Does anyone else start planning stupidly early? I am so excited!

[RoseBug]

I still can't believe we are going back this year in peak time to see EVERYTHING! I am trying to keep a lid on my excitement but it isn't happening!

I am about to start making her autograph book, as I didn't get round to it last time, so I am making sure I get it done for August!

We have been chatting about meals - we are definitely going to do Auberge again, Café Mickey for breakfast and either lunch or dinner (or both), Cowboy Cookout and either Inventions or one of the VIP Dreams restaurants depending on price etc.

I had a slight wobble about the hotel, as everyone seems to hate NPB so much - but we had a good read of reviews and photos etc. online and decided that unless we get a silly cheap upgrade to DLH (not going to happen) we are MORE than happy with NPB. We have stayed at the HNY before and tbh, whilst it was nice, it was very business like and didn't feel like we were on "holiday". Because we are going in the summer we want to feel like we are on a summer holiday, and love the look of the NPB. Also because DD is just young at least 1 of the nights we will be back to the hotel early, so having the lake view and Admirals floor is perfect, and we wouldn't get that at HNY (also going to request a balcony, but that is a long shot I know!) Plus we will be back at the hotel for a swim during the day and love the look of the pools!

Also decided to take DD to DLH for a princess makeover just before we go to Auberge!

5 months and 4 days and counting! Roll on the summer!

 

[Kittina]

Sounds like you have it all figured out already

I've stayed at both HNY and NPB and I would never be able to justify the price difference - in fact we had a nicer room in NPB with patio doors and small balcony (from what I can remember, it was my 18th 6 years ago! was admirals floor)

I have planned all meals already for our June trip ...but...now i'm confused! because i've never heard of a VIP Dreams restaurant? Is this a special menu ? v interested if it is!!

x

 

[tinks_1989]

i want to have a trip to plan!

 

[Ware Bears]

I don't think there's any such thing as too early to start planning things I think it helps make those cold, dark winter evenings (and days!) much more bearable!

We're staying at the Newport Bay too - we did toy with booking the New York but it was more than we were willing to pay and to be honest (sorry, HNY fans ) but it just doesn't do anything for me whereas I LOVE the look of the Newport Bay. I think if like me you've read the negative reviews then you're prepared - hopefully we'll both have a fantastic time and write glowing reviews but if not we'll know not to stay there again. I would like to stay at every hotel eventually but I think we'll leave staying at the New York until it's just me and DH and we only have to pay for one room!

 

[jeskat]

We dont go till end of september, our first time and i am already planning!! Girls dont know so i cant share my excitement!!
Started deciding on meals but read somewhere all the menus will probably change after april?

 

[ROBEAR84]

I don't think there's any such thing as too early to start planning things I think it helps make those cold, dark winter evenings (and days!) much more bearable!

I couldn't agree more!

Whenever I feel miserable because of weather, colds and grumpy husband! ... I plan!!

I completed our planner including rough daily guides, meal options, budgets, packing lists etc at the end of January... we don't go til June!

I have quite possibly over planned a little now, don't have much left to think about! Ideas on a postcard please!

 

[Ware Bears]

Can I ask what is - VIP Dreams restaurant?

There is talk about some restaurants offering meal deals where you will then get preferred viewing for Dreams, see here posts 7 and 12.

 

[Ms Poppins]

It's never too early to start planning

I've got a draft email which I update constantly - I even have a duplicate one at work so that if I get an idea there I can jot it down so that I don't forget.....then....I email it home and update my home one So you are not alone

I'm sure you'll love NPB. Do yourself a favour and don't read trip advisor. Some of the things people complain about really do make me wonder I once read on there that the DLH was apparently the worst hotel someone had ever stayed in because the hotel manager hadn't approached them personally to ask if they were enjoying their stay!!

I think you'll have a fantastic time no matter where you stay - you're a Disney freak just like the rest of us

 

[Ware Bears]

I've got a draft email which I update constantly - I even have a duplicate one at work so that if I get an idea there I can jot it down so that I don't forget.....then....I email it home and update my home one So you are not alone

Love it!!

Do yourself a favour and don't read trip advisor. Some of the things people complain about really do make me wonder I once read on there that the DLH was apparently the worst hotel someone had ever stayed in because the hotel manager hadn't approached them personally to ask if they were enjoying their stay!!

I can remember reading that review too - it sort of sticks in your mind!

 

[jennytablina]

I had a slight wobble about the hotel, as everyone seems to hate NPB so much

People hate NPB? I don't dislike it, personally when I toured NPB I just found the hotel a little on the claustrophobic side. The pool looks great and the nautical theme is swell, but the small hallways really put me off. But everyone has different opinions or feelings. A lot of people would slam Santa Fe for it's not-entirely-clear theming (which took Designing Disney's fine blog post for me to actually get!) - but it's a fine budget hotel otherwise (though Cheyanne generally edges it out for a more easy to understand theme that works better in general)

Personally I love Sequoia because it's theme makes me feel like, while I am still in DLP, I'm away from the hustle and bustle of the place a bit. Plus the "Center Parcs" type vibe (guess how psyched I was to hear they were working with DLP on a new project? ; ) ) - but others are perfectly happy with Cheyanne, Hotel New York, or won't settle for anything less than Disneyland hotel. It all comes down to personal taste, outside certain facts (ie. Santa Fe and Cheyanne are budget hotels, so they have less to offer their guests than the moderates to expensive hotels) nobody is right or wrong really.

