A Trip full of Wonder and Magic and Wonderfulness! Sep '11 PTR!

[PrincessInOz]

PrincessInOz which American TA did you use? I was thinking of going with Dreams Unlimited. I think I will need the help working out ADR's, don't fancy making them on my own. Is it ok to get them to try out different quote combinations for me, I have so many different scenarios in my head, or is it considered rude to use up their time like that. Don't want a TA that is grumpy with me.



That was pretty ignorant of me to assume that seeing more of America, meant spending a few days in major cities. I know I get frustrated when people think that Australia is just Sydney, The Barrier Reef and Uluru. I would love to spend a month in America driving across country and seeing the sights. Maybe that might be our next holiday, of course I would actually need to *drive*, big point that .

Thanks for the info on the sights in LA, I am obviously going to have to look a little closer at what is possible for us.

I read somewhere that if I plan on staying at Universal for 4 nights or so, it is cheaper to buy an annual pass, because the room discounts you get means it pay for itself. Do you know if this is true? that might be my way of staying there without breaking the bank. Front of line privileges would be great, for some of the rides though I can use single rider line (Adam isn't so fond of thrill rides, I can't get enough of them).

If I do split stay I will make sure that AKL is last so I have something to look forward to.

Thanks for all of the info, everyone is being so kind and helpful

I went with Carrie from SmallWorld Vacations. I know a lot of people (including the Aussies) use DU on the Dis - but there is a very close association between the two. She was great! I got Carrie to quote for at least 4 or 5 different variations. And then after we honed in on the best option for me and made the booking, I changed my mind and she re-did the whole lot for me again. Later one, I decided to change one of the options from a room only to a package, and she had to cancel everything and restart again. . I also paid for my vacay in installments. She was happy for me to do this. Naturally, I prepaid before Disney required the finalisation of the package (45 days before your trip) but still...I think I ended up doing 5 or 6 payment installments over a 4 month period prior to this date.

Carrie also helped out with my ADRs and special cruise; even though she technically doesn't get any commission for this. So, I was pretty happy with her service.

I think there was an old thread on the Aussie board where we talked about the various TAs that people used...

Hope this helps.

 

[franandaj]

So I was poking around the Disneyland boards and came across this TR, you might find it handy in planning your trip. She mentions the Entertainment book and coupons, if there is anything in your plans that uses one of these two for one coupons, I would be happy to give you mine. We have seven entertainment books and rarely use the coupons for the attractions, mostly dining.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39012598#post39012598

You had mentioned tours of stars homes, she had some pictures of that, and also says, that pretty much you see gates and lots of shrubberies!

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

So I was poking around the Disneyland boards and came across this TR, you might find it handy in planning your trip. She mentions the Entertainment book and coupons, if there is anything in your plans that uses one of these two for one coupons, I would be happy to give you mine. We have seven entertainment books and rarely use the coupons for the attractions, mostly dining.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=39012598#post39012598

You had mentioned tours of stars homes, she had some pictures of that, and also says, that pretty much you see gates and lots of shrubberies!

Thanks so much for finding this for me, It was really helpful there are just so many things that I want to see. Thanks for the offer for coupons. I will let you know if there is any thing we can use.

 

[hjd0411]

It can be a bit daunting the first time, planning a trip to the World. There are so many options!!!
But, in regard to your ADR's, you can do them yourself online through the official Disney website. I did this for my trip in May and it worked really well. It is a bit of a cumbersome system, but it could save you a bit of time. Also, have you seen the allears.net website - they give you menus and reviews and costs (if you need it) of all restaurants on site.
I agree with franandaj about the star's homes tour in LA. I did a half day tour a few years back, and honestly, all we saw were gates, hedges and the tour guide kept on telling us things like "This is where (insert star name) used to live before they tore down the house" and we still were none the wiser!!!
I'd give that a miss, but there is a lot of other things to see.
Driving in the US is really not that bad!! I drive every time I go. It enables me to see so much more than without the car! Consider it, especially in Orlando, even if you only have the car for a day or two. It will enable you to get out shopping, you can drive to Seaworld and Discovery Cove (I loved my day there!) or go somewhere else for dinner one night.
I do understand not wanting to drive - I have friends here who just will not ever drive over there - I am designated driver every holiday!! But, if you can drive in Sydney, you can drive in Orlando (I learned to drive in Sydney too many years ago now!! )
I look forward to hearing more of your plans.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

