August 2011 PTR: WDW, Here we come! New to boards - tips/comments appreciated

[Sappermont]

Hey Dis Board Community!

I hope that all of you are enjoying your WDW planning! I've been reading the boards for a few weeks now and have really learned a lot from you all. Thank you!

I've decided to post a pre-trip report to share our plans and gain any insights you'd like to offer. All tips, advice, and comments are very appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Back in 1997, I found the Disboards when I was planning a Spring Break WDW trip. Just recently (a few weeks ago) my DH of three years suggested that we might take a trip to WDW. It will be his first trip and an anniversary trip!! Since then we have booked a week long trip at the end of August and the planning is underway. One of the first things I did was to search for some planning sites. When I stumbled upon WDWinfo.com and the DisBoards I could not believe how much the site and community had grown since 1997. Amazing. I'm also new to a lot of the technology. I'd love to create chapters for the PTR but can't seem to figure out how to do that. Does anyone know how to make chapters? Thanks in advance.

So, here's the scoop and the details.

Cast: (Does anyone know how to add in pictures from my desk top? Thanks!)

Me

A 34 year old WDW fanatic. I've been over a dozen times as a kid/teen but this will be my first real trip in over 8 years. I've stayed at FW, Dixie Landings, Port Orleans, Beach Club, and the Caribbean.

DH

A 36 year old WDW Newbie. This will be my DH's first trip to WDW. He's been to DL a few times and is getting excited. I think that he's intrigued by everyone's intense excitement and is eager to see what the magic is all about.

The scoop:

This is a 7 day, 6 night trip to the Polynesian. This will be my first time at the Poly and the first time at a monorail hotel. I'm super excited about this. This will also be our first trip together! I'm freaking out with excitement and want to plan the perfect trip.

Thanks for any and all help!!!

More to come. . .

Have a magical day everyone!!!

Table of Contents

The Cast Continued
The Poly Decision
ADR's
The Plan
August Issues
Questions/Decisions

 

[Sappermont]

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for reading my PTR.

Now on to discuss how we decided on the Poly!

Our decision to go to WDW was really an exciting whirlwind. I was a couple blocks from dropping my DH off at work when he suggested that we might take a trip to WDW. I was both shocked by this and now super excited to plan our first WDW trip together. I dropped him off to work and raced to my work, turned on my computer, and started planning. Now I've been to WDW a lot but not in the last 8 years. Now, that's almost a decade!!! I can't even begin to imagine all the changes and since it's my DH's first trip the planning is a big responsibility. I need to plan a trip that shows him just how amazing WDW can be. We are animal lovers so the AKL came to mind. One of my other favorite resorts is CS so initially I was thinking that we would stay in one of those hotels.

My mother threw out the Boardwalk as a suggestion because of its location and that opened up the doors to an analysis of all WDW properties. I want this trip to be extra special so I was thinking about a moderate or a deluxe hotel. I called and talked to a very helpful CM and after a while decided on the Poly!! I've never stayed there although have been there a few times to eat (I remember going to a buffet when I was really young and my sister told Pluto she wanted to marry him . ) My DH loves Splash from DL so we will be spending time at the MK, but plan to spend a lot of time at Epcot, too.

What do you all think about this decision? For those of you who have stayed at the Poly any secrets or tips? I know that WDW doesn't guarantee room requests but we've been struggling with whether or not we should request a specific longhouse or leave it to chance - what do you think? I've read the Captain Cook's is open 24 hours - is this really true? I've also read that the refillable mugs are good only at Captain Cooks, but in some places I've read that they are also good at the snack bar by the pool - does anyone have any info. on this? Are there any other hotels that would be better for a first visit?

Thank you!!!!

 

[Sappermont]

Okay, so I'm so excited about all the awesome reservations.

We are on the DDP - the one that has one table service, one counter service and one snack per day. We are going for 7 days, 6 nights.

