avoiding injuries
Footballguy
Leaving for the airport in a little over an hour. Bags are packed and the car is loaded. Still haven't told the kid.
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Disney Vacation (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
That is awesome. Have fun
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Yes! Have a great time! Impressed you could keep the secret under wraps. Well played.
mphtrilogy
Footballguy
Anybody do a drive to Orlando from New York City area? How is it?
mphtrilogy
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Not the official announcement but a good breakdown of what is available and when
If you have the Disney Visa card through Chase, you can book the free dining plan now. It opens to the general public on Wednesday.
The big thing is the date windows...
2014 Free Dining Dates:
August 31, 2014 – October 3, 2014
October 26, 2014 – November 1, 2014
November 9, 2014 – November 20, 2014
December 12, 2014 – December 23, 2014
Note that what matters is your arrival date. Using the December dates as an example, if your stay is from on December 10-17 you technically aren't eligible for a free dining plan. (You can usually work something out over the phone, though, like splitting your stay into two separate reservations and getting the free dining plan from December 12-17). If your stay is from December 23-January 5, you are eligible for a free dining plan for your entire stay. IIRC, the max on free dining plans is 14 days.
AcerFC
Footballguy
we have done it multiple times. Its not great, but not dreadful either. We leave at night to miss the traffic
RBM
Footballguy
Pretty sure Yankee drives from Jersey multiple times a year. That's the guy to get in touch with.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Yup. Fun drive. About 17 hours. We usually stop somewhere on the way down so we be fresher once we get there. The 95 corridor is a trip. Lots of stuff to do and see.
mphtrilogy
Footballguy
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
We usually do it in two days. We will almost always leave about 2 or 3 in the morning so that the kids are going to be fast asleep for a good 5 hours and because it gets us past Washington D.C. and northern Virginia before there is any chance of traffic there. And on the 95 corridor once you get past northern Virginia, it is basically smooth sailing until you get to Florida.
When we first started doing it we would stop in South Carolina for the night - Florence, Dillon those general places. As we did it more and more we stopped further south. Now our general plan is to either stop in Brunswick, Georgia or right outside of Jacksonville Florida on the first night - which is usually around 9 or 10 pm and that is a really full day of driving. And then the next day you have about a 3 hour drive to Disney's gate. So if you leave the hotel at about 6 like we do - 7 at the latest - you get there before your check in time.
Your kids have to be good in the care. Ours are. Mainly because they are used to it and we pack the car full of things to keep them entertained, including all manner of junk food. Anything to get some time out of them. But you do have to stop. We try to stop at places that have areas that we can make them run around and get their beans out, so to speak. If your kids aren't good in the car I couldn't fathom that drive.
We've done it enough that we have our favorite spots to stop along 95 for anything. Krispey Kreame is in South Carolina, we have a map of Chick Fil-A's, stuff like that - all from just doing it over and over and over. Coming home we usually will force ourselves to do it in one day just to get it done because going home sucks anyway. But if we simply can't make it the farthest north we will stop is about 2 hours outside of DC. Once we get back into that DC area, it's better to just get home.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
We do it from DC, not too bad, stop over one time. What sux for us is that I can't drive and my wife has to do the whole thing. We usually plan an extra day or two before to do something like Cape Canaveral for our boys or even just going to the beach so she can get her speed up before spending a week at WDW. Kinda nice for all. Other years we have done Legoland, but I think my kids are getting too old for that.
mphtrilogy
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs? Two resorts enter, one resort leaves.
AcerFC
Footballguy
I have said this before, but my worst experience at Disney was by far at the Caribbean Beach. Have never been to Coronado
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Thanks! Your post got me to search back through the thread archives for both resorts.After reading up on both... I'm now leaning towards more financial discipline to save up for Wilderness Lodge.
Mr. Ected
Footballguy
If I remember correctly, Coronado is a conference resort. Stayed there (not realizing this) 15 years ago on our honeymoon. Don't remember much about the place.
Godsbrother
Footballguy
Stayed at the Coranado several times and liked it. It is very spread out so it is probably a better experience if you have a car otherwise you could have a bit of a wait for the busses depending on where you are staying at the resort.
I would stay at Coranado over Carribean Beach if those were my two choices.
I would stay at Coranado over Carribean Beach if those were my two choices.
Billy Bats
Footballguy
Was just at Caribbean Beach in September. While a nice hotel, it's way too big. Depending on where your room is, you could be a ways away from the town center where the dining hall is. I had a 10-12 minute to and from walk each morning for coffee. While I didn't mind, it can be tough on the kids. I would see people driving to get coffee because of the section they were staying. Also have to wait for a lot of bus stops before you get going to the parks and home at night. If you plan on going to the parks every day and not spending any time at the hotel, I wouldn't recommend it.Bruce Dickinson said:
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Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Saw this today on Facebook. 
