5 days on $1300!?! Help me plan! - a July 2011 PTR - updated 8/11 - link to TR!

[ksl5f123]

Hello everyone! This is my 3rd PTR! I am looking forward to getting some help from my great DIS friends. You are all so knowledgable and I am sure will have great ideas about how to stick to our budget. Have I buttered you up enough to keep reading?

First, the rules of this budget:

1) Travel to/from WDW does not count. Why? We are going to Florida to visit my in-laws who live in Vero Beach no matter what. So, there is no additional travel for the Disney part.
2) The clothing I am making for the girls does not count.
3) “Souvenirs” bought in advance (like little stuff for the girls from the Dollar spot at Target) do not count.
4) Everything else counts! Lodging, tickets (no, we do not have APs), dining, souvenirs bought at WDW, everything!
5) All “in park” dining must be able to be paid for with a Disney Visa Rewards Card.
6) Throughout this PTR, I will be writing HELP! These are things that are yet to be decided and I would love to have my fellow DISer's input!

So, with the rules established, here we go!

The who:

Me, I'm Karen

My favorite rides are Kali River Rapids, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, and Soarin'. I avoid anything that moves faster than I can walk. This will be my 13th trip to WDW.

DD7

This will be her 7th trip to WDW. She has unbounded energy. Her favorite rides are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Kali, and Toy Story Midway Mania.

DD5

This will be her 6th trip to WDW. She is the consummate princess. She likes Spaceship Earth and Carousel of Progress (not exactly a thrill rider) and loves meeting characters.

That's it! If you are a reader of my other trip reports you will notice a lot of people missing! We usually have my DH and DS2 and MIL and FIL along (and sometimes the nephews, DH's cousin, cousin's kids, etc.) This time it is just my girls and me! We are excited, but I need everyone's advice. I have lots of concerns about how we will “fit” on the rides. But, I digress. More on that later.

The when:

July 11-15, 2011!!! Only 38 days away!

The where:

We will be staying off-site for the first time since DD7 was a one year old. Since we decided to take this trip back in March (after our Spring Break trip), I have been hoping for any kind of discount. The only one available for our dates is the 30% off of a deluxe. On a $1300 budget? Not going to happen! After a lot of searching, I found a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo at Windsor Hills for $350 which is $208 cheaper than staying in a standard room at Pop Century. Even with paying parking, the condo is still $138 less than Pop. So, Windsor Hills it is! The remaining budget is $950.

The why:

Well, for a couple of reasons. 1) We love WDW! 2) As we were leaving in March, DD5 said, “I am happy when we are at Disneyworld.” 3) As much as I love touring with my entire family and extended family, I really want to see if it is possible to have a great time at WDW on a budget. My girls are flexible and will eat anywhere whereas my MIL must “dine” at least once a day. So, DH agreed (happily) to take DS and go to his folks' condo while the girls stayed with me at WDW. 4) I love the idea of spending some time with my girls and it will only get harder as DS2 gets older and more aware that he is being “left out”.

The tickets:

OK, yes, I know this is not one of the standard questions. But, it is the other important information. We are going to a YES program! I am very excited. We are enrolled in the “How things Move” class on July 11. I was excited to find this program during our dates because it is the only one that allows a 5 year old to attend. By buying our park tickets through this program we were able to get 5 day non-hopper tickets for all 3 of us for $468.73. That is a discount of $239.50 off of the gate price! It leaves us with $481.27 in the budget

One more thing:

Since we need to be at Magic Kingdom at 8:15 AM on July 11 for the YES program, we need to arrive in Orlando on July 10. The condo that we are renting wasn't available that night, so I did a bid on Priceline and received the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress for $77.73 including taxes. Not too bad. I am pretty sure we will also have to pay a “resort fee” of about $23, but I am not going to subtract that from our total quite yet. Taking off the price of the room, our remaining budget is: $403.54. This is where it gets interesting. Can we eat and park and have a great time for $400 for 5 days? Stay tuned to find out!

Up next, the day 1 plan!

 

[ksl5f123]

Chapter list:

Day 1 - Magic Kingdom

Day 2 - DHS or AK?

Day 3 - back to Magic Kingdom!

Day 4 - Epcot

Day 5 - Animal Kingdom

New Disney outfits!

Forgot the dress?!?

We're home!

