Disney Vacation (10 Viewers)

[Yankee23Fan]

Was just "forced" to take pictures with Belle. The things I do for my kids.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Not complicated. Like everything else you can get into every small detail or you can just enjoy the overall experience.

The only real advice I'd give someone as a must do is relax. You simply can't do everything there is to do in a week. If you try you won't have any fun. Do what you can at a pace that let's you absorb it.

this is great advice. I think parents make a huge mistake of giving their kids maps or whatever other paperwork and say "pick what you want to do". So each kid picks 20 things and then oops, no time. So now you set up a scenario where your kids are inevitably disappointed.

When we went with my sister's family it was kind of frustrating. She had even let her kids list off like 5 characters that they each wanted to meet. We went during a down time and they are early morning people as well so we were able to knock out the attractions, but the characters were simply too much work. I got them into the Disney Visa area to knock out a few, and then turned them loose on their own for half a day and said good luck.

The only other thing I think is an absolute must is getting up early. The amount of headache this can save you is amazing. Especially with young ones. Fantasyland is a wasteland when the park opens and continues to just balloon with people. My son hates when I wake him up as early as I do, but when we are leaving a park after having knocked out several big attractions and i point out all the people that are just getting there and how big the lines are, he is always happy.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I simply cannot understand the love for the monorail resorts.I guess if you only go to MK and you like to pay 3X the cost for things in life I get it, but I actually find the monorail resorts to be a huge pain in the rear for the other parks which is seldom talked about.

You share a bus for AK and DHS with other monorail resorts or Wilderness Lodge. The commute to epcot is not really any faster since you have to take a monorail to the TTC and then to epcot.

If you compare your total transportation time when staying at boardwalk compared to your total transportation time when staying at Polynesian I would imagine you would have to go to MK more than all of the other parks combined. You could rent DVC points and stay in a one bedroom villa for far less money than what you pay for a pretty small room at GF. Hmmmmmm..... Have sex or avoid folding up a stroller 2 less times.

We always rent a car now though to bypass almost all disney transportation and have access to groceries and liquor off site. We also only go to MK once or twice per trip anyway. We just stayed at OKW and I gotta say there are few resorts with a better location. Easy drive to everywhere if you know your way around or have a GPS that doesnt use google maps.

I've stayed at Caribbean Beach and two of the All Star resorts and they were fine. Hell, I pretty much just sleep there anyway and maybe go for an early swim, no need to drop double the cash for Grand Floridian.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Not complicated. Like everything else you can get into every small detail or you can just enjoy the overall experience.

The only real advice I'd give someone as a must do is relax. You simply can't do everything there is to do in a week. If you try you won't have any fun. Do what you can at a pace that let's you absorb it.

this is great advice. I think parents make a huge mistake of giving their kids maps or whatever other paperwork and say "pick what you want to do". So each kid picks 20 things and then oops, no time. So now you set up a scenario where your kids are inevitably disappointed.

When we went with my sister's family it was kind of frustrating. She had even let her kids list off like 5 characters that they each wanted to meet. We went during a down time and they are early morning people as well so we were able to knock out the attractions, but the characters were simply too much work. I got them into the Disney Visa area to knock out a few, and then turned them loose on their own for half a day and said good luck.

The only other thing I think is an absolute must is getting up early. The amount of headache this can save you is amazing. Especially with young ones. Fantasyland is a wasteland when the park opens and continues to just balloon with people. My son hates when I wake him up as early as I do, but when we are leaving a park after having knocked out several big attractions and i point out all the people that are just getting there and how big the lines are, he is always happy.

Great posts from start to finish.

I'm an advocate of getting up early to hit the parks at opening, sneaking in some rest time mid-afternoon, then returning to the parks at night. If that type of daily schedule isn't pleasurable for you, don't do it. If you're staying off-property, that daily schedule probably isn't feasible. But my travel partners and I like to experience the parks when they open and close, even if it means not being there from open to close. And when MK extended their closing time to 3 AM (!) on a few days during our upcoming visit, my first reaction was, "Challenge: ACCEPTED." But I can operate on a siesta/short night sleep schedule; that's fun for me. It's not for everyone.

