Aussie Disneyland Planners come on in and lets plan together :)

[LesleyP]

26 days to go!!! Nothing left to do now but wait.

I'm dying to get of this awful heat and get to California where's lovely and cool. They're having a maximum of 22, which I think is our minimum at the moment??

Sounds like everyone had a good time on their trips!!

 

[arje]

Arje,
Did all the WDW bookings 90+10 out. Just worked out what parks we were going to and planned ressies around them. Turns out 2 days in HS (fantasmic- mama melrose and a lunch another). We're not purchasing park hoppers going to see if we can get by without them, we'll purchase them there if we need them. Once I had all my bookings I just mucked around with the online system a bit and changed a couple, SOOO many options! I'm not even sure where to start with the DL bookings, as I said the information regarding dining in DL is not as in depth. We will do a character breakfast, if we can book it, but don't even know where to book them? No info on the Disney website that I can find.

Had planned to do that (90+10) for WDW because originally we were going next December (2010), but had to bring it forward, which we only decided to do a week or so ago, and we leave on the 14th December. So being so close has made it tough to get in to some places, add to that we are going over xmas and new year. But we're sorted now.

As for DL, you're right that information is limited, but then so too are the choices. I'm pretty sure DL don't offer online ressies, so best to phone. On the DL website, look under dining and you will see the phone number there. They are very helpful to deal with so you won't have any trouble. I even reckon if you said you want character dining, but not sure where, they'd help out there too. We're there end of January, so I'm not going to bother with ressies then because it should be low crowds.

 

[ColB]

13 Days to go for us. DL and WDW planning has been long road!!!

If anyone wants help on;

90+10 WDW Dining, 30 days DLR Dining, Fantasmic Desert Party, Wishes Dessert Buffet, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, NASA, Islands of Adventure, Express Plus, Rental Cars, Grand Canyon (South Rim), Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Magic Mountain, Gold Flash Passes, Gray Line Disneyland Resort Express etc etc.......

This was me.

Just ask.

 

[queenie82]

Arje,
Did all the WDW bookings 90+10 out. Just worked out what parks we were going to and planned ressies around them. Turns out 2 days in HS (fantasmic- mama melrose and a lunch another). We're not purchasing park hoppers going to see if we can get by without them, we'll purchase them there if we need them. Once I had all my bookings I just mucked around with the online system a bit and changed a couple, SOOO many options! I'm not even sure where to start with the DL bookings, as I said the information regarding dining in DL is not as in depth. We will do a character breakfast, if we can book it, but don't even know where to book them? No info on the Disney website that I can find.

This information is on all of the dining parts on the disneyland site eg - http://disneyland.disney.go.com/dis...ining/detail?name=PlazaInnBreakfastDiningPage

DINING QUESTIONS?

Call Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE (3463)† for more information on reservations, menu items, special events and more!

Priority Seating is recommended and can be made in person for this location on a limited basis. Priority Seating can also be arranged up to 60 days in advance by calling Disney Dining at (714) 781-DINE, or (714) 781-3463†.


For tours it is one month in advance http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/listing?name=TourListingPage
....or more specifically the date you want...go back to that date the month before. Eg if you want the 5th Jan. Call 5th Dec.
(Or that is my understanding from researching.)
Either way the relevant phone numbers are on the website to find out more.

 

[Jade+3]

We used the touring plans crowd calender for WDW, and it was spot on.

Kalice, we didn't have hoppers, and like you I was going to add them if needed. We ended up adding an extra 2 days instead.

ColB, that was me a few months ago. Now that I am home, I actually feel relieved that it is over - sort of like studying for a huge exam. I am now so much wiser and our next WDW trip will be a breeze to plan in comparison to this one.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Welcome back Jade & Becpee. Sounds like you both had an amazing time.

Jade, since you are so wise now regarding WDW, care to share some tips.

 

[Jade+3]

Ha ha Ms Shuttergirl. I learn by my mistakes!!

My tips would be:
- Buy the Unofficial Guide
- Get a subscription to the Touring Plans website
- There are pros and cons for staying on-site and off-site. For us on-site would have been better, but I am not sure how I would cope with Disney food for that long.
- I would prefer a resort that is on the monorail route, but am yet to checkout the prices.
- Don't go in the summer. October was hot enough.
- Character meals are about character interaction, not the food.
- Plan a rest day or 2. It is pretty full on.

Hopefully Queenie will pop in with some advice.

