The Ultimate WDW Guide.

#1
If you have any questions about WDW or anything before your trip feel free to post in thread or pm me and i will get to it as soon as i can. :)

WDW

Staying On Property
The cheapest place to stay would be the All Star Resort or perhaps Pop Century. Both are nice hotels as they are Disney and you still get all the pluses of staying on property but with a cheaper price then most hotels. Link to view Hotels: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/

Fast-Passes
In WDW if you have "Magic Bands" ( http://dads-blog.dadsguidetowdw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/magic-bands-brett.jpg ) You get fast-pass+ which allows you to program your passes before you even leave for vacation. if you don't have these just use the kiosks located around the park. Each park map will have a list of attractions you can get a manual Fast-Pass with.

Fast-Passes in the Parks

In MK (Magic Kingdom)
List of attractions: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/magic-kingdom/
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (this is a must ride)
Space Mountain (another great must ride)
Peter Pan's Flight (if you want to ride this you NEED a pass or you won't get on unless your at a Christmas party or something. Also don't expect to ride it during fireworks as they close park of fantasyland for the fireworks)
Big Thunder Mountain (a good ride not a must but good)
Splash Mountain (cute ride not a must but good)
Frozen, Rapunzel etc etc Meet and Greets (sometimes these lines can get up to 5 hours for some characters. My advice skip these and get a character meal and plan for your favorite characters)

In Epcot
List of attraction: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/epcot/
Test Track (must ride)
Soarin' Over California (good ride i'd get a Fast-pass)
Norway (currently closed lol)
Spaceship Earth (must ride but no need for a fast-pass i've never needed one)
Inovention (just go in its fun)
Mission Space (NOT for those who are: Claustrophobic, get sick easily (like motion sickness) or basically any illness)

In AK (Animal Kingdom)
List of attractions: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/animal-kingdom/
Expedition Everest (get a fast-pass)
Safari (if you wanna go on get a pass)
Dinosaur (ride it you need a pass)

In Hollywood Studios
List of attractions: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/
Toy Story mania (must ride)
Rockin Roller coaster (must ride)
Tower of Terror (must ride)
Star Tours (good ride no need for a pass on most days)

Extra Magic Hours
Extra Magic Hours are extra park hours you have if you're staying on Disney property. So keep an eye out for these extra special hours of park fun!!! Try to use these hours as most people who have them don't normally use them.

EMH for MK
Try to ride the big ticket rides during this time period and when the hours end (if they are in the morning) be sure to be near your first fast-pass area as the passes will be good then and its super awesome.

EMH for AK
Go ride Everest like 50 times then get a pass XD

EMH for Hollywood Studios
Ride Toy Story Mania and any other rides with long lines.

EMH for Epcot
Just do w/e you want there is no big rush for the hours in this park.

Downtown Disney
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/downtown-disney/
Places to eat (things i recommend)
Earl of Sammich (yes i said sammich) its the BEST place to eat at DTD
T-Rex another good place to eat cept this place is a sit down restaurant
Ghirardelli its awesome ice cream


Things to do
There's honestly a lot to do but here are some of my favorites
Disney Quest (giant arcade its like 5 stories tall)
Pin Store
World of Disney (the major store)

"It's being renovated and under immense construction during its transition into Disney Springs. A lot of the upcoming restaurants and shopping outlets are scheduled to open in early summer I believe, but for now just understand when you go there the construction will make traffic at DTD a living nightmare.

Disney Springs is a project divided into four areas of DTD, two of which are taking over the Pleasure Island district as The Town Center and The Landing. Marketplace will be expanded and West Side will have a lot of design changes.

Signs have started going up for stores and the restaurants have shot up pretty quickly. The Town Center is going to have a rustic Hispanic look to its environment. The Landing will have waterfront views and is mainly situated in the middle of the lake."

Waterparks
Its not always cold in the winter so be sure to always pack your swim suit!

