Childfree (by choice) Disney Lovers!

[CynBeth]

It's great you guys have been to Baltimore and enjoyed it! There are so many cities in this country I would love to see again or visit for the first time. Does anyone have plans for the weekend?

 

[idiocratic]

It's great you guys have been to Baltimore and enjoyed it! There are so many cities in this country I would love to see again or visit for the first time. Does anyone have plans for the weekend?

Some friends mentioned going downtown just to walk around the Harbor or Fells. I'm still upset I missed Artscape.

 

[ChristineNic]

I grew up in Catonsville, a town on the Southwest side of Baltimore. You guys are making me homesick. I need to plan a trip soon.

Is the B&O Train museum still open? It would be a fun destination for a visitor. Also the Walters Art Gallery.

 

[idiocratic]

I grew up in Catonsville, a town on the Southwest side of Baltimore. You guys are making me homesick. I need to plan a trip soon.

Is the B&O Train museum still open? It would be a fun destination for a visitor. Also the Walters Art Gallery.

It is still open!

And I have family that lives in Catonsville. My Aunt & Uncle own a restaurant called Scittno's there too.

 

[mrsclark]

I visited Baltimore when I was a preteen - loved loved loved the aquarium there!


DH and I actually went to Washington DC for vacation in 2008. DH's work can be stressful, so he prefers a less hectic non-urban vacation to get away from things (which I found out WHILE we were in DC). He said riding the Metro and all the crazy drivers in DC made him still feel like he was in the rat race rather than taking a break from it ! One day when we are retired and have a lot more time on our hands, we plan to drive around the country and see a lot of cities and famous sites - so only 30 years to go! So for vacations right now, we like places like Vegas and WDW where the transportation, entertainment, etc is all close by and relaxing!

Thanks to everyone who chipped in advice about my ADRs. I always have the problem where my eyes are bigger than my stomach - everything sounds so good while you are planning it and then I get down there and get so stuffed another TS meal seems like torture!

So has anyone done WWoHP at Universal - any touring tips? We will be staying on property at Universal so we will get early admission at HP and then Express Pass from almost everything else non-HP there! I have heard the butter beer is a must try?!?!

 

[zima-cheryl]

It's great you guys have been to Baltimore and enjoyed it! There are so many cities in this country I would love to see again or visit for the first time. Does anyone have plans for the weekend?

You are so right - so many places to visit & play tourist. We have Savanaha (sp?) on our list for next year, along with a weekend in the Outer Banks & maybe a swing over to Tennessee or Kentucky. I've never been to either so need to visit & cross those states off the list of places I've been.

Our weekend includes a day trip to the beach (leaving in 20 minutes)


Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates we are visiting a lemur center. Duke Univ. has a huge lemur center (largest population of them outside of Madagascar). The are just so dang cute!! I drag my husband off to this tour about every 6 months so I can see them again.

 

[NightAngelX]

I have a question to pose to my CF friends. For my upcoming December trip assuming there is a RO discount the first week in December (rumored to have a RO discount but not Free dining the first week). I am debating between Pop and Coronado Springs. Last time we went we hardly spent any time at the resort at all so we thought it was a 'waste' of money to stay deluxe if we were touring the entire time. We definitely won't be swimming. Pop is almost 500 cheaper than CSR. So even though CSR 'seems' nicer and more adult I wonder if we'd enjoy Pop just as much for what little time we spend in the room.

Oh and DH uses an ECV when we are at Disney so we usually request an accessible room for grabs and room for his ecv. One thing I've noticed about Values and accessible is it allows you to choose a king bed so at either location we'd have a king bed.

Any suggestions or experiences at either location? Which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

 

[justlook3]

Hi, figured I'd introduce myself here. DH and I have been married for 17 years, we've both 40. Child free by choice. We love WDW though it's been a few years since we are able to go. We love it because it's not just for kids. It's magical and escapist and just plain fun. We also don't hate kids and it's wonderful to watch the joy of well behaved children at the World. We love to people watch for all of the cute wonder and none of the melt downs later.
I haven't posted much because I'm more of a lurker and we don't plan on going back to WDW until 2015. I think I like to torture myself by reading this!

 

[fisherjenn]

I've always been with my family, but I always have time to myself throughout the day (usually a few hours). But I'm definitely looking forward to going someday by myself (with friends, I would) but going solo seems like more fun and free!

 

[CynBeth]

Some friends mentioned going downtown just to walk around the Harbor or Fells. I'm still upset I missed Artscape.

Would you believe I have never been to Artscape? We always seem to have something going on the weekend it is held. We do go to the Maryland State Fair and Ren Fest every year.

 

[mrsclark]

You are so right - so many places to visit & play tourist. We have Savanaha (sp?) on our list for next year, along with a weekend in the Outer Banks & maybe a swing over to Tennessee or Kentucky. I've never been to either so need to visit & cross those states off the list of places I've been.