 

[ksl5f123]

I have seen a couple of great PTRs that separated their Disney planning posts from their general life stuff with different colors. I think I am going to borrow that idea (really, you can have it back when I am done. )

Today was our first day of summer. I mean that in two ways. First, DH turned in his grades this morning. He is a college professor and now done until the fall. Since DD7 finished 2nd grade on Tuesday, that means that we are all officially on summer vacation!

The second way that summer began today was that it was our first day over 100 degrees. I guess we could call it part of our training for Disney in July. We had been having such a cool spring that the adjustment to summer weather has been tough. The kids spent most of the afternoon playing on the slip and slide in the backyard - with a break for ice cream sandwiches, of course.

Tomorrow is a very busy day. DD7 is playing in a chess championship, DD5 has a dance recital, DH and I have been invited to a wedding, and DS2 will run around and act like a two year old while we try to keep him quiet during all of these events.

 

[pinkxray]

How awesome! Here I thought it was going to be a funny video or something.

I am very jealous, but still joining in. I keep thinking if I could do a cheap trip we could go back sooner but DH has turned into a deluxe snob and it won't work.

I am just so excited for you

 

[Tigger1]

Is $403 enough for 5 days?

1. How much do you usually spend on souveniors in the parks? I would expect to spend the usual amount for the girls. Also, buy souvenoirs on last day.
2. Will you do all counter service. Just order what will be eaten, in other words have the girls share. I shared with my daughters that were in their teens, we were still overly full.
3. How about breakfast in the hotel. Would bringing snacks and cereals from home even count against the budget?
4. When is your next trip. If you plan on going in the next year, an annual pass for yourself would provide free parking and give you admission for a year.
5. Enjoy free coke at Epcot. Bring water bottles daily or ask for a cup of ice water at counter service, in the past it was always free.

 

[ksl5f123]

How awesome! Here I thought it was going to be a funny video or something.

I was trying to be mysterious.

I am very jealous, but still joining in. I keep thinking if I could do a cheap trip we could go back sooner but DH has turned into a deluxe snob and it won't work.

My DH would be open to staying somewhere else - as long as it never involves a Disney bus.

I am just so excited for you

Thanks! I am really excited to have this special time with my girls.

Oh, and you get the flowers for being the first reader!

 

[ksl5f123]

Tigger1. Thanks for reading!

1. How much do you usually spend on souveniors in the parks? I would expect to spend the usual amount for the girls. Also, buy souvenoirs on last day.

Well, *I* don't usually spend anything on them. I have let the girls bring $35 of their own money in the past. However, the girls have never been to Disney without my MIL and FIL and they usually spend $100-$200 per girl.

2. Will you do all counter service. Just order what will be eaten, in other words have the girls share. I shared with my daughters that were in their teens, we were still overly full.

I think there are several CS meals we will be able to share, although in general, my DD7 outeats me.

3. How about breakfast in the hotel. Would bringing snacks and cereals from home even count against the budget?

I will definately be bringing our breakfasts and no, I won't count that since it will come out of our standard grocery budget rather than the travel budget. Good question!

4. When is your next trip. If you plan on going in the next year, an annual pass for yourself would provide free parking and give you admission for a year.

Probably not until 2013. Since the YES tickets are only good for this trip, an AP doesn't make sense. Maybe someday...

5. Enjoy free coke at Epcot. Bring water bottles daily or ask for a cup of ice water at counter service, in the past it was always free.

Is there really free Coke at Epcot? I know about Club Cool which has all of the foreign flavors, but do they have regular Coke too?

 

[ksl5f123]

Our first day will be spent at the Magic Kingdom.

We will arrive there by about 8 AM to be ready for our 8:15 AM class. I always bring homemade muffins to eat for breakfast, so we will have those before we head to the park. The class lasts until 10:45 AM. I don't know much about it. I know that the kids are taught about all of the different types of motion used in the parks like tracks and floating boats and whatever else. My understanding is that as they talk about these different types of motion we get to ride an attraction that exemplifies that motion. I think the girls will like that. DD7 is already following in her mom and dad's footsteps and really enjoying science so I know she will have a good time. I just hope I can keep DD5 cool enough that she won't throw a fit.

