swamp
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Post by swamp on Mar 1, 2022 13:03:30 GMT -5
DH was a huge Disney World fan. I admit it grew on me. We went an average of every 2 or 3 years.
We’ve decided no more Disney. They recently enacted some changes on the park that make visiting completely and enjoyable, irritated, and scheduled. They have left no space for spontaneity. It’s also become exorbitantly expensive
1. Park reservations. If you had a park hopper pass you could go from park to park without any restrictions. You’re not required to sign up in advance for which park you want to go to, and you can only go to the park after 2 PM. What if I get up and I decide I wanna go to the waterpark instead of magic Kingdom that day?
2. Dining reservations are required for just about everything, and you need to mobile order. So that means first thing in the morning at the latest, you need to decide what you want to eat that day.
3. Magic hours only for the people who stay in deluxe resort. Anyone who stayed at the park in any hotel was able to spend extra time at the parks either before or after closing. Now that is only open to the people who pay the price for the deluxe resorts
4. No more Magic express. He used to be able to be shuttled to the park from the Orlando airport as part of your park package and they took care of your luggage. That doesn’t exist anymore. You get yourself there
5. If you drive there you have to pay to park at the hotels
6. Pay for premium rides. If you want to go on some of the choice rides, If you don’t wanna wait in line for three hours, you have to buy tickets for the ride at the cost of about $15 per person. That’s on top of your park pass
7. Jeanie Plus. It’s a park navigation system that allows you to get to the front of the line on other rides. You also pay for that. It replaced a free fast pass systemWhere it was first come first serve
DH and I have traveled to Europe for less hassle and less money than Disney. I’m very sad about it, but I cannot in good conscience support these changes
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Mar 1, 2022 13:06:36 GMT -5
Your breakup with Disney was due to Minnie Mouse wearing a pants suit, wasn't it.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Mar 1, 2022 13:15:30 GMT -5
We're planning a trip to universal instead of Disney this year. I hope it's better.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Mar 1, 2022 13:21:42 GMT -5
Your breakup with Disney was due to Minnie Mouse wearing a pants suit, wasn't it. That did not factor in our decision One other thing that did. Disney has been giving large campaign donations to state reps who sponsored the “don’t say gay” legislation. So despite actively courting the LGBTQ community, the financially support bigots.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Mar 1, 2022 13:27:18 GMT -5
Your breakup with Disney was due to Minnie Mouse wearing a pants suit, wasn't it. That did not factor in our decision One other thing that did. Disney has been giving large campaign donations to state reps who sponsored the “don’t say gay” legislation. So despite actively courting the LGBTQ community, the financially support bigots. That would do it for me. No more Disney. Disney Donates to Sponsors of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Despite Marketing for ‘Inclusion’According to the Orlando Sentinel, Disney has donated money to every sponsor of the new “Don’t Say Gay” bill. This bill, called the Parental Rights in Education bill, but most famously known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was passed by the Florida’s House of Representatives on Thursday. It will prohibit “classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity” in the state’s primary schools. It is heading to the state’s Republican-held Senate, where it is expected to pass. Disney, on the other hand, has always seemed to be pro-LGBTQ. Rainbow merchandise is sold every year during Gay Days and Disney even went as far as to make a fifth “key” called “Inclusion.” These keys are the foundation for Cast Members’ approach to service. But despite this, Disney donated money to every sponsor and co-sponsor of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. “The Senate sponsor, Ocala Republican Dennis Baxley, has backed anti-gay legislation for years — including laws to prevent gay couples from adopting kids who otherwise wouldn’t have a family at all. Baxley once compared kids who live with same-sex parents to kids raised by alcoholics and abusers and later said: “I’m not phobic, but I simply can’t affirm homosexuality.” The very next year Disney cut Baxley a campaign check. And another after that. And yet another last year. So the park puts out the rainbow Mickeys during Gay Days while also cutting checks to the politicians hellbent on dehumanizing those same park guests. Disney isn’t alone. The Number-crunchers at the Popular Information news site tracked donations by Florida entities that cite equality as a core value and found many funneled big bucks to politicians who back this bill — including more than $100,000 from Florida Realtors and Publix; $75,000 from Anheuser-Busch, $34,000 from Duke Energy and $28,000 from Comcast. Orlando Democrat State Rep. Anna Eskamani said the companies’ priorities are clear: “The business lobby seems more focused on securing tax breaks … than living up to their so-called corporate values of inclusivity.” Rest of article here: Disney Donates to Sponsors of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Bill Despite Marketing for ‘Inclusion’
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2022 14:10:20 GMT -5
I have NEVER been a fan of Disney. They're marketing geniuses and I have to admit my grandchildren love the characters and the movies and music, but I've told them they will never go to a theme park on my dime, especially Disney. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the world for REAL experiences that are far more cost-effective. I've been there a few times for meetings of my professional society and once with DS when he was little, and got very tired of being reminded endlessly that I was in "The Happiest Place in All the World" while I was yet again pulling out my credit cards.
