A little help please.(long?)

[Alaska56]

Thanks for stopping by.

Here is the situation.

We are traveling to Disney World and will arrive the night of May 1st. we will be going to the Magic Kindom for one day May 2nd with 2 children. and three adulds (Me, DD5, DW, SIL,and Niece7.)

I found out after most of our vacation plans are set that this is a day that the park closes early7pm and there are no fireworks Illuminations is that night though but we are only gonna be at the Magic Kingdom and will not have a park hopper pass so I dont know if we will be able to see it. (Yea I know I should have booked some cruise) But the park does open early for resort guests so that is kinda nice. I guess its a little upsetting because the only thing my family asked was are we gonna see the fireworks? I havent told them no yet.


The other problem is that the POP century resort seems the coolest for kids (I could be wrong) and its a nice price but only available for 4 guests we are 5 plus an infant. We will be ariving at the hotel at apund 11pm and go to the Kindom the next day and probally wont even sleap there the next day just use it for a nap for the children and freshen up.

Here are my Questions:


1. are the Value Resorts namly POP century the funnest for kids? I wouldnt mind staying at a Moderate but they seem less fun for the kids. and we wont be staying long.

2. How strict are they at over filling the room by a small margin? Will someone have to hide? Will they catch us and deport me back to Alaska?

3. How can I see illuminations? Can we rent a canoe, paddle boad or sometimg as getting on a "cruise" will probally not happen. Is there any where else to view it nicely. Maby from a nice location like a good seat at a charicter meal.
That would be nice have a character dinner at 7.30 after MK closes and then see illuminations. Sounds like fun but have no idea on the possability of such a request.


Ok that seems like enough jabbering for now.

Thanks

Alaska56....

 

[shelly3girls]

There are many debates on the boards concerning room occupancy. You are not permitted to have 5 in a room at POP. You can fit 5 plus an infant in POR and many of the deluxe resorts. It sounds like POR would be a good choice for you.
One thing to consider is that you must show a room key for EMH for everyone in your party. If you attempt to fit more in a room than allowed you will not have enough keys to enter the park early.
I have heard that POR is a great resort!
There are areas around Epcot where you can see the fireworks. We stayed at the BCV and there were areas to watch them. I am sure someone else can tell you exactly where is the best location.

 

[Alaska56]

The kids need to show a key as well?

Thank you for the reply anyone else?

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by Alaska56

1. are the Value Resorts namly POP century the funnest for kids? I wouldnt mind staying at a Moderate but they seem less fun for the kids. and we wont be staying long.
2. How strict are they at over filling the room by a small margin? Will someone have to hide? Will they catch us and deport me back to Alaska?
3. How can I see illuminations? Can we rent a canoe, paddle boad or sometimg as getting on a "cruise" will probally not happen. Is there any where else to view it nicely. Maby from a nice location like a good seat at a charicter meal.
That would be nice have a character dinner at 7.30 after MK closes and then see illuminations. Sounds like fun but have no idea on the possability of such a request.

Are you only going to have ONE day in all of WDW? It sounds like it. If that is the case, I would not be that concerned with how much fun the kids will have at the hotel, since you won't likely be spending that much time there. But as far as fun levels go, I always stayed at the Contemporary as a child and I LOVED it. It has a huge arcade and Disney movies! Most of the mods have great pools and activities for kids as well.

As for having more people in the room, I think they have that limit for safety more than anything else. Also, in a tiny room, like at a value resort, you won't have much space, and I'd imagine that 5 people plus an infant would be terribly uncomfortable. Rather than spend the extra money on a moderate, maybe split into two adjoining value rooms.

I do not think there is any other way to see Illuminations, as much of it takes place on the water at Epcot. You may be able to see some of it from the surrounding hotels (the parts in the air) but honestly, you do need to be in the park, near the water to really experience it.

 

[zurgswife]

The kids need to show a key as well?

Technically yes...but we have never been asked for keys for our entire famliy. That said I wouldn't try to fit 5 plus an infant into a value resort room...there isn't any spare room at all...I'd op for POR because they do have a day bed and that might be cheaper and work better.

If your coming from Alaska...can't you manage more then one day...seems a long way and to only get one day in...even if your planning on spending more days else where.

 

[zurgswife]

We will be ariving at the hotel at apund 11pm and go to the Kindom the next day and probally wont even sleap there the next day just use it for a nap for the children and freshen up.

you do realize that check out is 11am ...are you planning on getting a room for 2 nights??? and only staying one??

 

[Alaska56]

Wow thanks for the help.

Yes we are only one day at the park.

But there is a large possability we will stay the night we goto the park. So we may have some time to enjoy the hotel and other attractions the next day before we depart.

You all are great.

I am a bit of a backwoods alaskan.
I sometimes forget how things operate in the lower 48

Thanks again

Alaska56...

 

[DawnAK]

Just wanted to say Hi to a fellow Alaskan. We were just in WDW (from Fairbanks) in January. It sure is a long flight, but it is nice that Alaska Airlines flies to Orlando now! I assume you are doing other things besides WDW while you are in Florida? Have a great time and enjoy the sunshine! Dawn

 

[Alaska56]

Hello to you as well.

I think I am gonna book a room at Port of Orleans.

Seems like it would be nice not to have to sneak around.

Thanks all again

Alaska56...

 

[shelly3girls]

In MHO you are making a great decision. Beyond just the rules, you will just appreciate the extra space and normally using discount codes there is not a big difference in cost between the value and moderates. Have a great trip! BTW the BBY discount codes expires on the 17th so book your room right away at the chance there may still be a room available at the discounted rate.

