Dis Pros, can you please point me in the right directions?

[Austriankrystl]

I am in the process of completely overwhelming myself.

I am planning our first trip to WDW ever (and the rest of our honeymoon) and have spent HOURS and HOURS (days?) reading everything I can find and lurking here on seriously every board and topic trying to get this all figured out. (My Schatz is seriously planning an intervention.)

We are spending 7 days at Disney (the 13th-20th of December) in the Caribbean Beach with free dining.

Right now I am confused about the dining plan and the "best" way to go about reserving (where should I really go? is there a "dining forum" here I missed?). Are there "must do" restaurants? Restaurants outside the park--are they close by or forever and a day away?

The dining plan would then be from the 13th (day of arrival) to the 19th (last night) making the 14th out of pocket, right?

So far I have the first park days tentatively mapped out (based on EMH evening hours--we are NOT morning people). 1 day in each park. (Gotta start somewhere.)

HELP ME! Am I doing this right? Where should I be writing to reach out to you all? (and seriously--point me to the right threads to read--I know you all have tons to do! I would be MOST MOST MOST grateful!!!!!!!)

 

[DaisyDuck001]

Hi, here is the link to the DIS dining plan forum:
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=116

It's already about the time for you to make your dining reservations, if you haven't already.

Restaurants outside of WDW property are close enough if you'll have a rental car, but too far to walk.

As far as which restaurants should you not miss, it depends on your personal preferences.

 

[lam0037]

Definitely start looking at the Dining threads. We're going the 14th-22nd of December and our 180 day mark is this Tuesday so yours should be Monday the 16th and you can make dining online starting 6 am Eastern time (5 am central and so forth) on that day.

Dining plan expires on midnight of your check out day. So if you check out the 20th you can still use it until midnight if you have credits left. If not, then you will have to pay OOP (out of pocket).

Decisions on where to eat are personal preference but since its your honeymoon consider doing a signature dining. My boyfriend and I are doing 2 this trip (Artist Point and Narcoosee's). They are worth 2 TS credits a piece though but we feel it's worth it.

 

[Jefrex]

So far I have the first park days tentatively mapped out (based on EMH evening hours--we are NOT morning people). 1 day in each park. (Gotta start somewhere.)

Hi AK: I don't want to needlessly complicate your planning, but thought I'd offer a consideration: the strategy of going to the parks that have EMH may be a good one ... but it might not also, because that's precisely what everyone else will do. Just a thought. You can check out easywdw.com to get a really good analysis of why you might pick one park over another on any one day. Sometimes, it might be a good choice to avoid parks with EMH and go to a different park to get less crowds and the most bang for your buck. Or, if you're getting the hopper option, you might be able to play it more by ear.

 

[Drinehart811]

I am in the process of completely overwhelming myself. I am planning our first trip to WDW ever (and the rest of our honeymoon) and have spent HOURS and HOURS (days?) reading everything I can find and lurking here on seriously every board and topic trying to get this all figured out. (My Schatz is seriously planning an intervention.) We are spending 7 days at Disney (the 13th-20th of December) in the Caribbean Beach with free dining. Right now I am confused about the dining plan and the "best" way to go about reserving (where should I really go? is there a "dining forum" here I missed?). Are there "must do" restaurants? Restaurants outside the park--are they close by or forever and a day away? The dining plan would then be from the 13th (day of arrival) to the 19th (last night) making the 14th out of pocket, right? So far I have the first park days tentatively mapped out (based on EMH evening hours--we are NOT morning people). 1 day in each park. (Gotta start somewhere.) HELP ME! Am I doing this right? Where should I be writing to reach out to you all? (and seriously--point me to the right threads to read--I know you all have tons to do! I would be MOST MOST MOST grateful!!!!!!!)

First of all....stop stressing out! Lol....you'll have a fabulous time, it's your honeymoon!

