Fine tuning my trip

[ampersand]

After years (I'm not kidding) of keeping up with disney things, I HOPE I have some idea of what I'm doing... but I'm not sure, and I hope (again) that you guys will tell me if I've lost my mind.

We're doing 6 day military passes, staying at shades of green and will be a party of 4 adults ranging from early 20's to 30. Three of them have never been, and the last time I went the castle was a giant birthday cake. So WDW has been a while and obviously changed quite a bit.

We're looking at September because I ain't 'fraid no hurricane after living through several of them and knowing what to expect and what to look for.

My current baby's first schedule looks like this:

Leave home on 9/16, get in, get our tickets, get our magic bands processed, and have dinner at Downtown Disney then give it up for the night. We can't possibly get to WDW property until at least 3:30pm even if we leave at 6 in the morning.

Wednesday 17th: Epcot (9-11) (do illuminations here, because our other epcot day will be food and wine's opening day. Concentrate on knocking out and familiarizing ourselves with World Showcase, get late FP+ for future world attractions and have dinner at Coral Reef)

Thursday 18th: Animal Kingdom (9-5, maybe hit up another park or disneyquest? I'm open to suggestions here. 5pm is so early.)

Friday 19th: Epcot (9-10 future world, 11-10 world showcase) (Do food and wine and get out of the park before everyone gets off work and the locals flood food and wine fest, possibly head to DHS since it's nearby)

Saturday 20th: DHS (8am-7.30pm) (fantasmic at 8pm, we already have dinner package reservations at Hollywood and Vine)

Sunday 21st: Magic Kingdom (9am-12 am since we're doing the halloween party. This is what I'm most concerned about. Am I insane for doing the halloween party on the 21st? Carousel of Progress goes down the following day and I definitely want to see Rover before I leave. Philharmagic should be back up here, too, right?)

Monday 22nd: Magic Kingdom (9am-11pm) (And enjoy our last night with fireworks over the castle and, hopefully, less of a crowd. I might do Tomorrowland Terrace for the dessert buffet but I've been told it's not really worth it)

And go home early on the 23rd.

So how does that look? With a group of adults none of us really care about character meet and greets too much, though we may wave at some of the wandering ones and snap a rare picture or two. I have dinner reservations accordingly at: Hollywood and Vine, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, SciFi DineIn, and Liberty Tree Tavern. We're going to do Be Our Guest for lunch, so if anybody has any suggestion of when we should get there (6 hours before opening? Gotcha) I would very much appreciate it.

Oh and we have a tree nut allergy person amongst us, so if there's hidden almond flour at any of those restaurants that you know about (like Portobello!) I'd appreciate knowing about that too. Thanks!

 

[kmb584]

After years (I'm not kidding) of keeping up with disney things, I HOPE I have some idea of what I'm doing... but I'm not sure, and I hope (again) that you guys will tell me if I've lost my mind.

We're doing 6 day military passes, staying at shades of green and will be a party of 4 adults ranging from early 20's to 30. Three of them have never been, and the last time I went the castle was a giant birthday cake. So WDW has been a while and obviously changed quite a bit.

We're looking at September because I ain't 'fraid no hurricane after living through several of them and knowing what to expect and what to look for.

My current baby's first schedule looks like this:

Leave home on 9/16, get in, get our tickets, get our magic bands processed, and have dinner at Downtown Disney then give it up for the night. We can't possibly get to WDW property until at least 3:30pm even if we leave at 6 in the morning.

Wednesday 17th: Epcot (9-11) (do illuminations here, because our other epcot day will be food and wine's opening day. Concentrate on knocking out and familiarizing ourselves with World Showcase, get late FP+ for future world attractions and have dinner at Coral Reef)

Thursday 18th: Animal Kingdom (9-5, maybe hit up another park or disneyquest? I'm open to suggestions here. 5pm is so early.)

Friday 19th: Epcot (9-10 future world, 11-10 world showcase) (Do food and wine and get out of the park before everyone gets off work and the locals flood food and wine fest, possibly head to DHS since it's nearby)

Saturday 20th: DHS (8am-7.30pm) (fantasmic at 8pm, we already have dinner package reservations at Hollywood and Vine)

Sunday 21st: Magic Kingdom (9am-12 am since we're doing the halloween party. This is what I'm most concerned about. Am I insane for doing the halloween party on the 21st? Carousel of Progress goes down the following day and I definitely want to see Rover before I leave. Philharmagic should be back up here, too, right?)

Monday 22nd: Magic Kingdom (9am-11pm) (And enjoy our last night with fireworks over the castle and, hopefully, less of a crowd. I might do Tomorrowland Terrace for the dessert buffet but I've been told it's not really worth it)

And go home early on the 23rd.

