Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

[gmbacm]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

The contemporary, grand Floridian and Polynesian all have monorail access. You are looking at a really big difference in price vs value (double the room price for the most part)

Thanks, I checked rates for Polynesia and Contemporary and you're right, although it's more like 3-4 times the room price. The Wilderness Lodge is on the low end of that. Not sure if the convenience will be worth it. How bad is the bus with 2 kids and a stroller?

Look intoa car rental. Dirt cheap down there. And if you book with AAA (or maybe you can request if you are a member?) you can get parking passes which puts you at the front of the lot.

 

[Dragons]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

The contemporary, grand Floridian and Polynesian all have monorail access. You are looking at a really big difference in price vs value (double the room price for the most part)

Thanks, I checked rates for Polynesia and Contemporary and you're right, although it's more like 3-4 times the room price. The Wilderness Lodge is on the low end of that. Not sure if the convenience will be worth it. How bad is the bus with 2 kids and a stroller?

yeah, we have never stayed in a deluxe resort because the price was so drastically difference it didnt make economic sense to me. However, the last time we were there, my wife made a comment about staying in one on the monorail so since I want to surprise her and the kids for her birthday, Im thinking of springing for it.Every time we have gone and stayed in value, the bus ride was great. You have to fold your stroller up so be aware of that but enough space and buses run so often (especially in values).We stayed at Caribbean Beach once and I hated it.

Thanks, that eases my mind a bit. One day I'll splurge for a Savannah view, but not this trip.

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

The contemporary, grand Floridian and Polynesian all have monorail access. You are looking at a really big difference in price vs value (double the room price for the most part)

Thanks, I checked rates for Polynesia and Contemporary and you're right, although it's more like 3-4 times the room price. The Wilderness Lodge is on the low end of that. Not sure if the convenience will be worth it. How bad is the bus with 2 kids and a stroller?

Look intoa car rental. Dirt cheap down there. And if you book with AAA (or maybe you can request if you are a member?) you can get parking passes which puts you at the front of the lot.

That's an option too. I can rent a whole lotta car for the savings.

 

[Dragons]

Any FBG DVC members looking to unload some points? Yankee, is the girl in your office using hers? I'll out-bid you.

 

[AcerFC]

Just booked oct 30-nov 4 at the contemporary. I'm really hoping for free dining to offset some of the cost.

What is the deal with the DVC stuff. People sell those points right? I remember talk of it in this thread but can't find it.

ETA: Found the DVC talk. I typed in wrong letters

 

[GreekFreak]

Give my left nut for an order of bananas foster bread pudding right now

17 days until I get to have some.

 

[Dragons]

Any FBG DVC members looking to unload some points? Yankee, is the girl in your office using hers? I'll out-bid you.

Last chance before I book a house off-site. :(Best price I could find is $11.50/point. I was hoping for under $10, but probably would have pulled the trigger at $10.

 

[Godsbrother]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

As others have said the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian are the only parks with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. If you stay at the Polynesian it is a short walk to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) so you can grab the monorail to EPCOT as well. There is no monorail service to the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.The TTC is the main hub for all of Walt Disney World so staying at the Polynesian gives you the ability to grab a direct bus to anywhere on property. This is a real nice bonus.The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

 

[Reaper]

The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

Sorry if this was asked before BUT,

As I have said, we're staying at the Wilderness in March... We're early risers and one of the goals is to be at the Magic Kingdom as early as possible....

Is this possible with the Boat or should we find an earlier means of transportation? Bus?

Thanks!

 

[Osaurus]

The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

Sorry if this was asked before BUT,

As I have said, we're staying at the Wilderness in March... We're early risers and one of the goals is to be at the Magic Kingdom as early as possible....

Is this possible with the Boat or should we find an earlier means of transportation? Bus?

Thanks!

You can check the start times for the boat at the resort, but I am pretty sure they start at least a half hour before the park opens. I prefer it to a bus any day to the MK.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Any FBG DVC members looking to unload some points? Yankee, is the girl in your office using hers? I'll out-bid you.

She just did a Christmas vaca with her entire extended family in one of the houses out there. Spent two years worth of points to do it I think. She won't have any anytime soon I'd think.

 

[ATC1]

Any FBG DVC members looking to unload some points? Yankee, is the girl in your office using hers? I'll out-bid you.

She just did a Christmas vaca with her entire extended family in one of the houses out there. Spent two years worth of points to do it I think. She won't have any anytime soon I'd think.

It's tradition to book the the 3rd trip down the road the day after we get back from Disney. This time I had to pay for one of the kids instead of using the points. I see more points in our future.

 

[AcerFC]

I have read most of this thread but could use some reminding. My kids will be 5 and 3 next time we go. I'm looking to try something new in terms of dining.

