7 Days To Go and 10 Random Questions (Pt. One) ...

[ScarletIndigo]

Eeep! Vacation time is getting close, and I just realized that I have about 1.7 billion questions to ask before we leave! Here are a few of them -- anyone who can help will get truckloads of mental pixie dust sent your way!

1. Will we be able to purchase laundry soap and dryer sheets in the laundry rooms at the resorts, or should we plan to bring our own?

2. I am a self-professed "scaredy-cat" when it comes to spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawly things in general. Will ITTBAG bother me?

3. Where can I buy rain ponchos, mister fans, and stay-cool water bottles outside of WDW? Does Wal-Mart carry these things?

4. Can the phone jacks at All-Stars resorts (specifically ASMu) be used to dial-up to the internet (given that we have a laptop with a dial-up modem)?

5. Where would be the best place to look for a UPS center? Is there one on the WDW property?

6. What's the best kind of bug spray to use at WDW? Should I put it on before or after the sunscreen?

7. ONE MORE WEEK! I'm so excited! (Oops, that's not a question. Sorry! )

8. To EE or not to EE? Please let me know here.

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here!

10. I'm not a big fan of waterslides or wave pools (near drowning experience in a wave pool when I was 11 -- bad vibes about them ever since!) Will there be much for me to do at Typhoon Lagoon besides sunburn?

11. With 7 days to go, do I have ANY chance of getting good PS reservations this late? ("Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a PROCRASTINATOR!")

Your insights are most welcome, DIS folks! Remember, you'll be showered in pixie dust for your efforts!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
Eeep! Vacation time is getting close, and I just realized that I have about 1.7 billion questions to ask before we leave! Here are a few of them -- anyone who can help will get truckloads of mental pixie dust sent your way!

1. Will we be able to purchase laundry soap and dryer sheets in the laundry rooms at the resorts, or should we plan to bring our own?

Yes, but more expensively

2. I am a self-professed "scaredy-cat" when it comes to spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawly things in general. Will ITTBAG bother me?

Probably not, but let us know when you return

3. Where can I buy rain ponchos, mister fans, and stay-cool water bottles outside of WDW? Does Wal-Mart carry these things?

Yes, WalMart is good choice, and a LOT less expensive. Get several of the single use 99 cent ponchos.

4. Can the phone jacks at All-Stars resorts (specifically ASMu) be used to dial-up to the internet (given that we have a laptop with a dial-up modem)?

Yes, just a regular outgoing call. You will be charged.

5. Where would be the best place to look for a UPS center? Is there one on the WDW property?

I think all the deluxes have them. I know the Swan/Dolphin do. Probably Coroando Springs also. Not positive.

6. What's the best kind of bug spray to use at WDW? Should I put it on before or after the sunscreen?

I have never been bothered by bugs there, and ALWAYS am here in Chicago. I never have used any there, but would imagine Off or similar is fine. I would spray it on after sunscreen.

7. ONE MORE WEEK! I'm so excited! (Oops, that's not a question. Sorry! )

8. To EE or not to EE? Please let me know here.

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here!

Not commando here, but I do think it is seat of the pants when there, go with the flow.

10. I'm not a big fan of waterslides or wave pools (near drowning experience in a wave pool when I was 11 -- bad vibes about them ever since!) Will there be much for me to do at Typhoon Lagoon besides sunburn?

Have never done water parks there.

11. With 7 days to go, do I have ANY chance of getting good PS reservations this late? ("Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a PROCRASTINATOR!")

Absolutely, get on the phone and check!!!

Your insights are most welcome, DIS folks! Remember, you'll be showered in pixie dust for your efforts!

Thanks for the pixie dust, Jess. Enjoy!!!!

Dan

 

[mep319]

I can answer some but not all....

1. Yes you can purchase it the laundry room

2. Just remember it is pretend!

3. Walmart does carry these items but I would buy before leaving if you don't want to purchase at the park..I'm sure they run out quick. You could just take the chance.

4. Don't know about the All-star specifically but we have had no problems using our lap tap at other resorts. You can use the jacks.

5. IDK! There is postal service though!

6. In all my times there I have never had to use bug repellant. Having lived in FL once I can trully say disney does a FANTASTIC job of keeping creepy crawlings to a minimum (wish mom would have done as well! lol). I wouldn't worry about it.


7. 5 weeks for me, I'm excited for you!

8. Again depends on crowds while you are there and such...we usually don't b/c we go in the off season, like you are so it usually isn't necessary...one word of advice is if you don't plan on doing EE stay away from that park that day...it tends to be busier.

