65 and 1st trip to Walt Disney World!

[All Things Simba]

Hi everyone,

We had a 65 yr. old Attorney retire this year.
As his retirement gift, the firm is giving him and his wife.....
DRUM. ROLL. PLEASE!....


A one week, all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World!

This will include round trip airfare from Milwaukee, WI, an on-property resort, park tickets with hopper, and the Magic Your Way Plan Plus Dining.

I'm soooo excited for them... and even more excited that I get to help them plan their trip!

They've decided that they want to go next Fall. Either late October (one of the last 2 weeks) or early November (one of the first two weeks). The only request so far is to go when there is as little people as possible. I am to sit down with them after the 1st of the year and plan out their fabulous Disney vacation.

So.... I'm asking for your suggestions on timing and plans for this couple. I have a good idea on some restaurants, and I'm leaning toward having them stay at the Polynesian resort for convenience. (Plus they love to vacation in Mexico so I think they'll appreciate the lush accommodations ~ who wouldn't?!)

I would like to know when (during those 4 weeks) to send them for the lowest crowds, what day of the week they should start their vacation, and what "must see/do" ideas you have for their age group. Also, is MNSSHP ok for them? I love it and want to go again, but would it be a good idea to include it in their vacation?

Thanks....can't wait to hear from all of you!

 

[DefLepard]

Hi everyone,

We had a 65 yr. old Attorney retire this year.
As his retirement gift, the firm is giving him and his wife.....
DRUM. ROLL. PLEASE!....


A one week, all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World!

This will include round trip airfare from Milwaukee, WI, an on-property resort, park tickets with hopper, and the Magic Your Way Plan Plus Dining.

I'm soooo excited for them... and even more excited that I get to help them plan their trip!

They've decided that they want to go next Fall. Either late October (one of the last 2 weeks) or early November (one of the first two weeks). The only request so far is to go when there is as little people as possible. I am to sit down with them after the 1st of the year and plan out their fabulous Disney vacation.

So.... I'm asking for your suggestions on timing and plans for this couple. I have a good idea on some restaurants, and I'm leaning toward having them stay at the Polynesian resort for convenience. (Plus they love to vacation in Mexico so I think they'll appreciate the lush accommodations ~ who wouldn't?!)

I would like to know when (during those 4 weeks) to send them for the lowest crowds, what day of the week they should start their vacation, and what "must see/do" ideas you have for their age group. Also, is MNSSHP ok for them? I love it and want to go again, but would it be a good idea to include it in their vacation?

Thanks....can't wait to hear from all of you!

Polynesian sounds like a great resort for them to experience.

I would try and book any midweek days late October, maybe arriving on a Sunday and enjoying the visit thru-out the week, that will be the least visited /crowded

Also-- They can enjoy the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot

 

[Missytara]

I would have to agree.

They are going at a time when it gets rather busy.

October has Halloween and MNSSHP; Food and Wine Festival; there is also a marathon I think. DVC gets rather busy.

The first two weeks of November are also gearing up for Christmas, so they might enjoy that as well. It doesn't get really busy until it gets closer to Thanksgiving. The weather is still pleasant as well.

Definately have them arrive on a Sunday and leave on a Saturday. They will see the least amount of crowds during the week.

 

[All Things Simba]

These replies have been very helpful.

I've been to both of the MK parties.. MNSSHP and MVMCP.
I seem to remember that the Christmas one had less people in attendance.
Must have something to do with the trick-or-treating and all of the kids.

Do you think the dates for the Epcot Food & Wine Festival and the Osborne Light show will over lap if I send them down on Sunday, Nov. 10th? I think they'd really like both of those events.
I like the idea of a Sun. to Sat. vacation.

Thinking the "Keys to the Kingdom" tour would be nice.
Says online that the tour is 4 and 1/2 hrs. though... too long for them?

 

[Missytara]

Yes, the Food and Wine Festival ends the 12th and many people report the Osborne Family of Lights is usually up by then.