Typhoon Lagoon
This is one of the 2 waterparks on WDW property. Its a lot of fun!!!
here is the link to view fun at Typhoon Lagoon: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/typhoon-lagoon/

Blizzard Beach
The 2nd waterpark at WDW and i find it more fun the Typhoon Lagoon just for its atmosphere. Both are fun!!! Link to view fun at Blizzard Beach: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/blizzard-beach/

Fireworks and Parades
MK
Wishes: Great fireworks especially if you're there during Christmas or Halloween. Don't sit in front of the castle as you won't be able to see very well. get a spot you like at least 1 hour prior to the fireworks.
Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade: Sit anywhere you like for this parade. Just be sure to find a seat at least 45 min prior to the parade.
Main Street Electrical Parade: Very cute parade as it takes place at night and everything lights up. get your seats at leats 45 min prior to the parade.

Epcot
illuminations: Reflections of Earth: Best fireworks in WDW in my opinion. be sure to see this show. Find a seat 1 hour prior to get a good one. You can sit anywhere around the world showcase lake. I don't recommend sitting on that giant bridge as it gets freezing cold there.

Hollywood Studios
Fantasmic: its a good show. I recommend eating somewhere in the park where they give you fast-passes to this fireworks show. Its a good show and very enjoyable.

Dining
List of Places to eat on property: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/
Dining is Magic Kingdom: The castle is always a great option for breakfast and is an amazing experience though it is very expensive so be wary. I also recommend Crystal Palace especially there dinner its very good. Also you have Be Our Guest thats recently open i have never been there but i hear its great! As for breakfasts you can get to via monorail to and from MK: Ohana its lilo and stitch themed very good food. Chef Mickey's it has good food and is a good starter restaurant for any first timer! you get to meet the fab 5 also its yummy. 1900 Park Fare is a great place i have been there many times its got good food and some characters other then the fab 5. Characters has varied from time to time so i can't tell you exactly who will be there but there are characters! I do NOT recommend using the desert and fireworks thing in MK as it doesn't give you the view it says you do. the deserts are fine but not worth the money imo just go to crystal palace.

Dining in Animal Kingdom: I can't spell the name of it but there is a character breakfast in AK and its the only sit down i recommend for AK.

Dining in Epcot: For breakfast you can try the restaurant in Norway! it has princesses and good food! if you don't like Nordic food don't go for lunch or dinner. As far as Nine Dragons goes its not my 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th or 6th choice to eat. Canada is pretty good and the french bakery is very good. go there for lunch or dinner those are good places. Garden grill is also very good.

Dining in Hollywood Studios: Sy-fi Drive in is a good dinner. Go to the ABC thing for lunch. Don't rly recommend eating breakfast in-park

Special Events
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/
Special events for MK
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/
Halloween Party: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-not-so-scary-halloween-party/ This is a very fun event! you have trick or treeting, you can dress in costume and more fun stuff! i would recommend going to this party!
Christmas Party: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/magic-kingdom/mickeys-very-merry-christmas-party/ Its AMAZING! i have gone like every year its the best experience you will ever have at WDW!
New Years: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/new-years-eve/ Never been to Disney on New Years but it sounds like fun XD

Epcot
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/
Flower and Garden Festival: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/epcot-international-flower-and-garden-festival/ Very lovely festival! i enjoy going to it when i can! if you have children in your party of people its a great time to go as they have special playgrounds and stuff. Also if you have any photographers its a great time to go for the decor. In general this is a cute and very pretty time to be at Epcot.
Food and Wine Festival: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/food-wine-florida-resident/ Its a cute festival i've only been to it a few times when i was younger. Its a very fun thing but i prefer Christmas time or Flower and Garden for Epcot.
Holidays Around the World: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/epcot/holidays-around-the-world/ This is an amazing time to be in Epcot as everything is so pretty and decked out for the holidays plus you can meet the Santa of every country they have (usually at least) plus they have hot coco and gingerbread cookies at some of the stands its just all and all awesome!

