Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Are you staying on-property? These rooms have a safe, and it should be large enough for a tablet.
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Disney Vacation (14 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
Yes, staying in the Wilderness Lodge. I have a 10" and was worrying it may not fit.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Have to checked into any restaurants in Downtown Disney? I strongly recommend Ragland Road.Things are going to be nuts there Christmas week but I bet you still have a blast
Plaid Boxer
Footballguy
In a Disney thread no less.
Buddy Ball 2K3
Footballguy
All of our dinners are booked. So far the only thing we have planned is the Mickey Party on Thursday night and the Candle thing on Friday.
Looking for Do's & Don'ts. We leave Thursday am and return Monday night so not a lot of time.
Looking for Do's & Don'ts. We leave Thursday am and return Monday night so not a lot of time.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
The number 1 DO is to arrive at the parks early, preferably 20-30 minutes before the stated opening time. You will be able to do more in the first 3 hours that you can in the next six.As soon as you enter get a Fast Pass to one of the headliners and then ride other headliners first, even if it means backtracking a bit. After you do the headliners then do whatever has a short wait time. Leave the park when it starts to get crowded and go back to the resort for some R&R. Then go back to the park after you've eaten dinner.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
When I was there last fall, I stayed at Pop Century, and we were able to put my wife's laptop in our safe. I would think that a 10" tablet would be smaller than a normal business-sized laptop. You should be all set!!! Have Fun!!!
Usual21
Footballguy
How was Pop Century? That's where we are staying.
Battles
Footballguy
Post Christmas is usually busy. Pre isn't so bad. It will be interesting to see how it works this year with Christmas being early in the week. This will be our 3rd straight Christmas at WDW.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
We've stayed there several times. We have now 10, 9, and 6 year old kids. This is why we chose Pop Century for our last visit, because WDW has mostly 4 person rooms, and therefore with our 5, we needed to get 2. It worked out well, because we were able to have my in-laws join us and it didn't cost anything extra hotel-wise.As a resort, it is nice. The pools and other play areas are good. Nothing is too far from the main building, so you don't have to do too much running back and forth to your room(s). The restaurant area is fine, it is mainly a buffet that you may want to hit for breakfast and that's about it. Since we have been there, they have opened the new resort across the lake (blanking on the name) that was originally the second half of Pop Century. You probably can cross over the lake to see the new place, as well as hit their restaurant(s). (Pools too I would bet) The buses are good, also.Let me know if you have any more questions!!!
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Islands of Adventure is definitely worth it. Universal is cool too. However you don't need more than a day each IMO.
Usual21
Footballguy
Yeah, we're going to do Islands of Adventure. I read that the Dr. Seuss area is made into Whoville from the How the Grinch Stole Christmas. My kid loves that movie. I really like the Spider-Man ride. I'm just glad we are going in December instead of the last week in August when it's 102 in the shade.
baaloc1968
Footballguy
Disney is testing something new with the Fast Pass system. We got an invitation to participate since we'll be there next week. Basically, you can pre-order your Fast Passes at each park. It sounds interesting, but there was mention that Disney may make this an option to buy in the future.
Premier
Footballguy
Depends on how much you enjoy paying $10/order for dry burgers and soggy fries.
AcerFC
Footballguy
Depends on where you want to eat. Get online now and see if you can fit something inWhispering hills canyon had stuff for every day we were there if you don't mind leaving and going to wilderness lodge. It's a boat ride away.
ATC1
Footballguy
Most resorts have good places to eat during the day that don't require reservations. Whispering Canyon (Wilderness), The Canyon River Brewery (On the Boardwalk), Cape May (Beach Club) usually don't require reservation are are some of my favorite places to eat. The places in the parks will be booked.
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Depends how much time you'll be spending at Epcot. There are some good counter-service options there.But yeah, get online now and see what you can find.
Ramblin Wreck
Footballguy
I got into Le Cellier in November with 2 weeks notice. Just check the online reservations every night because people cancel all the time.
ATC1
Footballguy
Just asked my wife. 12/20 is our wedding anniversary. She turned it down. She said the airfare for 2 people would be too expensive to justify going for the one night. But I'll ask again to see if she will just let me go alone.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
We went last January with no reservations and walked up to most places without a problem. The only one that didn't work out was O'hana, all they had was after 9 pm.
I think you will be ok for the most part with no reservations.
I think you will be ok for the most part with no reservations.
ATC1
Footballguy
January is a slow time.
Premier
Footballguy
Negative. Almost every time we are waiting for our name to be called somewhere, somebody walks up trying to get a table. Every. Single. Time...they got shot down. Must have seen it 15 times now. Usually people get all gruff and complain about why would they need to make dinner reservations at a theme park. High comedy.
GreekFreak
Footballguy
It's pretty funny to see people yelling at the workers and they just smile and take it.We have been going in January the past 5 years and we always had luck.
