Disney Vacation (5 Viewers)

[Bruce Dickinson]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

Also to keep in mind... Your friends' girls will probably want to meet Anna and Elsa from "Frozen", and the wait for that could take hours. So plan on alternatives for your boys, unless they also want to wait hours to meet the Frozen girls.

what if tf wants to see Anna and Elsa

Good question. One that makes me wonder yet again why there isn't a Disney After Dark "gentlemen's" club in Downtown Disney. Pleasure Island FTFW.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Just finalized all our plans for August. We added an extra day and are arriving pretty early on the first day making this our longest trip to Disney. Split stay. Half at Boardwalk and half at saratoga springs. We are getting a very late start on a couple days in the middle, which is something we wouldnt have done with the old fastpass system since being there early was always so key.

Good point about FP+ allowing for later starts. We were fleshing out our days for our December trip, and blocking out a couple mornings for sleeping in/swimming/laundry is something I was quicker to agree to with the FP+ system. Borrowing a phrase from glvsav37, I too am an original FP commando, but I am looking forward to skipping the rope drop bumrush a couple times.

We're going to split our hotel stay, too. Still staying on-site the whole time, but when the room-only discounts broke out, we subbed a few days at our old fave Port Orleans Riverside and then moving over to Wilderness Lodge. And using the room cost difference to start bankrolling a May 2015 visit.

 

[Battles]

Just finalized all our plans for August. We added an extra day and are arriving pretty early on the first day making this our longest trip to Disney. Split stay. Half at Boardwalk and half at saratoga springs. We are getting a very late start on a couple days in the middle, which is something we wouldnt have done with the old fastpass system since being there early was always so key.

We stay at Saratoga every year. If you don't already know, ask to be put in the Springs section of the resort. It's between both main pools and right by the main lobby area. We usually call a week or two in advance to request it.

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

We're planning on going the 2nd half of February (exact dates TBD). Maybe I can talk the wife into meeting up with some gambling guy I know from the internets

 

[glvsav37]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

WDW is def skewed toward the girls. But there are a few things that are multi-gender where boys can have their own fun

• Pirates League: Its Bibity Bopity Boutique for Pirates.

• Family Magic Tour: We did this on our last trip and all the kids loved it. Highly recommended as a nice alternative to being in the parks for just the attractions.

• T-Rex Cafe: Over in Downtown Diz, same deal as the Rainforest Cafe but Dino themed and they have a big sandbox/dig site out back for the kids and their own version of Build a Bear where they make stuffed Dinos

• I hear they may be closing them, but the studios has 2 stunt shows. Indiana Jones and A car stunt one with lots of explosions and crazy tricks

If they can make the 40inch mark there are a bunch of 'guy' attractions they might enjoy (my 4 year old did): Dinosaur (AK), Star Tours (HS), Big Thunder (MK), Test Track (EP)

Other rides: any of the Toy Story ones (at MK and HS), 7 dwarfs mine train (MK 38inches to ride), Mickeys Philharmagic (MK), Turtle Talk with Crush (EP), Disney Jr Live (HS)—Very good character meal at Hollywood and Vine w/ DizJr characters too.

Ironically, one of the funniest things with my son was his complete awe of the princesses. So while things like character meals and attractions like Enchanted tales with Belle are girl skewed, my little guy had such a kid-crush on the princesses. It was hysterical to see his face thinking he had a chance with one of them.

they will have fun no matter what.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

 

[Osaurus]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

I believe it....can't say as I have ever seen it for sale anywhere in the parks. With all the other cleaning they do nightly, I can see how gum removal would be a PITA

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

It's true. Some of the stuff that goes on there and is in the planning is insane.

One of my favorites - not for the topic but for the fact that - really, that was something you thought about? - is in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom. There is a brown walkway down pretty much the center of the area. And it's there to represent the raw seweage that would be running down the streets in colonial times. Because it was that important to make that area look that real? I mean, you have to believe that someone in that room was like - hey why don't we do real sewage! We could come up with some kind of brown muck and that isn't really poop but get some scented things around it so it's like that. It would be so real!

Ugh.

 

[belljr]

Here is a crazy idea. Add another Anna and Elsa room.

