Calling all planners! How would you plan this?

[MrInfinity]

Thought I'd post for some ideas! I'll lay out what we're looking for, what we've done in the past, what we like, and I'd like to see how you would arrange this.

First a little history. We went to WDW in 2010, 2012, 2014, and will be going back in late 2015, possibly early December. This puts our trips a little under 2 years apart. Have never been to WDW at Christmas time, tho have been to DL around then.

We would like to do 11 nights. We can arrive any day, tho we will most likely get there around midday, driving from Chicago the night before. After the 11th night, we will just check out and start the drive home. (no day-after park for us). This gives us about 11 days counting the arrival day, which is really more like 10-1/2 days.

We have never been to Universal Orlando. On this 4th trip we would like to mix in Universal. I have been to Universal Hollywood before, probly 15 years ago. At Uni we want to enjoy all of the Harry Potter stuff, plus the little kid things like Despicable me and Transformers. We'll probly split up to do some roller coasters too. I am a total newbie when it comes to planning the Uni part of it.

Must-do's:
At WDW... 2 MK, 2 EC, 1 AK, 1 HS.
At Universal... 1 IOA, 1 USF
At Legoland... 1 LLFL
An evening at DTD
An evening to visit local family

So right there you have yourself 9 park days, out of a 10.5-day trip which leaves bits and pieces free for misc stuff.

Our party is 2A 4C (see sig)... so frequent checking in and out of hotels is a lot of work. We toyed with doing a triple-split... RP, Swan, CR... but that's in and out a lot, packing up and moving.

We have never stayed at an Epcot resort... Definitely an option, especially considering 3 out of our 6 Disney days are at Epcot parks. Poly is our fav. CR is a strong second. We could stay at the Swan for free, which if you do 2 nights there, is a big savings. Also of interest is the new Legoland Hotel opening up next year. We are huge LEGO fans and our trip to WDW would not be complete w/o the pilgrimage down to Winter Haven.

Altho we are 6, there are other parties involved (could be various combinations of a party of 2, a family of 4, and a family of 3) so we have options regarding booking various kids w various parties to squeeze into 5-person standard rooms. Or we could jump up to suites to try to fit more ppl in less rooms but those tend to be expensive... but certainly evaluating all options.

What we don't want...
* To stay offsite, rent a home, or a condo. Just not us. We want to be in the Disney / Universal Bubbles. I've toyed w the idea of renting points, but that probly wont work out for the flexibility in planning for such a big group is going to be cut back severely by locking in DVC rooms.
* Grand Floridian - just never appealed to us.
* DDP. This trip we'll not be using the DDP, since we did most of the good-DDP-value restaurants on our last trip.
* MVMCP? I dunno. Paying for special events like this is costly when you have a big family, and we'll be at the parks tons already. Would you budget this in?

So what would you do? Blank slate here!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Legoland is in the opposite direction of Universal.

If you want to stay on property and do only one hotel, I would stick with Disney. Otherwise, I would start or end your trip with Universal and do a couple of nights there.

We do own DVC and do not fit into one room at Universal, so my opinion is a bit biased.

For the new Harry Potter stuff, a park hopper (their version) is recommended since the train that takes you from one place to another requires it. Forgive me for not knowing land and ride names properly.


Since you are a family of 6 and want the bubble, there is renting DVC points or you could try Art of Animation.

Given you want to do other parks, I would you with skipping the Christmas party. Also--your plan seems go, go, go! We did that on an October visit with Halloween party and we were exhausted. I would consider a rest day in the middle. FYI--we used the Halloween party as a way to squeak in a 2nd MK day as we only bought 4 day tix without hopping and had intended on hitting all the parks.

We are heading down this December and trying to figure out what we can fit in. A rest day is part of that. ;-)

 

[Cynthia1215]

I think since your 6th is under 3 you can still book a room with a capacity for 5. Not saying it won't be tight, but just so you know, it is allowed.
Oops, just reading you aren't planning to go until 2015. Darn those kids growing up!

 

[cel_disney]

Going to universal without Express Pass seems like a reason to consider moving once. I suggest that you check into a universal reosrt with Express Pass for 2 nights at the end of your trip (or the beginning). When we do this, we usually go at the beginning of our trip and I pack such that everything we will need for our universal stay is in a single bag to minimize the things we have to pack/unpack at hotels. Also - you will want park hoppers for Universal to be able to ride the train.

