A bunch of newbies - April 2016 (2/29 - day 1 plan -- thoughts?)

[Mickeyrookie16]

So this April we're going to Disney -- it will be the first trip for my children - DD 12 and DS 8. It might as well be the first trip for my parents and I as well. The last time we went to Disney I was 5 or 6 -- Epcot wasn't open yet. I remember seeing the ball being incomplete. My husband has been more recently, but even then it was probably the late 80s for him.

Right now plans are we leave by train on the 16th and will arrive in Orlando on the 17th and I think we board to return on the 22nd (I might be off my Dad and I talked a few different dates and he's the one that booked the train). We're staying at the Doubletree in Downtown Disney.

We need to buy tickets and I'm thinking of using Undercover tourist for those (once I get the Mousesavers link).

Then my parent and I need to coordinate some things around expectations, dinners and rides. In addition to figuring out ADRs and FastPass+ I also need to figure out the DAS system and how we can best utilize it to help meet my daughter's needs (she has down syndrome) so the trip can be enjoyable for all of us.

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

Dad and I sat down last night and figured out what we want to do for park tickets -- 4 day base tickets. Dad mentioned he'd really like to do two MK days, which means skipping one of the other parks. I think the kids will find Epcot the least interesting, but the adults will love it (especially Mom and I during Flower and Garden). That means Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom gets cut or we go our separate ways for a day. I just have to remind myself that the kids won't know what they're missing as they've never been -- so DS doesn't know about Jedi Training Academy or Star Tours, DD doesn't know about the Frozen sing-a-long and they have no idea about the Safari.

Anyway, my dad hates buying things online and so was very happy when I told him that he could go to the Disney store and buy the tickets. I offered to deal with the dining reservations and the Fastpasses when the time comes - which made dad happy. Dad would like to do a table service dinner every night. He was recently diagnosed as pre-diabetic and now has some food restriction (mostly having to substitute whole grains for "whites" - white bread, white rice, potatoes etc) so he wasn't sure how well he'd be able to stick to his diet but was happy when I told him that Disney has a reputation for being really good about food restrictions.

I told my parents that I'm going to buy MagicBands so we don't have to fumble with tickets and making sure the kids have either put their tickets away or given them back to an adult and that if we split in a park that right adult has them. And it should make dealing with DAS easier.

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

I think we've decided on Hollywood Studio over Animal Kingdom, especially after the D23 announcements. Some of the Star Wars early elements should be open by the time we go. Dh & I grew up on Star Wars and our son loves it as well. Episode IV is the first movie I remember my parents taking me to add on the Toy Story ride and the Cars meet & greet and it's really geared for him. Given that our first Magic Kingdom day is looking very princess-centric I really want to make sure we hit experiences I know he'll love as well.

I bought the Unofficial Guide and left it with my parents asking them to read through about the restaurants to see if there were any they really wanted to go to, if they were willing to do buffets, character meals, dinner shows etc. I think we'll be likely to do our table service meals at the casual dining instead of the fine dining -- as my dad said it might be a little much to expect the kids to sit for a nicer restaurant after being in the parks all day.

Any suggestions on good casual dining places? How is the restaurant at Doubletree?

 

[tabrizia]

You could try Liberty Tree Tavern for a sit down in Magic Kingdom, we have done lunch there ages ago and it was good, fairly casual and decent food. There are tons of basic chains off property if you go that way, like basically any chain you want. In Downtown Disney we really like Raglan Road, which has great food. The kids might like TRex, the food there tends towards mediocre, it is loud and semi-expensive though. Hollywood Studios has Sci-Fi which is fun, I believe the food is mediocre since we've never tried it, but the atmosphere is fun.

There is also the new restaurant coming to Magic Kingdom that should be open by the time you are there or you could try the Plaza there as well, for casual dining.

EPCOT has tons of options just look and see what looks good, almost every country has a restaurant and they all tend towards casual, other then possibly Canada. If you like watching fish, Coral Reef has part of the Seas Aquarium in it so you can see all the animals swimming while you eat. We've enjoyed our meals there, but it was a number of years ago.

If you want to do character meals, there is Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary which is Mickey and Friends, it is expensive, we enjoyed our meal there, but I know a lot of people find it mediocre or less. Another option is The Garden Grill at EPCOT which is Mickey and Friends as well, I have been hearing good things about the food here. A lot of it is grown in EPCOT which is kind of neat.

