Am I crazy?

[POOHsie]

... and am trying to limit add'l OOP dining expenditures...

You're staying at AoA for 8 nights, and you're using 10 TS and 10 CS in your itinerary. So you're 2 TS and 2 CS over your limit. I'd pay OOP for AoA 2 Bkfsts. TS? - It's hard to choose. Coral Reef lunch and ...?

 

[lustergirl]

good luck with that!

 

[fuzzlekins]

You're staying at AoA for 8 nights, and you're using 10 TS and 10 CS in your itinerary. So you're 2 TS and 2 CS over your limit. I'd pay OOP for AoA 2 Bkfsts. TS? - It's hard to choose. Coral Reef lunch and ...?

It's okay actually. There are a couple of meals where my DD and I will share or I will do a kids' meal for CS. In the end, we'll be paying OOP for mine and my hubby's lunch at 50's PT, Sleepy Hollow, and Restaurant Marrakesh, but everything else will fit in the DDP.

 

[fuzzlekins]

Okay, so I'm thinking of giving myself some leeway on SW in particular. Was going to swap IOA into the Sunday SW spot and leave Wednesday as an "open" day, based on the comments here, but I don't think I want to do IOA on a weekend. With having only one day there, I'd like the shortest lines possible, so I'm thinking a weekday is better. (and Wed is a green day for IOA on the crowd calendar) So instead, I think we'll go to SW upon arrival as planned and if there's still more to do after 6pm, then we'll come back on Sunday. But if not, then time will be freed up on Sunday to chill outside the parks.

There's just sooo many things to see and do (even though we've been there and hit all the park rides and shows before), and this is essentially our "last hurrah" b/c we won't pull our DD out of school for a week once she's in 1st grade, and neither my hubby or I can imagine being there in the summer or during peak times when kids are out of school. We probably won't be back for at least a few yrs after this trip. Of course, I said that this past Feb too.

 

[fuzzlekins]

If I move the 1900 Park Fare dinner, and given the fact that we'll have our car loaded and parked at AK, where would be a good CS place to go for dinner? Or would Planet Hollywood in DD be more convenient? (we'll have that $15 voucher for that)

 

[mattsdragon]

You really don't need two days at SeaWorld.

And, trooper or not, a 5 year old is going to need some winddown time at the pool.

I understand that people want to get every dollar's worth out of their vacation, but if you do to much, and need a vacation to recover from your vacation, it really isn't worth it.

And, also, all too often, this board gets littered with the trip reports from people who try to do too much, and their trip is "ruined" because of the smallest detail falling through.

You are going on vacation, sit back, relax, have an adult beverage (if that's your thing) and enjoy just being at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

 

[clickmichelle]

If I move the 1900 Park Fare dinner, and given the fact that we'll have our car loaded and parked at AK, where would be a good CS place to go for dinner? Or would Planet Hollywood in DD be more convenient? (we'll have that $15 voucher for that)

Maybe stop at Pepper Market at Coronado Springs? I haven't been there in some time, but it used to be quite tasty. And the hotel is visually interesting, a nice way to end the trip. I've never been impressed with Planet Hollywood's food, and a $15 voucher wouldn't be enough to entice me.

 

[POOHsie]

If I move the 1900 Park Fare dinner, and given the fact that we'll have our car loaded and parked at AK, where would be a good CS place to go for dinner? Or would Planet Hollywood in DD be more convenient? (we'll have that $15 voucher for that)

Usually every time we go to AK, we leave between 3-4. That said, exit AK and start down the road. Cross Osceola Pkway at the light, onto Sherbeth Road. Take that to Irlo Bronson (192). Turn right (west). Along this stretch is McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy's, and a little further is a Chick-Fil-A, next to a 7-11 w/fuel. Good place for gas, some drinks and a bag of food. When you reach your hotel, you could plan a sit-down dinner. The earlier you get there, the better.

Stopping at DTD after AK just delays your drive home. Planet Hollywood is not much of an enticement, and DTD could distract you with souvenir shopping, again wasting precious daytime drive time.

 

[JimmyV]

Regarding lake activities ... Interested in this idea. How does one go about booking that stuff? What does it cost and does it have to be done well in advance? And what is a Water Mouse?