We have done (characters) Tusker House, Cinderellas Castle, crystal palace, princesses in Epcot, Cinderella in 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys

(regular) Le Celier, Chinese in Epcot, Sci Fi Diner,

For my next trip I have 5 sit down meals. 3-4 are already accounted for in Chef Mickeys (staying in Contemporary so this for breakfast one day is a no brainer), Ohana for my wife's birthday (really hoping I can get a res for that day) and I'm thinking lunch at Cindrellas (hate that it costs 2 sit downs)

So that leaves 1 or 2 if I decide against the castle.

Any suggestions. If I remember right, people liked the ft wilderness dinner show. Do they do the dining plan there ( would assume of course but never know). Doesn't have to be character driven, just looking for a good meal at a new place. Was also thinking Fultons in downtown. I don't think they do the plan so that would just be a night we don't use the plan

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

WE NEED KETCHUP!

One possibility for the kids is Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. It's OK to get a little loud, and in a rarity for Disney, OK to get a little messy.

Among the shtick run by the wait staff is the ketchup request. Instead of having one bottle of ketchup at each table, when a table requests ketchup the server and diners yell "WE NEED KETCHUP!" and every bottle of ketchup I the house is delivered to the table. Then when the next group requests ketchup, the family with all the ketchup delivers it to that table. We built a decent pyramid of ketchup bottles at our table and had fun tossing them around and juggling them to the next table a few minutes later.

The food is pretty good, a little different from the all-you-can-eat menus at the character buffets. We got the Country Platter, "all you care to enjoy" ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, cornbread, potatoes, slaw. They also have good milkshakes that were DDP beverage eligible.

 

[glvsav37]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

As others have said the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian are the only parks with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. If you stay at the Polynesian it is a short walk to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) so you can grab the monorail to EPCOT as well. There is no monorail service to the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.The TTC is the main hub for all of Walt Disney World so staying at the Polynesian gives you the ability to grab a direct bus to anywhere on property. This is a real nice bonus.The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

We loved the convience of the Contemporary/Bay lake tower when it came to getting the kids out of the park for a break. We booked it for the monorail but found the short walk to MK much quicker and enjoyable. With kids and strollers you need to understand that on busses you need to fold up the stroller. Major pain forme as my wife used our strollers as mini-u halls. You do not need to fold up strollers on the mono rail and most boatsFrom any of the monorail resorts, You can get all the the way to Disney studios w/o folding up the stroller by taking mono to epcot then exiting epcot in th world showcase enterance and taking the boat to Diz studios. Takes a little while if you are going direct, but we did 1/2 day at epcot then boat to studios. Overall, at that age, you will prob spend most time in MK anyway. Also big plus to bay lake, if yo get a theme park view room, you can watch the nightly fireworks from your balcony and not deal with th crowds. Th even have an in room channel that carries the music while they are going on. Then it's right to bed for the kiddies and no post-fireworks stampede out of th park.

 

[AcerFC]

WE NEED KETCHUP!One possibility for the kids is Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. It's OK to get a little loud, and in a rarity for Disney, OK to get a little messy.Among the shtick run by the wait staff is the ketchup request. Instead of having one bottle of ketchup at each table, when a table requests ketchup the server and diners yell "WE NEED KETCHUP!" and every bottle of ketchup I the house is delivered to the table. Then when the next group requests ketchup, the family with all the ketchup delivers it to that table. We built a decent pyramid of ketchup bottles at our table and had fun tossing them around and juggling them to the next table a few minutes later. The food is pretty good, a little different from the all-you-can-eat menus at the character buffets. We got the Country Platter, "all you care to enjoy" ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, cornbread, potatoes, slaw. They also have good milkshakes that were DDP beverage eligible.

So this is different then the dinner show they have. How many places do they have to eat in Ft Wilderness. Thanks for suggestion. I'll look into it.

 

[AcerFC]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

As others have said the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian are the only parks with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. If you stay at the Polynesian it is a short walk to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) so you can grab the monorail to EPCOT as well. There is no monorail service to the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.The TTC is the main hub for all of Walt Disney World so staying at the Polynesian gives you the ability to grab a direct bus to anywhere on property. This is a real nice bonus.The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

We loved the convience of the Contemporary/Bay lake tower when it came to getting the kids out of the park for a break. We booked it for the monorail but found the short walk to MK much quicker and enjoyable. With kids and strollers you need to understand that on busses you need to fold up the stroller. Major pain forme as my wife used our strollers as mini-u halls. You do not need to fold up strollers on the mono rail and most boatsFrom any of the monorail resorts, You can get all the the way to Disney studios w/o folding up the stroller by taking mono to epcot then exiting epcot in th world showcase enterance and taking the boat to Diz studios. Takes a little while if you are going direct, but we did 1/2 day at epcot then boat to studios. Overall, at that age, you will prob spend most time in MK anyway. Also big plus to bay lake, if yo get a theme park view room, you can watch the nightly fireworks from your balcony and not deal with th crowds. Th even have an in room channel that carries the music while they are going on. Then it's right to bed for the kiddies and no post-fireworks stampede out of th park.

