February 2014

[jimik009]

I just registered with this site and am so happy to find this thread! My family - self, DH, and 2 boys are going to WDW for the VERY FIRST time Feb 17-21, 2014. From what I gather, this is a busy week but I work in a school and have to go at a time I have off. This seems like our best option as we are in Michigan and would find Orlando summer miserable I think!

I am looking for any and all advice, recommendations, and tips from all you WDW veterans! We are pretty sure we're staying at Port Orleans Riverside, in the Alligator Bayou section. I have not booked yet though. I'm torn between these things:

1) package or room only?? Is the dining plan worth it??
2) book directly through Disney or through AAA (I'm a member) or a Disney travel agent?

I'm stuck on 2) because what if a discount is released by Disney AFTER I book? And what are the chances that one will be?? Any advice??

 

[Kathy Z]

So I checked out some of the resort prices and as much as I would have loved to stay at the Contemporary it's just not going to happen with my single income.
I've decided to compromise and try out POFQ. I've visited the grounds once and thought they were very beautiful and I like that it is a small resort. I'm hoping they will have AAA discount which will be even better.

Still trying to decide on restaurants....
I won't be staying at the parks once it gets dark so I might make my dinner choices at the resorts. Except for BOG as I'd rather do dinner there than lunch.

Also I'd really like to do an 'Ohana breakfast because Stitch is my favorite. The last three trips I had reservations for the breakfast and each time we had to cancel. I'd like to try again but not sure how it would be dining alone at a character meal?

Yesterday morning I called WDW Reservations and I was able to get a 10% AAA discount applied to my POFQ room only reservation. Since they are such a small resort call ASAP while they still honor that AAA discount for next Feb. A word of warning: some folks had to call back 2 and 3 times yesterday before they reached a CM who actually knew that the AAA discounts are already out for 2014.

I am going to have to check out Aquatica. Glad you had fun!



I am hoping for cooler weather...as the 80s would be too much for my northern kids...they think high 60s is hot



I had to look up Sanibel Island online since I am not familiar with Florida...so pretty there!

Yes, Sanibel is very pretty and relaxing; a nice contrast to the busy pace we take on WDW!



Thank you so much for your feedback! Making plans for a first trip, I expect to make mistakes but I am just hoping to avoid any big ones!



In one of my quotes, I received what looks to be a 10% AAA discount for POR...I imagine you should be able to get a discount as well



Congratulations! We will be there about the same time and in a POR Royal Room.

 

[Shock13]

Yesterday morning I called WDW Reservations and I was able to get a 10% AAA discount applied to my POFQ room only reservation. Since they are such a small resort call ASAP while they still honor that AAA discount for next Feb. A word of warning: some folks had to call back 2 and 3 times yesterday before they reached a CM who actually knew that the AAA discounts are already out for 2014.

Thank you Kathy! I will do this today!

 

[Shock13]

I'm booked! POFQ with the AAA discount for my solo/birthday trip! Woo hoo!

 

[Kathy Z]

I'm booked! POFQ with the AAA discount for my solo/birthday trip! Woo hoo!

I'm so glad for you!

 

[esmee1sttip]

1) package or room only?? Is the dining plan worth it??
2) book directly through Disney or through AAA (I'm a member) or a Disney travel agent?

I'm stuck on 2) because what if a discount is released by Disney AFTER I book? And what are the chances that one will be?? Any advice??

Welcome! I am by no means an expert but here is my 2 cents anyhow

1. part A: I believe you can book a room and change to a package later on should you decide the package is the better deal. part B: Worth it? It depends on what your goal is...some say that it is less stressful to just pay for the dining plan and not worry about forking over the cash at the parks. If you are looking to maximize your dollar...there is many a blog/site who have spent time breaking down the cost and how to get the most out of a dining plan. One other thing I would consider is if the people who are going are big eaters or light eaters.

2. if a better discount is released you should be able to apply it but you have to stay on top of the discounts. Some people use the Disney travel specialist and they monitor the discounts for you.