Some info for those that are doing both WDW and DL - I got my WDW photopass photos put onto my DL photopass account so I only had to buy one CD, which was at the DL price of around $60. I believe the WDW price is over $100. Apparently the price of the CD is determined by the last park that you visit, which for us was DL.

 

[Kalice]

Hi again, 14 sleeps for us now,

Queenie, thanks for the tips regarding DL dining, will get on the phone tomorrow night and attempt a couple of bookings, fingers crossed. Not sure whether to go with Goofy or Minnie and friendsfor character breakfast, this is more for friends who are with us at DL. We already have character b/fast booking at WDW. Minnie may be more convenient with it being in the park.

ColB, sounds like you're following a similar itinerary to us. We're also off to San Diego, Canyon South Rim(El Tovar),Vegas, San Fran, New York, DC as well as the land and the world of course. Did you do one way car booking, and who did you book with? We still haven't booked car hire, Vegas hotel (so hard to choose!), and a couple of Amtrak journeys and then we're done! Feels like the internet, mostly DIS, have been my constant companions for the last couple of months. I hope all the research pays off!

Jade, So are you planning to go again already? We've booked an Epcot resort, just because I like the look of the pics, the monorail looks appealing though too, this was the hardest decision we made. I think we'll be more likely to add the waterparks so we can hit Quest if we have time, my older kids will be sure to love this place.

The nervous energy is starting to kick in now.

 

[Jade+3]

Jade, So are you planning to go again already? We've booked an Epcot resort, just because I like the look of the pics, the monorail looks appealing though too, this was the hardest decision we made.

I wish I was planning another trip, but DH (the money maker and the luggage carrier) says not until the kids are older. He wants to wait until everyone is tall enough to ride all the rides and until we no longer need a stroller. Bub is only 10 months old, so that will be a few years.

I am feeling a little lost with nothing to plan, so I thought I would figure out which resort we would stay at next time.

 

[ColB]

Did you do one way car booking, and who did you book with? We still haven't booked car hire, Vegas hotel (so hard to choose!)

Our car bookings were a bit disjointed. I have used 'National' the whole time because the rate offered through the V Australia website is quite good, and they also include Full Damage Loss Waiver and Unlimited Km's.

We are getting a vehicle in LA for three days, then a vehicle in Orlando for two days and another in LA for four days (to drive to Vegas and GC). We will be using the Disneyland Resort Express to get to DLR and back and the free WDW Express to get to WDW.

In Vegas, we settled with the Venetian (my wife chose it!), mainly because the rooms are so big.

 

[queenie82]

Our next adventure was the Disney Cruise, which we almost did not make due to DS3 having an upset tummy. He was given the all clear to travel by the ships doctor and we had no more tummy issues on board. We did the 4 night cruise. Castaway Cay was absolutely beautiful. I could have easily spent the whole cruise there. The kids enjoyed the pool and the kids club. We all ate and drank way too much. Good thing we had DL to come, so we could burn some calories.

Whilst we enjoyed the cruise, I doubt we would do another one. We did discover that we really are not cruisers, especially DH who is not good at doing nothing. Also, as we are a family of 5 we either need to get 2 connecting staterooms, or 1 large stateroom, which does make the experience rather pricey.

Thank you for your comments about the cruise. I was worried a bit about this too. We are doing a 3 day which I think will be less "nothing specific to do" time. Although given how dead tired I currently am what with unexpected working hours and steamy nights I might spend half the cruise asleep.

Ha ha Ms Shuttergirl. I learn by my mistakes!!

My tips would be:
- Buy the Unofficial Guide
- Get a subscription to the Touring Plans website
- There are pros and cons for staying on-site and off-site. For us on-site would have been better, but I am not sure how I would cope with Disney food for that long.
- I would prefer a resort that is on the monorail route, but am yet to checkout the prices.
- Don't go in the summer. October was hot enough.
- Character meals are about character interaction, not the food.
- Plan a rest day or 2. It is pretty full on.

Hopefully Queenie will pop in with some advice.

Some info for those that are doing both WDW and DL - I got my WDW photopass photos put onto my DL photopass account so I only had to buy one CD, which was at the DL price of around $60. I believe the WDW price is over $100. Apparently the price of the CD is determined by the last park that you visit, which for us was DL.

Ask me later
As I say I'm really really tired [Man last night was hot!]

