DH-2-mamaduck
DisDad#446 - Family of 7 from MN
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 700
Update: 06-05-2009
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It's the night before we leave, all bags are packed, kids are going to bed, dog is ready to go to neighbors for the week...oldest Brother already arrived @ WDW...Hopefully I can sleep tonight as 6am will come early.
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Update: 06-01-2009
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Received Things to know before you go email today. Only 5 days to go! Bags are 90% packed....DW packs the kids clothes in 1 gallon ziploc bags to keep all neat and eliminates some chaos in the morning.
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Update: 05-15-2009
------------------------------------
We received Disney Magical Express package and our Travel package w/ Luggage Tags and some coupons. Only 3 weeks away!
============================
05-03-2009
------------------------------------
The anticipation of our next WDW trip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95oyhSd5ls
Work has been insanely busy and now I have something to look forward to. Today I am sick w/ a head-cold, DD's slept over at neighbors, DS is playing Nickjr.com, DW is catching up on soaps, dog is napping in the sun, cats are relaxing (like always) so figured I would write a pre-trip report.
Previous Trips (no reports)
Disney Land, 2003
Disney Land, 2005
Disney World, Pop Century, Oct 2006 & the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which was a lot of fun.
June 6-13, 2009 pre-Trip Report
When: June 6 - 13, 2009
Who: Party of 12
Budget Goal: <$6000
What Resort & A Bigger Decision:
It has been 2 1/2 years since our last visit, and have been craving to go back. We were planning on going for Christmas 2008, but postponed that trip.
In 2006, we brought MIL & FIL for a short week, which was nice. It was their first real vacation ever, and had two extra people to watch the kids so DW and I could do more. We did budget and chose to stay at POP Century, 50's section, Non-Smoking rooms (nice all non-smoking now) That trip, DW & I were 4+infant so it didn't cost us an extra room then. This time, we are now considered 5, so comes the bigger decision: Should invite other family???
Pop Centruy, Oct 2006
One part says, lets just go ourselves and enjoy the trip, the other says, lets invite family. One advantage is that if my oldest brother and partner come, we can put one of the kids under their room and stay at a value resort. So I invited my oldest brother and his partner first, then the other brother/wife + 3 kids.
At first, they all decline. So for the 5 of us, we either have to book 2 rooms at value or stay at moderate resort that allows 5. As soon as DW said, "Buy 4 nights, get 3 free." it was a done deal, we are going - we looked at the deluxe resorts, and decided upon the BoardWalk Inn. When booking, we learned about the Club Level, so for the extra $, lets do it, it's in the budget. Add in 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper and WOO HOO! Were going to Disney World!. Resort Cost + Park Tickets, 7 Nights: $3666.32
After we booked, Bro & SIL + 3 kids were finally convinced to go. We all worked on them they should go and stay with us. The day after we booked, my wife and I called them, put them on speaker phone, and got them to make the reservation. The party size doubled to 10. Next was to just convince oldest Bro to go. The week before, just so happens to be "Gay Days" so I used that as a selling point. It took a few weeks, but they decided to go and staying at Coronado Springs. So now all my brothers and I will be together for the vacation.
Weekly Itinerary
Before I make any dining reservations, I like to have a basic schedule set. We are not morning people, so we try to schedule our days around evening Extra Magic Hours. I didn't want to sound pushy to the others coming with us. SIL grasped the concept and had to explain to my brother "The schedule will prevent us from spinning our wheels trying to figure out what to do for the day." Oldest Bro was glad to see the schedule and agreed.
Advanced Dining Reservations
Since DW and I have been to WDW before and learned about ADR's then, it was pretty simple this time, right? Well, problem is the other 2 party’s have never been there before and did not understand dining. We told them we booked in the 90 day window and need to get moving ASAP on dining. I tired to coordinate with the others, and found it very difficult, as again, they didn't understand "If you don't book, you don't get in for Table Service" unless you like to wait.
So, I just started booking and booking and booking to get Lunch & Dinner for party of 12. We were set for Breakfast from the Innkeepers Club at the resort. I shared with the group and decided upon which places we would all eat together, then everything else was fend for yourself.
