:48

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Greetings from another local. A few of us are scattered about here.

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 14:24

Melli

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Joined: 01/01/2014

Posts: 56

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome messages.

I thank you for the tips in regards to BOG. I definitely am going to try to get in there sometime soon. Just gotta get my AP first. Just 11 more days until I do.

Living around Disney has been part of most of my entire life. When I lived in the suburbs of Paris, I was 15 mins away from Disneyland Paris. So to me, it's the most natural thing in the world to look around and see a hint of Disney everywhere I go

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 15:40

alicemouse

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Posts: 2832

One more for BOG--make sure you use My Disney Experience to check same day ADR's. We found one for 5:30 dinner on a day that had been booked for months. Unfortunately, I didn't check until around 4:45 and there's no way we would have may it in time from Saratoga. I think the cancellation period is 24-hours to not get charged the $10, right?

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 19:19

Melli

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Posts: 56

Oh that's great tip, Alice Mouse. Thank you so much!

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

Mon, 01/06/2014 - 21:57

Sid Man

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Posts: 528

Melli wrote:

Universal did a really good job with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And sadly, I can't be mad at them: I worked it. I worked at Dragon Challenge (formerly known as Dueling Dragons). I wore those green patted pants and brown suspenders. I was there for over a year, and really enjoyed it. But I left for a better paying position.

BUT, and don't get me wrong I do love Universal, I can safely say that the only good thing about Universal is Harry Potter. I will say this time and time again, the difference between Disney and Universal is Disney pays attention to detail which Universal didn't until Potter came around. But I am excited about Diagon Alley.

I enjoyed the Harry Potter area but can't say too much about the Dragon Challenge...not only did my coaster not challenge any dragons, but we sat and watched 4 rival dragons go past us as we sat on the climb - going nowhere! haha!

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Mon, 01/06/2014 - 23:44

Melli

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Posts: 56

Sid Man wrote:

Melli wrote:
Universal did a really good job with their Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And sadly, I can't be mad at them: I worked it. I worked at Dragon Challenge (formerly known as Dueling Dragons). I wore those green patted pants and brown suspenders. I was there for over a year, and really enjoyed it. But I left for a better paying position.

BUT, and don't get me wrong I do love Universal, I can safely say that the only good thing about Universal is Harry Potter. I will say this time and time again, the difference between Disney and Universal is Disney pays attention to detail which Universal didn't until Potter came around. But I am excited about Diagon Alley.

I enjoyed the Harry Potter area but can't say too much about the Dragon Challenge...not only did my coaster not challenge any dragons, but we sat and watched 4 rival dragons go past us as we sat on the climb - going nowhere! haha!

I am sorry you had to experience that. Dragon Challenge has a new story. You, as a Muggle, are to challenge the Dragon. There is no more Dueling between Dragons... New story comes with new ride.
That being said, if you were right at the bottom of the lift, there is a very good chance a controls operator stopped your Dragon. I was one of those Control operators, so I would know

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"Laughter is Timeless, Imagination has no Age, and Dreams are Forever." -Walt Disney.
I am now an Annual Passholder (as of January 17th 2014).

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Hello from Orlando!