Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

 

[AcerFC]

I don't have an answer for you but I wish I could drop an extra grand on first class. Can't wait for the day when I can. For now, I'm happy when I save a few hundred bucks when I book at 260 and it's up to 450 now

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

From Philly to Orlando? What is that, less than 2 hours? Not really worth the $$ to fly first class for a flight that short imo.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

So, with the free dining plan, is there no way to add that to an existing reservation online? I looked, but I'm not seeing it. Need to call them to do it or will they not do it with an existing reservation?

Call them. I booked in January. Free d,inning was just added to when I'll be there. I called and saved $550. They give some garbage about availability for each hotel but they still had some for poly when I called

These people are morons, BTW. I mean, lord knows I'm aware of the bureaucracy that comes from working for larger companies, but when I called to add the dining plan, they couldn't do it. Why? Because we're checking in on a day that's part of the blackout period. What's their solution for this? If I check in the next day, I can add the free dining plan. Our conversation went something like this:"So, you're telling me if I cancel my current reservation and take one that begins a day later, you're going to give me a free dining plan?""That's right.""So, if I drop a day from my trip and stay somewhere else, you're going to give me a free dining plan.""Yes, sir.""When I pull up my current reservation for that night, I see the same rate you're charging me on the room.""I don't understand.""Well, you're not making more money off the room if you rent it to someone else right now, so I'm trying to figure out why you're forcing me to give you LESS money before you'll give me something free. You're basically saying the only way you'll give me free meals is if I give you $500 less."*now laughing* "I know, but I have to follow the rules."

 

[Bob Sacamano]

"I SAID SHE'S ####ING GOOFY!!!"

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

From Philly to Orlando? What is that, less than 2 hours? Not really worth the $$ to fly first class for a flight that short imo.

Any opinion on the two resorts?

 

[AcerFC]

I did not like Carribean Beach. Have never been to wilderness lodge

 

[Osaurus]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

From Philly to Orlando? What is that, less than 2 hours? Not really worth the $$ to fly first class for a flight that short imo.

Any opinion on the two resorts?

Stayed on club level at Wilderness Lodge. One of my favorite places to stay hands down.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

From Philly to Orlando? What is that, less than 2 hours? Not really worth the $ to fly first class for a flight that short imo.

Any opinion on the two resorts?

Stayed on club level at Wilderness Lodge. One of my favorite places to stay hands down.

So its worth the $1k difference? Anyone else have some opinions?

 

[Godsbrother]

Ok here are my options (room prices come with 4 day park hopper). All come in around my budget, just not sure what the best bang for my buck is.

#1 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 + First class flights $748 per person (RT) for a total of: $2935.76

or

#2 Wilderness Lodge 1 King Size Bed, standard room Club Level @ $2663.64 + $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total of: $3130.84

or

#3 Caribbean Beach 1 King Size Bed @ $1439.76 $233.60 (RT) per person coach for a total: $1906.96

From Philly to Orlando? What is that, less than 2 hours? Not really worth the $ to fly first class for a flight that short imo.

Any opinion on the two resorts?

Stayed on club level at Wilderness Lodge. One of my favorite places to stay hands down.

So its worth the $1k difference? Anyone else have some opinions?

Club level at the Wilderness Lodge is much better than a regular room at the Carribean Beach. If money isn't a problem I would spend the extra $1K. If things were tight I wouldn't have a problem staying at the CB but I would also look into the other moderates.I personally like the Coranado Springs and two Port Orleans (Riverside & French Quarter) over Carribean Beach (just my opinion though -- I am sure you could find others that would prefer Carribean Beach)

 

[Reaper]

I did not like Carribean Beach. Have never been to wilderness lodge

I did not like Wilderness Lodge never been to Carribean Beach....No joke.2 things that would sway me: 1) Isn't the pool better at Carribean beach (I would hope so)2) Is Carribean beach closer to more food options / entertainment?Because with my group with a 4 year old we were pretty much tied to Wilderness after she went to bed unless we wanted to bus it - so, that meant 1) very mediocre bar for entertainment / drinks and even dinner options were nothing my group desired. Silly Loud restaurant, Over priced mediocre restaurant or Cafe.Next time I go I would look to be near the boardwalk or somewhere I can stroll near by for some decent entertainment / eye candy.ETA.. Not sure what club level is - We stayed at the ehhhem "villas" but, I'd rather have more food / entertainment options than a better room because I don't think too many Disney rooms are going to blow people away anyway.The Villa rooms Btw kinda stunk - not as nice as a Comfort Suite.

