Disney Vacation (2 Viewers)

[AcerFC]

Had dinner at cape may tonight for the first time. If you love seafood and you haven't been there, you are messing up.

Easily one of the best Disney meals I've had. 

OK, tough one for you

We have 5:10 reservations for the Italian place at Epcot. It looks like Cape May is very close to Epcot, maybe even walking distance (not sure if you actually can though). There is a 5:30 res for the same day

Would you stay with the Italian place or go with Cape May

ETA: forget it, I cancelled via napoli and went with cape may. I have never been to the boardwalk area or the hotels. I saw that you can walk and think it will be a nice escape from the park. Gives us someplace we have never been

 

[Capella]

OK, tough one for you

We have 5:10 reservations for the Italian place at Epcot. It looks like Cape May is very close to Epcot, maybe even walking distance (not sure if you actually can though). There is a 5:30 res for the same day

Would you stay with the Italian place or go with Cape May

ETA: forget it, I cancelled via napoli and went with cape may. I have never been to the boardwalk area or the hotels. I saw that you can walk and think it will be a nice escape from the park. Gives us someplace we have never been

 you'll love it 

 

[swirvenirvin]

anyone stay at shades of green?

Yay or nay?

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

OK, tough one for you

We have 5:10 reservations for the Italian place at Epcot. It looks like Cape May is very close to Epcot, maybe even walking distance (not sure if you actually can though). There is a 5:30 res for the same day

Would you stay with the Italian place or go with Cape May

ETA: forget it, I cancelled via napoli and went with cape may. I have never been to the boardwalk area or the hotels. I saw that you can walk and think it will be a nice escape from the park. Gives us someplace we have never been

The walk from Epcot World Showcase to Beach Club is pleasant - wide path, not as crowded as the parks, water, trees.  

There are boat shuttles that run the waters from World Showcase to Beach Club, Yacht Club, Swan & Dolphin, and DHS.  They do fill up, but they are constantly running so you don't wait too long.  However, by WDW standards it's not that far from the World Showcase gate to Beach Club - I haven't measured it, but it didn't seem like more walking than from Italy to the Epcot front gate, and certainly a lot less stressful.

If you find you enjoy the BoardWalk... there's a great burgers/fries/shakes joint in Beach Club called Beaches & Cream.  Small enough place for the burgers to me made-to-order, variety of shakes and ice cream desserts, there's a kids' sundae garnished with Oreos and candies to make it look like Mickey.

But don't let that review take your eyes off the prize.  Cape May is the target.  I haven't been there for dinner but I loved the breakfast there and I 100% trust the opinions of those endorsing it.  

 

[glvsav37]

Not looking to kick over a hornets nest  on if DVC is good or bad on this, but DVC just place a whole bunch of restrictions on any resale contracts moving forward. 

I get it, disney is looking to protect its item for sale (DVC points purchased direct from disney) but at around $180 per point, it is ridiculous. There is no way for a family to recoup that investment. 

I'm a resale owner and there were some restrictions I was OK with when I bought, but this is getting personal with Disney and future owners. 

 

[Capella]

Not looking to kick over a hornets nest on this, but DVC just place a whole bunch of restrictions on any resale contracts moving forward. 

I get it, disney is looking to protect its item for sale (DVC points purchased direct from disney) but at around $180 per point, it is ridiculous. There is no way for a family to recoup that investment. 

I'm a resale owner and there were some restrictions I was OK with when I bought, but this is getting personal with Disney and future owners. 

Wow. This should be interesting. 

 

[glvsav37]

AK's Rivers of Light Show opening delayed.

No timeline given for new date

 

[avoiding injuries]

Magic bands arrived today. 25 days. 

 

[glvsav37]

do they still put the colored luggage tags in the box with the magic bands? 

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

AK's Rivers of Light Show opening delayed.

No timeline given for new date

whoops.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

But at least this time it's because we will happen to be passing through, not because it's the destination.

Yeah, Disneyland and DCA summer 2016.

In my defense, it's part of a larger trip.  Haven't worked out all the details yet (might start a separate thread about it) but we're going to try take 2-3 weeks this summer and drive from San Diego to Seattle, up the coast stopping at various sites and cities along the way.  Kid's got a passport, so we'll dip a toe into Mexico at the start and visit some family in Vancouver at the finish.  