What we do right after the class will depend on where it ends. If we happen to be near the front of the park, we will grab fastpasses for the princess meet & greet. If we are back in Fantasyland, we will probably grab a set for Peter Pan or Winnie the Pooh. Hopefully we will also have time for an ice cream (to share). HELP! Where would you go to get an ice cream with the Visa Rewards Card? I doubt that most of the carts would take it. How about Mrs. Potts (oops, it is called Storybook Treats now)? This would cost us about $4.25.

Then we will hurry over to the castle because DD5 has an appointment at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. I know, I know. This seems ridiculous for a budget trip. But, “princess hair” was the highlight of our June 2010 trip for her, I didn't let her do it in March, and we (probably) won't be back until 2013. Will she still be interested when she is 7? I don't know. Her sister is NOT! This may be “the last time.” She will get the most basic package so it should be about $54 including tax. Here is my favorite picture of here from 2010:

Now, at this point, I would ideally like to leave. It will be about noon . . . and July. But, check in time at Windsor Hills isn't until 4 PM and we would have nowhere to go. So, we will stay.

HELP! Here are the lunch options: 1) Pack a lunch which would be left in our cooler out in the minivan. Since we are arriving early, we should be able to park pretty close and a ride on the monorail out to the TTC might cool us off a little. 2) Cosmic Rays – If I split the ½ chicken meal with one of the girls and we only order one kids meal, I think it will cost about $16.

Our other goals for the day will be:
- meeting Princesses while DD5 is made up
- riding the Carousel (because I love princess pictures on there - like these:

- seeing Philharmagic (because we haven't done it since the girls were 2 years old and 6 months old – and it is air conditioned)
- seeing the afternoon parade (because the girls have never done it)
- doing the Carousel of Progress (because it is air conditioned and DD5's new favorite attraction)
- riding Buzz Lightyear (because it is a family favorite)


HELP! The girls really want to do Tom Sawyer Island. None of us have ever been there. Will it be as blazingly hot as I fear? We would probably head there right after the parade. Would this be a bad time?

If time allows (or we got a fastpass in the morning), the girls would also like to do Peter Pan, Winnie the Pooh, and Monsters, Inc. The three of us rode together in a honey pot on our last trip so I know that won't be a problem. HELP! Do you think we will fit in one ship at Peter Pan?

At about 4:30, we will start making our way out of the park because we have an ADR for Chef Mickey's at 5:20. I know. You are all starting to wonder if I understand the word “budget”. I promise that I do. Since I am treating DD5 to BBB, it was necessary that DD7 also get to pick something “special”. Her favorite food in all of WDW is Mickey ravioli. You might think those would be easy to find – they are not! The only places I know you can find them are Chef Mickey's, Akershus, and Kona Cafe. DD7 chose Chef Mickey's because they are unlimited there. DD7 is a BIG eater – her constant motion and unlimited energy demand it. So, this was a perfect fit. With tax and tip, I think it will cost us about $78.

HELP! Although now as I write this, I wonder if I ought to cancel Chef Mickey's and get her the Mickey Ravioli at Kona Cafe for lunch instead. This would only cost $42 for the 3 of us, but the ravioli wouldn't be unlimited – and, of course, there are no characters.

After supper, we will head to our condo and get settled in. After paying parking, we will have $253 remaining in our budget if we pack our lunch or $237 if we eat at Cosmic Rays. HELP! Can I pay for parking with the Visa Rewards Card?

Up next, Day 2!

 

[pinkxray]

I think it is great that you are letting DD5 do BBB. She seems to be very in to it and she it will most likely be the last time she'll want to do it.

Tough call between Kona and Chef Mickey. Kona is cheaper and has some good options, but if DD7 really wanted CM I would pick that to be fair. If DD5 has BBB, DD7 should get to pick something too. Does she really care about CM or will she be happy with Kona? If it was me I would talk up Kona for awhile and then ask her to pick. I can't believe she likes CM's ravioli. I thought it was kind of gross, but it was cold when I had it.Maybe it is better warm.

I have no idea about using Visa rewards for parking or ice cream. I do know that you can get a disney gift card with visa reward points and you can usually use gift cards at most of the stands. Maybe buy a small gift card for things like that with the visa rewards?

Yes, you will fit on Peter Pan. DH, Caitlin and I all fit on it together.

