rodg12
Footballguy
When are you going? Planning to go to the parks at rope drop everyday? Staying on Disney property?
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Disney Vacation (8 Viewers)
- Thread starter DOVCommish
- Start date
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
July 31st - We plan on getting up early and doing so. We are staying at the Polynesian.
AcerFC
Footballguy
The only thing that jumps out is the character spot at Epcot. Just so you know, it is pictures with Mickey, Minnie and Goofy. Baymax and Inside Out people are on other side.Gottabesweet said:
If that is your thing, go for it. But if it was just my wife and I, we would pass. Go get a drink in Canada instead imo.
AcerFC
Footballguy
We like Sci fi diner for our HS day.
But you may like to go to Downtown Disney for a meal or two.
Have fun
rodg12
Footballguy
Nice. You'll be down there when I am. Little late to be booking any of the heavy hitters for dinner. I would recommend the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert show at Magic Kingdom for one or both of the nights. Great spot to chill and watch the fireworks while devouring some top notch dessert. It's a little pricey, but you can utilize your Disney gift cards to pay for it (have to prepay when you book it, FYI). I like Chefs de France and Via Napoli at Epcot. Being from Iowa, Le Cellier Steakhouse is just not that amazing to me. I can get top notch steak 10 min from my house any time I want it and at half the price.Gottabesweet said:
However, it does serve a great steak if you can get a reservation this late.
glvsav37
Footballguy
best steak on property IMO is a real hidden gem...Shulas Steak House at the Swan/Dolphin. It aint cheap but what steak house is? FBG bonus is you get to look at some cool football memorabilia while you are there eating.Nice. You'll be down there when I am. Little late to be booking any of the heavy hitters for dinner. I would recommend the Tomorrowland Terrace dessert show at Magic Kingdom for one or both of the nights. Great spot to chill and watch the fireworks while devouring some top notch dessert. It's a little pricey, but you can utilize your Disney gift cards to pay for it (have to prepay when you book it, FYI). I like Chefs de France and Via Napoli at Epcot. Being from Iowa, Le Cellier Steakhouse is just not that amazing to me. I can get top notch steak 10 min from my house any time I want it and at half the price.
AcerFC
Footballguy
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
Thinking about doing a Disney vacation with the wife and kids (boys, 6 and 3) at some point in the next year or so (pretty flexible on timing). I plan to read through the thread but in the meantime are there any good resources or tl;dr's or super important things I should know or consider? Have no idea what I'm doing here. Would prefer not to break the bank but if we're going to do it, I want to do it right.
In The Zone
Footballguy
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think you can do this. I would take the Rainforest Café gift cards and use them at T-Rex but that is just me.
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Those gift cards should be good at any Landry's holding. So T-Rex and Yak & Yeti should be in play, or off-property at Bubba Gump, Morton's... IIRC Landry's is the parent company of like 40-50 chains.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Interesting - I've only eaten at both once but my recollection was Shula's > Le Cellier although the poutine at Le Cellier was unreal.
glvsav37
Footballguy
we got ya covered. There is not one way, locked down, perfect, all-points covered Disney vacation.
here's what you need to do.
1. figure out your budget. It can be a range, but find out what you are comfortable spending and how long you want to go for. If your 3 yr old will still be 3 by time of travel, he is free. In addition to the hotel, you need to budget in park tickets, food, travel and incidentals.
2. Research hotel options. Poke around the Disney site and look at the different categories, hotels, length of stay and time of year. See how it all changes with a few different options. Value > Moderate. Summer > off season. Etc. On site will be more expensive, but there are perks associated with staying on site, like free transportation around property and to/from airport, dining plans, early and late access to parks, etc. If looking at on site, tickets will generally be included in the room rate, just make sure you click all the way through to those pages when researching
2A. Research off-site options. Off site hotels, time sheared rentals, vacation homes. You will generally come up much cheaper night > night then a WDW hotel, but realize there are other items to consider like renting car and parking costs, no ticket packages, limited avail for FastPasses (these get you on some rides w/ little wait. On site guests get to pick there 3/day at 60 days out, off site at 30), no dining plan. Some or all of these things may not matter to you, but want to call them out.