I'm new to the DDP and although I understand how this works in theory I'm a bit intimidated by it. It is giving us a great opportunity to explore some TS restaurants.

After several calls to CM and the online system we have the following schedule.

Breakfast:
Kona Cafe (2xs)

Lunch:
Tokyo Dining (DH loves sushi)

Dinner:
Garden Grille
Ohana
San Angel Inn
Tutto Italia
Fulton's Crab House

Some of the other ideas we were tossing around are: T-Rex, Liberty Tree, Crystal Palace, Tony's, Tusker House

What do you all think?

Thanks so much!!!

 

[melmar136]

Hi! We'll be going at the end of Aug too! 48 days to go to be exact, but who's counting?
The Poly is a great choice. I have only stayed there once, but really liked it. And convenient, right on the monorail.

As far as adding pictures into your PTR, I'm sure there are other ways, but I use www.photobucket.com. Create an account there, upload your photos, and then when you want to insert them, use the IMG code on the picture on Photobucket which will copy a link for you, and then you'll paste it into your post, which will show the picture. Hope I explained that right!

Can't wait to read more!

 

[Sappermont]

Hi Melmar,

Thanks for the help with the photos. I appreciate it!! I am going to work on getting that working.

Where will you be staying this summer. Have you gone in August before? I'm a bit concerned with the heat.

I noticed that you are from MA? Although I live in CO now, I'm from MA! Great state!!

Do you have a pre trip report up?

Thanks again!!

 

[melmar136]

Hi Melmar,

Thanks for the help with the photos. I appreciate it!! I am going to work on getting that working.

Where will you be staying this summer. Have you gone in August before? I'm a bit concerned with the heat.

I noticed that you are from MA? Although I live in CO now, I'm from MA! Great state!!

Do you have a pre trip report up?

Thanks again!!

Let me know if the photo instructions don't work, maybe I can try to help some more. I'm fairly new to it too! Also, you can size them to medium or small so they'll fit here.

I do have a PTR up, but need to update it again! It's been a little while! The link is in my signature.
We are going Aug 20-25 and then the 25-28 on the Dream. So excited. Staying at AKL-Kidani.

The last few times we have gone, it has been either July or Aug, mainly because I hate to pull DD out of school now that she is older. It is hot, and very humid, and most days there can be a passing t-storm. I am not great with the heat, but find that it's bearable. We go in the morning before it gets too hot, and in the afternoon I tend to do a lot of ducking into stores to browse for awhile to be in the AC. Once in a while if it's just too hot, we'll go back to the hotel for a while, maybe swim, have TS lunch and sit in the AC. Then we go back to the parks at night. I'm bringing a Brita water bottle with the filter this time so I can just keep refilling it, and DD loves her misting fan.
At least at the end of Aug the crowds have died down some!

Where in MA are you from?

 

[Sappermont]

Hey Everyone!

Thanks for following my PTR. I'm getting so psyched about this trip and love talking to other WDW fans.

Below is a picture of me and my DH on Splash Mountain at Disneyland. We lived in So. Cal. for a while and went to DL. Although DL is cool, it's nothing like WDW. As the kids say these days this WDW trip is going to be "epic".

In the back is me - Laurie - a 34yo Disney Veteran and Newbie all at the same time. I've been to DL a bunch of times and to WDW over a dozen times, but those trips were as a child/teen. This will be my first trip to WDW in over almost a decade. Originally from MA, I live in CO and I'm a filmmaker, animal lover, and when I'm not too lazy - an avid runner.
Favorite WDW Park: Magic Kingdom. Epcot has definitely risen in the ranks over the years, but I still have to give the nod to the MK. It's just such a magical place.
Favorite WDW Restaurant: It was Alfredo's so I guess it's TBD!!
Favorite WDW Ride: This is a tough one, but you know I might have to give it up to the Haunted House because it's just such a classic. I've been on Toy Story at DL, but not WDW so I suspect that is going to be up there because Toy Story in DL was AMAZING. Honorable Mentions: Horizons (so sad to see it go), The Great Movie Ride, and the Safari.
Favorite WDW Hotel: FW or CS, but after this trip the Poly might top it.
Favorite Disney Character: Goofy & Mater

In the front of the flume is my 36yo DH. He's a WDW newbie and is cautiously optimistic about what WDW holds. He's the best planner I've ever met so I think that after this trip I will be handing over the planning binder to him. He's been to DL a few times. He's also an animal lover and avid runner/triathlete. He has no idea what is in store for him at WDW.