I agree with all of your tips. The Unofficial guide is a MUST read for a first trip.
I would NEVER EVER EVER EVER recommend going in summer.
1 - it is HOT and STEAMY with afternoon thunderstorms.
2 - it is CROWDED and if they close the park because it gets to full...you do NOT want to be there.

The closest I will ever get to summer is going for Halloween...one day...

Staying off site has always worked for us but the advantages for being on site are starting to mean something...especially if you go at peak times and want ADRs for hard to get restaurants like Le Cellier.
Where to stay onsite with a monorail BLT BLT BLT!!

The trick for a "rest" day is to stay for more than 10 days. ie get a 10 day ticket and chuck in a few shopping and mini golf and resort touring etc.
[Yes you will want 10 days.]

Hi again, 14 sleeps for us now,

Queenie, thanks for the tips regarding DL dining, will get on the phone tomorrow night and attempt a couple of bookings, fingers crossed. Not sure whether to go with Goofy or Minnie and friendsfor character breakfast, this is more for friends who are with us at DL. We already have character b/fast booking at WDW. Minnie may be more convenient with it being in the park.

The nervous energy is starting to kick in now.

I LOVE the sound of the Minnie one. We are doing so many at WDW for a much better price (much cheaper than DL) that we aren't doing it there but my pick would be Minnie

 

[queenie82]

Our next adventure was the Disney Cruise, which we almost did not make due to DS3 having an upset tummy. He was given the all clear to travel by the ships doctor and we had no more tummy issues on board. We did the 4 night cruise. Castaway Cay was absolutely beautiful. I could have easily spent the whole cruise there. The kids enjoyed the pool and the kids club. We all ate and drank way too much. Good thing we had DL to come, so we could burn some calories.

Just a quick question(s)....

How was disembarkation back at port canaveral?
It talks about having to get up early (because we are aliens) and get processed early.
Did you get breakfast before this? (I know you can but just wondering if you did)
Also I saw a thing about a range of cruises on Travel and Living the other day and it talked (although not mentioning which cruise line for this part) about leaving your bags outside the door in the morning?
Did this happen?

Thanks

 

[Jade+3]

Just a quick question(s)....

How was disembarkation back at port canaveral?
It talks about having to get up early (because we are aliens) and get processed early.
Did you get breakfast before this? (I know you can but just wondering if you did)
Also I saw a thing about a range of cruises on Travel and Living the other day and it talked (although not mentioning which cruise line for this part) about leaving your bags outside the door in the morning?
Did this happen?

Thanks

You need to leave your bags outside your door by 11pm the last night. They leave you a luggage tag which are colour coded and has a Disney character on them, so you can find your luggage easily at the port.

They don't do the early more passport processing any more. We are treated the same as everybody else.

Breakfast the last morning is in the same restaurant as your last nights dining. We drew the short straw there as we had an early seating at Animators Palate the last night, which meant breakfast was at 6.15am. There was no way I was going to attempt that, so I went to the buffet and got food for everyone and took it back to our room. This was about 7am and the buffet was not busy, but apparently gets very busy later on.

You need to be out of your stateroom by 8am. We disembarked just at 8.15 and there were no lines. Porters are available in the baggage claim area to help you with your bags. We got straight through passport control as there were no lines there either. We were at Kennedy Space Centre at 9am (we drove).

On the last day there is a disembarkation information program on the tv in your stateroom that explains everything. It runs all day.

Glad I can actually help you with something, after all the help you have given me

 

[Willow25]

- There are pros and cons for staying on-site and off-site. For us on-site would have been better, but I am not sure how I would cope with Disney food for that long.
- I would prefer a resort that is on the monorail route, but am yet to checkout the prices.

Hi Jade

I have been to WDW three times in the past few years and we have always stayed onsite through DVC rentals. We are planning a trip for next year and were thinking of renting a house in Windsor Hills given the size of our group this time. Just wondering why you would choose on-site over off-site?? Also what was the distance of Windsor Hills to DW?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Jade+3]

Hi Jade

I have been to WDW three times in the past few years and we have always stayed onsite through DVC rentals. We are planning a trip for next year and were thinking of renting a house in Windsor Hills given the size of our group this time. Just wondering why you would choose on-site over off-site?? Also what was the distance of Windsor Hills to DW?

Thanks for any help!

Hi Willow

At a guess, I would say 10 minutes drive from Windsor Hills. I didn't pay that much attention as DH was driving, but it wasn't long. Animal Kingdom is the closest park, and there is a shortcut to get there.