 

[Godsbrother]

I did not like Carribean Beach. Have never been to wilderness lodge

I did not like Wilderness Lodge never been to Carribean Beach....No joke.2 things that would sway me: 1) Isn't the pool better at Carribean beach (I would hope so)2) Is Carrabean beach closer to more food options / entertainment?Because with my group with a 4 year old we were pretty much tied to Wilderness after she went to bed unless we wanted to bus it - so, that meant 1) very mediocre bar for entertainment / drinks and even dinner options were nothing my group desired. Silly Loud restaurant, Over priced mediocre restaurant or Cafe.Next time I go I would look to be near the boardwalk or soemwhere I can stroll near by for some decent entertainment.

The dining options at the Wilderness Lodge are much better than Carribean Beach and the Wilderness Lodge has 2 pools compared to the Carribean Beach which only has one.Transportation to both is by bus except the Wilderness Lodge has boat access to the Magic Kingdom. Neither are close enough to any of the parks or other resorts to walk to.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I did not like Carribean Beach. Have never been to wilderness lodge

I did not like Wilderness Lodge never been to Carribean Beach....No joke.2 things that would sway me: 1) Isn't the pool better at Carribean beach (I would hope so)2) Is Carrabean beach closer to more food options / entertainment?Because with my group with a 4 year old we were pretty much tied to Wilderness after she went to bed unless we wanted to bus it - so, that meant 1) very mediocre bar for entertainment / drinks and even dinner options were nothing my group desired. Silly Loud restaurant, Over priced mediocre restaurant or Cafe.Next time I go I would look to be near the boardwalk or soemwhere I can stroll near by for some decent entertainment.

The dining options at the Wilderness Lodge are much better than Carribean Beach and the Wilderness Lodge has 2 pools compared to the Carribean Beach which only has one.Transportation to both is by bus except the Wilderness Lodge has boat access to the Magic Kingdom. Neither are close enough to any of the parks or other resorts to walk to.

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

 

[Battles]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney

Could you elaborate? I have no idea what Downtown Disney is. I assumed thats in the disney park?

 

[Battles]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney

Could you elaborate? I have no idea what Downtown Disney is. I assumed thats in the disney park?

It's not a park, but located on the edge of the complex. It's free and buses run there from the resorts. It's just a big collection of stores, restaurants and bars. Cirque du Soliel is also there. We like several of the restaurant there. Fulton's Crab House if okay, but pricey. Earl of Sandwich is a good affordable place to get a sandwich. Cookes of Dublin has pretty good fish and chips.I don't know much about the bars since we are usually stuck with young kids. Someone else will have to chime in. House of Blues, etc are located in the Pleasure Island area.The ESPN Club is a sports bar located in the Boardwalk Resort. I haven't been, but some of my relatives caught a college football game there and thought it was a good place to watch it.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Ohana was amazing. Sanaa was pretty good too.

 

[Reaper]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney

Could you elaborate? I have no idea what Downtown Disney is. I assumed thats in the disney park?

It's not a park, but located on the edge of the complex. It's free and buses run there from the resorts. It's just a big collection of stores, restaurants and bars. Cirque du Soliel is also there. We like several of the restaurant there. Fulton's Crab House if okay, but pricey. Earl of Sandwich is a good affordable place to get a sandwich. Cookes of Dublin has pretty good fish and chips.I don't know much about the bars since we are usually stuck with young kids. Someone else will have to chime in. House of Blues, etc are located in the Pleasure Island area.The ESPN Club is a sports bar located in the Boardwalk Resort. I haven't been, but some of my relatives caught a college football game there and thought it was a good place to watch it.

Sounds like What I'm looking for - Places to walk and wander and some nightlife after the kid goes to sleep.....At night the Wildness lodge was as exciting as a Holiday Inn with a bar.

 

[ragincajun]

So if I received 40% off my room rate then there is no way to add free dining too right?

 

[Godsbrother]

So if I received 40% off my room rate then there is no way to add free dining too right?

Probably not. Normally you either get room discounts, "free" nights or "free" dining but it never hurts to ask.