Hollywood Studios
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/
Star Wars Weekend: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/hollywood-studios/star-wars-weekend/ Its a great thing for any Star Wars fan! i have been many times and i'm not even a fan of the franchise XD its a great event and even i enjoy going.
Osborne Family Lights: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/e...s/osborne-family-spectacle-of-dancing-lights/ this event is sooo pretty! i make sure to go every time i'm at WDW during the holidays as its the most beautiful thing ever! plus its included in your park ticket XD

Also a good tool for any Disney park you go to is the Disney Walts app. They have one for each Disney resort. It tells you wait times in your park.

 
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#3
Can anyone of us who live near WDW add on?
I'd love some add-ons but like i said i'm adding more when i'm less busy with work and such. So prob around Halloween i'll update it some more. I need to add everything about dining and events before i do anything else. I'm happy if anyone has any tips or tricks for the guide though.
 

Bird

MyVMKPal Webmaster Dev
#6
Something fun to do.

In the morning at MK, they have a show before the park opens called the rope drop. The mayor of main street and a special guest family come out and welcome people to the park.
( its sad but funny to watch all these desperate people literally run through main street like a race to be first in line for the snow white ride. These crazy people frantically race through the park to get there. )
At night, if you stay late enough, on special days, they do this thing called the wish goodnight, on the stage in front of the castle, mickey mouse and friends do a little show called the kiss goodnight.

And dont forget all the cool animal exhibits at animal kingdom, if you stay at the exhibit long enough, animal trainers will show up, do a show with them, an enrichment exercise, and talk at great lengths about the animals. It's super fun if you are into that.

Also, disney is not all about the rides. I was just there saturday and we didnt ride a single attraction. We explored some of the nice hotels, and checked out the christmas decorations everywhere like the osbourne family spectacle of dancing lights at hollywood studios.[DOUBLEPOST=1416155304][/DOUBLEPOST]Crowd types according to month :
January - February : snowbirds, usually manageable crowds
March-April : Spring Breakers & Cheerleader competitions & Flower Garden Festival ( avoid all star resorts at all costs during first half of march )
May-july : Summer breakers ( 2nd most crowded, if possible, avoid these months at all costs, it's hot, and very populated )
August-September : locals taking advantage of all the good discounts ( expensive hotels fill up due to the 65-80% discounts for florida residents )
(late September - early november : food and wine festival, major influx of adult crowd at epcot, boardwalk, yacht and beach club resorts, rowdy alcaholics at epcot )
October : Fall breakers (eastern coastliners, difficult crowd to deal with, early october ) Halloweeners ( late october )
November : Locals ( really good time to go, many midwesterners have their fall break this time, they are an easier crowd to deal with )
December : Holiday tourists ( most crowded at end of month, best time to go is december 1st-15th but avoid all star resorts these days due to the Pop Warner teen football and cheer week )
 
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#7
Something fun to do.

In the morning at MK, they have a show before the park opens called the rope drop. The mayor of main street and a special guest family come out and welcome people to the park.
( its sad but funny to watch all these desperate people literally run through main street like a race to be first in line for the snow white ride. These crazy people frantically race through the park to get there. )
At night, if you stay late enough, on special days, they do this thing called the wish goodnight, on the stage in front of the castle, mickey mouse and friends do a little show called the kiss goodnight.

And dont forget all the cool animal exhibits at animal kingdom, if you stay at the exhibit long enough, animal trainers will show up, do a show with them, an enrichment exercise, and talk at great lengths about the animals. It's super fun if you are into that.

Also, disney is not all about the rides. I was just there saturday and we didnt ride a single attraction. We explored some of the nice hotels, and checked out the christmas decorations everywhere like the osbourne family spectacle of dancing lights at hollywood studios.[DOUBLEPOST=1416155304][/DOUBLEPOST]Crowd types according to month :
January - February : snowbirds, usually manageable crowds
March-April : Spring Breakers & Cheerleader competitions & Flower Garden Festival ( avoid all star resorts at all costs during first half of march )
May-july : Summer breakers ( 2nd most crowded, if possible, avoid these months at all costs, it's hot, and very populated )
August-September : locals taking advantage of all the good discounts ( expensive hotels fill up due to the 65-80% discounts for florida residents )
(late September - early november : food and wine festival, major influx of adult crowd at epcot, boardwalk, yacht and beach club resorts, rowdy alcaholics at epcot )
October : Fall breakers (eastern coastliners, difficult crowd to deal with, early october ) Halloweeners ( late october )
November : Locals ( really good time to go, many midwesterners have their fall break this time, they are an easier crowd to deal with )
December : Holiday tourists ( most crowded at end of month, best time to go is december 1st-15th but avoid all star resorts these days due to the Pop Warner teen football and cheer week )
This is great! Also, halloween is a great time to get all the Magic Kingdom rides done if you don't have much money. Tickets are half what they usually are, Not So Scary nights last 5 hours, all the rides are open, and lines are pretty short!
 
