7 days and counting - few questions

[ukhannah]

Hi everyone - we are off to WDW Florida on New Years Eve for 8 days (staying in All star movies) and i have a few questions that i need help with.

This will be our second time with the kids (5 and 2) to WDW so have a rough idea what to expect but wanted to check a few things with you all.

Q - When you hire the large double buggies (strollers) is there some way to get a weekly pass for them or do you have to pay the daily rate each time you hire one? And what to do when you swap parks during the day? We took our own last time as the kids were 2 years and 9 months then so have no idea about them.

Q - Places to eat during the Epcot fireworks - we sat in Japan last time munching on sushi (very yummy) and it was great as we had a lovely view without the scarey noises! Just wanted to know if there were any other places which maybe the kids would eat at too lol (they are not big sushi fans!)

Q - Character dinning - what's your favourite? We have been to Grand Floridan for a late breakfast and loved it as the kids were little and it wasn't too much for them but as they are a bit older now just wanted to know of any others that would be more suitable for them and can you still book them from the UK?

Q - Pre checking in at Gatwick - has anyone done this? We only live an hour or so away from Gatwick and are planning to do the twilight check in the day before to make sure we have 4 seats together and so that we can cut down on the waiting time on the day - don't think the kids (or our sanity) will cope with 3 hour wait at Gatwick and then the 8ish hour flight to Orlando!

Last Q (honest) - when to tell the kids? We have been super super good and not said a word to them and they have no idea that we are going on holiday or to Disney. They have been so excited with birthdays, 19th and 22nd December and then with Christmas itself that we thought that we'd wait until 27th and tell them but i'm begining to think some calm quiet time to chill for a few days would be lovely (they both wake at 6.30ish asking if its christmas!) Are we be naughty parents not letting them count down or will telling them the day before when we go to do the twilight check be such a surprise that we should keep quiet until then!


Sorry for such the long long list of questions - haven't had the time to plan for it yet so having a small panic moment now!

Happy Holidays from - Hannah, Cliff, Miles and Abby.

 

[fizz13]

Hi there! We fly out New Years Day, so its getting really exciting now. Ok, I will do my best to help with some of this:

A) You can get a multiple day pass for strollers. Just ask on the first day, tell them how many days you want and they will issue you with a reciept that you show each morning. You also skip the line because you're not going to pay again. As far as park hopping, I would ask when you return the first stroller. At a guess, the second park would check for a handstamp and reissue a stroller based on this and your stroller reciept.

A)I assume you want counter-service so you can see the fireworks outside. How about cakes/pastries from the bakery in France or fish and chips from the Rose and Crown?

A) You can book all meals from the uk. Please call 00-1-407-939-3463 to make any arrangements you need. With the kids being 5 and 2, I would go for Crystal Palace in the MK with Winnie the Pooh and Friends. Lovely food, lovely setting, and if you went for early breakfast, you could get in the park before anybody else. This is what we are doing on 11th jan. Maybe we'll see you there.
Otherwise Chef Mickeys is popular in the Contempary. I haven't been but it has the main onesw you would want to see: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald etc.

A) Haven't done twilight check-in before but it sounds like a good plan from other reports. the only problem people seem to have is with pre-booked seating. I will be doing online check-in the day before and hopefully this will help us.

A) How did you get through till now without letting it slip? I think I would give it to them as a present on Xmas day. I don't know if you have any guide books or maps from last time but I would use these to say you want them to help you with planning your next holiday. When they ask when, you can say on Friday!
If you want to wait longer, then don't tell them at all until you go to the airport. This would be a lot of fun to make them guess where they are going. Set up clues for your 5 year old maybe.

Hope this helps a little and I'm sure that a better informed DISer will fill in the gaps I've missed. Maybe we'll see you there. I'm always up for a DIS meet, especially in the magic.
Much love and pixie dust,
Claire

 

[KayleeUK]

Q1 - Clare has it covered

Q2 - How about Mexico or the UK??

Q3 - Clare has it covered But some of my favourites are Chef Mickeys B & D, Crystal Palace and Cape May Cafe.

Q4 - We love Twilight Checkin - getting rid of those bags early, when we get there about 5pm - there is no line.

Q5 - How about telling them on Boxing Day as we all feel a little deflated after Christmas Day and that will give them a few days to get excited and help with the planning

 

[thumbellina1]

The Canadian restraunt Le Cellier has a great view and the food is great!

 

[natalielongstaff]

i agree with boxing day to tell them, maybe you could make up a pressie for them to open ?

 

[Aceman88888]

i agree with boxing day to tell them, maybe you could make up a pressie for them to open ?

Unless I am reading this wrong...... think you will find they have already gone......8 months ago !!!

 

[Bellis Belle]

Mostly covered.
Q1 ????
Q2 I agree with the Rose and Crown. If you want to sit down for the fireworks then try and get a table outside to see them you can get a PS but does not guarentee an outside seat. Or San Angel outside Mexico offers a good view but gets very busy. Would need to get there early.

Q3 Again agree with CP. We also love Chef Mickey for breakfast. And the garden Grill in Epcot. A slow revolving restaurant with Micky/Pluto/Chip&Dale/Goofy. Lovely food.

Q4 Not done this but may try it this Oct.

Q5 Wow. I am rubbish at keeping secrets. I am thinking either boxing day or just drive to the airport and drop it on them then. What wonderful parents they have.

Hope you have a fab time.

 

[wilma-bride]

Unless I am reading this wrong...... think you will find they have already gone......8 months ago !!!

This was happening all over the boards yesterday. Somebody is pulling up loads of really old threads and adding to them, then other people are adding more before realising this person has well and truly had their trip already.

 

[Bellis Belle]

DOH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rosiejo]

I was a bit confused too - going in 7 days - but not telling them until Boxing Day?? I was thinking blimey you can't keep it a secret while you're actually there!!!