Getting back on topic. I'm an obsessive planner when it comes to Disney, thankfully mostly thats down to meals mostly in this case. Though I suppose we'll have to work out the best way to view Dreams too! I keep looking at DLRP Magic's Euro Souvenirland for historical info about the parks 20 years and digging up videos of shows/music/events from opening to today! It's funny because I inflict it all on my american boyfriend who is used to the US parks, and gets thrown a bit by the European flavour of the Park (shame he can't come for the 20th, one day I'll take him to DLP!)

 

[RoseBug]

Sounds like you have it all figured out already

I've stayed at both HNY and NPB and I would never be able to justify the price difference - in fact we had a nicer room in NPB with patio doors and small balcony (from what I can remember, it was my 18th 6 years ago! was admirals floor)

I have planned all meals already for our June trip ...but...now i'm confused! because i've never heard of a VIP Dreams restaurant? Is this a special menu ? v interested if it is!!

x

We are hoping for a balcony, just so we can have a glass of wine at night without waking DD, overlooking the lake!

Some restaurants are offering prime spots for Dreams - there is a thread about it somewhere! Don't know much else yet!

 

[RoseBug]

I don't think there's any such thing as too early to start planning things I think it helps make those cold, dark winter evenings (and days!) much more bearable!

We're staying at the Newport Bay too - we did toy with booking the New York but it was more than we were willing to pay and to be honest (sorry, HNY fans ) but it just doesn't do anything for me whereas I LOVE the look of the Newport Bay. I think if like me you've read the negative reviews then you're prepared - hopefully we'll both have a fantastic time and write glowing reviews but if not we'll know not to stay there again. I would like to stay at every hotel eventually but I think we'll leave staying at the New York until it's just me and DH and we only have to pay for one room!

I have stayed at the HNY and it was lovely, but not in a summer holiday type of way iykwim? I too LOVE the look of Newport Bay and I am totally prepared for the thousands of people, the rude staff, the manic breakfasts and the terrible decor! LOL!

 

[torsie24]

I'm the same with you guys on NPB.

I know there are some bad reviews out there. And we may have a section of wallpaper that could do with changing.

But....

It was over £200 less than SL, £350 less than HNY and £1400 less than DLH and so it was either go on the money I had spare. Or find extra money that we are saving for a car and WDW.

As long as the room is clean and quiet enough at night for us to sleep I'm happy.

We're aware of the breakfast situation and will either be getting 7am breakfast or paying to eat elsewhere.

So I can't see how NPB will be anything other than what we need for this trip. It means I get to watch Dreams. And spend my birthday in Disney. So I'm over the moon!

I just wish the hours were out!! Then I could plan!

 

[donna307]

I don't know why people don't like Newport Bay. I LOVE it and am a massive fan. Great for the summer as it is so airy!

If there are bits of wallpaper torn or maintenance required, I honestly have no noticed it before

 

[RoseBug]

I don't know why people don't like Newport Bay. I LOVE it and am a massive fan. Great for the summer as it is so airy!

If there are bits of wallpaper torn or maintenance required, I honestly have no noticed it before

Love posts like this! Do you have any photos or review etc. from NPB?

I am actually REALLY looking forward to staying here, it looks fab - and my DD is obsessed with lighthouses (thanks to Mr Tumble/Justin when she was a year old); swimming and boats (her Granda *lives* on one 6 months of the year! He is an engineer, she drags us to the coast to look for Granda and points at every ship shouting "Hi Granda!") so thinking she is gonna love this hotel!

 

[Disney Princesses LW]

Ive started planning too and we dont go until October!!!!!
we re going over Halloween so exciting stuff, I like you have decided to eat at Auberge it will be my daughter birthday so want to order the cake and everything. Also want to do the cowboy cook out as we still after 4 visits have not seen Woody!!! Cafe Mickey is fab we did this last month and I read bad reveiws on trip advisor so expected rubbish expensive food rubbish services and rushed characters!!! but this was not the case really loved the food and the set meal was reallt good value, they didnt rush us and would of let us stay all night!!!. So will definatly do the teatime meal again in october.

Really fancy Innoventions this time what characters are there??? Have one more meal to decide on ??? AS we go over Halloween think one of the days will be taken up bu the halloween parades etc

Half the fun of a disney holiday is the planning xxx

 

[Hipster Meg]

Me! I'm busy planning, comparing deals and prices and we don't even go until January! Our plan at the moment is to go the first week of the new year, staying off site (probably at the Kyriad) and getting annual passes. That could change though depending on what last minute deals Disney do. I'd much rather stay on site but my sister may be coming with us and she wants her own room and the single person supplement on site is outrageous

Oh and we've just become shareholders Have just this morning bought them (thought it might be best to do this before the 20th anniversary stuff starts) and now need to find somewhere that still has a fax machine!

 

[angel_nix]

It's never too early to start planning!

We're going in October and I am planning on sitting down this evening once the girls are in bed and Neil is out at work and making myself an organiser and starting to plan everything!

 

[kizzabel]

Hi RoseBug
We planned and planned and overplanned our last trip but it all paid off as we got to do every single thing we wanted to
Im planning(ish) for May... am shocking more concerned with other honeymoon details then with DLP details at the minute but Im sure that shall not last long
But I am really planning for January when I'm off with DS. Think its a toss up between SF and Cheyenne but we will see once prices are out.

I liked the NPB, moreso in hindsight. I am slowly learning I need to enjoy the moment Im in and relax and take it all in instead of rushing and I must avoid Trip Advisor for all but photos. We had a lovely room on reception level and it was nicer then all bar SL (refurbed room).

 

[Jonjo]

It's never to early to start planning. We have just started planning our St David's Day trip for next year -