And yes, from what swamp posted, their class system is creating a wider and wider gulf between those who pay "regular" price and stay off-site and those who stay at The Grand Floridian and get super-expensive high-priority park passes.
I'd always considered Disney to be gay-friendly and was unaware of their support of the "Don't say gay" politicians. Well, there's another deal-breaker for me.
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laterbloomer
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Post by laterbloomer on Mar 1, 2022 14:49:15 GMT -5
Universal Studios it is. To be honest I plan to stay out of Florida all together for the foreseeable future.
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justme
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Post by justme on Mar 1, 2022 15:08:57 GMT -5
Yea Disney made a lot of fucked up choices. They're relying on people coming from out of town now because they've priced locals out. We were paying less than 500 for an annual pass that had block outs during popular times. And we were pretty much what Disney wanted locals to be - we didn't do full days, usually only did one fast pass when we decided to go, focused on their festivals where we spent money on food and drink.
Right now the only ap for sale is weekdays only and it's 400 (I swear this pass cost more when I looked a few months ago). The price isn't bad - but no weekends! Useless if you have school age kids and honestly useless for most adults with a full time job. The pass that includes weekends isn't currently available but I thought I saw it was 800 when it was. Fucking ridiculous.
I just broke down and got a sea world and Aquatica pass for 220.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Mar 1, 2022 15:14:38 GMT -5
Another cut I just remembered: When you booked a vacation, everyone in your party got a magic band. It’s a wrist back with a chip in it that acted as your room key, park pass, and credit card. Those are no longer included. You can pay extra for them, but they prefer you use your phone.
I go on vacation to relax, not to stare at my fucking phone.
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Cheesy FL-Vol
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Post by Cheesy FL-Vol on Mar 1, 2022 15:17:00 GMT -5
Walt Disney would be pissed if he knew the parks are like this now. I don't think he intended families to take out a second mortgage to have some fun.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Mar 1, 2022 15:23:11 GMT -5
The higher level passes also used to include your photos. Now that's another $99 plus tax.
Its all about ROI for their shareholders.
