Packing Begins

Yes, we are 8 days from leaving, but have all the warm weather clothes ready to do. Had to buy things for myself and the boys as it is still chilly and rainy in Seattle....but other than the right size swim trunks for J (that are on the way in the mail) all the clothes are bought and ready.

Free Wi-Fi

Been scrounging for info on whether wi-fi is finally free at Disneyworld. Yes it is according to AllEars website:

WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) High Speed Wireless Internet Access. As of March 2012, Walt Disney World Resort has announced that complimentary Wi-Fi service is now available in all Walt Disney World Resort hotels. You can now access Wi-Fi in your resort room, as well as in select common areas within your Disney hotel, including restaurants, bus loading zones, feature pools, arcades, convention spaces (if applicable) and the porte cochere. NOTE: This does not include the campsites at Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. However, complimentary wired Internet access is available if you're staying there.

To connect to the network using a wireless-enabled device (e.g. laptop, cell phone, etc.), look for the network option labeled "Guest – Access (unsecured)". Once you click on that option, you'll be taken to a screen that prompts you to accept the terms and conditions. After accepting the terms and conditions, you'll have Wi-Fi access free of charge. For cell phone users, cellular carriers covered for the free Wi-Fi are AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and MetroPCS. If you have trouble connecting to the complimentary Wi-Fi, contact Walt Disney World Telecom at 407-827-2732.

Topiaries at Epcot

We are visiting during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. Be on the lookout for these topiaries:

• Fantasia Mickey, displayed at the front entrance
• Peacock topiary, displayed behind Spaceship Earth
• Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto and Donald - displayed outside the Festival Center
• Fairies, displayed at Test Track Walkway
• Peter Pan topiary, displayed at the walkway from Future World to World Showcase
• Bambi and friends in the Butterfly House, located at Imagination Walkway
• Farmer Mickey and Minnie, displayed at World Showcase Plaza
• Winnie the Pooh and friends, displayed in the United Kingdom Pavilion
• Classic Disney couples, displayed between the United Kingdom and France Pavilions
• Beauty and Beast, displayed in the France Pavilion
• Lightning McQueen and Mater from located in the Japan Pavilion
• Buzz, Woody and Lotso displayed in the American Adventure Pavilion
• Lady and Tramp, displayed in the Italy Pavilion
• Snow White and the 7 dwarfs, displayed in the Germany Pavilion
• Dragon and panda topiaries, displayed in the China Pavilion

Pirates

Been browsing our plans for each day and rereading the attraction descriptions at each park. Decided to eliminate the WDW Train and add Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial show instead. Performances are typically at 10:15 AM, 11:20 AM, 12:25 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:20 PM and 4:25 PM. Be sure to check the Times Guide for any changes.

Then read a blog post about The Pirates League, where the kiddos get transformed into pirates. Sounds like a total blast and I think both boys would love it - can't wait to see the picture of the two of them!

I think the basic "Jake and the Never Land Pirates" package will suffice - bandana, faux hair, "facial effect" (makeup to give the scruffy, unshaved look), sword and sheath, bag with pirate coins and opportunity to participate in the daily Adventureland Pirate parade.

Description from the Disneyworld site

To make reservations for The Pirates League, call (407) WDW-CREW or (407) 939-2739. We will be in Adventureland around 10am.

Which Water Park?

So our tickets do allow us to visit either of the two Disneyworld water parks - Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Not sure which to do if we can only do one. Likely Blizzard Beach as it seems to have more for the little guy to do but super hard call to make.

Likely days to go would be Tuesday, Wednesday and/or Thursday afternoon, with Tuesday and Wednesday after Magic Kingdom being most likely as they are relatively short, morning-only days.

Some tips found on web:

• Typhoon Lagoon - If all of the chairs seem to be claimed, try one of the completely shaded areas near Shark Reef on the far side of the park. Families gravitate to the children's area, but it's just as easy to claim a chair or table in this secluded and quiet area and run off to the slides and attractions (FYI this is back right of park from entrance)
• Both parks have Premium Beach Chair Space that include 2 lounge chairs, umbrella, cocktail table and 2 towels. Limit is up to four people; if more, a second reservation is needed. Reserve in advance by calling 407-WDW-PLAY. Cancellation without penalty must be no later than 9:00 am the day prior to reservation. These are available on a same day basis if there are any locations left (check at High 'N Dry Towel Company). Cost is $40 plus tax and must be paid at time of reservation.
• Generally the parks start to clear out in the afternoon, such that arriving at 3pm and staying till park closes at 5pm might work fine
• Beach or water shoes HIGHLY recommended
• You can bring in your own drinks and lunch to cut back on food costs

Best Viewing for Illuminations at Epcot

A few spots that would work with where we will be:

• Between Norway and Mexico
• La Cantina de San Angel in Mexico (outdoor tables, buy something from counter service)
• Bridge past Mexico as you walk towards Future World
• World Showcase plaza (area b/w Future World & World Showcase)

Some web links and resources:

• 10 of the Best Places to View Illuminations
• Best Epcot Illuminations from Touring Plans blog
• Epcot Illuminations from EverythingMouse
• Illuminations from AllEars
• Where's the Best Place from Theme Park Insider
• Best Places from DIS discussion boards

Resort Addresses

Some resort addresses to help with estimating driving/commuting distances for certain dinner reservations. Note that the Grand Floridian is accessible via monorail.

• Polynesian - 4401 Floridian Way Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
• Grand Floridian - 4401 Floridian Way Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
• Animal Kingdom Lodge - 2901 Osceola Parkway Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
• Wilderness Lodge - 901 Timberline Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

Looks like it's 7 miles from Polynesian to Animal Kingdom Lodge (about 15 minutes of driving) and about 2 miles from Polynesian to Wilderness Lodge (about 5 minutes of driving).