There are lots of fun and good casual dining restaurants in Disney and off property as well. It will definitely cost more if you go to the ones at Disney, but they have lots of fun options. Unfortunately I have no idea about the restaurant at the Doubletree.

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

So 180 days is around the corner. Dad bought the tickets -- I just have to find the time to head to their house with my computer to link everything up in the MDE account I started (and find out of mom and dad just want me to handle their stuff or if they want separate accounts to link up). My work has been so busy that I really haven't had a chance to give much thought to the trip lately.

I think this weekend I'm going to play around with touring plans and the cheat sheets from EasyWDW to see what we might end up near for lunches and use that as a starting point.

Thanks for the recommendations tabrizia!

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

Today our ADRs opened -- well, just our arrival day because of the offsite stay. I was able to get a reservation at Raglan Road for dinner for the six of us right at 6 a.m. It's a pretty substantial menu for both kids and adults so everyone should be able to find something. I'm hoping my dad can substitute fairly easily to accommodate his diet restrictions -- and if substitutions aren't allowed at least the sides are reasonably priced to add on.

Other ADRs for the week that I'm hoping to get are Beaches & Cream; maybe Sanaa for dinner - if we do Animal Kingdom or Garden Grill for lunch is we do Epcot and than Liberty Tree/BOG or something at one of the monorail resorts for our final night.

Work has been so busy that I hadn't realized the ADRs were about to open until I received a reminder from the Touring Plans site. So I spent Sunday and last night trying to put together rough plans to see what might make sense in regards to eating options.

Then I emailed the mess off to my parents and husband -- here's hoping I get some feedback about what they want and don't want to do. Wednesday is the day I'm really struggling with. Now that Soaring is going to be closed while we're there I'm just afraid all the other rides will be impacted and we'll all just end up being a pack of grumpy kids and adults in Epcot not having all that much fun. So I'm now leaning toward Animal Kingdom instead, not a recommended park on that day. But I shared plans for both parks with the family.

I'm half expecting my parents to ask about a third day in MK -- maybe that's best handled by us splitting up for the day. It would allow them to do one of the special tours (hmmm Christmas idea for them) and allow us to have a "family day."

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

No luck on Beaches & Cream for our Hollywood Studios day -- The first available reservations was at 7:30, and I don't know that my kids can make it that late. So I did a 50's Prime Time at 5 p.m. and a reservation at Boatwrights Dining Hall at 6:30.

I think 5 out of 6 of us could have fun at Prime Time, but I'm not sure my 12 year old would. She's extremely literal, has trouble reading body language and the whole experience could be anxiety-inducing for her. Or it could go just fine and dandy and she might find it hysterical for daddy and papa to be "scolded" for not eating their vegetables. They forgot to give me the crystal ball for her when we left the hospital so I have no way of knowing. If we keep the Prime Time reservation and it goes downhill please consider this an advance apology to anyone else in the restaurant that night.

With Fantasmic! not scheduled yet for April is there a chance that when that gets announced more ADRs will open up for the three restaurants that do the dinning package?

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

I wasn't planning on doing any ADRs for our first Magic Kingdom day -- I figured lunch at Columbia Harbor House and dinner off site (likely back at our hotel or at another of the hotels near where we are staying. But I was up this morning and I checked and there was sitting a BOG that would work for us. So I grabbed.



My parents and husband wouldn't understand how happy this made me -- It was one of those things in my head of - I hope I can get one but I'm not holding my breath. Two of the people I work with are frequent Disney visitors - they shared my happiness. lol

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

We're under 60 days until our trip so I guess I'll do this properly:

Dates - April 16-23

Cast of Characters:
Dad -- The originator of this trip idea, which was presented to my husband and I as "Mom and I are taking the kids to Disney next year during their April vacation, you are welcome to join us." His only requirements are that the kids go on "It's a Small World," and that we eat one sit-down meal a day as well as meeting up for breakfast on most days. In his late 60s, Dad just wants to enjoy this with his grandchildren.

Mom - Crowds and rides aren't normally mom's thing, but when I mention certain things her eyes light up. She might not ride a lot with us but she'll be the one soaking up the kids' reactions. She's also in her late-60s, her knees bother her some so I'm trying to do our touring plan to minimize the walking for her.

