Disney Vacation (3 Viewers)

[glvsav37]

this seems like major saving opportunity and time saver especially for breakfast unless Im missing something?  Can you bring fruit and snacks in a backpack into the parks?

Yes, you can bring snacks and fruit in the parks....pretty much anything that doesn't need a wheeled cooler for. We've grabbed a few bananas and stuff from the breakfast buffets for a mid day bite.  

But in the end, who wants to lug too much of that crap around. I consider any food purchases just part of my budget. 

But we do utilize a variety of food delivery services. All ordered before the trip. But normally we get a case of water and Gatorade, things like pop tarts, individual cereal boxes, bananas...anything that you can grab and eat that doesn't req any prep. This year we are upgrading to a suite with full kitchen, so not sure if that will factor into the order, still too early for that conversation. B it I can assure you, full meals will not be made there. I cook enough at home. 

Never ordered alcohol though through on of these service

Might give Amazon pantry a try this year. Will see

 

[Capella]

In the Springfield section of Universal Studios Orlando, there's a Simpsons-themed food court.  You can get a Krustyburger, a Flaming Moe, a whole run of food and drinks inspired by The Simpsons.  The seating areas contain a room laid out like Moe's Tavern, a cafeteria-style room like the commissary at the nuclear power plant, and QSR-style room with tables and booths like a Krustyburger.  One of the food stations is a "Frying Dutchman" where you can get fish & chips and breaded fish sandwiches.  The sign has the neon art of the guy eating the freshly-caught fish, but has the "ALL" in "ALL YOU CAN EAT" scratched out so it reads "YOU CAN EAT".

In the Krustyburger room, there are TVs than run Simpsons clips, mostly scenes from theme parks, fairs, and restaurants.  That whole Frying Dutchman scene made the cut, including when Homer orders "All you can eat!  All you can eat!" and jumps out of his chair like a racehorse hearing the bell at Churchill Downs and grabs a steam tray to take back to his table.  

And since I'm who I am, I have eaten at this food court a few times.  I recommend the Chicken and Waffles sandwich from the Cletus the Slackjawed Yokel station.  Juicy breaded chicken, lettuce, tomato, and a special sauce somewhere between mayo and maple syrup that sounds gross but somehow works, served between two waffles.  Was not a fan of the Krustyburger, largely because of the cheese sauce instead of chesse slices on the burger.  The Big Pink from the Lard Lad Donuts stand is available on the line and at the checkout.  It's enormous and delicious - imagine a frosted glazed doughnut with the diameter of a small pizza.        

Awesome. 

Oddly despite my wife being a humongous Harry Potter fan and my 1990s Simpsons obsession and a 80 minute drive time to get there, we haven't been to universal in 5+ years. Too much time at Disney. 

Speaking of, funna go tear up via Napoli right now brb

 

[swirvenirvin]

Yes, you can bring snacks and fruit in the parks....pretty much anything that doesn't need a wheeled cooler for. But in the end, who wants to lug that crap around. I consider any food purchases just part of my budget. 

But we do utilize a variety of food delivery services. All ordered before the trip. But normally we get a case of water and Gatorade, things like pop tarts, individual cereal boxes, bananas...anything that you can grab and eat that doesn't req any prep. This year we are upgrading to a suite with full kitchen, so not sure if that will factor into the order, still too early for that conversation. B it I can assure you, full meals will not be made there. I cook enough at home. 

Never ordered alcohol though through on of these service

Might give Amazon pantry a try this year. Will see

yeah breakfast was biggest thing.. some fruit, muffins etc should save time and money.

backpack i supposed could get annoying to lug around everywhere but if drinks and snacks are expensive i assume could save you $50 a day

then some beer liquor for when back at the hotel

 

[glvsav37]

Stroller baby!!  I tell my wife that even when the kids grow out of them, I'm still taking one around to act as my personal Sherpa. 

Yea. There are def ways to save a coin at Disney.  Even if you are on the meal plan, bagels and muffins (most food items at Starbucks) are only a snack credit, so we do those a few times a trip as a grab and go.  Order a sleeve of bagels from the food delivery, and go fill the pockets with butter and jelly packages from the resort quick sev location. Individual cereal boxes, eat'm old school and cut the box open, don't even need a bowl.  

Every room has a small fridge so a jug of milk will stay. 

 

[otb_lifer]

My daughter has pretty much outgrown the Disney Channel now.  Oddly, she's a big fan of Girl Meets World, but has tossed all the other old shows aside.  

