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Disney Vacation (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Redwes25
Footballguy
Has anyone stayed at the four seasons that is within Disney World itself? Think of a trip in the fall/winter and last time we went we were a bit disappointed in beach club. We did like the animal kingdom resort the time we stayed there but it was a bit away from everything.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
Staying at the GF until Friday afternoon. I'll look into the Four Seasons on property and report back.
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fruity pebbles
Footballguy
Yeah. Its pricey. But we'd only be there 4 nights so $1200-1500 extra in the grand scheme of things isnt a huge deal.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Good news, bad news.
Bad news is I'm apparently bad at quick math in my head - good news is that after totaling everything up I actually come out $75 ahead by staying at CBR vs. POP - makes the decision that much easier. CBR it is.
Bad news is I'm apparently bad at quick math in my head - good news is that after totaling everything up I actually come out $75 ahead by staying at CBR vs. POP - makes the decision that much easier. CBR it is.
ThreeThousand
Footballguy
I had this exact same analysis except my costs were a little closer than $400 total (more like $100). CBR is the much nicer resort, but we leaned towards Pop as we weren't sure about the food options, and we were going to upgrade to the DDDP instead of DDP with the cost difference. For us, the additional 2 TS meals per day was a big deal - I'd rather be spending my time and money in/around the parks vs. at a hotel. I'm planning on being there to sleep, and that's about it.AAABatteries said:
Redwes25
Footballguy
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Isn't DDDP 3 TS credits per day? I can't imagine doing it - have you ever done it? I've gone to Disney when at my heaviest and even then I couldn't do DDDP. Good luck and report back!
ThreeThousand
Footballguy
Yes, it is either 3 TS or QS per day. We are going with the grandparents, though, and they are going to keep the QSDP (2 QS per day), and we are going to split both plans. We end up getting 6 more QS meals and 3 more TS meals, for each member of our party, for $550. That's about as good a deal as you'll find on dining, considering we go heavy on the character dining that can easily run $300 for a party of 7.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
While I love my Disney resorts, the review by the DisUnplugged team (popular Disney podcasters) claims that the 4 Seasons blows Disney out of the water and is the gold standard for hotel service.
I can't seem to find the review right now, but i'll keep looking.
glvsav37
Footballguy
Ok ,since I'm a bit slow right now with work, figure I'd post this article i read the other day.
First off, much of what is here is from some reporting by Jim Hill. Iff you don't know Jim, he is a Disney 'prognosticator' who has a lot of supposed 'inside information' and close sources. But even with all of those, he has a batting average similar to a lower/middle skilled MLB batter. So take things with a grain of salt. He likes to toss out a dump truck worth of info and celebrates when 1 thing actually happens. But regardless, it would make for some good discussion, so hence I post.
Most of this hints to a very large addition to the MK at Adventureland to be ready for the 50th anniversary. It's an old concept called Fire mountain that might be dusted off. Personally while I would love this, I can't see them adding another mountain to MK—with Space, Splash and Big Thunder, i can't see them adding another, esp a 3rd on the left side. I get that it may be a response to Universals Volcano Bay, but I can't see green lighting a multi-million dollar attraction based on that alone.
Personally, I think the Tommorowalnd section of MK needs more love then ever and a lot of focus should be placed there. I know there is talk of the Trow coaster which would be a huge lift for that area.
What interests me more (and not in a good way) is the recent chatter online and here of the Enchanted Tiki Room being removed for 'something else.' Yes, this does not have the drawing power it once had, but if there is a current classic attraction that can be traced directly back to the man himself, this is it. I get things change but to remove this for a character spot or something else seems foolish. The actual sq ft for this is not very large, so it would be a challenge to shoe horn most anything else there.
However, what is coincidentally happening now is the confirmation that a "Club 33" knock off will be added to each park. There has been lots of speculation as to where these will go—wether they are replacing certain items or being built new. And with the Tiki room removal talk, one rumor is that MK's Club 33 could take up that location. The spot ism prime bc it does back up to a large kitchen facility servicing Pecos Bills, Tortuga Tavern and Aloha Isle. They have done this before at MK, and very close by when opening the Skipper Canteen, that backs up to the Diamond Horseshoe ends they share kitchen prep facilities.
