Anyone else's Disney World "expertise" cause them problems?

[bumbershoot]

When I first came across the post I was on mobile and didn't want to do a full response.

knowledge gets in the way

I haven't found that at all. It's when I forget what I know that I have problems.

We had annual passes, but had to get a 1 day ticket for the dining plan. Next trip, we wanted to of course use our 1-day tickets, but also HAD rotfl to book FP+ 60 days out. Days, emails, and phone calls later, they ended up helping us by just refunding the ticket since there was no way to upgrade it to a 6-day ticket without going to the park.

This doesn't seem like a problem caused by knowledge. This seems like a problem from a lack of knowledge. You cannot upgrade a ticket like that unless you are THERE.

Same trip, was lucky enough to win early New Fantasyland entry...but only for one person. Obviously this doesn't work on a honeymoon! So several emails and phone calls later, no resolution. Went to ask in the park, and they let us both in at that moment!

I am not sure if this is too much or too little knowledge. I know that a total newbie to the parks would probably just assume it was for both, and would just go and expect to be let in.

Since that's what happened to you, I bet it would have happened anyway. Sometimes, and I feel weird saying this since Disney is peeving me so much, you gotta have faith in Disney.

Got "savvy" and rented DVC points for a trip to Saratoga Springs. Could only book 180 days out for dining, and not 180+10. Hours on the phone and we finally found the "real" (secret) reservation number to link to my account to enable reservations for the trip.

Since this is a WELL known issue for over a year with DVC, it's no surprise that it happened. Generally it's only by members calling that they can bypass it. Since you're not a member, it's no surprise you couldn't. And I'd love to know the super secret reservation number that was used? I mean, not the number, but how to find it? Because I have literally never heard of this.

I knew that you could "easily" walk from Saratoga Springs to Downtown Disney. Turns out this isn't a good idea when you are on the far side of Saratoga and it's 96° out.

That doesn't sound like too much knowledge. This sounds like being crazy from the heat.

My family often says how what I've found out has helped

Yep, me too. My family says that my knowledge enhances our trips and makes them better. DH has realized this ever since our honeymoon (and wedding) which I researched the heck out of. He loved that I sort of knew my way around the ship (Radiance of the Seas) and had the perfect things planned (even when I planned "we can do this this or this, what'cha want?"). He was a bit leery of the time I spent online before the wedding and honeymoon (in '03), but it all panned out, and with every trip we take my family is happier and happier with it.

 

[kahblue]

I'm the one who has the "expertise" and the rest of the family knows what they've experienced and have come across on the internet. They don't read Disney websites or The DIS - they happily leave that to me . After going every year for the past 8 years I now keep some things to myself so they can be surprised and enjoy new things for the first time in person rather than seeing it on Youtube or me telling them what I heard on the podcast. I don't mind knowing "too much" and they get the benefits from it without having to know ahead of time.

 

[Jetku]

This doesn't seem like a problem caused by knowledge. This seems like a problem from a lack of knowledge. You cannot upgrade a ticket like that unless you are THERE.

I suppose it's not just knowledge. But knowledge combined with obsessiveness. For this example, I knew about the 60-day window and that fastpass plus existed, and couldn't let it go for this trip and just make them after I arrived.

I am not sure if this is too much or too little knowledge. I know that a total newbie to the parks would probably just assume it was for both, and would just go and expect to be let in.

Without my Disney knowledge/obsession, I would have never been waiting for the minute this went live to try and get a slot! It was actually a frustrating experience to even secure the one pass since the website completely crash and they had to reschedule the promotion.

Since this is a WELL known issue for over a year with DVC, it's no surprise that it happened. Generally it's only by members calling that they can bypass it. Since you're not a member, it's no surprise you couldn't. And I'd love to know the super secret reservation number that was used? I mean, not the number, but how to find it? Because I have literally never heard of this.

This was in 2012. The cast member had to work with someone in their IT division to connect the reservation with the proper number.


My Disney knowledge certainly benefits our trips more than it hurts, but there are times (described in the OP) where I get too savvy, clever, or complicated for my own good.