 

[Godsbrother]

It's not a park, but located on the edge of the complex. It's free and buses run there from the resorts. It's just a big collection of stores, restaurants and bars. Cirque du Soliel is also there. We like several of the restaurant there. Fulton's Crab House if okay, but pricey. Earl of Sandwich is a good affordable place to get a sandwich. Cookes of Dublin has pretty good fish and chips.I don't know much about the bars since we are usually stuck with young kids. Someone else will have to chime in. House of Blues, etc are located in the Pleasure Island area.The ESPN Club is a sports bar located in the Boardwalk Resort. I haven't been, but some of my relatives caught a college football game there and thought it was a good place to watch it.

Ragland Road is an Irish pub in Downtown Disney with live entertainment and excellent food. One of my favorite places in Disney World.

 

[Godsbrother]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney for sure and the World Showcase at EPCOT is always open until at least 9:00 PM and is a great place for adults to hang out.If you are staying on property look for Extra Magic Evening Hours which give you up to 3 extra hours past the official closing time on some parks on selected nights.

 

[Mr. Ected]

So if I received 40% off my room rate then there is no way to add free dining too right?

Probably not. Normally you either get room discounts, "free" nights or "free" dining but it never hurts to ask.

Not sure when you are going, or if WDW is doing it again this year, but in the past, when it has come available, my "WDW agent" has arranged for my family to get the free dining or other discounts that applied to my visit. Which has been a main reason why I have used them!But if you are getting 40% that is spectacular, and would be interesting how that compares to the dining plan!

 

[glvsav37]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney for sure and the World Showcase at EPCOT is always open until at least 9:00 PM and is a great place for adults to hang out.If you are staying on property look for Extra Magic Evening Hours which give you up to 3 extra hours past the official closing time on some parks on selected nights.

And if you are at Epcot till 9 and want to hang out more...the Boardwalk resort is right outside Epcot's side gate—a 2-3 min walk—for some after hours strolling. Jellyrolls on the bwk is a blast

 

[shaunmzs]

Just Booked 11/24 - 11/29. Never been here before and wanted to get your guys opinion on reservations and schedule. Couldn't find any reservations for dinner at Ohana :-( I'm running into a problem with dinner credits though. I have the sit downs used up by the 27th with a day and a half left. Can we get by with snack and quick serve for that stretch? Should I cancel one of the 2 credit sit downs, if so which one?? Can't wait!

Does any one have experience with the CLP I booked at the reef to get the guaranteed seating.

Also booked a 3-day cruise on the Dream from the 29th - 2nd. Wife wanted to do them both while we are down there.... figuring Disney would be busy, busy, busy than three days to relax on a cruise.

Dinner Reservations

-11/24 – Candle Light Processional 8:15 – Dining @ Reef 5:25pm, 2 credits

-11/25 – Ohana Breakfast @ 10:25am, 1 credit

-11/26 – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue @ 6:15pm, 2 credits

-11/27 – 1900 Park Fare @ 8:05pm, 1 credit

-11/28 –

-11/29 –

-Places – Ohana, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Royal Palace, Lecelier’, Mickeys Backyard BBQ, Askerhause,

Extra Magic Hours Days

-11/24 - Hollywood Studios – 8-9 am

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios – 8-11 pm

-11/26 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am, Magic Kingdom 8-11 pm

-11/27 – Epcot – 8-9 am

-11/28 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am,

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom 8-9 am

Itinerary

-11/24 – Not Sure

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/26 – Magic Kingdom to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/27 – Epcot

-11/28 – Back to a favorite or Animal Kingdome

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom

 

[glvsav37]

Just Booked 11/24 - 11/29. Never been here before and wanted to get your guys opinion on reservations and schedule. Couldn't find any reservations for dinner at Ohana :-( I'm running into a problem with dinner credits though. I have the sit downs used up by the 27th with a day and a half left. Can we get by with snack and quick serve for that stretch? Should I cancel one of the 2 credit sit downs, if so which one?? Can't wait!

Does any one have experience with the CLP I booked at the reef to get the guaranteed seating.

Also booked a 3-day cruise on the Dream from the 29th - 2nd. Wife wanted to do them both while we are down there.... figuring Disney would be busy, busy, busy than three days to relax on a cruise.