It can be a bit daunting the first time, planning a trip to the World. There are so many options!!!
But, in regard to your ADR's, you can do them yourself online through the official Disney website. I did this for my trip in May and it worked really well. It is a bit of a cumbersome system, but it could save you a bit of time. Also, have you seen the allears.net website - they give you menus and reviews and costs (if you need it) of all restaurants on site.
I agree with franandaj about the star's homes tour in LA. I did a half day tour a few years back, and honestly, all we saw were gates, hedges and the tour guide kept on telling us things like "This is where (insert star name) used to live before they tore down the house" and we still were none the wiser!!!
I'd give that a miss, but there is a lot of other things to see.
Driving in the US is really not that bad!! I drive every time I go. It enables me to see so much more than without the car! Consider it, especially in Orlando, even if you only have the car for a day or two. It will enable you to get out shopping, you can drive to Seaworld and Discovery Cove (I loved my day there!) or go somewhere else for dinner one night.
I do understand not wanting to drive - I have friends here who just will not ever drive over there - I am designated driver every holiday!! But, if you can drive in Sydney, you can drive in Orlando (I learned to drive in Sydney too many years ago now!! )
I look forward to hearing more of your plans.

Thanks for joining in.

There are so so so many options, I have a little notebook next to the computer where I write down notes, prices, ideas, dates etc. It is starting to fill up very quickly, most of it is a mess with bits crossed out and notes in the margins.

I have been to Allears, I have used their site to look at the menus. There are a few pages in my note book filled with the places I want to eat, Before we go I will have to cull about half of them though I can't help it, I like to eat

Advice from everyone is not to do the stars home so I am going to cross that off the list. There are still plenty of other things that we can so though.

Everybody is being so supportive of my driving skills. I have been debating for several days if I should hire a car or not but Me and Adam have ultimately decided not to. It will make things more difficult not to have the car but we just don't want the added stress.

 

[Jade+3]

I love reading trip reports. Really should get around to doing one myself! We are also going in September. I am using Dreams Unlimited. Our agent, Michele, is fantastic. Currently I am busy reading dining reviews in an attempt to shortlist our ADR list, but all I seem to be doing is adding to it.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

I love reading trip reports. Really should get around to doing one myself! We are also going in September. I am using Dreams Unlimited. Our agent, Michele, is fantastic. Currently I am busy reading dining reviews in an attempt to shortlist our ADR list, but all I seem to be doing is adding to it.

Thanks for joining in (another Aussie captive )

I put in a quote for with Dreams Unlimited, Waiting for the information, but it looks like I got Kathy Werling as my TA. This makes me very happy, if you don't know who she is, she is one of the podcasters on The DisUnplugged. I feel quite safe in her hands. Still not 100% sure if I will go with them will make the decision soon.

Don't talk to me about growing ADR lists mine is completely out of control.

Let me know if you do decide to do a PTR, I am sure that all of us Aussies will join in.

 

[Travel Mum]

Hi Quirky Butterfly, I'm joining in too. We are off to WDW for the first time on 29 September (although until all our air tickets are booked, I hesitate to say definitely!). Our first 9 nights will be at POR and we've got free dining. I've also booked with Dreams Unlimited and have been dealing with Michele who is wonderful.

In terms of ADRS, I know we want to do a pre-park opening character breakfast at Tusker House one day and Crystal Palace another day. I want to do lunch at the Sci-Fi diner when we are at HS. I know we will want to do the Fantasmic Dining Package (I know the rest of my family would never wait in the long queue) so that will be at Mama Melrose plus I want to do MNSSHP. I think we may do a character dinner at Akershus and have a lot of other possibles on my list. I really much rather just be able to decide when we are there but I know with free dining you have to have ADR's so there are some big decisions to be made.

My big stress is how can I make the ADR's unless I know the park hours and what park to visit/what day information ! I have read that the park hours are released a couple of weeks before the ADR window opens up but, since I've joined TourguideMike, I'd really like to have his calendar advice before booking ADRS - have a feeling that he's not that prompt though

 

[Mum from oz]

Hi QB,

Just popping in for a sticky! Looks good so far.

in regards to ADR's, I just did them myself online with the exception of CRT and BBB/Pirates League which had to be done over the phone. They were easy peasy to do! I had to wait 180 days out as I am staying offsite (onsite you can book 180+10 days out. I just decided what parks on what days and checked it with the official park opening hours etc for May. They come out around 6 months in advance too so in line with ADR time.

I have used Kelsie from DU and she has also been great.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Don't have much time because I have to go to work but I thought I would share the good news...





















I have booked the Disney part of our holiday

I will have more details tonight when I get home, including which Resort (or resorts) I chose. I will tell you one thing though, I love room discounts

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Hi Quirky Butterfly, I'm joining in too. We are off to WDW for the first time on 29 September (although until all our air tickets are booked, I hesitate to say definitely!). Our first 9 nights will be at POR and we've got free dining. I've also booked with Dreams Unlimited and have been dealing with Michele who is wonderful.