How was it getting from bay lake to monorail. Bay lake was a little cheaper but booked contemporary for convenience. Wondering If it might cost same amount for theme park view at bay lake. I like your fireworks idea.

 

[glvsav37]

Which resorts are good for monorail access to the parks? Is there a monorail that goes between all (major) parks?I'll have a 3 year old and an almost 2 year old. I'm going to need to weigh the savings from booking a value resort with the ease of access (for strollers and naps) of a monorail resort.

As others have said the Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Polynesian are the only parks with monorail access to the Magic Kingdom. If you stay at the Polynesian it is a short walk to the Ticket & Transportation Center (TTC) so you can grab the monorail to EPCOT as well. There is no monorail service to the Animal Kingdom or Hollywood Studios.The TTC is the main hub for all of Walt Disney World so staying at the Polynesian gives you the ability to grab a direct bus to anywhere on property. This is a real nice bonus.The Wilderness Lodge is a Magic Kingdom resort but does not have monorail service. The best way to get to the MK is by boat. Access to all other parks is by bus.

We loved the convience of the Contemporary/Bay lake tower when it came to getting the kids out of the park for a break. We booked it for the monorail but found the short walk to MK much quicker and enjoyable. With kids and strollers you need to understand that on busses you need to fold up the stroller. Major pain forme as my wife used our strollers as mini-u halls. You do not need to fold up strollers on the mono rail and most boatsFrom any of the monorail resorts, You can get all the the way to Disney studios w/o folding up the stroller by taking mono to epcot then exiting epcot in th world showcase enterance and taking the boat to Diz studios. Takes a little while if you are going direct, but we did 1/2 day at epcot then boat to studios. Overall, at that age, you will prob spend most time in MK anyway. Also big plus to bay lake, if yo get a theme park view room, you can watch the nightly fireworks from your balcony and not deal with th crowds. Th even have an in room channel that carries the music while they are going on. Then it's right to bed for the kiddies and no post-fireworks stampede out of th park.

How was it getting from bay lake to monorail. Bay lake was a little cheaper but booked contemporary for convenience. Wondering If it might cost same amount for theme park view at bay lake. I like your fireworks idea.

They are literatlly next door to each other There is a covered walkway between the 2 resorts. Very easy and convienient. The only downside to bay lake is there are no snack/food locations in the building, so you need to always walk over to Contemporary. But it was a nice walk and sometime nice to just be by myself on a snack run (ESP after a full day of kids and crowds). The food at the contemporary is on the same floor as the walkway from bay lake and the monorail station is 1 floor higherIt is also more "hotel looking" with not so much Disney theming and cool factor which can turn some people off. The contemporary is cool bc of the monorail going through it. So you need to weigh out the experience you are looking for.Most of bay lakes rooms also have small kitchens. A must for us with bottles, eating a few breakfasts in the room etc. We loved the bay lake and will do again for our next trip. Great pool too.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

How was it getting from bay lake to monorail. Bay lake was a little cheaper but booked contemporary for convenience. Wondering If it might cost same amount for theme park view at bay lake. I like your fireworks idea.

It's a short walk from Bay Lake to the Monorail station inside the Contemporary. However, it's not much longer to walk from Bay Lake to the Magic Kingdom front entrance - it's like walking from Space Mountain to the MK front gate.IIRC the Resort Monorail rotation is a clockwise circle from MK to Contemporary to TTC to Polynesian to Grand Floridian then completing the loop at MK. So it is a short monorail ride from MK back to Contemporary, but from the hotel to the MK front gate is probably faster on foot.At TTC you can take the monorail nonstop to either MK or Epcot, or of course hop on the resort Monorail.You may have heard those things are awfully loud, but it glides as softly as a cloud.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

WE NEED KETCHUP!One possibility for the kids is Whispering Canyon Cafe at Wilderness Lodge. It's OK to get a little loud, and in a rarity for Disney, OK to get a little messy.Among the shtick run by the wait staff is the ketchup request. Instead of having one bottle of ketchup at each table, when a table requests ketchup the server and diners yell "WE NEED KETCHUP!" and every bottle of ketchup I the house is delivered to the table. Then when the next group requests ketchup, the family with all the ketchup delivers it to that table. We built a decent pyramid of ketchup bottles at our table and had fun tossing them around and juggling them to the next table a few minutes later. The food is pretty good, a little different from the all-you-can-eat menus at the character buffets. We got the Country Platter, "all you care to enjoy" ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, cornbread, potatoes, slaw. They also have good milkshakes that were DDP beverage eligible.