Personally, I am not opposed to Club 33. I get it, its an exclusive club and not everyone can has access—Thats life. But I think it would have some serious extra burn if they took away such a famous attraction and replaced it with a super exclusive restaurant.
edit to add: that it is ironic b/c Walt's original vision for the tiki room was to have it as diner theater entertainment.
discuss......
First off, much of what is here is from some reporting by Jim Hill. Iff you don't know Jim, he is a Disney 'prognosticator' who has a lot of supposed 'inside information' and close sources. But even with all of those, he has a batting average similar to a lower/middle skilled MLB batter. So take things with a grain of salt. He likes to toss out a dump truck worth of info and celebrates when 1 thing actually happens. But regardless, it would make for some good discussion, so hence I post.
Most of this hints to a very large addition to the MK at Adventureland to be ready for the 50th anniversary. It's an old concept called Fire mountain that might be dusted off. Personally while I would love this, I can't see them adding another mountain to MK—with Space, Splash and Big Thunder, i can't see them adding another, esp a 3rd on the left side. I get that it may be a response to Universals Volcano Bay, but I can't see green lighting a multi-million dollar attraction based on that alone.
Personally, I think the Tommorowalnd section of MK needs more love then ever and a lot of focus should be placed there. I know there is talk of the Trow coaster which would be a huge lift for that area.
What interests me more (and not in a good way) is the recent chatter online and here of the Enchanted Tiki Room being removed for 'something else.' Yes, this does not have the drawing power it once had, but if there is a current classic attraction that can be traced directly back to the man himself, this is it. I get things change but to remove this for a character spot or something else seems foolish. The actual sq ft for this is not very large, so it would be a challenge to shoe horn most anything else there.
However, what is coincidentally happening now is the confirmation that a "Club 33" knock off will be added to each park. There has been lots of speculation as to where these will go—wether they are replacing certain items or being built new. And with the Tiki room removal talk, one rumor is that MK's Club 33 could take up that location. The spot ism prime bc it does back up to a large kitchen facility servicing Pecos Bills, Tortuga Tavern and Aloha Isle. They have done this before at MK, and very close by when opening the Skipper Canteen, that backs up to the Diamond Horseshoe ends they share kitchen prep facilities.
Personally, I am not opposed to Club 33. I get it, its an exclusive club and not everyone can has access—Thats life. But I think it would have some serious extra burn if they took away such a famous attraction and replaced it with a super exclusive restaurant.
edit to add: that it is ironic b/c Walt's original vision for the tiki room was to have it as diner theater entertainment.
discuss......
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glvsav37
Footballguy
being i have a chance, let me expand a bit on AKL.fruity pebbles said:
AKL is divided into 2 separate resorts next to each other. Jambo is the main resort and Kidani is the newer, DVC resort. IMO, if you are a casual visitor, you really must only stay in Jambo. It is the grander of the 2 resorts, the lobby is honestly amazing to walk into, really beautiful. Plus, Jambo has the only real quick service dining location between the 2. And if you are on the dining plan and like a quick meal b/f the parks or that AM cup of coffee, then this is where you do it. Otherwise, if you are at Kidani, you need to hop a shuttle van over to Jambo and back‚ and you're coffee will be cold before you return.
That said, the layout of both resorts makes them positively Huuuuuuuuge. We got stuck in the very last room on the Zebra Trail and it was literally 1/4 mile from room to lobby. The pool, QS location or bus made it over 1/3 of a mile. It was just bad luck that I got placed there, but it is a concern.
If you choose to not get a Savanah view room, there is a large walkway right out back of the main lobby where you can view animals with tour guides there to answer questions. This walk way does have some balconies you can sit in and watch, along with rocking chairs and a fire pit for night time relaxing. Speaking of night, they offer a free opportunity to look at animals trough a pair of military grade night goggles. It is a very cool experience.
Also, they offer a full day of cultural education activities where kids can earn special beads and create a necklace out of them. Things like animal tracking lessons and African percussion demos, all very interesting and engaging.