I don't know about the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and hanging in for 4-1/2 hours; I don't know what their physical condition is. I would stick with something a bit less time consuming. I would think that tour would be something where you have been several times and looking for something to do out of the ordinary to fill up a morning.

They may want to do it a little leisurely.

 

[All Things Simba]

[QUOTE = I don't know about the Keys to the Kingdom Tour and hanging in for 4-1/2 hours; I don't know what their physical condition is. I would stick with something a bit less time consuming. I would think that tour would be something where you have been several times and looking for something to do out of the ordinary to fill up a morning.

They may want to do it a little leisurely.[/QUOTE]

They are very mobile people, but you're right that it's probably for people who have been to Disney before. Plenty to see and do on a 1st trip without adding a long tour. Thanks!

 

[Traveler Steve]

I would actually suggest you book a time during the Food and Wine Festival, and choose an Epcot resort to make it easier to visit during that time.

I only have my mom, who is in her mid-70s, to judge, but she always wants to go down to Disney during Food&Wine. She enjoys walking around Epcot sampling the tastes of all the different countries. Epcot is more adult-orientated than the other 3 (I would say Animal Kingdom is 2nd) and your folks may enjoy that.

I was just in Disney mid-October this year and can say that the Boardwalk was fairly light in guests if that means anything. The Beach and Yacht Clubs are also excellent, although with the pool they might be slightly more crowded at the time.

As always my humble .2

-TS

Hi everyone,

We had a 65 yr. old Attorney retire this year.
As his retirement gift, the firm is giving him and his wife.....
DRUM. ROLL. PLEASE!....


A one week, all expense paid trip to Walt Disney World!

This will include round trip airfare from Milwaukee, WI, an on-property resort, park tickets with hopper, and the Magic Your Way Plan Plus Dining.

I'm soooo excited for them... and even more excited that I get to help them plan their trip!

They've decided that they want to go next Fall. Either late October (one of the last 2 weeks) or early November (one of the first two weeks). The only request so far is to go when there is as little people as possible. I am to sit down with them after the 1st of the year and plan out their fabulous Disney vacation.

So.... I'm asking for your suggestions on timing and plans for this couple. I have a good idea on some restaurants, and I'm leaning toward having them stay at the Polynesian resort for convenience. (Plus they love to vacation in Mexico so I think they'll appreciate the lush accommodations ~ who wouldn't?!)

I would like to know when (during those 4 weeks) to send them for the lowest crowds, what day of the week they should start their vacation, and what "must see/do" ideas you have for their age group. Also, is MNSSHP ok for them? I love it and want to go again, but would it be a good idea to include it in their vacation?

Thanks....can't wait to hear from all of you!

 

[nurse.darcy]

Since I live out here I will tell you that this weekend (first week of November) is probably the most pleasant weather we have had in ages. Its also sort of busy so Sunday through Saturday touring is a great idea. If they like the idea of the food and wine festival, I would suggest the Boardwalk over the Poly. It is just so convenient to walk or boat over to Epcot.

Does he or she play golf? Might be nice to book them a tee time on one of Disney's championship golf courses. Perhaps they would love an illuminations cruise at Epcot. Some people love spa treatments. The GF and SSR both have fabulous spas with wonderful treatments for both men and women.

Let their touring style dictate how you help them plan. Remember, not everyone likes to tour like us Disney fanatics. . .lol.

If I think of more ideas, I will post back.

 

[jimandami]

I agree with the above posters who suggested hitting Food and Wine and staying at an Epcot resort. While I think the Poly is fantastic, there is just something about the Boardwalk area that is so appealing, especially for adults only trips. I would tell them to avoid the Food and Wine festival on Friday and Saturday nights, though, as it sounds like this year in particular, there might be a little TOO much "wining" and not enough "fooding!" I like to drink as much as the next person, but having to side-step piles of vomit and people passed out in the bushes would probably not impress your guests!