 

[beavers]

Arriving Saturday the 13th and staying at Wilderness Logde Villas. Thanks to all those that helped out with the information in this thread and via PM. MK > Epcot > MK > Hollywood Studios > Animal Kingdom with a last meal at O'hana the night before we leave.

Certainly wouldn't have been as organized and wouldn't have gotten the reservations we did if if wasn't for all of the information in this thread.

Same here. Arriving the 13th but staying at the Ft Wilderness cabins. Did you use the meal plan dining option? It's free during this week ...

 

[harryhood]

Arriving Saturday the 13th and staying at Wilderness Logde Villas. Thanks to all those that helped out with the information in this thread and via PM. MK > Epcot > MK > Hollywood Studios > Animal Kingdom with a last meal at O'hana the night before we leave.

Certainly wouldn't have been as organized and wouldn't have gotten the reservations we did if if wasn't for all of the information in this thread.

Same here. Arriving the 13th but staying at the Ft Wilderness cabins. Did you use the meal plan dining option? It's free during this week ...

We had to pay for the meal plan out of pocket as we have a party of 7 and rented dvc points for a 2br which doesnt offer the free dining. Planning on using counter service credits for lunches and table service credits for dinners and having breakfast in the room.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

Leave them at the front desk of your hotel. Have the front desk call your room and ask for the wife and kids to pick up a package left at the front desk by Santa.

 

[glvsav37]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

Leave them at the front desk of your hotel. Have the front desk call your room and ask for the wife and kids to pick up a package left at the front desk by Santa.

There is also a service that will come into the room while you are out and decorate it for you. It can get pricey, but for a PM event, this might work. Leave in the AM for a quick park run, return later that day and the tix and room will be done up from 'santa' for the party that night.

 

[glvsav37]

Not complicated. Like everything else you can get into every small detail or you can just enjoy the overall experience.

The only real advice I'd give someone as a must do is relax. You simply can't do everything there is to do in a week. If you try you won't have any fun. Do what you can at a pace that let's you absorb it.

When we went with my sister's family it was kind of frustrating. She had even let her kids list off like 5 characters that they each wanted to meet. We went during a down time and they are early morning people as well so we were able to knock out the attractions, but the characters were simply too much work. I got them into the Disney Visa area to knock out a few, and then turned them loose on their own for half a day and said good luck.

My go-to advice for this is to hit character meals. I don't understand the logic of waiting in line during park hours to meet the same characters you can do while eating. Gotta eat, gotta met characters…do both at the same time. Planned correctly, you can prob do 75% of the big ones just through dining.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

Leave them at the front desk of your hotel. Have the front desk call your room and ask for the wife and kids to pick up a package left at the front desk by Santa.

I like this idea. Like glvsav's idea too, but cheapo in me thinks that may be too much! I can wrap it up or something and drop it off when we check in or something.

 

[glvsav37]

Call the resort and see what they can do.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

I've been to the Disneyland equivalent of this, and it was one of my favorite nights in Anaheim.

We're already looking at an October 2015 WDW visit primarily to attend MNSSHP on the Orlando side. (And hopefully catch the Harry Potter stuff at Universal during a less-crowded time, but that's for a different thread.)

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

 

[Premier]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

Wow. What did that run you?

 

[Disco Stu]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

Wow. What did that run you?

It looks like you're reading this the same way I did at first, which was housekeeping or other cast members sneaking into the room in the middle of the night. That seemed creepy as hell. Then I came to my senses.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

Wow. What did that run you?

Some lost sleep. I'd wait for my daughter to fall asleep, then load the stockings.Or, wait until she made her bathroom run first thing in the morning and load 'em up while she was out of the room.

Not sure if they still do this, but Universal sent my daughter a Hogwarts acceptance letter to commemorate our trip. It looked like the letters Harry got deluged with in the first HP movie.

Housekeeping didn't decorate the room for us, but while we were at the parks during the day, they would reposition my daughter's Minnie plush as if Minnie was hanging out in the room. One day we came back and Minnie was sitting up at the foot of the bed with the TV remote across her lap and the TV tuned to Disney Channel. Another highlight was the day Minnie made a hammock out of extra sheets and was sitting on a bed sheet strung and tied between the beds.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

Wow. What did that run you?