Many of the tour and activity guides are from South Africa, so they are amazing to talk to about life over there if you are inclined. I actually became FB friends with one of them b/c we would see him so much.
There are great restaurants there. My personal favorite is in Kidani and its called Sanaa. A few of us here agree it is a great meal. But there are also 2 other restraints in Jambo...Jiko and Boma. Jiko is a fine dining location where Boma is a buffet.
The pools are both good, IMO, Jambo has the nicer pool while Kidani has the better slide. Cant' have it all i guess.
One of the down sides of the resort is the general vicinity. It is really far off the main drag of the theme parks (other then AK) and can add some time to your bus ride. Plus, you share a bus with Kidani and it always makes Kidani the first stop, so you are stuck on the bus for a few extra minutes.
Overall, we realyl enjoy that resort. As i said before, my kids actually were excited to go back and explore. Something you don't see with other resorts. The animal viewing is random, so don't be upset if you dent get wild Africa outside your balcony each morning, but they do make the rounds.
Let me know if you need any other info.
Shaft41
Footballguy
We went 4 years in a row from 2010-2013, 3 times with our kids, and once just my wife and I. With 5 kids, and staying onsite every time, that expenditure 4 years running made us have to take a few years off. Just a few days ago, we decided that we would try and go back this summer before our kids completely get into those teenage years and maybe the magic is lost a bit. At this point, they've been begging to go back ever since we last went, so we're confident they'll be excited.
Now that they're all Disney "adults", we're looking to make this trip much more economical, so we're looking to stay offsite for the first time. We've been looking at the Windsor Hills neighborhood. We will probably buy our tickets through Undercover Tourist through their Mousesavers newsletter link. From what I understand, this will provide us tickets with the "credit card" style Key to the World card, which is the same as we went in the past. So, to get Magic Bands, we would have to buy them separately. I have read that your tickets and Fastpass+ reservations are put on the card, just like the Magic Bands, so there's not really a need to have Magic Bands. However, something I read somewhere mentioned that, without Magic Bands, your ride experience will not be fully enhanced. Are they to the point where queues and experiences are personalized to each guest? Is that what that refers to, or is that just a statement to try and sell you on the Band when it's not necessary?
Our last trip was the end of the paper Fastpass system and we had that down to a science. This will be our first experience with the Fastpass+ system. Staying offsite, we won't be able to make those choices until 30 days out. We're going the first week of July. I'm sure the new Pandora rides will be mobbed, and it will be tough to get a FP for that 30 days out (which isn't necessarily a huge deal, since none of us have even seen Avatar and aren't really interested in it, but hey, it's a new ride, right?) We've never done 7DMT, is that still a tough get? I assume the Frozen ride is still crazy busy. I'm assuming we'll have to look for groups of Fastpasses in 3 and 4 instead of necessarily 7 together.
Now that they're all Disney "adults", we're looking to make this trip much more economical, so we're looking to stay offsite for the first time. We've been looking at the Windsor Hills neighborhood. We will probably buy our tickets through Undercover Tourist through their Mousesavers newsletter link. From what I understand, this will provide us tickets with the "credit card" style Key to the World card, which is the same as we went in the past. So, to get Magic Bands, we would have to buy them separately. I have read that your tickets and Fastpass+ reservations are put on the card, just like the Magic Bands, so there's not really a need to have Magic Bands. However, something I read somewhere mentioned that, without Magic Bands, your ride experience will not be fully enhanced. Are they to the point where queues and experiences are personalized to each guest? Is that what that refers to, or is that just a statement to try and sell you on the Band when it's not necessary?
Our last trip was the end of the paper Fastpass system and we had that down to a science. This will be our first experience with the Fastpass+ system. Staying offsite, we won't be able to make those choices until 30 days out. We're going the first week of July. I'm sure the new Pandora rides will be mobbed, and it will be tough to get a FP for that 30 days out (which isn't necessarily a huge deal, since none of us have even seen Avatar and aren't really interested in it, but hey, it's a new ride, right?) We've never done 7DMT, is that still a tough get? I assume the Frozen ride is still crazy busy. I'm assuming we'll have to look for groups of Fastpasses in 3 and 4 instead of necessarily 7 together.