Our last trip to Universal was in 2012 in october. Both parks closed at 6/7 pm and we had park hoppers. We were able to do everything (some things twice) in a day by taking advantage of the early harry potter hour (we walked right onto FJ, hippogriff, wand show, and dragons all before opening). Similar thing in 2011. For a trip this year it probably means starting at diagon alley vs FJ, but still reasonable to knock the long lines out with the early entry and then have the express pass. Not sure if your december trip is over christmas, if its holiday crowds, this would be a must for me. You can buy express pass for 90$ a person but I dont think it will help you much with harry potter things like the early entry does - also - not all universal hotels have early entry and express pass - pick one of the original three...

Then move to disney - We are DVC so I dont really know what to recommend as a hotel there - i like the epcot resort area but not in love with the busses to MK for them. We stay at BLT usually so we can walk. Staying at a Villa would be nice but very expensive for 6 unless you could maybe split with another party of 2 or 3. and likely there is no or limited availability for 2014.

We have done MVMCP but dont think we would do it again (we will do MNSSHP again), and if staying at contemporary you can always watch the fireworks from there missing even less of the special events.

We are heading to legoland for the first time this year, but based on park hours there alone, I know it will be a more relaxing day than a disneyworld day. We are trying to make smart selections on what day to go and expect between the shorter day and carride the kids will get some extra sleep and their legs will recover some. We rarely do a full rest day during our 7 day trips (thats what strollers are for!), but find that the occasional early night or afternoon break are enough. YMMV. Have fun!

 

[sharonabe]

A few things for you to consider as you plan WHEN to go:

You'll want to be leaving WDW before the 19th as crowds will begin to grow.
Christmas parade taping is usually the first weekend in Dec and can affect your MK days.
Pop Warner usually takes over the second week (Dec 7 or so). They are not really in the parks during the day, but nights can be more crowded and their sheer numbers may affect where you can stay.
You said you probably won't do DDP, but if you time it right, you could fall in FREE dining time frame.

Agree with PPs that you probably need to do a Universal/WDW split stay in order to get express pass at Universal. Just put it on the front or back end. I'm not familiar with the distances, but could you do Legoland on your switch day? Check out of Universal/WDW, drive and enjoy Legoland, drive back and check in to Universal/WDW?

 

[JennyDrake]

A few things for you to consider as you plan WHEN to go:

You'll want to be leaving WDW before the 19th as crowds will begin to grow.

YES.

Christmas parade taping is usually the first weekend in Dec and can affect your MK days.

YES

Pop Warner usually takes over the second week (Dec 7 or so). They are not really in the parks during the day, but nights can be more crowded and their sheer numbers may affect where you can stay.
Respectfully disagree. I have been to WDW at least 6x over 10 years during PW. most of them at the same resort and I've had ZERO problems. But if you are considered a value resort during this time, book early as the room may be had to come by.

Agree with PPs that you probably need to do a Universal/WDW split stay in order to get express pass at Universal. Just put it on the front or back end.

YES.

I think the earlier you go on December, the better.

I think the best option for your resort would be to rent points. I highly recommend ***************. Getting a 2 bedroom unit allows for LOTS of flexibly as far as number of people. If you snag a Crescent Lake resort, then you can walk/boat to DHS and Epcot allowing for even more options. You'd also have a full kitchen.

NO WAY on God's Green Earth would I put the number of people you are talking about in one room for anything more than ONE night.

 

[Minnie824]

I agree w/previous poster about staying at Universal. I would start there and stay for 2 nights with a 3 day pass. You can go to some rides when you arrive, and then you'll need each morning at 1 of the parks for Harry Potter stuff. Then I'd suggest a 2 bedroom villa or 2 rooms at the beach club. They have the best pool and location.

 

[cel_disney]

I think the earlier you go on December, the better.

I think the best option for your resort would be to rent points. I highly recommend ***************. Getting a 2 bedroom unit allows for LOTS of flexibly as far as number of people. If you snag a Crescent Lake resort, then you can walk/boat to DHS and Epcot allowing for even more options. You'd also have a full kitchen.

NO WAY on God's Green Earth would I put the number of people you are talking about in one room for anything more than ONE night.

The first two weeks of December are the busiest for DVC and the only resort that has availability in a 2bedroom from dec 11-dec 19 is Saratoga springs.

There are some pockets/random days at some resorts but its too late for renting points for most of them in 2014. If you are planning for 2015, you will want to have a rental arrangement in place before the end of this year so that bookings can be made at the 11th month mark.

 

[MrInfinity]

I think since your 6th is under 3 you can still book a room with a capacity for 5. Not saying it won't be tight, but just so you know, it is allowed. Oops, just reading you aren't planning to go until 2015. Darn those kids growing up!

Yep he'll be 4! We fit in a 5- w him being 2 this year -- won't be so lucky in 2015.