Sea World was such a cluster we didn't renew. It's certainly cheaper though.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Mar 1, 2022 16:11:46 GMT -5
I used to enjoy Disneyland when I was growing up in California. Actually got to go there when it opened (I was 6). After moving away from California, I had always planned to visit some Disney park one day but gave up those aspirations when I learned that Mr. Toad's Wild Ride is no more. That was my favorite. If I can't experience Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, there is no point in going to Disney. Also, there are too many people at their parks now. I had no idea they were supporting the politics of hate in Florida (and if they're doing it there, you know they're doing it anywhere they think it might gain them a political advantage). That's definitely a deal breaker. So disappointed in today's Disney.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Mar 1, 2022 16:47:00 GMT -5
I have NEVER been a fan of Disney. They're marketing geniuses and I have to admit my grandchildren love the characters and the movies and music, but I've told them they will never go to a theme park on my dime, especially Disney. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the world for REAL experiences that are far more cost-effective. I've been there a few times for meetings of my professional society and once with DS when he was little, and got very tired of being reminded endlessly that I was in "The Happiest Place in All the World" while I was yet again pulling out my credit cards. And yes, from what swamp posted, their class system is creating a wider and wider gulf between those who pay "regular" price and stay off-site and those who stay at The Grand Floridian and get super-expensive high-priority park passes. I'd always considered Disney to be gay-friendly and was unaware of their support of the "Don't say gay" politicians. Well, there's another deal-breaker for me. no roller coasters, ever? how boring.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2022 17:30:50 GMT -5
I have NEVER been a fan of Disney. They're marketing geniuses and I have to admit my grandchildren love the characters and the movies and music, but I've told them they will never go to a theme park on my dime, especially Disney. no roller coasters, ever? how boring. I took DS on a very tame one at a local theme park when he was maybe 10 and he did NOT like it. Older GD (5 at the time) and I went to Chicago and were at the Navy Pier near the Ferris wheel and she looked up at it. Nope, not going up on that. So, I doubt they'd like roller coasters and there are other opportunities- their other grandparents always took them to the State Fair and their Grandmother may continue that although her husband died a month ago. My dream is to take the whole family to Costa Rica or somewhere similar when the youngest is out of diapers and old enough to remember- kayaking, maybe snorkeling for the older ones, seeing beautiful birds and monkeys in the trees. But, if you want to feel sorry for the poor, deprived little tykes, have at it.
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Mar 1, 2022 17:35:43 GMT -5
Why can’t they go on roller coasters and to Costa Rica?
I love traveling, but roller coasters are fun sometimes too.
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Post by Opti on Mar 1, 2022 17:42:41 GMT -5
I have NEVER been a fan of Disney. They're marketing geniuses and I have to admit my grandchildren love the characters and the movies and music, but I've told them they will never go to a theme park on my dime, especially Disney. There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere in the world for REAL experiences that are far more cost-effective. I've been there a few times for meetings of my professional society and once with DS when he was little, and got very tired of being reminded endlessly that I was in "The Happiest Place in All the World" while I was yet again pulling out my credit cards. And yes, from what swamp posted, their class system is creating a wider and wider gulf between those who pay "regular" price and stay off-site and those who stay at The Grand Floridian and get super-expensive high-priority park passes. I'd always considered Disney to be gay-friendly and was unaware of their support of the "Don't say gay" politicians. Well, there's another deal-breaker for me. no roller coasters, ever? how boring. I love roller coasters but usually go to Great Adventure because its much closer than Disney.
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Opti
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Post by Opti on Mar 1, 2022 17:43:56 GMT -5
And now that summer is coming ... Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. I wonder if it still exists and how much entry is now?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2022 17:48:07 GMT -5
Why can’t they go on roller coasters and to Costa Rica? I love traveling, but roller coasters are fun sometimes too. They might. Heck, I have Worlds of Fun near me. I'm just not into long lines, steep prices for food and buying cheap stuff made in China. DS and DDIL have never suggested it on a visit here although we go to the Aquarium, to restaurants outside their budget, to the Zoo and other fun places. I've been gifting them money periodically- I can't take it with me and I'm also funding the kids' 529s. Once I write a check to DS and DDIL it's out of my hands- no strings attached. If part of it goes to roller coasters I'm fine with that, but I doubt it will go to Disney- DS and DDIL are too thrifty for that.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Mar 1, 2022 19:16:04 GMT -5
no roller coasters, ever? how boring. I took DS on a very tame one at a local theme park when he was maybe 10 and he did NOT like it. Older GD (5 at the time) and I went to Chicago and were at the Navy Pier near the Ferris wheel and she looked up at it. Nope, not going up on that. So, I doubt they'd like roller coasters and there are other opportunities- their other grandparents always took them to the State Fair and their Grandmother may continue that although her husband died a month ago. My dream is to take the whole family to Costa Rica or somewhere similar when the youngest is out of diapers and old enough to remember- kayaking, maybe snorkeling for the older ones, seeing beautiful birds and monkeys in the trees. But, if you want to feel sorry for the poor, deprived little tykes, have at it. my comment was coming more from the place of someone who travels for roller coaster. Ill wait in the crazy line for the first car the first time I ride one, too. but now I want to add that, as much as I will go on any coaster presented to me, I hate rides that spin. your Gkids might grow into loving something they hated as a kid. 🤷♀️
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Mar 1, 2022 19:22:49 GMT -5
DD and I have been to Disney many times, but last time wasn't even fun and that was a few years ago. We stood in line after line and rode few rides. We both decided it just wasn't worth it.