 

[beastlyprince]

I'm the big Disney fan in my family. I'll describe my "Brady Bunch 2002 WDW Trip From H*LL" vacation.

My soon to be ex-sister-in-law wanted to go to WDW in 2002, so we decided to make it an extended family
trip (me, her, my brother, their daughter, my parents, my other brother). She came up with the dates, my mother
made the reservations for Shades Of Green (we were moved to the North Garden Wing at the Contemporary Resort
due to major SOG renovations), and I looked at the park hours and parades/fireworks schedules, got the information
for AAA tickets for WDW and Sea World, then purchased them. This trip was after 9/11 and many things had changed.
Extra Magic Hours (it had a different name then) were eliminated, park hours were shorter on some days, some of
the stage performances were only on particular days, and some of the fireworks were only on particular days. I was
going to Universal for two days while they went to one of the Disney waterparks one day and had a free day to do whatever
they pleased on the other day. I made a schedule of which park I was going to be at each day and listed the parades and fireworks times.
I gave this schedule out to everyone. They were free to use it or not. We started off at MK and that went fine. Next day
was EPCOT and that went fine. Third day was Disney/MGM Studios and that was when I had enough of a pregnant soon
to be ex-sister-in-law (mind you, she wasn't pregnant when she announced this trip and we had made reservations and
purchased our airfare and park tickets). Nothing but complaining from her the entire time (so hot (it was May and the
weather was warm); aggravated that she couldn't go on everything, etc., etc., etc.). Middle brother, who came down for a
few days, started his usual crap. I so wanted to put his suitcase in my parents' room, get a new card/change the key code for my room,
and leave a note telling him to find somewhere else to sleep. I didn't do it because it would have cause World War III.

So after three days I was done with the "Brady Bunch Vacation". Didn't really see anyone else the two days I went to
Universal. I decided to go to Animal Kingdom by myself (I actually saw my soon to be ex-sister-in-law and family
sitting across from me at "Festival Of The Lion King", but decided not to meet with them afterwards). The only other
time we were together was on check out day. We had reservations for breakfast at Chef Mickey's and then we went to
Downtown Disney (we ended up splitting up because they wanted to go to Rainforest Café; I wasn't hungry and
wanted to walk around Downtown Disney and then go back to the Contemporary Resort to walk around before we
had to leave for the airport).

When we got home my parents thanked me for providing the schedule, knowing what I was doing (I had been to WDW twice
before this 2002 trip), and how disorganized/unknowledgeable my soon to be ex-sister-in-law was on the days I wasn't
with them. [My parents went on one other WDW trip with her in 2006 and when they returned told me "Never again".]

Before the trip I thought that two people were really going to annoy me on this trip (my brother (soon to be divorced) and
my father). During the whole trip they were fine and I had no issues with them. They both enjoyed themselves. I had
no indication that my soon to be ex-sister-in-law was going to pull the crap that she did. My middle brother's behavior
was to be expected.

So, to wrap this up ...

Solo trips (like I did in 1997) to WDW from now on. That was my most favorite trip to see Mickey. You do what you want
to do and you don't need to put up with other people complaining and their thanklessness.

 

[GrumpyDad1974]

We just got back from a week. 4 of us most of the week and a group of 10 who don't like/want to plan for a couple days. The days there were 10 of us I about lost it... I tried to help them months in advance and they said they would wing it... yeah that didn't work out and then they turned to me for the answer. I did the best I could for them.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I don't find this at all. My WDW "expertise" coupled with knowing how my family likes to vacation at WDW makes our trips super fun and easy. We just did our first Christmas week trip and, knowing how crowded it would be, I planned accordingly. For example:

We knew we would spend most of our time in EP (as always) and wanted to see the Osbourne Lights for the last time (plus the new Star Wars Launch Bay) SO I booked BWV (cash) WITH a discount and walked to DHS (and EP) to avoid the bus and boat lines.

We knew it would be crowded, so I booked Wild Africa Trek for one of our days (which was on our bucket list). What better way to avoid crowds than to book a backstage tour with limited guest capacity! I also booked a time that was conducive to us arriving early and riding my DS8's favorite, Primeval Whirl, 3 times with no wait.