Some lost sleep. I'd wait for my daughter to fall asleep, then load the stockings.Or, wait until she made her bathroom run first thing in the morning and load 'em up while she was out of the room.

Not sure if they still do this, but Universal sent my daughter a Hogwarts acceptance letter to commemorate our trip. It looked like the letters Harry got deluged with in the first HP movie.

Housekeeping didn't decorate the room for us, but while we were at the parks during the day, they would reposition my daughter's Minnie plush as if Minnie was hanging out in the room. One day we came back and Minnie was sitting up at the foot of the bed with the TV remote across her lap and the TV tuned to Disney Channel. Another highlight was the day Minnie made a hammock out of extra sheets and was sitting on a bed sheet strung and tied between the beds.

Yeah, they did the same thing with my daughter's Tsum Tsum dolls and her Pooh Bear pillow pet. Cool little things like this really help the whole experience.

 

[Mr. Ected]

I did the Disney Not-So-Scary Halloween Party in October and I have to say, it was the greatest time I ever had a the parks. It's a special event and they kick everyone out of the parks at 7pm (you can enter at 4pm) so the wait times are very low. I walked right on to Space Mountain. The only ride we waited for was Haunted Mansion (about 30min). The fireworks are better than the normal nighttime fireworks and they have a villain parade. Great time. Definitely a bucket list item for people who like to do Disney.

Did it a couple years ago. Kids loved it. CMs were great, handing out candy like Halloween. Little to no crowds.

Going this week and decided at the last minute to get tix for the Christmas Party. It was on Bucket list, and figured we won't be going this time of the year again while kids are young (pre-teens) so it will have most effect. It will be a surprise for wife and kids, just need a way to say it's from Santa! Any thoughts? It's towards the end of our trip.

When we went to Orlando in December 2011, we brought our Christmas stockings and hung them in the hotel room. Occasionally "Santa's elves" left stuff in our stockings overnight: usually gift cards for the day's food and souvenirs, but sometimes event tickets like Mickey's Christmas Party.

Wow. What did that run you?

Some lost sleep. I'd wait for my daughter to fall asleep, then load the stockings.Or, wait until she made her bathroom run first thing in the morning and load 'em up while she was out of the room.

Not sure if they still do this, but Universal sent my daughter a Hogwarts acceptance letter to commemorate our trip. It looked like the letters Harry got deluged with in the first HP movie.

Housekeeping didn't decorate the room for us, but while we were at the parks during the day, they would reposition my daughter's Minnie plush as if Minnie was hanging out in the room. One day we came back and Minnie was sitting up at the foot of the bed with the TV remote across her lap and the TV tuned to Disney Channel. Another highlight was the day Minnie made a hammock out of extra sheets and was sitting on a bed sheet strung and tied between the beds.

Yeah, they did the same thing with my daughter's Tsum Tsum dolls and her Pooh Bear pillow pet. Cool little things like this really help the whole experience.

We are staying thru DVC, so we don't get daily Housekeeping, which is unfortunate only for the 'tricks' that the Housekeepers would do with stuffed animals, towels and things like that.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Stupid question, last minute thinking. Is the dining plan worth it? We are going to be there for 8 nites, and I am wondering if I will make a savings in the cost of my meals with the plan. Will I spend $60/day each for a 10, 12 year old and a two adults? The little girl at $18 is no big deal, but she may be upset with the meals.

Any thoughts? We have done the MP before, but only when we got it for free. Liked it, liked the QS plan better ($20 cheaper) but have some meals at resorts that won't be covered.

TIA

 

[AcerFC]

Stupid question, last minute thinking. Is the dining plan worth it? We are going to be there for 8 nites, and I am wondering if I will make a savings in the cost of my meals with the plan. Will I spend $60/day each for a 10, 12 year old and a two adults? The little girl at $18 is no big deal, but she may be upset with the meals.

Any thoughts? We have done the MP before, but only when we got it for free. Liked it, liked the QS plan better ($20 cheaper) but have some meals at resorts that won't be covered.

TIA

I have never bought the dining package. But I usually plan my trip around times they offer it for free. I love it, but Im not sure it is really "worth" it.

 

[Yankee23Fan]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

 

[Mr. Ected]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

What is the 'Discount Card'?