Once you have that covered, everything else falls in line at its own time. We can guide through the places to eat and scheduling your days, but all that comes after you pick where you are staying and when you are going. Don't cloud your planning with that stuff now.
some important points to consider IMO.
1. Your kids are young, they may not make a full day in the park. Staying on site will give you the advantage of hopping on a bus and going back to the resort to relax, swim. Some off site hotels offer shuttle services, but their schedule may be limited to certain times for pick up and drop off.
2. Park hoppers are a good thing to have b/c it allows you to bounce from park to park. Especially if you are going back to the resort mid day, it allows you to do another park at night. Right now Studios is under construction and not worth a full day (esp with young kids), in contrast with MK where you can easily spend multiple days there.
3. A little googling will give you the WDW special event calendar. I'd stay away from race/marathon weekends, opening weeks of Food and Wine (brings out a lot of locals) and major holiday weeks. Also there are things like "Jersey Week" where every school in NJ is off and seems everyone goes to WDW and Gay days (not judging—just pointing it out, also not an official Disney event, but it fills the parks). I suggest looking at Touringplans.com and reviewing their crowd calendars to get an idea of when it will be busy.
4. Dining plan is a debated topic. I like it if you have young kids, but as mine get older, I'm moving away from it. With kids that age, character meals are pretty much a must and can be expensive out of pocket. Plus the dining plan is easy b/c you don't look at menu coast, just show up and eat.
5. Different hotel categories and prices are what they are for a reason. Deluxe's tend to be very close to the parks (often within walking distance), have lots of dining options on site and cushier rooms. Moderate is just that, middle of the road—good rooms, a nice dining and quick service option and close to the parks but still need a bus. Values tend to be larger in size with more motel styled rooms and only a quick service restaurant. Buses will make multiple stops around the resort. There really are no bad rooms at WDW, but location rules b/c WDW is huge. Look at a property map to get a lay of the land.
Thats he basics...anyone, feel free to add. Lets know if you need any recommendations between hotels or anything like that. After you book, we can help plan out the rest of the trip for you.
glvsav37
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
If you new wife (congrats BTW) is a big WDW fan, then she knows where to go and what to do. Start your marriage out right and just follow her around. lol.
Day 1...I'm digging this line up!! Everything to BOG is looking great and that is a great restaurant for a first married meal at WDW!! thumbs up. Are you arriving that day? If so, you can't check into the hotel until 4. So after space mt, go back to the polly (you are right there), check in, get freshened up and then a nice relaxing ride or 2 before dinner, or walk the resort and get a nice romantic drink at the pool bar before a walk on the beach (just leave yourself enough time with security to get back win to the park).
Day 2: Nice pull on Fight of Passage FP, very hard to get. Keep an eye on the wait times for the Safari. If you go their very early the wait is generally low and it is a high capacity ride. Keep the FP for now, but you may find it better to hit it early and then modify that FP for say Lion King Show or Dinosaur where their waits build steady and stay that way throughout the day. I see you are doing a 2nd day at AK as well, so you seem to have things covered pretty well.
Day 3. You are getting your tier 1 out of the way 1st. After SSE, I would consider dumping Nemo (unless she is a big fan) and seeing if another tier one is avail. Or maybe seeing if you can get the Memo 1st so that you get a shot at that 4th FP for a headliner earlier. Not guaranteed, but Epcot is one of those weird parks when it comes to attractions.
Day 4. Solid lineup, you got it covered
Day 5. This is your pick up day at AK. I like the spread between the 2 days. You can almost sleep in or take a poll morning here depending on what you get done on AK Day 1
Day 6. Tough day for FP but also tough park. Not a whole lot of available FPs. I'd use this day to tour the countries, eat, drink and not worry about the FPs (except Soarin)
Day 7. Again, you have it covered. 7DMT is another tough one, too bad its so short, but its a fun ride none the less. JC and PP are also classics with annoyingly long standby waits, so FPs here are not a bad choice.