But I might have insisted of saving all the old photos from meet-and-greets with past Disney Channel stars.  The kid's current musical tastes would mock the person who once saw Bridgit Mendler and Zendaya Coleman in concert back in the day.  

my daughter went a couple years ago with mom and nana ... had a meet and greet with Ms. Cameron, who was about as sweet and accmodating as could possibly be (so I was told) 

she's also a big fan of 'Girl Meets World' - she is really digging the Mya character (Sabrina Carpenter) - show seems pretty decent for her age range (soon to be 11)

planning a family visit for September, and this thread is an invaluable tool for maximizing the logistics.  thanks to all for chipping in the advice 

 

[AcerFC]

Gronk presented at some award show my kids watched with Dove Cameron. I thought, does he think she is hot or does he not even notice her since he gets hotter chicks every day. 

 

[Godsbrother]

isnt there a grocery store nearby that will deliver groceries?

There are several.   We are DVC members and if we don't rent a car (sometimes we take Magical Express) then we have groceries delivered.   We typically use Garden Grocer and have been happy with their service.  Not sure I would use them just for beer though.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Awesome. 

Oddly despite my wife being a humongous Harry Potter fan and my 1990s Simpsons obsession and a 80 minute drive time to get there, we haven't been to universal in 5+ years. Too much time at Disney. 

Speaking of, funna go tear up via Napoli right now brb

Hope you didn't tip those lucky ******* servers at via Napoli.  "Here's your tip, pal: your life right now is like playing basketball on an 8-foot rim.  Enjoy every second of it while it lasts."

I know I'm getting a bit off-topic, but the Harry Potter stuff a Universal, especially the Diagon Alley section at Studios, is like a big love letter and thank you note to the fans.  They really did sweat the details.  It's visually stunning even if you aren't familiar with the source material, and plenty to enjoy if your familiarity is limited to a couple of the movies.  But if you've read all the books multiple times and had the movies on loop... there's an element of gratitude for all the effort they put in to getting the details right.  The kid has read the books more than once, been different HP characters for Halloween, and can recite the Sorceror's Stone movie the way guys like us can quote Caddyshack or Ghostbusters.  She loved exploring every nook and cranny to see how obscure the references got.  I also gotta give much respect to the "interactive wand" upsell.  $35-$40 for a wand you can take to about 16-20 different stations at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, and cast spells that makes magic happen: suits of armor assemble and fall apart, windows full of chandeliers light up, books come to life and deliver messages, etc.  It was not cheap, but really ####### cool.  

If it's been a while, I'd say hold out until 2017.  At IOA they're building a King Kong-themed ride that looks amazing, and they're in the middle of a teardown/rebuild on the Hulk coaster.  Over at Studios, they retired attractions based on Jaws, Twister, and a "be in the disaster movie" bit like the preshow before the DHS backlot tour.  In their places, they've put up Diagon Alley, and by summer 2017 will have a Fast & Furious attraction and a Jimmy Fallon-themed thing.   
       
Universal's food scene is nowhere close to Disney's.  And even some of the spots that position themselves as finer dining come up short.  There's a seafood place in the San Francisco section of Studios that must have hired away the head chef at Red Lobster.  "Not quite right; needs more butter."  They do alright in matching the theme to the surroundings: the Springfield food court was definitely designed by people who have seen 200 Simpsons episodes, during the summer there is a stand in Seuss where you really can get an order of Green Eggs And Ham, the HP restaurants are consistent with places Harry, Hermoine, and Ron dined at in the books and movies.  But there's no restaurant row like World Showcase and the resort dining is mostly hype.  We tried Emeril's place at one of the Universal resorts.  Felt like we paid a lot to eat at place with Emeril's name on it, and this is form the POV of folks who have no issues with paying a premium for an ice cream bar shaped like Mickey Mouse's head.

At Islands Of Adventure, there's a Mediterranean-inspired sit-down place we like a lot, Mythos.  It's not just olives and feta; they branch out pastas and sandwiches and such with Mediterranean flavors.  
Cannot stress enough how awful the food is at Circus McGuirkus.  I don't care how cool it is that the trolley rolls through every few minutes.  That place can't even get burgers and fries right.  Makes Cosmic Ray's taste like Five Guys.
  
CityWalk has most of the tourists' favorite noisy joints: Margaritaville, Bubba Gump, stuff like that.  They're building an NBC Sports Bar & Grill (probably open by now) to rival ESPN Zone.  Our favorite place at CityWalk is Cowfish Grill.  Gourmet burgers and sushi, hence the name.  Last time we were there we had to wait to be seated, but it was all good because their upper level patio bar was open, lots of space and a couple of unused cornhole boards.  I live too far inland to be a sushi connoisseur, but I dug the sushi.  The burger menu is inspired, really clever flavors.          

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Stroller baby!!  I tell my wife that even when the kids grow out of them, I'm still taking one around to act as my personal Sherpa. 