Binky The Doormat
Footballguy
We have almost always stayed at Windsor Hills ...unbelievably affordable. 3 bedroom condo - $299/wk plenty of times. That kind of savings frees up a lot of cash and flexibility - like splitting time at Universal.
glvsav37
Footballguy
Tickets: yes, you will get a credit card type of media pass. I've never done it, but from what I understand, it does have the chip in it so it acts just like a main band. As for experiences, IDK what they mean. It is possible that they are talking about the little personalizations they added to things like the line at Everest where the poster will show your name. But I don't know how much that would bother you. I would just makes sure that it will pick up any ride videos or photos.
On that point, I strongly suggest the Memory Maker package which is an add on photography package. You get all of the photos taken of your family loaded into an on line account and you can download all of them free (with the package purchase) when you get home. They will automatically put all the ride photos and videos as well as anything else taken on your trip in there. Otherwise, you have to buy each photo al a cart. Just be sure and ask if it works with that ticket media.
I was a hard and fast paper fast pass guy and resisted the new system as long as i can, but i'll be honest, it works pretty darn good. Yes, you will be behind on site guests for booking, so you will prob not have everything available to you. But if you plan right and utilize rope drop in some cases you will be fine. Don't worry about grouping FPs into smaller groups. I don't think 7 total will lessen your options. Its not like restaurants where they would only have so many large tables. 7DMT and Frozen will still be a tough draw, but if your kids are older, they may not be as interested in it. 7DMT is a really short ride and while great with 10/12 and under, most adult kids will not be as excited with it vs the other coasters there. Frozen is ok IMO but with the tiered FP system in Epcot, there are more exciting options.
I suggest looking at Touring plans site for their FP priority write ups. tHey do a good job of breaking down whats good and when.
Also, if you can, I like to plan my FPs starting at 10am, then one every hour after that. This way we get there early, ride a big one or 2 wedding get FPs for first, then when the crowds pick up you are ready to start using FPs. Take those through to the mid day and then hop out for the mid day break or go have lunch. You can get another FP after you use your 3rd, so don't make that last one too late or you will not be able to take full advantage of the system. Likewise, if you are hopping to another park at night, you may want to make your FPs for that 2nd park this way you bite the bullet in the AM and then blow through your FPs at night when everyone else has exhausted their FPs and are now stuck on standby.
If there are night time shows you want to see that offer FPs, look to see if they also offer a dinner package. The package doesn't cost you anything extra (I believe, but i'm always on the Dining Plan), and it will receiver you a seat vs locking up a FP. Using a FP for a night show sucks b/c you will never be able to claim that 4th, or 5th FP.
let us know if you have any other questions!!
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I would add to Frontierland first just to help spread the people out more - couldn't they easily build going back some past BTMR? After that Adventureland would be next - again, to space things out.glvsav37 said:
fruity pebbles
Footballguy
That's awesome man, thanks so muchglvsav37 said:
glvsav37
Footballguy
not really. if you look at google maps, there is a waterway that runs right on the edge of BTMRR and feeds the river that Tom Sawyer Island and the Liberty RiverBoat ride is on. It connects to 7 seas lagoon out in front of MK. That little waterway is a challenge b/c that is how they move the Riverboat out of MK for service and any bridge or overpass would need to be a drawbridge type. Thats why TSI is always in the crosshairs for expansion bc there is really no other place to go.
Its funny (not funny) b/c that waterway causes a similar issue on the outside of the park. There is a walking path that extends past the monorail station along the lagoon that dead ends at the mouth of this waterway. It could very easily connect to a walkway to the Grand Floridian, very similar in length to the one from the Contemporary. However that river entrance is a problem, they would need to build some sort of movable bridge for the Riverboats. Could you imagine the extra value of staying that the GF if they had a direct walkway to the MK??!!