Our weekend includes a day trip to the beach (leaving in 20 minutes)


Tomorrow, if the weather cooperates we are visiting a lemur center. Duke Univ. has a huge lemur center (largest population of them outside of Madagascar). The are just so dang cute!! I drag my husband off to this tour about every 6 months so I can see them again.

I believe that the lemur center was featured in a PBS Nature episode called The Loneliest Animals. Great episode, talks about some of the last surviving members of species on the brink of extinction and if I remember correctly lemurs at the Duke center were featured. If you love the center, I would suggest watching this episode - really great!

 

[zima-cheryl]

I have a question to pose to my CF friends. For my upcoming December trip assuming there is a RO discount the first week in December (rumored to have a RO discount but not Free dining the first week). I am debating between Pop and Coronado Springs. Last time we went we hardly spent any time at the resort at all so we thought it was a 'waste' of money to stay deluxe if we were touring the entire time. We definitely won't be swimming. Pop is almost 500 cheaper than CSR. So even though CSR 'seems' nicer and more adult I wonder if we'd enjoy Pop just as much for what little time we spend in the room.

Oh and DH uses an ECV when we are at Disney so we usually request an accessible room for grabs and room for his ecv. One thing I've noticed about Values and accessible is it allows you to choose a king bed so at either location we'd have a king bed.

Any suggestions or experiences at either location? Which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

Never been to a value resort. One things friends of mine always pointed out to me, that is where the groups stay (because it is so much cheaper). I'm not sure I have it in me to deal w/a large group of kids (cheerleaders, football, bands, high school trips, etc).
You may want to check your dates & if any of the cheer competitions or Pop Warner are going on, spend the extra for the moderate. Worth the quiet & less busy lobby/pool/food court/etc.

We did Coronodo & my biggest complaint was how sprawling the resort was. I think we ended up in the furthest back building so getting to the front was always a haul. Beyond that it was neat, clean well kept & a nice resort.

I believe that the lemur center was featured in a PBS Nature episode called The Loneliest Animals. Great episode, talks about some of the last surviving members of species on the brink of extinction and if I remember correctly lemurs at the Duke center were featured. If you love the center, I would suggest watching this episode - really great!

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check for that.

 

[glaserjm]

Have you or any of the CF people here done TWWOHP at Universal yet? DH went to Universal in 2009 while it was being built and then planned to visit in 2011. After our time at WDW in 2011 we were supposed to go to Universal, DH came down with a nasty cold and while it certainly wasn't anything serious, he didn't feel like being with crowds in the heat. So while we did actually check into Royal Pacific - he spent two straight days in the room (coming out each night to eat dinner) while I went outlet shopping. So we never actually made it to the parks that year. I do have to say, Universal was wonderful about the whole thing. I had purchased the tickets in advance through them and they gave me a full refund because we hadn't used them yet. And, we were getting a reduced rate at RP because we were staying four nights, but even though we only stayed two they didn't go back and up the room rate. First rate customer service, makes me look forward to going back there! Anyway, because we always drive, we were able to leave earlier than we had planned and drive home. So long story, but this year we will actually get to see it!



We did do WWOHP in 2011 and I really enjoyed it. For us we did probably a 1/2 day there and I felt like it was enough. As I'm sure your research has revealed there are only three rides (until they open phase 2 next year), so it's mostly about exploring Hogsmeade, which is really fun but doesn't take up multiple days. I won't be returning until they open Phase 2, but I definitely think it's a great place for all HP fans to see at least once!

 

[Devilsangel7681]

Have you or any of the CF people here done TWWOHP at Universal yet? DH went to Universal in 2009 while it was being built and then planned to visit in 2011. After our time at WDW in 2011 we were supposed to go to Universal, DH came down with a nasty cold and while it certainly wasn't anything serious, he didn't feel like being with crowds in the heat. So while we did actually check into Royal Pacific - he spent two straight days in the room (coming out each night to eat dinner) while I went outlet shopping. So we never actually made it to the parks that year. I do have to say, Universal was wonderful about the whole thing. I had purchased the tickets in advance through them and they gave me a full refund because we hadn't used them yet. And, we were getting a reduced rate at RP because we were staying four nights, but even though we only stayed two they didn't go back and up the room rate. First rate customer service, makes me look forward to going back there! Anyway, because we always drive, we were able to leave earlier than we had planned and drive home. So long story, but this year we will actually get to see it!

We did do WWOHP in 2011 and I really enjoyed it. For us we did probably a 1/2 day there and I felt like it was enough. As I'm sure your research has revealed there are only three rides (until they open phase 2 next year), so it's mostly about exploring Hogsmeade, which is really fun but doesn't take up multiple days. I won't be returning until they open Phase 2, but I definitely think it's a great place for all HP fans to see at least once!