Tickets now available for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
Halloween Party
Christmas Party
Tickets now available for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party & Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!
Halloween Party
Christmas Party
hagmania
Footballguy
Just got back from a week of Disney with my girlfriend of five years... and now she's my fiancée! Didn't propose in the park, she's not one for the big public proposal thing, but there's not quite any place like Disney World to stir up some magic. 
touringplans and the My Disney Experience app were great in park tools. touringplans was an insanely good crowd predictor for us, and worth the 13 bucks for the planning software. I set up an attraction by attraction plan and used it as my guide to book my FastPass+ times... and then we threw the detailed plans out the window when we got to the park, using our ride reservations as our only strict schedule, and the touringplans and Disney phone apps to guide us to low wait times around the parks.
Last week was so awesome, the crowds never got above 5 out of 10, and the two of us had a blast. It had easily been 10 years since either of us had been, and that was at an age (middle/high school) that neither of us really appreciated the magic back then.
We saw the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in action, but it was press/cast members only last week.
touringplans and the My Disney Experience app were great in park tools. touringplans was an insanely good crowd predictor for us, and worth the 13 bucks for the planning software. I set up an attraction by attraction plan and used it as my guide to book my FastPass+ times... and then we threw the detailed plans out the window when we got to the park, using our ride reservations as our only strict schedule, and the touringplans and Disney phone apps to guide us to low wait times around the parks.
Last week was so awesome, the crowds never got above 5 out of 10, and the two of us had a blast. It had easily been 10 years since either of us had been, and that was at an age (middle/high school) that neither of us really appreciated the magic back then.
We saw the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in action, but it was press/cast members only last week.
JFT Ben
Footballguy
We are going for the first time with kids 6 and 8, leaving next Wed. Has anyone done the Star Wars weekends? We're planning to hit HS on Friday opening, watch the storm trooper processional and all that. My boy really likes Star Wars and so do I. Not sure how crowded the park will be. We're only spending a couple of days at Disney so will park hop back to MK later that day. Kids are very excited to go on a plane and check the place out. We pulled everything together over the last few weeks, staying off site. Not counting food, the full vacation (6 days total end-to-end) will run about $3k (park tix, flight, home rental, car). I expect food to bump this up a bit too, but not too bad.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Congrats hagmania
hagmania
Footballguy
The carts wobble as you go around curves, it looked really sweet.
5/28 is planned opening for the public - you should walk past it a couple times while you're in Fantasyland, they may have sneak peeks/soft openings.
STEADYMOBBIN 22
Footballguy
I need to read this thread over but are there any cliff notes or particular post that says almost everything I need to know?
- My family will be going for the first time in November.
- instead of giving them birthday gifts we are asking all family members to contribute to the girls Disney vacation. Any suggestions here? Can I buy tickets to the park in advance? Do I want to?
- Girls will be 8 & 10.
- We will be staying at Bonnet Creek.
Thanks guys, we are super excited (for the girls).
- My family will be going for the first time in November.
- instead of giving them birthday gifts we are asking all family members to contribute to the girls Disney vacation. Any suggestions here? Can I buy tickets to the park in advance? Do I want to?
- Girls will be 8 & 10.
- We will be staying at Bonnet Creek.
Thanks guys, we are super excited (for the girls).
(HULK)
(Smash)
I think its supposed to be a "family coaster", not sure but maybe a big toddler could ride.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
Better question for my wife but I want to say we fill up on gas before we leave and then stop twice for gas on the way down - we drive around while we are down there, and probly fill up twice on the way back. 4 tanks of gas so maybe 300 bucks roughly in gas - if you want add another tank for the driving around down there, say 350. Tolls I honestly have no idea - EZPass just takes my money when they want.mphtrilogy said:
The Noid
Avoid me!
Our 180 days is approaching, and I haven't been to WDW since I was 16 so this is the first trip as a parent. First of many questions:
For Cinderella's Table, why is the breakfast so popular, compared to lunch or dinner? Is it ALL Princesses at breakfast, and other random characters for lunch and dinner?
For Cinderella's Table, why is the breakfast so popular, compared to lunch or dinner? Is it ALL Princesses at breakfast, and other random characters for lunch and dinner?
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Price and planning.You're buying the experience, not the food. Breakfast is a lot cheaper than lunch and dinner.