I am sure the experts in this thread will jump in and clarify/correct my rambling answers...good luck!

 

[11point5]

I'm joining in too! I'll be doing the Glass Slipper Challenge and my travel dates are February 20th - March 1st! Currently booked at POR in a Royal Guest Room river view (I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!) Things might change a little bit if my dad can't come on the trip with me, in which case I'll have to switch to a value resort (either AoA or ASMo) and cut down to 6 days (I can't afford another 10 Disney days on my part-time income! I was just there for 10 days with DBF in October lol) But I'll still be excited either way, because AoA and ASMo are both new resorts to me! Excited to see that several of you are also staying at POR and lots of us have dates that crossover!

 

[mdsouth]

So I checked out some of the resort prices and as much as I would have loved to stay at the Contemporary it's just not going to happen with my single income.
I've decided to compromise and try out POFQ. I've visited the grounds once and thought they were very beautiful and I like that it is a small resort. I'm hoping they will have AAA discount which will be even better.

Still trying to decide on restaurants....
I won't be staying at the parks once it gets dark so I might make my dinner choices at the resorts. Except for BOG as I'd rather do dinner there than lunch.

Also I'd really like to do an 'Ohana breakfast because Stitch is my favorite. The last three trips I had reservations for the breakfast and each time we had to cancel. I'd like to try again but not sure how it would be dining alone at a character meal?

Hi! Thanks for the update on your plans. I added PORFQ to your information on the first page. Just like you, I would love to stay at one of the monorail resorts but the price is too much for my budget. I have often thought it would be fun to stay at PORFQ. I haven't seen it in person but so many here on the DIS love it.

Currently, we are booked in AoA LM but I am thinking of switching to a mod. We have stayed at CSR and CBR but my DD thinks LM looks like fun.

If you don't want to do the character breakfast alone, you can probably find Stitch in one of the parks. Hollywood Studios maybe? Or perhaps Tomorrowland in MK? Has anyone seen Stitch in the parks?

 

[mdsouth]

I'm joining in too! I'll be doing the Glass Slipper Challenge and my travel dates are February 20th - March 1st! Currently booked at POR in a Royal Guest Room river view (I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS!!) Things might change a little bit if my dad can't come on the trip with me, in which case I'll have to switch to a value resort (either AoA or ASMo) and cut down to 6 days (I can't afford another 10 Disney days on my part-time income! I was just there for 10 days with DBF in October lol) But I'll still be excited either way, because AoA and ASMo are both new resorts to me! Excited to see that several of you are also staying at POR and lots of us have dates that crossover!

Great to have you join us 11point5! Welcome! It is fantastic that you are participating in the Glass Slipper Challenge! I wish I was that athletic and motivated.

Officially booked for our 2014 WDW 2nd honeymoon vacation!

Arriving Feb. 23rd - March 6th at POR Royal Room.
Totally excited to explore this beautiful and surrounding resorts !

A second honeymoon sounds wonderful! Welcome to our group.

Not sure which thread I'd be welcome in....we are booked for Feb 22-Mar 8 staying offsite @ Windsor Hills.
Sooo excited.

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

Of course you are welcome here! The photos I have seen of Windsor Hills are beautiful. It looks like a nice resort with lots of amendities. Have you stayed there before or will this be your first time there?

I just registered with this site and am so happy to find this thread! My family - self, DH, and 2 boys are going to WDW for the VERY FIRST time Feb 17-21, 2014. From what I gather, this is a busy week but I work in a school and have to go at a time I have off. This seems like our best option as we are in Michigan and would find Orlando summer miserable I think!

I am looking for any and all advice, recommendations, and tips from all you WDW veterans! We are pretty sure we're staying at Port Orleans Riverside, in the Alligator Bayou section. I have not booked yet though. I'm torn between these things:

1) package or room only?? Is the dining plan worth it??
2) book directly through Disney or through AAA (I'm a member) or a Disney travel agent?

I'm stuck on 2) because what if a discount is released by Disney AFTER I book? And what are the chances that one will be?? Any advice??