 

[MrInfinity]

Going to universal without Express Pass seems like a reason to consider moving once. I suggest that you check into a universal reosrt with Express Pass for 2 nights at the end of your trip (or the beginning). When we do this, we usually go at the beginning of our trip and I pack such that everything we will need for our universal stay is in a single bag to minimize the things we have to pack/unpack at hotels. Also - you will want park hoppers for Universal to be able to ride the train.

We'll do at least one hotel switch and stay at Uni when going to Uni to get the benefits. Considering the pros and cons of adding a 2nd hotel switch to stay somewhere cheaper when going to non-Disney, non-Universal things. Good to know on the park-to-park pass. Will be sure to include that.

Not sure if your december trip is over christmas, if its holiday crowds, this would be a must for me.

We would not go over Christmas. Insanely heavy crowds are a big turnoff for us. Early Dec.

Then move to disney - We are DVC so I dont really know what to recommend as a hotel there - i like the epcot resort area but not in love with the busses to MK for them. We stay at BLT usually so we can walk. Staying at a Villa would be nice but very expensive for 6 unless you could maybe split with another party of 2 or 3. and likely there is no or limited availability for 2014.

We might actually have about 15 people total. So maybe 3 5-person rooms.

We have done MVMCP but dont think we would do it again (we will do MNSSHP again), and if staying at contemporary you can always watch the fireworks from there missing even less of the special events.

Oh, good point... if MVMCP has cool fireworks, you could see them from the CR.

We are heading to legoland for the first time this year, but based on park hours there alone, I know it will be a more relaxing day than a disneyworld day. We are trying to make smart selections on what day to go and expect between the shorter day and carride the kids will get some extra sleep and their legs will recover some. We rarely do a full rest day during our 7 day trips (thats what strollers are for!), but find that the occasional early night or afternoon break are enough. YMMV. Have fun!

Yeah, we generally aren't going to plan an entire down day... we'd get thru 3 hours of it and be bored. We do a lot of half days tho, so we get relaxing pool time that way. We don't feel compelled to stay at the parks till close.

 

[MrInfinity]

The first two weeks of December are the busiest for DVC and the only resort that has availability in a 2bedroom from dec 11-dec 19 is Saratoga springs.

Interestsing that early Dec is so popular for DVC... that's just when DVC-people like to go?

I'm noticing that this year, Free Dining is for the 2nd and 3rd week of December. I think I'd actually lean away from free Dining, cuz the time we went when it was the deal, the restaurants were all mobbed and we waited 30 min for a table at most places. This last trip it was not a free dining trip and we got right in everywhere.

 

[CharmedLife]

Given that you're not interested in the DDP, and will have a group of 6, I agree with PP that renting DVC points is the best option. You'll have 2 bedrooms so the little ones can go to bed early (or take naps) and you'll still be able to stay up and hang out with the older ones. You'll also have a full kitchen so breakfasts are nice and occasional small meals as well (you will save a FORTUNE). You'll also have 2 bathrooms (or 3 depending on which DVC resort you're at).

As for the Uni recommendations, I agree with everyone else. Put it at the beginning or end of your trip, be sure to get the hopper and be sure to stay at one of the 3 hotels that allow the early entry for Harry Potter stuff. Like you I HATE moving hotels in the middle of a trip, but the early entry and front-of-line benefit for Universal hotel guests will more than make-up for that hassle.

 

[CharmedLife]

Interestsing that early Dec is so popular for DVC... that's just when DVC-people like to go?

DVC member condo association meetings are held in early December (I believe, haven't actually gone to any!) so I think that's why a lot of DVC people are there. Also for the Christmas parade taping...

 

[MrInfinity]

Given that you're not interested in the DDP, and will have a group of 6, I agree with PP that renting DVC points is the best option. You'll have 2 bedrooms so the little ones can go to bed early (or take naps) and you'll still be able to stay up and hang out with the older ones. You'll also have a full kitchen so breakfasts are nice and occasional small meals as well (you will save a FORTUNE). You'll also have 2 bathrooms (or 3 depending on which DVC resort you're at).

I'm really leaning toward that if I could get a 2-bedroom in BLT... but I've now had that line in my sig about renting points from an individual for a few months and no one has contacted so I'm guessing to get points I'd have to go the stock way of using dvcrental or davids or something like that.

 

[cel_disney]

I'm really leaning toward that if I could get a 2-bedroom in BLT... but I've now had that line in my sig about renting points from an individual for a few months and no one has contacted so I'm guessing to get points I'd have to go the stock way of using dvcrental or davids or something like that.

Have you been looking on the rent:trade board on the DIS? Soliciting for point rentals is not allowed and members could get in trouble for responding to you....(and signatures don't show up on the app reducing the likelihood even more).

