another left-coaster's trip to wdw

[powersof10]

I've been lurking on micechat for a while without registering but I've finally decided to register as I have questions & I'm sure you all have answers! (assuming your not sick of answering these kinds of questions already) If I'm repeating anything & can find this info. elsewhere let me know!

Background: I worked in attractions @ disneyland from '96-'99 & I did visit wdw once back when rock n' rollercoaster was under construction & while still a castmember. I'll be visiting again soon starting on a Wednesday & leaving the following Monday. We are staying at Port Orleans.


Is there much difference in terms of operating hours and crowds on weekdays vs. weekends?

With this in mind, which park/s should we visit on which days?

Which parks/attractions should be seen early in the morning vs. later at night?

Is there anything fun to do @ downtown disney now that I'm over 21 as opposed to on my first trip?

Oh yeah, forgot to mention my girlfriend is vegan. Is this a problem? (I don't mean in the grander scheme)

Any other tips?

Thanks!

[almandot]

Weekend vs Weekday hours would make a difference if it weren't for extra magic hours which you'll be eligible for since you're staying on property. Otherwise much of WDW closes way early by socal standards (well maybe not as much since they decided to start shutting down DCA at 6 sometimes gah =P). But if you take advantage of nighttime extra magic hours it makes everything work out nicely heh.

[powersof10]

Thanks! So do the parks in Florida not have magic mornings? Only extra nighttime hours? How do we get access to these extra hours? My vegan girlfriend will be signing us in as she currently works for the disney company.

[NeverNeverland]

All you need to do is show your room key and get a wristband, which is available in certain spots a few hours before EMH begin. For the morning hours, you just show your room key. Look at the WDW calendar for which park has what hours during your stay. When she signs you in, be sure she gets a ticket too - or else she won't be able to get fastpasses

DTD has Pleasure Island, which is where the clubs are. i'm not sure if you have a package w/that included or if you'll need to buy tickets there. I recommend the bucket of booze and the Adventurers Club.

[powersof10]

mmm, bucket of booze. I don't believe a more enticing alliteration has ever been spoken. I'm sure our group will approve of this...

[NeverNeverland]

They are indeed as delicious as they sound - be sure to sk the bartender for the full menu (at the rock and roll beach club they only have the rum ones listed but there are vodka ones as well)

[powersof10]

What about the vegan conundrum? Anyone with experience here regarding the best places for vegans to eat?

[SummerInFL]

The only thing I can add here is to check www.touringplans.com within 2 weeks of arrival. They take a great statistical analysis of crowd levels and tell you which parks to do on what days.

Welcome to Mice Chat and have a wonderful time while you're here!

[NeverNeverland]

What about the vegan conundrum? Anyone with experience here regarding the best places for vegans to eat?

Check out http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm for menus. I'm a meat eater so I'm not sure what place have the best options!

[powersof10]

Thanks for the suggestions on the websites, they were very helpful! Just wondered if all the micechatters are carnivorous, as humans are meant to be or is there anyone with personal experience with the vegan/vegetarian thing at disneyworld?