 

[East Coast Bias]

do they still put the colored luggage tags in the box with the magic bands? 

Yes

 

[Peter Lemonjello]

Would like to know about this myself. Heading down in May and this is one of the only kinks in my uber-planning. Anyone with some insight/tips?

Just got back yesterday from WDW. Hit HS on Tues. and the jedi training is all my 5 yo wanted to do. We were getting off the bus at 9 and headed straight to the sign up. It was already lined up back to the Indy show and snaking through it's queue. Wife and kid waited almost 2 hours and then got the last guaranteed spot in the last show of the day. Kid after them stepped up to the counter and they said "Sorry, you'll be stand by", and there were a lot of people still in line. Seems like this process could use some work. Just FP+ it already. Wife went to guest relations at the end of the day and complained and they loaded us each 4 additional FP+ for the next day at MK. 

 

[glvsav37]

yea...gotta be there at rope drop and bee-line to the sign-up. One thing to remember, the kid you are signing up HAS TO BE WITH YOU. Don't try and be the family He-Man and go to the park before the rest of the family. They will not let you sign up your kid. 

@Peter Lemonjello how was the park attendance that day? Was it overly busy? Bc I know they recently doubled the amount of kids who can participate, so I'm surprised to hear you say that there was still so many kids left who couldn't get in. 

 

[AcerFC]

Good thing I made our HS day, the extra magic am hours. Booking straight to sign ups. 

Although, you can sign up at 50s primetime also iirc. So need to figure out best place for sign ups

 

[Peter Lemonjello]

@glvsav37 I hadn't actually thought about it until you asked. While the park felt very crowded, I didn't experience what I'd consider abnormally long wait times anywhere. I guess with the attractions and areas being closed down people were squeezed into a smaller area, thus the feeling of a lot of people. 

 

[avoiding injuries]

do they still put the colored luggage tags in the box with the magic bands? 

Not for me. They arrived the day before we left last year, and we didn't check the mail so we had to wait for our bags and bring them to the magical express. 

They haven't arrived yet this year and we leave on the 30th. 

 

[simsarge]

anyone stay at shades of green?

Yay or nay?

SoG compared to the resort hotels. 

http://www.militarydisneytips.com/blog/disney-military-discounts/how-do-disney-world-resorts-compare-to-shades-of-green-in-price/

 

[East Coast Bias]

Not for me. They arrived the day before we left last year, and we didn't check the mail so we had to wait for our bags and bring them to the magical express. 

They haven't arrived yet this year and we leave on the 30th. 

They were in the magic band box for me last month.  Under the part that held the bands.

 

[avoiding injuries]

They were in the magic band box for me last month.  Under the part that held the bands.

I looked again (my wife saw them when they arrived and said they were just luggage tags, not what we've used in years past). So we have 4 magic bands and they included 4 luggage tags. There are lines to write your name, address and phone number, and also a tiny barcode in the corner. Is this what we use for our luggage and they use that barcode to get our bags to the final destination?

thanks for the heads up!

 

[East Coast Bias]

I looked again (my wife saw them when they arrived and said they were just luggage tags, not what we've used in years past). So we have 4 magic bands and they included 4 luggage tags. There are lines to write your name, address and phone number, and also a tiny barcode in the corner. Is this what we use for our luggage and they use that barcode to get our bags to the final destination?

thanks for the heads up!

Sorry.  I might be wrong here. I assumed those were the magical express ones but upon further review I don't think they were.

 

[glvsav37]

yes...sorry, the luggage tags I was referring to was Character cartoonish ones that matched the color bands you chose. 

the magical express tags are a complete other issues. @avoiding injuries you may want to get on the phone with magical express and have them overnight your tags. Thats BS if you are on a package and they didn't come. Screw humping bags, thats one reason to stay on property. 

this is what the magical express package and tags should look like.

 

[jb1020]

Someone talk to me about Disney in the Summer time.  I can deal with the heat, but are the crowds just unbearable?  We would stay at the contemporary so the transportation wouldn't be a major issue. 