So this is different then the dinner show they have. How many places do they have to eat in Ft Wilderness. Thanks for suggestion. I'll look into it.

Keep in mind Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness are two different places. The Wilderness Lodge is a big hotel. Fort Wilderness is a campground. (I was using the two terms interchangeably for the first half of MegaTrip until my wife couldn't take it any more and corrected me once and for all.) Wilderness Lodge has upscale dining, Artist Point, where it's not uncommon to see adults in jackets or dresses at dinner. It's a seafood/steaks classy joint. There's also Whispering Canyon Cafe, family friendly and a little cheaper. I'm sure there's also a quick service place there but I haven't tried it.Fort Wilderness is a short boat ride from Wilderness Lodge. (IIRC Contemporary/Bay Lake is also on that loop) We didn't eat over at Fort Wilderness, but had fun riding in a one-horse open sleigh touring the Christmas decorations at the campsites. There is a restaurant and bar at Fort Wilderness by the boat launch. One of those sites hosts some sort of western hoedown dinner. Can't remember which.

 

[jeter23]

I have read most of this thread but could use some reminding. My kids will be 5 and 3 next time we go. I'm looking to try something new in terms of dining. We have done (characters) Tusker House, Cinderellas Castle, crystal palace, princesses in Epcot, Cinderella in 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys (regular) Le Celier, Chinese in Epcot, Sci Fi Diner, For my next trip I have 5 sit down meals. 3-4 are already accounted for in Chef Mickeys (staying in Contemporary so this for breakfast one day is a no brainer), Ohana for my wife's birthday (really hoping I can get a res for that day) and I'm thinking lunch at Cindrellas (hate that it costs 2 sit downs)So that leaves 1 or 2 if I decide against the castle. Any suggestions. If I remember right, people liked the ft wilderness dinner show. Do they do the dining plan there ( would assume of course but never know). Doesn't have to be character driven, just looking for a good meal at a new place. Was also thinking Fultons in downtown. I don't think they do the plan so that would just be a night we don't use the plan

Strongly recommend Garden Grill (character) and Whispering Canyon. My 2 favorites in all of Disney.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I have read most of this thread but could use some reminding. My kids will be 5 and 3 next time we go. I'm looking to try something new in terms of dining. We have done (characters) Tusker House, Cinderellas Castle, crystal palace, princesses in Epcot, Cinderella in 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys (regular) Le Celier, Chinese in Epcot, Sci Fi Diner, For my next trip I have 5 sit down meals. 3-4 are already accounted for in Chef Mickeys (staying in Contemporary so this for breakfast one day is a no brainer), Ohana for my wife's birthday (really hoping I can get a res for that day) and I'm thinking lunch at Cindrellas (hate that it costs 2 sit downs)So that leaves 1 or 2 if I decide against the castle. Any suggestions. If I remember right, people liked the ft wilderness dinner show. Do they do the dining plan there ( would assume of course but never know). Doesn't have to be character driven, just looking for a good meal at a new place. Was also thinking Fultons in downtown. I don't think they do the plan so that would just be a night we don't use the plan

Strongly recommend Garden Grill (character) and Whispering Canyon. My 2 favorites in all of Disney.

Seconded on both. Garden Grille (in The Land building of Epcot near Soarin) is a revolving restaurant. It's not a 360 view of the park (it's indoors) but the view changes. The food is served family style all you can eat so you don't have to get up and battle other diners for food, and because of the revolving layout you barely notice other tables. That one exceeded my expectations.

 

[schlesinj]

I have read most of this thread but could use some reminding. My kids will be 5 and 3 next time we go. I'm looking to try something new in terms of dining. We have done (characters) Tusker House, Cinderellas Castle, crystal palace, princesses in Epcot, Cinderella in 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys (regular) Le Celier, Chinese in Epcot, Sci Fi Diner, For my next trip I have 5 sit down meals. 3-4 are already accounted for in Chef Mickeys (staying in Contemporary so this for breakfast one day is a no brainer), Ohana for my wife's birthday (really hoping I can get a res for that day) and I'm thinking lunch at Cindrellas (hate that it costs 2 sit downs)So that leaves 1 or 2 if I decide against the castle. Any suggestions. If I remember right, people liked the ft wilderness dinner show. Do they do the dining plan there ( would assume of course but never know). Doesn't have to be character driven, just looking for a good meal at a new place. Was also thinking Fultons in downtown. I don't think they do the plan so that would just be a night we don't use the plan

The Wave is really good at the Contemporary. We also enjoyed the new Mexican place across from Mexico at Epcot. Also for kids that age the little boat ride in Mexico is fun for kids. They added some cartoons with Daffy Duck etc. Some of my kids are that age and enjoyed it.

