4 or 5 night trip this fall, a 7yo, a 9mo old and me..some questions

[luvmy2babies]

Okay, I'm brainstorming about a trip for us this fall. It will be in either October or November depending on when my daughter's fall break is. It will be me, her and my son. I have some questions. I have done some reading but still have a few.

First question has to do with the choice of resort. Our trip will be short in comparison to others I have read about on here at just 4 nights (5th day is traveling home). It will be a Wednesday through Saturday with Sunday being the day we come home. Although I am considering extending it by letting her miss school that Tuesday before the break begins. I was thinking of staying at ASM partially because of the cost, but also because of the huge décor. Since we are doing a short trip though I have started to consider a monorail resort might be more efficient time wise. I was also thinking of dealing with the stroller too as I see they don't have to be folded down on the monorail like they do for the bus. I was considering the Contemporary due to the proximity to MK. I also like the size of the rooms there. I guess my question is does this make a big difference? Would it make a big enough difference to spend $1500 more on the trip? Can you really see "Wishes" from the Contemporary?

Next question is I read on here about people "wearing" their babies on the rides. What kinds of carriers are being used? I am considering an Ergo because of how long it can be used, but am not sure how this would work on rides since the baby sits either facing the mom or on the back and not the face out position like in a Bjorn. I considered the Bjorn Active, but know he'll grow out of it quick and it cost more than the Ergo. I know people swear by Moby and such, but I know I won't like a "wrap" type carrier. So I guess I'm really asking how the Ergo works on rides.

Next…eating. I will probably get a DDP. I like having as many things paid for ahead of time as possible. I want to do one character meal a day so there's not this overwhelming pressure to see characters in the parks. Last thing I need is a meltdown over not seeing a certain character. I know some character meals take 2 meal credits so I was think I'd need the Deluxe plan. I want to do CRT and Crystal Palace for sure. Am also considering Chef Mickey's and am open on the 4th. Anybody done 4 character meals during their trip with less than the deluxe plan?

That makes way for my next question. My daughter loves all the princesses, but we absolutely have to see Ariel. I read on here that Ariel's Grotto has closed. Where's the best place to see her? Where and in which park? Does she make an appearance at CRT? At CRT I would imagine it will be human Ariel. Is there a good place to see Mermaid Ariel? Another question…anyone gone recently know if the new Princess (Tiana) is there yet?

Souvenirs? Anyone with a 7-9 year-old princess/fairy fan want to tell me how much they spend on souvenirs? If you have a Disney Store near you or have been on their webpage, how do the gift shops at the parks compare to the Disney Store inventory wise and price wise? Like how often will I look at something and say, "No, I can buy that at home". Dd isn't terribly high on souvenirs, but loves Disney toys. We've been to several different shows (Mickey's Rockin' Road Show, Backyardigans, Sesame Street Live) and the one thing I always tell her when she goes to pick out her one souvenir from the show is "Don't pick something I can buy at Wal-Mart." I'm probably going to get a card from the store and load it up over the next few months.

Carrying stuff…What do people keep their tickets and things in? One of those neckstraps with the ID type pouch?

Gift: I saw on someone's (can't remember who) trip report that they had a gift basket waiting in the hotel room for their daughter with several things in it including the autograph book. I'd like to arrange something like this, especially since I'm planning a surprise trip. Who does one call to get something like this?

Thanks in advance for the responses. Since I’m planning a surprise for a very nosey child, I can't spend as much time as I'd like searching threads.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Okay, I'm brainstorming about a trip for us this fall. It will be in either October or November depending on when my daughter's fall break is. It will be me, her and my son. I have some questions. I have done some reading but still have a few.

First question has to do with the choice of resort. Our trip will be short in comparison to others I have read about on here at just 4 nights (5th day is traveling home). It will be a Wednesday through Saturday with Sunday being the day we come home. Although I am considering extending it by letting her miss school that Tuesday before the break begins. I was thinking of staying at ASM partially because of the cost, but also because of the huge décor. Since we are doing a short trip though I have started to consider a monorail resort might be more efficient time wise. I was also thinking of dealing with the stroller too as I see they don't have to be folded down on the monorail like they do for the bus. I was considering the Contemporary due to the proximity to MK. I also like the size of the rooms there. I guess my question is does this make a big difference? Would it make a big enough difference to spend $1500 more on the trip? Can you really see "Wishes" from the Contemporary?