Favorite WDW Park: TBD
Favorite WDW Restaurant: TBD
Favorite Disney Ride: Splash in DL
Favorite WDW Hotel: TBD
Favorite Disney Character: Chip & Dale

 

[Sappermont]

Thanks again! The photobucket worked like a charm. Thanks so much for your help. I'm still a bit of a techno-phobe. Your trip sounds amazing! I bet that your DD will have a blast. That's comforting to hear that the crowds die down at the end of August. We plan to go to the water parks a few days. I'm curious how the crowds will be there. The cruise sounds awesome. Do you leave from Orlando? AKL!! Awesome. That's definitely on our wish list of places to stay. Thanks for all the tips on the heat. I'm not a fan of humidity and there's absolutely no humidity in CO so I'm a bit scared of that! August was the best time in terms of our work schedule to go. I'm from Brockton. What about you? Thanks again!! I'm going to go check out your PTR!

 

[melmar136]

Thanks again! The photobucket worked like a charm. Thanks so much for your help. I'm still a bit of a techno-phobe. Your trip sounds amazing! I bet that your DD will have a blast. That's comforting to hear that the crowds die down at the end of August. We plan to go to the water parks a few days. I'm curious how the crowds will be there. The cruise sounds awesome. Do you leave from Orlando? AKL!! Awesome. That's definitely on our wish list of places to stay. Thanks for all the tips on the heat. I'm not a fan of humidity and there's absolutely no humidity in CO so I'm a bit scared of that! August was the best time in terms of our work schedule to go. I'm from Brockton. What about you? Thanks again!! I'm going to go check out your PTR!

So glad the photobucket instructions worked for you!
You know, in all the times we have been to WDW, we have never done the water parks. I have heard that a lot of people say they tend to enjoy Blizzard Beach more than Typhoon Lagoon....we mainly go to the pool, if we have time!

The cruise leaves from Port Canaveral, and we're very excited about that! DD said last week she "plans on gaining 5 pounds" on it! What a plan! She isn't a picky eater AT ALL!

The humidity is what gets to me. I think I would love CO if you never get any there!

I grew up in Mansfield, so not too far from Brockton!

 

[Sappermont]

Here is our tentative plan for our late-August WDW trip. Any thoughts, advice, input, comments would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Is there anything that looks unrealistic to you? Is there anything that is a MUST see that is not listed here?

Day 1
4:30-5:30 p.m.: Land/Magical Express to WDW
5:45 p.m.: Buy Refillable Mugs at Captain Cooks
6 p.m.: Monorail to Epcot
Dinner: 7:55 p.m.: Tutto Italia
---(Possible switch out: eat brats (or other quick food) at Epcot and get good seats for Illuminations)
9:00 p.m.: Illuminations** (Question for Disney Experts: We'll have several other opportunities to see Illuminations during the trip. Do you think it's worth skipping our ADR at Tutto Italia to see Illuminations on the first night?)
Night: late close for Epcot
Perhaps late night at Poly pool?

