Been to Disney, but what am I missing?

[Supercod]

Hi guys, I been to Disney a few times now but every time I go someone tells me something that I have missed out in before and I was wondering what you guys think is something you have to do, reason I am asking in the UK forum is simple, some dude said the Musical Bears Jamboree was great attraction and my wife and I, plus her two sisters 9 and 11 at the time where bored to tears with that, so wasn’t a magic find.

However I was told about Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue while staying at the Wilderness Lodge, booked it on the first day of the holiday and we got tickets for a few days later, from what I was reading a few weeks ago, that was nothing short of a miracle Anyway that was good, never done it before, wasn’t totally amazing but was enjoyable.

Also done Polynesian Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, and eating at Hollywood Brown Derby for the priority seating to Fantasmic that was very handy that tip.

So what’s your tips, I note that as I am going End of November for 11 days and I am some 30 days too late to book Cinderella's Royal Table, shame as I am taking my wife’s 8 year old other sister who never been to Disney World before, still I should have done my research sooner I guess LOL

 

[Frances999]

The Illuminations Cruise we did in August is quite probably the most wonderful Disney memory I have. It is truly magical and a wonderful experience.

 

[wilma-bride]

I wouldn't give up hope about booking CRT - I have heard that some people have managed to get cancellations so you never know. The Wshies and Illuminations cruises are supposed to be fantastic - never done one but hoping to next year.

There are so many fantastic places to eat at Disney - if you are going with a young 'un, how about Chef Mickey's or other Character Dining?

The Tours are supposed to be very good as well. One at MK includes a treasure hunt type thing with Peter Pan and Wendy - sorry, can't remember what it's called.

Joh

 

[Supercod]

The Illuminations Cruise we did in August is quite probably the most wonderful Disney memory I have. It is truly magical and a wonderful experience.

Thanks, never heard of that, where do you book it? Is it something to take kids with or a just me and my wife type thing. I take it's in Epcot and part of the fireworks right?

I should have also said that I plan to book the Christmas Street Party thing in MK, but not sure yet how to book that (will ask that questions in the main forum if not found the answer later).

Also I am taking the family on this trip, group will be me, wife, and 1 1/2 year old baby, mother-in-law and father-in-law, plus my wife’s 3 younger sisters. 9, 12 and 13.. however wife and I going out the odd night ourselves is possible.

 

[Supercod]

There are so many fantastic places to eat at Disney - if you are going with a young 'un, how about Chef Mickey's or other Character Dining?

I paid for that Dining Plan thing for 7 people for 11 nights (8 of us going, the baby is not getting any food as he's not allowed on the plan LOL) would it be worth using one of the main dinners for that or be better to pay for that separate. I am going to try and work out best way to use this Dinning Plan, everyone seems to have good tips on that and it was one of the reasons I went for it as sounded like you save a good whack.

 

[wilma-bride]

I paid for that Dining Plan thing for 7 people for 11 nights (8 of us going, the baby is not getting any food as he's not allowed on the plan LOL) would it be worth using one of the main dinners for that or be better to pay for that separate. I am going to try and work out best way to use this Dinning Plan, everyone seems to have good tips on that and it was one of the reasons I went for it as sounded like you save a good whack.

Definitely use one of your TS meals for Chef Mickeys. What about Crystal Palace at MK as well, if you can't get CRT?

If you look on the main trip planning board, there is a load of info on how to book Illuminations Cruises.

Good luck

Joh

 

[Supercod]

What about Crystal Palace at MK as well, if you can't get CRT?

Never looked in to that before, just looked it up on the web. My son he will be almost 21 months would lover to meet Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore so think I will do that, just a case of deciding on if should be for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Thanks.

 

[wilma-bride]

Never looked in to that before, just looked it up on the web. My son he will be almost 21 months would lover to meet Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore so think I will do that, just a case of deciding on if should be for Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner. Thanks.

If your son is only a wee toddler, have you ever been to Playhouse Disney live on stage at MGM Studios? I think adults tend to bypass it but we went last year (without kids - how was are we) and our DS would have absolutely loved it. They have Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley and JoJo's Circus. If your DS is anything like mine, he will love it

Joh

 

[Frances999]

Thanks, never heard of that, where do you book it? Is it something to take kids with or a just me and my wife type thing. I take it's in Epcot and part of the fireworks right?

I should have also said that I plan to book the Christmas Street Party thing in MK, but not sure yet how to book that (will ask that questions in the main forum if not found the answer later).

Also I am taking the family on this trip, group will be me, wife, and 1 1/2 year old baby, mother-in-law and father-in-law, plus my wife’s 3 younger sisters. 9, 12 and 13.. however wife and I going out the odd night ourselves is possible.

There is further information here

You hire a pontoon boat or the "breathless" from the Yacht/Beach Club Bayside Marina and then go on a quick tour of the nearby WDW waterways before mooring up at the edge of the World Showcase Lagoon to watch the Illuminations. The best thing is not having to stake out a place for the Illuminations an hour or two before the show begins. It isn't just for adults - we took our three children as well, and they all had a wonderful time. You can order cake/beverages/crisps etc to be onboard for your party. We had a wonderful CM captain our boat as well. She shared some wonderful trivia and information about WDW, as well as being a really nice person to talk to.

One thing though - it is very difficult to reserve. If you are not staying concierge then you will need to call exactly 90 days prior at dead on 12pm (UK time). There are only 3/4 pontoon boats and the breathless, so they fill up fast.