9. Have both...haven't used either one...I think you'll be surprise that it may not be necessary b/c of when you are traveling. We use to always go the last week in Sept for DD bday and crowds are light..may be heavier due to FTP but from what I've read they haven't been too bad.

10. Lots to do...wave pool and such. Check out WDWIG.com for info.

11. I've always heard the rumor that many of the "good" PS are released 48 hrs prior...so my advice is that...call 2 days before you want a PS...I'd call now to see what you can get...believe it or not I'm sure many are available.....and do the 48 hrs for those you haven't gotten!

HAVE FUN!

 

[ASFCurly]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
Eeep! Vacation time is getting close, and I just realized that I have about 1.7 billion questions to ask before we leave! Here are a few of them -- anyone who can help will get truckloads of mental pixie dust sent your way!

1. Will we be able to purchase laundry soap and dryer sheets in the laundry rooms at the resorts, or should we plan to bring our own? I would plan on bringing your own, I have never done laundry, but I have heard that the laundry soap is rather expensive

2. I am a self-professed "scaredy-cat" when it comes to spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawly things in general. Will ITTBAG bother me? About this I don't know, I mean it is all about bugs, and there are effects other than just the 3-D, if you can remember that they are not real bugs you might be ok, but I don't know

3. Where can I buy rain ponchos, mister fans, and stay-cool water bottles outside of WDW? Does Wal-Mart carry these things? Wal-Mart should have all of those things if you just look around


11. With 7 days to go, do I have ANY chance of getting good PS reservations this late? ("Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a PROCRASTINATOR!") There should be some places that you can get into, just call now, and keep calling until right before you want the ps

Your insights are most welcome, DIS folks! Remember, you'll be showered in pixie dust for your efforts!

I answered what I could, hope you have a great trip

 

[jiminy579]

Typhoon Lagoon is a MUST see! Just the grounds alone are worth checking out. Very beautiful, and LOTS to do!

 

[Tinkrbell]

10. I'm not a big fan of waterslides or wave pools (near drowning experience in a wave pool when I was 11 -- bad vibes about them ever since!) Will there be much for me to do at Typhoon Lagoon besides sunburn?


I too had a near death experience in a wave pool and have since banned them from my life. Except this one is different if you stay close to the entry. Its very fun, but stay alert, don't wear glasses or contacts. I'm very cautious of these.

Even if you don't go in the wave pool there is alot of other things to do. Its a great time and the kids love it. How old are your kids? Have you already been to BB? I'd say TL is better for little kids(preschool & ee) and BB is better for older kids.

 

[michygoomy]

Oooo, random questions, how fun! Here's my attempt--I didn't even read all the other responses, so if you see something contridictory, go with the other! I'll try to skip the ones I can't answer.

2. I am a self-professed "scaredy-cat" when it comes to spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawly things in general. Will ITTBAG bother me?

My goodness, I would think so. The SCREAMING in that show is incredible from all the scardy-cats. Maybe don't put it at the TOP of the list, but do it if you're feeling impulsively brave.

3. Where can I buy rain ponchos, mister fans, and stay-cool water bottles outside of WDW? Does Wal-Mart carry these things?

I bought blue ponchos at Dollar General and they held up very well, and were comfy. We bought two cooler bottles at K-Mart, also worked very well (with straps, don't forget!). We bought fans at Dollar General and they were useless--threw them away. Ended up buying the Disney Misty Fans in the park for $16 a piece--but whenever they broke, we could just trade them in for a new one. We went through at least 5 of these, and traded them in at four different parks. You can do that with one brought from Wal-Mart!

4. Can the phone jacks at All-Stars resorts (specifically ASMu) be used to dial-up to the internet (given that we have a laptop with a dial-up modem)?

Yes, we did this at All-Star Sports. It took a couple of calls to tech support at our ISP, though. I'm not sure if it was worth the effort--we have broadband at home, so I found using dial-up to be like sending a message through morse code rather than using the telephone.

6. What's the best kind of bug spray to use at WDW? Should I put it on before or after the sunscreen?

I brought Avon lotion with bug repellant and didn't use it once. I don't think they let any bugs on Disney property. Like the other poster, I have a worse time at home.

7. ONE MORE WEEK! I'm so excited! (Oops, that's not a question. Sorry! )

I'm excited for you! Or I'm jealous and hate you. I can't decide.

8. To EE or not to EE? Please let me know here.

Still worth it to get the headliners in before 10am. If you're not interested in them, not so much worth it because they stagger opening of the other attractions so much. Maybe worth going for an hour or two then hopping to another park.

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here!

I like the UOG, but only followed it loosely. And we defintely went commando. I had better luck with the touring plans on a previous trip--the staggard attraction openings really messed with our touring plans.