AcerFC
Footballguy
I put in party of 4 for dinner on Saturday. Im sure you can do the same for SundayArtist Point
American, Seafood
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
6:15 PM 7:30 PM 7:45 PM
Whispering Canyon Cafe
American
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
5:25 PM 7:40 PM
Kona Cafe
American
Disney's Polynesian Resort
$$
5:35 PM 8:25 PM
California Grill
American, Sushi
Disney's Contemporary Resort
$$$
9:25 PM
Chef Mickey's
American
Disney's Contemporary Resort
$$$
5:35 PM
The Wave...of American Flavors
American
Disney's Contemporary Resort
$$
7:05 PM 7:40 PM
Kouzzina by Cat Cora
Mediterranean, Greek
Disney's BoardWalk Resort
$$
7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Cape May Cafe
American, Seafood
Disney's Beach Club Resort
6:50 PM 7:20 PM
Captain's Grille
American
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
$$
6:45 PM 7:00 PM 7:25 PM
Yachtsman Steakhouse
American, Steakhouse
Disney's Yacht Club Resort
$$$
5:20 PM 7:15 PM 7:40 PM
AcerFC
Footballguy
Likely all booked for JanuaryIt is a brazillian steak house where they bring the fixed menu to you on skewers. Give me a second to find Yankees post. It didnt live up to the hype for me but it was very good
GreekFreak
Footballguy
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AcerFC
Footballguy
Or something?!?!? You dare categorize the great O'hana as just a throw away eatery that you can find at any little town that serves food that even commoners would eat? No, sir, O'hana is much, much more. Let's set the scene:Initially you get there for your reservation. Immediately the great great smell of steak, chicken, pork and sausage hits you from the open grill int he center of the dining room. You are treated to the opportunity for top shelf alcoholic beverages as you sit by the internal waterfall in the hotel and relax. There is usually some form of musical entertainment going on to help you enjoy the moment. But then - the great moment - you are called to your seat.Is Ohana a brazilian steakhouse or something?
You sit down and need not order. Oh no. Your order is already set. You get your drinks topped off and ready, and then you see what comes to you from heaven.
Pork fried dumplings
Honey Corriander chicken wings
Mixed Greens with Honey-Lime dressing.
And chips to dip in three dipping sauces - a peanut sauce that literally spilled from God's right hand, a chimichurri and a sweet and sour. OF course, all of these is all you can eat for the entirty of your stay there. And that's just the beginning.
Skewers (prepared over an oak fire): Marinated sirloin steak, Asian BBQ pork loin, Mesquite grilled turkey, and non-peeled shrimp. This is what hits you next. All you can eat. Dozens of servers are there to help you enjoy these wonderful wonderful presents from above. Hopefully you aren't full because there is more...
Broccoli and green peas and pad Thai noodles help to complete the table.
Eat up fine sir. Eat up. You will never have a better meal. But wait.... What's this? There is still dessert? I couldn't. I've eaten a few chickens and cows here but man oh man what do I see coming towards me? Bread pudding a la mode with Banana Foster sauce. Get that did you? Bread pudding - the best you've ever had, topped with vanilla ice cream and banana's foster sauce. This is stuff that is too sexy for Cinemax here folks.
It's not just a meal. It's basically a revolution of food. You will never enjoy another meal as much as you used to after this. You will crave, you will want, you will desire. Just one more honey corriander wing, just a few more dips of the peanut sauce... just one more just one more...........
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Was our last menu before leaving town during TOAL.IIRC, it's served family style like dinner. There's a bowl of breads & rolls that is awesome. Some standard breakfast fare: scrambled eggs you can get at any resort breakfast, pork sausage and bacon that's pretty good, a fried potatoes & caramelized onions dish that was delicious. I think there's also a bowl of fresh fruit, pineapple and mixed melons. Included beverages are coffee/milk/juice. Can't remember if they serve island-style juices like guava or papaya. I might be mixing that up with the "Jungle Juice" served at Tucker House breakfast over in Animal Kingdom. Lilo, Stitch, Mickey in aloha gear, and Pluto with a lei-collar visit the tables. It's a good meal. Not in the league of Ohana dinner. But a good meal.ETA: the daytime view out the restaurant windows is really nice. We had previously only been there for late dinner, timing our meal reservation to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from the restaurant. So we had never seen the space during the day.
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ATC1
Footballguy
It is not dinner, but very good. It is Whispering canyon meets breakfast. They bring out family style breakfast food to the table. Bacon, eggs, sausage, briskets, Potato wedges are good and ask for the fresh fruit.
Dragons
Delusions of Grandeur
Just asked my wife. 12/20 is our wedding anniversary. She turned it down. She said the airfare for 2 people would be too expensive to justify going for the one night. But I'll ask again to see if she will just let me go alone.
By the way, the reservation is for a party of 8.
Snotbubbles
Footballguy
Doing Disney July 5th to July 13th.
Doing Ohana again. The family loved it.
Doing Discovery Cove this year instead of the Disney parks. Will hit up Sea World, Aquatica and Busch Gardens.