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/watercraft-rentals/
The photo shows what I was referring to as Water Mice. They change names as often as the weather changes in Florida. Apparently, now, they are Sea Racers. An adult has to drive, but a minor can ride as a second passenger. And the whole family can get on one boat if you rent a pontoon boat. The link shows where you can rent them, but I always find that the Contemporary marina is the best place to start. You just walk right up to the marina window, tell them what you want to rent, fill out a little paperwork, and off you go. Real simple.

Where do you all play mini golf and what do you recommend?

Here's the link for mini golf. One is at Blizzard Beach and the other is at the entrance road for the Swan/Dolphin.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/miniature-golf/

 

[CindyIsMyFave]

I personally think you're going to be fine. This sounds like something my DH and I could certainly pull off, but of course we don't have kids. That being said, you certainly described your daughter as someone who can handle this. And if she did get tired, you're not going to keep dragging her from ride to ride! So it sounds like you're planning as much as you can, but you're aware that if you need to be flexible either in the morning with not quite making rope drop, or perhaps cutting out early some evening, then you'll do it! I think it sounds great! Have a wonderful time!

 

[fuzzlekins]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/watercraft-rentals/
The photo shows what I was referring to as Water Mice. They change names as often as the weather changes in Florida. Apparently, now, they are Sea Racers. An adult has to drive, but a minor can ride as a second passenger.

Those look AWESOME! Thanks for this tip!!! I think it may be the best one I've gotten yet! I am so putting this in the itinerary! By Disney standards, the price is actually pretty reasonable.

Is the half-hr deal $32/person or boat? And what amt of time do you recommend - 30mins, 45mins, or an hr? Not a huge difference in cost among them. Love the idea of driving up to the MK.

 

[leebee]

I'd skip the resort counter service breakfasts and eat in the room. You'll get to the parks earlier, and earlier = lower crowds, shorter lines. However, I'd make an event out of doing resort counter service LUNCHES. From MK, take the monorail over to the GF, or the Ferry to the TTC and monorail to either the Contemporary or Poly (or walk to Poly, I think that's possible from TTC), or take the boat over to WL, have lunch and check out the resorts. From DHS you can take the boat over to the Boardwalk area and into Epcot; you could eat at any of the Epcot resorts or, if you have PH tickets, go into World Showcase for lunch. From Epcot you could go to the Boardwalk, or take the monorail over to MK and do any of the MK resorts for lunch. It breaks up the day and the transportation part gives you a break and a rest, but it's still part of a Disney adventure. Heck, if you are staying onsite and take the bus to MK or Epcot, you'll never get near the monorail, and the monorail is an Iconic Disney experience!

 

[fuzzlekins]

I'd skip the resort counter service breakfasts and eat in the room. You'll get to the parks earlier, and earlier = lower crowds, shorter lines. However, I'd make an event out of doing resort counter service LUNCHES.

The problem is I'm maxed out on lunches already. I would ordinarily eat breakfast in the room everyday (I try to stick to my diet at least for b-fast and eat an apple, 2 tbsp peanuts, & 15 thin Triscuits every day), but I've got the CS credits to use up. Sheesh! This is complicated! (where's the cross-eyed smilie?? LOL)

We have done the monorail before. I'm not opposed to using it to get around when it's the most efficient but for getting to/from parks to our resort, we'll have our car.

 

[fuzzlekins]

My head is starting to spin from trying to figure everything out geographically and based on easy Disney transportation (i.e. monorail or boat). Anyone have any easy suggestions for managing all that or can anyone sort out which resorts are near enough to what to fit that bill?

EDIT: I think I just at least partially answered my own question at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/resort-transportation/.

 

[JimmyV]

Those look AWESOME! Thanks for this tip!!! I think it may be the best one I've gotten yet! I am so putting this in the itinerary! By Disney standards, the price is actually pretty reasonable.

Is the half-hr deal $32/person or boat? And what amt of time do you recommend - 30mins, 45mins, or an hr? Not a huge difference in cost among them. Love the idea of driving up to the MK.

The price is per boat, not per person. If you pay for half an hour but decide to stay out longer, you can and they will charge you for whatever time you stay out.

 

[chartle]

Those look AWESOME! Thanks for this tip!!! I think it may be the best one I've gotten yet! I am so putting this in the itinerary! By Disney standards, the price is actually pretty reasonable.