 

[Drifter]

Here is a crazy idea. Add another Anna and Elsa room.

Only one Princess/actress at a time per park, I think

 

[belljr]

Here is a crazy idea. Add another Anna and Elsa room.

Only one Princess/actress at a time per park, I think

listen I get it. But if they can have 5 different mic keys you can build a room right next to the existing one.I'm not sure how they work the Anna elsa but if it's like the others you wait for that door to open walk in and they close it. You could have them running at the same time

 

[Disco Stu]

Here is a crazy idea. Add another Anna and Elsa room.

Only one Princess/actress at a time per park, I think

That's not true. There are two rooms at Ariel's Grotto.And they must have hired new Frozen girls for the stuff added to Studios.

 

[Drifter]

Here is a crazy idea. Add another Anna and Elsa room.

Only one Princess/actress at a time per park, I think

listen I get it. But if they can have 5 different mic keys you can build a room right next to the existing one.I'm not sure how they work the Anna elsa but if it's like the others you wait for that door to open walk in and they close it. You could have them running at the same time

It's the day to day continuity. We did the Ariel's grotto think at DCA and were at DL the next day. After we opened the park and got to Anna and Elsa we went to the meet the princesses in the castle. My wife whispered a question to the attendant asking if it was going to be the same girls we had seen the previous day at DCA and she answered very offended, "They are the Princesses!" Sure enough, same actresses as the previous day at DCA

 

[rodg12]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

That sucks about Indy. Any word on what they're replacing it with?

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

If you try to book a FP+ for Maelstrom after September 27, the system won't let you.

It's an unusual time for maintenance, so the suspicion is the space will be converted into a Frozen-themed attraction.

 

[Billy Bats]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

That sucks about Indy. Any word on what they're replacing it with?

Put your money on a Star Wars land, at least more SW related rides.

And to answer Bruce's gum question; nope, you can't buy gum anywhere near WDW.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Indiana Jones stunt show is closing in January 2015 after the marathon. American Idol Experince is getting the hook then, too.

-----

Factoid I read on a Disney blog and am curious if it's true. Does WDW really not sell chewing gum? The claim was gum is too much work to clean up and WDW is so aggressive and obsessive about keeping the parks clean, they don't sell it to reduce the gum cleanup burden on the maintenance staff.

I suppose it's also possible if you're chewing a piece of gum for a few pennies, it reduces the chances of buying a $4 snack while walking the parks, too.

That sucks about Indy. Any word on what they're replacing it with?

Star Wars stuff. The Indy space is right next to Star Tours, and usually gets shut down for themed events on Star Wars weekends. No official plans announced yet.

American Idol building will be repurposed for Star Wars stuff, too.

 

[Premier]

Maelstrom can't be closing. That ride is insanely popular for how mediocre it is.

Stoked for Star Wars world.

 

[NIU Kicker]

Maelstrom can't be closing. That ride is insanely popular for how mediocre it is.

Stoked for Star Wars world.

I think you just speaks to the mediocrity of rides in the countries of EPCOT. No matter how popular it is now once they converted to a frozen ride you're not going to be able to turn left at the country entrance, it's going to be packed.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

I protest losing maelstrom. First they took Mr. Toad and I didn't say anything... then they took maelstrom ..... nope not happening.

I'm going all wolverine down there if it's not open. I will absolutely go out of my way to...... talk up the Norwegian chicks a such as is humanly possible without giving ride to a cause for divorce.

 

[mphtrilogy]

One week to go!

 

[Quez]

I protest losing maelstrom. First they took Mr. Toad and I didn't say anything... then they took maelstrom ..... nope not happening.

I'm going all wolverine down there if it's not open. I will absolutely go out of my way to...... talk up the Norwegian chicks a such as is humanly possible without giving ride to a cause for divorce.

Don't forget 30k Leagues Under the Sea.

 

[Osaurus]

Mission to Mars and If You Had Wings ldschool:

 

[Tiger Fan]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

How tall are the boys expected to be in February? Have they shown thrill-seeking tendencies?

The answers to those questions will help figure out what rides they can/should hit.

Are the boys into any TV shows or movies owned by Disney properties? Classic Disney characters, Disney Channel, Pixar, Star Wars, Muppets, Indiana Jones.