Yea. There are def ways to save a coin at Disney.  Even if you are on the meal plan, bagels and muffins (most food items at Starbucks) are only a snack credit, so we do those a few times a trip as a grab and go.  Order a sleeve of bagels from the food delivery, and go fill the pockets with butter and jelly packages from the resort quick sev location. Individual cereal boxes, eat'm old school and cut the box open, don't even need a bowl.  

Every room has a small fridge so a jug of milk will stay. 

We usually bring a Costco-sized case of granola bars.  Easy snack to have at the room, or throw into a park bag.  I like the bagel sleeve idea.

We have a few refillable water bottles with filters near the tops, and fill them as we go at water fountains and such.  The QSRs and stands that serve fountain soda should have fresh water available and are supposed to honor requests to refill water bottles.

If you go the case of water bottles route (can't remember the last time I went to Costco and didn't buy a 35-pack of Kirkland water bottles).. on hot days, freezing a couple water bottles the night before can work out well.  Early in the day they can keep snacks cool, and as the ice melts as the day progresses and heats up you have clean, cold water to drink.   

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

my daughter went a couple years ago with mom and nana ... had a meet and greet with Ms. Cameron, who was about as sweet and accmodating as could possibly be (so I was told) 

she's also a big fan of 'Girl Meets World' - she is really digging the Mya character (Sabrina Carpenter) - show seems pretty decent for her age range (soon to be 11)

planning a family visit for September, and this thread is an invaluable tool for maximizing the logistics.  thanks to all for chipping in the advice 

Thank you for your kind words.  Disney vacations are the type where you can spend a wide range of money and make the trip as simple or as complicated as you want.  There's so many variables it can get overwhelming.  If at any time you see any of us use a term or abbreviation that doesn't quite connect, don't hesitate to call timeout and ask for clarification.  Folks who have visited Disney Parks often, especially Walt Disney World, have their own shorthand that can come off as its own language.  

The Parks are in a transition period right now, and demand for Disney is high at the moment, so some of the park attractions and resort deals we talked about way back in the early pages of this thread might not apply anymore.  

 

[otb_lifer]

Thank you for your kind words.  Disney vacations are the type where you can spend a wide range of money and make the trip as simple or as complicated as you want.  There's so many variables it can get overwhelming.  If at any time you see any of us use a term or abbreviation that doesn't quite connect, don't hesitate to call timeout and ask for clarification.  Folks who have visited Disney Parks often, especially Walt Disney World, have their own shorthand that can come off as its own language.  

The Parks are in a transition period right now, and demand for Disney is high at the moment, so some of the park attractions and resort deals we talked about way back in the early pages of this thread might not apply anymore.  

thanks, gb ... will be my first time visiting down there, so skimming through this thread and gleaning much needed Intel has been a godsend. 

 

[glvsav37]

echo @Bruce Dickinson.

I feel bad for the family that goes there after a few years between trips and have not caught up on the way things work. Can totally screw a vacation and leave the family shell shocked.  

Because there is so much to plan for, my recommendation is (and I've said it a few times here) to focus on phases. Don't worry about Fast passes and all of that stuff now. Work in phases

Phase 1. Research where you want to stay. Get a general lay of the land and price points. On-site or off? Staying on site is more expensive, but you save on things like renting a car and parking costs. If you are stating on site, what level—Deluxe, Moderate or Value. Every level is good, but there are perks that are given the further up the ladder you go. Be it location to the parks (some within walking distance), certain pool or views, resort dining, etc. 

Phase 1a. Length of stay and ticket costs. 

Phase 2: Dining. If you are booking early enough and are outside the 180 day reservation window, then researching the food choices is your Phase 2. Look at all the restaurants and food choices—Character meals, traditional dining and quick serves. Begin to put a rough itinerary together of what parks you want to visit and then plan your dining locations around that. So if you are thinking Magic Kingdom on Monday, don't book a Sanaa (at animal kingdom lodge) that is on the other side of the property. Of conversely, find your dining and  build your park days around that—just always realize the 2 are somewhat connected b/c it will save you running around time. Also, decide if you are going to get the meal plan, this way you know how many credits you have. you can alway book extra dining and pay out of pocket, but you also don't want to loses those credits by not booking enough. 

Phase 3: Fast passes and parks. After dining is done, you have a bunch of time to survey the attractions and park maps. Each park has their headliners and this are the ones where FP's come in most valuable. You know your family, so plan best around their likes and dislikes. Give everyone a chance to decide their "Must do" in each park and plan around those. FP strategy is a topic in itself, but we can cover that after you get Phase 1 out of the way.