Dinner Reservations

-11/24 – Candle Light Processional 8:15 – Dining @ Reef 5:25pm, 2 credits

-11/25 – Ohana Breakfast @ 10:25am, 1 credit

-11/26 – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue @ 6:15pm, 2 credits

-11/27 – 1900 Park Fare @ 8:05pm, 1 credit

-11/28 –

-11/29 –

-Places – Ohana, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Royal Palace, Lecelier’, Mickeys Backyard BBQ, Askerhause,

Extra Magic Hours Days

-11/24 - Hollywood Studios – 8-9 am

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios – 8-11 pm

-11/26 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am, Magic Kingdom 8-11 pm

-11/27 – Epcot – 8-9 am

-11/28 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am,

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom 8-9 am

Itinerary

-11/24 – Not Sure

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/26 – Magic Kingdom to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/27 – Epcot

-11/28 – Back to a favorite or Animal Kingdome

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom

schedule works if you think so. I'm not a fan of staying in 1 park all day, even with EMH.

Big question is where are you staying. Resort location plays a lot into day planning. Plus, how many in your group? Small kids that need breaks? Just adults with lots of stamina?

 

[shaunmzs]

Just Booked 11/24 - 11/29. Never been here before and wanted to get your guys opinion on reservations and schedule. Couldn't find any reservations for dinner at Ohana :-( I'm running into a problem with dinner credits though. I have the sit downs used up by the 27th with a day and a half left. Can we get by with snack and quick serve for that stretch? Should I cancel one of the 2 credit sit downs, if so which one?? Can't wait!

Does any one have experience with the CLP I booked at the reef to get the guaranteed seating.

Also booked a 3-day cruise on the Dream from the 29th - 2nd. Wife wanted to do them both while we are down there.... figuring Disney would be busy, busy, busy than three days to relax on a cruise.

Dinner Reservations

-11/24 – Candle Light Processional 8:15 – Dining @ Reef 5:25pm, 2 credits

-11/25 – Ohana Breakfast @ 10:25am, 1 credit

-11/26 – Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue @ 6:15pm, 2 credits

-11/27 – 1900 Park Fare @ 8:05pm, 1 credit

-11/28 –

-11/29 –

-Places – Ohana, Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Royal Palace, Lecelier’, Mickeys Backyard BBQ, Askerhause,

Extra Magic Hours Days

-11/24 - Hollywood Studios – 8-9 am

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios – 8-11 pm

-11/26 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am, Magic Kingdom 8-11 pm

-11/27 – Epcot – 8-9 am

-11/28 – Animal Kingdom – 8-9 am,

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom 8-9 am

Itinerary

-11/24 – Not Sure

-11/25 – Hollywood Studios to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/26 – Magic Kingdom to take advantage of Extra Hours

-11/27 – Epcot

-11/28 – Back to a favorite or Animal Kingdome

-11/29 – Magic Kingdom

schedule works if you think so. I'm not a fan of staying in 1 park all day, even with EMH.

Big question is where are you staying. Resort location plays a lot into day planning. Plus, how many in your group? Small kids that need breaks? Just adults with lots of stamina?

Staying at Caribbean Beach. Our group has two adults, 9 yr old girl, and 7 yr old boy.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney for sure and the World Showcase at EPCOT is always open until at least 9:00 PM and is a great place for adults to hang out.If you are staying on property look for Extra Magic Evening Hours which give you up to 3 extra hours past the official closing time on some parks on selected nights.

And if you are at Epcot till 9 and want to hang out more...the Boardwalk resort is right outside Epcot's side gate—a 2-3 min walk—for some after hours strolling. Jellyrolls on the bwk is a blast

Trip is booked. Need some suggestions for some nicer restaurants to eat at. Wife is into all different types of food so no barriers there. Also looking for specific activities to do at night after the park is closed.

 

[baaloc1968]

Last trip down was for our anniversary a couple of years ago. We ate at the Brown Derby one night and at the Yachtsman Steakhouse on our anniversary. Both meals were excellent and service was great. The Yachtsman gave us menus with our names and the occasion printed on them, which we thought was a nice touch. Out of the two, we preferred the Brown Derby. Our server was more friendly and the food was a little better.

We are now planning a trip for early December to enjoy the Christmas decorations.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Last trip down was for our anniversary a couple of years ago. We ate at the Brown Derby one night and at the Yachtsman Steakhouse on our anniversary. Both meals were excellent and service was great. The Yachtsman gave us menus with our names and the occasion printed on them, which we thought was a nice touch. Out of the two, we preferred the Brown Derby. Our server was more friendly and the food was a little better.