A family with girls there to see the Princesses and Pixar might not give Animal Kingdom much consideration, but the safari and dinosaur stuff might be a big hit for the boys. The "it's Tough To Be A Bug" show at AK is fun and difficult to reproduce at other amusement parks. And if the boys like The Lion King even a little bit, the "Festival Of The Lion King" show is paced well and kid-friendly.

You're going in February. The good news is that's a relatively slow period for the parks so the lines won't be too bad. The bad news is it's also in the heart of the maintenance schedule, so some rides and such will be shut down.

Also to keep in mind... Your friends' girls will probably want to meet Anna and Elsa from "Frozen", and the wait for that could take hours. So plan on alternatives for your boys, unless they also want to wait hours to meet the Frozen girls.

Height - currently they're about 3 ft 2 in. No idea what they're projected to be

Thrill seeking - one of them yes (he rode the ferris wheel with me at the local park), the other one not so much

Disney stuff - they love Jake, Cars & Planes. Toy Story is probably tier 2. And like all the other disney movies they'veseen.

Thx on the Safari stuff, they love Dinosaurs and animals.

Yeah, we already spoke to them about no waiting in line for Frozen gals

 

[Tiger Fan]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

We're planning on going the 2nd half of February (exact dates TBD). Maybe I can talk the wife into meeting up with some gambling guy I know from the internets

We're 2/15 - 2/21.

 

[otello]

Interesting article about wristbands:

https://medium.com/re-form/welcome-to-dataland-d8c06a5f3bc6

 

[avoiding injuries]

It still blows my mind how late DW is to exploiting Frozen. I don't doubt that they are much smarter than me, so there has to be a reason why there was very little of it when we were there. And I agree about adding more Anna and Elsa. It doesn't have to be at MK. How hard is it to have more of them at Epcot, HS etc.

My daughter is starting to move on from Frozen and Elsa dresses just became available in stores yesterday (so I was told and my MIL waited in line for one).

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Going in February with some friends who have been umpteen times...but they have two girls. We have twin boys who will be 4 at the time. Our friends will have most things covered, but are there Any can't miss things for boys?

We're planning on going the 2nd half of February (exact dates TBD). Maybe I can talk the wife into meeting up with some gambling guy I know from the internets

We're 2/15 - 2/21.

Looking like we'll be the following week based on airfare

 

[Premier]

We popped over to MK tonight but didn't have dinner reservations anywhere. Decided to eat at Cosmic Rays in tomorrowland as we've never been there.

Might have been one of the worst 3 meals of my life. Unspeakably bad.

 

[glvsav37]

Here's a tip with the Free Dining period starting soon.

if you are having a Quick Serv meal, there is no distinction between adult and kids meals on the plan. So basically, kids can choose meals off of the regular adult menu and everything is credited the same. This is a bonus b/c the portion will be bigger (you could get away with sharing it depending on your kids eating habit) but the adult meals also get the better dessert. Not so much in the parks, but this could mean a full size cupcake or other at the resort QS locations.

Not that you need to eat it right there, you can always get it to go, and keep it in your room fridge to use it as an after park or pool snack later in the trip.

Also, your snack credit can be used for breakfast items in certain locations. For instance, Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary has full sized bagels and muffins in the AM and they are counted as snack credits. Grab those on the way to the park as a quick breakfast and save your QS credits for later.

 

[AAABatteries]

I like Maelstrom also - always a chance to cool off and check out Norwegian chicks. I'm also a sucker for Viking stuff.

 

[AAABatteries]

Here's a tip with the Free Dining period starting soon.

if you are having a Quick Serv meal, there is no distinction between adult and kids meals on the plan. So basically, kids can choose meals off of the regular adult menu and everything is credited the same. This is a bonus b/c the portion will be bigger (you could get away with sharing it depending on your kids eating habit) but the adult meals also get the better dessert. Not so much in the parks, but this could mean a full size cupcake or other at the resort QS locations.

Not that you need to eat it right there, you can always get it to go, and keep it in your room fridge to use it as an after park or pool snack later in the trip.

Also, your snack credit can be used for breakfast items in certain locations. For instance, Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary has full sized bagels and muffins in the AM and they are counted as snack credits. Grab those on the way to the park as a quick breakfast and save your QS credits for later.