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

What is the 'Discount Card'?

The one I'll be using for this trip is Tables In Wonderland. It's good for 20% off just about any food or drink you can buy at the parks and resorts.

Tables In Wonderland might just be available for Annual Pass holders, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

 

[Premier]

Every year my wife tells me we need to buy tables in wonderland. Every year we probably spend 1500 bucks on Disney food. Never have bought it.

^^^ I'm stupid.

 

[Mr. Ected]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

What is the 'Discount Card'?

The one I'll be using for this trip is Tables In Wonderland. It's good for 20% off just about any food or drink you can buy at the parks and resorts.

Tables In Wonderland might just be available for Annual Pass holders, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Looks like it's $100 for DVC members. Do you get a second card (+$50)? I know my wife and I will be doing separate stuff for some of this trip (Boys/Girls!)

 

[Yankee23Fan]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

What is the 'Discount Card'?

The one I'll be using for this trip is Tables In Wonderland. It's good for 20% off just about any food or drink you can buy at the parks and resorts. Tables In Wonderland might just be available for Annual Pass holders, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Yup.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

It really depends. Go to allearsnet. And find the menus for the places you want to go. Price out what you think a meal would cost and from there you can get a rough idea.

We found that after doing the plan a dozen times we prefer cash and we have a discount card that we use. But the plan is a good thing even if it's just for planning in that you know exactly what you can get and plan through that.

What is the 'Discount Card'?

The one I'll be using for this trip is Tables In Wonderland. It's good for 20% off just about any food or drink you can buy at the parks and resorts.Tables In Wonderland might just be available for Annual Pass holders, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

Looks like it's $100 for DVC members. Do you get a second card (+$50)? I know my wife and I will be doing separate stuff for some of this trip (Boys/Girls!)

The separate stuff would have to be $250 for the second TIW card to break even.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Every year my wife tells me we need to buy tables in wonderland. Every year we probably spend 1500 bucks on Disney food. Never have bought it.

^^^ I'm stupid.

This will be our first time using it. We've gone the DDP route before, but we're doing more table service meals and resort dining this time around. DDP can get a bit stingy at the top end - some of the best resort restaurants are "signature dining experiences" that cost double credits on DDP. So places like Le Cellier and Artist Point cost more through DDP than out-of-pocket.

 

[AAABatteries]

TIW saved me somewhere in the neighborhood of $1,000 last year

 

[parasaurolophus]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

 

[glvsav37]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I don't doubt you have the numbers to back it up, but......we like the DDP mainly bc I dont have to dig into my pocket for anything. Its bought and paid for well before I leave, the plans are set and when I am on vacation, thats it, I'm on vacation.

I have 2 young kinds...so we are not doing a lot of signature or special dining. Lots of 1 credit character meals and Ohana.

 

[parasaurolophus]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I don't doubt you have the numbers to back it up, but......we like the DDP mainly bc I dont have to dig into my pocket for anything. Its bought and paid for well before I leave, the plans are set and when I am on vacation, thats it, I'm on vacation.

I have 2 young kinds...so we are not doing a lot of signature or special dining. Lots of 1 credit character meals and Ohana.

I don't really understand this. you can pay with your magic band and pin just the same as use the magic band for credits. you also still have to pay tip so for table service it is more complicated.

 

[glvsav37]

Stupid question, last minute thinking. Is the dining plan worth it? We are going to be there for 8 nites, and I am wondering if I will make a savings in the cost of my meals with the plan. Will I spend $60/day each for a 10, 12 year old and a two adults? The little girl at $18 is no big deal, but she may be upset with the meals.

Any thoughts? We have done the MP before, but only when we got it for free. Liked it, liked the QS plan better ($20 cheaper) but have some meals at resorts that won't be covered.

TIA

Stupid question, last minute thinking. Is the dining plan worth it? We are going to be there for 8 nites, and I am wondering if I will make a savings in the cost of my meals with the plan. Will I spend $60/day each for a 10, 12 year old and a two adults? The little girl at $18 is no big deal, but she may be upset with the meals.

Any thoughts? We have done the MP before, but only when we got it for free. Liked it, liked the QS plan better ($20 cheaper) but have some meals at resorts that won't be covered.