We are now planning a trip for early December to enjoy the Christmas decorations.

See you there!

 

[ATC1]

Heading end of this month and 1st week of Oct for the 10 pm Tower of Terror 10 mile run. Villians party till the morning. Doing the holloween party for the first time.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney for sure and the World Showcase at EPCOT is always open until at least 9:00 PM and is a great place for adults to hang out.If you are staying on property look for Extra Magic Evening Hours which give you up to 3 extra hours past the official closing time on some parks on selected nights.

And if you are at Epcot till 9 and want to hang out more...the Boardwalk resort is right outside Epcot's side gate—a 2-3 min walk—for some after hours strolling. Jellyrolls on the bwk is a blast

Trip is booked. Need some suggestions for some nicer restaurants to eat at. Wife is into all different types of food so no barriers there. Also looking for specific activities to do at night after the park is closed.

Looking for more feedback.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

Pretty cool Disney App if it actually works.

 

[AAABatteries]

Pretty cool Disney App if it actually works.

Nice - very cool app, I like the way I can mark favorites for us to check out next time we are there.So, we are planning to take the season pass plunge in March. I've read this entire thread but have a bad memory, any suggestions or recommendations with season passes?

 

[glvsav37]

Pretty cool Disney App if it actually works.

thx! ill check this one out. I used a similar app on our last trip and would never go to a park again without it.Edit....just gave it a spin...looks pretty cool. heavy graphics so it is a bit slow even on my home network, but it looks pretty powerful overall.

 

[parasaurolophus]

I just noticed that the main parks close at 7pm during this time. Are there other places for adults to go during the evening?

Downtown Disney for sure and the World Showcase at EPCOT is always open until at least 9:00 PM and is a great place for adults to hang out.If you are staying on property look for Extra Magic Evening Hours which give you up to 3 extra hours past the official closing time on some parks on selected nights.

And if you are at Epcot till 9 and want to hang out more...the Boardwalk resort is right outside Epcot's side gate—a 2-3 min walk—for some after hours strolling. Jellyrolls on the bwk is a blast

Trip is booked. Need some suggestions for some nicer restaurants to eat at. Wife is into all different types of food so no barriers there. Also looking for specific activities to do at night after the park is closed.

Looking for more feedback.

We love sanaa at AKL. Then after we like to sit in the rocking chairs and have a couple drinks. They have big firepits outside that are nice to sit around. They have them inside too.

 

[GreekFreak]

Just booked a 2 bedroom at Bay Lake Tower for the last week of January.

My kids are excited to see the new Fantasyland.

 

[ragincajun]

Update: sitting outside of the Pooh ride with my wife and sleeping son. Last full day here and flying back tommorow afternoon.

Arrived last Saturday at Riverside and then hit Hollywood studios, Sunday at MK (rain!), Monday Epcot, Tuesday universal, wend seaworld, Thursday AK, Friday MK.

I will update later but this week has been great because the crowds are small.

 

[Worm]

Update: sitting outside of the Pooh ride with my wife and sleeping son. Last full day here and flying back tommorow afternoon.Arrived last Saturday at Riverside and then hit Hollywood studios, Sunday at MK (rain!), Monday Epcot, Tuesday universal, wend seaworld, Thursday AK, Friday MK.I will update later but this week has been great because the crowds are small.

Nice. We head down in 1 week. Hope the crowds are still nice and small.

 

[ragincajun]

Only waited more than 20 minutes once and that was on toy story. Did not have to fast pass once.

 

[baaloc1968]

Booked for Coronado Springs December 10-16. Thus far, we're going to the Christmas Party one night, the candlelight procession another night and we're booked for the Segway tour of EPCOT one morning.

For dining, we tried to get ADRs for Brown Derby, Ohana and Le Cellier, but only Brown Derby was available. Any other suggestions?

 

[Mr. Ected]

Booked for Coronado Springs December 10-16. Thus far, we're going to the Christmas Party one night, the candlelight procession another night and we're booked for the Segway tour of EPCOT one morning.

For dining, we tried to get ADRs for Brown Derby, Ohana and Le Cellier, but only Brown Derby was available. Any other suggestions?

If you have kids with you, the Whispering Canyon Cafe in the Wilderness Lodge is wonderful. Tons of fun for the kids.