. I'm not a big fan of waterslides or wave pools (near drowning experience in a wave pool when I was 11 -- bad vibes about them ever since!) Will there be much for me to do at Typhoon Lagoon besides sunburn?

Well, there is the lazy river! If you want a tamer wave pool, go to Blizzard Beach instead. They also have a family raft ride that kicks butt--scardy-cat DS and I (momma scardy-cat) went on it twice and loved it.

11. With 7 days to go, do I have ANY chance of getting good PS reservations this late? ("Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a PROCRASTINATOR!")

Hah, got you beat on the procrastination department! Had only one PS before we left. We were able to walk-in to a couple of places without, though, no problem. And we could have even done others if we were willing to wait 20-30 minutes.

Have a great trip.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Typhoon Lagoon is great - my favorite water park. I love floating around the lazy creek, very relaxing. And if you are early, you might be the only one which is really neat. The wave pool is great, just don't go out too far if you are afraid of the waves. I go out about to my knees. If you can swim/float, head over to the Shark reef, where you snorkle along without kicking (just floating in the salt water) wearing fins and mask. There is no chance of getting hurt here and there are several life guards in the area who will help if you need it.

We love to do EMH at the MK so we can do our favorites without spending so much time waiting in line. If your lines are short during the day, you don't need the extra hour. But if you have to wait more than 30 minutes for a ride, hit EMH.

When you log onto the net from your hotel room, make sure the dialup number you are using is not long distance. Check with the front desk first so you don't get surprised by your phone bill.

ITTBAB has toy spiders/bugs/etc. If toys scare you, they stay away. They don't look real.

You can buy ponchos, etc at the resort stores as well. When it starts looking like rain, the ponchos appear on counters, tables, etc everywhere.

I set up my own plan of attack for the parks. I schedule parks, not exact rides and have never had a bad day in the parks. I just have an idea of what I want to do ahead of time. Just remember, the popular rides (Buzz, Space, Splash, Pooh, Dumbo) get lines early and plan around that.

 

[Grumpy37]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
5. Where would be the best place to look for a UPS center? Is there one on the WDW property?

...

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here!

5. This is my all time favorite WDW story:

I negotiated a job offer while standing just outside of Shamu Stadium in SeaWorld. I needed the particulars in writing, so the HR folks FedEx'ed my employment offer letter to me at the Poly! They had a prepaid FedEx return envelope for the signed copy, but this is when I found out that the deluxe resorts (and maybe others) have a special arrangement with UPS for shipping stuff. I explained to the wonderful CMs at the Poly what the situation was, that I had to get it overnighted <i>that day</i> and they offered to have a special FedEx pickup arranged. But in the end I went with the flow and used their UPS overnight letter instead and had them bill it to my room. Part of the magic was that I was never actually billed for it.

9. You really aren't going to be able to plan each minute in the parks, and IMO you'll just wind up be miserable if you try (ask me how I know). Have a strategy, know what you want to do, ride the really busy rides either with EE or fastpasses. But don't expect to be able to map out the whole day. It's enough for us to manage to work around our PS reservations (we insist on at least one sitdown meal). Relax and remember to have fun!!!

 

[TammyC]

I also like the Avon sunscreen/bug spray combo, but have never used it at WDW.

Regarding the ITTBAB show... have you seen the Honey I Shrunk the Audience show? If so, how did you get along? Some of the special effects are similar.

Tammy

 

[sherry8253]

What is ITTBAG? thanks

 

[Grumpy37]

Its Tough To Be A Bug.

 

[sanilacjack]

1. Make your own ziploc laundry pack from home. Tablets, dryer sheets, stain stick. If you have a Family Dollar near you, check it out. They have a foldable mesh basket for $4.00. Lays flat in the bottom of a suit case, takes up zero space. Perfect for carrying dirty/clean clothes. It even has a outside pocket for the laundry pack.

2. Remember its not real. Not to give any thing away, but they blow air across your ankles and feet. Spray you with a fine mist of water, ect, ect. It might help to sit forward on your seat and put you bag/purse behind your feet. Also keep the 3-d glasses off.

3. Don't buy anything at Disney if it can be bought ahead of time from home. Good advise on just about anything!!!

6. We live in Michigan, the land of HUGE bugs. Never had a problem a WDW.

7. We have 10 more week. You lucky duck you!

8. Try EE, If it's not working for you, hop to another park

9. Although these program works for some, I have not used them. I want to enjoy the magic while I'm there. I'm not going to have someone tell me that I can't change my mind and go on something if it's not in order or on a spread sheet just to shave 5 mins. off my park time. Talk about sucking the magic out of something. Commando is a state of mind, not a spread sheet. Sorry..... um....well...I'll get off my box now.

