Back to My Happy Place; A Mother-Daughter Trip - Apr. 2013 Trip - And Away We Go!

[rebeccaariel]

Hi all! I'm excited to share all my plans with you. I'm 20 years old, from Canada.

I've been to WDW twice before - once when I was very young, and again this year.

At the end of April, I will be returning! I'm incredibly excited. The current plan is for a mother-daughter trip with my mom, who is my best friend by far. We love travelling together, and I'm excited to share my happy place with her now that I'm older.

There is a possibility that my aunt (mom's sister) and cousin will also join us, which would be a blast. My cousin is 10 years old and has never been to WDW. He's my favourite person; more like my little brother than my cousin.

The resort we're looking at is Port Orleans Riverside. We stayed at that one when I was young, when it was still Dixie Landings, and from my research it looks like the best fit for us.

We're looking at April 27th to May 4th. We haven't booked, because we're waiting for the word on who is really coming. We're also hoping for a discount or deal because that week's in the off-season. Fingers crossed!

I'm new to this forum, so I'm not 100% sure how this works, but I guess I'll just post updates, trip plans, ideas, etc. on here. Any suggestions or tips would be much appreciated! This is the first trip I'm planning all by myself (I wanted to give my mom a break from all of that) so I'll need all the help I can get

 

[t_daniels]

Joining in!

Do whatever you want. Whatever helps you plan. I read other PTRs for ideas.

Mine, is a crazy cluster. Haha

 

[rebeccaariel]

I have a few MUST DO'S for the next trip, mostly things I've never gotten the chance to do.

1. Meet Peter Pan
2. Dine at CRT
3. See every fireworks show and parade
4. Ride the monorail (can you believe I've never done it?!)
5. Be the rebel spy on Star Tours (yeah this one isn't under my control but a girl can dream!)
6. Spend more time exploring and appreciating the scenery
7. Eat a Dole Whip

I'll definitely be adding to this as my planning continues. Feel free to throw some suggestions my way! There's a lot I haven't done, and I'm sure lots I don't know about.

This time around, I want to get to the parks early early early! I had trouble on my last trip because a certain friend refused to get up early. In hindsight I should have just gotten up early and gone myself, but I didn't. But this time all who are potentially accompanying me are early risers, so we shouldn't have any problem!

 

[t_daniels]

Thanks! I guess I'll start by telling you all a bit more about myself.

This is me during my last trip with my good friend Rafiki.

We're pals

I have a few MUST DO'S for the next trip, mostly things I've never gotten the chance to do.


[*]Meet Peter Pan
[*]Dine at CRT
[*]See every fireworks show and parade
[*]Ride the monorail (can you believe I've never done it?!)
[*]Be the rebel spy on Star Tours (yeah this one isn't under my control but a girl can dream!)
[*]Spend more time exploring and appreciating the scenery
[*]Eat a Dole Whip


I'll definitely be adding to this as my planning continues. Feel free to throw some suggestions my way! There's a lot I haven't done, and I'm sure lots I don't know about.

This time around, I want to get to the parks early early early! I had trouble on my last trip because a certain friend refused to get up early. In hindsight I should have just gotten up early and gone myself, but I didn't. But this time all who are potentially accompanying me are early risers, so we shouldn't have any problem!

CRT is yummy. Not sure if I'll do it again. We loved it though.

Dole whip! Yum. I liked the float.

Monorail, good call!

Grand Floridian has a high tea. Look up garden view tea room!

Rebel spy...I've read stories on here if someone causes trouble or attracts attention while loading...they'll be the spy . Not sure though .

 

[rebeccaariel]

CRT is yummy. Not sure if I'll do it again. We loved it though.

Dole whip! Yum. I liked the float.

Monorail, good call!

Grand Floridian has a high tea. Look up garden view tea room!

Rebel spy...I've read stories on here if someone causes trouble or attracts attention while loading...they'll be the spy . Not sure though .

I feel like CRT is something everyone should experience at least once, and since I never have, I'd love to do it this time.

I've heard about the high tea! I think my mom and I would really love it.

Oooooh really? I'll have to try that! I don't mind riding it over and over again, so I'll have plenty of opportunities

Right now I'm trying to figure out when to book. It's proving difficult. I'd love a deal/discount/free dining offer for my week, but I'm not sure when that would be released if there is to be one. I don't want to wait too long and not be able to book restaurants or the room we want. Suggestions would be wonderful! Anyone know when deals are usually released?

 

[rebeccaariel]

So I thought I'd ask about time allotment. We're planning to be there for 6 full park days, and likely won't go to the parks on the day we come and the day we leave. So my questions is this - which parks do we go to more than once? And is park hopper worth it?