Our kids will be 6 and 4 this summer.  We've been the past 2 years, once was the slow week after thanksgiving and the other was during Halloween.  Both were relatively slow times, at least that's what we've been told. 

Looking ahead at dates we were going to try to week after thanksgiving again.  Personally, I hate to take the kid out of 1st grade for a week (we don't want to go the week of Thanksgiving because of the crowds/cost).  Then we started comparing the costs and we could book an 8 night stay in late July/early August a little cheaper than a 5 night stay in December. 

I feel like the extra 2-3 days we would get in the summer would make it much more relaxing...early mornings at the parks and taking advantage of the magic hours we'd get to do just as much.  I feel like I've spoiled myself by going the times we've gone. 

I just don't want to hate it if I have to wait 60 minutes to ride big thunder as opposed to 20-30 like we're used too.   Somebody tell me its not as bad as it seems!

 

[AcerFC]

Someone talk to me about Disney in the Summer time.  I can deal with the heat, but are the crowds just unbearable?  We would stay at the contemporary so the transportation wouldn't be a major issue. 

Our kids will be 6 and 4 this summer.  We've been the past 2 years, once was the slow week after thanksgiving and the other was during Halloween.  Both were relatively slow times, at least that's what we've been told. 

Looking ahead at dates we were going to try to week after thanksgiving again.  Personally, I hate to take the kid out of 1st grade for a week (we don't want to go the week of Thanksgiving because of the crowds/cost).  Then we started comparing the costs and we could book an 8 night stay in late July/early August a little cheaper than a 5 night stay in December. 

I feel like the extra 2-3 days we would get in the summer would make it much more relaxing...early mornings at the parks and taking advantage of the magic hours we'd get to do just as much.  I feel like I've spoiled myself by going the times we've gone. 

I just don't want to hate it if I have to wait 60 minutes to ride big thunder as opposed to 20-30 like we're used too.   Somebody tell me its not as bad as it seems!

I went once during the summer. Lets just say I will never, ever do that again

Like you, I go during the off times. Even they are becoming crowded. Picture not being able to walk from the carousel to Its a Small World. That is how crowded it was

 

[glvsav37]

It's not good...I go in the summer every year (actually this year right at the same time you are considering and also staying at contemporary) 

But you need to manage expectations. The plus is that you are not a 1st timer and seem rather seasoned and most likely will log back, So the need to do "everything" isn't there.

The sage advice in the summer is go to the parks early and late with longer mid day breaks. Being you are staying where you are makes it the perfect location—thats why we stay there...2 kids as well 10 and 6, but we've been going regularly since they were 6 and 1

the extra days will indeed help b/c you can make up for the lost time in the parks with the breaks, plus therapy is open later and we really love the parks at night. 

attractions times, yea, you are not going to win there. It is what it is. get to the parks early and plan fast passes for mid day (11-1)  when the the crowds are at their highest

Granted, its a cost, but we take advantage of special ticket events like the fireworks dessert party and such so that we can avoid the hour+ need to wait on main street and deal with the hot, sweaty masses. Maximizing your time and energy, even at a $$ cost is something to consider. Also, we look to do more non-park things to avoid crowds...like there is a great fireworks cruise that leaves from the contempt we sometimes do. It gives you a pre-cruise party with snacks and photos with Smee and Hook and then a boat ride to the middle of the lake to watch the fireworks (with the music) and then peter pan meets you at the dock.

Along that note: we plan a decent amount of character meals. It kills 2 bids with 1 stone—eating and meet and greets. This way, you are not spending valuable park time meeting characters.  

also, not sure if you have ever done any water parks given the times you go. Take advantage of the heat and spend a day at one of those. Blizzard beach is the best for kids, really great kid areas.

(side note: being you mentioned big thunder, as for right now, it is scheduled to be closes Aug 8 till mid November. Not sure if that is a big enough deal to you and your dates)

its not ideal, but we do it. My wife is a teacher and we can only do summer (at least until she retires). I dream of the day when I can go off season, but for now, we make it work.

 

[Quez]

Summer sucks, but if you are staying at contemporary you are close enough to make it a little less miserable.  Crowds shouldn't be too bad during the week.  

