Disney made me do it!

[MIKE101067]

My last trip to WDW was 1/02 and had absolutely no plans to go back any time soon. While I was researching different summer vacationas I saw several TV ads for the 4 for 7 deal. Just for yaha's I priced a trip and if I am going to do it might as well be first class. Never stayed at AKL, so lets try that, never even thought of Concierge level, lets try that too. $2,682.37 including length of stay passes for three (13 yo son, girlfriend and me)! I have no choice but to go. Disney made me do it! Again! The dates are 8/16 to 8/23. I know it is going to be hot hot hot so preparing for that. The info on crowds seems to be a bit conflicting so I am preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Scheduled my Sunrise Safari, have PS @ Liberty Tree, 50's Prime Time, San Angel Inn for lunch, and Cali Grill, Rose and Crown, Le Cellier, and Mickey's Back Yard BBQ for dinner. Any other tips or suggestions regarding AKL Concierge, dining, crowds?

 

[grinningghost]

I love it when Disney makes me do it!

 

[patsal]

Disney does have a special way of helping me lighten my bank account! Some of the best rips are the ones that we really had no idea we were going to take and now you don't even havae allthat long to wait! How very exciting! Have agreat trip.

 

[safetymom]

I have blamed Disney quite a few times. I don't worry if I miss seeing something in the parks because it gives me an excuse to go back again.

It also rubbed off on my daughter. She was in the Disney College program and got to spend a year there and she still hasn't seen or done it all.

Planning another trip.

 

[wdwobsessed]

Hi,

That's just the way it works huh? LOL the FTP is raking us all in! LOL!!

I wanted to give you my input on the time frame you are going as that is the exact week we went last year.

Though it's not as empty as September the crowds are quite managable. The only park we found crowded was the MK and we didn't get to do much there.

We found that 15 - 20 mintues was the average except in the MK where you were looking at 30+ for most rides.

We HATE crowds with a passion so if we didn't hate it no one would hate it. I would say that we would go this time of year again, but prefer September when the crowds are at the minimal. That being said, the only way you would get me in the parks during peak season is if my trip were free.

You will have fun! Just follow the major rules: Go early, take a break, stay late. (Avoid that 1-4 time frame). Use FP on major attractions. Make PS's to be on the safe side ... you can always cancel later.

You will find that with strategic planning the crowds will be very, very managable.

Have fun!

wdwo

 

[MIKE101067]

Thanks for the tips. I can always count on the people on these boards for some great ideas.
The plan is to use early entry, take an afternoon break at a restaurant, water park, or back to the hotel then head back to the parks late afternoon/early eve.

 

[Alice28]

How fun! I love those impromptu trips! I think your ideas of planning a break every afternoon will work out well for everyone...and wow, concierge!! Oo-la-la!! Sounds like the Sunrise Safari is a winner- what fun! As far as my only dining advice---we hadn't planned a PS for Cape May Cafe when we went in March...last minute we made a PS, went and just loved it! Good food, all you care to eat, fun setting, and not too bad price- wise...I think it was $23 a person. For my upcoming trip (kind of a impromptu thing for me too---couldn't pass up the deal) I have several of the same PS's as you do- you will have to post how you liked Cal Grill & 50's Prime Time. We loved Rose and Crown- thumbs up for that. And I have read the Mickey's Backyard BBQ is a real treat! Have a great time!

 

[nativetxn]

I'll be there starting the 19th. You got a really good deal!

 

[cinmell]

I'm so sorry you had to book a vacation I hope you have a great time!

 

[BongoBetty]

We had also thought about taking our vacation this year a little closer to home - probably somewhere in the Med. Until of course DW started surfing and came up with some great deals for getting to WDW. We try to convince ourselves that the Med would have been just as expensive (we of course could have made it so) but in reality - you've guessed it - the Mouse twisted our arm so tight...

BB's dad