 

[RBM]

I have read most of this thread but could use some reminding. My kids will be 5 and 3 next time we go. I'm looking to try something new in terms of dining. We have done (characters) Tusker House, Cinderellas Castle, crystal palace, princesses in Epcot, Cinderella in 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys (regular) Le Celier, Chinese in Epcot, Sci Fi Diner, For my next trip I have 5 sit down meals. 3-4 are already accounted for in Chef Mickeys (staying in Contemporary so this for breakfast one day is a no brainer), Ohana for my wife's birthday (really hoping I can get a res for that day) and I'm thinking lunch at Cindrellas (hate that it costs 2 sit downs)So that leaves 1 or 2 if I decide against the castle. Any suggestions. If I remember right, people liked the ft wilderness dinner show. Do they do the dining plan there ( would assume of course but never know). Doesn't have to be character driven, just looking for a good meal at a new place. Was also thinking Fultons in downtown. I don't think they do the plan so that would just be a night we don't use the plan

The pizza at Via Napoli in Italy is excellent, and very authentic neopolitan style.

 

[AcerFC]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Was exactly what I was looking for.

A few more with a pirate theme. My daughter usually does the bibbidi bibbidi boutique. Has anyone done the pirate one for their sons (or daughters)

And had anyone done the pirate cruise to watch the fireworks? Worth it?

 

[stbugs]

We went last April to Disney and stayed at the Polynesian. I am sure it was expensive, but it was pretty awesome. My parents took me and my sister as kids and we stayed there a couple times so they wanted to take my kids there as their treat, which was nice.

We had the dining plan and one thing that I highly recommend is the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney. We went to T-Rex, Planet Hollywood, ESPN Zone and CoraNation and it was all on the dining plan. Not sure everyone knows that, but it was fun to go off site a bit while still being right there. The food was good to great at all 4. PH was a lot better than I expected and a great value. We went there twice.

Plenty of other restaurants and things to do at both places. Lots of cool fish and turtles (we saw a gigantic snapping turtle) at the Boardwalk and a guy doing juggling and balancing tricks. The kids had fun, the food was good and it wasn't inundated with Disney stuff if you got enough that day. Almost like going home for a bit and just going to a place with a bunch of restaurants where you can walk around. I liked the Boardwalk better, definitely less crowded. In fact, it was probably the least crowded area all week.

Going back down (only a 7-8 hour drive for us) in April, but might not hit Disney at all. All my boys are Lego fanatics, so going there and maybe Universal for a couple days, probably not a full week. Plus, I have Marriott free nights/points burning a hole in my pocket.

 

[Disco Stu]

One of those sites hosts some sort of western hoedown dinner. Can't remember which.

Fort Wilderness. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which has been running since 1974.I haven't been to it in years, but growing up that was always a family favorite. Fun two hour show, and some good family style fried chicken, ribs, etc.It's two DDP credits, since it's $60 or so for adults. You're paying for the show much more than the meal. Not sure if it's still the case, but this always sold out early.

 

[Premier]

Went to Coral Reef for dinner last night. Holy crap is that place mediocre and stuck in the 80s. Didn't enjoy it at all. Way overpriced.

Went to France for dessert though, so it was worth it overall.

My girl sucked it up and suffered through a miserable 4-12 Bucs season this year (she got season tickets and doesn't love football), so in return I got Disney annual passes. She thinks she's winning. Comes out great when you have a day to kill -- it's nice to shoot over to the parks for dinner, a few rides and fireworks.

 

[ATC1]

A couple of points off this page.

The boardwalk is my favorite place to stay. Walk to Epcot, where there are several good places to eat. I like the ESPN club for a sporting events (get the nachos). There is a restaurant brewery that makes their own beer. It's pretty good and never crowded. There is a sweet shop where mostly everything including soft serve waffle cones are a snack on the DDP. Piano bar. Entertainment every 20 minutes for kids and adults.

The Beach club has a restaurant Cape May with all you can eat snow crab, muscles regular buffet style. (I love crab legs.)

We eat at Kuzzina. I had the full fish. Had to be very careful with bones, but was taste. Wife was not a huge fan or the tender loin. The service was meh, but my 17 month old son was out of control that night.

We spend specific times of the day that are less crowded for characters, so we don't have to do the character dinning. The food is usually not as good. Plus I feel like I get indigestion eating and meeting characters all at the same time. It's always loud and crazy.

 

[The Hank]

Went to Coral Reef for dinner last night. Holy crap is that place mediocre and stuck in the 80s. Didn't enjoy it at all. Way overpriced.