I one time made an Excel spreadsheet with all the snack items with locations and prices.

I think it was at that point my wife decided I had a problem.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Here's a tip with the Free Dining period starting soon.

if you are having a Quick Serv meal, there is no distinction between adult and kids meals on the plan. So basically, kids can choose meals off of the regular adult menu and everything is credited the same. This is a bonus b/c the portion will be bigger (you could get away with sharing it depending on your kids eating habit) but the adult meals also get the better dessert. Not so much in the parks, but this could mean a full size cupcake or other at the resort QS locations.

Not that you need to eat it right there, you can always get it to go, and keep it in your room fridge to use it as an after park or pool snack later in the trip.

Also, your snack credit can be used for breakfast items in certain locations. For instance, Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary has full sized bagels and muffins in the AM and they are counted as snack credits. Grab those on the way to the park as a quick breakfast and save your QS credits for later.

I one time made an Excel spreadsheet with all the snack items with locations and prices. I think it was at that point my wife decided I had a problem.

Nah. . My wife has one too.

 

[Binky The Doormat]

Here's a tip with the Free Dining period starting soon.

if you are having a Quick Serv meal, there is no distinction between adult and kids meals on the plan. So basically, kids can choose meals off of the regular adult menu and everything is credited the same. This is a bonus b/c the portion will be bigger (you could get away with sharing it depending on your kids eating habit) but the adult meals also get the better dessert. Not so much in the parks, but this could mean a full size cupcake or other at the resort QS locations.

Not that you need to eat it right there, you can always get it to go, and keep it in your room fridge to use it as an after park or pool snack later in the trip.

Also, your snack credit can be used for breakfast items in certain locations. For instance, Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary has full sized bagels and muffins in the AM and they are counted as snack credits. Grab those on the way to the park as a quick breakfast and save your QS credits for later.

I one time made an Excel spreadsheet with all the snack items with locations and prices.

I think it was at that point my wife decided I had a problem.

Still have the spreadsheet - please share!

 

[prosopis]

Any advice on buying Disneyland package for two adults,three children in February?

In the past I drove there from Az and bought park passes at Costco. I can not say I enjoyed the drive and I would prefer to fly. I drove to save money and I suspect I will have to do this again but that seems like a waste of time and is very tiring to me.

I am interested in a package that includes flight,hotel,and park passes. Where is the best place to look for this? I did a google search but was not impressed with what I found. It also seems like it is hard to make reservations in Feb 2015 now?

 

[avoiding injuries]

I found it cheaper to book flights separately when I went in May.

 

[AAABatteries]

Here's a tip with the Free Dining period starting soon.

if you are having a Quick Serv meal, there is no distinction between adult and kids meals on the plan. So basically, kids can choose meals off of the regular adult menu and everything is credited the same. This is a bonus b/c the portion will be bigger (you could get away with sharing it depending on your kids eating habit) but the adult meals also get the better dessert. Not so much in the parks, but this could mean a full size cupcake or other at the resort QS locations.

Not that you need to eat it right there, you can always get it to go, and keep it in your room fridge to use it as an after park or pool snack later in the trip.

Also, your snack credit can be used for breakfast items in certain locations. For instance, Contempo Cafe in the Contemporary has full sized bagels and muffins in the AM and they are counted as snack credits. Grab those on the way to the park as a quick breakfast and save your QS credits for later.

I one time made an Excel spreadsheet with all the snack items with locations and prices.

I think it was at that point my wife decided I had a problem.

Still have the spreadsheet - please share!

I should have it somewhere - it will be a little dated. I'll try to dig it up tomorrow.

 

[AcerFC]

Anyone get a cabana at castaway cay. I want one. Wife is on the fence leaning yes.

Worth it?

 

[AAABatteries]

Found the spreadsheet - it needs some cleaning up and as I mentioned is a little dated (but not too much - I think I did this either late 2013 or early 2014).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kjzw5v23usd5uzc/Dining%20Plan%20Snacks.xlsx

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Any advice on buying Disneyland package for two adults,three children in February?

In the past I drove there from Az and bought park passes at Costco. I can not say I enjoyed the drive and I would prefer to fly. I drove to save money and I suspect I will have to do this again but that seems like a waste of time and is very tiring to me.