There is really very little room on that side of the park for expansion. Thats why i'm not really giving this Fire Mountain idea a lot of cred. The only real open area of land on that side is the backstage areas by Main St and B/t Pirates and Splash Man where they store the parade floats. But I can't see them giving either of those areas up. Especially the Main St side b/c anything tall would be seen from Main St and that is a big No-no.
You could push through under the Frontierland RR Station and put something there, but again, I can't see it being a 3rd Mountain in that small area.
Tomorrowland really has the most physical room for expansion. Unfortunately the speedway is the 800lb gorilla here. It just takes up sooooo much useable space and (more importantly) access space. Again, if you look at the map, the speedway footprint touches so much of the walkway area that you could put 2-3 attractions easily in there—it even touches some of Fantasyland—so you could do 2 Tomorrowland and 1 Fantasyland brand new attractions if you wanted to. Not to mention the area that it would open up on the opposite side of the RR tracks behind Space Mountain.
If you didn't want to go that route, there is open areas by Carousel of Progress where they is only an employee parking lot.
IMO< this is where they need to look to expand. Adventureland and Frointieerland are overall fine, there is more love needed, and space available elsewhere.
That said though....MK still has the most lopsided amount of attractions across the 4 parks and while I love new stuff, I would still rather see Epcot get the larger facelift.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I've said for a while that the speedway has to go - it's boring, horrible queue (unless they've updated it in the last two years) and it really has nothing to do with Disney unless they brand it with CARS. We talk a lot in this thread about changes they should make or that we'd like to see - that one seems like a no-brainer.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
I think there was discussions in the past about buying the discounted gift cards to pay for your trip. Anybody have any insight/suggestions? I see Sam's has three $50 for $143. With as much as I'll be paying for our trip in September I can save several hundred dollars doing it. Anybody have better deals than Sam's?
Ramblin Wreck
Footballguy
My kids love the speedway. They ride it at least five times every time we're there but I agree with your comments.
glvsav37
Footballguy
piggy backing on @fruity pebbles question about room views, 'll post this helpful page again. Its the Touring Plans Room View Tool.
It lets you select your hotel and browse the view by room for all the resorts.
so for example, this is a Savanah view, studio Room on the Kudu Trail vs a Standard View studio on the same trail.
Funny note, at AKL, in the standard view photo, that fencing at the bottom is called a "Human cage," and what happens is that in case of fire or emergency, the exits lead to those vs out into the Savanah so that the people are protected from the animals. Also, on the views AKL, foliage plays a huge role in how good/bad you can see the animals (as an example here is a pool view). At Jambo, most of the DVC rooms are on the top 2 floors (4 and 5) and so you are looking more down on the Savannah then across it, so that slightly limited our view.
On a general note for all resorts, the site claims you can request a certain room using their forms, IDK, I've never had luck with it, so you can give it a shot but don't bank on it 100%
It lets you select your hotel and browse the view by room for all the resorts.
so for example, this is a Savanah view, studio Room on the Kudu Trail vs a Standard View studio on the same trail.
Funny note, at AKL, in the standard view photo, that fencing at the bottom is called a "Human cage," and what happens is that in case of fire or emergency, the exits lead to those vs out into the Savanah so that the people are protected from the animals. Also, on the views AKL, foliage plays a huge role in how good/bad you can see the animals (as an example here is a pool view). At Jambo, most of the DVC rooms are on the top 2 floors (4 and 5) and so you are looking more down on the Savannah then across it, so that slightly limited our view.
On a general note for all resorts, the site claims you can request a certain room using their forms, IDK, I've never had luck with it, so you can give it a shot but don't bank on it 100%
glvsav37
Footballguy
look into target as well. I've never done it (but should) b/c i heard that you can get 5% off if you pay with your target card. Every buck saved is a extra Mickey bar you can gobble up when there. lol
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
IIRC the best gift card deals were indirect. Look for store incentives, like Target giving 5% off anything on the shelves for using their store-branded card, or Hy-Vee offering big discounts on their gasoline card for buying gift cards at their stores (they've done up to $1 off per gallon on a 20-gallon fillup for a $100 gift card purchase).
