What's the one thing you never leave WDW without doing?

Great question...

For me it would be ride Soarin'

We have to do Splash Mountain! It wouldn't be a trip to WDW without getting wet!

We can't go into the Magic Kingdom without riding Space Mountain.

Since my kids are younger, every trip is different as far as rides go. There are two restaurants we always do though. Big River Brewing the first night for dinner, and Chef Mickey's for breakfast at some point during the trip. This year, the kids want to start trying the big rides - the Mountains, Test Track, Tower of Terror, so maybe they'll become our traditions.

Kathy

Millie, Tony, and Brad -- I can't BELIEVE how long it's been since I've ridden those rides!

Kcoppola -- How do you like Big River? I've heard mixed reviews and would love to hear your thoughts. How much fun to have the kids ready for the "big" rides!

Personally, our thing we never leave without doing is swimming in the pool. After so many years living in the northeast, swimming in a nice, heated pool when the weather is lovely is a little treat every single time. Doesn't seem like much, but that's when I know I'm really on vacation...

I always go to the Boardwalk and have dinner somewhere.

Seeing kids do a ride for the first time has to be great. Are they brave in general? (I was really scared of rollercoasters until I had ridden my first one, then I was a big fan!)

Where's your favorite? Have you tried Big River Grill??

Would love to hear your review. I've heard the menu's changed a bit since the opening.

I worked at the Nashville Big River running the front side of the kitchen (expo) before my time with the PD. If anyone has any questions, even though it's been nearly eight years, I can likely answer them.

Wow really? How do you like the version in Disney?

I haven't been because all their locations are very similar. After having cooked/eaten/expo'd/prepped everything on the menu hundreds of times, it loses its appeal to me. Also, being that I don't drink the brewery aspect doesn't appeal to me. I understand the beer is excellent, but I've never had any of it (funny considering I could have had all the free beer I could handle).

I'm not a big drinker, but I do enjoy trying a new beer. The last time we were there we weren't wild about the food, but I didn't think to try the beer. I'm also not sure what I ate, but I have a feeling I picked the wrong thing. In fact I've just started a thread where you guys can tell me what to try next time.

They have a sampler where you can taste all the beers.

That's cool! What do most people like best?

Nashville Steamer, Southern Flyer (light), and Sweet Magnolia are the only ones that were at the Nashville location when I was. All of those were quite popular

You probably would have gotten tired of it pretty quickly, I imagine.

Is it a good company? Did you enjoy your time there?

Honestly, I would say they are pretty typical for the restaurant industry; which is not a compliment. At my location, most of the kitchen staff were current or ex-felons, the dishwashers illegal immigrants, drug and alcohol abuse ran rampant, etc. Most of the hourly and salaried staff were underpaid, and those salaried worked many more hours than they were 'paid for'.

Understand though, that these things are the 'rule' in the business, not the exception. This is most common in high-volume establishments, especially in urban environments.

edit: I would not let these things dissuade you from going, unless you make it a rule to stay away from any such establishment/company.

Restaurant food is like sausage. You enjoy it more if you don't think about how it's made!

LOL. Right you are sir.

LifL, were you happier when you were unaware of what kind of things went on in a restaurant kitchen?

Well, my time in restaurants before that was in fine dining, so yeah it was a bit of a shock. I had my suspicions, but to see the things that go on with my own eye balls made it a bit different. That said, we do still eat out from time to time. At the end of the day, I would say you are better off not knowing.

My Grandma alway said, "you have to eat a peck of dirt before you die"...I think I've already had my share
!!

I always buy several pins!

Zz.

Shocking admissions!