In terms of ADRS, I know we want to do a pre-park opening character breakfast at Tusker House one day and Crystal Palace another day. I want to do lunch at the Sci-Fi diner when we are at HS. I know we will want to do the Fantasmic Dining Package (I know the rest of my family would never wait in the long queue) so that will be at Mama Melrose plus I want to do MNSSHP. I think we may do a character dinner at Akershus and have a lot of other possibles on my list. I really much rather just be able to decide when we are there but I know with free dining you have to have ADR's so there are some big decisions to be made.

My big stress is how can I make the ADR's unless I know the park hours and what park to visit/what day information ! I have read that the park hours are released a couple of weeks before the ADR window opens up but, since I've joined TourguideMike, I'd really like to have his calendar advice before booking ADRS - have a feeling that he's not that prompt though

Thanks for joining in it is very exciting the amount of us going in September. I really want to go to Crystal Palace as well, Tigger is one of my favourites So I have to go hug him

I also want to go to Sci-Fi, I know that reviews are pretty mixed but I think that it looks like so much fun.

It is really frustrating about the park hours not being released yet. When they do get released I will be in a mad scramble to decide what days to do everything.

Hi QB,

Just popping in for a sticky! Looks good so far.

in regards to ADR's, I just did them myself online with the exception of CRT and BBB/Pirates League which had to be done over the phone. They were easy peasy to do! I had to wait 180 days out as I am staying offsite (onsite you can book 180+10 days out. I just decided what parks on what days and checked it with the official park opening hours etc for May. They come out around 6 months in advance too so in line with ADR time.

I have used Kelsie from DU and she has also been great.

I am glad you came over for a look. How did you find using the Disney website, I find it so buggy. I can't get over the fact that Disney can do all they do yet can't figure out how to make a good website that doesn't crash half the time.

What time did you get up to call for CRT? I think I will be doing this.

 

[franandaj]

Disney's reservation system opens for callers at 7AM Eastern Time. I believe that is around midnight in Melbourne, if my time calculations are correct from Princess's NYE postings. We did breakfast there a few years back, it was very good, they kept bringing all the food you wanted although I think the intial portion was just right for us.

We did CP several times for lunch and the character interactions were so much fun! The food was really good too.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Back again, so I have booked the Disney part of our holiday
Thanks to the wonderful suggestion of using room discounts I worked out that we would be able to save quite a bit.
The budget for Disney was always going to be $4000. This had to include 12 Nights, 10 day MYW ticket, park hopper,water fun and more. I also wanted to include dining for the majority of the trip. This amount doesn't cover souvenirs, and any activities we chose to do (like Richard Petty).

With my budget the way it was it looked like we were going to stay at movies for 9 nights on a package with all the extras, and because I really wanted to, stay at Animal Kingdom 3 nights room only. Well because of the discounts I worked out I had more money to play with
So I have booked Port Orleans Riverside for 9 nights 07sep-16sep on a 10 day ticket with dining. Original cost $3503.70 but like with a 30% room discount it is going to cost $2973.50

I still had to book Animal Kingdom Lodge 16sep-19sep, but now I had about $1000 to work with so I had a look at what I could do with that money. Originally I was going to get a savanna room view and with 30% discount I was within budget with some to spare, but why have some money left over when I can upgrade, so I had a look around. For fun I checked out Kidani Village at the Animal Kingdom Villas. Where a deluxe studio with savanna view is $1418 outside of the price range. But wait! what is this? a 40% off discount code which would take the room to $850.50. SOLD

I am so happy I don't have to stay at a value, POR looks beautiful and I get a really nice room at AKV. All up there was a saving of $1097.70 with the total cost coming to $3824 just within budget with a little to spare for currency conversions.


I have paid about 80% of it off already. I know I have ages to pay, but since the Aus$ is so good right now I thought I would just go for it. You never know what it will do tomorrow.

I know that I could have gone for the cheaper accommodation and had some more spending money but I thought what the hell.

Where I am going to save money is at Universal, I have decided to stay off property and pretty cheap but close. I haven't booked anything yet but I am looking budget. I know that FOL access would be great but I plan on buying the express pass, Adam won't go on the thrill rides so I can use single rider lines a lot, and for Harry Potter it will just be me so I think if the Universal Gods favour me I can get that done pretty fast. Though I was reading Shushh's TR and it looks like they had a terrible time. Hopefully the crowds will have died down by then, I will also be going a quieter time of year, so hopefully I should be fine.

In the end I decided to book myself, and not use Dreams Unlimited Travel. When I asked them about the room discounts I was told that I couldn't use them as they wouldn't apply to the time I was taveling I knew this wasn't true. I am sure they are great and it was just an error on their part, but I thought that it would be best to book it myself.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Disney's reservation system opens for callers at 7AM Eastern Time. I believe that is around midnight in Melbourne, if my time calculations are correct from Princess's NYE postings. We did breakfast there a few years back, it was very good, they kept bringing all the food you wanted although I think the intial portion was just right for us.

We did CP several times for lunch and the character interactions were so much fun! The food was really good too.