Phase 3a: Extra Fun: there is a ton of other things that are not a "theme park" there that many people overlook. They have tours, princess and pirate makeovers, fireworks parties, and shows that all add to the vacation. Worth checking out to help break away from the go-go-go rides mentality. 

If you break the paling down, it becomes much more digestible. 

 

[RCon]

One thing we discovered on the fly, and was likely mentioned before, is that we got additional FastPasses each day after we used them all.  That is, we got 3 FPs each day for staying at our Disney resort.  Once we checked in for the last of the three, we got another one.  When we used that one, we got another one, etc.

The way to maximize this, obviously, is to book your original 3 as early in the day as possible for the stuff you need to reserve months in advance.  Then, once you use them, you can use the phone app to book the additional ones as you use them.  Since you're booking "day of", you probably won't get most of the absolute top tier rides/shows, but you can generally get a lot of use for that second tier, as long as you're willing to keep refreshing the available FP list.

 

[AcerFC]

One thing we discovered on the fly, and was likely mentioned before, is that we got additional FastPasses each day after we used them all.  That is, we got 3 FPs each day for staying at our Disney resort.  Once we checked in for the last of the three, we got another one.  When we used that one, we got another one, etc.

The way to maximize this, obviously, is to book your original 3 as early in the day as possible for the stuff you need to reserve months in advance.  Then, once you use them, you can use the phone app to book the additional ones as you use them.  Since you're booking "day of", you probably won't get most of the absolute top tier rides/shows, but you can generally get a lot of use for that second tier, as long as you're willing to keep refreshing the available FP list.

I knew you could add but thought you had to do it the park at a kiosk. Thanks for the heads up that you can do it from the app. I was not sure how I would like the new fast pass plus but I have to say, not worrying about mine train and toy story is very relaxing and helpful. We did most of the fast passes in the morning planning to get more in the afternoon 

 

[jb1020]

Welcome home!!!  What resort did you get for your Home resort, and did you buy direct or resale?

If you have any questions, let me know!! congrats

Edit to add: What we do, being that we go every summer, is that we buy an annual pass for everyone. Then we leapfrog trips. So when it is a 'buy year' we will go in august. Then the following years we go in July before the pass expires. So we are getting 2 trips out of each purchase and it cuts that ticket number in 1/2 per trip.  

Quick question on this....I think we jumped the gun in getting excited. 

So the original plan was to stay at Bay Lake with our points. Wife called this weekend and went to book and since it was just over 6 months out, the only place we can book is our Home resort, The Poly.   The agent told us to go ahead and book at the Poly but when we get inside of 6 months to call and change to Bay Lake. 

Well, now we look at dates inside the 6 month window at Bay Lake and its only partially available. 

I guess my questions are...what are the chances we'll be able to stay 7 nights at Bay Lake if its currently "partial available" and I guess its always going to be like this?

Its not an awful problem to have, but with a 6 and 4 yo we've fallen in love with walking to MK from the Contemporary. 

 

[glvsav37]

??  its 11 and 7.  book your home resort 11 months out and any other resort at 7. I have not heard of them changing to 6 or any thing?

have you checked availability at BLT (you need to sign into your DCV account to view)

What I would do? Keep the Polly room, then check when they say you can (which should be now, I'd get clarification on that). Using the availability tool....see what is available and when. It may be that only a single day of your stay is booked, maybe at the beginning or end.  So you could do a split stay—BLT for when its available and then polly for the rest (they will move your bags and such for you). Or change your view..say theme park isn't avail but stand is. Or get on a waitlist for the room you want at BLT. Or shift your travel plans a day or 2 to fit when the room is avail.

Its funny, even though my home resort is Old Key, we stay at BLT all the time, travel in the high season (summer) and never had a problem booking a room there at 7 months out. 

Check to see if there is anything big going on during those dates that might draw larger then normal crowds....opening of food and wine, marathons, etc all cause the room availability to fluctuate.  

 

[glvsav37]

I knew you could add but thought you had to do it the park at a kiosk. Thanks for the heads up that you can do it from the app. I was not sure how I would like the new fast pass plus but I have to say, not worrying about mine train and toy story is very relaxing and helpful. We did most of the fast passes in the morning planning to get more in the afternoon 

yea, they just recently change the app so that you can get the #4 and so on FPs on your phone. You can even do them for a different park in case you planned on hopping over later.  

 

[jb1020]

??  its 11 and 7.  book your home resort 11 months out and any other resort at 7. I have not heard of them changing to 6 or any thing?

have you checked availability at BLT (you need to sign into your DCV account to view)

What I would do? Keep the Polly room, then check when they say you can (which should be now, I'd get clarification on that). Using the availability tool....see what is available and when. It may be that only a single day of your stay is booked, maybe at the beginning or end.  So you could do a split stay—BLT for when its available and then polly for the rest (they will move your bags and such for you). Or change your view..say theme park isn't avail but stand is. Or get on a waitlist for the room you want at BLT. Or shift your travel plans a day or 2 to fit when the room is avail.