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happyhoix
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Post by happyhoix on Mar 1, 2022 19:33:46 GMT -5
We're planning a trip to universal instead of Disney this year. I hope it's better. I haven’t been to Disney in years, not since DS was small. We’ve been going to universal and DS, now thirty, goes back nearly every year with his wife and her sister for the Halloween horror nights. DS is a huge roller coaster fan, and at least back the last time I went, Disney didn’t have much of those rides besides mountain railroad one and the one in the dark.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Mar 1, 2022 19:37:49 GMT -5
coasters are definitely more a Six Flags thing. oh, and Cedar Point. I need to get back there....it's been 20y this year.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Mar 1, 2022 20:05:03 GMT -5
And now that summer is coming ... Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom. I wonder if it still exists and how much entry is now? It still exists and it's gross.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Mar 1, 2022 20:07:09 GMT -5
You all know I love a good Disney fight! 😁 But I'll weigh in on Swamp's comments.
1. Park reservations- I don't mind them. We plan our trips to have specific days at specific parks because of fireworks, dinners, etc. that this isn't a big deal.
2. Dining reservations - these are a pain but we don't so many sit-down dinners because of the time and cost involved. However, they are fairly easy to snag a day or two before as people begin to cancel. We also had no issue with mobile ordering for quick service and it might be recommended but it isn't required.
3. Magic hours - Right now it is only for deluxe but is it going back to all on Disney property in the future? IDK but we stayed at deluxe and the 9-11 hours were awesome at MK on our last trip.
4. No more Magic express - this does suck and adds at least $120 extra to your trip, more if you rent a car.
5. If you drive there you have to pay to park at the hotels - Also adds extra cost to the rental car cost. Though if you stay at DVC, parking is free.
6. Pay for premium rides. - This also sucks
7. Genie Plus. - This also sucks. An extra $15 per person per day for something that used to be free.
I took my kids for the first time in January. We had a really nice time, but I did not enjoy paying extra for things that used to be free, like fast passes and renting a car since Magical Express is no more.
It was also really busy for the week after the marathon. When we first started doing this week 9 years ago, it was dead between the marathon and MLK weekend, but it seemed like the crowds never went away this year.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Mar 1, 2022 20:28:43 GMT -5
coasters are definitely more a Six Flags thing. oh, and Cedar Point. I need to get back there....it's been 20y this year. I went to cedar point several times when I was younger, and worked up my courage to go on the biggest, fastest roller coasters. I think I'd get a heart attack now, I feel so old. CP has some extreme coasters, though
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Post by Value Buy on Mar 1, 2022 20:35:02 GMT -5
Universal Studios it is. To be honest I plan to stay out of Florida all together for the foreseeable future. I admit it has been years since I was at Universal, but the lines sucked there as bad or worse than at Disney. They had just started the Universal used to be one theme park with one price and they split the original park in two and charged for each park, and the price was much more than the original park to do both. Harry Potter set up was started and never got there due to lines, Lines for coasters were riduculous too.