Cinderella's Table tends to run late on reservations. If you go early in the day, you are more likely to get a table at your reservation time. Late in the day, it might be 20-30 minutes late. Also, on some days Cinderella's Table opens before the park does, so you can get in the park and eat instead of waiting around for the rope to drop.
Princesses are the same throughout the day.
(HULK)
(Smash)
Its the same experience but less expensive, because its breakfast food.
In terms of Princess Dining, you might want to consider Askerhaus in EPCOT as well. Its not in THE castle, but its the same princesses. And it gives you another thing in the little girl wheelhouse at EPCOT, which doesn't have many. It worked out well for me and my girls (5 and 3).
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Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Glad you had such a great time, and congratulations!I was iffy on adding Be Our Guest for our next trip, but everyone who goes has so much fun. I think we're going to add it, even with our daughter outgrowing a lot of that princess-y stuff.
A big part of Toy Story Mania's awesomeness is the queue. At Disneyland California Adventure, you can walk right on to Toy Story Mania, but you don't walk through Andy's room to get to it. The shooting gallery was still fun, but you don't feel transported to another world like you do at Hollywood Studios.
Disco Stu
Confirmed FBGal
Yes and yes. Buying tickets in advance means one less line to start your trip. Plus it can help spread out your vacation expenses.
As for gifts, you can ask for Disney gift cards. They're easy to find at grocery stores and easy to use at the parks. I slowly accumulated $450 worth of $25 and $50 gift cards over a two year period. I put a few in my wallet each morning before heading to the parks and used them on food and beer.
lumpy19
Footballguy
Went with my family easter week. It was our first trip as a family(kids almost 4 and almost 2)
We did 5 days in the parks, it was probably too much for kids that little but it was a trip with my parents and I don't think my dad has many years left to walk like that so it was worth it.
We stayed on property(all star music), nice not to have to bring car seats or any of that. Rented a double stroller from kingdom stroller which worked out awesome, highly recommend.
Lines that week were insane but we expected that. We pretty much did our 3 fastpasses each day and then just walked around soaking it all in.
The memory maker thing is definitely worth the $150....probably the best $150 I spent on the vacation. Did the quick service meal plan and that worked out great as well.
The only real issue on the trip was the small room. We didn't spend much time in the room but we were packed in there with all our luggage and then a double stroller, not a lot of room. When we go again I plan on spending a little extra for a family suite.
ETA: and we waited in line for 4 hours to see the elsa and anna....told myself i'd never do that and there I was waiting there for 4 hours and it was completely worth it.
We did 5 days in the parks, it was probably too much for kids that little but it was a trip with my parents and I don't think my dad has many years left to walk like that so it was worth it.
We stayed on property(all star music), nice not to have to bring car seats or any of that. Rented a double stroller from kingdom stroller which worked out awesome, highly recommend.
Lines that week were insane but we expected that. We pretty much did our 3 fastpasses each day and then just walked around soaking it all in.
The memory maker thing is definitely worth the $150....probably the best $150 I spent on the vacation. Did the quick service meal plan and that worked out great as well.
The only real issue on the trip was the small room. We didn't spend much time in the room but we were packed in there with all our luggage and then a double stroller, not a lot of room. When we go again I plan on spending a little extra for a family suite.
ETA: and we waited in line for 4 hours to see the elsa and anna....told myself i'd never do that and there I was waiting there for 4 hours and it was completely worth it.
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Mr. Ected
Footballguy
Just got back from a week of Disney with my girlfriend of five years... and now she's my fiancée! Didn't propose in the park, she's not one for the big public proposal thing, but there's not quite any place like Disney World to stir up some magic.
touringplans and the My Disney Experience app were great in park tools. touringplans was an insanely good crowd predictor for us, and worth the 13 bucks for the planning software. I set up an attraction by attraction plan and used it as my guide to book my FastPass+ times... and then we threw the detailed plans out the window when we got to the park, using our ride reservations as our only strict schedule, and the touringplans and Disney phone apps to guide us to low wait times around the parks.
Last week was so awesome, the crowds never got above 5 out of 10, and the two of us had a blast. It had easily been 10 years since either of us had been, and that was at an age (middle/high school) that neither of us really appreciated the magic back then.
We saw the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in action, but it was press/cast members only last week.