Next question is I read on here about people "wearing" their babies on the rides. What kinds of carriers are being used? I am considering an Ergo because of how long it can be used, but am not sure how this would work on rides since the baby sits either facing the mom or on the back and not the face out position like in a Bjorn. I considered the Bjorn Active, but know he'll grow out of it quick and it cost more than the Ergo. I know people swear by Moby and such, but I know I won't like a "wrap" type carrier. So I guess I'm really asking how the Ergo works on rides.

Next…eating. I will probably get a DDP. I like having as many things paid for ahead of time as possible. I want to do one character meal a day so there's not this overwhelming pressure to see characters in the parks. Last thing I need is a meltdown over not seeing a certain character. I know some character meals take 2 meal credits so I was think I'd need the Deluxe plan. I want to do CRT and Crystal Palace for sure. Am also considering Chef Mickey's and am open on the 4th. Anybody done 4 character meals during their trip with less than the deluxe plan?

That makes way for my next question. My daughter loves all the princesses, but we absolutely have to see Ariel. I read on here that Ariel's Grotto has closed. Where's the best place to see her? Where and in which park? Does she make an appearance at CRT? At CRT I would imagine it will be human Ariel. Is there a good place to see Mermaid Ariel? Another question…anyone gone recently know if the new Princess (Tiana) is there yet?

Souvenirs? Anyone with a 7-9 year-old princess/fairy fan want to tell me how much they spend on souvenirs? If you have a Disney Store near you or have been on their webpage, how do the gift shops at the parks compare to the Disney Store inventory wise and price wise? Like how often will I look at something and say, "No, I can buy that at home". Dd isn't terribly high on souvenirs, but loves Disney toys. We've been to several different shows (Mickey's Rockin' Road Show, Backyardigans, Sesame Street Live) and the one thing I always tell her when she goes to pick out her one souvenir from the show is "Don't pick something I can buy at Wal-Mart." I'm probably going to get a card from the store and load it up over the next few months.

Carrying stuff…What do people keep their tickets and things in? One of those neckstraps with the ID type pouch?

Gift: I saw on someone's (can't remember who) trip report that they had a gift basket waiting in the hotel room for their daughter with several things in it including the autograph book. I'd like to arrange something like this, especially since I'm planning a surprise trip. Who does one call to get something like this?

Thanks in advance for the responses. Since I’m planning a surprise for a very nosey child, I can't spend as much time as I'd like searching threads.

We have stayed at all levels of Disney resorts. My kids favorite resort is All-Star Movies. Personally, I don't think the Contemporary is worth an extra $1,500.00, but some people will tell you the exact opposite.

No advice on baby carriers.

The only character meal that is 2 credits is CRT. We always do at least 4 character meals on every trip and we always get the Basic DDP (1 TS, 1CS and 1 Snack per day). Unless you are doing many 2 credit restaurants, the Deluxe Dining is a waste of money. Plus if you are doing 2 or more sit-down meals per day, you are spending a tremendous amount of time going to and eating those meals. With only having 4 days in the parks, I wouldn't waste too much time on meals.

As far as I know, since Ariel's Grotto has closed, there will be no where to see mermail Ariel. Princess Ariel, in human form in her ball gown, always greets at Akershus in Norway in Epcot.

Princess Tiana has been at MK for months, ever since the movie opened. But, I believe that is for a limited time. She has been doing meet-n-greets by the Riverboat, but I don't know how long she will be there.

Our kids usually spend between $50.00 and $75.00 while we are at WDW.

We carry a backpack with all of our tickets and "stuff."

No gift basket advice.

 

[squirrel]

I don't know about baby carriers.

I manage fine with my niece when I go so I stay at Pop. You will still need to use a bus if you want to go to AK or DHS. To me the price difference isn't worth it.