 

[jb1020]

yeah...kind of had a feeling this would be the case.  Still on the fence about it I guess. 

My wife has me convinced that pulling a 1st grader out of school for a week really isn't a big deal.  She's probably right too...usually is. 

I did know about big thunder too.  Soarin as well...

thanks for the input.

 

[glvsav37]

soaring should be up by then, same for the new frozen ride, Rivers of Light in AK and the extended AK night hours with the night safari. 

 

[glvsav37]

honestly I'd say if there was ever a year to pull a kid out, 1st is prob the best. After that, at least in my state (NY) with the testing and attendance requirements so strict, it gets harder as they progress through the grades. 

my wife is a 1st grade teacher, so she would prob kill me if I said that out loud...lol

 

[glvsav37]

while we are active today, here are some recent photos of the new AK theater for Rivers of Light.  Just the Asia side, the Dinoland side has not opened up yet. 

the detail is amazing, and it looks like its been there for years. 

Shame the show is delayed, I'm hearing chatter about it not being ready till early July.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I'm probably not the right person to ask on the "pull the kid out of school" issue.  I nearly got my kid classified as truant by state law over time spent on Disney vacations one school year.

As the kids get older and the school materials get more digital, it's easier to keep the student attached to what is going on at school.  We approached the teachers ahead of time about time missed, worked ahead where we could, scheduled homework time at the hotel during trips, and submitted work electronically when possible.  

 

[jb1020]

Yeah, we pulled him out for a week in Kindergarten and said we could get an excused absence if we wrote a note saying it was an educational trip...which of course we did.  I guess if our school doesn't care, we shouldn't???

 

[AcerFC]

Yeah, we pulled him out for a week in Kindergarten and said we could get an excused absence if we wrote a note saying it was an educational trip...which of course we did.  I guess if our school doesn't care, we shouldn't???

I teach 8th grade. Schools dont need to know anything about why a student is absent. You send the kid in with a note saying they are ok to return to school and no questions asked. Well, at least that is how we operate here. My kids school is the same. You call and say they wont be there and they say OK, send a note when they come back

 

[Quez]

The Dali Museum in St. Pete is advertising some Dali & Disney exhibition.  I think it's about Disney architecture.  Any plans on going Cappy?  

 

[Capella]

The Dali Museum in St. Pete is advertising some Dali & Disney exhibition.  I think it's about Disney architecture.  Any plans on going Cappy?  

Wife is dying to go. So far I've been able to hold her off. 

 

[odin33]

Ok, so I've slogged through the last 20-ish pages to get a clue. I'm starting to pick up the lingo, but largely lost atm. So I'll throw this out to the experts and start to formulate a plan...

I need help in planning the "once in a lifetime trip", or as close as I can get, to WDW.

Begin download: I was gifted a very generous sum of money ($10k) from my wife's grandparents "ear"marked to go see Mickey at his house. It will just be the wife and I and the two girls (presently 8 and 5). Plan the trip whenever we want, however we want, for as long as we want. Literally an open check to enjoy whatever. I'm the only one who's ever been there and that was 25 years ago so this is all foreign.

I've sent some of the links posted home and will start reviewing. I know I need to start planning about 6 months out, if not more. Anything after the new year until late March-ish is likely out due to my job. Want to pick a down time so we can maximize the experience, preferably without sweating my #### off.

Oldest daughter is starting to graduate from princesses into the tweener crap, but I still catch her playing princesses with her sister on occasion. The youngest is a Disney marketer's dream: Huge Minnie fan, princesses, Alice in Wonderland on and on and on... 

Neither are huge rollercoaster kids, but like rides. We're hoping to break the oldest this summer at the local amusement park of coasters. A nice pool at the hotel would be a plus, but a vanilla version would work. Saw a post commenting about sitting at the beach/pool watching fireworks with a beer in hand- yes please!! Watching from our room with said beer in hand works equally as well. Highly unlikely we'd spend much if any time at a water park. Definitely want to do the park hopper (I think), and thinking a hotel on the property with meal plan is the way to go. I really like the idea of not busting out the wallet unless they want a souvenir or ancillary item.