Day 2

Breakfast: Captain Cooks
A.M.: early open for Animal Kingdom
---Safari
---Dinosaur Ride
Lunch: Open
Afternoon: Typhoon Lagoon
Dinner/Evening: Open
Night: Hollywood Studios

Day 3
Breakfast: Kona Island
A.M.: early open for Magic Kingdom
Lunch: Open
Afternoon: Blizzard Beach
Dinner/Evening: Epcot & 7:15 p.m.: Garden Grill
Night: Boardwalk

Day 4
Breakfast: Kona Cafe
A.M.: Animal Kingdom
Lunch: Open
Afternoon: Typhoon Lagoon
Dinner/Evening: 6:15 p.m.: San Angel Inn
Night: late close for Magic Kingdom

Day 5
Breakfast: Captain Cooks
A.M.: early open for Hollywood Studios
--Toy Story Mania
--Great Movie Ride
Lunch: 12:20 p.m.: Tokyo Dining
P.M.: Downtown Disney
Dinner/Evening: 5:50 p.m.: Fulton's Crabhouse
Night: Contemporary/ Poly/ Grand Floridian - Monorail resort tour

Day 6
Breakfast: Room Service
A.M.: Open - Go-with-the-flow day
Lunch: Open
P.M.: Spa
Dinner/Evening: 9:15 p.m.: Ohana
Night: late close for Magic Kingdom

Day 7
Breakfast: Kona Cafe
A.M.: early open for Animal Kingdom
Lunch: Open
P.M.: Magical Express - 2 p.m.: Leave for airport ☹

 

[Sappermont]

So glad the photobucket instructions worked for you!
You know, in all the times we have been to WDW, we have never done the water parks. I have heard that a lot of people say they tend to enjoy Blizzard Beach more than Typhoon Lagoon....we mainly go to the pool, if we have time!

The cruise leaves from Port Canaveral, and we're very excited about that! DD said last week she "plans on gaining 5 pounds" on it! What a plan! She isn't a picky eater AT ALL!

The humidity is what gets to me. I think I would love CO if you never get any there!

I grew up in Mansfield, so not too far from Brockton!

Oh, I definitely know Mansfield. Cool. The cruise will be awesome. I can't wait to read your trip report when you get back. We are under two months now!! Can't wait!! It's insanely dry here in CO which is nice. The humidity is what gets to me, too! Thanks so much for following my PTR!! Happy Planning!

 

[Sappermont]

This is the first time I will be in WDW at the end of August. Given that I don't do well with humidity I am a bit concerned. Any tips on how to beat the heat at the end of August?

I've heard that the crowds are actually a bit lighter at the end of August. Does anyone have any experience with this?


Thanks!!!

 

[spartankid34]

This is the first time I will be in WDW at the end of August. Given that I don't do well with humidity I am a bit concerned. Any tips on how to beat the heat at the end of August?

I've heard that the crowds are actually a bit lighter at the end of August. Does anyone have any experience with this?


Thanks!!!

Hi there!! I'm joining in!! I love reading others' reports, feel free to check mine out too!! When in August are you going?

I'm also going in August, and like you said the crowds do look like they die down a little. The only other time I went to Disney was in August...14 years ago, and I remember it being HOT, but we had misting fans then that worked well.

This year I am planning on brining some of those instant ice packs in my backpack to have on hand when we're hot (the one's you hit to start the cold) I think our biggest plan to beat the heat is going to hit the indoor rides when we can't stand it anymore, or go back to our hotel for the pool.

 

[Sappermont]

Hi there!! I'm joining in!! I love reading others' reports, feel free to check mine out too!! When in August are you going?

I'm also going in August, and like you said the crowds do look like they die down a little. The only other time I went to Disney was in August...14 years ago, and I remember it being HOT, but we had misting fans then that worked well.

This year I am planning on brining some of those instant ice packs in my backpack to have on hand when we're hot (the one's you hit to start the cold) I think our biggest plan to beat the heat is going to hit the indoor rides when we can't stand it anymore, or go back to our hotel for the pool.

Those are great ideas - thanks for passing them along. I had forgotten about the kind that you hit to activate. Very cool. Thanks for following my PTR. I love talking about Disney. I'm going to go check yours out, too. I went to WDW for my college graduation as well. It will definitely be a trip you always remember. Congrats on graduating!!