I haven't been to Tom Sawyer's island in years, but always remember that once I go there I wondered why I had wasted my time. I always wonder if I have missed something there. Make sure you take tons of pictures b/c I need to know what I am missing.

 

[ksl5f123]

I think it is great that you are letting DD5 do BBB. She seems to be very in to it and she it will most likely be the last time she'll want to do it.I think it is great that you are letting DD5 do BBB. She seems to be very in to it and she it will most likely be the last time she'll want to do it.

We could arrive at WDW, go to BBB, and leave and she would say it was the best day ever. I am really not looking forward to when she is done with it. It is just so magical.

Tough call between Kona and Chef Mickey. Kona is cheaper and has some good options, but if DD7 really wanted CM I would pick that to be fair. If DD5 has BBB, DD7 should get to pick something too. Does she really care about CM or will she be happy with Kona? If it was me I would talk up Kona for awhile and then ask her to pick. I can't believe she likes CM's ravioli. I thought it was kind of gross, but it was cold when I had it.Maybe it is better warm.

She hasn't had the ravioli at CM's before. She has had it at Akershus and Kona and loved it both places. I just assumed it would be the same. At most restaraunts, she either eats adult meals or 2 kids meals (I know, crazy!) so I liked the idea of unlimited ravioli. I have to keep thinking on this one!

I have no idea about using Visa rewards for parking or ice cream. I do know that you can get a disney gift card with visa reward points and you can usually use gift cards at most of the stands. Maybe buy a small gift card for things like that with the visa rewards?

Great idea! Can I buy a gift card in just any of the shops?

Yes, you will fit on Peter Pan. DH, Caitlin and I all fit on it together.

Excellent! I know that as a 7 year old, DD7 *can* ride alone, but I also know she won't want to.

I haven't been to Tom Sawyer's island in years, but always remember that once I go there I wondered why I had wasted my time. I always wonder if I have missed something there. Make sure you take tons of pictures b/c I need to know what I am missing.

That has pretty much always been my impression which is why we have always skipped it. It seems like such a time sink.

 

[ksl5f123]

Our busy Saturday went really well. DD7 didn't place in the chess tournament , but her team took 1st place. Since she was actually the only one on the team that didn't get an individual award, the team decided that she would get to bring home the team trophy for the summer. So, now I have about a 3 foot tall chess trophy in my living room.

DD5 did great at her dance recital. She looked really cute.
Here she is before the show:

and a couple up on stage doing ballet:

and one doing tap:

To make this DIS related, I will tell you that they did their ballet dance to "A Happy Working Song" from Enchanted.

Today, DD7 got a spring installed on her top teeth by the orthodontist. Basically, her jaw is too small and they are trying to widen it so her teeth will fit and we will have less time in braces later. She has had the bottom one since January and has done really well with it. She is pretty sore today with the top one. We had really soft food for supper.

 

[TinksThree]

You have GOT to be kidding me!!!!!!!!!!! I am so super jealous!!!!!!

 

[cadek]

Joining in! Followed you from my PTR, for the same dates! Sorry I won't be much help with a budget at Disney.

It's great that you are letting your DD do BBB again. I agree, they are only young once, always changing, and grow up so fast! Do it while you still can. See, this is why I'm no help with budgeting.

Now I have to go read your other trip reports.

 

[ksl5f123]

You have GOT to be kidding me!!!!!!!!!!! I am so super jealous!!!!!!

Welcome! I knew you would be surprised when you got home.

 

[ksl5f123]

cadek!

Joining in! Followed you from my PTR, for the same dates! Sorry I won't be much help with a budget at Disney.

I know! It is so hard to keep to a budget at Disney. I always want to try to do everything and eat everywhere.

It's great that you are letting your DD do BBB again. I agree, they are only young once, always changing, and grow up so fast! Do it while you still can. See, this is why I'm no help with budgeting.

Thank you! I like confirmation that it is OK to splurge too.

 

[ksl5f123]

We will start our day off with some oatmeal and fruit in the condo.

There are currently 2 options for our 2nd day. HELP! Option 1) DHS with the Fantasmic! Dining Package at Mama Melrose. Option 2) Animal Kingdom with no ADRs.