Since you'll be there in December I would recommend making sure to hit the parks for the Christmas festivities. EPCOT will have Candlelight Procession dining plans with preferred viewing and IMO this is a must do when they are released. Also, if you are night owls you may want to consider MVMCP.

Here is what I had to do (as I was also at intervention status lol) first of all I had to accept I could only have 1 dinner per night lol and that I could only do 1 evening experience/parade/firework show per night. Than I made myself figure out what was most important to ME.

Here are some basics to help you.
1: HS and AK usually won't take as long as MK and EPCOT, you can probably get done everything you want in those parks in one day.
2: Even with just 2 adults I would recommend (at least) 1 character meal...whatever appeals to you, but they are all tons of fun!
3: Don't be discouraged to pass up on a restaurant that looks amazing to you because of bad reviews on this board...they have them for every single one.
4: have fun! There's no way to do everything, even if you're there for 3 weeks, so do what you want to do, and don't worry about it!

 

[Waiting2goback]

I went to WDW on my honeymoon as well. We, however, didn't plan a thing other than where we stayed on for how long. Once we got to the hotel we figured it all out based on our mood that day. Of course, this was 16 years ago and you couldn't make your dining reservations on the computer, etc...

I would say, Chef Mickey's is a good breakfast. Its a huge buffet and its a really good time with the characters. Obviously you get Mickey (since the place is named after him) and the other major ones. They go to every table so you can gets pics and autographs. I agree with a previous post. Don't worry about reviews you read on here. Each place has its good and bad days and reviews. Overall, you're going to get a good meal at most places on property.

You aren't night people but I would TRY to make rope drop at MK once. It's cool to see how they open the park every day. Some people do it every time they go to a park. I'm not one. But I still remember it from my honeymoon.

I would also try to hit some of the shows. Fantasmic at HS is always one I have to hit when I go to WDW.

Most importantly, just try to enjoy it and not stress about seeing everything. You can't see everything. Also, have you tried listening to the disunplugged podcast? Not sure if you get it in Germany but you can watch the video version on youtube. They give a lot of good info on there.

Since you are going at Christmas time I would say do the Christmas party and I would also see some of the hotels. The Grand Floridian is really nice at Christmas with the huge tree and the life size gingerbread house in the lobby.

 

[RVMH]

You have received some really good advice already! Get those ADRs done ASAP. The good restaurants book very quickly. The new "Be Our Guest" at the MK is fun and quite good (and you can get a glass of wine - first time in MK). Narcoosee's, Citrico's, California Grille, Artist Point are all very good and can be quite romantic. They are all "signature" meaning they require 2 dining choices, so choose one and enjoy. Have you considered Victoria & Albert? It is your honeymoon, what better time to go over the top!

Since you are not morning people, it will be especially important to schedule your Fast Past choices so you can be assured of seeing at least 3 of the most popular attractions w/o long waits. Do that well in advance as well; you can always change them if you find they won't work after you get there.

Most of all .....relax.....enjoy......you can do what you missed on the next trip.......

 

[Austriankrystl]

Hi Guys, sorry I haven't responded until now--I LOST my post! I am so grateful for all your advice. Let's see...

Thanks sooo much. Disney just seemed to need more planning with this dining plan thing (I was actually going to just "wing" it completely). Suddenly I was hearing letter combinations "ADR BOG W13JUL WOO HOO" posts and just felt I needed to go back to college and start a new degree on WDW.

Jefrex, you did NOT complicate it at ALL!!! thank you for the reminder!

Daisy, RVMH, you are sooo right, I'm on it--harder from Europe, but we're stalking the websites.

iam0037--we met on another post! how cool is this (I've never been on a forum before). I'm 3 steps further on--you'll see below!

Drinehart and waiting2goback--you guys are GREAT! I think I have now clocked more hours figuring out the honeymoon than the wedding (is that a bad thing?). It hasn't been THAT long, but still--the planning surprised me a lot!