Airfare is going to run roughly 3-4k from Cincy, but I could drive to Dayton, Louisville, or Indy if needed to save on airfare. 

Biggest initial question I have is what hotel since that's where most of the variable $ is. I want to stay at a deluxe, primarily for transportation options, but IIRC we're talking roughly 3k for that convenience, over a moderate. (I haven't priced it out since reading this thread so I may be a bit off). I just know there was a huge uptick and I was having a hard time swallowing that pill.

I can get resort specific details, but is there a site or can someone tell me what you get for each of these tiers in hotels. 

I get it that the deluxe are nicer, and closer, and have more transportation options but is it the difference of 10 minutes in waiting for/walking to transportation or 45? Are there other niceties like charactoer visits, or better food options? Lots of negative bus comments have me concerned. especially if it's the only option. No stroller concerns so maybe not so bad.

Meals: Worth spending the cash for the 2 sit down meals a day or will one suffice? Guessing the character meals are sit down so having a sit down breakfast and then two lighter meals might have me roaming the halls for a vending machine. If you buy a plan do you tip with cash each meal/ have a way to add it on to final bill?

Rides: I'm starting to get a feel for the things you must FP on and the bigger stuff, and am use to the long waits for rollercoasters, but what about the other smaller rides. Things like the tea cups, spider, screaming eagles, more fair type rides? It's been 25 years but I recall there were enough 'small' things to do to fill out the day if you so chose not to spend all day waiting in 4 lines.

Speaking of FP/FP+: I get you can sign up to ride things at certain time slots to avoid waiting in line. Do you simply walk up to the ride at your time slot and there a separate FP line where you go straight to the front of the line? Does the FP line get overbooked? Would think not since they are controlling the availability but who knows.

Thanks, I'll hang up and listen...

 

[AcerFC]

Odin,

Polynesian and dont look back

Eta: you only need the one sit down per day imo.

 

[avoiding injuries]

Everyone is different. I like port Orleans riverside, and it's a moderate. I feel like you get the most out of your money there. I've learned the bus system pretty well.  I could stay there two times for the cost of the Polynesian. Granted, the Polynesian is nicer.

We don't do the meal plans. The first year I went I broke down the spends and we came out way ahead not doing the plan. Plus, I would want to get the most out of it and it would likely dictate a lot of our schedule and I'd always be full. I like flexibility. 

Dont try to make it the trip of a lifetime. Just go, do what you want to do, and make sure the kids have fun. Don't rush to do every little thing. You don't want the stress to take over the enjoyment. 

After March and before summer is perfect. Just make sure you miss the spring break weeks. 

 

[glvsav37]

@Odin

yes...a #### ton to digest, but my suggestions is to break things down based on what you need to do 1st (like hotel) then forget about rides, meals, entertainment till after step 1 is locked in and you can focus on those, b/c there is a lot to look at there.

so, hotels, your right, deluxe's offer better transportation options based on general location.  However, there is not a huge drop off to moderate when it comes to the hotel itself. So if you don't mind a bus ride (and 10-20's not 45 minutes) you can be in a really nice hotel for a bit less. You can get a feel for each place by just checking out the WDW web site. They each have their own vibe and theming. IMO the best moderate is Port Orleans, it has such a great feel, awesome grounds, easy boat ride to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney, formerly formerly Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village) and nice soothing rooms. I saw that vs the Caribbean Beach type hotels where (IMO) it is too bright and pastelly looking. If I want Caribbean, I'll go to the Caribbean. 

On the deluxe side, there are some great and very different vibe resorts.

The classic ones are by the Magic Kingdom—Grand Flo, Polly and Cantemp/Bay Lake Tower. These are great b/c they fit the 'fireworks from the beach/room" item you were talking about. They do have monorail access, but IMO, I very rarely use it when I'm there except to get to Epcot. Resort Boats are easier or we just walk (if staying at contemp).

Wilderness lodge is considered a MK resort, but there is no monorail, only boat or bus access to the MK. It is a beautiful hotel and lots of people love it. It will also be under renovation for a while as they are adding DVC (Disney time share) rooms. So be aware of that. 