The argument for option 1 – none of us have ever seen Fantasmic! In the past, I was worried about the late night for the kids. Since the girls are older now and DS2 isn't with us, I think that they can handle it. I don't think they could handle staying for a 2nd showing because we do want to make rope drop at the Magic Kingdom the next day. I couldn't handle standing in the heat for over an hour in the regular line. So, if we are going to see Fantasmic!, the dining package is the only way. The argument for option 2 – it saves us $64 which is a lot of money to spend to see one show.

For the moment, let's assume we choose option 1. If we do, then our plan will be:
- arrive for rope drop
- try to stay toward the front of the pack to get fastpasses and ride Toy Story Mania
- if we fall behind the pack, we will ride first and think about fastpasses later.
- See the Disney Junior show
- Play on the Honey, I shrunk the kids playground (before it gets crazy hot! - We have never done this before and I think the girls would love it.)
- leave for a break at about 11 AM
- small lunch in the condo
- return at 3 PM for our 3:20 ADR at Mama Melrose
- then in no particular order we will see the Beauty and the Beast show (never seen it), meet characters, draw in the Animation Academy, use a Toy Story fastpass if we have one, and generally wander around
- see Fantasmic!

HELP! There is no way that DD7 will make it from our 3:20 meal until we get back to the condo at 10 PM or so without eating again. I am thinking about having some PB&J's along. What else would you bring? Would you get a locker or carry it?

HELP! That reminds me of my other concern – the great debate – stroller or no stroller (ducking for cover). DD7 obviously does not need a stroller. She has actually never used one at WDW, even as a toddler. I told you she has unlimited energy. DD5 probably doesn't need one. She walked all of our March trip except for one night when she fell asleep on the way out. Now, March isn't as hot and tiring as July, but she could probably do it. I, on the other hand, feel like I need one! I am very concerned about carrying enough water around with us. Water gets heavy. I know we can stop in a counter service place and get more, but I don't like the idea of having to stand in a line just to get a cup of water. I would prefer to just have it with me. My other concern is that I had vertigo back in 2007. Once you have had vertigo, you will experience it again and again – often at the most inopportune times. I like the comfort of having something to hold onto in case I get dizzy especially since there won't be another adult with us to help me out. So, what would you do? Stroller or no stroller?

If we decide to do AK on this day, then we will move our DHS day to Friday. If we go to DHS on Friday, we would still do the same attractions (minus the ADR and Fantasmic!) but we would not take a break. We would go until we were done (probably about 2 PM) and then drive to MIL and FIL's condo in Vero Beach.

Up next, Day 3!

 

[cadek]

Personally, we avoid DHS on Fantasmic days because it just seems to be more crowded. It's July, which I understand to be Brazilian tour group time, which we also have when we go in January. They seem to like the shows, so this will most likely be the day they hit DHS, on a Fantasmic day. However I don't think they were usually at the parks early. I forget, will you have park hoppers? If so, then I think I'd go there for Fantasmic, and do the dinner package if you want, but go to a different park in the morning. If you don't mind crowds, or don't have hoppers, then stick with your plan.

We did Fantasmic in 2008 and haven't done it since. I'd like to, but just don't feel like dealing with the madness.

Definately go right to TSM and either ride or get fast passes. We have always gotten fast passes right away, but might try riding it first, and then get them if they are still available when we get off the ride. I figure the line should move fast because at that time you won't have the stand by line being help up for fast passes yet.

Stroller: do you have one you would take or would you rent one? If it makes you feel more comfortable, then take a stroller. Even if the girls don't need it, it will save your back, which is important, and you can carry food and drinks, saving yourself money by not having to buy them in the park. If you would have to rent one, then what is cheaper, just buying the snacks and drinks in the park, or the stroller rental? I'm jealous that the girls can handle the park without one! We never tried it without one, but I'm sure I'd hear lots of whining from my 4 year old.

The more I try to explain the more I confuse even myself? How about you?

 

[TinksThree]

Okay, I am slowly catching up on everything! I am behind but I am going to give my 2 cents worth!

DAY 1

I think it is so cool you are treating DD5 to BBB again! Considering that, I would go with Chef Mickey's for older DD! I had the Mickey ravioli there (not at the other places so I cannot compare) but it is good and as you mentioned...unlimited! Plus I love being able to see the characters and eat thus killing two birds with one stone! I hate waiting in lines to see any characters!

