Free Dining Oct-Dec Is Here!!! (And a whole lot more) ~ Part 3

[acceber32]

Wohoo!! Was able to snag a gardenview room this morning for our dates at POR!!! So excited!! I've been trying to get one since FD came out. We switched to CBR when FD came out bc that's what was open but I love POR. I've been checking multiple times a day but nothing was available for our whole stay (sometimes a RGR but couldn't talk DH into that). Couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I saw there was a gardenview open. My husband will be excited bc now I'll stop whining about it, lol. Didn't even wait for my TA to book it, hope there is no problem canceling the old ressie and transferring the new one to her. 116 days left to go!

 

[btirendi]

Does anyone know if you can link your MNSSHP tickets to your online reservations / account. Also, Im hearing Magic Bands are being tested at POR - I haven't seen anything on my account under the Magic Band or Fast Pass + yet. I arrive 10/26-31...is it too early or should I see something.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

I can do On Line Check In is 3 days

Us too.

I've never done online check-in before. I listen to the DIS Unplugged podcast and when they did their "7 Resorts in 7 Days" Pete kept saying that they had problems at the front desk whenever they had done online check-in. I'm not sure what to do......opinions? TIA!

 

[plutospalforever]

Its well known on the DIS boards that I am no fan of the bus system. I think its been in decline for quiet some time. Its a great thing if you flying in and have no other means, but as a way to get around the world , it has its problems.

The schedules are erratic. With so many people now needing special assistance for the bus, they system can get bogged down. ECV and strollers really crowd the buses, and unfortunately its what needs to be done. I do not know if there will ever be a way to make things more easy for those with mobility issues.

The frequent stops really cut into your days. Waiting for a bus, especially after a very long park day can be excruciating. Then to get on a bus that will pack WAY too many people on it. I have felt in the past the bus was over loaded with people and gear. Its easy to spend an hour on a bus waiting to get somewhere that should take 15 minutes.


Lastly , and its part of life, the rudeness one can see on these buses , rivals that of many big cites. I was raised to give up your seat for a lady or child. Last trip my 9 YOD son gave up his seat to an elderly woman because neither of the "gentlemen" next to her would......and dont get me started on the little angels who need to sleep across 2 seats because they are tired....

PLUS you do not have to worry about last call for the buses. We like to close down the parks. Buses run late, but I have heard stories of people getting stranded and needing a cab!

So, if you can, take you own car. Arrive on your time, leave exactly when you want. Bring extra stuff you might need, you can get it if you want. Getting around the world is very easy, signs everywhere ! An updated GPS will help if your tired and do not want to look for signs!

We decided last trip to leave the bus system behind, which will make more room for those who have to use it, and make life easier for us!

IMO of course!

Try it one day and see what you think!

Thanks for this!! I have been leaning towards driving to parks and have been wondering why we haven't done this sooner??? Will definitely do this trip!

Wohoo!! Was able to snag a gardenview room this morning for our dates at POR!!! So excited!! I've been trying to get one since FD came out. We switched to CBR when FD came out bc that's what was open but I love POR. I've been checking multiple times a day but nothing was available for our whole stay (sometimes a RGR but couldn't talk DH into that). Couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I saw there was a gardenview open. My husband will be excited bc now I'll stop whining about it, lol. Didn't even wait for my TA to book it, hope there is no problem canceling the old ressie and transferring the new one to her. 116 days left to go!

Yea!!!! Congrats! Your TA should just send you a form to transfer the ressie. Have a great vacation!

 

[Kat016]

9 days until I can do online check in!!! I'm so excited. My countdown started at 368 and I'm down to 69!!

 

[sjs314]

Its well known on the DIS boards that I am no fan of the bus system. I think its been in decline for quiet some time. Its a great thing if you flying in and have no other means, but as a way to get around the world , it has its problems.

The schedules are erratic. With so many people now needing special assistance for the bus, they system can get bogged down. ECV and strollers really crowd the buses, and unfortunately its what needs to be done. I do not know if there will ever be a way to make things more easy for those with mobility issues.