I also like the idea of an Illuminations cruise. Another suggestion would be La Nouba, which is just a terrific show! I like MVMCP might be more appealing to the them than MNSSHP, but there are a few problems with that first weekend party (Nov. 9th this year): 1) Sold out last year and is already sold out this year 2) Happens during Jersey Week, which is an actual phenomenon and results in increased crowds 3) Coincides with the Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon, a golf tournament, Festival of the Masters, and several other events. That weekend has actually been sold out for all WDW hotels for quite a while now. So, if you decided on November, I would try to avoid the weekend that includes all these events.

What a great retirement gift!!

 

[NH0402]

I am a 61 year old planning my 5th trip to DW, second 'adults only'. We stayed at GF the first adults only - and loved it! BUT are planning Beach Club Resort for the second. The reasons are already out there by others - convenience to Epcot and Boardwalk - two areas geared more towards those of us who like the more leisurely pace. We did the Keys tour and LOVED it! We were 56 and 57 at the time. The pace is not too quick, but it helps to have some prior Disney experience to fully appreciate the tour. From the sounds of it you will be making sure they have a great 'tour plan' so I'm sure they will enjoy every moment of the trip. What an awesome retirement gift!!

 

[BelleMaria]

We went in the second week of September and it was empty and I mean empty!!! It was right after the holiday and the kids were back in school and we were able to go on every ride without any waits. It did rain a few days however but nothing a poncho and a dip inside a bakery couldn't fix. Plus it's Florida rain so it stops after an hour or two.
I also second your idea for the Polynesian, it's one of my favorite resorts and is in my experience really relaxing especially for adults.
I think they are going to love their trip, man I wish I worked at your company!

 

[DznyCrzy11]

What an awesome gift!!!! I agree with what some of the other people have said. The end of October, early November can get crowded. The past 3 years we have gone the 1st week in September and experience low crowds but it is still somewhat hot and humid. I think the Polynesian will be a great resort for them!! It's convienent and a great resort. It also depends on how much walking they are ok with. The BC/YC looks like a great resort and they could walk to EPCOT.

Sent from my GalaxyS II

 

[Jane Eyre]

Be sure to make resv. for them at 50's Prime Time Cafe. Being in that age group myself, I know they will absolutely LOVE it!

 

[All Things Simba]

Thanks everyone!
All of your replies have been VERY helpful!

Thinking of Nov. 10th through the 16th with tickets to the Christmas party, and the Osborne lights should be up by then too.
Hopefully the Epcot Food & Wine Festival overlaps a bit.
They are not golfers, but I'll look into the Illuminations cruise.
And how could I forget about 50's for a meal?! It's on the list now!

 

[geffric]

I dont think Food and Wine extends to the 10th of November nor MNSSHP

so think about earlier and avoiding "jersey week"..

there is a behind the seeds tour at epcot and segeway tours at epcot or WL that are super fun.

 

[spiceycat]

you definitely want to avoid New Jersey week - those people are strange....

anyway would think they might appreciate the food/wine and Epcot more than the MK.

you definitely need to ask them. If they appreciate different types of food or wine - then would love the food/wine.

now if they don't - definitely do the Christmas stuff

this year Nov 9 - did start the Osborne light show

nov 12 - was the end of food/wine. but no guarantees for next year.

now if you want low crowds - then Sept is definitely a better choice than Oct or Nov.

if you would like fun things to do while you are there - then Oct, Nov or Dec will work fine.

new jersey week is generally the second week in Nov - although it has changed - this year it did not happen because of Sandy.

If going in Oct or Nov - would recommend an Epcot resort - love BC - but they might like YC - just depends upon them.

if Dec or Sept - then would go with the Polyn. although love BLT - it is just wonderfully 1-bedroom with a whirlpool tub in the ROOM - plus shower stall and another bathroom - so each person could have their own. it has a master bedroom with king bed. full living area (queen sleeper sofa and chair bed), full kitchen, plus washer/dryer. plus some of the best views that Disney has (my opinion) but the Mk view not to mention the lake view - are pretty great!!!

here the event page
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/events.htm

so they can decide which event (if any) they want to do.

it is hard planning a trip for someone else - so definitely give them choices

 

[glammadiva]

My Atty and his wife always stay at Yacht Club.