Went to France for dessert though, so it was worth it overall.

My girl sucked it up and suffered through a miserable 4-12 Bucs season this year (she got season tickets and doesn't love football), so in return I got Disney annual passes. She thinks she's winning. Comes out great when you have a day to kill -- it's nice to shoot over to the parks for dinner, a few rides and fireworks.

Completely underwhelmed.

Would rather take that $$ and go to Ohana's... twice!

 

[glvsav37]

A couple of points off this page.

The boardwalk is my favorite place to stay. Walk to Epcot, where there are several good places to eat. I like the ESPN club for a sporting events (get the nachos). There is a restaurant brewery that makes their own beer. It's pretty good and never crowded. There is a sweet shop where mostly everything including soft serve waffle cones are a snack on the DDP. Piano bar. Entertainment every 20 minutes for kids and adults.

The Beach club has a restaurant Cape May with all you can eat snow crab, muscles regular buffet style. (I love crab legs.)

We eat at Kuzzina. I had the full fish. Had to be very careful with bones, but was taste. Wife was not a huge fan or the tender loin. The service was meh, but my 17 month old son was out of control that night.

We spend specific times of the day that are less crowded for characters, so we don't have to do the character dinning. The food is usually not as good. Plus I feel like I get indigestion eating and meeting characters all at the same time. It's always loud and crazy.

Agreed, honeymooned there and loved the atmosphere, food and epcot/DS convenience. but with the young kids, I'm forced (not bad however) to stay closer to MK and monorail. But as soon as they grow a bit, its back to the BW.

 

[RBM]

Went to France for dessert though, so it was worth it overall.

Oh man that little bakery has some great sweets. The mousse and the napolean in particular.

 

[Premier]

Went to France for dessert though, so it was worth it overall.

Oh man that little bakery has some great sweets. The mousse and the napolean in particular.

The napoleon there is unbelievable. Always a must-get.

 

[PIK95]

I booked a trip! Staying at the Poly with a castle view. Got some food reservations and things are looking good. Now what's the deal with the pins? Some kid was telling me about it. Also where can I get some good lobstah down there? TIA!

 

[Zigg]

Hey guys, going to Disney World from Feb.8 - 11/12 and have a few questions.

1)We're staying in Kissimmee, are there shuttles or buses going to and from the park? How much would a cab be from the airport(undecided on car rental)?

2)Right now, the plan is to get four day passes. Is one day at each park enough/too much?

3)Are cheap eating options available. The park looks expensive, would like to limit park eating to one meal a day. Can you leave and get back in?

I appreciate all answers, and any suggestions. Now back a few pages to do some reading.

 

[The Ref]

One of those sites hosts some sort of western hoedown dinner. Can't remember which.

Fort Wilderness. The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, which has been running since 1974.I haven't been to it in years, but growing up that was always a family favorite. Fun two hour show, and some good family style fried chicken, ribs, etc.It's two DDP credits, since it's $60 or so for adults. You're paying for the show much more than the meal. Not sure if it's still the case, but this always sold out early.

You really havent done a family disney trip until you get kids, partents, and grandparents together at the hoop-dee-doo revue. Not only has this show been running since 1974, its the same as 1974. Great time - I would recomend it.

 

[The Ref]

I booked a trip! Staying at the Poly with a castle view. Got some food reservations and things are looking good. Now what's the deal with the pins? Some kid was telling me about it. Also where can I get some good lobstah down there? TIA!

Dude. You are better then this. You live in New England. Nobody from Baltimore goes to Omaha and gets crab cakes. on the Poly. You are going to love it.... just make sure you bring some silver coinage. your going to need it.

 

[The Ref]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

 

[Battles]

Hey guys, going to Disney World from Feb.8 - 11/12 and have a few questions.1)We're staying in Kissimmee, are there shuttles or buses going to and from the park? How much would a cab be from the airport(undecided on car rental)?2)Right now, the plan is to get four day passes. Is one day at each park enough/too much?3)Are cheap eating options available. The park looks expensive, would like to limit park eating to one meal a day. Can you leave and get back in?I appreciate all answers, and any suggestions. Now back a few pages to do some reading.

1. Don't know.2. Animal Kingdom is one day and only one day. MK and Hollywood Studios can be done more than one day. Epcot is a no day to one day depending on if you have kids and if you want to do restaurants in the countries. I'd leave Epcot till last just in case you want to return to another park, unless you're going for food.3. Affordable, but not cheap is available, but not usually the best quality in that price range. My family packs lunches for the day. You can bring in all the food and drink you want in a backpack. You can leave and get back in, but since you're staying out of the park, it will be a pretty big hassle.