#8
Something fun to do.

In the morning at MK, they have a show before the park opens called the rope drop. The mayor of main street and a special guest family come out and welcome people to the park.
( its sad but funny to watch all these desperate people literally run through main street like a race to be first in line for the snow white ride. These crazy people frantically race through the park to get there. )
At night, if you stay late enough, on special days, they do this thing called the wish goodnight, on the stage in front of the castle, mickey mouse and friends do a little show called the kiss goodnight.

And dont forget all the cool animal exhibits at animal kingdom, if you stay at the exhibit long enough, animal trainers will show up, do a show with them, an enrichment exercise, and talk at great lengths about the animals. It's super fun if you are into that.

Also, disney is not all about the rides. I was just there saturday and we didnt ride a single attraction. We explored some of the nice hotels, and checked out the christmas decorations everywhere like the osbourne family spectacle of dancing lights at hollywood studios.[DOUBLEPOST=1416155304][/DOUBLEPOST]Crowd types according to month :
January - February : snowbirds, usually manageable crowds
March-April : Spring Breakers & Cheerleader competitions & Flower Garden Festival ( avoid all star resorts at all costs during first half of march )
May-july : Summer breakers ( 2nd most crowded, if possible, avoid these months at all costs, it's hot, and very populated )
August-September : locals taking advantage of all the good discounts ( expensive hotels fill up due to the 65-80% discounts for florida residents )
(late September - early november : food and wine festival, major influx of adult crowd at epcot, boardwalk, yacht and beach club resorts, rowdy alcaholics at epcot )
October : Fall breakers (eastern coastliners, difficult crowd to deal with, early october ) Halloweeners ( late october )
November : Locals ( really good time to go, many midwesterners have their fall break this time, they are an easier crowd to deal with )
December : Holiday tourists ( most crowded at end of month, best time to go is december 1st-15th but avoid all star resorts these days due to the Pop Warner teen football and cheer week )
Thank you for adding this!!!!!! the OP has to much stuff for me to have added this much detail -_- i'm not allowed enough characters for the post XDDDD so thank you so much for adding this its very helpful to people :)
 

Bird

MyVMKPal Webmaster Dev
#9
Thank you for adding this!!!!!! the OP has to much stuff for me to have added this much detail -_- i'm not allowed enough characters for the post XDDDD so thank you so much for adding this its very helpful to people :)
You're welcome :D glad I can help. Ask a forum mod to give you a second post under the OP
 

Bindingkey

Well-Known Member
#11
Magic Kingdom has lots of ways of transportation (really the only park that does, aside from maybe Epcot). You can take the Monorail, but if you're staying on property at one of the MK resort hotel section, you can simply take a boat, bus, or even walk there.

The Contemporary and Grand Floridian hotels are literally right next to the park, you can just walk there. The Fort Wilderness Lodge is positioned at the lake in front of the park, so you can take the boat there if you're staying there.

There is a dining plan that lets you have free dining at any resort hotel. you can also get a refillable mug that can be refilled at only resort hotels.
 

Bird

MyVMKPal Webmaster Dev
#12
Magic Kingdom has lots of ways of transportation (really the only park that does, aside from maybe Epcot). You can take the Monorail, but if you're staying on property at one of the MK resort hotel section, you can simply take a boat, bus, or even walk there.