Dad & Mom are very graciously paying for the vast majority of this adventure so we are working within some constraints (more on that later).

Dh - Pretty much along for the ride. He's generally easy going, but I think he might be topping his normal level of laid-back on this. Secretly I think he wishes he could do the Jedi Training Academy.

Me - I've taken on the role of tour guide for this trip in terms of planning park days, meals and touring plans. I'm a planner and a researcher at heart. I think Dad was relieved when I offered to handle ADRs and Fast Passes.

DD - My girlie is 12 and she is our wild card. She has Down Syndrome and along side that anxiety and has some sensory sensitivities (noise levels are a big one but she can also gets overwhelmed visually as well.) We'll be bringing ear plugs and noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses and a big dose of reality in that one of us might just have to get her out of the park at some point to give her a break -- I'm hoping that a ride on the train, boatrides or monorail rides will give her enough of a break but we are mentally prepared for an adult to have to head back to the hotel with her as well.

DS - The boy is 8. He is very excited and the latest Disney commercials featuring all the Star Wars activities have only made him even more excited. He is very much hoping that we can get him into the Jedi Training Academy.

Transportation -- so that constraint I mentioned, this is it. Dad does not like flying. When we went back in the 80s we traveled by train -- Dad has decided that for this trip we will relive that adventure. 22 hours or so on a train. With a child who has anxiety and sensory sensitivities. This is about the only thing I would change if I could. I think the trip down might go ok but the trip home, with kids who are tired and done that might be ... interesting.

Where we're staying -- We're going to be at the Doubletree at Downtown Disney. I love the idea of the suites -- it'll definitely give use more room to spread out (and separate the kids if needed).

Fun extras -- I ended up booking a night at the campground as a throw-away. I had planned to buy us all Magic Bands and discovered it was only a few dollars difference between the cost of the magic bands and booking the site. Getting to be able to make Fast Passes at 60 days makes the few extra dollars worth it. I also decided to purchase Memory Maker, with six of us we should be able to make good use of it.

So the basic plan is:
Saturday - board train for Florida
Sunday - arrive in Florida, hotel, swimming and Disney Springs with dinner at Raglan Road
Monday - My parents are going to Magic Kingdom and the rest of us are heading to Hollywood Studio
Tuesday - Magic Kingdom
Wednesday - Epcot
Thursday - Magic Kingdom
Friday - Possibly Disney Springs in the morning and board train for home
Saturday - arrive back home

I'll get into the touring plan details in later posts.

 

[tortilla24]

Are you taking the train from VA? If so, I'd be interested to read about that goes. I've contemplating taking the train myself (you can bring the car) but it's pricey

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

@tortilla24 we're from southern New England. We take a train into New York City and then change trains to the one with the sleeper car and then we're on that train all the way to Orlando. At least we have the roomettes.

 

[tortilla24]

@tortilla24 we're from southern New England. We take a train into New York City and then change trains to the one with the sleeper car and then we're on that train all the way to Orlando. At least we have the roomettes.

Ah yes the roomettes - don't think I could do the train without them!

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

We will be at Hollywood Studio April 18 -- and is the most recommended park by Josh.

I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. We have a specific priority -- getting DS to do Jedi Training Academy -- so this plan needs to be flexible. We also plan on applying for DAS for my dd while there. (I don't think I'll need it in Hollywood Studio but know I will in Magic Kingdom the next day).

We plan to be at the park at rope drop. DD and I will take everyone's Magic Bands or tickets and head to guest services and take care of setting up the DAS while DH will take DS and head for the Jedi Academy sign up. So our plan doesn't start until 9:30 to allow for both of those to be accomplished. What's below is a modification of the EasyWDW cheat sheet run through Touring Plans with the intent to try and create some order to our walking and to give me an idea wait times etc. We are not planning on Tower of Terror or Rock N Roll coaster.

Some questions:
Will DS need his magic band or ticket to sign up for Jedi Academy?
Can I use the ticket cards to sign up for DAS (my parents are doing Magic Kingdom that day and I was hoping they could use their Magic Bands in MK and I could take their tickets to HS and only have to go to Guest services for DAS once).