Epcot area deluxe has some of the nicest resorts—Boardwalk and Yacht/Beach Club. Both of them are spitting distance to Epcot and Studios. So what you miss in monorail to MK, you make up in access to 2 parks. Plus, the Boardwalk is a great nighttime attraction in itself if you don't feel like doing the parks on night. 

Then the is Animal Kingdom Lodge is the sore thumb of resorts.  Amazingly beautiful, so fun with the animals grazing right outside your room, but its also the furthest away from the parks and only has Bus transportation.

On the transportation side, pain/pleasure of the WDW transport system is directly related to how busy it is. If you go in a slower season, the busses are usually pretty manageable. Plus, there is also a bunch ofd taxis and Uber on property for when you just don't want to wait for the bus or need to be somewhere quick. 

so, really, take the time and research the resorts first. Youtube is your friend here. Lots of resort walk throughs and such so you can get a good look at the vibe, pools, amenities, etc. Also, think about what parks your kids would enjoy the most and think you would spend the most time in—my bet would be Magic Kingdom being your are pretty much 1st timers. So as  Acer said, Polly is a great location. We stay at Bay Lake/Contemporary simply for the location and ease of getting to the MK.

We are here, report back if you need any clarification or trying to decide b/t resorts. The rest will fall in place after booking. 

quick on the other questions
• 6mos out to start planning is optimal, if not more. There will be benchmarks that will be important to you, like making your dining reservations at 180 days out which is pretty much 6 months. If you don't make your ADRs (advance dining reservations) was soon as you can, you'll find it hard to make those ADR for some popular locations (yes those Character meals).
•  For Fast Passes (we will go over those later) you need to make those at 60 days out.  
• Dining plan, we do the 1 TS (Table Service), 1 QS (quick service/Fast food) and 1 snack (popcorn, ice cream, bagel) per day and it works fine. 2 TS is a LOT of time in restaurants. if you really need to go to a diner, and it does not fit the meal plan, you can always pay out of pocket for it.
• Wait times: they varry...there is great app you can get for free that will keep you posted of what the waits are like in real time. 
• Fastpass, is just a ride reservation time. You pick 3 ride a day, pick the time you want to ride them and you get in a special, shorter line for that ride. You can add more after you use your 1st 3.

hang in there..we will get you through this!!  

 

[parasaurolophus]

If disney ever eliminates the ability to carry in your own food and water I will sell my DVC and be done with them. That would cost me way too much everyday. I filled my 100oz camelbak and finished it each day our last trip. My son and wife finished their smaller ones too. That would be like 15 water bottles a day. 

 

[glvsav37]

I can't see them doing that. Sep in Florida in august. The $$ made off that is not anywhere near the $$ for lawsuits of people passing out in the parks. 

How heavy is a 100oz pack?

 

[parasaurolophus]

I can't see them doing that. Sep in Florida in august. The $$ made off that is not anywhere near the $$ for lawsuits of people passing out in the parks. 

How heavy is a 100oz pack?

Probably adds about 7lbs

 

[odin33]

Thanks acer and glv

ill hit wdw site and try to narrow it down.. Thx for the YouTube tip. I must be getting old. Didn't even think of it. I'm guessing we'll be heavy into magic kingdom and Hollywood will get the short straw considering audience and construction.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

If disney ever eliminates the ability to carry in your own food and water I will sell my DVC and be done with them. That would cost me way too much everyday. I filled my 100oz camelbak and finished it each day our last trip. My son and wife finished their smaller ones too. That would be like 15 water bottles a day. 

We carry a couple of refillable water bottles with filters and reload at drinking fountains.  I think I'd rather carry a 100oz camelbak.

 

[RG623]

Spent a week at BLT with the family in early March. Weather was absolutely perfect, sunny and high 70s all week. Didn't seem too crowded at the parks, but I haven't been since I was a kid and we were preparing for the worst.

As I think someone said earlier in the thread, Disney really gets the small things right. The pool at BLT was closed while we were there, so we headed to the pool at the Contemporary first thing one morning. We arrived as they were opening the pool. One of the lifeguards came over and asked my 6 and 2 year olds if they could help them with something. They gave them Mickey gloves, did a dance and once they threw their arms in the air, the water slide and fountains "magically" turned on. My 6 year old had the same look on her face as she does on Xmas morning. My wife is already planning the return trip.