Its funny, even though my home resort is Old Key, we stay at BLT all the time, travel in the high season (summer) and never had a problem booking a room there at 7 months out. 

Check to see if there is anything big going on during those dates that might draw larger then normal crowds....opening of food and wine, marathons, etc all cause the room availability to fluctuate.  

it is 7.  My bad.  Yeah, planning on going Dec 11-19th, I'm guessing Christmas crowd is moving in.  They've said to call on May 11th.  I guess the split stay is an option. 

Definitely planning on keeping the Poly room.  I'm sure its great, I just dread loading that double stroller on the monorail after the fireworks. 

Didn't know about the wait list.  Good info....thanks as always. 

 

[glvsav37]

@jb1020 I just checked the studio room at BLT and Lake view has the most days available (7 days at the end of your trip). Theme park and standard only have 1 day each.  take a look

what type of room were you thinking?

 

[RBM]

When does it start getting bad for Christmas?  We are considering mid December because of better selection. 

 

[glvsav37]

@jb1020 I hear you on the stroller....#1 reason we do BLT. 

There is always the resort boat too, you don't need to fold up the stroller on those either (great for kids sleeping in them) and those boats only go to the single resort. so instead of all the guests from the 3 resorts jamming on to the monorail, you are only boarding the boats with the people going to the polly. Will prob be a bit shorter wait and friendlier crowd (being you all are neighbors for the week). 

Also, have you considered 2 strollers vs the double? I couldn't imagine pushing that around a park. We do 2, a full sized for the little guy, and a light weight umbrella one for the other kid. It keeps us much more nimble when going through the crowds and my wife and I are like stroller ninjas. The doubles are just too wide for my liking, I think you need truckers license for those.  

 

[glvsav37]

@RBM The further you are away from Christmas break the better. But people have started to fill those weeks up as well for 2 reasons:

1. they are running more and more christmas party events

2. people want to see the decorations but know christmas week is hell. 

check out Touring plans crowd calendar and play around with the dates to see what the expected levels are. 

 

[Reaper]

I knew you could add but thought you had to do it the park at a kiosk. Thanks for the heads up that you can do it from the app. I was not sure how I would like the new fast pass plus but I have to say, not worrying about mine train and toy story is very relaxing and helpful. We did most of the fast passes in the morning planning to get more in the afternoon 

As a Newbie that just got back - this makes little sense to me...

When you get there "early as Possible".. You pretty much walk-On any ride you want.. Seems painful to Fast pass a ride with little line just to hope to get something later. We did Mine Train 8:45am (after Be R Guest) then Thunder Mountain Twice then did Splash Mountain with no line then even waited on a small line for Jungle cruise all before our Fast passes kicked in....

If we ever tried to Fast Pass for anything later there wasn't much left... I guess for ppl with small kids looking for kiddie rides it might be better but, we were shooting for the Top rides mostly - Space Mtn etc...

So my plan of getting there early - knocking out rides then setting up exclusive Fast Passes for near lunch time worked well for us.....

PS That  Mine Train Line got up to 1 Hour real fast,..... Was 170 minutes by lunchtime - lol... Pretty meh ride - I guess it's like the "1st roller coaster" for kids...

 

[AcerFC]

When does it start getting bad for Christmas?  We are considering mid December because of better selection. 

I have gone around december 15th two or three times and it is great. Def get the christmas tickets though

 

[jb1020]

@jb1020 I just checked the studio room at BLT and Lake view has the most days available (7 days at the end of your trip). Theme park and standard only have 1 day each.  take a look

what type of room were you thinking?

any room we can get!  we'll look into it when it comes time.  I just saw partial the other night and gave up after that. 

 

[glvsav37]

just looked and they are running the Very Merry Christmas party fairly frequently during your stay, i'm sure that is contributing to the limited availability, specifically for the MK resorts.

December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22

 

[jb1020]

yeah, we're definitely doing that this go around.....at least one time.  Maybe two!

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

When does it start getting bad for Christmas?  We are considering mid December because of better selection. 

It creeps up earlier and earlier each year as families get less concerned about pulling their kids from schools.  

For this year... Christmas Eve is on a Saturday so there's no standard for when schools let out.  My suspicion is the heavy stuff will starting coming down on Friday the 16th and Saturday the 17th.  There will be a window to do about a week's worth of WDW missing 2-3 days of school (our local school district will take Dec 21-23 off, but we start in mid-August) and still get out before Christmas Eve.  

