DISNEYMOONERS: Tell me all about it!

[Bride2Be0705]

My FH & I are going to Disney in July for our honeymoon. FMIL just paid it off the other day, so now it is OFFICIAL!

What I want to know are past experiences from some post-Disneymooners! What did you do, where did you eat, where'd you play? Things like that... Just a quick run-down of some finer points of the Disneymoon to give us some ideas.

I've only been to Disney with my parents, and FH has never been, so this will be AMAZING... Thanks!

 

[DisneyHoneymooner84]

It was an amazing honeymoon. We stayed at the Grand Floridian and the transportation was great from there. We did not get the bride and groom hats but saw many people wearing them. Supposidly you get extra special treatment with them on but people that work at disney are great anyway that you already feel like you are being treated great. We went to Epcot the first full day that we had there. It was by far our favorite. If your husband likes sports you need to hop on the fairy in the back of Epcot and go to the boardwalk. There they have the ESPN bar and grill. IT was very cool to see. There are tv's in the bathrooms in each stall with ESPN on all of them and a booth were they are doing their radio casts. Make sure you eat at the mexican restaurant there in Epcot too. It was wonderful and all candle lite for a very romantic meal then sneak outside and watch the amazing fireworks that they have everynight around the lake at Epcot. We also got our picture taken at the front gate to be put on the wall. They put your picture on the wall and send you a brouchure later telling you where to find it the next time you visit. Also while you are at Magic Kingdom you need to get the e-pass. I went first thing in the morning to get it and then for the most of the day we spent at the water park. The e-pass is an armband that you wear that allows you to stay at the park from 10p.m.-1a.m. after park hours so there are no lines or crying children. Magic kingdom is so packed during the day that we were going to have to wait 90 minutes to get on the Splash mountain but with the e-pass that night we had to wait 5 minutes and that is usually the walk to the actual ride. Another really romantic thing that we did was have dinner at the California Grill which is ontop of the Contemporary resort. If you do this get reservation for about 8:30 because you want to be there when the fireworks go off at the Magi kingdom. I wont spoil the suprise but it is so worth it.When we went we got a package that included all meals from almost anywhere that we wanted. If you can add that on it is really worth it to not have the hassle of having enough money for food and fun and instead just for the fun. I hope that you have a great time.

 

[ohanafamily]

DW and I went on the 7 day cruise for our honeymoon (Part 2) but we do Disney a lot.

Suggestions...
When you get there BUY THE BRIDE AND GROOM EARS. FORCE HIM TO WEAR THEM. Lots of people will walk up to you and congratulate you. Just remember you are at WDW and It is OK to be a kid.....
Secondly, I will assume that since your FMIL is paying, budget might be a little tight. Make sure you have allocated enough for Park Passes (Park Hoppers may be included with your package, but you didn't post any details...) I would also check out the Budget Board for reommendations...
I would plan on at least one character meal for the pictures, but you might want to make a priority seating arrangement. It all depends on where you are staying. My DW and I like The Garden Grill (in The Land at Epcot). It is All you can eat, Mickey and Chip and Dale and Pluto hang out there.
Agan the best recommendations I can give depend on where you are staying, and your budget.

Also, another thing to do is to buy a Passporter (available at lots of book stores) and plan things out a little. There is also a strategy board on the Dis.....

Having said all of that, it is your honeymoon, relax and enjoy the time. I wouldn't pressure myself to do everything. you should take the time to enjoy the fact that all of the planning is over It is done, your lives are now one. Trying too start a family is definately a honeymoon priority

If you post more details (Resort, Length of stay, etc... no specifics, I will try to help more...

 

[jennycee]

We were there the weeks of September 14-26.

We have been there at least a million times and my husband is an expert. We did a ton of stuff the week after the wedding, most of which we had done before, but it was so much more special that it was our Disneymoon! These are just some things off the top of my head that are romantic that we did...

Eat at Cinderella's castle. Try to time your resy at the time of the fireworks show, it is quite an amazing experience to see the fireworks shooting from the tops of the buildings and so close! They dim the lights and it is so romantic!

When you do the haunted house look the the rings of the couple that lived there buried in the sidewalk and get your pic taken with it! Great souvenir!