Character Meals- 1900 Park Fare (dinner) has Cinderella, Prince Charming, Step-sisters and Step-Mother. Breakfast has Alice, Mad Hatter, Mary Poppins, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.

'Ohana (breakfast) Lilo & Stitch, Mickey & Pluto.

Tusker House (breakfast) Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy and Goofy.

Chef Mickey's has Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto.

Crystal Palace has Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore.

Askershus has Princesses. Belle is the greeter and you get a photo pkg. Other princesses may include: Snow White, Aurora, Ariel, Jasmine, Cinderella.

Garden Grill (dinner) Mickey, Chip and Dale and either Pluto or Goofy.


You can try to book CP or CRT to get into MK before the park opens if you think you can get there before 8 am. Also Tusker House to get into AK before the park opens. You can get some nice photos with few people around.

I carry a back pack and also a fanny pack for park tickets and my KTTW card.

 

[eebadeeba]

First of all, I am sorry about your loss. That is something I cannot imagine going through.

The kids will be great ages for going. You should all have a great time.

Resort - I have stayed at the POP and at the Swan (comparable to a deluxe near Epcot). If money were no object, I would go with a deluxe. But all trips have been great, I would put the extra $1500 towards something else.

I have used an Ergo for years with 3 kids. It is easy enough to take the child out that it only takes maybe 10 seconds or so. So on the rides you can take him out and leave the Ergo around your waist and let me sit on your lap. Or you can leave him in if he is happy that way, he can see by looking at the sides. Some babywearing sites say this is better because then he can choose the amount of stimulation instead of it being forced on him. It is also great for riding while napping. Are you planning on a stroller? Some people may carry all day, but personally I would be exhausted. I am not sure how big your 7 yo is, but I have actually carried by thin 6 yo in the Ergo on my back. Also, the Ergo has a purse that can attach at the waistband. If you wear it all the time, then this is a good option. If you will be taking it off, then the bast thing would be a purse worn around the waist or fanny pack. A backpack or shoulder purse would be in the way of the Ergo. I use a Baggallini small wallet bag, but the large wallet bag option might hold an diaper and few wipes.

As for the dining reservations - just make sure you schedule CRT 180 days out, as I am sure you have read. Even if you don't have the trip reservation yet.

 

[eebadeeba]

One more thing...

If you are comfortable leaving the 9mo with a babysitter, maybe you could hire one for the baby (there are threads about babysitting services) and go on some of the bigger rides with DD. I will be going with a 2yo, 4yo, and 8yo and will be doing this. If not, then DD could ride some of the bigger stuff by herself, if you are comfortable with that. There is also plenty to do with all 3 of you, that she will be fine without them. Just didn't know if you had thought of that.

 

[soonerfan2008]

I'd also suggest an Ergo or a Beco. The Bjorn really isn't great for either you or the baby, and it would kill your back!

When we took our 8 month old to Disneyland, I used a fairly compact umbrella stroller with a shade and slight recline (maybe 45 degrees) and a Beco. It was perfect.

I'd suggest booking Askerhaus if your DD loves the princesses. I think Aerial is almost always there, plus she gets to see the rest of them. On our last trip we did Crystal Palace, Askerhaus, Chef Mickey's and 1900 Park Fare, and I'd say 4 character meals was about the limit. One thing to consider with the baby is how you will get plates at the buffet. If you have a carrier, that would work well.

Souvenirs--I'd prebuy shirts and that type of thing. Has your DD ever done BBB? She is at the perfect age, I think. We also spend $$ on pins.

I carry a Baggalini small backpack thing in the parks. It is not big at all, but perfect to carry on rides and places I must leave the stroller. I can fit cards, diapers, wipes, snacks and camera in it.

Good luck with your planning. We recently lost my father due to a very sudden illness. We actually left Disney World to go to Texas when he got ill. My daughter associates him with the World since he was there for her first trip, and I thought she might be sad to return in March once he was gone. She talked about him non-stop--his favorite rides, shows, etc. Something about the magic of the place was very helpful to her. The one thing I'd skip is the Festival of the Lion King- I cried through most of it because a friend sang "Circle of Life" at my dad's memorial. However, my daughter was thrilled that they performed his song. She absolutely glowed.