We are "steady and calm people" and are evening people, so I took a look at what is open later (instead of early) and am thinking (without park hopper--one park/day)...

Animal Kingdom (late hours) then going to Animal Lodge Boma? Sounds simple, easy and relaxed. Can you even see animals after dark? (ok, I feel stupid, it's dark... but are there lights or anything?)

MK has me concerned: I really really would love an evening BOG (Yay! I am getting the hang of the abbrevs!) but missed the first chance and get to hope for a cancellation. Again, late evening till midnight EMH (???LMH???) it's a personal thing--she's "my" princess (the one my mom always related to me--she bought the film because it reminds her of me to watch it )

Epcot: don't know whether to do a Candlelight Proc. reservation or just see if it works out for us. (Another stupid question: when is "sunset"/evening in Florida in December?--here it's around 4pm).

HS has me personally STUMPED for the "right dining" for us... sigh... just reading and watching but not really having something "light up" for us. Lights and fantasmic would be amazing...

Aside of that I am following your other advice to do some things "outside" the park--a day touring the hotels for their decorations, holiday wishes from a restaurant?

Our goal--to balance relaxation, fun, adventure and romance... my first holiday season stateside in 10 years (first thanksgiving in 18)--his first visit ever.

ps: I wrote a novel.... sorry

 

[RVMH]

I love your enthusiasm
A reservation for the processional at Epcot is probably a good idea. The standby line can be very long and a ressie relieves the worry about getting a seat.
Sunset in Dec. is about 5:00 but that doesn't have much relevance to the actual time of the program......it is very good......great music and the guest narrators are always great.

I'd recommend the Brown Derby at HS; it has an old Hollywood, more adult, vibe and the Cobb Salad and Grapefruit Cake are excellent. There is still a link with Fantasmic but I think there is no longer guaranteed seating. You could check on this.

Boma and Jiko are good choices at AKL. You must take a bus to AKL from AK so plan accordingly as the park closes at 5:00 usually.

Keep us posted on your progress!

 

[Waiting2goback]

Thanks sooo much. Disney just seemed to need more planning with this dining plan thing (I was actually going to just "wing" it completely). Suddenly I was hearing letter combinations "ADR BOG W13JUL WOO HOO" posts and just felt I needed to go back to college and start a new degree on WDW.

Drinehart and waiting2goback--you guys are GREAT! I think I have now clocked more hours figuring out the honeymoon than the wedding (is that a bad thing?). It hasn't been THAT long, but still--the planning surprised me a lot!

We are "steady and calm people" and are evening people, so I took a look at what is open later (instead of early) and am thinking (without park hopper--one park/day)...

Animal Kingdom (late hours) then going to Animal Lodge Boma? Sounds simple, easy and relaxed. Can you even see animals after dark? (ok, I feel stupid, it's dark... but are there lights or anything?)

MK has me concerned: I really really would love an evening BOG (Yay! I am getting the hang of the abbrevs!) but missed the first chance and get to hope for a cancellation. Again, late evening till midnight EMH (???LMH???) it's a personal thing--she's "my" princess (the one my mom always related to me--she bought the film because it reminds her of me to watch it )

Epcot: don't know whether to do a Candlelight Proc. reservation or just see if it works out for us. (Another stupid question: when is "sunset"/evening in Florida in December?--here it's around 4pm).

HS has me personally STUMPED for the "right dining" for us... sigh... just reading and watching but not really having something "light up" for us. Lights and fantasmic would be amazing...

Aside of that I am following your other advice to do some things "outside" the park--a day touring the hotels for their decorations, holiday wishes from a restaurant?

Our goal--to balance relaxation, fun, adventure and romance... my first holiday season stateside in 10 years (first thanksgiving in 18)--his first visit ever.

ps: I wrote a novel.... sorry

I get confused with all the abbreviations as well, don't feel bad.