Is the half-hr deal $32/person or boat? And what amt of time do you recommend - 30mins, 45mins, or an hr? Not a huge difference in cost among them. Love the idea of driving up to the MK.

The more weight per boat the slower it will go and there is a weight limit.

Also you can't drive up to the MK. The dock area is off limits.

 

[fuzzlekins]

Glad it's per boat rather than per person! No worries about the weight limit (DD and I are probably about 160lbs together) or getting close to MK. It would be cool to see the castle and such from the water though. This is going to be a surprise for the hubby - he'll LOVE this (so will DD & I).

 

[chartle]

Glad it's per boat rather than per person! No worries about the weight limit (DD and I are probably about 160lbs together) or getting close to MK. It would be cool to see the castle and such from the water though. This is going to be a surprise for the hubby - he'll LOVE this (so will DD & I).

If you got up close I doubt you could see it since you are so low to the water.

 

[fuzzlekins]

Okay, here we go ... my revised itinerary. I'm still not cutting out a lot, but I have relaxed a little and I've cut out some breakfasts, etc. My goal was also to keep this vacation to less than $3K for the 8 nights. <deep breath> Let's hope this one's a winner.

Cost of gas & overnight Best Western (using Disc. pts) $225
Cost of AoA LM room, tix, & free DDP (assumption with fingers tightly crossed at this pt - alternate plan is in place though) $2,162
FRI:
SW until 6pm, incl. lunch & parking ($245.85)
Check in @ resort
Dinner @ Landscapes of Flavor (1 KCS/2 ACS)
Tour resort
SAT:
Breakfast in room
HS 8-7
Lunch @ 50s Prime Time ($50)
3pm Pixar Pals Parade
Drive to Ft Wilderness for 8:30pm Hoop Dee Doo Revue (2 KTS/4 ATS)
SUN:
Breakfast in room
Optional SW return visit in morning
Lunch @ Contempo Cafe (1 KCS/2 ACS)
Sea Raycers @ Contemporary ($64)
Head to MK at leisure, either before or after dinner
Dinner @ Gasparilla Grill (2 ACS)
Wishes
MON:
Breakfast in room
Epcot (9ish-9)
Character Lunch @ Akershus (1 KTS/2 ATS) ($17)
Dinner @ Sunshine Seasons (2 KCS/1 ACS)
Illuminations
TUE:
Breakfast @ Landscapes of Flavor (2 ACS)
MK @ 9am
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique ($65)
Lunch @ Be Our Guest (2 KCS/1 ACS)
Dinner @ Ohana (1 KTS/2 ATS) ($15)
WED:
Breakfast @ Cap'n Cook's (1 KCS/2 ACS)
Universal IOA 9-6, incl. lunch & parking ($212.90)
Dinner @ Captain's Grille (1 KTS/2 ATS) ($15)
Visit Boardwalk
THU:
Breakfast in room
Epcot (9ish-9)
Lunch @ Coral Reef (1 KTS/2 ATS) ($15)
Dinner @ Sunshine Seasons (1 KCS/2 ACS)
Illuminations
FRI:
Character Breakfast @ 1900 Park Fare (1 KTS) ($55)
MK
Lunch @ Sleepy Hollow ($13)
Dinner @ Be Our Guest (2 ATS) ($14)
Pirates & Pals Fireworks Cruise (good idea?) ($157)
SAT:
Breakfast @ The Mara (2 ACS)
AK 9-5
Face Painting ($15)
Lunch @ Tusker House (1 KTS/2 ATS)
Jammin' Jungle Parade
Dinner on way home & hotel stopover (using Disc. pts) $20
Known discounts (Disney Visa bonus, Disc. 5% CB, etc.) (-$322.50)
Total: $3,051

Not too far off from my goal, and I may earn more points or get gift cards for Christmas.

Better?

 

[chartle]

Cost of AoA LM room, tix, & free DDP (assumption with fingers tightly crossed at this pt - alternate plan is in place though) $2,162

Pretty much sure you will have to go to plan B. The latest round of FD specifically did not include LM room at AoA. They are just too popular.

A couple of other things. You are putting a lot of faith into FD will being offered for your time frame and you do know that you have to pay to move up from the QS FD you get at a value.

And I have no problem with your touring though I haven't gone through it with a fine toothed comb. I'm sure others will.