The frequent stops really cut into your days. Waiting for a bus, especially after a very long park day can be excruciating. Then to get on a bus that will pack WAY too many people on it. I have felt in the past the bus was over loaded with people and gear. Its easy to spend an hour on a bus waiting to get somewhere that should take 15 minutes.


Lastly , and its part of life, the rudeness one can see on these buses , rivals that of many big cites. I was raised to give up your seat for a lady or child. Last trip my 9 YOD son gave up his seat to an elderly woman because neither of the "gentlemen" next to her would......and dont get me started on the little angels who need to sleep across 2 seats because they are tired....

PLUS you do not have to worry about last call for the buses. We like to close down the parks. Buses run late, but I have heard stories of people getting stranded and needing a cab!

So, if you can, take you own car. Arrive on your time, leave exactly when you want. Bring extra stuff you might need, you can get it if you want. Getting around the world is very easy, signs everywhere ! An updated GPS will help if your tired and do not want to look for signs!

We decided last trip to leave the bus system behind, which will make more room for those who have to use it, and make life easier for us!

IMO of course!

Try it one day and see what you think!

As I read your post I could not help but recall a packed bus ride we had in 2009 seeing family upon family taking up multiple seats so kids could lay down. What ever happened to Mom and Dad each holding a child on their laps?

Oh and the situations on the buses has become so much worse over the years with the use of more and more strollers, We now avoid resorts that are "bus transportation only"

 

[Nechville]

Well I am conflicted. We are booked at CSR. Today I checked and a Riverside room opened. I am not sure what I prefer. There are things about both I like. Since my reservation is with a TA, I'm not going to try to book myself and transfer it to her so I guess we'll have to wait and see if anything is still open Monday. I wasn't sold on the southwest theme and the desk instead of table bugged me -- but my son likes the CSR pool pictures better. It seems everyone is trying to get into Riverside so that makes me wonder if I should too.

 

[sweetnjmom]

Well I am conflicted. We are booked at CSR. Today I checked and a Riverside room opened. I am not sure what I prefer. There are things about both I like. Since my reservation is with a TA, I'm not going to try to book myself and transfer it to her so I guess we'll have to wait and see if anything is still open Monday. I wasn't sold on the southwest theme and the desk instead of table bugged me -- but my son likes the CSR pool pictures better. It seems everyone is trying to get into Riverside so that makes me wonder if I should too.

If your son likes the CSR pool photos better, then perhaps stay there? I like POR a lot and originally intended to stay there but there was no FD rooms available during my dates (still aren't and the room only discount that pops up is only 5%) so we're at WL now.

I think a lot of the people trying to get into Riverside are families of 5 who need the space and it's the only moderate that can accommodate them. Coronado is a nice resort.

 

[HBGdancermom]

Wohoo!! Was able to snag a gardenview room this morning for our dates at POR!!! So excited!! I've been trying to get one since FD came out. We switched to CBR when FD came out bc that's what was open but I love POR. I've been checking multiple times a day but nothing was available for our whole stay (sometimes a RGR but couldn't talk DH into that). Couldn't believe my eyes this morning when I saw there was a gardenview open. My husband will be excited bc now I'll stop whining about it, lol. Didn't even wait for my TA to book it, hope there is no problem canceling the old ressie and transferring the new one to her. 116 days left to go!

Nice!!!!

 

[HBGdancermom]

9 days until I can do online check in!!! I'm so excited. My countdown started at 368 and I'm down to 69!!

Woohoo!!!!

 

[totebagg]

Its well known on the DIS boards that I am no fan of the bus system. I think its been in decline for quiet some time. Its a great thing if you flying in and have no other means, but as a way to get around the world , it has its problems.

The schedules are erratic. With so many people now needing special assistance for the bus, they system can get bogged down. ECV and strollers really crowd the buses, and unfortunately its what needs to be done. I do not know if there will ever be a way to make things more easy for those with mobility issues.

The frequent stops really cut into your days. Waiting for a bus, especially after a very long park day can be excruciating. Then to get on a bus that will pack WAY too many people on it. I have felt in the past the bus was over loaded with people and gear. Its easy to spend an hour on a bus waiting to get somewhere that should take 15 minutes.