I think I can make it staying up until midnight once. It will be tricky though (I am early to bed early to rise)! I don't think I want to go to CRT for breakfast. I know that lunch and dinner have different interactions. Anybody have any experience with the differences with them?

I want CP for breakfast, I am glad that you had fun. I feel a little weird going to these places without kids, but I have read about so many adults who have done it I think we will be fine.

 

[franandaj]

That's really great you were able to get a moderate and a deluxe. I've stayed in both places and they are both really nice. The only "drawback" that some people feel about Kidani is that there is no quick service location, you have to make the 10 minute walk to Jambo House for the Mara. Personally I didn't feel this was that big a deal, but we had a 2 bedroom with a kitchen. If you think it will be a big deal, ask to be located on the Jambo House side of the resort.

We're going to stay there in 2012 when we go. It's neat to find Zebras, Ostriches and other interesting animals outside your window. Plan on spending some time in the room so you can enjoy the animals. The keepers bring the animals into the barn for an hour each morning for routine grooming and checks, so there will be a period when the savannah is empty, but by around 10AM everyone is back out. It's a long trip from AKL to MK via the bus, so you might want to try and plan most of your MK trips during your stay at POR.

Congrats on finding such a good deal!

 

[PrincessInOz]

Gotta love the % room only discounts! Congrats on the great deal. Which dining plan did you settle on?

I hope you enjoy POR as much as I did. And by the time you go, they may have completed their refurb!

I've always wanted to stay at AKL; so make sure you take plenty of photos.

I haven't eaten at CRT (no girls; so it's been hard to convince the boys to go with me) but I loved CP. We went with no kids; and I swear the character interaction was more funny than if I had gone with kids!

Onwards with the restaurant choosing!

 

[franandaj]

I think it's funny how adults only feel self conscious going to character buffets without kids. I never had kids and have been going to the character buffets for a number of years now, and it never occurred to me that it was weird!

I love Tigger, Eeyore and Pooh so anytime I can get one on one time with them I'm thrilled! Back in the days when they would just show up at Disneyland I got so excited when I would run into them, more than the kids!

Have fun, lots of adults go without kids and as Princess said, sometimes they have an even better time!

 

[Meg1884]

Looks like you have a great trip planned! I can't wait to keep reading all about your planning.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

That's really great you were able to get a moderate and a deluxe. I've stayed in both places and they are both really nice. The only "drawback" that some people feel about Kidani is that there is no quick service location, you have to make the 10 minute walk to Jambo House for the Mara. Personally I didn't feel this was that big a deal, but we had a 2 bedroom with a kitchen. If you think it will be a big deal, ask to be located on the Jambo House side of the resort.

We're going to stay there in 2012 when we go. It's neat to find Zebras, Ostriches and other interesting animals outside your window. Plan on spending some time in the room so you can enjoy the animals. The keepers bring the animals into the barn for an hour each morning for routine grooming and checks, so there will be a period when the savannah is empty, but by around 10AM everyone is back out. It's a long trip from AKL to MK via the bus, so you might want to try and plan most of your MK trips during your stay at POR.

Congrats on finding such a good deal!

Is it a nice walk between sections, if it is "scenic" then I have no problem
By the end of the stay we plan to take it a bit more easy, so it will be nice to spend a lot of time at the resort, looking at the animals and using the pool.
It is a good idea about the distance to MK, I hadn't really thought of that. I think for things like ADR's located at the MK end of the resort I will plan to do them while at POR, and do Boma and Jiko while staying at AK. Thanks for the suggestion.

Gotta love the % room only discounts! Congrats on the great deal. Which dining plan did you settle on?

I hope you enjoy POR as much as I did. And by the time you go, they may have completed their refurb!

I've always wanted to stay at AKL; so make sure you take plenty of photos.

I haven't eaten at CRT (no girls; so it's been hard to convince the boys to go with me) but I loved CP. We went with no kids; and I swear the character interaction was more funny than if I had gone with kids!

Onwards with the restaurant choosing!

We are using the normal dining plan, I did look at the quick service option, but there are too many sit down restaurants I want to try.

I didn't even know they were doing a refurb at POR I am so behind. I hope they are done, it would be nice to have a newly done room. I hope if they are not done it won't effect our stay (noise etc)

Don't worry I plan on taking lots and lots and lots of photos

Looks like you have a great trip planned! I can't wait to keep reading all about your planning.

Thanks for joining in.

 

[QuirkyButterfly]

Look what Adam got in the mail this week:

and inside

and what does that mean

We have free tickets to go and see Tron and Tangled
Adam had been teasing me because I am the Disney nut and Disney sends him free things. Doesn't matter, we are going to go today and make a movie marathon out of it Looking forward to Tangled a lot more than Tron, I have never even seen the first Tron! I will post back tonight and let you know what I thought of them.