I like going to Magic Kingdom on the last day of our trip, as it represents WDW for me, and seems like an appropriate send-off.

Option 1​

Arrival Day - DTD
Day 1 - Epcot
Day 2 - Hollywood Studios
Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
Day 4 - Epcot
Day 5 - Animal Kingdom
Day 6 - Magic Kingdom
Departure Day - DTD if there's time

Repeating Epcot and Magic Kingdom seems ideal because both of those parks are bigger and will require more time to get through, and are much more fun at a relaxed pace.

Option 2​

Arrival Day - DTD
Day 1 - Epcot
Day 2 - Hollywood Studios
Day 3 - Animal Kingdom
Day 4 - Epcot OR Magic Kingdom
Day 5 - Universal Studios
Day 6 - Magic Kingdom
Departure Day - DTD if there's time

This way we get to go to Universal Studios, but it eliminates a repetition day which would make us more rushed.

To Park Hop or Not to Park Hop?​

Once we decide whether option 1 or 2 is best, we have to decide whether or not to invest in park hopper.

FOR - We get more flexibility with restaurant reservations, and if we choose option 2, we can split Day 4 in half instead of choosing one park over the other.

AGAINST - We could potentially book our restaurants in accordance with our plan and not need to spend the extra money on park hopper.

I'd love some feedback on this one! Is park hopper a good idea?

 

[t_daniels]

I like park hopper. . Especially if you don't get ADRs you want.

You look like you'd nd ok without..

 

[leshunlenese]

Joining in! I will say that I do not use park hoppers because i think one park a day is enough for my little one but i enjoy park hoppers before him. That is because we went during busy times and we took advantage of extra magic hours. If a park had AM EMH we went and hopped to another park once it got crowded and we would hop to evening EMH as well.

 

[mom2clr]

So I thought I'd ask about time allotment. We're planning to be there for 6 full park days, and likely won't go to the parks on the day we come and the day we leave. So my questions is this - which parks do we go to more than once? And is park hopper worth it?

I like going to Magic Kingdom on the last day of our trip, as it represents WDW for me, and seems like an appropriate send-off.

This sounds like our schedule. We don't visit the parks on arrival or departure day. I also go to MK on our last day. I like to repeat EP and MK. I have never done hoppers (have never had a need as I went with DD4 alone during low crowds (Jan/Sep). However, if we go with my sister and niece (being a teenager and liking to stay up late) I'm thinking if it may be an option for them.

 

[rebeccaariel]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I think park hoppers might be the way to go. It gives us more flexibility.

I've started thinking about the restaurants we'd like to go to, and I'd love all of your input! On my last trip, we did all counter-service except for my birthday dinner at the 50's Primetime Cafe, so I'll need plenty of advice!

I normally don't love buffets because no one in my party can really make them worthwhile, but if there's a buffet that you think shouldn't be missed, please don't hesitate to recommend it!

Epcot​

Restaurant Marakesh - My mom loves Moroccan food, and I've heard really great things about this restaurant. Anyone been?

or

Via Napoli - I've heard that the food here is delicious. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Magic Kingdom​

Cinderella's Royal Table - I've never been, and I feel like this is something I should experience. I really want to go.

and

Be Our Guest - Obviously this restaurant is too new to know much about, but the decor is GORGEOUS! And BatB is my favourite Disney movie of all time, so I've got to go here. I hope I can get reservations!

Hollywood Studios​

50's Primetime Cafe - A classic! I've been here every time I've been to WDW, and I just adore the atmosphere. It might be time to switch it up, though.

or

Mama Melrose's - Never been to this one, but the menu looks good! Any thoughts?

Animal Kingdom​

Yak and Yeti - This restaurant has a lot of options, and it sounds delicious. Anyone ever been?

or

Go to another park/Downtown Disney for dinner

--------

I'd love to get your feedback!

 

[t_daniels]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone! I think park hoppers might be the way to go. It gives us more flexibility.

I've started thinking about the restaurants we'd like to go to, and I'd love all of your input! On my last trip, we did all counter-service except for my birthday dinner at the 50's Primetime Cafe, so I'll need plenty of advice!

I normally don't love buffets because no one in my party can really make them worthwhile, but if there's a buffet that you think shouldn't be missed, please don't hesitate to recommend it!

Epcot

Restaurant Marakesh - My mom loves Moroccan food, and I've heard really great things about this restaurant. Anyone been?

or

Via Napoli - I've heard that the food here is delicious. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella's Royal Table - I've never been, and I feel like this is something I should experience. I really want to go.

and

Be Our Guest - Obviously this restaurant is too new to know much about, but the decor is GORGEOUS! And BatB is my favourite Disney movie of all time, so I've got to go here. I hope I can get reservations!

