August 2015

[Wills Mom]

My family were invited to go to Florida with my inlaws (my sister in law and her 11 year old DS and another sister in law with her OH and kids) next June but due to unforeseen circumstances only one sister in law is going now (the one with the 11 year old) I had been hesitant from the start about going in June and being there for the 4th of July so after a long chat we all agreed on going the end of August next year! From past TRs here and crowd calendars I have surmised it may well be a good bit more quiet then so heres hoping. Now I just have a few questions, so please bear with me!

Is it a case of, the closer to September we fly the less expensive the flight? I would prefer go in Sept but the 11 year old will be missing more school the further into Sept we go.

We would like to do a MNSSHP while we are there. I know its a way off but on average when do they release dates?
We would love to get ADRs for CRT, Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey and Ohana which I know are all popular places however judging my crowd predictions would you imagine we might be successful getting these? We will be offsite which I know doesn't increase chances just hoping...

On a similar topic, FP+! If we were there say from August 24th for 2 weeks what are the chances of me having to get up at 5am every morning from 30 days prior to travel day to book them for rides we really want? I like the idea of FP+ just not the idea of so many (possibly needless especially when young kids like my two are so unpredictable!) early mornings!
For MDE I will link myself, DH and DS1, DS2 won't hVe a ticket so for FP+ how do I get him on a ride as he will be under 2?
Also my SIL and her son will have their own MDE, if they want to dine with us would that mean I have to link them? I would rather not to have to do that.

We are contemplating doing the Pirates and Pals fireworks cruise. How do we book and when? Also looking at DH, DS1 and 11 year old nephew doing Pirates League. How and when do we book that?

Last one, I promise! Memory maker, if I buy it in my name and buy a MB when we get there (where can I buy them as an offsite guest actually?) for just myself will only the pics while I am wearing the MB be sent on? Would I be best off buying a MB for DH too and linking that?

Sorry for all the annoying questions, to say I am excited is a massive understatement!

 

[lush]

I'm not an expert but I can answer a couple of your questions.

ADRs open at 180 days out for everyone so as far as I can see there's no difference if you're on or off site. (I won't be on site either.) You don't have to have the people you're including in your ADR on your MDE.

Magic bands can be bought in DTD and in the parks. They're about $12 each I think.

As for the under 2 (I will also have one on my trip!), as far as I understand it you won't need a Fp+ for him. You just explain it to the CM when you turn up to the attraction and they let you through.

If your husband is going to be separated from you for things while you are there I would get him a a magic band too. To be honest I'm going to get one for each of our group because I think it will be easier than getting park tickets in and out all the time (FP+, etc) and also for the Memory Maker. As far as I understand it anyone who adds photos, who is linked to your MDE, will all show in your account.

Hope I've been a little bit of help and correct in everything I've said!!!

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

I can answer a few of your questions. We flew out on 15th August and the prices were high. I didn't see a high enough saving this year to tempt me to
fly indirect either. From what I remember prices didn't really begin to drop off until a return date of 7 th September onwards! I thought the parks were busy but nothing unmanageable, they did drop off after 24th for about five days but then built up again as it was Labour day 1st September so people were taking long weekend breaks.
I got up early twice to do FP+ for Anna & Elsa meet and greet and for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train everything else was available without me getting up at daft o clock, even weeks later whilst tweaking their was still plenty of choices.
We did Pirates and Pals cruise, just call Disney direct 180 days out and book it that way
Hope some of this helps

 

[Wills Mom]

I'm not an expert but I can answer a couple of your questions.

ADRs open at 180 days out for everyone so as far as I can see there's no difference if you're on or off site. (I won't be on site either.) You don't have to have the people you're including in your ADR on your MDE.

Magic bands can be bought in DTD and in the parks. They're about $12 each I think.

As for the under 2 (I will also have one on my trip!), as far as I understand it you won't need a Fp+ for him. You just explain it to the CM when you turn up to the attraction and they let you through.

If your husband is going to be separated from you for things while you are there I would get him a a magic band too. To be honest I'm going to get one for each of our group because I think it will be easier than getting park tickets in and out all the time (FP+, etc) and also for the Memory Maker. As far as I understand it anyone who adds photos, who is linked to your MDE, will all show in your account.

Hope I've been a little bit of help and correct in everything I've said!!!

Thanks a million for the help! I think I will just buy a MB for my DH and DS1 and not bother with cards! Definitely handier from that aspect!!
I thought ADRs were 180+10 for onsite, did I pick that up totally wrong?
Good luck on your trip with your under 2 We had our eldest there last year at 14 months and it was fantastic!

 

[Wills Mom]

I can answer a few of your questions. We flew out on 15th August and the prices were high. I didn't see a high enough saving this year to tempt me to
fly indirect either. From what I remember prices didn't really begin to drop off until a return date of 7 th September onwards! I thought the parks were busy but nothing unmanageable, they did drop off after 24th for about five days but then built up again as it was Labour day 1st September so people were taking long weekend breaks.
I got up early twice to do FP+ for Anna & Elsa meet and greet and for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train everything else was available without me getting up at daft o clock, even weeks later whilst tweaking their was still plenty of choices.
We did Pirates and Pals cruise, just call Disney direct 180 days out and book it that way
Hope some of this helps

Wow, thanks for that! Really handy to know that crowd level info! I just checked and Labor day falls on Sept 8th next year so maybe crowds will only pick up towards the end of our trip! Keeping fingers crossed
Hoping I am as lucky as you with the FP+ and only need to do one or two extra early wake ups!! And thanks for the help about booking the cruise, I am thinking it might be a nice way for the kids to experience the fireworks!

 

[missnic07]

I don't have much time to reply but just wanted to say the Pirates and pals firework cruise is amazing!!! We did it this August and loved it!

 

[khibs]

Onsite guests can book 180 plus 10. With regards to FP+ can you not book all your fast passes for the 14 days once your at your 30 day window? We stay insure and at 60 days we can book for the 14 days so only one 5am get up!!

 

[DLPDreams]

Unfortunately because labor day is late next year, it means the schools in US will go back later. I don't have a calendar in front of me but return will be a week or so later. Meaning only the last week of August will drop in crowds.

 

[Elise79]

Unfortunately because labor day is late next year, it means the schools in US will go back later. I don't have a calendar in front of me but return will be a week or so later. Meaning only the last week of August will drop in crowds.

That only affects certain states - FL schools go back mid August

 

[DLPDreams]

Sorry I was typing on my mobile and missed 'some' US schools. OP it shouldn't affect you too much anyway as you'll miss most of it by your dates!

 

[cliveywolves]

Florida schools will be back in full flow around 17th Aug 2015, Not all other states follow suit a lot do though, but the Parks will quieten down by 20th Then prob pick up again the weekend before Labor Day 4th Sept....