Table-Service ADR's:
Waiting for our table outside of 50's Prime-Time Diner, DHS, Oct 2006
Disney Dining Plan
The DDP was something new for us. In 2006, we did not do the dining plan. It was 4+ Infant and total costs for food/drinks/snacks was not that much. Total I believe was <$550. So the big debate which led to this Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2125502
The DDP played in to what reservations we were going to keep. It came down that we would minimally break even if we ate on a budget, so why not go for the DDP and eat at the TS meals and do more Char dining. DDP (2) Adults, (3) Kids, $790.65
Breakfast at the Crystal Palace, Oct 2006
Finding a Flight
Did you know that Travelocity changes the Fare rate every two hours? We checked and checked and checked, and my wife purchased (5) round-trip tickets for $896.95 with 1 stop. We would of liked the direct-flight, but the one was way too early. We did not want to get kids up at 4am to catch the flight. Not good way to set the mood for the trip. The direct flight would of also been ~$1300. Another direct did open up, but was closer to $1500. Brother and SIL + Kids will drive to our house Friday (they are from South Dakota), then we all leave Saturday from Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Disney Recreation & Other Adventures
I am really really wanting to do the (2) Hour Fishing Excursion with my DS. $250/2 hours. Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153460
Also considering the Wildlife Discovery Excursion is $50/ea ages 3 and up. Not sure if this 1 hour tour is worth it.
Budget Summary:
Resort + Park Tickets $3666.32
Dining Plan $790.65
Air Fare $896.95
--------------------
TOTAL: 5353.92
That leaves ~$650 for other food/snacks, shopping, and recreation.
Enjoy the Fireworks!
------------------------------------
It's the night before we leave, all bags are packed, kids are going to bed, dog is ready to go to neighbors for the week...oldest Brother already arrived @ WDW...Hopefully I can sleep tonight as 6am will come early.
============================
Update: 06-01-2009
------------------------------------
Received Things to know before you go email today. Only 5 days to go! Bags are 90% packed....DW packs the kids clothes in 1 gallon ziploc bags to keep all neat and eliminates some chaos in the morning.
============================
Update: 05-15-2009
------------------------------------
We received Disney Magical Express package and our Travel package w/ Luggage Tags and some coupons. Only 3 weeks away!
============================
05-03-2009
------------------------------------
The anticipation of our next WDW trip... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b95oyhSd5ls
Work has been insanely busy and now I have something to look forward to. Today I am sick w/ a head-cold, DD's slept over at neighbors, DS is playing Nickjr.com, DW is catching up on soaps, dog is napping in the sun, cats are relaxing (like always) so figured I would write a pre-trip report.
Previous Trips (no reports)
Disney Land, 2003
Disney Land, 2005
Disney World, Pop Century, Oct 2006 & the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which was a lot of fun.
June 6-13, 2009 pre-Trip Report
When: June 6 - 13, 2009
Who: Party of 12
- My Family: DH, DW, DD(9), DD (7), DS (4)
- Bro, SIL, their DD (14), DD (7), DS (4)
- Oldest Bro + Partner
Budget Goal: <$6000
What Resort & A Bigger Decision:
It has been 2 1/2 years since our last visit, and have been craving to go back. We were planning on going for Christmas 2008, but postponed that trip.
In 2006, we brought MIL & FIL for a short week, which was nice. It was their first real vacation ever, and had two extra people to watch the kids so DW and I could do more. We did budget and chose to stay at POP Century, 50's section, Non-Smoking rooms (nice all non-smoking now) That trip, DW & I were 4+infant so it didn't cost us an extra room then. This time, we are now considered 5, so comes the bigger decision: Should invite other family???
Pop Centruy, Oct 2006
One part says, lets just go ourselves and enjoy the trip, the other says, lets invite family. One advantage is that if my oldest brother and partner come, we can put one of the kids under their room and stay at a value resort. So I invited my oldest brother and his partner first, then the other brother/wife + 3 kids.