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Target played a big role in our budgeting for TOAL I back in 2011. We bought Disney gift cards at Target every month for about a year as our way to physically set aside money for the trip. Then my wife developed an envelope system that would have made Dave Ramsey proud to track how much of the trip was paid for at that moment.
glvsav37
Footballguy
what baby step is "Disney Vacation Saving"... is that before or after your 401K is fully funded according to Dave? lol
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
I rate your nephew as a "strong buy" and have assigned a staffer to research bumping that to "buy and hold".
Do they pause Tomorrowland Speedway when it rains? That would be another reason to avoid.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
It's an elective at Financial Peace University.
Makes me wish I'd called into his show during the planning, "Yeah, both of us are working... kid is in school during the day... have a mortgage but we refinanced the house and got our monthly payment down quite a bit... own both cars so no payments there... don't go out to bars much but we like to treat ourselves to dinner and a movie... and oh yeah, we're planning a three-week vacation to Walt Disney World this Christmas... [click]
glvsav37
Footballguy
Johnny Depp put on the Jack Sparrow costume again and hug out on Pirates ride in Disneyland yesterday.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Casey from Disneyland Daily (formerly DLR Prep School) was at Disneyland last night doing FB Live video of the Electrical Parade. She pretty much lost it when he spotted Depp. It was adorkable.
Part of her shtick is how quickly she would leave her husband and kids to run off with James Franco. Mr. Depp might also be in that tier.
Capella
Footballguy
jb1020
Footballguy
In 3 trips we've been on the speedway one time. We'll likely never go again.
I vote plow it under and make room for the Tron Coaster.
Grace Under Pressure
Footballguy
So the Four Seasons is located just inside the entrance to Magic Kingdom. From a logistics perspective, it's the first right hand turn in after the main entrance down the Fort Wilderness road. From a transportation standpoint, it's not on the main loop with the monorail. I didn't see a ferry boat launch for it either. Knowing the Four Seasons they are likely handling the transportation and having their guests meet up at designated spots, but I didn't see any. I'd love to give it a shot next time because I found the clientele at GF to still be a little rough, as well as too many opportunities to just be lumped in with the crowd.
Redwes25
Footballguy
What's it look like inside? Imagine a step-up from the Disney deluxe properties which I have found a bit underwhelming especially for their price.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Clientele at GF rough? Damn - I can't imagine what you would think about POP or the All-Star resorts.
glvsav37
Footballguy
I can't tell you what it looks like inside, but from what i've seen on line and heard in reviews, their pool and lazy river area is insane.
Again, I love my WDW resorts, but I understand that they are nice hotels attached to a bunch theme parks. Most of what you are paying for is to be there...lots of 'meh' and sins are normally overlooked b/c you are within the "whole bubble"
Redwes25
Footballguy
Thanks. I had the wrong kind of mouse infestation when I stayed at beach club last time I visited (documented somewhere in this thread). For 500 dollars a night that is something that is not acceptable. I do like being on property so maybe this is a good solution for me.glvsav37 said:
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glvsav37
Footballguy
The DisUnplugged team is covering a preview of Pandora today on Twitter. Go check them out for some really great photos.
https://twitter.com/thedis/status/858319337891004418
https://twitter.com/thedis/status/858319337891004418
Shaft41
Footballguy
I've followed this whole thread, but I can't go back through and pick out posts. What are the consensus top counter service joints in the theme parks? Since we're paying out of pocket and trying to do this trip on a tight budget, I doubt we're going to spring for any sit-down meals. We enjoyed Flame Tree in AK last time we went, and it seems like maybe their meals were big enough for a couple of our kids to share. We always seem to get a meal at Pecos Bill's at some point in MK, and that secret nachos post a few pages back sure seems intriguing. For some reason, my kids LOVE Electric Umbrella at Epcot, although it's just pretty basic burgers. I'm thinking this year we try the Cantina de San Angel for some Mexican. Any other favorites in the parks? Counter service seems to kind of suck at Hollywood Studios.
Battles
Footballguy
$5 chicken fried rice at the Yak & Yeti walk up is the best value in any park imo.
In The Zone
Footballguy