MK is basically unnavigable December 26-31.  If they have the old Petty racetrack cleared out and paved over the parking lot won't fill, but there's a chance you won't get in to MK those days unless you're staying on-property or having a dining or event reservation.

Christmas Day morning actually isn't too bad but then the crowds bomb in about noon.

 

[Tiger Fan]

ok so denied on all 3 request.. im 6+months out.. Looks like you need to be more in the 11 month out request range

yep.  we booked as soon as the 11 month window was open for our dates.  

 

[Tiger Fan]

The showrunner at WDW Prep School has an endorsement deal with Garden Grocer, which delivers to resorts.  I'm sure there are others who do this.

We used Garden Grocer last year.  Highly recommend.  They deliver beer too!  Snuck some into epcot every day

 

[otb_lifer]

They deliver beer too!  Snuck some into epcot every day

see, now this is the type of crucial info I'm failing to get from mainstream sources 

love. it. 

 

[Tiger Fan]

and echo Reaper on Beach Club.  Doing the exact same thing next Feb.

 

[Tiger Fan]

see, now this is the type of crucial info I'm failing to get from mainstream sources 

love. it. 

pretty sure they deliver liquor too

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

see, now this is the type of crucial info I'm failing to get from mainstream sources 

love. it. 

Yeah this is the important stuff that slips through the cracks when the wives are the ones sharing all the information.  You were right to come to us.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

pretty sure they deliver liquor too

I wouldn't have even thought to ask.  Must be a regional thing.  

 

[Godsbrother]

We used Garden Grocer last year.  Highly recommend.  They deliver beer too!  Snuck some into epcot every day

Yep. They also have wine in single-serve plastic glasses.   They were great to take to the pool.

 

[glvsav37]

sidetracking....

I stumbled across a great WDW podcast for anyone interested in retro disney world stuff and the history behind the rides and locations.

On their site they had some restored home videos...all I can say is WOW!!!  Stuff from the 70's that blew my mind. Video of before there was big thunder or splash mountains, no Grand Flo, very small or no trees that made the property look so flat. Really crazy stuff if you are interested in a trip back in time. 

A really good one and another

speaking of podcasts, its been a while since we have done a Podcast round up. Here is my list of what i'm listening to (you can look them up):

WDW Radio: Lou is the top WDW podcaster going right now. Puts out a lot of content and seems super friendly. Pixie Dust level 11 though. Guy will never say an ill word about the place. Does listener questions from time to time, but is more of an overall food, attraction and resort review guy...not so much basic trip planning info.
DisUnplugged: Weekly live video podcast with news and info. These guys are far less rosy about everything, from disney and from ####ty guests. Pretty much tells it like it is. Somewhat good fro trip planing as they will break news of upcoming events and discounts, not just in the parks but cruise line and vacations by disney. They are a team of travel agents. 
Unofficial Guide disney dish with Jim Hill: Jim is a Disney historian and prognosticator. Lots of great stories and some outlandish predictions. Unique listen. Show also has Len Testa who is an editor at the Unofficial guides, so he is good with crowd tracking and ride capacity/fastpass stuff. 
WDW Today: I'll be honest, I stopped listening to this one. It was Len Testa (from above) and some other guys, but a new crew took over and they made the show too 'Game show host" sounding for my liking. Still has weekly news and planning info, but I don't need a "Morning Zoo" sounding WDW podcast in my lineup.
E-Ticket Report/Wakefield Report: This one is growing on me. Pretty straight up info. Wakefield Report is down and dirty news, straight to it. E Ticket is more attractions and events focused. 
WDW News Today: again, more basic news. Its not in full rotation for me, but i'll hit it from time to time to see if there is a different slant on the current events. 
WDW Kingdomcast: Ok, guilty pleasure here. Its a couple of rednecks just talking disney with a bunch of F-bombs and snide comments thrown in. It is rated "Explicit" in iTunes, and I doubt these guys are on Disney's invited media list, but its a good backhanded listen to the same old news. 
Retro Disney World: Linked above, it just made it into my rotation. I love Disney parks history, lore and forgotten attractions. So this is a good break from the everyday news. 

Others that fall in line:

Doombuggies Spook Show: All Haunted Mansion focused
Disney Magic Hour
Moustalgia

Worth a special mention even though I don't listen:
WDW Prep School: This is a highly recommended listen for newbies and people who have not gone in some time. They give great tips for maximizing your trip.

I don't listen b/c it covers a lot of stuff I already know, but I would be failing those of you who are rather new to WDW if I didn't list it. 

Feel free to add any others. 
 

 

[Godsbrother]

sidetracking....

I stumbled across a great WDW podcast for anyone interested in retro disney world stuff and the history behind the rides and locations.