We wanted to try Morimoto Asia and see Star Wars with reserved seating. Stalked both open table and the Fandango site and got perfect dining and movie times. Also booked the revamped Sandcastle Club for DS on the day those reservations opened. Perfect evening planned!

Scoured DIS to figure out the best way to try Skipper Canteen given the no ADR policy, with little wait and without sacrificing our existing FP+ (which I couldn't move on a busy Dec. 29). Arrived at 10:30 am, scored opening time table, made it to 7DMT FP+ with plenty of time.

Keeping up-to-date with all things Disney is really my hobby, so this is all really fun for me! For DH and DS, it means smooth, easy traveling, so it's fun for them, too!

 

[disneymami]

My 'in-depth' knowledge of WDW has caused me great concern. I may not go back to the world anytime soon. I listen to the DisUnplugged because I enjoy it. I indulge in the fantasy of planning of trip. But knowing what I know about crowed levels, having make ADRs, scheduling experiences sours my dreams of visiting the Magic Kingdom like I did when I was a kid. Back then, oh sooo many years ago, it was a lovely to 'just go.' Waltz in and skip around and take in the magic without the stress of crowds and waiting in lines. I would love to turn back the clock to use my E ticket. But those days are gone. The Magic Kingdom still holds magic for me but not in the way it used to. It makes me a little sad.

 

[beastlyprince]

We just got back from a week. 4 of us most of the week and a group of 10 who don't like/want to plan for a couple days. The days there were 10 of us I about lost it... I tried to help them months in advance and they said they would wing it... yeah that didn't work out and then they turned to me for the answer. I did the best I could for them.

You are organized and know what you're doing. You tried to prepare them before hand. They didn't want to listen. Then while the trip's happening you're supposed to wave your magic wand so that they'll be happy. I'd lose it, too.

 

[Paigesmom2013]

I have become the "Disney" girl among my friends, even though this is only our second trip with kids. I enjoy when friends ask me questions but several have gotten overwhelmed already planning trips for the fall. I guess I took on Disney planning as a challenge, but I love vacation planning in general.

With FP+ this time, I'm afraid of being a crazy person. It's a tough balance to keep a schedule, but I don't want to be that parent who won't stop for a bathroom break or let my 5 year old ride the carousel because it's not in the "schedule."

 

[dogdangling]

No I've found it to be very useful. In 2013 I visited WDW for the first time and had an awesome time but missed a lot of extras due to lack of knowledge, In may when I went we had an even better time by researching more, listening to advice on these forums which resulted in us have some great meals in spots that we never even knew about (Poly and Boardwalk area for example).

The only **** up i made was not having the late Fastpasses for Toy story mania and declined them as i thought we would not be in the park that late, how wrong was I.

 

[MalkaR]

My 'in-depth' knowledge of WDW has caused me great concern. I may not go back to the world anytime soon. I listen to the DisUnplugged because I enjoy it. I indulge in the fantasy of planning of trip. But knowing what I know about crowed levels, having make ADRs, scheduling experiences sours my dreams of visiting the Magic Kingdom like I did when I was a kid. Back then, oh sooo many years ago, it was a lovely to 'just go.' Waltz in and skip around and take in the magic without the stress of crowds and waiting in lines. I would love to turn back the clock to use my E ticket. But those days are gone. The Magic Kingdom still holds magic for me but not in the way it used to. It makes me a little sad.

My father refuses to go to Disneyland (in CA) anymore for just this reason. He even worked there as a teenager, and we went every year (for spur of the moment day trips) when I was a kid. The last time he went, he just didn't have fun because of the insane crowds and super long lines. He knows the park inside and out and it had just lost its magic for him

 

[mom2rtk]

My father refuses to go to Disneyland (in CA) anymore for just this reason. He even worked there as a teenager, and we went every year (for spur of the moment day trips) when I was a kid. The last time he went, he just didn't have fun because of the insane crowds and super long lines. He knows the park inside and out and it had just lost its magic for him

That's totally understandable. Crowds will do that to the experience.