I don't think it is too bad that you have spent more time on the honeymoon. When you think about it, the wedding and reception are only a few hours and the honeymoon is a few days or more. So, it makes sense it would take more time to plan it.

I don't have much info on AK as I have not been since my honeymoon in 1998.

I have yet to eat at BOG as I can never get a reservation and I'm not waiting in that line. I hear it is wonderful but waiting 45 minutes just to order the food, no thanks. One thing to consider is if you want a romantic dinner there are 4 resorts minutes away from the MK via the monorail or a boat. If you don't see something in the park that you want head out of the park, have dinner, and come back for the parade and fireworks. I stayed at the Floridian on my honeymoon. Some nice places to eat there and walking around at night, especially during the holidays is romantic. You could do the California Grill at the Contemporary and watch the fireworks from there without the huge crowds. Many, many options.

I hate to say it, HS is a disappointment lately. I still say you need to see Fantasmic but not many food options, in my opinion. I was talking to someone at my daughter's dance rehearsal tonight. He said he didn't like the Brown Derby at all when he went last year.

Still fun to do all the planning though. I hope to get married again one day to plan another honeymoon at Disney.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Just a thought for your HS meal....you could head over to the Boardwalk and eat somewhere over there. Take either the boat or walk the path (I hear it is a 20 min walk). Granted I'm not too familiar with what restaurants are over there but I'm sure there are some nice ones since the resorts are deluxe. Oh and since you'll be there in Dec, you can see Osborne Lights at HS too. I loved them.

Early congrats to you OP and have a fantastic wedding and honeymoon!

 

[Austriankrystl]

OK this subscribe thing just doesn't work. No notice that you were all here You are making me so organized and "with-it" sounding. Heck, I wrote home to update them (invited them along to get the news, but... ) and my mom's comment was: just don't overplan... you already know everything.

OK. I've got Boma down for 2 hours after the park closes (7pm). I'm not wanting the Great Race to get anywhere.

Still working on BOG. I read somewhere here that the Ballroom is amazing at Christmas and have I mentioned, I'm Belle???

Tentative plans are Ohana on a holiday wishes night (would love the fireworks, but cannot justify the cost on top of the tickets.) so we can see the fireworks from the beach. Probably Tuesday (my list is in the other room--the one I gave my patient TA who is calling for us). I wanted Cali Grill (I think--I heard the view was "better") but heard the table request cannot be insured and people start eating reeeeeal slooooooow around 8pm to make it last through wishes. If I went there, I want us eating at a table and not on a viewing platform with 30 of my nearest and dearest--have I mentioned I'm a sucker for fireworks, yet. sigh.

Several mentioned avoiding the magic hours because of the crowds, but we will NOT get to rope drop and the other days of "non-emh" for MK conflict with other plans or are until 7pm for MCMCP and that is really early to be done for the day when we are not using hoppers. I guess I am doing it "lemming-like" and not "maximizing" our time. But the crowd levels are "below average" that week...

Want to end with the processional (Friday)--but that is EMH, too... but just seems "fitting" for us/me. The more religious, calm and then fireworks and rewalking through the showcases as a "wind-down". (We do NOT want the biergarten--we LIVE the biergarten....) Originally I wanted to do Processional at 6pm and then the Rose and Crown for a dinner Illum. sigh but that is not an option.) Instead I think the list has Les Chefs Processional on it--such an early meal requirement. Maybe we'll do another day in Epcot?

I totally looked into the Derby at HS--I LOVE cobb salad and here it is a real treat when I make it for lil ol' me... that was GREAT advice! Adult dining! YES!!!! The only problem is--we're on a tight budget (sigh) and I am considering the 2 credits for the processional (see above). Out of Pocket? Depends on DF...