Hollywood Studios

50's Primetime Cafe - A classic! I've been here every time I've been to WDW, and I just adore the atmosphere. It might be time to switch it up, though.

or

Mama Melrose's - Never been to this one, but the menu looks good! Any thoughts?

Animal Kingdom

Yak and Yeti - This restaurant has a lot of options, and it sounds delicious. Anyone ever been?

or

Go to another park/Downtown Disney for dinner

--------

I'd love to get your feedback!

Via....via...I'd kill, lie, cheat and steal for a pizza from them right now. Amazing.

We loved CRT..I had the beef tenderloin. Tender, yummy, perfect. Our server had an attitude akin to House MD. He was sarcastic. Joked with us. Was great.(side note: we did see him being sweet, and great with kids. So, I'm assuming the sarcasm was just bc we were both adults, and joked with him too. )

 

[rebeccaariel]

I've heard Via is amazing, t_daniels! AAAAAND it looks like we're going to go to both Via and Marakesh!

We've decided on park hoppers, and on the day we go to Animal Kingdom we'll be going back to Epcot in the evening.

Right now we're figuring out which, if any, dining plan to go with. We're thinking that the regular dining plan is the best for us. What do you all think about dining plans?

 

[t_daniels]

I've heard Via is amazing, t_daniels! AAAAAND it looks like we're going to go to both Via and Marakesh!

We've decided on park hoppers, and on the day we go to Animal Kingdom we'll be going back to Epcot in the evening.

Right now we're figuring out which, if any, dining plan to go with. We're thinking that the regular dining plan is the best for us. What do you all think about dining plans?

We eat at more ts than qs, but we get the dining plan with 1 ts, 1 snack and 1 cs for each day. Pay a few meals oop, usually have a few cs leftover.

 

[leshunlenese]

I know the regualr dining plan is usually enough for us but I have made up my mind to get deluxe but only if i can upgrade from free dining. Like you, I have never been to CRT and i want to try it. In fact we have never been to any signatures and even though they get bad reviews we still want to try them out on our own. I heard wonderful things about VIA and you got to try the BOG once at least right? Other than that i am afraid i cannot give you any advice as we have never been to those resuarants but them and yak and yeti are on our list!

 

[brandihead2012]

Arrival Day - DTD
Day 1 - Epcot
Day 2 - Hollywood Studios
Day 3 - Magic Kingdom
Day 4 - Epcot
Day 5 - Animal Kingdom
Day 6 - Magic Kingdom
Departure Day - DTD if there's time

Repeating Epcot and Magic Kingdom seems ideal because both of those parks are bigger and will require more time to get through, and are much more fun at a relaxed pace.

I love the Park Hopper but I booked my ADRS with EMH's that way i was getting the full amount of my time! and saved 100!

 

[Colleen27]

I feel like CRT is something everyone should experience at least once, and since I never have, I'd love to do it this time.

I've heard about the high tea! I think my mom and I would really love it.

Oooooh really? I'll have to try that! I don't mind riding it over and over again, so I'll have plenty of opportunities

Right now I'm trying to figure out when to book. It's proving difficult. I'd love a deal/discount/free dining offer for my week, but I'm not sure when that would be released if there is to be one. I don't want to wait too long and not be able to book restaurants or the room we want. Suggestions would be wonderful! Anyone know when deals are usually released?

Deals for spring won't be out for a while, January at the earliest. Free dining is unlikely but there will probably be a room discount for your dates. But don't let that stop you from booking the ADRs you want. You can always change or cancel them later. Don't fret about your room reservation; POR is such a large resort that availability only gets scarce at much busier times of year than late April.

The high tea is very nice. We did that in May and enjoyed it very much - excellent service, beautiful atmosphere, and tasty food.

So I thought I'd ask about time allotment. We're planning to be there for 6 full park days, and likely won't go to the parks on the day we come and the day we leave. So my questions is this - which parks do we go to more than once? And is park hopper worth it?

Two thoughts. First, one day at Universal is going to make for a rushed experience with a high price tag. Their pricing structure is similar to Disney's in that the pricing is very high for a single day ticket, and with so little time you'd really want to have the express pass upgrade as well. So that is something you'll want to take into account if costs are a factor.

Second, hoppers are sort of a mixed blessing. The flexibility is nice but the travel time between parks can cut down on the overall usefulness. I prefer to book my ADRs in/near the park I'm planning on for the day and skip the hoppers unless we're on a very short trip and want to split our days rather than miss one of the parks.

I'd love to get your feedback!

Epcot: I can't be much help with either of your choices. I haven't been to Marrakesh and didn't love Via Napoli (review here:http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40414156&postcount=74), though I'm reluctantly giving it another chance in April. All of the World Showcase restaurants have their fans and I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them.