Doing Ohana again. The family loved it.
Doing Discovery Cove this year instead of the Disney parks. Will hit up Sea World, Aquatica and Busch Gardens.
Premier
Footballguy
Fly into Tampa, drive it to Orlando.
The Ref
Footballguy
JackReacher
Footballguy
Wanted to pimp Biergarten in Germany at Epcot. We were booking a reservation with just a week out so our choices were limited. My wife made the reservation after a recommendation from a Disney regular. I was skeptical, but very happily surprised. It is buffet style but the choices were good and the food was great. The beer and gluhwein was excellent too. Again, it was much better than I thought it would be. I live in Miami where we have top class restaurants so I can be picky about what I eat. Also, they put on a fun show, guys in lederhosen and all that.
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Premier
Footballguy
Went yesterday. What a total nuthouse. Still had fun though...it really is stunning how the park is decorated. Especially the Osbourne show.
Took in the new Jack Sparrow show...total waste. Didn't like it at all, but the technology was impressive. Just a boring cliche show.
Took in the new Jack Sparrow show...total waste. Didn't like it at all, but the technology was impressive. Just a boring cliche show.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
What did you expect? That is Disney..
Premier
Footballguy
What did I expect about what? I've been there like 20 times this year. Pretty much know what's there.
The Ref
Footballguy
Hey - I was probably the guy you wanted to knock out.Had a great time this weekend. I'll do a small write up later on.
The Ref
Footballguy
I had a great time this past weekend with the family. A few notes from the weekend.
Renting points is a great option! We stayed a majority of our time at the Jambo house at the animal kingdom lodge. Now I'll never stay there again (more on that in a second) but the place was as nice as the Wilderness Lodge and in some cases better. For the money you really cant beat renting points as you get to stay at a nice location for roughly 50% of the cost. I'm going back in Feb/Mar and I plan to rent points again.
As I said above the Animal Kingdom lodge was great, but I'll never stay there again. The long and short of it is the location and volume makes it a transportation nightmare. Both nights we tried to take the bus back to the AKL and both nights we waited 30 min plus. During that wait we saw 3 buses each for the different all star resorts and 2 each for Coronado and Port Orleans. Now it's kind of hard to pay 50% for the deluxe price and then say "I deserve better" but I would be livid if I was paying upwards of $400 a night to stay at the AKL and wait as long as we did for a bus through out the weekend. It wasn't just MK to AKL either, it's busses to all the other parks and DD. When i asked about the delays the cast member flat out told us it is a problem for the property and it is because of the distance and the fact that the property has lower volume then others. Like I said - never again.
The new fantasy land is nice, but it's new and as a result everyone is hanging around the joint and it's a S show. My advice would be to get a fast pass for Ariels ride (I have a daughter) go a bit early and get the photo opp with the fish next door and get out of dodge. The cinnamon rolls at Gastons were huge and yummy if you want to fight the crowd.
I know others are going to laugh at me for this, but anyone going for the first time needs to make sure of two things. 1. Get dinner reservations, even if you are planning late and all thats left isn't someplace at the top of your list. 2. Make sure you know where the fast pass kiosks are and use them.
Renting points is a great option! We stayed a majority of our time at the Jambo house at the animal kingdom lodge. Now I'll never stay there again (more on that in a second) but the place was as nice as the Wilderness Lodge and in some cases better. For the money you really cant beat renting points as you get to stay at a nice location for roughly 50% of the cost. I'm going back in Feb/Mar and I plan to rent points again.
As I said above the Animal Kingdom lodge was great, but I'll never stay there again. The long and short of it is the location and volume makes it a transportation nightmare. Both nights we tried to take the bus back to the AKL and both nights we waited 30 min plus. During that wait we saw 3 buses each for the different all star resorts and 2 each for Coronado and Port Orleans. Now it's kind of hard to pay 50% for the deluxe price and then say "I deserve better" but I would be livid if I was paying upwards of $400 a night to stay at the AKL and wait as long as we did for a bus through out the weekend. It wasn't just MK to AKL either, it's busses to all the other parks and DD. When i asked about the delays the cast member flat out told us it is a problem for the property and it is because of the distance and the fact that the property has lower volume then others. Like I said - never again.
The new fantasy land is nice, but it's new and as a result everyone is hanging around the joint and it's a S show. My advice would be to get a fast pass for Ariels ride (I have a daughter) go a bit early and get the photo opp with the fish next door and get out of dodge. The cinnamon rolls at Gastons were huge and yummy if you want to fight the crowd.
I know others are going to laugh at me for this, but anyone going for the first time needs to make sure of two things. 1. Get dinner reservations, even if you are planning late and all thats left isn't someplace at the top of your list. 2. Make sure you know where the fast pass kiosks are and use them.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
Most of the shows are all cliche shows...bells and whistles without much substance.
Premier
Footballguy
Nah there's some good stuff. This one was particularly weak.