I am interested in a package that includes flight,hotel,and park passes. Where is the best place to look for this? I did a google search but was not impressed with what I found. It also seems like it is hard to make reservations in Feb 2015 now?

We are planning a trip around the same time

I contacted small world travel based on this thread and they said discounts for that time aren't usually released until Late August-Early October

I don't believe they do airfare though...likely just booking on my own

 

[prosopis]

Any advice on buying Disneyland package for two adults,three children in February?

In the past I drove there from Az and bought park passes at Costco. I can not say I enjoyed the drive and I would prefer to fly. I drove to save money and I suspect I will have to do this again but that seems like a waste of time and is very tiring to me.

I am interested in a package that includes flight,hotel,and park passes. Where is the best place to look for this? I did a google search but was not impressed with what I found. It also seems like it is hard to make reservations in Feb 2015 now?

We are planning a trip around the same time

I contacted small world travel based on this thread and they said discounts for that time aren't usually released until Late August-Early October

I don't believe they do airfare though...likely just booking on my own

Thanks

You driving or flying?

I do not know where you live. I am near Tucson so the drive is doable but a PIA. I will check back in August. Does this thread cover both Disney Land and World?

Is it worth working my way through the thread?

 

[Dan Lambskin]

Were gonna fly (Michigan)

Our first trip and I've read some of this thread but it's overwhelming

Our kids will be 6, 3 and 22 months so I don't think we'll be planning every aspect of our trip like some do

 

[Mr. Ected]

Found the spreadsheet - it needs some cleaning up and as I mentioned is a little dated (but not too much - I think I did this either late 2013 or early 2014).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kjzw5v23usd5uzc/Dining%20Plan%20Snacks.xlsx

Update this, turn it into a smartphone app, and you have a FORTUNE!!!

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

The lag between Frozen's success and anything in the park other than "Meet Anna & Elsa" is kind of staggering.

They just announced something for Studios. "Frozen Summer of Fun" starts this Saturday and runs through Sep 1.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Olaf on Summer Vacation Olaf the snowman is having the time of his life on his very first summer vacation! He chimes in throughout the day to keep everyone updated on all his adventures. Plus, you can pick up your very own Take-Along Olaf from locations in the park, so he can join you on your summer vacation. And when you share your photos with Olaf on social media, be sure to tag them with #OlafSummerVacation. They may just get selected to appear in that days grand finale!
• Anna and Elsas Royal Welcome At 11:00 a.m. each day, Elsa and Anna arrive in Hollywood as part of their goodwill tour of neighboring kingdoms, making their way down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. Kristoff is along for the fun, too, joined by a flurry of skaters, skiiers, ice cutters and more! The entire procession culminates in a special moment at the Sorcerers Hat Icon Stage to officially welcome the visiting royalty to this kingdom of Hollywoodland.
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration Cool down inside the Premiere Theater, where Anna and Elsa join the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a fun and comedic retelling of the unique history of their Kingdom, filled with delightful, sing-along moments from Frozen.
• Wandering Oakens Trading Post & Frozen Funland Inside Soundstage One, Oaken and his cousins have created a Frozen Funland filled with cold weather activities, unique photo opportunities, and more! Theres a frozen pond with ice skating demonstrations, wintertime fun for kids in the Do You Want to Build a Snowman? play area, a big summer blowout with plenty of Frozen merchandise, and special Frozen-inspired food and beverage offerings.
• Coolest Summer Ever Dance Party Starting at 5:30 p.m. each day, a dance party takes over the area around the Sorcerers Hat Icon Stage, with a DJ, live band, and more! The band plays a variety of classic and contemporary summer rock & roll hits, as well as a cool, rocking medley of Frozen favorites. Its going to be hot!
• Frozen Fireworks Spectacular Everything wraps up at 9:45 p.m. when Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf come together at the Sorcerers Hat Icon Stage for a grand finale to the days festivities, kicking off an awe-inspiring fireworks display set to the glorious music of Frozen!

Link

2 will get you 1 says this sticks beyond September.

Yep. Extended until at least October 1. Small increase in DHS traffic, big spike in DHS revenue.