11. Have been there smack dab in the middle of spring break and called on the very day to get PS ( Yes, it was a last minute trip) and didn't have a problem. Have 2 or 3 different places in mind and be flexible when you call. You'll never know if you don't try.

Have a great trip!

Please post a report when you get back, it's all those of us waiting for your own trip have to get by


-Kim

 

[edie w]

Re ITTBAB - I was scared, but it's too good to miss.

Sit at the back, sit on something e.g. everyone else's park map, a pullover, a large hat etc. (so you don't feel the little bugs leave!!) and don't lean back in your seat. And be prepared to whip the glasses off if it's all too much!

At TL you can go round and round castaway creek in an inner tube, and you could go snorkelling if you don't mind being close to the fish. I'm trying it this year.

 

[CourtasanSatine]

There's a Wal-Mart near Medival Times that's a Supercenter.Everything's chepaer for some reason there

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

Originally posted by ScarletIndigo
Eeep! Vacation time is getting close, and I just realized that I have about 1.7 billion questions to ask before we leave! Here are a few of them -- anyone who can help will get truckloads of mental pixie dust sent your way!

1. Will we be able to purchase laundry soap and dryer sheets in the laundry rooms at the resorts, or should we plan to bring our own?You will pay more but if you are flying the additional weight in the luggage and possible surcharges may not make it worth it. Perhaps you could purchase them off-site once you get there. If driving then bring them from home.

2. I am a self-professed "scaredy-cat" when it comes to spiders, snakes, and creepy-crawly things in general. Will ITTBAG bother me?I'm very nervous around the creep and the crawly too and I love ITTBAG. It personally does not bother me but Honey in Epcot does. I don't remember any snakes in ITTBAG and that is what really sets me off. I'd try it once.

3. Where can I buy rain ponchos, mister fans, and stay-cool water bottles outside of WDW? Does Wal-Mart carry these things?Yes you can get them at Wal-Mart, however, I prefer the heavier ponchos particularly when traveling in the fall. The single use ones didn't look all that comfy in a hard downpour. But I'm from the desert so I'm probably a whimp!

4. Can the phone jacks at All-Stars resorts (specifically ASMu) be used to dial-up to the internet (given that we have a laptop with a dial-up modem)?Sorry, don't know but it looks like others say yes.

5. Where would be the best place to look for a UPS center? Is there one on the WDW property?Deluxe property.

6. What's the best kind of bug spray to use at WDW? Should I put it on before or after the sunscreen?Avon SSS with sunscreen and bug repellant.

7. ONE MORE WEEK! I'm so excited! (Oops, that's not a question. Sorry! )Lucky! I have 8 months to go.

8. To EE or not to EE? Please let me know here.I've always done EE when it was offered. Just remember to leave when the crowds come in.

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here! I have tried the Unofficial Guide and it just made us too tired. Our son had a meltdown halfway through the trip. We will be trying TGM on our next trip. He doesn't seem commando as much just very savvy, (I hope).

10. I'm not a big fan of waterslides or wave pools (near drowning experience in a wave pool when I was 11 -- bad vibes about them ever since!) Will there be much for me to do at Typhoon Lagoon besides sunburn?I don't like water parks either but I guess we are going to try one next trip. Sorry I can't help you. But won't you look good in red?.

11. With 7 days to go, do I have ANY chance of getting good PS reservations this late? ("Hi, my name is Jess, and I am a PROCRASTINATOR!")For some restaurants it doesn't matter the time of year, call on the deadline or entry is denied. CRT comes to mind. For a couple of my favorites like Marrakesh(sp) and Askershus you might still be able to get them. I'd call today and ask...... What are you waiting for...... I said call..... Stop reading this post and pick up the phone and call........ I mean it stop, right now........ Call. What you're still here.......... Go away........ Call right now.

Your insights are most welcome, DIS folks! Remember, you'll be showered in pixie dust for your efforts! Thank you. I need every grain of PD I can get my hands on.

 

[lentesta]

9. The Unofficial Guide vs. Tour Guide Mike -- for anyone who has used either or both resources for trip planning, which "day in the park" itineraries are the best? Do these hi-tech, tried-and-true park plans really save time and lead to shorter lines? I'm going commando on this vacation, so time is of the essence here!

Hey ScarletIndigo,

I wrote the software the Unofficial Guide uses to create its touring plans. For a one-day, comprehensive tour of the parks, the touring plans in the Unofficial Guide are the best you'll find anywhere. They will save you more time than anything else, including TGM.

I provided a brief explanation as to why this is true here http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=389495 . Let me know if you have any other questions, though, and I'll see what we can do!

Sincerely,

Len Testa