 

[odin33]

Camelpack. BRILLIANT! 

damn website won't let me book into 2017 and trying to find a week that poly and contemp are available to do pricing is pita. Getting rough idea but damn. Can you see the fireworks from the bay towers at contemp?

Glv and others, when you say port Orleans were not talking French quarter right? Scrolled through the pics wdw has and there's clearly a drop from deluxe. Hmmm

to help with hotel decision: how much can I expect to drop out of pocket a day/ wk? I absolutely do not want to be ' hotel' poor and have to tell the girls we can't do this or that ( within reason). You want an ice cream or a soda. Go ahead type stuff. It's looking like I'm coming in at about 8k at a deluxe, flight, with hopper, and one sit down meal plan. At home 2k is a huge cushion, but i know money dries up quick at mickeys house. 

Another way to ask it. How much do a set of embroidered ears run? A tshirt? A burger and drink? Happy to do the research myself just need to know where to look.

also any way to get groceries at a park hotel? Thinking a quick run to grab a few staples might be a good decision.

tia

 

[moleculo]

Spent the last 4 days at Port Orleans and the parks.  Crowds were very manageable, and the hotel is...a huge improvement from the Value hotels.  This was the first time I've been to WDW and didn't feel like cattle.  The whole hotel experience was just pleasant.

Weather was just fantastic, except for the rain last night.  My daughter and I were in the last row of the last car before they shut down Test Track.  Once it started raining, it was heavy.  Big ole fat rain.

The only downside is we didn't get to see any fireworks.  We were at the parks within 15 min of opening every day and kids were exhausted by 6 or 7, much less 10:00.

 

[parasaurolophus]

Spent the last 4 days at Port Orleans and the parks.  Crowds were very manageable, and the hotel is...a huge improvement from the Value hotels.  This was the first time I've been to WDW and didn't feel like cattle.  The whole hotel experience was just pleasant.

Weather was just fantastic, except for the rain last night.  My daughter and I were in the last row of the last car before they shut down Test Track.  Once it started raining, it was heavy.  Big ole fat rain.

The only downside is we didn't get to see any fireworks.  We were at the parks within 15 min of opening every day and kids were exhausted by 6 or 7, much less 10:00.

I absolutely love Port Orleans. My wife and I were just there for a weekend trip. We stayed off property but visited Port Orleans twice. Had coffee and beignets one day and Abita and Caprese flatbread the other. 

 

[Battles]

Camelpack. BRILLIANT! 

damn website won't let me book into 2017 and trying to find a week that poly and contemp are available to do pricing is pita. Getting rough idea but damn. Can you see the fireworks from the bay towers at contemp?

Glv and others, when you say port Orleans were not talking French quarter right? Scrolled through the pics wdw has and there's clearly a drop from deluxe. Hmmm

to help with hotel decision: how much can I expect to drop out of pocket a day/ wk? I absolutely do not want to be ' hotel' poor and have to tell the girls we can't do this or that ( within reason). You want an ice cream or a soda. Go ahead type stuff. It's looking like I'm coming in at about 8k at a deluxe, flight, with hopper, and one sit down meal plan. At home 2k is a huge cushion, but i know money dries up quick at mickeys house. 

Another way to ask it. How much do a set of embroidered ears run? A tshirt? A burger and drink? Happy to do the research myself just need to know where to look.

also any way to get groceries at a park hotel? Thinking a quick run to grab a few staples might be a good decision.

tia

http://allears.net/dining/newmenusystem.htm#epc

I use that for disney meal research. 

There are grocery delivery services, but they are only really useful if you get a room with a full kitchen.  Otherwise, each resort will have a shop to get bread, milk, pbj, etc.  Inflated prices, but still cheaper than delivered groceries.

 

[odin33]

I absolutely love Port Orleans. My wife and I were just there for a weekend trip. We stayed off property but visited Port Orleans twice. Had coffee and beignets one day and Abita and Caprese flatbread the other. 

Uh oh you said beignets... AND flatbread. Might be a deal maker with the mrs.