I'm sure your wife knows this, but rope drop - about 2 hours after park opening is your best time to hit those big rides you don't have FPs for. 5 min waits at splash mountain are there for the taking early in the AM. Also, if the waits on some C-ticket rides like monsters inc, buzz space ranger spin, pooh, etc are too high in the day, and the park is open late, you can usually snag those as your 4+ FP later in the day.
Question on this though....Some dinner idea's some casual, some nice for some of them below would be great.
Do you not have any other meals besides BOG booked yet? You are leaving at the end of the week, right?
Ignoratio Elenchi
Footballguy
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
Thank You. No just BOG for now. Any help there would be great. She helped with the ride booking. Generally doesn't spend time eating when she goes. So we will be this time. I'd love to hear you're thoughts here!!! Amazing job
glvsav37
Footballguy
also...there is absolutely no harm in looking at using a travel planner to plan your trip. They do not cost you anything and can often get you discounts on rooms or packages. I can give you a recommendation if you need one.
Also, I wanted to add another point. When it comes to park tickets, there are very very few discounts. Disney controls the ticket market very strongly. Anyone selling cheap or deals on Disney tickets are usually people selling unused days on other tickets and Disney will not accept those. Don't get scammed, just accept ticket prices for what they are. Undercover Tourist and AAA are the only 2 that I know of that can actually sell legit discounted passes.
glvsav37
Footballguy
Ok, I’ll be honest, there may not be a lot of inventory left and you’ll have to be flexible. But it seems your wife isn’t into doing much table service meals, so no worries. If you are looking at doing another meal or so, I assume you are not on the dining plan so any meals will be out of pocket. I suggest using the DisneyFoodBlog to look at menus and prices.
On the flip side, you are staying in a good location with a lot of good restaurants really close.
At your resort, you can prob forget Ohana unless you find a late cancelation. But Kona Café is a really good place for breakfast. Also, Trader Sam’s is a cool lounge to hang out.
Right next door at the Grand Flo, 1900 park fare is a great breakfast. There is also Victoria and Alberts there but that's super fancy.
At the Contemporary, Chef Mickey’s is prob out, its very popular but also very family centered (little kids) but there is California Grill on the roof of the resort which is very nice and has great views.
Inside MK, you already have BOG which is a big score. After that the table service locations fall off. Crystal Palace is nice buffet. The Plaza restaurant is a nice location that you can often get a table at b/c its kinda hidden and off people’s radar.
Over in Epcot, there are a lot of good options. Each country has their own restaurant, so if you like international food, you can find a good place to eat here. Also, many of those countries have a good quick service option as well.
Within walking distance from a back entrance in Epcot, is the Boardwalk. There you have an ESPN club, Big river Brewery and a greek place Trattoria al Forno.
Studios is one of my fav places to eat, but sadly the resultants pretty much outnumber the attractions. That said, Brown Derby and Sci Fi Dine in are my favorites. BD is a more upscale and adult then SF, But SF is a lot of fun.
Animal kingdom has a few main restaurants…I think you said you have Rain forest gift cards, so you can do there. Good thing about there is that it's a privately owned restaurant, so if Disney doesn't have any openings, you can call them directly and try. After that you have Tusker house, character buffet and very popular (so most likely booked full), Tiffins (cant comment have not eaten here yet) or Yack and Yetti.
Lastly, Disney springs has some really great restaurants. However IDK if you have time in your schedule. If you are, let me know and I’ll toss out some ideas. Just like Rain Forrest, a lot of these often keep their own inventory of tables outside the Disney system.
Overall though, it seems your wife knows how she likes to visit. So before you go booking anything major, you may want to discuss it with her. She may have reasons why she chooses to not eat at sit downs much.