This is a time of year that we have gone a couple of times before as a reward for my CPA wife's end of Busy Season on April 15th. It is wonderful, the crowds are low because school vacations are over. The weather is starting to get better, but is not summer-hot. Going after May 1, the parks tend to switch to lowest prices.
mphtrilogy
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Always looking to game the system, and the Free Dining Plan offer made me wonder about something... would it be possible to sneak an extra non-existent person into the dining plan and use those additional dining credits? A 10-day park ticket costs $354, and a 10-day free dining plan is worth a minimum of $600. Would the phantom person's dining credits be accessible even if the phantom didn't check into the park?
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Well, we're calling it in tomorrow... Trip Of A Lifetime 2: Electric Boogaloo. Coming December 2014.
3 nights at Universal, staying on-property there at Royal Pacific to earn line-cutting privileges and early access to the Harry Potter section.
Then 10 nights at Wilderness Lodge, multiple days at all four WDW parks to soak in all the Christmas atmosphere and hit all the restaurants we've wanted to try but haven't yet. And of course a return visit to Ohana. Duh.
Cutting Legoland and SeaWorld for the sequel. Daughter has outgrown Legoland, and if we do SeaWorld again it will be in CA or TX.
With the coin I'm dropping on this trip, I'm assuming Disney will include a hooker dressed as my princess of choice. I'm leaning Ariel, but that's still an open issue.
3 nights at Universal, staying on-property there at Royal Pacific to earn line-cutting privileges and early access to the Harry Potter section.
Then 10 nights at Wilderness Lodge, multiple days at all four WDW parks to soak in all the Christmas atmosphere and hit all the restaurants we've wanted to try but haven't yet. And of course a return visit to Ohana. Duh.
Cutting Legoland and SeaWorld for the sequel. Daughter has outgrown Legoland, and if we do SeaWorld again it will be in CA or TX.
With the coin I'm dropping on this trip, I'm assuming Disney will include a hooker dressed as my princess of choice. I'm leaning Ariel, but that's still an open issue.
parasaurolophus
Footballguy
Pretty sure this can be done still. My ex wife and I split up right before a disney trip and it was more expensive to cancel her off than it was just to keep her on. My son and I used her credits with no trouble.
Disney got hip to people doing this on purpose during free dining and drastically increased the ticket purchase requirements and started making everybody checkin. Since they went to where all guests have to book tickets for several days(used to be 1 day and then two days) they stopped requiring all parties be there at checkin. If you were paying for a ten day pass for somebody, you wouldn't be questioned at all.
I have read some posts where people say that somebody didn't come last minute due to health reasons and people had no issues using their credits.
The dining plan is already so much food though I cant imagine needing extra.
PIK95
Footballguy
I was there from Good Friday to Friday also. My five year old daughter and I managed to see every princess over the week and saw Anna and Elsa THREE times :greedy: at princess fairytale hall and had no wait each time. I had fast passed them twice well in advance and another time when we went in to see Snow White and Aurora they were there instead of Snow White. I was actually aggravated about that because that meant I had to get to Mk for 8am to catch Snow White. She is the ugliest classic princess by the way.We stayed on the eighth floor at the Contemporary and the room was nice but a bit high up for me. I pushed the family too hard and we routinely hit two/three parks in a day with the hopper. On Easter alone we did Mk/Ep(Napoli)/Mk(dessert party) which was a crazy day for a five year old. Whoever does the Tink jump off the castle is a crazy moto BTW. Fast passing Wishes was cool another night.
Typhoon Lagoon was the highlight of the trip once again and Blizzard Beach still suxor. Kona was great as always, Ohana twice was solid, but Be Our Guest was awful and too dark to see. Rainbow cafe was great for breakfast but pay cash as it's a waste of a dinner if not. It was like fiddy fie bucks where Chef Mick breakfast was like a buck twenty.
We did Buzz lightyear ride about thirty times all week. I did get 9999999 once which was cool. My little boy loved it. On Easter I gave some random little girl and her dad (Hammer fans) from England my daughters Bibbidy Boutique appointment which was good karma (plus godmothers were not hot at all). My daughter never knew I had even booked it and was beat anyway. On a princess side note that one from Aladdin or whatever was a total hot slut. She started walking on her knees towards me and giving me the look and saying how hot I was in front of my five year old and the camera vest guy. I wanted to put a twenty in her bikini top but didn't want my daughter and the old dude to think less of her.
One last thing is that it was BUSY like I never saw before. If you go to the back of MK where the Dumbo rides are there is a train with a building to the left (behind water squirters). Next to that building seems to be an unmanned park stroller return, or where they put the abandoned ones. A Cool cast member clued me in. I walked over like I owned tge place on three different days and saved myself $93 on doubles. It was hot so that was key. Hopefully word doesn't get out about it before I go again.
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belljr
Footballguy