 

[Battles]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

 

[The Ref]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

The only thing worse then riding on a bus at Disney World is waiting for one. I mind the bus rides and that is a large part of what I wrote above. I also think that is one of the major factors in how Disney prices the hotels.

 

[Battles]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

The only thing worse then riding on a bus at Disney World is waiting for one. I mind the bus rides and that is a large part of what I wrote above. I also think that is one of the major factors in how Disney prices the hotels.

I can count on one hand how many times we've waited longer on a bus than it would have taken to do any of the other options. I hear lots of complaints on here about the buses, but don't find them warranted based on my experiences the past 3 years. Maybe they have more buses for DVC resorts compared to other resorts? I don't know the answer to that one.

 

[AcerFC]

Hey guys, going to Disney World from Feb.8 - 11/12 and have a few questions.

1)We're staying in Kissimmee, are there shuttles or buses going to and from the park? How much would a cab be from the airport(undecided on car rental)?

I think it depends on where you are staying. Some off site hotels offer shuttle services. I know we stayed at one that did a few years back. I dont remember the hotel but it was across the street from a Hooters and buffet pizza place that I forget the name of. Not sure on a cab.

2)Right now, the plan is to get four day passes. Is one day at each park enough/too much?

You can definitely do one park per day with no issues. Like others have said, you can really turn Animal Kingdom into half a day and still hit mostly everything. I always opt to get the park hopper because it gives you the freedom to do anything on any given day but it is a pricey option.

3)Are cheap eating options available. The park looks expensive, would like to limit park eating to one meal a day. Can you leave and get back in?

I think most of the food in the parks are pretty decently priced. The Magic Kingdom does not really have too much to offer in terms of sit down places. So the day you are there will probably be burgers or chicken fingers (things along those lines). They do have The Crystal Palace which is a buffet with Winnie and friends. I have only ever eaten at the Tusker House for breakfast in AK so I cant really speak about that. But from memory, they dont have a ton of places to eat either so it will be similar quick service meals there. Hollywood Studios has some nice places like Sci Fi Diner and the Italian place. The food there will run you a similar price to TGIF or Applebees. Epcot has the most and best choices for sit down meals because a lot of the countries each have their own place. A board favorite is Le Celier in Canada (It is very good).

Yankee swears by Ohana in the Polynesian. It is expensive if you are not on the meal plan but everyone seems to love it. I have always been shut out including our last trip where we had reservations. I get to try again May 3rd

I appreciate all answers, and any suggestions. Now back a few pages to do some reading.

 

[ATC1]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.Am I wrong here?

How many resorts have to stayed? Just curious. Disney does a nice job of mixing up the resorts so each one benefits certain people.

 

[ATC1]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

The only thing worse then riding on a bus at Disney World is waiting for one. I mind the bus rides and that is a large part of what I wrote above. I also think that is one of the major factors in how Disney prices the hotels.

I can count on one hand how many times we've waited longer on a bus than it would have taken to do any of the other options. I hear lots of complaints on here about the buses, but don't find them warranted based on my experiences the past 3 years. Maybe they have more buses for DVC resorts compared to other resorts? I don't know the answer to that one.

Value resort buses are terrible. The moderate to DVC buses are not bad at all. Poly is close to the MK, but the Boardwalk, Beach club, Swan and Dolphin are walking distance to Epcot and DHS.

 

[AcerFC]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

The only thing worse then riding on a bus at Disney World is waiting for one. I mind the bus rides and that is a large part of what I wrote above. I also think that is one of the major factors in how Disney prices the hotels.

I can count on one hand how many times we've waited longer on a bus than it would have taken to do any of the other options. I hear lots of complaints on here about the buses, but don't find them warranted based on my experiences the past 3 years. Maybe they have more buses for DVC resorts compared to other resorts? I don't know the answer to that one.

Value resort buses are terrible. The moderate to DVC buses are not bad at all. Poly is close to the MK, but the Boardwalk, Beach club, Swan and Dolphin are walking distance to Epcot and DHS.

I have never had one problem with the buses when I stayed at a value. My biggest problem was when I stayed in the Caribbean Beach. Not only were the buses an issue but the size of the hotel and how far it took to get to the main food area bothered me as well. I did not like it there

 

[Disco Stu]

Hey guys, going to Disney World from Feb.8 - 11/12 and have a few questions.

1)We're staying in Kissimmee, are there shuttles or buses going to and from the park? How much would a cab be from the airport(undecided on car rental)?

2)Right now, the plan is to get four day passes. Is one day at each park enough/too much?

3)Are cheap eating options available. The park looks expensive, would like to limit park eating to one meal a day. Can you leave and get back in?

I appreciate all answers, and any suggestions. Now back a few pages to do some reading.