 

[Worm]

Only waited more than 20 minutes once and that was on toy story. Did not have to fast pass once.

Sweet. T-minus 3 days here. Kids are super excited.

 

[shader]

Only waited more than 20 minutes once and that was on toy story. Did not have to fast pass once.

Sweet. T-minus 3 days here. Kids are super excited.

Me too. We are arriving on Saturday!

 

[ragincajun]

Picked up a slingshot and it made carrying a DSLR a lot easier in the parks. Now I have a brand new case logic slrc 203 sitting in my office.

 

[Lehigh98]

Looks like we're booked for a second visit 4/7-4/15. 4/11 is both me and my son's birthday so that should be fun in the park again (was there near our birthdays 2 years ago).

I wanted to wait until Fall so it wouldn't be as crowded and my 4 year old would then be 5 and most likely tall enough to go on the cool rides like Space Mountain. (But my MIL found a deal for airfare and is buying the family airline tickets for Christmas so really can't complain though) Now I'm worried he'll be the only 1 of the 4 boys (his brother and 2 cousins) that will be left out of those rides which will absolutely suck. We now only have 6 months to try and stretch him another 2-3 inches.

I'm going to go back through the thread for updates but anything special stand out to you guys since we were last there April 2011?

Is the new FantasyLand done? How is it?

Looking forward to the new Starwars ride, it was closed for rennovations when we were there but my older son got to do Jedi Academy. Will probably go for my younger son this time but if he gets in I fear for Darth Vader's safety.

We only did Disney Parks last time but the inlaws are looking at Universal, Legoland, SeaWorld, Gatorland(?) this time. Which are worth going to?

Any recommendations for places for breakfast? (where do they do early admission character breakfasts?)

Any recommendations for places for dinner? (hopefully will get into Ohana this time, maybe for birthday dinner)

TIA!

 

[Frank Drebin]

New Fantasyland is not done yet, but will be by the time you get there. Although I don't think the Seven Dwarves Mine Ride will be open yet.

We just got home 2 weeks ago. The new Star Wars ride is much better than the old one. The ride is still basically the same, but there are multiple scenarios you end up flying through. And it can change each time...up to 50 different variations, I think. I only got to ride once, but flew through the battles of Hoth, Coruscant and second Death Star. Lots of fun.

I would definitely recommend Cape May Cafe and Chef Mickey's for character breakfasts, with the edge going to Cape May. I thought the food was slightly better at Cape May and the characters were around more. Cape May is located at the Beach Club.

We couldn't get into Ohana this time either and our travel agent booked us for Kona Cafe at Polynesian in its place. We ended up loving it. Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot was excellent and probably our favorite place we had dinner. They sat us right next to the aquarium (it's connected to the Nemo Ride and main Epcot aquariums) and the kids were mesmerized the whole time.

Where are you staying?

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Starting to jones a little for O'hana. Can taste the food and it's killing me. Can't wait until Thanksgiving.

 

[Premier]

Went to food and wine yesterday. Was really, really disappointed. Japan had California rolls , Australia ha shrimp on the barbie and basically every stop had a variation of Americanized chain food. I know this is another profit maker for Disney so they have to move product, but I was under the impression you would get to sample some foods you don't often see here. There was very little of that.

 

[Lehigh98]

I would definitely recommend Cape May Cafe and Chef Mickey's for character breakfasts, with the edge going to Cape May. I thought the food was slightly better at Cape May and the characters were around more. Cape May is located at the Beach Club.We couldn't get into Ohana this time either and our travel agent booked us for Kona Cafe at Polynesian in its place. We ended up loving it. Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot was excellent and probably our favorite place we had dinner. They sat us right next to the aquarium (it's connected to the Nemo Ride and main Epcot aquariums) and the kids were mesmerized the whole time. Where are you staying?

We did the character breakfast at Cape May Cafe last trip and it was pretty good.I've heard about early park admission if you do breakfast at certain places, is that true?Or do you also have to be staying on property?Did they change the 6 month rule on when you can make reservations?We're exacly 6 months out on the trip now but looks like system is down for maintenance.Any tips for getting on and booking reservations at sought after places like Ohana?Which other places would we have to book this early?We're probably going to do the same thing we did last trip and rent a house.We'll have 6 adults and 4 kids so its nice to have a big place with a pool to relax in.