[Madchen]

I feel bad popping in here all the time with all these questions! I'm one of those people who has to be over-prepared I suppose. This is only my second trip out of town as the only adult going.

First off, I'm pulling my daughter out of school for a week (which is not good, as she missed four days in Sept. for Disneyland, but I won money in a sweepstakes and this is our big chance to see WDW!) Somewhere online, when I was preparing for the earlier trip, I saw a sample letter to send a teacher explaining the educational benefits of WDW. I couldn't really use it because it mentioned Epcot a lot. I'd love to print that out for her teacher. Can't find it, has anyone seen it?

Also, my daughter's favorite rides are IASW (Is it closed right now? I think I heard it was) Autopia (I know it's Indy Speedway at WDW or something like that) and the Railroad. Wow, does she love that Railroad. We rode that thing ALL the time. She'd get off in Tomorrowland because the dinosaur/Grand Canyon part scared her, then we'd get back on at Main Street. Does the WDW railroad have any "scary" parts? Dark/noisy stuff seems to be what gets to her. And she loved all the rides in "a bugs life" area at DCA, looks like those are all at Disney-MGM.

I'll probably add more questions, I'm full of them.

[DisneyTeacher]

I can't help you with the letter, sorry. As a teacher, I just want a honest letter telling me when you will be gone and when your child will return. All the other stuff about it being an educational trip really isn't needed, you are going to WDW to have a fun family vacation. Most teachers understand how important family time is.

I can't recall any dark sacry part to the WDW railroad. It does tour through Splash Mountain but it isn't scary.

Keep asking quiestion, that's what DC is all about. We love to help out!

[lisalovesmickey]

IASW is scheduled to open in March.

Keep the questions coming, that is what we are here for.

Lisa

[lisalovesmickey]

Plus, I have never been to DL but "it's Tought To Be A Bug" 3d movie is at Animal Kingdom. I don't know of any Bugs Life stuff at MGM but I could be wrong.

Lisa

[PrincessJill]

According to disneyguy - who keeps an AWESOME wdw rehab schedule thread (http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...3&page=1&pp=15) - IASW will be closed until March 18th.

The Indy Speedway is fun, but be prepared for a loooooong wait. There's no fastpass and it tends to be pretty popular.

And I agree with DisneyTeacher about the railroad... I can't think of any scary parts. I think there's a part where a lion roars when you're supposed to be in the jungle, and you pass by some scenes with animatronics. And like DT mentioned, you go through a tunnel with windows looking into Splash Mountain.

Keep the questions coming!

[PrincessJill]

oops sorry lisalovesmickey, I didn't see your IASW post before I posted mine.

[Dana]

Don't you ever apologize for questions on here. That's why we are here. Soon you will have your own experience with WDW and will be able to help out people too....it's fun! As for the note to the teacher, do as DisneyTeacher suggested. I think it may be even better to ask to see her after class and speak in person. Just tell her about your trip and ask if it's possible to make-up what she will be missing or take some along with you. i suggest you do that as soon as possible. I can't imagine the teacher being happy about a last minute thing. You have 22 days till you leave, so do it now and remind her again the week before you leave with a note. Family time is as or more important that any lesson learned in school. Enjoy your planning and be sure to do it here with us.

Have you made and priority seatings for meals? You should probally make a few so you aren't waiting forever to have a nice meal. A few great character breakfasts or meals is : chef mickeys, crystal palace, cinderella's royal table (hard to get), breakfastsaurus and liberty tree tavern. A few great family meal without character is whispering canyon, o'hanna and hoop-dee-doo (dinner show that require payment in full before you go). Have fun with the planning...it's half the fun.

[FireAngel]

I thought I saw something about being a FP for IASW but I'm not really sure. We are here to help as Dana pointed it out, therefore when you go you can help someone else and pass along the advice

It's Though to be a bug is at AK, and depending on her age, depends if she is going to be scared. My youngest daughter was 2 when we went and she was scared of the movie. The thought of Bugs coming to life scared her to death

Anyways, Have a great time!!

[Madchen]

You guys are great.

My daughter's teacher just went out on paternity leave (his wife just had a baby) and she has a new teacher who everyone says is mean and strict. I'm scared of her. Hee hee, I'll contact her this week though, I know it's important.

Yes, I need a PS for Breakfastsaurus! I looove Donald. I'll call and get that done!

Oh shoot, we'll miss IASW, we're leaving the 15th. We didn't see "It's Tough to be a Bug" at DL, we ran out of time, I can't wait! Oh yeah, AK is where "a bug's life" is, you're right, I forgot.

Sounds like my daughter will have me riding the Disney Railroad a lot again, hee hee.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by Madchen

Sounds like my daughter will have me riding the Disney Railroad a lot again, hee hee.

I had such a blast on the railroad this year. Me and my DD hadn't been on it since she was a tot so it was almost new to us. We took it to each land, got off, rode the attractions in that aread and then boarded it again and off to the next land...it was SO fun and a new way for us to tour MK. As for the teacher, don't be afraid of her. She may be getting a bad rap. Give her a shot and you may be pleasantly surprised. Funny story: I trasnferred to a new store as a manager. No one would talk to me and were acting really weird around me....studdering and acting afraid. I finally got tired of it and asked someone what the heck was going on. Apparently they heard I was mean and nasty....hmm not even close to being true. So, moral of the story: rumors are just that. Give her a chance.

[llama]

My DH LOVES the railroad! And I love it, just to see the smile on his face when we're on it. (I don't think any part of it scared him - lol) Please don't apologize about asking questions. That's what DC is all about.

As for the teacher - I wouldn't worry. We took our kids out of school every year and the response I got from most of their teachers was "can I come too?"

[FireAngel]

Hehe Llama! I got that same response when I told my daughter's teacher where we were really going.

[mickaholic4077]

Madchen,there is a possibility that IASW might be hvaing what they call "soft openings"-where they open the attraction to anyone who just happens to be in the area at any given time. This is done in order to test out the attraction. I would just ask at City Hall in MK when you go if there are any scheduled soft openings that day for it.

[Madchen]

Oh my daughter would love that -- she loves that ride. I wonder how different it is from the DLR ride. It would be fun to see. :)

Cinderellabration is supposed to "soft open" while we're there...I really hope we get the chance to see it!!

[gingles]

Railroad shouldn't be scary in the least.

If you're going to WDW and buy one book, it should be the Unofficial Guide to WDW (disclaimer: I have no connection to them) Critical reviews and descriptions of everything there and excellent touring plans. It's thick so you'll have to read fast in 22 days.

Have fun! Couple of notes: MK at WDW is bigger than DL but not quite as cute. Pirates ride at WDW is not as good as at DL.

Space Mountain is the bomb!!!