The Contemporary and Grand Floridian hotels are literally right next to the park, you can just walk there. The Fort Wilderness Lodge is positioned at the lake in front of the park, so you can take the boat there if you're staying there.

There is a dining plan that lets you have free dining at any resort hotel. you can also get a refillable mug that can be refilled at only resort hotels.

And to add on to what Key has to say about hotels,

If you don't want to pay the 17$ parking, you can drive into the contemporary, tell the security guy you want to look around the hotel, park in the self parking, and walk to the park. I do that quite often now. Same for any other hotel nearby the parks. For example .

Magic Kingdom : Contemporary Resort (walk )
EPCOT / Hollywood Studios : Yacht/ Beach Club & BoardWalk (walk to epcot or ride boat to hollywood)
Animal Kingdom : Animal Kingdom Lodge ( 2 minute free bus ride )
 
#13
And to add on to what Key has to say about hotels,

If you don't want to pay the 17$ parking, you can drive into the contemporary, tell the security guy you want to look around the hotel, park in the self parking, and walk to the park. I do that quite often now. Same for any other hotel nearby the parks. For example .

Magic Kingdom : Contemporary Resort (walk )
EPCOT / Hollywood Studios : Yacht/ Beach Club & BoardWalk (walk to epcot or ride boat to hollywood)
Animal Kingdom : Animal Kingdom Lodge ( 2 minute free bus ride )
I just have dinner or breakfast at one of the MK hotels and tell them that and they let you park there. I don't normally do it for the other parks. I srsly need to ask a mod for a post under my post to add more info XD
 
#14
Just a few things too add on from a long-time WDW Annual Passholder and Disney Fanatic:

Staying on Property
Besides the two best known "Value Resorts" located at the Walt Disney World Resort, also consider the newly opened Art of Animation Resort located right next door to Pop Century. Staying true to its name, AOA provides guests with animation themed rooms and grounds based off of Disney's more well-known animated films such as: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, as well as Pixar Animation Studios films Cars, and Finding Nemo.

Here's Disney's Official Webpage of the Resort HERE

Other cheap onsite alternatives that may pique the interest of those planning their vacations on a budget might be Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

Although these alternatives are a bit more pricey than the "Value Resorts", they are still a bang for the buck, and perfectly fuse luxury with affordability.

You can also try some of Disney's "Good Neighbor Hotels". Most are rather inexpensive, and are located on-property near the Downtown Disney District. Shuttle Transportation to the parks, and Extra Magic Hours are also honored if you're staying at the "Good Neighbor Hotels" Here's a LINK for that.

MyMagic+ and Fastpass
I first want to straighten out the fact that you do not need a Magic Band in order to use MyMagic+ and the Fastpass+ system. When you purchase your ticket, you have the option of purchasing a Magic Band. Magic Bands are a sort of accessory item that acts like a ticket, room key, etc. Although, if you are staying in one of the Walt Disney World Resorts, Magic Bands might be already included, although I'm not entirely sure.

Once you purchase your ticket (which I recommend you do so approximately 30 days prior to your visit, if staying off property), be sure to link your ticket onto MyDisneyExperience to create your Advanced Dining Reservations and your Fastpass selections. You may schedule up to three Fastpass selections for each day you plan on visiting the parks. Once you have ridden every one of your Fastpass selections, only then may you select more via MyMagic+ Service Center.

Be wary that the Fastpass system is organized in specific tiers at Epcot and at Disney's Hollywood Studios.


Downtown Disney
Be wary of the amount of construction taking place at Downtown Disney, as the area is being transformed into Disney Springs. Traffic on Buena Vista Drive is hellish.

If you have any questions regarding your trip to WDW, don't be shy to send me a PM.
 
#15
Just a few things too add on from a long-time WDW Annual Passholder and Disney Fanatic:

Staying on Property
Besides the two best known "Value Resorts" located at the Walt Disney World Resort, also consider the newly opened Art of Animation Resort located right next door to Pop Century. Staying true to its name, AOA provides guests with animation themed rooms and grounds based off of Disney's more well-known animated films such as: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, as well as Pixar Animation Studios films Cars, and Finding Nemo.