On their site they had some restored home videos...all I can say is WOW!!!  Stuff from the 70's that blew my mind. Video of before there was big thunder or splash mountains, no Grand Flo, very small or no trees that made the property look so flat. Really crazy stuff if you are interested in a trip back in time. 

A really good one and another

Brings back memories.  I first went in 75 and stayed in the Contemporary.  Couldn't wait to go back but it took 7 years until I went on my honeymoon in July of 1982.  Epcot wasn't opened yet but the EPCOT monorail loop was working so we were able to do a ride-through while it was completing construction.

Almost 40 years of going and I still love it.

Thanks for posting those links

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I can't give an unbiased account of Shannon from WDW Prep School (or Casey from DLR Prep School) so I'll just say those are popular blogs and the WDW Prep School podcast is popular.

Don't think he has a podcast, but Kenny The Pirate is a good social media follow and the information on his blog is excellent if difficult to navigate.  Really good source for character locations and schedules, maximizing time and space in parks, and seems to have inside sources on parks construction and maintenance.  He's trying to expand his brand as a Universal expert so don't be surprised if you see him post photos with Homer Simpson or a Minion.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

Hoping for some help has my wife reached out to some certified Disney planner and of course the women came back via email today saying she had "terrific" news and was able to find us an "amazing" deal.  The basics of it are:

• 7 nights at the Polynesian Villas (Deluxe Studio)
  
• 5-day ticket with park hopper option (2 adults, 2 kids)
  
• Disney Dining Plan (1 quick-service meal, 1 sack, 1 table-service meal & 1 rapid fill drink mug per person/per day)
  

So this is coming in a little under 6K for the week and right now I can book flights for around $300/person which is on top of the 6K.  

Questions I have:

• Am I getting hosed here or is this a decent price?
  
• Is the last week of September a decent time to visit the park?
  
• What other costs would be typically associated with a week long trip that isn't included in the above?
  

Thanks to anyone who can provide answers.  My kids will be 5 & 7 at the time of the trip and I doubt we will go back to Disney again so this will be a one time trip.  I'm okay with the costs of this trip provided that I'm not getting jacked.  

 

[AcerFC]

@Baloney Sandwich

I just put that into disney and came up with $5622 for 9/25-10/1

But Iwouldd call and see about free dining. I believe its offered that week

 

[AcerFC]

Last week of september should be a great time to go

 

[glvsav37]

best way to see if you are being hosed is to run the numbers yourself. You can go on the WDW web site and run through the steps to book that room directly and see what the cost is. Same for the park tickets and such.

Those dates do fall within the free dining period, but I don't know much about that promotion b/c I can never travel ethos times so i don't pay attention to it. So you may want to ask the agent how that is factored in. 

Overall, it is not a bad price just doing the numbers in my head. The polly is a deluxe resort, so its highest tier in price. That said, IDK if its an "amazing" deal
As for extras....oh boy, the sky is the limit here. But lets knock off a few of the basics:

1. you'll be on property so you don't need a car rental or anything
2. you'll be on the dining plan, so you may have to go into your pocket for a snack or drink or 2 here and there, but for the most part, I'd ay 9% of your food cost is covered.
3. Basic souliveers and such
4. You can go nuts adding things like Dessert Parties, specialty cruises, tours and other activities. But you also can have a great time w/o that stuff. 

on a side note: you say you doubt you will be back. Why? I ask bc right now, the parks are in a bit bit of a strange state. A lot of Disney Studios is closed for a major refurbishment, and Epcot is lacking in a good array of attractions. If its something you always wanted to do, just waiting for the right time, not sure it is the right time*. Conversely, if its something you want to do b/c the kids are young and feel they will best enjoy it now, then by all means, go and enjoy.

*realize that this statement is that of someone who goes at least yearly and can notice the paint colors have changed a shade on a particular attraction. 

 

 

[glvsav37]

@Baloney Sandwich

I just put that into disney and came up with $5622 for 9/25-10/1

But Iwouldd call and see about free dining. I believe its offered that week

Yes...Free dining and/or the standard 30% room discount typically offered during Free Dining. You can only have one of them, but some times the room discount works out better. 

Also, just to note: There should be no fee for and Official disney planner. Disney pays their commission, not you. So if they try to tell you there is a big in there, then tell them to scratch and find a planner who works the right way.

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

A few long-term DCA rumors....

Tower Of Terror will go dark this fall for a Summer 2017 rebranding as "Guardians Of The Tower".  DCA will retire the Twilight Zone Hotel theme and make it a Guardians Of The Galaxy ride, just in time for GOTG2 in Summer 2017.

