Any thoughts appreciated - first visit in years

[orbital62]

Hello,

I've just booked a week at WL at the end of August. I confess I haven't been to WDW since 93 so I'm wayyy out of the loop regarding the parks, amenities and what to do. I am going to read as much as I can, starting with the message boards here but thought I'd ask for some general info and tips. Any help you vets could toss my way would be very appreciated. I hope I'm asking in the right forum as well.

-We are staying at WL: woods view I think I booked. I see the thread re: concierge level - is it really worth it? If so, do I book now or wait for some deal at check-in?
-Park strategies: what would you suggest as a strategy to get the most out of the park hopper ticket - our groop is just myself, my wife and 10 year old daughter.
-Food strategies: dine where, when.... I was told to reserve for dinner - are reservations for lunch advisable as well? Any recommendations for dining?
-Is a car needed at all? Would one want to get off the property for a night? (as I wrote that I imagined everyone laughing -get off the property?! )

I'm sure there is more and hopefully, as I get some responses, I'll think of further questions.

Thanks so much
Michael

 

[franw]

Well, since your daughter is 10, I won't ask what you've been doing for the past 10 years that you haven't made it back to WDW. To say that it has changed a lot is an understatement but all us frequent-WDWs are a bit jealous that you will be seeing it "almost" for the first time. The WL is absolutely beautiful and the grounds are wonderful. Your park hopper ticket will allow you to change parks if the one you selected for the day turns out to be too busy or if you want to catch a certain fireworks show that night. I do know the MK is a zoo on Saturdays but someone on the theme parks board can probably update you on which days are busiest at which parks. I do know that unless you plan to get up real early for early opening, avoid that particular park that day as the whole world seems to show up as the day goes on. Lots of folks go to AK early in the morning. Our approach is to go a few hours before closing when everyone else is streaming out. I haven't gone in peak season in a long time so I will let someone with more recent experience lead the way. The restaurant board will give you lots of good advice but for sure make a reservation at MGM on the Fantasmic package so you are able to see the show without waiting in line for hours. 50's Primetime in great and Hollywood and Vine is not bad either. They fill up fast so be sure to get your reservation in asap. Wow, it will be a whole new "WDW" for you and your family. Post specific questions on each board to get the info you want. I hope you have such a good time that you join our ranks and go back more often.

 

[Nolcrest]

I'm sure you'll love WL. Can't help you with concierge questions. My family is always happy with standard - we're not really in our room too much. Definately think about where you might like to dine and make ressies. On that note if you want to relax one evening or day - boat over to Fort Wilderness and enjoy their buffet dinner/lunch at Trails End. Ressies not necessary. The dining choices are endless so it really depends on what you like. Visit the dining board for lots of info. Our family ate lunch at Teppanyaki in Japan Epcot and had one of our best meals there. Keep in mind if you are trying to stretch the dollar that the lunches are more reasonably priced. You may consider having some of your big meals in the afternoon - after a full morning of park visiting - and a lighter evening meal.

I don't think you'll need a car. We always drive to Disney but pretty much keep it parked once we're there. Again, it depends on if you wanted to leave "the world". We've have never lacked for anything to do on site.

Plan for some down time. I like to break up the day by spending late afternoon by the pool and heading to the parks again in the evening. Also midweek we take a break form the parks and either shop or visit other resorts and try their restaurants.

Gosh - I'm sure you'll get a lot of suggestions. Thought I'd start with these. You'll have a blast there - it's great that you're doing your homework before you go.

Welcome to the boards. Lauri

 

[orbital62]

I do appreciate the shared thoughts so far - just wanted to see if any others wish to chime in - the more the merrier!

Especially interested in opinions on the value of concierge level and how best to split our time in the parks.

Regards all...
Michael

 

[Kirby]

I agree with Nolcrest about breaking up your day. August is a very hot, humid time of year and just taking a break in your hotel room can revitalize you.

how best to split our time in the parks

We had our third trip to the world this last Thanksgiving. We split our time up by going to MK in the morning and say MGM in the afternoon, etc. Our decisions were based on park hours and early entry. We would start out in an early entry park, leave around noon - 2:00, take a break and head back out to another park. Sometimes we never went back to a park but went to play miniature golf. It all depends on what you want to see and do.

www.wdwig.com is another good web site for information too.

Best advice - be flexible.

 

[epcotitis]

Bumping for more answers.

 

[kda]

WL is our favorite --- very relaxing, but close to MK and all the monorail resorts, so there's some good dining choices. I love to ride the boat over to the Contemporary to eat at Chef Mickeys. Be sure to ride the monorail at some point.

The end of August is very, very hot and humid, and it's much more tolerable if you plan for a mid-day break to do the pool and/or a nap. Since you're going back to the resort, you can split up your park visits any way you choose. Go with the flow, and if it's too hot or too crowded, take a break or switch parks. The end of August is also less crowded, so it's probably going to be possible to get last minute or same-day priority seatings, EXCEPT for the popular restaurants (Cinderella's Castle for breakfast, Chef Mickey's, California Grill or Flying Fish) or if you really need to eat at a specific time.


Have a great trip!