Here's Disney's Official Webpage of the Resort HERE

Other cheap onsite alternatives that may pique the interest of those planning their vacations on a budget might be Disney's Port Orleans Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and Disney's Coronado Springs Resort.

Although these alternatives are a bit more pricey than the "Value Resorts", they are still a bang for the buck, and perfectly fuse luxury with affordability.

You can also try some of Disney's "Good Neighbor Hotels". Most are rather inexpensive, and are located on-property near the Downtown Disney District. Shuttle Transportation to the parks, and Extra Magic Hours are also honored if you're staying at the "Good Neighbor Hotels" Here's a LINK for that.

MyMagic+ and Fastpass
I first want to straighten out the fact that you do not need a Magic Band in order to use MyMagic+ and the Fastpass+ system. When you purchase your ticket, you have the option of purchasing a Magic Band. Magic Bands are a sort of accessory item that acts like a ticket, room key, etc. Although, if you are staying in one of the Walt Disney World Resorts, Magic Bands might be already included, although I'm not entirely sure.

Once you purchase your ticket (which I recommend you do so approximately 30 days prior to your visit, if staying off property), be sure to link your ticket onto MyDisneyExperience to create your Advanced Dining Reservations and your Fastpass selections. You may schedule up to three Fastpass selections for each day you plan on visiting the parks. Once you have ridden every one of your Fastpass selections, only then may you select more via MyMagic+ Service Center.

Be wary that the Fastpass system is organized in specific tiers at Epcot and at Disney's Hollywood Studios.


Downtown Disney
Be wary of the amount of construction taking place at Downtown Disney, as the area is being transformed into Disney Springs. Traffic on Buena Vista Drive is hellish.

If you have any questions regarding your trip to WDW, don't be shy to send me a PM.
TY for the add-ons :) i wish i had space to add this XD
 

Bindingkey

Well-Known Member
#16
Add on to Downtown Disney:
It's being renovated and under immense construction during its transition into Disney Springs. A lot of the upcoming restaurants and shopping outlets are scheduled to open in early summer I believe, but for now just understand when you go there the construction will make traffic at DTD a living nightmare.

Disney Springs is a project divided into four areas of DTD, two of which are taking over the Pleasure Island district as The Town Center and The Landing. Marketplace will be expanded and West Side will have a lot of design changes.

Signs have started going up for stores and the restaurants have shot up pretty quickly. The Town Center is going to have a rustic Hispanic look to its environment. The Landing will have waterfront views and is mainly situated in the middle of the lake.


Restaurants coming to Disney Springs we know of as of now:
- Morimoto Asia
- The Boathouse (opening in spring supposedly)
- STK steakhouse

Stores confirmed for Disney Springs:
- APEX by Sunglass Hut (Now open)
- Art of Shaving
- Chapel Hats (Now open)
- Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC
- Havaianas
- Sanuk
- Sound Lion
 
#17
Add on to Downtown Disney:
It's being renovated and under immense construction during its transition into Disney Springs. A lot of the upcoming restaurants and shopping outlets are scheduled to open in early summer I believe, but for now just understand when you go there the construction will make traffic at DTD a living nightmare.

Disney Springs is a project divided into four areas of DTD, two of which are taking over the Pleasure Island district as The Town Center and The Landing. Marketplace will be expanded and West Side will have a lot of design changes.

Signs have started going up for stores and the restaurants have shot up pretty quickly. The Town Center is going to have a rustic Hispanic look to its environment. The Landing will have waterfront views and is mainly situated in the middle of the lake.


Restaurants coming to Disney Springs we know of as of now:
- Morimoto Asia
- The Boathouse (opening in spring supposedly)
- STK steakhouse

Stores confirmed for Disney Springs:
- APEX by Sunglass Hut (Now open)
- Art of Shaving
- Chapel Hats (Now open)
- Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC
- Havaianas
- Sanuk
- Sound Lion
TY i'm going to update the OP with some of the content :) though idt i have enough room in the OP for everything XD
 
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