• Walt Disney: One Man's Dream 9:36
• For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration 10:11 a.m. This is an existing FastPass+ reservation. (DD and I)
  Star Tours FastPass+ reservations at same time for DH and DS -- they should also have plenty of time for the gift shop and to see the star wars movie. or to ride more than once or head to the 11 a.m. Jedi time
  
• Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza (just gives us buffer time for Jedi Training) 10:56am
  
  
• Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple 11:35am (Placeholder can do 9:20, 11, 11:50, 1:30, 1:50, 3:45, 4:10, 4:40)
  
• Quick service lunch
  options: ABC Commissary, Studio Catering Company or Backlot Express
  
  
• Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage 12:47pm
  
• Toy Story Midway Mania!(touring plans says 11 minute wait with FastPass+ - is this accurate?) 1:34pm This is an existing FastPass+ reservation. Opens at 12:55
  
  
• Muppet*Vision 3D 1:59pm
  
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! 2:30pm This is an existing FastPass+ reservation for 3 p.m. show.
  
  
• Star Wars Launch Bay 3:37pm
  
  Free time created in the plan by getting through DAS and Jedi signups faster or at the end of the day will be used for meet & greets with characters.
  Plan to leave park around 5-5:20 p.m. for dinner at Boatwrights at POR with ADR at 6:30 -- do we need to leave earlier?

So while we're at Hollywood Studios -- my parents will be at MK with a very early start. My dad loves Steam Trains so for Christmas we bought the behind the scenes tour for them. They have to be at MK at 7:15 (our hotel said they would help arrange the car/taxi to the Contemporary).

The tour runs form 7:30 to 10:30
I did get them some FastPasses, although I don't know that they'll use them:
Small World 10:45 a.m.
Jungle Cruise 1:10 p.m.
Tomorrowland Speedway 2:10 p.m.

I think their basic plan is to mostly just soak up Disney -- watch the street performers, see some of the shows. I think I'm going to give them a list of the items I couldn't fit into our Plans on the MK days and the entertainment schedule. I'm going to suggest to them that they do Harbor House for lunch. Any other quick service recommendations? Any performers that they should try to see?

 

[Mickeyrookie16]

April 19 - Magic Kingdom - most recommended day.

Touring plan for the day:

1. Magic Kingdom Welcome Show
   
2. Mad Tea Party
3. Meet Ariel at Her Grotto
4. Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid
5. Prince Charming Regal Carrousel
6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
   This is an existing FastPass+ reservation.
7. it's a small world
8. Peter Pan's Flight
   This is an existing FastPass+ reservation.
9. Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
10. Be Our Guest Restaurant
    11:50am for 60 minutes
    
11. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
12. Dumbo the Flying Elephant
13. The Barnstormer
14. Meet Daring Disney Pals as Circus Stars at Pete's Silly Sideshow
15. Meet Magnifique Disney Friends as Circus Stars at Pete’s Silly Sideshow
16. Meet Anna and Elsa at Princess Fairytale Hall
    This is an existing FastPass+ reservation.
17. Meet Cinderella and Rapunzel at Princess Fairytale Hall

Based on the plan we should be walking out of Magic Kingdom around 4 p.m. Plan for the evening is to go back to the hotel, eat dinner, relax and let the kids swim.

Instead of Sorcerers Magic Kingdom we might use that time as a "catch up" if we need it or for something like Mickey's Philharmonic or Belle's Enchanted tales.

I'm really excited for this day -- DS wanted Seven Dwarfs, DD will love meeting Anna & Elsa and I'm excited about Be Our Guest (I love Beauty and the Beast).

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

Hi! So glad you are all getting to visit Disney World together! What fun!

Your parents should get a Times Guide (you too!) at the entrance (and available at stores) to see what is going on for the day. I highly recommend going to see Gaston even if you don't get in line to meet him, just to see him interact with people. He's great.

Some of your questions about DAS could probably be answered in the disABILITIES! forum here: http://disboards.com/forums/disabilities.20/

I think that you should be able to make your Boatwright's reservation if you leave by 5pm for sure and probably if you leave by 5:30pm. I would not cut it any closer than that just because you don't know how the buses will be running and if you will even be able to get on the first bus or not. There probably won't be a line but you never know!

I also think that your morning plan for MK is a little ambitious. I'd be surprised if you can accomplish all 9 things before your 11:50am reservation. With the amount of people you are going to be moving and with the littles I would think it would be hard. But you can certainly try!