Things are looking up. I am feeling much more balanced reading your comments to me and knowing I'm not insane

 

[Austriankrystl]

RVH--you are really making this fun! I know I repeat a lot, but that is how I "process" things. The sunset thing is really good for me to know--visiting the park in the dark vs. daytime changes things up. But that makes the 2nd Processional more interesting: time to move slowly from one to the other. But 2 sit-down meals in few hours would KILL me (DF can eat everything anytime and still be hungry and keep his trim figure--so not fair)

Waiting2GoBack--you are so funny! Love that! but a honeymoon is no reason to get married (but that WAS something my DF said when I mentioned the honeymoon--so THAT is the reason people get married today!) I WISH the floridian or AKL or WL were in the budget, but...

Is the Boardwalk as close as PP77 says? Perhaps it would be a good idea to "jump out" on a boatride for a ride to our restaurant after Fantasmic and then return for Osburne Lights? Is there anything on the Boardwalk aside of fish&chips or Yachts? Sounds like it could be a solution.

Our honeymoon is 5 weeks long--we arrive for Thanksgiving in Atlanta, GA with friends, then a scenic drive to Canaveral and KSC. We board a Western Carr. Cruise on the Carnival Liberty 6th Dec. to 13th Dec. then WDW from 13th to 20th. Still figuring out the last and most difficult week: to the 1st. We want to return early to rest up for work starting on the 7th Jan. Half finished--the 1st week plus cruise is set and organized. Sooo excited!

The wedding is the courthouse pre-wedding required in Germany, so really easy and "relaxing" for us. The 1/2 day notary marathon and a sweet ceremony. I'm making the dress, etc. and just his family and a few close friends will be present. Dinner afterwards. So much fun to plan and arrange.

The "formal" celebration will follow (German tradition) within the next year--so simple for me! We may not even do it.

Then there is a religious Consecration Ceremony (we cannot call it a wedding??? America is sooo complicated and can be so difficult) in the USA for/with my family and friends American style. Now THAT is going to give/giving me headaches!!!!!

 

[practicallyperfect77]

AK - I have not personally walked thus route but have read numerous posts where folks say it is a mile and usually 20-25 mins. I know there is a dueling piano bar (Jelly Rolls) out on the Boardwalk. I don't believe there is anything really on the path but various establishments on the Epcot end / boardwalk area.

 

[practicallyperfect77]

AK - I have not personally walked thus route but have read numerous posts where folks say it is a mile and usually 20-25 mins. My BFF is more of a disney fan than me and she actually beat the friendship boat once and she was pregnant at the time. (She does walk fast when not pg so doesn't surprise me)
l know there is a dueling piano bar (Jelly Rolls) out on the Boardwalk. I don't believe there is anything really on the path but various establishments on the Epcot end / boardwalk area.

 

[lam0037]

The Boardwalk has Jellyrolls, a dueling piano bar (tons of fun, we're going this trip). There is also ESPN club, Big River Grille, the Boardwalk bakery (CS) and Flying Fish (signature). Beach Club has Cape May Cafe, Beaches and Cream and the Yacht Club has the Yachtsman Steakhouse and Captain's Grille. There are also restaurants in Swan and Dolphin.

I'm not sure if you've seen this link but it has menus for them all!
http://allears.net/dining/menu

Are you wanting to do Fantasmic, dinner then the lights? Unless park hours are extended or its EMH you probably won't have time. It is a 20 min walk and a possible longer boat ride depending on where you're going. With Fantasmic at 6:30, you won't be done until 7 and the park closes at 8. You could do dinner before the show. As it got closer to December, more showings of Fantasmic were added some nights at 8. You could easily get an early dinner, go look at the Osborn lights and then do Fantasmic.

On our HS night, we are going to watch Fantasmic, see the lights and then head over to Boardwalk for something sweet and go to Jellyrolls, b/c my BF loves dueling piano bars.

 

[Waiting2goback]

Perhaps it would be a good idea to "jump out" on a boatride for a ride to our restaurant after Fantasmic and then return for Osburne Lights?

I thought I heard the Osbourne lights were done as of last year? Can anyone else shed light on this?