Lastly , and its part of life, the rudeness one can see on these buses , rivals that of many big cites. I was raised to give up your seat for a lady or child. Last trip my 9 YOD son gave up his seat to an elderly woman because neither of the "gentlemen" next to her would......and dont get me started on the little angels who need to sleep across 2 seats because they are tired....

PLUS you do not have to worry about last call for the buses. We like to close down the parks. Buses run late, but I have heard stories of people getting stranded and needing a cab!

So, if you can, take you own car. Arrive on your time, leave exactly when you want. Bring extra stuff you might need, you can get it if you want. Getting around the world is very easy, signs everywhere ! An updated GPS will help if your tired and do not want to look for signs!

We decided last trip to leave the bus system behind, which will make more room for those who have to use it, and make life easier for us!

IMO of course!

Try it one day and see what you think!

Thanks so much. Since we've never used the bus system, I may use a hybrid approach and use our car some of the time then use the buses. Do you have any suggestions when I should drive or are there particular parks I should not drive to? Once again, thanks so much for all your help. I am so glad I found these boards - everyone's advice has helped so much. I honestly didn't realize how much planning goes into a WDW trip!

 

[xipotec]

Your absolutely right about the buses. I wish we could rent a car but the scooter my mother rented is a little tricky with breaking it down. And renting anything larger wouldn't be cost effective.

I have said this before, what WDW needs is smaller EVC buses that can load and unload wheelchairs and ECV quickly and with ease for those needing help. The current buses are too busy and clumsy in this process. Smaller handicap equipped buses would be much more efficient. You could even save time with call boxes at each location when it was needed.

Its hard enough for the ECV crowd to get around without having to deal with the buses.

I did see a few pics of the new "bendy" buses. Those might help with the congestion, but only if the are added to the fleet and not replacements.

 

[xipotec]

Thanks so much. Since we've never used the bus system, I may use a hybrid approach and use our car some of the time then use the buses. Do you have any suggestions when I should drive or are there particular parks I should not drive to? Once again, thanks so much for all your help. I am so glad I found these boards - everyone's advice has helped so much. I honestly didn't realize how much planning goes into a WDW trip!

Its my pleasure! Personally we always drive to HS and AK . HS is the worst when it comes to buses . AK bus stop is quiet a walk from the front gate also. They have a covered area there but its basically in the parking lot, so if you drive you end up walking a bit more and not having to wait on a bus.

For MK and EPCOT I would goto the TTC and take the Monorail. This is not because its more convenient , but because there is something magical about Arriving at MK and EPCOT via monorail.

You could drive to EP and be ok., then save the Monorail for MK. Or do the Monorail for EP and take the ferry from TTC to MK ( we like boats so we do this alot. The monorail from TTC makes 2 more stops before MK.

Its a toss up for EP. But for MK your only choice would be TTC monorail or ferry.

Which resort will you be at? What time of year?

 

[plutospalforever]

Its my pleasure! Personally we always drive to HS and AK . HS is the worst when it comes to buses . AK bus stop is quiet a walk from the front gate also. They have a covered area there but its basically in the parking lot, so if you drive you end up walking a bit more and not having to wait on a bus.

For MK and EPCOT I would goto the TTC and take the Monorail. This is not because its more convenient , but because there is something magical about Arriving at MK and EPCOT via monorail.

You could drive to EP and be ok., then save the Monorail for MK. Or do the Monorail for EP and take the ferry from TTC to MK ( we like boats so we do this alot. The monorail from TTC makes 2 more stops before MK.

Its a toss up for EP. But for MK your only choice would be TTC monorail or ferry.

Which resort will you be at? What time of year?

I love your suggestions, if you don't mind, do you have any for staying at AoA FN at end of September? We have always done buses, with a few monorail rides thrown in for fun. We are leaning more towards driving for all the reasons you stated in your original post. We will have 1 small, umbrella stroller this trip; by age 3.5 we make all the kids walk...lol. Thanks!!!