Magic Kingdom: CRT is a great experience but not such a great meal. I think it is well worth doing once, though, because eating inside the castle is such a purely Disney experience. If you decide on Be Our Guest be sure to book that ADR right at 180 days out, whether or not you have your room reservation booked, because it has been filling quickly.

Studios: Have you considered Sci-Fi Dine In? It sometimes gets a bad rap on the DIS because the food isn't exactly high end but we've always found it to be yummy diner/burger joint food and the atmosphere is just so very fun.

Animal Kingdom: Yak & Yeti is my top choice there, though there isn't much competition. On our last visit some items were really excellent while others were just okay but the lettuce cups and the fried wonton dessert are worth going back for. It has been a while since we were there, but if you're interested my full review is here :http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=34730987&postcount=16

If you decide on Downtown Disney on your Animal Kingdom day I would highly recommend Raglan Road. The food is excellent Irish-influenced pub fare but with a creative edge and the evening entertainment - a band and Irish dancer - is lively and fun. Unfortunately I only have a review of our worst experience there; our first and third visits were flawless, but a dud of a waiter with a poor understanding of the deluxe dining plan put a damper on our second. But here it is if you're interested: http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=40269329&postcount=37

 

[rebeccaariel]

Thanks so much for all of your feedback! I really, really appreciate it. I'd be so lost without you guys And Colleen27, an extra special thank you for all those links to your dining reviews! Very much appreciated!

I've been instructed to plan as if my aunt and cousin are not coming, so that's what I'm doing. As of now, it's a mother-daughter trip, which'll be great!

The final decision about whether or not we get park hopper may come down to our ADRs and whether or not we decide to go to Universal Studios. That's all up in the air right now. My mom expressed a lot of interest in going to Islands of Adventure for the WWoHP, so maybe we'll just stick to that Universal Studios park. That might lessen the load for a one-day trip, because doing both in one day seems like way too much. Thoughts on this?

As for dining plan, I'm leaning towards the regular dining plan right now. As was pointed out, free dining isn't likely but if they do have that deal we'd probably upgrade to deluxe. Otherwise we'll likely stick with the regular plan and pay OOP or use snack credits for breakfast because neither of us eat large portions in the morning.

Has anyone been to the Garden Grill restaurant? I think we'll be doing two dinners at Epcot (if we get park hopper), so I've chosen Via Napoli and we're considering Garden Grill instead of Restaurant Marakesh. It appeals to us because of it's connection to Living with the Land, which is one of my mom's favourite attractions. She's very into sustainability and environmentalism. Any thoughts?

 

[leshunlenese]

My family ate at garden grill in december. It was one of our favorite. Not only was the character interaction good, the food was good too. Im not sure what dressing they put on the salad but if i had it, i would enjoy eating salads

 

[rebeccaariel]

My family ate at garden grill in december. It was one of our favorite. Not only was the character interaction good, the food was good too. Im not sure what dressing they put on the salad but if i had it, i would enjoy eating salads

oooo yum! I think this one's a keeper!

Here is what we're looking at for a schedule so far. We've decided on the regular dining plan. Let me know what you think! Arrival day is still a DTD day, as we'll be too tired for any park action.

Day 1
Epcot

BREAKFAST - Crêpes des Chefs de France
LUNCH - Sunshine Seasons
DINNER - Via Napoli

Day 2
Animal Kingdom

BREAKFAST - Kusafiri Coffee Shop and Bakery
LUNCH - Anandapur Local Foods Cafe

Epcot

DINNER - Garden Grill

Day 3
Disney's Hollywood Studios

BREAKFAST - Hotel/Starring Rolls Cafe
LUNCH - Pizza Planet
DINNER - Mama Melrose's OR 50's Diner

Day 4
Magic Kingdom

BREAKFAST - Hotel
LUNCH - Be Our Guest

Animal Kingdom Lodge

DINNER - Boma

Day 5
Universal Studios - Islands of Adventure

Right now, the only for sure thing we'll be doing here is eating at the Three Broomsticks.

Day 6
Magic Kingdom

BREAKFAST - Hotel/Main Street Bakery
LUNCH - Pecos Bill
DINNER - Cinderella's Royal Table

Departure Day
Polynesian Resort

BREAKFAST - Kona Cafe

What do you think of this so far?​

 

[rebeccaariel]

And as for Universal, I know one day isn't economical, and I told that to my mom, and she pretty much told me to be quiet She said, and I quote, "If I go to Florida and don't get to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, I will never forgive you."

She was kidding (mostly) but she offered to pay for that one day (I'm helping with the rest of the cost of the trip) so I'm going to let her.