TIA

You are going this week...right? Do you have you reservations booked already? If so, does the credits fit into what you have booked? If not (or you dont have anything booked yet) Id say no bc you'll be chasing credits all trip and likely have a bunch left over.

 

[parasaurolophus]

god I miss the days when the ddp covered the tip and you got an appetizer too. it was also 38 bucks.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Stupid question, last minute thinking. Is the dining plan worth it? We are going to be there for 8 nites, and I am wondering if I will make a savings in the cost of my meals with the plan. Will I spend $60/day each for a 10, 12 year old and a two adults? The little girl at $18 is no big deal, but she may be upset with the meals.

Any thoughts? We have done the MP before, but only when we got it for free. Liked it, liked the QS plan better ($20 cheaper) but have some meals at resorts that won't be covered.

TIA

You are going this week...right? Do you have you reservations booked already? If so, does the credits fit into what you have booked? If not (or you dont have anything booked yet) Id say no bc you'll be chasing credits all trip and likely have a bunch left over.

I have 3 Table meals reserved, and have 2 that will be 2x meals (if I did meal plan) so I would only need one sit down meal to fill out the 8 nites I am there. I would then need to pay for one TS meal myself (over the 8 I'd get) with the full service DP.

In looking at a website that helps plan with the DP and it says I will be ~$275 over the cost of the DP with my choices (including tips and the extra meal). But for most of the choices I made for QS places, I used the 'average' QS value ($65 for lunch and Dinner) Something tells me my meals will be over that (especially dinner) and I will make up the difference in the week+ I will be there. I also think my family will go over on the other meals (boys like steaks and fish!)

Dunno, too confusing. Part of me thinks it will be more $$$ but part of me likes the knowledge of a 'cap' to our costs.

I also have a numbers-lady for a wife (CPA) so I have to prove everything like this!!

 

[harryhood]

More Mine Train fast passes just opened up for December visitors.

 

[harryhood]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I've heard this a couple times and honestly have never crunched the numbers. It's more mental for me than anything cause I feel without it, I'm not going to order what I really would want on the menu.

Using our reservation at Chef Mickey's for example, dinner out of pocket will run $200 for the 4 adults and and another $75 for the 3 kids. That's a $275 dinner buffet and we've got something similar planned for 5 nights total. Maybe my maths off as admittedly a newb to the DDP after paying outta pocket our last trip. Roughly $1300 for 5 nights worth of dinner? I think we paid somewhere close to that for our DDP for 7 of us.

 

[Mr. Ected]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I've heard this a couple times and honestly have never crunched the numbers. It's more mental for me than anything cause I feel without it, I'm not going to order what I really would want on the menu.

Using our reservation at Chef Mickey's for example, dinner out of pocket will run $200 for the 4 adults and and another $75 for the 3 kids. That's a $275 dinner buffet and we've got something similar planned for 5 nights total. Maybe my maths off as admittedly a newb to the DDP after paying outta pocket our last trip. Roughly $1300 for 5 nights worth of dinner? I think we paid somewhere close to that for our DDP for 7 of us.

Take a look at Dis Trip Planner (http://www.distripplanner.com) it shows estimates of costs. My problem is I am on the boarder line but I would bet I would make a deal. The other issue is if you get it with a cash room, there are some benies like tokens at arcades, tix for Disnev Quest and other discounts, that us DVCers don't get.

 

[Redwes25]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I've heard this a couple times and honestly have never crunched the numbers. It's more mental for me than anything cause I feel without it, I'm not going to order what I really would want on the menu.

Using our reservation at Chef Mickey's for example, dinner out of pocket will run $200 for the 4 adults and and another $75 for the 3 kids. That's a $275 dinner buffet and we've got something similar planned for 5 nights total. Maybe my maths off as admittedly a newb to the DDP after paying outta pocket our last trip. Roughly $1300 for 5 nights worth of dinner? I think we paid somewhere close to that for our DDP for 7 of us.

Always planned my trips around the goal to get free meal plan. Never really given any thought to paying for it or scheduling a trip at a different time. I would imagine that paying for it is not a great deal (otherwise they wouldn't be offering it).

 

[Yankee23Fan]

Like I said you really need to look at what you think you would really spend and then figure the budget from there. We prefer cash. And the Tables in Wonderland pays for itself rather quickly. Just took 40 bucks off our bill in canada tonight for example.