 

[totebagg]

Its my pleasure! Personally we always drive to HS and AK . HS is the worst when it comes to buses . AK bus stop is quiet a walk from the front gate also. They have a covered area there but its basically in the parking lot, so if you drive you end up walking a bit more and not having to wait on a bus.

For MK and EPCOT I would goto the TTC and take the Monorail. This is not because its more convenient , but because there is something magical about Arriving at MK and EPCOT via monorail.

You could drive to EP and be ok., then save the Monorail for MK. Or do the Monorail for EP and take the ferry from TTC to MK ( we like boats so we do this alot. The monorail from TTC makes 2 more stops before MK.

Its a toss up for EP. But for MK your only choice would be TTC monorail or ferry.

Which resort will you be at? What time of year?

I will be there 10/19 - 10/27 and had originally booked and paid for POR but when FD was announced I switched to CBR. Our party consists of 4 adults and a 6 year old. Thanks!

 

[xipotec]

I love your suggestions, if you don't mind, do you have any for staying at AoA FN at end of September? We have always done buses, with a few monorail rides thrown in for fun. We are leaning more towards driving for all the reasons you stated in your original post. We will have 1 small, umbrella stroller this trip; by age 3.5 we make all the kids walk...lol. Thanks!!!

I would say the above advice stands for you as well. Depending on a few things. AOA is a very heavy bus use resort. As are many of the value resorts.

If you want to use a bus try to go off peak times. Meaning any time thats not within an hour of park opening or closing, or during a rain storm!!!

I cannot understate the value of having a car just for storing stuff . ( Poncho , change of clothes, extra shoes, first aide) which means you do not have to carry around a bunch of stuff! Plus with a larger family, if someone get tired one parent can go back to the car for a rest in the cooler months with that cranky one ( in extreme situations)

For a half park day the bus maybe ok, but if you have a car , use it! Driving is very very simple. The hotel CM will tell you the best ways to go.

Buses have their use, but if your trying to get the most out of your day, the car is your better option.

The buses at the end of a long hot or wet day are not pleasant.

 

[xipotec]

I will be there 10/19 - 10/27 and had originally booked and paid for POR but when FD was announced I switched to CBR. Our party consists of 4 adults and a 6 year old. Thanks!

Looks like a great set up. The only downside to the car is parking. But honestly its not as bad as people say. If you are averse to walking there is a tram to drive you to your car. Personally , I love walking and I go get the car and pick up the family right next to the buses.

I love the independence and freedom of having my own transportation

 

[TDDisney]

Looks like a great set up. The only downside to the car is parking. But honestly its not as bad as people say. If you are averse to walking there is a tram to drive you to your car. Personally , I love walking and I go get the car and pick up the family right next to the buses.

I love the independence and freedom of having my own transportation

I'd love your opinion....We're staying at POR in Oct. WeHave an ADR at CRT at 8:05 (park opens at 9 that day). We have a rental car (driving to some other FL attractions). We plan to leave MK at about 11:30 day of ADR. Should we drive our car, which means we have to do the TTC thing.....or, should we take a bus (if so, will we get there on time??)....very interested in your thoughts....thanks!

 

[FrugalFashionista]

I'd love your opinion....We're staying at POR in Oct. WeHave an ADR at CRT at 8:05 (park opens at 9 that day). We have a rental car (driving to some other FL attractions). We plan to leave MK at about 11:30 day of ADR. Should we drive our car, which means we have to do the TTC thing.....or, should we take a bus (if so, will we get there on time??)....very interested in your thoughts....thanks!

Take your car! Then again I'm paranoid about being late

 

[wunkmom]

Does anyone know if you can link your MNSSHP tickets to your online reservations / account. Also, Im hearing Magic Bands are being tested at POR - I haven't seen anything on my account under the Magic Band or Fast Pass + yet. I arrive 10/26-31...is it too early or should I see something.

Yes, you can link your MNSSHP to your MDE account. Just go to link existing reservations and tickets and follow the instructions. Voila!

Not sure about Magic Bands though , think you'll get an email letting you know if/when you can personalize them.