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
Thanks again. She was basically in charge of the rides. I'm with the meals.glvsav37 said:
So Monday - Be Our Guest (Couldn't get that roof top for desert)
Tuesday - Rainforest (gift cards)
Wednesday - Shula's -
Thur - Sci Fi (9:20) late (Hollywood studious, need lunch) (However was told to see Fantismic? or something like that from her sister)
Fri - Rainforest for Lunch - All those night rides booked
Sat - Open (EPCOT)
Sun - Ohana for breakfast
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Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
going back end of August. Plan to sweat out a good 30 pounds.
glvsav37
Footballguy
Extra discount offered—up to 30%—on select WDW restaurants through september 2017 for DVC and AP holders
also...
also...
Osaurus
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
AcerFC
Footballguy
Dont do rainforest twice.
Thurs- switch out sci fi for lunch not dinner. See fantasmic. It's a fun show. Make sure you check out staw wars fireworks as well if you can.
I would eat at the BBQ place for lunch on Fri instead of doubling up on RF. I enjoyed Tiffens, but that is costly.
For Epcot on Saturday, see if you can get a walk in for Lecelier (steak) or Italian place. You can also try to go to Cape May for the seafood buffet. Very good and its a 5 minute walk from England.
Also, since you are staying at Poly, try to get into ohana. Keep checking for cancelleations or walk up at open at 3:30. Never know. We got lucky once.
AcerFC
Footballguy
@Gottabesweet
One more fun place to eat is Whispering Canyon Cafe. It's a good place if you enjoy meat. AYCE ribs, chicken, pulled pork and sausage. It's in wilderness lodge, a boat ride from Magic Kingdom
One more fun place to eat is Whispering Canyon Cafe. It's a good place if you enjoy meat. AYCE ribs, chicken, pulled pork and sausage. It's in wilderness lodge, a boat ride from Magic Kingdom
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
Rainforest we have a few Giftcards to use.
I booked La Ceiller for Sat 5:40pm at Epcot... Should I remove Shula's?
I have Ohana for breakfast once.
Trying to figure out where to put Brown Derby, Sci Fi (Nothing available Thursday) - Might try Sunday for lunch.
@AcerFC
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Gottabesweet
Footballguy
Monday - MK - Be Our Guest 7:40 (FP's 1-445)
Tuesday - AK - Rainforest 6:45 (FP's 1-4:45)
Wed - Epcot - Shulas 7:45 (FP's 1-5:05)
Thur - HS - Hollywood Brown Derby 6:25 (FP's 1-4:30)
Fri - AK - Sci Fi 11:15 and Rainforest 6:15 (have a bunch of night rides) (FP'S 3-530 and 830-9 )
Sat - Epcot - La Cellier 5:50 (FP's 1255-4)
Sun - MK - Ohana (Breakfast) - Then need something for lunch/dinner before we head out in evening. (FP's 11-2)
Trying to figure out where to slot in 50's Hollywood, and possibly ESPN. Missing anything? Anything look like a difficult travel?
@AcerFC @glvsav37
Tuesday - AK - Rainforest 6:45 (FP's 1-4:45)
Wed - Epcot - Shulas 7:45 (FP's 1-5:05)
Thur - HS - Hollywood Brown Derby 6:25 (FP's 1-4:30)
Fri - AK - Sci Fi 11:15 and Rainforest 6:15 (have a bunch of night rides) (FP'S 3-530 and 830-9 )
Sat - Epcot - La Cellier 5:50 (FP's 1255-4)
Sun - MK - Ohana (Breakfast) - Then need something for lunch/dinner before we head out in evening. (FP's 11-2)
Trying to figure out where to slot in 50's Hollywood, and possibly ESPN. Missing anything? Anything look like a difficult travel?
@AcerFC @glvsav37
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AcerFC
Footballguy
Ok, so I didn't notice the fastpasees Thurs from 1-4:30. That will make lunch reservations tough.
Ohana for breakfast is a much different experience than dinner.