At first, they all decline. So for the 5 of us, we either have to book 2 rooms at value or stay at moderate resort that allows 5. As soon as DW said, "Buy 4 nights, get 3 free." it was a done deal, we are going - we looked at the deluxe resorts, and decided upon the BoardWalk Inn. When booking, we learned about the Club Level, so for the extra $, lets do it, it's in the budget. Add in 7-Day Magic Your Way Ticket with Park Hopper and WOO HOO! Were going to Disney World!. Resort Cost + Park Tickets, 7 Nights: $3666.32
After we booked, Bro & SIL + 3 kids were finally convinced to go. We all worked on them they should go and stay with us. The day after we booked, my wife and I called them, put them on speaker phone, and got them to make the reservation. The party size doubled to 10. Next was to just convince oldest Bro to go. The week before, just so happens to be "Gay Days" so I used that as a selling point. It took a few weeks, but they decided to go and staying at Coronado Springs. So now all my brothers and I will be together for the vacation.
Weekly Itinerary
Before I make any dining reservations, I like to have a basic schedule set. We are not morning people, so we try to schedule our days around evening Extra Magic Hours. I didn't want to sound pushy to the others coming with us. SIL grasped the concept and had to explain to my brother "The schedule will prevent us from spinning our wheels trying to figure out what to do for the day." Oldest Bro was glad to see the schedule and agreed.
- Saturday June 6 - Arrive at WDW, relax at Boardwalk, watch Fireworks from CL balcony
- Sunday, June 7 - Epcot for the day, Magic Kingdon that evening/night
- Monday, June 8 - Animal Kingdom
- Tuesday, June 9 - Magic Kingdom
- Wednesday, June 10 - Disney Hollywood Studios
- Thursday, June 11 - Epcot
- Friday, June 12 - Magic Kingdom
- Saturday, June 13 - relax at resort, finish packing, go home :-(
Advanced Dining Reservations
Since DW and I have been to WDW before and learned about ADR's then, it was pretty simple this time, right? Well, problem is the other 2 party’s have never been there before and did not understand dining. We told them we booked in the 90 day window and need to get moving ASAP on dining. I tired to coordinate with the others, and found it very difficult, as again, they didn't understand "If you don't book, you don't get in for Table Service" unless you like to wait.
So, I just started booking and booking and booking to get Lunch & Dinner for party of 12. We were set for Breakfast from the Innkeepers Club at the resort. I shared with the group and decided upon which places we would all eat together, then everything else was fend for yourself.
Table-Service ADR's:
- Coral Reef
- Rainforest Cafe
- Jiko's - Signature Restaurant
- Chef Mickey's Char Dining
- Mama Melrose so far (Still trying for Sci-Fi - plz someone cancel)
- Akershus Princess Story Book - Char Dining
- Crystal Palace w/ Pooh - Char Dining
Waiting for our table outside of 50's Prime-Time Diner, DHS, Oct 2006
Disney Dining Plan
The DDP was something new for us. In 2006, we did not do the dining plan. It was 4+ Infant and total costs for food/drinks/snacks was not that much. Total I believe was <$550. So the big debate which led to this Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2125502
The DDP played in to what reservations we were going to keep. It came down that we would minimally break even if we ate on a budget, so why not go for the DDP and eat at the TS meals and do more Char dining. DDP (2) Adults, (3) Kids, $790.65
Breakfast at the Crystal Palace, Oct 2006
Finding a Flight
Did you know that Travelocity changes the Fare rate every two hours? We checked and checked and checked, and my wife purchased (5) round-trip tickets for $896.95 with 1 stop. We would of liked the direct-flight, but the one was way too early. We did not want to get kids up at 4am to catch the flight. Not good way to set the mood for the trip. The direct flight would of also been ~$1300. Another direct did open up, but was closer to $1500. Brother and SIL + Kids will drive to our house Friday (they are from South Dakota), then we all leave Saturday from Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Disney Recreation & Other Adventures
I am really really wanting to do the (2) Hour Fishing Excursion with my DS. $250/2 hours. Thread: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2153460
Also considering the Wildlife Discovery Excursion is $50/ea ages 3 and up. Not sure if this 1 hour tour is worth it.
Budget Summary:
Resort + Park Tickets $3666.32
Dining Plan $790.65
Air Fare $896.95
--------------------
TOTAL: 5353.92
That leaves ~$650 for other food/snacks, shopping, and recreation.
Enjoy the Fireworks!
). 