Also looking into feasibility of running it through end of 2014. Frozen Summer Fun borrowed some materials from the Once Upon A Christmastime parade, and they want to make sure "Frozen Christmas Fun" and the Osborne Lights don't compete with each other, but given the customers are tripping over themselves to give Disney even more money on top of their park tickets, I'm sure they will find a way.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Were gonna fly (Michigan)

Our first trip and I've read some of this thread but it's overwhelming

Our kids will be 6, 3 and 22 months so I don't think we'll be planning every aspect of our trip like some do

IMO the best resource for first-time WDW trip planning is WDW Prep School, Shannon Albert's blog and podcast series.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Any advice on buying Disneyland package for two adults,three children in February?

In the past I drove there from Az and bought park passes at Costco. I can not say I enjoyed the drive and I would prefer to fly. I drove to save money and I suspect I will have to do this again but that seems like a waste of time and is very tiring to me.

I am interested in a package that includes flight,hotel,and park passes. Where is the best place to look for this? I did a google search but was not impressed with what I found. It also seems like it is hard to make reservations in Feb 2015 now?

I can't speak to packages, but we went earlier this year. The drive really isn't that bad. We stayed at the Park Vue Inn (Thanks Bruce!), which is pretty much as close as you can get to the Disneyland gates. It's clean, there's no parking charge, no resort fee, and breakfast is included. It's not going to be the nicest room you've ever been in, but it's clean and the beds are comfortable. It's also not going to be the best breakfast you've ever had in your life, but hey, welcome to Disneyland!

A friendly word RE: the drive - even when the speed limit is 75, 85 or higher is considered criminal speeding.

 

[Tiger Fan]

Found the spreadsheet - it needs some cleaning up and as I mentioned is a little dated (but not too much - I think I did this either late 2013 or early 2014).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kjzw5v23usd5uzc/Dining%20Plan%20Snacks.xlsx

Can someone explain how I should be using this?

 

[avoiding injuries]

Were gonna fly (Michigan)

Our first trip and I've read some of this thread but it's overwhelming

Our kids will be 6, 3 and 22 months so I don't think we'll be planning every aspect of our trip like some do

I think you and I spoke on the phone when you were in MD on business about a year ago. If you still have my number in your PM, I could give you a crash course in 5 minutes of everything I wish I knew before my family made our first trip in May.

 

[Phil Elliott]

Were gonna fly (Michigan)

Our first trip and I've read some of this thread but it's overwhelming

Our kids will be 6, 3 and 22 months so I don't think we'll be planning every aspect of our trip like some do

Yeah, we are going the week before Thanksgiving. They really have taken a lot of the magic out of the trip.

 

[Todem]

Got back yesterday from a 4 night stay at the Shingle Creek Resort. I must tell ya...it was outstanding. Food was great at the hotels different eateries.....the golf course was fantastic!

My son and I did some water-parks while my wife attended her Tupperware Jubilee. We went to Blizzard Beach which is a good water park. I took him there last summer as his first real water park (at 8 years old) and he had a blast. This year also we had a great time. But on Saturday we went to Wet and Wild. It was the first time in 22 years I went there. It was AWESOME. We had the Florida resident special (36 bucks a head) so I went ahead and upgraded us to an express line wrist band for an additional 26 bucks which allowed us a one time express line for every single slide. We arrived there before the park opened so we were able to ride slides 2 and 3 times with no wait for almost 2.5 hours. So we were able to save our express bands for the afternoon rush.

The slides at Wet and Wild are the truth compared to the Disney water parks. No comparison actually. Brain Wash was insane fun, The Black Hole, The Bomb Bay straight drop (floor drops out from under you as you go down at 76 MPH over 250 plus feet. The Storm which drops you into a huge funnel then you plunge 3 feet into a an 8 foot pool below. Even the Disco tech family slide was a load of fun.

Wet and Wild rules as far as water parks go. If your serious about your water slides....it is the park to go to for that purpose. Is it a little more rough around the edges compared to Disney? Yeah of course, But I enjoyed it that much more and so did my son.

Next Summer when we do this trip again (as my wife does this Tupperware convention every year now) we will again stay at the Shingle Creek Resort and hit Wet and Wild and next time try out Aquatica.