 

[practicallyperfect77]

I thought I heard the Osbourne lights were done as of last year? Can anyone else shed light on this?

Everything I have read so far on the theme park and strategies board says they are on this year.

 

[Austriankrystl]

hmmm... I heard the Osburne Lights were a definite go, Waiting2go, but then--I'm the newbie so not the one to really ask. I'd be really bummed, though.

I think the offerings from each park complement each other really well: the "fairytale magic" in MK, the "over-the-top light show" in HS, the "cultural/historic symbolism and tradition" in Epcot... if only there were something to match/compliment in AK. sigh. (but not missing the jingle parade--that seems too MK-repeat to be an AK balance. (ideas? Winter solstice? Christmas critters? sigh. there is a reason i don't work for disney--lack of practical creativity.)

The night we were thinking was/is/should be a emh night til 10pm, but I could be wrong (need to recheck that one). But that is a good idea, Iam0037, I just might steal it--doing dinner afterwards.

of course, a later fantasmic would "fit" better and be perfect. but then we ate "lunch" today at 6pm because we were "out-and-about" and that was after an early breakfast--late is ok for us.

Pperfect, thank you so much for your insight on transportation--there really is not much "concrete" information about the "boardwalk" that I can find--most was just pieced together by me from various posts and mentions. I'll check out that link you sent. Thanks.

how is getting back to hotels from boardwalk, though, after the parks are all closed? we aren't planning on having a car during disney. transportation has me "extra careful" about not getting "stranded". taxis can add up...

 

[RVMH]

RVH--you are really making this fun! I know I repeat a lot, but that is how I "process" things. The sunset thing is really good for me to know--visiting the park in the dark vs. daytime changes things up. But that makes the 2nd Processional more interesting: time to move slowly from one to the other. But 2 sit-down meals in few hours would KILL me (DF can eat everything anytime and still be hungry and keep his trim figure--so not fair)

Waiting2GoBack--you are so funny! Love that! but a honeymoon is no reason to get married (but that WAS something my DF said when I mentioned the honeymoon--so THAT is the reason people get married today!) I WISH the floridian or AKL or WL were in the budget, but...

Is the Boardwalk as close as PP77 says? Perhaps it would be a good idea to "jump out" on a boatride for a ride to our restaurant after Fantasmic and then return for Osburne Lights? Is there anything on the Boardwalk aside of fish&chips or Yachts? Sounds like it could be a solution.

Our honeymoon is 5 weeks long--we arrive for Thanksgiving in Atlanta, GA with friends, then a scenic drive to Canaveral and KSC. We board a Western Carr. Cruise on the Carnival Liberty 6th Dec. to 13th Dec. then WDW from 13th to 20th. Still figuring out the last and most difficult week: to the 1st. We want to return early to rest up for work starting on the 7th Jan. Half finished--the 1st week plus cruise is set and organized. Sooo excited!

The wedding is the courthouse pre-wedding required in Germany, so really easy and "relaxing" for us. The 1/2 day notary marathon and a sweet ceremony. I'm making the dress, etc. and just his family and a few close friends will be present. Dinner afterwards. So much fun to plan and arrange.

The "formal" celebration will follow (German tradition) within the next year--so simple for me! We may not even do it.

Then there is a religious Consecration Ceremony (we cannot call it a wedding??? America is sooo complicated and can be so difficult) in the USA for/with my family and friends American style. Now THAT is going to give/giving me headaches!!!!!

I am SO going to enjoy following your journey!
The Swan and Dolphin Hotels are a very short walk (truly!) from the Boardwalk and while not on the dining plan, they have several bars (Kimono's, Blue Zoo) where you can easily make a light meal of a glass of wine and an appetizer. In fact you can do that at many hotels on property. Narcoosee's at the GF is a beautiful bar with wonderful views of the fireworks from inside or from the dock right outside . I, too, hate to miss the fireworks and don't forget to schedule time to see the light parade at some point around the lagoon.