Yes we did before we were married. Went in 2010 right after they finished everything, I think it was their soft open. My sister and her husband went with us and enjoyed the butter beer. The wand shop line was all the way around the corner and the line for the ride in the castle was packed! Didn't take too long because we rode in the single rider line. We had a lot of fun!

 

[mrsclark]

I have a question to pose to my CF friends. For my upcoming December trip assuming there is a RO discount the first week in December (rumored to have a RO discount but not Free dining the first week). I am debating between Pop and Coronado Springs. Last time we went we hardly spent any time at the resort at all so we thought it was a 'waste' of money to stay deluxe if we were touring the entire time. We definitely won't be swimming. Pop is almost 500 cheaper than CSR. So even though CSR 'seems' nicer and more adult I wonder if we'd enjoy Pop just as much for what little time we spend in the room.

Oh and DH uses an ECV when we are at Disney so we usually request an accessible room for grabs and room for his ecv. One thing I've noticed about Values and accessible is it allows you to choose a king bed so at either location we'd have a king bed.

Any suggestions or experiences at either location? Which would you choose and why?

Thanks!

Even if you aren't in the room that much I would still suggest stepping up to a mod like CSR or POR. All-Stars tend to be very very hectic - lots of people (especially kids) running around, limited food choices, and long lines for busses (from what I can remember) - especially when loading at the park. If you want a more romantic feel I would go with a mod. If it won't bother you to be in a very busy resort then go Pop.

 

[mrsclark]

Yes we did before we were married. Went in 2010 right after they finished everything, I think it was their soft open. My sister and her husband went with us and enjoyed the butter beer. The wand shop line was all the way around the corner and the line for the ride in the castle was packed! Didn't take too long because we rode in the single rider line. We had a lot of fun!

Thanks glaserjm and Devilsangel7681 for the feedback on WWoHP. We have 2 - 2 1/2 days planned at Universal for our trip in September (three nights at Loews RP). We are doing WDW first and then moving over to universal (so we may spend our check out day at WDW all at WDW parks, 1/2 WDW & 1/2 Universal, or all Universal - have to see how we feel that day)! As everyone can probably tell from our dogs' names, we are BIG HP fans so we will want to see everything at WWoHP including eat there and go to Ollivanders. I know there are only 3 rides there but we want to take our time to explore!

With the Universal Express Pass that comes free with our on-site room, we should be able to tour the rest of the two parks pretty efficiently although I could probably ride Mummy 10 times in a row and DH really wants to see Springfield!

 

[SlothLife]

Hi guys, I'm Bre!! Kind of new here..but love that this is even a topic My husband and I have been married since 2011 - newlyweds still I guess!? No kids yet and not for a few more years. Any tips on things we should do in January? (our next trip) We have been to Disney many many times, but theres always something new to explore! I had my sights on splitsville maybe..we're going to eat at Ohana for the first time. Any ideas would be appreciated!! Doesn't have to be "romantic" - we're taking our romatic vacation in October to Atlantis Disney is for FUN.

 

[kerbear613]

Hi guys, I'm Bre!! Kind of new here..but love that this is even a topic My husband and I have been married since 2011 - newlyweds still I guess!? No kids yet and not for a few more years. Any tips on things we should do in January? (our next trip) We have been to Disney many many times, but theres always something new to explore! I had my sights on splitsville maybe..we're going to eat at Ohana for the first time. Any ideas would be appreciated!! Doesn't have to be "romantic" - we're taking our romatic vacation in October to Atlantis Disney is for FUN.

My husband and I are newlyweds too (Dec 2012). Congratulations We are taking our honeymoon to WDW this fall. We're going to try to reserve the Wishes Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. This will be our 3rd trip there together and we like to do something different every time. Splitsville looks fun. I don't know if you're doing Universal at all, but we're planning on checking out the new mini golf courses at Citywalk.

 

[Devilsangel7681]

My husband and I are newlyweds too (Dec 2012). Congratulations We are taking our honeymoon to WDW this fall. We're going to try to reserve the Wishes Dessert Party at Tomorrowland Terrace. This will be our 3rd trip there together and we like to do something different every time. Splitsville looks fun. I don't know if you're doing Universal at all, but we're planning on checking out the new mini golf courses at Citywalk.

Nice to see other newlyweds on here! We just had our 1 yr anniversary this weekend! Welcome!

 

[TooBoyz4us]

Hi!

"Oldy-wed" here ;-)
We have been married 27 years.

DH and I are taking our first "adults only" Disney trip this Nov. The kids are in college now, doing their own thing in life and SO not interested in traveling with us.
So, we are really looking forward to a just us trip

Our plans for this vacation include a very laid back approach to all parks.We want to take time to slow down and explore all the things we never had time to while we were busy rushing to all of the big attractions with kids in tow.
Stopping when we want to,snacking when we want to, taking breaks when we want to etc.

Really excited!