Best Tips/Suggestions for a "booked on a whim" trip

[tndisney5]

There is a good chance we may book a visit to the parks for July, but not until later in June. If it does go down we would probably book 2-3 weeks out, or so.

Obviously we would not be picky on which resort---we understand it's summer and things are booked---but I was wondering what some of you suggest as far as FP+ reservations, dining suggestions, etc. My assumption is FP+ resis will be slim pickins as will be the dining. What restaurants are good to try to book last minute? I have 3 children under age 7 and would like to try to book 1 character meal.

I am not sure how long the stay will be for, probably 2-3 days. We will for sure be visiting AK, per the kids request. I have no clue what that park has going on since our last visit there was in early '13. Typically we don't PH but we might change our minds if anyone has some good tips for that as well (it would be our first time).

We've never visited in the summer and know it will be HOT, but any tips for dealing with the weather would be great as well.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[Barbydoll8]

I am a DVC member so I can't speak to a resort.

Since I live here we often go out for the day or for weekend trips so I can speak a little to last minute ADR's and the heat.

FP is going to be hit or miss. Pick the park you'll be spending most of your time at and see if you can pre-FB on line. Then check again once you get to the park.

Last minute ADR's seem to be easier to get in the resorts. So if you don't mind leaving a park to go eat, you'll be better off doing that.

Heat - It won't be hot. It will be very hot. Afternoon T-storms anywhere from 4-6 are a given. They can last 15 min to 45 min and can be pretty heavy at times. Either bring ponchos or plan dinner during this time to avoid them. This also is the hottest part of the day so a break is welcome. Drink more water than normal. Put sun screen on multiple times through the day. Sit and relax a little. I think in the heat people sometimes forget to just sit. AK has great shaded areas so go find them and sit a spell.

 

[tndisney5]

Thanks for the tips! We are getting closer to booking and I've been doing more research for summer time tips! I'm most worried about fast passes, but since this trip is kind of an added bonus for us (we were just here in Feb) we'll take what we can get!

 

[powellrj]

I think the resorts tend to have more ADRs available than the parks, so you might try booking meals at the resorts. Also if you try off times you may have more luck.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

I am kind of in the same boat. We just won a trip, and I am adding a few days at my own cost. I have made my dining reservations just got BOG today), but have to wait to make FP selections until I get my information packet. I am trying to get my mind around it. Good luck!

 

[tndisney5]

I am kind of in the same boat. We just won a trip, and I am adding a few days at my own cost. I have made my dining reservations just got BOG today), but have to wait to make FP selections until I get my information packet. I am trying to get my mind around it. Good luck!

Wow, won a trip! How exciting. Good luck planning.

Anyone have suggestions on resort dining?

For TS we've only tried 1900 Park Fare and Boatwrights.

We will be staying at POR and hopefully CR for the second part of our visit. Would love to try Chef Mickey's but I doubt we will get an ADR last minute.

 

[sbrost13]

Cape May at the Beach Club has a character breakfast that you could probably get an ADR for. Tusker House in AK has a great character breakfast and lunch.

 

[tndisney5]

Cape May at the Beach Club has a character breakfast that you could probably get an ADR for. Tusker House in AK has a great character breakfast and lunch.

Ah, yes! I had forgotten about Cape May. Do they only do characters at breakfast. We've done Tusker House before but it's been a while so we might try for that as well.

 

[sbrost13]

Yes, Cape May only has characters at breakfast and it's a buffet meal. I know they have Goofy, but can't remember what other characters they have.

 

[mouseobsession]

Cape May is character only for breakfast but has several characters dressed up in their beach attire. It's really cute and we loved the layout / variety of the buffet. 1900 Park Fare is great as is Tusker House. We did a late breakfast ADR at Tusker that served as breakfast and lunch. Crystal Palace has been easy for me to book as well if you are into Pooh, Tiger, etc. Have fun! We are planning our own, spur of the moment trip!

 

[hsmamato2]

I would say,don't try to do everything,since it's fairly unplanned, and just do a few things you like,like some character meals, and enjoy all the 'little things'..... I agree with resort dining, it's usually better anyway,and easier to get..... esp. if you pick an off time.... and just be flexible. You'll have a good time