Get a characature done and they will do it with your wedding attire if you would like!

And I agree, WEAR THE EARS! We had so much fun with people congratulating us, really made us feel special, got free deserts in some places, and the WL staff left us great stuff in our room everyday!

But most importantly, HAVE FUN! enjoy! your married!

 

[jennycee]

We were there the weeks of September 14-26.

We have been there at least a million times and my husband is an expert. We did a ton of stuff the week after the wedding, most of which we had done before, but it was so much more special that it was our Disneymoon! These are just some things off the top of my head that are romantic that we did...

Eat at Cinderella's castle. Try to time your resy at the time of the fireworks show, it is quite an amazing experience to see the fireworks shooting from the tops of the buildings and so close! They dim the lights and it is so romantic!

When you do the haunted house look the the rings of the couple that lived there buried in the sidewalk and get your pic taken with it! Great souvenir!

Get a characature done and they will do it with your wedding attire if you would like!

And I agree, WEAR THE EARS! We had so much fun with people congratulating us, really made us feel special, got free deserts in some places, and the WL staff left us great stuff in our room everyday!

But most importantly, HAVE FUN! enjoy! your married!

 

[ead79]

You’re going to have a WONDERFUL time! I agree with the others about wearing the bride and groom ears. Just know that you will get attention when wearing them.

Some of our favorite things on our honeymoon were the little things we did together. We loved strolling the BoardWalk in the evening together, and we loved shopping at the various resorts (we liked doing the monorail tour of the GF, Poly, and Contemporary). If it fits in the budget, Illuminations cruises are so much fun as well. You can even offer your extra seats on the theme parks board of this site to help offset the cost of the Illuminations cruise. As far as meals go, some of our favorite restaurants are Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge (it’s pricey, but delicious—especially their berry cobbler for dessert!), ‘Ohana at the Polynesian, and Le Cellier at the Canada pavilion in Epcot.

Do you know where you will be staying?

 

[Bride2Be0705]

We also got our picture taken at the front gate to be put on the wall. They put your picture on the wall and send you a brouchure later telling you where to find it the next time you visit.

This is included in our package... We did the Dream Maker Gold (booked in October, 1st wedding related item I did!!!), so we get to do this. I can't wait, it will be a GREAT thing to show our kids later on!

Secondly, I will assume that since your FMIL is paying, budget might be a little tight. Make sure you have allocated enough for Park Passes (Park Hoppers may be included with your package, but you didn't post any details...)

FMIL paid for the Dream Maker Gold Package, so we're not really on a budget I suppose. Since it's all paid for all we need money for are snacks, and souvenirs. This was our wedding gift, while we could have afforded WDW, we could NOT have afforded what we got. **Sorry I forgot to post details!**

When you get there BUY THE BRIDE AND GROOM EARS. FORCE HIM TO WEAR THEM. Lots of people will walk up to you and congratulate you. Just remember you are at WDW and It is OK to be a kid.....

I ordered these from giftsofalifetime.com, and will be having them delivered to our room (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge) once we arrive. Can you get your names on these or not? I kinda wanted to do that, and maybe the date?

‘Ohana at the Polynesian

We have a PS here for 8:30, so that we can see Wishes. I originally wanted the California Grill, but I looked at the menu, and there wasn't much that sounded like something I would eat (kinda picky!). And since everything it is included, we also picked: Cinderella's Royal Table, The Coral Reef Restaurant, Mama Melrose's, Narcoossee's and Fulton's, and just for FH, we're doing dinner at Rainforest Cafe (he's never been, wanted to go in Vegas, but they were closed).

When you do the haunted house look the the rings of the couple that lived there buried in the sidewalk and get your pic taken with it! Great souvenir!

GREAT idea... I've heard of this on here, but I've never seen it!! Anyone care to share a pic or explain how I would find it?

Trying too start a family is definately a honeymoon priority

We're ALREADY (a month before the wedding) getting asked when this will happen... I am assuring everyone that we are going to be trying beginning in July (while at WDW), and that hopefully this time next year, we'll be welcoming a new baby... I just can't believe that people are ALREADY thinking of this, but hey, I can't wait to have a little or of our own to take to WDW, so it's ok with me.