1. Don't know.2. Animal Kingdom is one day and only one day. MK and Hollywood Studios can be done more than one day. Epcot is a no day to one day depending on if you have kids and if you want to do restaurants in the countries. I'd leave Epcot till last just in case you want to return to another park, unless you're going for food.

3. Affordable, but not cheap is available, but not usually the best quality in that price range. My family packs lunches for the day. You can bring in all the food and drink you want in a backpack. You can leave and get back in, but since you're staying out of the park, it will be a pretty big hassle.

Man, I strongly disagree with this. We have always loved Epcot and spend more time there than any other individual park. Two days isn't quite enough for us. So much to see and do...With seven day passes, I planned out the first six days and then let me son decide which one to return to the last day. It has been Epcot both trips. His age was (almost) 5 the first trip, 8 the second trip.

Four day passes isn't enough imo. You'll be constantly rushing from big attraction to big attraction and missing the little things that make Disney great. If you can swing the expense of staying longer, the actual ticket price difference between 4 days and 7 is relatively insignificant.

 

[ATC1]

Hey guys, going to Disney World from Feb.8 - 11/12 and have a few questions.1)We're staying in Kissimmee, are there shuttles or buses going to and from the park? How much would a cab be from the airport(undecided on car rental)?2)Right now, the plan is to get four day passes. Is one day at each park enough/too much?3)Are cheap eating options available. The park looks expensive, would like to limit park eating to one meal a day. Can you leave and get back in?I appreciate all answers, and any suggestions. Now back a few pages to do some reading.

1. Don't know.2. Animal Kingdom is one day and only one day. MK and Hollywood Studios can be done more than one day. Epcot is a no day to one day depending on if you have kids and if you want to do restaurants in the countries. I'd leave Epcot till last just in case you want to return to another park, unless you're going for food.3. Affordable, but not cheap is available, but not usually the best quality in that price range. My family packs lunches for the day. You can bring in all the food and drink you want in a backpack. You can leave and get back in, but since you're staying out of the park, it will be a pretty big hassle.

The more days you go to the park the cheaper the prices are. I think it really drops off after 4 days. So, if you will be there longer than the 4 days I recommend getting the days extended and don't be as rushed to get through the parks. I enjoy Epcot and can do a full day in the countries alone(without kids). MK is definitely 2 days. As far as eating. I would suggest bringing lunch into the park and sitting down to a decent dinner in the park or at a resort. I feel you get the best bang for your buck that way.

 

[ATC1]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge is the best choice. You get access by boat to the MK and the TTC.

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

The only thing worse then riding on a bus at Disney World is waiting for one. I mind the bus rides and that is a large part of what I wrote above. I also think that is one of the major factors in how Disney prices the hotels.

I can count on one hand how many times we've waited longer on a bus than it would have taken to do any of the other options. I hear lots of complaints on here about the buses, but don't find them warranted based on my experiences the past 3 years. Maybe they have more buses for DVC resorts compared to other resorts? I don't know the answer to that one.

Value resort buses are terrible. The moderate to DVC buses are not bad at all. Poly is close to the MK, but the Boardwalk, Beach club, Swan and Dolphin are walking distance to Epcot and DHS.

I have never had one problem with the buses when I stayed at a value. My biggest problem was when I stayed in the Caribbean Beach. Not only were the buses an issue but the size of the hotel and how far it took to get to the main food area bothered me as well. I did not like it there

The season or date you go is a big factor as well. Some places take a while to get through the resort. When we book at OKW we always request to stay at the hospitality house. It's never a problem on request.

 

[glvsav37]

I am going to make a few statements. You tell me if i am wrong.

If you want to plan a trip to Disney World and location is your #1 issue........

and money is no issue, then the Polynesian is the best place to stay. It's location on the monorail and TTC make it #1.

and you have some money to spend but still want to be frugal then renting points and staying at the Bay tower is the best choice. You get to stay near the MK and get short walk access to the monorail for reasonable money.

and you have some money and don't want the hastle of renting points then the wilderness lodge The Boardwalk is the best choice. You get access by boat to the Dis Studios and walk to Epcot (and then the monorail to MK).

Am I wrong here?

If location is based solely on parks then you're probably right. We like the location of Saratoga Springs because we don't mind riding the buses (it's a good wind down time for our kids) and like being close to Downtown Disney.

I'm gonna go ahead and change this one based on my preference. However, i've never stayed at WL, so I don't know anything about it.

 

[heckmanm]

My wife & kids got going on the pin trading on our recent trip. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of different pins available with different characters and for different rides/attractions. People collect them and wear them on lanyards around their necks. Prices range from about $7 to $12 each, or there are some combo sets that average out to less.

The "secret trick" is that any "cast member" who is wearing pins will trade any of their pins for any of yours, so if you buy a relatively cheap set of pins, you can upgrade via trade to "better" pins.