Literal test balloons have been spotted over the Stage 17, Stage 12, and Monsters Inc dark ride buildings.  This is testing potential heights and turns for a Marvel-themed rollercoaster to go into that space.  No word if the Monsters Inc ride will survive the makeover, but it's not a popular ride.  Planned delivery is Summer 2020.  

Timon parking lot will still close and DCA will expand into it and build something.  Probably Marvel-themed.  

DCA has a Plan B in case Soarin' Over The World flops.  They quietly digitally remastered one of the Soarin' Over California prints and have a protocol in place to convert one of the two theaters back to the original Soarin' Over California in 24 hours.  

Paradise Garden Grill closed with no fanfare or formal announcement.  IMO it was a great menu, but a crap location that is hard to spot even if you're walking right by it.  Plans are to make it a seasonal pop-up, with exotic flavors during Food & Wine, Halloween & Christmas stuff during holidays, and a second spot for a burgers/fries/tenders stand during the summer.  

 

 

[Capella]

I thought the monsters inc dark ride was charming in that it felt like an original ride. 

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

best way to see if you are being hosed is to run the numbers yourself. You can go on the WDW web site and run through the steps to book that room directly and see what the cost is. Same for the park tickets and such.

Those dates do fall within the free dining period, but I don't know much about that promotion b/c I can never travel ethos times so i don't pay attention to it. So you may want to ask the agent how that is factored in. 

Overall, it is not a bad price just doing the numbers in my head. The polly is a deluxe resort, so its highest tier in price. That said, IDK if its an "amazing" deal
As for extras....oh boy, the sky is the limit here. But lets knock off a few of the basics:

1. you'll be on property so you don't need a car rental or anything
2. you'll be on the dining plan, so you may have to go into your pocket for a snack or drink or 2 here and there, but for the most part, I'd ay 9% of your food cost is covered.
3. Basic souliveers and such
4. You can go nuts adding things like Dessert Parties, specialty cruises, tours and other activities. But you also can have a great time w/o that stuff. 

on a side note: you say you doubt you will be back. Why? I ask bc right now, the parks are in a bit bit of a strange state. A lot of Disney Studios is closed for a major refurbishment, and Epcot is lacking in a good array of attractions. If its something you always wanted to do, just waiting for the right time, not sure it is the right time*. Conversely, if its something you want to do b/c the kids are young and feel they will best enjoy it now, then by all means, go and enjoy.

*realize that this statement is that of someone who goes at least yearly and can notice the paint colors have changed a shade on a particular attraction. 

 

In terms of not going back after this trip, my wife and I both agree that it is a pretty expensive trip and while I'm sure the kids will love it we would rather spend additional vacations in future years on a trip to Australia to visit my wife's family and trips to Europe/South America.  They are 5 & 7 right now and in speaking with others they have said this will be great ages to take the kids.  More power to those that enjoy it multiple times but I'm pretty committed to one and done.  I will take a lot of enjoyment in seeing my kids really enjoying themselves but the whole Disney experience in and of itself won't do much for me (obviously I could change my mind after the trip but I know myself pretty well at this point in life).

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

@Baloney Sandwich

I just put that into disney and came up with $5622 for 9/25-10/1

But Iwouldd call and see about free dining. I believe its offered that week

okay, thanks.  the price she quoted was $5776 which is close enough in my mind.

 

[jb1020]

stumbled across a great WDW podcast for anyone interested in retro disney world stuff and the history behind the rides and locations.

On their site they had some restored home videos...all I can say is WOW!!!  Stuff from the 70's that blew my mind. Video of before there was big thunder or splash mountains, no Grand Flo, very small or no trees that made the property look so flat. Really crazy stuff if you are interested in a trip back in time. 

A really good one and another

Those we're awesome.  I remember the first time i went as an Adult 2 years ago I thought everything was so different.  I started googling as we sat out on the balcony of the contemporary and read for an hour or two about the history.  Really awesome to see those videos.  thanks for posting. 

 

[glvsav37]

In terms of not going back after this trip, my wife and I both agree that it is a pretty expensive trip and while I'm sure the kids will love it we would rather spend additional vacations in future years on a trip to Australia to visit my wife's family and trips to Europe/South America.  They are 5 & 7 right now and in speaking with others they have said this will be great ages to take the kids.  More power to those that enjoy it multiple times but I'm pretty committed to one and done.  I will take a lot of enjoyment in seeing my kids really enjoying themselves but the whole Disney experience in and of itself won't do much for me (obviously I could change my mind after the trip but I know myself pretty well at this point in life).

Its all good and I totally understand. If it was something that you said "In the next 3 years we want to go" I'd say wait. But you are right, kids are perfect age (mine are similar) and you will have a blast regardless.

Fell free to ask any questions, the key to enjoying disney is being prepared.