THANKS FOR THE TIPS EVERYONE!!

Please keep them coming!!!

 

[DisneyHoneymooner84]

We got the Gold package too when we went and the California Grill is included.

 

[ohanafamily]

Wow, the Gold package... Kewel!!!!!

Boma is the best place at AKL... Zebra Domes...Yum...

Souvenirs... I would get it all done in one day at World of Disney in DTD... do one commando trip with your list. Have it all sent home UPS... no tax and no carrying it on the airplane...

I'd e-mail Joan (GiftsOfALifetime) and see if she can get the B&G ears embroidered. I would also get some Guest of Honor badges...

Umm, Resort Hopping (IE going from AKL to the POLY where Ohana's) Cabs are much faster than Disney Transport. Also, from DTD back to your resort may be a good time for a taxi...

I would change the Momma Melrose ressies to the Dinner and Show (
Phantasmic)

Once Again, I would avoid a schedule to take the time to relax. This is your honeymoon... You can always come back to do the parks Comando Style...

Oh, you might look into buying into the Disney Vacation Club...

 

[Tiggerific]

GREAT idea... I've heard of this on here, but I've never seen it!! Anyone care to share a pic or explain how I would find it?


QUOTE]


I have a picture of the ring fromt he haunted mansion....I just have to find it...as soon as I do I will post it. I asked one of the people working at the entrance to the ride where I could find the ring. It's in the ground either near the entrance or exit or kind of in between them. He told me the real story of how it got there...there was a fence post there and on of the workers stuck a screw driver in the ground to try and get the post out....well the screw driver broke and now it looks like an old diamond ring stuck in the ground. I was so excited when I found it...I'll post the picture soon.

 

[Bride2Be0705]

We got the Gold package too when we went and the California Grill is included.

Yes, I know... But I'm picky and based on the menu, I didn't think I would like it very well..

I would change the Momma Melrose ressies to the Dinner and Show (
Phantasmic)

We were going to do this, but we already get Priority Seating for these... So no point really.

 

[Bride2Be0705]

Souvenirs... I would get it all done in one day at World of Disney in DTD... do one commando trip with your list. Have it all sent home UPS... no tax and no carrying it on the airplane...

How does this work? And how much does it cost? Why is there no tax?

Someone please explain! Thanks for all the GREAT ideas!!

 

[ohanafamily]

How does this work? And how much does it cost? Why is there no tax?

Someone please explain! Thanks for all the GREAT ideas!!

Well, here is how the tax things work... The point of delivery is where the taxes are to be collected. If the seller does not have the facilities to collect tax in the area where the merchandise is received, it is not their duty to collect the tax. This is why a lot of internet companies don't charge tax.

Since the Big World of Disney store probably does not have a location in your state, they are not responsible for collecting the tax. They are not related to the Disney Stores, so there is no conflict. (I would verify this at the store before you start shopping, but last October We weren't charged the tax going to Texas.

They will charge you shipping, but at WDW it is a lot less than the tax. (In Ca 2 years ago, the shipping was a lot more than the tax... Not sure why).

Since they ship all of the merchandise to your home (Office, or Post Box) you don't have to re-pack it in your suitcase.

So, No Tax, No Hassle at the Airport, and any breakage is insured.....

The World of Disney is a huge store with Disney stuff. You can get 90% of the requisite gifts. I also like shopping at the Home Store near there.

Most of the stores at WDW will ship to "Resort Delivery" which goes to the store in your resort (next day), or Shipping home. This option is especially important if buying knives, Swords and gun stuff.....

 

[Bride2Be0705]

Well, here is how the tax things work... The point of delivery is where the taxes are to be collected. If the seller does not have the facilities to collect tax in the area where the merchandise is received, it is not their duty to collect the tax. This is why a lot of internet companies don't charge tax.

Since the Big World of Disney store probably does not have a location in your state, they are not responsible for collecting the tax. They are not related to the Disney Stores, so there is no conflict. (I would verify this at the store before you start shopping, but last October We weren't charged the tax going to Texas.

They will charge you shipping, but at WDW it is a lot less than the tax. (In Ca 2 years ago, the shipping was a lot more than the tax... Not sure why).

