A few questions that I know you can answer

[Canadian Harmony]

These just popped into my head:

Due to my employer not paying me some money, I won't have enough to upgrade to an AP like I had planned. BUT, one of the main reasons I was going to was for the PP+, which is now back, so I won't be crushed if I can't get an AP. The PP+.... I can get a 'free' card and then load photos on it, but pay before I leave the park, or even when I get home and put money on my credit card, correct? Is it a 21day time limit to decide? And is the PP+ card only at the Kodak store?

How much do you think I should budget for meals? Del Sol has a free breakfast (and I have my shake, plus I'm bringing a lot of hard boiled eggs with me), so that'll be taken care of. I'm doing one meal at Napa Rose for my birthday. I'd like to spend no more than $30/day on lunches and dinners in the park if possible. Is that do-able do you think? Last year we ate at Hungry Bear (awesome salad, but super pricey), RBT, Carnation (LOVE the chicken!), WCT for WOC lunch (amazing!), and three character meals. I don't need a huge meal, so what are some suggested light, low-carb-ish, and hopefully cheaper meals in both parks?

If I want to do a Haunted Tour, can I pay for it in cash when I get there? Like, not for the day OF, but maybe for the next day or whatever?

I'm not staying on site this year, so do I just go over to City Hall for my birthday button, or can I get one anywhere?

And on my actual birthday, are there any free perks I can wrangle?

Oh, now that Halloween Time is in full swing, is Chewie and Kylo Ren still meeting people? I really want to get some SW photo ops. And Captain America and Thor? Are they still out and about anywhere? I missed them last year due to children cramping my style

Thanks everyone. You're all great fonts of knowledge for me.

 

[SMD]

You can get a birthday button at an on site hotel front desk or any store or restaurant. They're usually at the register. They don't come with any free perks, you might get some pixie dust from a CM but, it's far from guaranteed. Chewbacca and Kylo Ren at currently the characters at Launch Bay. Spiderman and Captain America are in DCA now, no Thor. They've raised prices since last year. Most CS entrees are $11-12 now, plus tax. So yes, you can do $30 per day for 2 meals, but I'd up the budget so you can add drinks or dessert if you want it and not always have to pick the cheapest to stay on budget. You can also ask about ordering things a la carte, like just a burger without fries to save a little.

 

[smartlabelprint]

You can get just fried chicken at plaza inn.
Chicken or beef skewers at Bengal BBQ.

Small salad most places for $5.

 

[WonkaKid]

I'm not staying on site this year, so do I just go over to City Hall for my birthday button, or can I get one anywhere?

There's also a booth outside of CH for the express purpose of bestowing birthday buttons and the like. It doesn't seem to always be there, but weekends are usually a good bet.

And on my actual birthday, are there any free perks I can wrangle?

Just heaps of good wishes from friendly Cast Members and the occasional good-natured guests. Unless there's something I don't know.

Have a great time!

Rob

 

[planningjollyholiday]

You have to pay for your tour by credit card when you book it ahead of time, and they will charge your card right away.
Bengal barbecue would be a good place for a light no carb meal.
Not sure if you are aware but there are now canadian priced tickets through the Disney website you can buy ahead of time. It works out to on par when you add exchange. Hopefully this will add some money back into your budget if you choose a ticket instead of an AP.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I got my tickets through Airmiles back in February I think - 5 day parkhopper! WooT! I'll probably use the discount for our trip next summer and get the tickets in Jan/Feb.

 

[Rubygoose]

I'm not sure if this is still happening, but if you sign up for e-mails with Earl of Sandwich, you get a free sandwich for your birthday. Also, the Patina group of restaurants (Catal, Naples and the Taco Place in DTD) gives a $30 off coupon (maybe $20, I can't remember) for birthdays and you can use it for 2 months before or after your birthday. My daughter and I got free desserts at all of the Disney restaurants when we wore the birthday buttons.

 

[Canadian Harmony]

I forgot about Patina! Thanks, I've just signed up!