I do not have a Visa Rewards Card so I cannot give an opinion on that buit what a cool idea the PP had about the Disney Gift Cards. You can buy those at home even. I wonder if you can apply the rewards card at local laces when purchasing the gift cards (like at a Walgreens)?

Lunch: I personally would stay in the park and go to Cosmic Rays. I have discovered it is annoying trying to get out of the park for a short period of time. To me it is less stressful to just locate a cool place to sit and rest. Plus Cosmic Rays is close to Monster's Inc Laugh Floor, TTA and Carousel of Progress--great places to catch your breath and cool off some.

We have not been to Tom Sawyer Island although I always plan it we never make it over. I have seen soem extensive pictures on another TR and with the trees for shade, it could be a fun "get away" plus you are only obligated for the time you want to spend!

Oh, and the program that morning sounds super fun!!

Day 2

I have not done Fantasmic for one reason: those wait lines are INSANE!! I also avoid the park on Fantasmic days because the crowds seem to be INSANE. But saying that, I want to see Fantasmic and I would definitely go with the Mama Melrose package to accomplish it--even without Park Hoppers! So if you want to give it a try, I say go with DHS. It simply cannot be as bad as it was on Memorial Day!!

We carry Goldfish, Trailmix and peanut butter crackers with us and it seems to work well. Hint: we have hit Starring Rolls with minimum lines for cups of water. I don't know what July would be like though in terms of their business!

And lastly, I never have to use a stroller but if I were taking my own, I would keep it in the car and return if I saw I needed it. Or else rent only if necessary. I don't think I would start out with a stroller until I knew it was needed though!

Can't wait for more!!

 

[ksl5f123]

Personally, we avoid DHS on Fantasmic days because it just seems to be more crowded. It's July, which I understand to be Brazilian tour group time, which we also have when we go in January. They seem to like the shows, so this will most likely be the day they hit DHS, on a Fantasmic day. However I don't think they were usually at the parks early. I forget, will you have park hoppers? If so, then I think I'd go there for Fantasmic, and do the dinner package if you want, but go to a different park in the morning. If you don't mind crowds, or don't have hoppers, then stick with your plan.

We will not have hoppers, so we have to stay in whatever park we choose. I have never been there with the Brazilian tour groups before - or if I was I never saw them. I will admit that I am pretty nervous about those big groups. Since our afternoon plans are just BatB and the Animation Academy, do you think it would be much of an issue?

We did Fantasmic in 2008 and haven't done it since. I'd like to, but just don't feel like dealing with the madness.

I can understand that. We have never done it and I don't think I could tolerate the regular line. I am hoping the dining package means less craziness.

Definately go right to TSM and either ride or get fast passes. We have always gotten fast passes right away, but might try riding it first, and then get them if they are still available when we get off the ride. I figure the line should move fast because at that time you won't have the stand by line being help up for fast passes yet.

I know the line at the fp machines gets really long in the morning. So, if we stay to the front of the pack and can grab one, we will. If not, we are going straight for standby rather than spending 20 minutes in the fp line.

Stroller: do you have one you would take or would you rent one? If it makes you feel more comfortable, then take a stroller. Even if the girls don't need it, it will save your back, which is important, and you can carry food and drinks, saving yourself money by not having to buy them in the park. If you would have to rent one, then what is cheaper, just buying the snacks and drinks in the park, or the stroller rental? I'm jealous that the girls can handle the park without one! We never tried it without one, but I'm sure I'd hear lots of whining from my 4 year old.

We still own several strollers because of my DS2. I am leaning toward it for carrying the water, but still undecided.

The more I try to explain the more I confuse even myself? How about you?

You were clear to me!

 

[cadek]

I can't say that I've really had a bad experience with the Brazilian tour groups. They just stand out more as they travel in groups, usually dressed alike. There are rude and inconsiderate people all around, so I guess it's not fair to pick on them. Can't say I'm a fan of them though. I try not to let anything bother me in Disney!

It does amaze me, some of the things I see people try to do, and then act like they don't understand. Really?

You're right, if your afternoon plans are BatB and Animation Studio, it should be fine. I've never done BatB, so I'm not sure how early you would have to get there.

As for the stroller, maybe you'd be better off without it! Fantasmic day means more crowded, more people to push it around. I try to be very considerate when pushing around a stroller, so that I don't run into other people, but I can't say the same for the people walking around. Ah, the great stroller debate!