 

[The Ref]

How to piss off your wife and make her very happy at the same time.

Step 1 - tell your wife not to spend money frivolously on Monday

Step 2 - Tuesday night read this thread and decide to book a trip up to orlando for mickeys Christmas party for this coming Friday night

 

[The Ref]

What's the unofficial time they let you into the park with Christmas party tickets? 5PM? I think officially its 7?

 

[Premier]

What's the unofficial time they let you into the park with Christmas party tickets? 5PM? I think officially its 7?

I remember talking to people in the park last year who said they got there at 3.

 

[The Ref]

What's the unofficial time they let you into the park with Christmas party tickets? 5PM? I think officially its 7?

I remember talking to people in the park last year who said they got there at 3.

My wife just said the "unoffical offical" time is 4PM. That's plenty early enough for us.

 

[harryhood]

First time staying in a DVC Villa. Weve got breakfast foods being delivered to our place. Do these units come stocked with plates and silverware or should I pack plastic ones? Same with towels. I know we dont get maid service but does the place come with towels and linens?

 

[Mr. Ected]

First time staying in a DVC Villa. Weve got breakfast foods being delivered to our place. Do these units come stocked with plates and silverware or should I pack plastic ones? Same with towels. I know we dont get maid service but does the place come with towels and linens?

My first time this week too. As far as I can tell, they are like a 'hotel room' without daily cleaning service. I think you will get cleaned once during a week, pretty sure it is Day 4. I also think that if you need anything (like new towels) you can call down to the front desk and get new ones. Everything you need supply-wise is there (other than food). Go to the DVC site and look at the description of your room and it will list what is there.

When do you head down, Harry?

Correct me if I'm wrong and HTH!

 

[parasaurolophus]

First time staying in a DVC Villa. Weve got breakfast foods being delivered to our place. Do these units come stocked with plates and silverware or should I pack plastic ones? Same with towels. I know we dont get maid service but does the place come with towels and linens?

yes you get paper plates, paper bowls, plastic silverware, paper towels, dish soap, bath towels, etc.

You dont get a ton of plastic ware though so don't throw them away right away.

 

[parasaurolophus]

buying the dining plan is not a good deal.

I've heard this a couple times and honestly have never crunched the numbers. It's more mental for me than anything cause I feel without it, I'm not going to order what I really would want on the menu.

Using our reservation at Chef Mickey's for example, dinner out of pocket will run $200 for the 4 adults and and another $75 for the 3 kids. That's a $275 dinner buffet and we've got something similar planned for 5 nights total. Maybe my maths off as admittedly a newb to the DDP after paying outta pocket our last trip. Roughly $1300 for 5 nights worth of dinner? I think we paid somewhere close to that for our DDP for 7 of us.

If this is what forces you to eat the things you want or go to the places you want, then go for it. I am the exact opposite. Getting the dining plan makes me get things I dont actually want and would never order, but since I paid my money I feel an overwhelming desire to maximize the value of it.

I never order dessert. I almost never eat desserts at all, put me on the dining plan and I will eat dessert twice a day. We typically only do 1-2 sit down restaurants per trip. On the DDP we hit up as many as we have credits for and basically make a reservation for every single day, which makes my trip a little more structured than I would like since you also have to schedule your parks in advance now with fastpass+.

We always rent a car when we go now. Gives us access to snacks, booze, etc. A resort refillable mug means nothing to me since a 12 pack of soda takes care of us for a trip. So basically that saves us 4 bucks.

For us the DDP would be 182 dollars per day. We still have to pay tip on top of that and we have to cover the third meal and any other food or beverage we might get during the day. We never spend that much.

All that being said if you truly want to maximize value there are ways to do it. We got the DDP a few trips ago for two nights. We had a split stay so I ordered it for our stay of two nights at Saratoga. Looked up the most expensive options you could get for one credit for each option. Booked 3 table service reservations and only used two credits at each and ordered a side. Our thought was if we each had a table service meal we always leave food uneaten, sInce the full meal with dessert is just too much. Figured if we split two meals and a side we wouldn't leave anything on the table. This also allowed us to eat one more table service meal.