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Mar 1, 2022 20:44:35 GMT -5
coasters are definitely more a Six Flags thing. oh, and Cedar Point. I need to get back there....it's been 20y this year. I went to cedar point several times when I was younger, and worked up my courage to go on the biggest, fastest roller coasters. I think I'd get a heart attack now, I feel so old. CP has some extreme coasters, though they really do! I was so pissed the new coaster wasn't open when we went. I needed to be in Mentor, OH for a weekend wedding, and we went out early to make sure we hit CP. the (open) big one when I was there was Millennium Force.
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justme
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Post by justme on Mar 1, 2022 23:53:01 GMT -5
Universal Studios it is. To be honest I plan to stay out of Florida all together for the foreseeable future. I admit it has been years since I was at Universal, but the lines sucked there as bad or worse than at Disney. They had just started the Universal used to beoine theme park with one price and they split the original park in two and charged for each park, and the price was much more than the original park to do both. Harry Potter set up was started and never got there due to lines, Lines for coasters were riduculous too. They were more expensive... Disney saw it as a challenge. Universal has had a paid express lane for years. It seemed so expensive compared to Disney with their free version. No more - at least universal is one price for every ride you just choose either once per ride or unlimited. And certain hotels have always given it to you for free. If universal had more festival stuff I'd probably get passes - but the mardi gras and Christmas stuff isn't enough of a pull to get it.
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justme
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Post by justme on Mar 1, 2022 23:54:49 GMT -5
You all know I love a good Disney fight! 😁 But I'll weigh in on Swamp's comments. 1. Park reservations- I don't mind them. We plan our trips to have specific days at specific parks because of fireworks, dinners, etc. that this isn't a big deal. 2. Dining reservations - these are a pain but we don't so many sit-down dinners because of the time and cost involved. However, they are fairly easy to snag a day or two before as people begin to cancel. We also had no issue with mobile ordering for quick service and it might be recommended but it isn't required. 3. Magic hours - Right now it is only for deluxe but is it going back to all on Disney property in the future? IDK but we stayed at deluxe and the 9-11 hours were awesome at MK on our last trip. 4. No more Magic express - this does suck and adds at least $120 extra to your trip, more if you rent a car. 5. If you drive there you have to pay to park at the hotels - Also adds extra cost to the rental car cost. Though if you stay at DVC, parking is free. 6. Pay for premium rides. - This also sucks 7. Genie Plus. - This also sucks. An extra $15 per person per day for something that used to be free. I took my kids for the first time in January. We had a really nice time, but I did not enjoy paying extra for things that used to be free, like fast passes and renting a car since Magical Express is no more. It was also really busy for the week after the marathon. When we first started doing this week 9 years ago, it was dead between the marathon and MLK weekend, but it seemed like the crowds never went away this year. Paying for parking at Disney hotels is new. I think they may have started it right befit covid, but it's very new. You used to get free parking AND your free resort pass got you free parking at the theme parks too if you didn't want to take the busses.
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wvugurl26
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Post by wvugurl26 on Mar 2, 2022 7:21:29 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure all resort guests get free parking at the Disney theme parks. And for now until they charge for it, passholders get it free. But yes, you do pay at the hotel and the more expensive the hotel, the more expensive the parking fee.
I know everyone is struggling to get employees but last June was a debacle at Universal. They need to make better use of mobile ordering. When its 90+ degrees, it's not cool to wait in line 20-30 minutes for water. I struggle more with lines for food/water at Universal and it gets annoying.
We go to both Universal and Disney and there's good and bad in both. I don't mind mobile ordering. We have not done genie. I have done some individual lightning lanes. We did Ratatouille on two trips because it was new and I did Space Mountain in January because that is my DH's favorite and it was his birthday trip. I would pay for Guardians and Tron when they open.
My sister in law moved to the Orlando area in 2020. We go a couple times a year to visit. Generally we might do one or maybe two sit down meals. The rest is quick serve or off property.
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