HTH

 

[Supercod]

If your son is only a wee toddler, have you ever been to Playhouse Disney live on stage at MGM Studios? I think adults tend to bypass it but we went last year (without kids - how was are we) and our DS would have absolutely loved it. They have Winnie the Pooh and Friends, Bear in the Big Blue House, Stanley and JoJo's Circus. If your DS is anything like mine, he will love it

Hi Joh, thanks for the tip, yeah this time around we have planning to ensure that we cover what a 21 month year old, a 9 year old, a 12 year old a 13 year old and a bunch of adults will like.

One bonus for me, the 9 year old loves the little mermaid and so do I, so I finally get to meet her in person but I pretend I am only standing in line for my 9 year old sister-in-law LOL

 

[wilma-bride]

Well, your 21 month old will definitely love Playhouse Disney. Maybe you will too

Joh

 

[Supercod]

One thing though - it is very difficult to reserve. If you are not staying concierge then you will need to call exactly 90 days prior at dead on 12pm (UK time). There are only 3/4 pontoon boats and the breathless, so they fill up fast.

Thanks for the extra info, I will try calling them see what happens, but from sounds of it I am too late as we go on the 22nd November.

By the way what's "staying concierge" I didn't see that as an option on the Disney UK site, I took the 2 of the best room I could get and that was Deluxe Savannah View Rooms, not one word about concierge and as long as it added value without totally ripping me off, I probably would have ordered that if it was an option.

 

[Supercod]

Right I just called and Illuminations Cruise is a no go, fully booked out, however I did managed to get a Wishes Cruise for the 26th November, is that any good has anyone tried it?

 

[Frances999]

Thanks for the extra info, I will try calling them see what happens, but from sounds of it I am too late as we go on the 22nd November.

By the way what's "staying concierge" I didn't see that as an option on the Disney UK site, I took the 2 of the best room I could get and that was Deluxe Savannah View Rooms, not one word about concierge and as long as it added value without totally ripping me off, I probably would have ordered that if it was an option.

Concierge is basically a dedicated floor (or building) of a resort which requires special key-card access and offers a higer level of service. This includes CMs on hand all day during your trip for assistance, pre-itinerary planning services, a concierge lounge serving complimentary breakfast, lunch time snacks and evening offerings, plus a complimentary bar with alcoholic beverages. Concierge floors (or buildings) usually occupy the best parts of the resort as well. At AKL concierge guests can reserve the "Sunrise" or "Sunset" safaris as well - a totally unique experience.

There is more information on concierge here



PS - congratulations on the WISHES cruise!

 

[Supercod]

Hi, I booked on Disneyworld.co.uk and I still can't see anything about Concierge rooms, I must be thick or they don't have details posted for whatever reason.

Would you say it's worth paying the extra, we are a party of 4 kids and 4 adults, I am paying for the lot and it's already costing a far bit but this is meant to be one of them once in a lifetime take the family things so I don't mind going a little further out there unless we are talking about a shocking amount of extra money for 2 rooms for the 11 nights.

 

[Frances999]

Hi, I booked on Disneyworld.co.uk and I still can't see anything about Concierge rooms, I must be thick or they don't have details posted for whatever reason.

Would you say it's worth paying the extra, we are a party of 4 kids and 4 adults, I am paying for the lot and it's already costing a far bit but this is meant to be one of them once in a lifetime take the family things so I don't mind going a little further out there unless we are talking about a shocking amount of extra money for 2 rooms for the 11 nights.

I'm not 100% sure but I don't think the UK WDW website offers concierge rooms. The major UK travel agents certainly don't. I always book using Dreams Unlimited Travel or direct with WDW in the USA - the prices are often cheaper, particularly with the good exchange rate. Dreams Unlimited will also search for discount codes which can be applied to your reservation to lower the cost further. They look for these even after you have booked, so that the price of your reservation can go down just a couple of days prior to your trip.

For the AKL, concierge costs about $100/night (per room) more than a Deluxe Savannah Room. In my opinion, it is good value for money, but it is a personal decision and others don't feel it is worth the extra. For me, the idea of being given an Itinerary Planning cast member to make all of our reservations and requests is worth it alone. The wonderful lounge and food offerings make it definitely worth every penny. I can see it being a little overpriced for 2 adults, but for a family (considering they charge per room, not per person) it works out quite well, especially considering the breakfast and food/drinks which are provided.

Let me know if you have any questions. I would give WDW UK reservations a call and ask them about the possibility of a concierge upgrade. They will let you know the specifics for your reservation.

 

[Supercod]

I would give WDW UK reservations a call and ask them about the possibility of a concierge upgrade. They will let you know the specifics for your reservation.

Thanks, I called today before you made this post and was told they had no concierge rooms for dates I am going but I was welcome to call back and see if that changes. However they couldn't give me any clue what it would cost because the lady said if the room is not available the system will not let her get prices (I think that's rubbish if you ask me) I pressed on and she finally could give me a day rate for a concierge room only but as I have no idea what that is like when you add on ultimate tickets and the dinning plan I couldn't tell how much more it would be. But hey since I can't get 2 rooms (or even 1) anyway no point worrying about it, but I know for next time.

On another note I always booked via the USA site before but this time around it keep forcing me to the UK site, guess they don't want anyone using the cheaper rates loop hole they had in the past, however I didn’t find the prices that much more expense than last time to be honest.