[markypooh]

We just returned from Orlando via our trusty mini-van. We had a great trip with an easy drive and pretty darn good weather too! WE stayed at the Raddison Resort Parkway at a great rate courtesy of Mouse Savers and purchased our tickets for Dis. as well as Universal from Ticketmania also courtesy of Mouse Savers! I would highly recommend both. The most magical moment of the trip (and there were more than one) was stopping at guest services at EPCOT to rearrange our lunch P.S. I asked the cast member to note on our P.S. that it was my daughters 18th Birthday and another castmember overheard. This wonderful gentleman then invited us to view the Illuminations that evening from the V.I.P. area. WOW we didnt have to stake out a spot and we all enjoyed the show very much! If anyone has any questions that I can help with Im more than happy to respond!

[mickey]

Welcome home, glad you had a great trip! Wow, maybe next trip I am going to wear my "It's my birthday today" shirt and see what happens. Couldn't hurt.

[LRTJS]

We are going to Epcot Aug 3 and my granddaughter's birthday is the 7. Maybe we can celebrate a little early. We will be traveling home on her birthday so that won't be much fun for her. Glad you had a wonderful time(How could you not?) also good to hear the weather has improved. Tell us more. What was your kids favorite thing? Where did you eat? I love to hear about the trips.:)

[markypooh]

LRTJS, I know youre excited about your trip! A couple of tips that might help-We had a late lunch in the MK at Liberty tree tavern, about 1:45 and stepped out to a perfect viewing spot for the parade. Everyone seems to gather toward the front of the park so there was prime viewing spots in front of the tavern and across the street as well! In the evening,not only can you get a late seat for the parade but if you stand next to the popcorn stand just next to the tavern and look toward the castle,youll be able to see tinkerbell begin her flight and its also a great view of the fireworks! If you have to ask a cast member that works in that area, they'll tell you just where to stand. 50s primetime cafe in MGM is our favorite restaraunt, leave room for a chocolate shake. We also had breakfast this trip at the Crystal Palace. We have always eaten at Tonys before but they had discontinued breakfast there since our last visit, however I was told that during the time youll be there, the crystal palace is being refurbished and they are moving breakfast back to Tonys. We mentioned the birthday there as well and what a treat! Tigger gave my daughter a big kiss and a birthday card signed by the Pooh characters! I could go on and on!! Have a WONDERFUL trip!!!

[LRTJS]

Hey Markypoo-Thanks for the information. We will take your advice about the parades for MK. Also, I have always wanted to go to the 50's Diner and the Sci Fi one. On our other trips we have been so intent on covering each park in a day we only ate on the run. We are going to do better this time. I think the eating will be as exciting as the rides and shows! Thanks again for sharing.:love:

[disneyaunt]

OK. Let's see if I can do this too!
disneyaunt

[rjcreech]

Thanks for sharing the tips Markypooh!

I'm so nervous, only a few weeks to go and I'll be there!!!!!

[markypooh]

Absorb all you can! I remember our first trip. Mere words cannot explain! Just enjoy.

[signer]

My husband and I had dinner at the Crystal Palace. It was wonderful eating with EEYORE (My favorite), Pooh, Tigger, and Piglet. I was talking to one of the cast memebers and they said that the Crystal Palace might close for afew months for renovation. I don't know when so you might want to check that out. Good Luck.

[mickey]

Signer, Crystal Palace is currently closed for rehab, and will be so until sometime later this Fall. Tony's Townsquare Restaurant in MK is having a Pooh breakfast while it is closed.

[Cinderellafifi]

Markypooh, I am so glad to hear you had a good time. Any pros and cons you wish to share on your experience, just in general? When Bruce and I were there at the same time, he experienced an overall downturn in castmember's attitudes but we didn't seem to find that. What about you?

The birthday was a big success - good for you guys! When I was at the MK in June, I wore my birthday button and many people noticed - including the parade members who kept yelling at me "Happy Birthday". It was fun!

[Goofette]

Thanks for the trip Report Markypooh. I can't wait until we get to celebrate dd birthday there (March 8). We were supposed to have gone last year at that time, but had to push it to April. I'm hoping things around here will get smoothed out (husbands company moved production to another Country) and we'll be able to go as planned. I haven't said much to Maegan in case it doesn't happen. I just want to do this for her so bad, she'll be 9 (makes my heart sad that she's growing up). Who knows, we may end up back in South Carolina and we'll be all that much closer to WDW.