The main reason I would stay on-site next time is for the kids. A full day in the theme parks was too much for them. We would have preferred to have left around 2pm for a swim and a rest, then gone back in the evening. With 3 little kids, and 2 strollers it was just too much of a hassle to get back to the car, load everyone in, drive to Windsor Hills, unload everyone, then do it all again that evening.

I did not realise how long it takes to get to from the car park at Magic Kingdom, to the actual park via the transit centre. In the carparks we also walked to our car instead of using the tram (those strollers again!!), so that increased our travel time too.

Windsor Hills is fantastic, and much bigger than I expected. It is so nice to have the kitchen and laundry and not all be squashed into a small room. There are heaps of eating places nearby, plus Target and Publix. Nothing is within walking distance though.

As I said, pros and cons for both - but for us I would have preferred to jump on the monorail instead of walking around massive car parks and loading and unloading kids in the car.

HTH

 

[queenie82]

You need to leave your bags outside your door by 11pm the last night. They leave you a luggage tag which are colour coded and has a Disney character on them, so you can find your luggage easily at the port.

They don't do the early more passport processing any more. We are treated the same as everybody else.

Breakfast the last morning is in the same restaurant as your last nights dining. We drew the short straw there as we had an early seating at Animators Palate the last night, which meant breakfast was at 6.15am. There was no way I was going to attempt that, so I went to the buffet and got food for everyone and took it back to our room. This was about 7am and the buffet was not busy, but apparently gets very busy later on.

You need to be out of your stateroom by 8am. We disembarked just at 8.15 and there were no lines. Porters are available in the baggage claim area to help you with your bags. We got straight through passport control as there were no lines there either. We were at Kennedy Space Centre at 9am (we drove).

On the last day there is a disembarkation information program on the tv in your stateroom that explains everything. It runs all day.

Glad I can actually help you with something, after all the help you have given me

Thanks SOOO much for that
It's always wonderfully helpful getting info like this from a fellow alien

It is great they treat us the same now. I have a feeling the book they send you needs a bit of an update...I'm sure I read in it about us being different.

I'm not thrilled about leaving bags outside. I heard from one person it was optional but I trust what someone who has been on recently says.

That was a great idea going to Kennedy afterwards. We don't want to go again so soon so are heading straight back to AKL but it is a good idea

 

[Jade+3]

Thanks SOOO much for that
It's always wonderfully helpful getting info like this from a fellow alien

It is great they treat us the same now. I have a feeling the book they send you needs a bit of an update...I'm sure I read in it about us being different.

I'm not thrilled about leaving bags outside. I heard from one person it was optional but I trust what someone who has been on recently says.

That was a great idea going to Kennedy afterwards. We don't want to go again so soon so are heading straight back to AKL but it is a good idea

Leaving your bags at the door is optional (just checked the disembarkation info pamphlet they gave us), you just have to carry everything off yourself.

When you get on the boat, your luggage is also left outside your stateroom door. Ours did not arrive until about 5pm.

 

[Kalice]

Hi again, Still haven't attempted to make any dining bookings due to the time differences, I just can't stay awake long enough. Anyhoooo, just a quick question regarding tickets, we are considering picking up the SoCal pass as we have a few days in San Diego too. Have you purchased on-line through Disneyland site, or purchased at the gates? Thanks for your help.

 

[arje]

We were at Kennedy Space Centre at 9am (we drove).

Jade, I also would like to pick your brains. We'll be on a cruise in January and plan to do the exact same thing when we get off the cruise. I will be booking a night at the Radisson at the port as well. My question is did you already have a car parked at the terminal or did you pick one up when you disembarked? I am not sure how we're going to get to either Kennedy or our hotel as yet, so am open to some advice. Thanks,

 

[Jade+3]

Jade, I also would like to pick your brains. We'll be on a cruise in January and plan to do the exact same thing when we get off the cruise. I will be booking a night at the Radisson at the port as well. My question is did you already have a car parked at the terminal or did you pick one up when you disembarked? I am not sure how we're going to get to either Kennedy or our hotel as yet, so am open to some advice. Thanks,

We had our rental car parked at the terminal. Parking is $15 per day. The parking is open air, but fenced. The reason we chose to do this was so we could leave a couple of bags in the car. We had so much luggage as we were away for a month, and did not want to take it all on board.