How much do you like steak. Maybe swap Cape May for Shulas.
Friday says sci fi but that is not in AK. I know you have rainforest gift cards but check if they can be used elsewhere like others have said.
Keep checking for sci fi or brown derby for dinner Thurs. Things open up all the time.
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
We have park hopper so if we go to Sci Fi first we can end up at AK for the FPs Thur.
Im from the upper northeast. Will shorts and polo suffice at the steakhouses?
Thr Derby had spots for Thursday so I booked.
Is Cape May seafood I assume?
AcerFC
Footballguy
Never been to shulas. But all Disney stuff is super causal. Yes, cape may is seafood. Missed the park hoppers. But honestly, I wouldn't bother hopping for just sci fi. Flame Tree BBQ at AK is really good and you dont need to hop.
Unless of course, you want to maximize your hoppers.
Gottabesweet
Footballguy
Ohana is available Fri and Sat late 930. Worth the add to shuffle?
I think they both disappeared. Ideally I'm looking to replace One of the Epcot steakhouses with Ohana
flame tree bbq seems hard to get
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AcerFC
Footballguy
Depends on if you like eating late. Nice part, is if you get a window seat, you can eat and watch fireworks. Flame tree bbq has no reservations. It's a quick service.
@Yankee23Fan can better guide you if ohana is worth a 9:30 booking.
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Most around here think it's worth it - I personally hate eating that late but if you don't mind the time I'd do it.
Flame Tree BBQ is QS - no reservation needed
AAABatteries
Footballguy
Bruce Dickinson
Footballguy
Probably just taking a break. Not going to ship it to Orlando again - too much stuff damaged in transit and MK guests aren't emotional about MSEP the way DLR APs are.
With Fantasmic up and running again, plus the fireworks/projections show, there's already two major nighttime events in DL that have large groups of people sitting around occupying space and not milling around potentially buying stuff. Don't need a third, at least until interest in Fantasmic's relaunch subsides a little.
The Pixar Play Parade is going to start up in DL soon. That's usually been a daytime thing at DCA but it could run at night.
Paint The Night is going across the plaza to DCA.
Yankee23Fan
Fair Tax!
O'Hana that late isn't bad.... it's never bad. Get a window view if at all possible to watch the fireworks.
The bad part is if you aren't a night owl. You can't eat that meal and then go to bed within an hour.
The service does slow down a little that late as well. It's only noticeable because of how good the service usually is.
The bad part is if you aren't a night owl. You can't eat that meal and then go to bed within an hour.
The service does slow down a little that late as well. It's only noticeable because of how good the service usually is.
Osaurus
Footballguy
Capella
Footballguy
So why aren't they doing anything for DW? Man MSEP was my favorite thing on the entire property.
rodg12
Footballguy
This has probably been mentioned here, but Annual Passholders getting 10-20% discounts at a bunch of Disney restaurants for the 45th anniversary is pretty cool. Going to take advantage of that next week with my parents, sister and future bro-in-law all with annual passes.
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glvsav37
Footballguy
wow...august 13 is going to be a big day at WDW.
Ellen's and GMR close and now mission space will get the new experience they spoke about at D23
Ellen's and GMR close and now mission space will get the new experience they spoke about at D23
Osaurus
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
glvsav37
Footballguy
@Tiger Fan and @Capella
are you guys talking about the new theater on main st?
I heard a pretty credible source say it might be replacing Tony's Town Sq and where you meet talking Mickey. Obv he would be relocated. But if you look at the facade of the drawing, the structure looks pretty similar to the architecture over by those 2 buildings.
Nothing set in stone yet, but I'm leaning this way.
are you guys talking about the new theater on main st?
I heard a pretty credible source say it might be replacing Tony's Town Sq and where you meet talking Mickey. Obv he would be relocated. But if you look at the facade of the drawing, the structure looks pretty similar to the architecture over by those 2 buildings.
Nothing set in stone yet, but I'm leaning this way.