Since they ship all of the merchandise to your home (Office, or Post Box) you don't have to re-pack it in your suitcase.

So, No Tax, No Hassle at the Airport, and any breakage is insured.....

The World of Disney is a huge store with Disney stuff. You can get 90% of the requisite gifts. I also like shopping at the Home Store near there.

Most of the stores at WDW will ship to "Resort Delivery" which goes to the store in your resort (next day), or Shipping home. This option is especially important if buying knives, Swords and gun stuff.....

Thank you very much. Now my other question... Can you do this from the stores INSIDE the parks?

 

[ohanafamily]

yes, but if you break up the purchases there is not as much tax savings ...and more boxes...


If you are going for an extended period, you might have al of the boxes sent to someone who is in town to receive them...
(or get a UPS store mailbox )they can receive UPS,Fedex, and snything else. A Post Office Box (PO) can only get mail.

It is a good Idea to have a mailbox other than at yor house for Identity theft reasons (new checks should use that address so if yoiur checkbook is stolen, they don't know where you live. Also Bills should go there because it is less expesed than an outside mailbox... Never put your Social Sec# or DL# on your checks etc.......)

Ooops, sorry about the rant.....

 

[Bride2Be0705]

yes, but if you break up the purchases there is not as much tax savings ...and more boxes...


If you are going for an extended period, you might have al of the boxes sent to someone who is in town to receive them...
(or get a UPS store mailbox )they can receive UPS,Fedex, and snything else. A Post Office Box (PO) can only get mail.

It is a good Idea to have a mailbox other than at yor house for Identity theft reasons (new checks should use that address so if yoiur checkbook is stolen, they don't know where you live. Also Bills should go there because it is less expesed than an outside mailbox... Never put your Social Sec# or DL# on your checks etc.......)

Ooops, sorry about the rant.....

It's ok... I think that we may be getting traveler's checks. Does anyone know how accepted these are in the parks? Since we will not have a lot of money on us (as there is little for us to pay for), I thought this was a better idea than carrying my checkbook.

 

[ohanafamily]

I think most places accept Travelers checks, but they make credit cards really easy for you there. You use it to guaranty at the resort when you check in, and your room key becomes a charge card..... I wouldn'y mess with too many traveler's checks, they can get wet etc...

JMHO

 

[Bride2Be0705]

I think most places accept Travelers checks, but they make credit cards really easy for you there. You use it to guaranty at the resort when you check in, and your room key becomes a charge card..... I wouldn'y mess with too many traveler's checks, they can get wet etc...

JMHO

So if my room key is like a charge card, does that mean that when we are done, I can pay for it with cash at the desk before we leave? Like use that to buy EVERYTHING then before we leave just pay for it... I mean, I don't have an actual credit card, it's a debit card (Mastercard logo), so can I use that? That would be a great thing for us, because all of our WDW spending money is in another account.

 

[ohanafamily]

I hear you, but they set a limit of $1500. Once we reached that, they charged my card. I too like to work on a cash basis, but since WDW wants to get every penny out of you, charge cards work to threir advantage. Might I suggest having your bank issue you a real cfredit card? you can rip it up after the trip. I might even be so bold as to suggest a Disney Visa Card...

For more info, I would call DTA (or your travel agent) or the resort directly.

I am AA Mile happy, so everything goes on my citibank card

Sorry I don't have a better answer on this one for you...

 

[Bride2Be0705]

I hear you, but they set a limit of $1500. Once we reached that, they charged my card. I too like to work on a cash basis, but since WDW wants to get every penny out of you, charge cards work to threir advantage. Might I suggest having your bank issue you a real cfredit card? you can rip it up after the trip. I might even be so bold as to suggest a Disney Visa Card...

For more info, I would call DTA (or your travel agent) or the resort directly.

I am AA Mile happy, so everything goes on my citibank card

Sorry I don't have a better answer on this one for you...

I don't want the credit card. I had some problems in the past, and probably couldn't get one if I tried. As for the $1500 limit, I don't think we'll have that much $$$ to spend, so it wouldn't be a problem.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE HELP!!!

I am getting even more excited just by talking on these boards!