SnoopyGal7
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2013
Thanks to you all for clearing everything up for me! I'm still conflicted on IoA, but I guess I have some time to think about it.
Thanks to you all for clearing everything up for me! I'm still conflicted on IoA, but I guess I have some time to think about it.
So, this is my husband's and I's first trip to WDW, and we're staying at PoP! Very excited!
* Out trip is 7 nights/8 days. We're contemplating sacrificing one of days to hit up IoA for Harry Potter. My fear is that after paying lotso money for transportation to get there, and get tickets, and food for the day-- we might get through IoA very quickly, and be bored by mid afternoon. What's others experiences? Is it worth giving up a day at Disney? Worth the hassel of setting up transportation to get across town? Worth the oop expenses for a day of food and another park? We're both "moderate" HP fans, but by no means fanatics. I was planning on rereading the books before our trip in Sept. incase we do go, though.....
I think these are all my random questions for now! Thanks in advance!!
Regarding Downtown Disney, the last bus pick up is at 11pm at the Market Place bus stop. It will still run from the West side until 2am (I believe!) But I would verify that...as I'm thinking it might be 1am...but I know for sure the Market Place stops picking up at 11pm promptly! ENJOY!!
Edited to add...
not to argue with Sandi's post but when I reread this I see she said that the buses run until 'after 2am' from the West Side. I would double and triple check that! I don't have personal experience with getting a bus that late from the West Side, but I have heard that the DTD buses do stop running promptly! I have even been told not to push the 2am time frame because if the last bus comes at 1:55, that's it for the night. I've heard you should try to be at the West Side stop by 1:45. Again, I am not speaking from first hand experience. But if they do run the West side stop like the Marketplace stop then, they are done at 2. Because Marketplace's last pick up is 11pm and I have seen buses come in at 10:57 or so and that's the last one for the night! Just saying... not trying to argue. The attendant then would tell 'late arrivers' their choice was to hike over to the West side or catch a cab. YUCK!
Sandi said:It was my understanding that the regular dining plan (with one CS, one TS, and one snack) did NOT include an appetizer. They made that change a few years ago. I thought you got an entree, dessert, and a drink.
Does someone know for sure?
It was my understanding that the regular dining plan (with one CS, one TS, and one snack) did NOT include an appetizer. They made that change a few years ago. I thought you got an entree, dessert, and a drink.
Does someone know for sure?
PhoenixStrength posted --
"* If we are on the DDP, and we go to a restaurant, and want an appetizer-- we have to pay OOP, correct? Can't switch out a dessert for an appetizer?
If you are on the Quick Service Dining Plan then you only get counter service meals, which don't offer appetizers. If you are on the regular or higher dining plan than you get an appetizer, entree and dessert with each meal at a sit down restaurant."
It was my understanding that the regular dining plan (with one CS, one TS, and one snack) did NOT include an appetizer. They made that change a few years ago. I thought you got an entree, dessert, and a drink.
Does someone know for sure?
This is my understanding as well...
Yes, you are correct.
Hi SnoopyGal7, figured I'd put my .2 cents in here too! Visited IOA/Studios 2 summers ago, with my DD and her BFF...will add that we are big HP fans!! That being said, think that anyone will appreciate the attention to detail in the WWoHP... Forbidden Journey (feature ride) is a-mazing! We went on many times (if only Disney had HP at HS!) Oh well! There is a kids coaster and the Dragon Challenge ... you have a replica of the Hogwarts express, plus the famous shops an eateries from the books. We all loved eating at the Three Broomsticks. BTW, we like the frozed butterbeer better.
If I calculated correctly you are going the second week of Sept, right? Suggest going over to Universal on a weekday for lower crowds...we went mid August and it was busy, however we still had a great time....kids are back in school... I think it is worth it... Spiderman is a terrific, along with old favorites and if you like coasters, they have 'em! water rides, and in the studios, shows, despicable me, the simpsons, ET, etc. After your day you can have dinner at CityWalk ..
As Sandi mentioned Mears Transporation offers an easy way over and back.. it's approx $19 pp RT.
Overall we love Disney, but we did enjoy our 2+ days at IOA/Universal...
Janet B said:me three... I assumed PhoenixStrength meant the DxDP for the appetizer ... and just inadvertantly mentioned the reg DP in the same sentenence... She's a veteran of the DIS...
SnoopyGal7 said:Thanks for your input, Janet B! Just reading what your wrote makes me feel excited at the idea of going. I think my fear is that I don't want to pay a pretty expensive fee (for us both) to get there, park tickets, food, etc., only to regret doing it and saying to ourselves, "Ugh, we could have had another day at Disney!".
Yup, we will be at Disney from 9/8 to 9/16. With ADR's scheduled, and EMH, and all, I've planned to fit in a day at Universal on Tuesday, 9/10. I figured that crowds should be low because, (a) it's September and (b) it's a weekday. Given that, if we do go, would you still recommend purchasing Universal's version of "fast pass"? Also, would you recommend their "park hopper", or could we spend the day at IoA and be satisfied?
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Mears RT $38 for us both sounds nicely affordable! Better than I anticipated. Are they reliable? How early in advance should you schedule their transportation? Could we rent a car with the front desk at Disney, for cheaper than $38 for the day?
Sorry-- this is a rookie question....what is CityWalk?
Thanks for your input, Janet B! Just reading what your wrote makes me feel excited at the idea of going. I think my fear is that I don't want to pay a pretty expensive fee (for us both) to get there, park tickets, food, etc., only to regret doing it and saying to ourselves, "Ugh, we could have had another day at Disney!".
Yup, we will be at Disney from 9/8 to 9/16. With ADR's scheduled, and EMH, and all, I've planned to fit in a day at Universal on Tuesday, 9/10. I figured that crowds should be low because, (a) it's September and (b) it's a weekday. Given that, if we do go, would you still recommend purchasing Universal's version of "fast pass"? Also, would you recommend their "park hopper", or could we spend the day at IoA and be satisfied?
Mears RT $38 for us both sounds nicely affordable! Better than I anticipated. Are they reliable? How early in advance should you schedule their transportation? Could we rent a car with the front desk at Disney, for cheaper than $38 for the day?
Sorry-- this is a rookie question....what is CityWalk?
PhoenixStrength said:They are long gone. Area was re-surfaced and everything.
2Pirates2Princesses said:My kids are probably too old for the pop jets anyway (youngest is 4), but I am curious to know if the Goofy statue is still there and if the area was resurfaced to be a play area or something of that nature?
nahla1204 said:I cannot remember which forum or thread had special offers. Like if free dining comes out for my dates, what thread should I subscribe to so I'm notified? Thanks!!
AOA does have a splash area so you can check that out as an option
jcarwash said:Now, now, Janet B, are you encouraging Pop guests to visit the gated AoA pool area?
...not that the AoA guests bother to close the gate behind them, as I observed in person during my "pop"-in visit to AoA on Feb 23...
Janet B said:Hi! Yes the area was resurfaced and beach theme is still present ... goofy, the surfboard and the car are still there .. the jets were covered with a slightly blue giving material and is essentially a play area for the kids.
AOA does have a splash area so you can check that out as an option