Welcome to our thread! I am happy we can help you plan your first trip! Very exciting but can feel overwhelming! There are pros and cons to using a travel agent. So it will depend on your preferences and how much control you want to have.

It might be easier to go with a travel agent who specializes in Disney but since you have found the Disboards you might want to try it on your own. I like to plan my own trips just because I just love the planning aspect of it and really enjoy it. I like making my own ADRs etc.

From what I have read here on the Dis most people say it is easy to have an agent add the discount after booking as long as it is before you pay off the trip and before the 45 day window for a package.

Just remember once a trip is paid in full, you won't be able to apply any discounts and that works for a trip made by a travel agent or on your own.

 

[Shock13]

If you don't want to do the character breakfast alone, you can probably find Stitch in one of the parks. Hollywood Studios maybe? Or perhaps Tomorrowland in MK? Has anyone seen Stitch in the parks?

I've decided to definitely not do the character breakfast solo so I will just be on the hunt for Stitch. I think I remember one time seeing him at Tomorrowland in the morning so I will check that out.

 

[luvallprincesses]

I've decided to definitely not do the character breakfast solo so I will just be on the hunt for Stitch. I think I remember one time seeing him at Tomorrowland in the morning so I will check that out.

You should have no problem finding him. We've seen him near Space Mountain and/or the stage area our last 3 trips. Also in the morning, but then again that's when we do most of our park time so that may simply be the reason.

 

[mdsouth]

You should have no problem finding him. We've seen him near Space Mountain and/or the stage area our last 3 trips. Also in the morning, but then again that's when we do most of our park time so that may simply be the reason.

It is nice to know Stitch is seen regularly in MK.

 

[momof2mouses]

Hi All!! We are planning our third WDW vacation Feb 23-Mar 1! Yay
I haven't booked yet but planning on trying CBR. Just wondering how many of you are getting those elusive pin codes that are being sent out. I'm really hoping we get one or that the discounts are offer to the general public but haven't seen anything yet Either way I can't wait to be back at the happiest place on earth

 

[mdsouth]

Hi All!! We are planning our third WDW vacation Feb 23-Mar 1! Yay
I haven't booked yet but planning on trying CBR. Just wondering how many of you are getting those elusive pin codes that are being sent out. I'm really hoping we get one or that the discounts are offer to the general public but haven't seen anything yet Either way I can't wait to be back at the happiest place on earth

Welcome! I have not received a pin code but am really hoping for a discount of some sort.

 

[JustGot2BMe]

My family (DD13, DS16, DH*4 & Myself*1) will be heading down Feb. 6-12. We will be staying at the Beach Club with our best friends. this will be our first time at this resort...so excited hope we can swim at least one day....
Does anyone know what the crowd levels are like? We are pulling the kids out of school with the hopes of lower crowd levels but we head back 2 days before Febuary break so they can get thier makeup work and have the break to get it done. Hopefully it all works out like I have it planned in my head....

 

[middlesista]

Hi - Just wondering if anyone has found the park hours for Feb? Or - if folks know when they usually release this? Thanks!

 

[Valgoof]

Hi - Just wondering if anyone has found the park hours for Feb? Or - if folks know when they usually release this? Thanks!

Josh at easywdw said they should come out tomorrow.

 

[Mannickb]

We will be there for our very first trip on Feb 26 until March 5th. I'm so excited!!!!

 

[clh2578]

We will be there Feb. 8-15th... Anyone know of any specials that they have run in the past in Feb?

 

[clh2578]

My family (DD13, DS16, DH*4 & Myself*1) will be heading down Feb. 6-12. We will be staying at the Beach Club with our best friends. this will be our first time at this resort...so excited hope we can swim at least one day....
Does anyone know what the crowd levels are like? We are pulling the kids out of school with the hopes of lower crowd levels but we head back 2 days before Febuary break so they can get thier makeup work and have the break to get it done. Hopefully it all works out like I have it planned in my head....

I read on touring guides that this time typically has low crowds. We are going around this time too, I am so excited!!!