 

[gorkt]

The only real downside to being an obsessive WDW planner is that the family expects me to create this perfect vacation for them every time we go. I have planned three family vacations and I am starting to look at the fourth, and I feel a lot of pressure to make this one as good as the last one or better.

 

[buzznina]

Taking a VERY last min trip..
The deal I made with DH was I would ONLY plan ADRs and fp+.. I agreed i wouldn't do my step by step, min by min, kind of plans.. So far I've kept my word.
Meanwhile my mind is going crazy with all kinds of touring Plans! I'm doing my best, but I'm not sure im going to make it!

We did this about 8 years back and I have not went back to tour planning ever since. DW and I agreed that it was soooo much more relaxing then having everything planned out. Yes; we could have accomplished more but to us the trade off was so much better We only plan which park on which day, FP+ and as far as ADRs, mainly none or 1 per trip. Good luck

 

[delilah]

All I can say is thank goodness that DVC doesn't let renters change their reservations. Over the years, I have donated my points to my church and school as a raffle item. The prize is a specific number of nights at a particular resort for a specific date. This year, it was a savannah view at Kidani for Dec 19-23. This corresponds to when schools in our area get out for winter break. By coincidence, I had my own family vacation scheduled for the same time at the same resort. The person who won the raffle essentially got a 4-night reservation at AKV for $50. For the first time, the winner wasn't anybody I knew from church/school. I am not sure whether she was knowledgeable about Disney, or just trying to push the envelope a bit. Her first misunderstanding was that she thought she needed to pay for the meal plan exactly 48 hours before arrival. I tried to explain that I could pay for it anytime up to 2 days before, so if she wanted it, let me make arrangements in advance. Specifically, I wanted her to give me a cash payment, and I would pay for it on my credit card. So, sure enough, the Friday before we left on Saturday, she emailed me at 8 am and wanted me to pay for the meal plan with her credit card, which would have involved a three-way call while I was at work, and just wasn't going to happen. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I didn't even open the email until I got to my room at WDW about 11 pm on Saturday. I just emailed her back apologizing that I was busy at work on Friday, because it was the day before I was leaving on vacation, and Saturday was my travel day, so I was on the plane and at the airport most of the day. About two weeks before leaving, she wanted to add another day to the reservation, which I couldn't do, of course. I wonder what she would have done when I asked her to pay for the additional night or canceled the last night of her reservation because the prize was for 4 nights. All I can say is that this is the last time that I am going to donate points, and would think hard and long about renting them out.

 

[lisathomps]

I could not do a last minute trip to WDW. My Commando side would crumble and die.

me too!!

 

[TideWDW]

me too!!

We thrive on last minute trips. Just got back last night from an 8 day trip to WDW. Left at midnight on 12/31..thought about going and booked it the Monday of the same week.

 

[PSUGuy]

Nope, stuff I've learned here since 1998, mostly, has only made our trips better, cheaper and more stress free. Started renting DVC points 10 years ago and since then we're Board Walk regulars for about the same, sometimes less, than a Value.

Bill From PA

 

[sunsetbeachgal]

I am the designated Disney trip planner in the family and it does create some self imposed stress, really all the family wants is fun time together and I can never lose sight of that. If I make a wrong decision or plan, roll with the punches and always keep a sense of humor!

I am always the one that in the end choses the resort for our three families, but there is no bad decision at WDW resorts! I also pick what park folks are doing and what time we are meeting at the bus stop. I have a touring plan for each day that takes advantage of attractions close to each other, no walking back and forth across parks unless it cant be avoided, and flexibility for instance if the kids want to ride sometime again. But at times, directing a small group is like herding cats!

 

[skojo]

3. Got "savvy" and rented DVC points for a trip to Saratoga Springs. Could only book 180 days out for dining, and not 180+10. Hours on the phone and we finally found the "real" (secret) reservation number to link to my account to enable reservations for the trip.

I won't be able to make ADR's 180+10 days out? I never heard this before. I currently have a BLT reservation by renting through a DVC member. This new info is getting me worried. Can you please explain in detail what I need to do to get the "real" reservation number. TIA