 

[WDSearcher]

Originally posted by Alaska56 1. are the Value Resorts namly POP century the funnest for kids? I wouldnt mind staying at a Moderate but they seem less fun for the kids. and we wont be staying long.

It doesn't sound like you'll be in the hotel long enough to know whether it's fun or not! I'd take function over form in this case. Either a mod (Port Orleans is great, and the Mardi Gras theme is fun for kids. It also has an awsome pool area, should you get time to use it.)

2. How strict are they at over filling the room by a small margin? Will someone have to hide? Will they catch us and deport me back to Alaska?

They won't deport you back to Alaska, but you'll be breaking a lot of safety rules. If it was four plus an infant, you could squeak by. But five plus an infant is a definite no-no. Again ... I'd go with Port Orleans.

3. How can I see illuminations?

There is no character meal that you can do that will allow you to see IllumiNations. There is really no way to see IllumiNations without being inside Epcot. Unless you can get a cruise, which is probably impossible at this date. However ... if fireworks are what you want to see, you still have a couple of options. You can go to the Boardwalk for dinner and then stand and watch the high aerial fireworks from there (you can see some of the Epcot fireworks from the boardwalk, although you won't see the cool water stuff or hear the music). Or you can go to Downtown Disney and have dinner there, and maybe play at DisneyQuest for a couple of hours and then see the fireworks from Pleasure Island. You really don't have to be in PI (as in, paying admission) to see those fireworks; you'll be able to see and hear them from DTD. You can also go to the beach at the Poly or at the Grand. You may not see many fireworks, but you can see the Electric Water Pageant, which is pretty fun too, although nothing explodes. (Usually)

Have fun!

 

[Alaska56]

Woot!!!

You guys are awsome.

I just booked a POR riverside.

We get a room with a trundke bed and a crib.

They know we are all staying and the lady Adilina was so very nice on the phone.

We are paying 277.00 for 2 nights with the code and that is for a view room. And the extra adult charge. 6 people total.

I feel comfortable with the rate and will probally have some fun at the hotel after out MK day and will now probally stay that night as well and have some leasure time in the morning.

You all are great I feel so much bettter now.

I still have many more questions but It is starting to look good.

Thanks

alaska56...

 

[crazyforgoofy]

Why travel all the way to Disney World and only go to one park for one day? Isn't there ANY way you can add a day? You won't have time to do all the wonderous things in the Magic Kingdom alone. We're only going to have 7 park days on our next trip and I'm worried about having time for everything.........


Sorry to stick my nose in but just wondered.

I hope you have a fantastic time for whatever time you get to spend!

 

[KathyTX]

Woo-hoo!!!

I think your gang will really enjoy Port Orleans, and that sounds like a great rate!

You're going to have a great time, even if it is way too short.

 

[Straitlover]

What time are you leaving on 5/3? If you don't ahve your tickets and can swing it (and have some time to go to a park on the 3rd), you can buy 2 day/1 night Ultimate Park Hoppers. Adults are $129 plus tax; kids $104 plus tax. W/ those you could go to MK and then head over to Epcot for Illuminations.

However, if you have no time to go anywhere on the 3rd), it'd be a waste of a day and money.

 

[Alaska56]

To be honest I dont think I could stand more than one day.


I live in rural alaska and will be traveling and stopping off in Dallas for 3 nights first then goto Disney World then off to Cocoa Beach.

All these big cities and crouds are killing me already and I have not even left yet.
We dont live anwere near these types of attractions and cities. I am accualy a little scared

Just kidding but you get the picture

Alaska56...

 

[Alaska56]

I am sure I could manage another day but I think we will have plenty of fun.

I have been about 4 or 5 times when I was a young child always one day. I always wanted more but what kid doesnet. I was totaly satisfied.

That is a great option though and will consider the 2 day park hopper even if I only use the "3rd" as a half day or part day. I did book a nice room at the Port Of Orleans and think I will have fun hanging around the resort, the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney. instead of waiting in lines and try my luck at getting a cruise cancellation or just watch the high rising fireworks.

You are are the greatest

Thanks again
Alaska56...

 

[Eyore4Ever149]

Hi Alaska,

Just wanted to say...great choice with going with POR, as for not being as fun- POR offers LOTS of stuff for kids!

carraige rides in evening (book ahead) for a little princess, go fishing at their fishing hole, rent a mini speed boat, check out Ol Man Island, or walk over to Port Orleans Frnech Quarter and let them zip down the slide that is a giant dragon's tongue! There is a full service restaurant, Boatwright's, as well as a food court that offers unimaginable choices to a youngster. Try the rice krispy mickey heads on a stick that are dipped in chocolate.

You can also hop a bus over to Carribean Beach Resort to go sailing (Im not positive, but dont think you can sail at POR- someone correct me if I am wrong) there are white sand beachesto play in (but no swimming in the water)
Or check out mini golf at Fantasia Gardens.

There are playground areas too and I believe a kiddie pool. Arcades, gift shop.

The resort itself will make an excellent vacation. I know you will hear it a lot for folks here, we cant really swing more than 6-7 day trips, and its not long enough.

Everybody has a certain Disney-tolerance level, I would say around here, most folks level is pretty high, if you know what you can handle I respect that completely- but each park is completely and totally different from each other. To go all the way to FL and not try anything more than Magic Kingdom seems a shame. If you can handle experimenting with half a day in another park- perhaps MGM (lots of movie stuff that kids will remember from what they watch at home)?

But, the resorts are top notch- in true Disney style. Have LOTS of fun!!!

We will be there May 5th (PO FQ)