For you I think the bigger problem would be actually getting a room and not points...It's low point season and Christmas decorations and the annual meeting and reasonable weather all at the same time. DVC high periods often correspond to park low periods due to point costs.

 

[GWhitten98]

Thought I'd post for some ideas! I'll lay out what we're looking for, what we've done in the past, what we like, and I'd like to see how you would arrange this.


Our party is 2A 4C (see sig)... so frequent checking in and out of hotels is a lot of work. We toyed with doing a triple-split... RP, Swan, CR... but that's in and out a lot, packing up and moving.

We have never stayed at an Epcot resort... Definitely an option, especially considering 3 out of our 6 Disney days are at Epcot parks. Poly is our fav. CR is a strong second. We could stay at the Swan for free, which if you do 2 nights there, is a big savings. Also of interest is the new Legoland Hotel opening up next year. We are huge LEGO fans and our trip to WDW would not be complete w/o the pilgrimage down to Winter Haven.

Altho we are 6, there are other parties involved (could be various combinations of a party of 2, a family of 4, and a family of 3) so we have options regarding booking various kids w various parties to squeeze into 5-person standard rooms. Or we could jump up to suites to try to fit more ppl in less rooms but those tend to be expensive... but certainly evaluating all options.


So what would you do? Blank slate here!

If you could stay the swan for free why not make that your home for the disney portion of the trip. It has good access to HS and epcot and you are not interested in disney dining so that isn't a factor.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

We've done lots of split stays, and lots of trips to WDW with extended family.
Getting that many folks to move once maybe, but twice is probably too much.
If you can spend a few days at Swan for free, I'd just stay there most of the trip.

Personally, my trips would have fallen apart if we'd tried to do that many different things in that many different places. WDW, UNI, LEGOLAND, local family... all after DRIVING from Chicago in a month where blizzards a likely?

If possible, have the family come to you at WDW for evening/dinner meet up.

Personally, I'd also pick Legoland or US- but not both - or ONE hotel. With any amusement park, arriving early is very helpful. Especially during a time when the parks have limited hours. Checking out and in, packing, getting ready, at a time of year when the weather is variable...with that many people it takes quite a bit of time.

It's just too stressful.

Simplicity is your friend with a big group. That's what I've learned after many family trips. The more money, the more people, the bigger the risk. Then you've spent a ton of $$ for a less than ideal time. Simple is good. (Truly, at this point, I'm actually done with big family trips.)

Incidentally, the worst trip we ever had was at a condo. Eating QS at WDW is easier. Groceries = too many joint choices, and squabbles over whole/skim. In the food courts, everyone gets what they like. Done.

Whichever way you go, making sure everyone has enough space and bathrooms really helps!


Best wishes!

 

[CAL2]

hi,
M.V.M.C.P
we have been to it but wouldn't go again. the only thing special about it is the paraded, free cookies and hot choc and a few side shows. having said that I'm still glad we did it the once, but I wouldn't say its value for money.

UNIVERSAL
the only advice I can give here is if you want to visit both harry potter worlds and ride the train you will need a two park ticket. if you want to tour both parks fully it will take a day for each park so get a two day ticket. next year will be our 4th time to W.D.W and Universal and for some reason we have always gone to universal on a Wednesday and have found the crowds to be very low, don't know why or even if its like that throughout the rest of the week but its always worked for us. fingers crossed crowds at H.P will be at a manageable level by next November

HOTELS
no advise to offer you only an personal opinion I personally would find a hotel you all happy with and stick to it. that's only because I just couldn't be doing with all the packing and unpacking, especially when I know it will be me having to do it all. also I like to plan so it would make it much easier to plan around one location rather than several.

cal

 

[sethschroeder]

I beg you to get a date locked in and do DVC

I rented points for our next trip and with your possible group sizes it could be a big benefit. You could likely save a lot of money with the 1BR+Studio/2BR at DVC. A 2BR at BWV could accommodate 8 people!

Also if people didn't want to lock in the same dates they could always go directly to Disney (PAY MORE) but they would still be in your same resort and still be apart of your big group vacation.

I could have read that wrong but it seemed like you had other families possibly going right?

 

[MrInfinity]

I beg you to get a date locked in and do DVC

I rented points for our next trip and with your possible group sizes it could be a big benefit. You could likely save a lot of money with the 1BR+Studio/2BR at DVC. A 2BR at BWV could accommodate 8 people!

I could have read that wrong but it seemed like you had other families possibly going right?

You know I'm really considering it! Never thought of myself DVC material, but the 2-bedroom at BLT for about $4k rented is impressive. Actually looking at the 3-bedroom, but really a 2- and 1- would be cheaper and more space. So I'd want to put this in right in Jan for Dec bookings then right?