So how does that look? With a group of adults none of us really care about character meet and greets too much, though we may wave at some of the wandering ones and snap a rare picture or two. I have dinner reservations accordingly at: Hollywood and Vine, Le Cellier, Coral Reef, SciFi DineIn, and Liberty Tree Tavern. We're going to do Be Our Guest for lunch, so if anybody has any suggestion of when we should get there (6 hours before opening? Gotcha) I would very much appreciate it.

Oh and we have a tree nut allergy person amongst us, so if there's hidden almond flour at any of those restaurants that you know about (like Portobello!) I'd appreciate knowing about that too. Thanks!

Note on your dining reservations that you have someone with a tree nut allergy and after you're seated the chef will make his/her way to your table to discuss the allergy and what items are safe.

 

[ampersand]

Ah that's an excellent point. I'll put that on all our reservations. =D I even knew about that and I forgot! Thank you!

 

[ampersand]

Oh dear, am I crazy for doing MNSSHP on a sunday (and the rest of all this?) and you're all just too polite to tell me? lol now I'm all nervous.

 

[Altoqueenkelly]

Oh dear, am I crazy for doing MNSSHP on a sunday (and the rest of all this?) and you're all just too polite to tell me? lol now I'm all nervous.

I've been told that even when MNSSHP sells out, its still really great because there are a limited amount of people who can go, and the rides will still be practically walk-ons. I think esp since this is the only time you can see the BOO TO YOU Parade, Villains & Special Characters & Hallowishes, a lot of people aren't riding.

 

[POOHsie]

What tickets are you getting? Are they the regular Disney MYW tickets sold at a military rate? I'm wondering about your tickets having Park Hopper option on them. You mentioned visiting a second park-same day.

I didn't know that Shades of Green had magic bands. I thought only Disney-owned resorts issued them. However, they could be purchased at certain Disney locations for off-site park guests, but aren't necessary to your visit.

I wouldn't worry about MNSSHP on the 21st. September isn't the real crunch time for that party. It's the few weeks leading up to Oct 31st that can be super-busy.

On your AK day, I'm not sure I'd go to DTD again. Traveling and parking there with major construction would be difficult in the dinner to after-dinner hours. Since you're at SoG, why not have some pool time, then walk to Poly, take the monorail for a meal at one of the monorail resorts, take the boat from Poly to MK, then from there take the boat to Ft Wilderness and walk around a little, then take a boat back. Stay around Seven Seas lagoon for the Electric Water Parade and Wishes from Grand Floridian Beach, Poly Beach (may be closed to outsiders due to construction) or the Contemporary - 4th Fl deck.

There is a FP+ for BoG lunch. Try for it, and you'll save wait time.

 

[ampersand]

No, SOG doesn't do magic bands. We're just getting them in case I lose my card tickets- which I almost did about a thousand times at DL last time we were there.

Right now tickets are sort of up in the air. I think we're going to end up doing the Stars and Stripes option for 6 days, pre-purchased through SOG 45 days before we get there so I can work on FP+ reservations at the 30 day mark.

I've always wanted to go to Wilderness Lodge so maybe we'll go on up there and grab dinner, look around a little (for next time planning! , then go watch the electric water parade from the Contemporary or the GF beach. That sounds really nice =) I think SOG has movie night on our AK night too, so maybe something like that.

Any idea how hard it is to get the FP+ for BoG? I know the parks are usually low population anyway during the days we're going but I'm just a big ol bundle of nerves.

Thanks you two! MNSSHP is definitely a thing I want to do.

 

[POOHsie]

No, SOG doesn't do magic bands. We're just getting them in case I lose my card tickets- which I almost did about a thousand times at DL last time we were there.

Right now tickets are sort of up in the air. I think we're going to end up doing the Stars and Stripes option for 6 days, pre-purchased through SOG 45 days before we get there so I can work on FP+ reservations at the 30 day mark.

I've always wanted to go to Wilderness Lodge so maybe we'll go on up there and grab dinner, look around a little (for next time planning! , then go watch the electric water parade from the Contemporary or the GF beach. That sounds really nice =) I think SOG has movie night on our AK night too, so maybe something like that.

Any idea how hard it is to get the FP+ for BoG? I know the parks are usually low population anyway during the days we're going but I'm just a big ol bundle of nerves.

Thanks you two! MNSSHP is definitely a thing I want to do.

I didn't realize the Stars and Stripes tickets were so similar in price to MYW tickets. That seems the best choice for your party.

You can get a boat from Poly to MK, then MK to Wilderness Lodge. Taxi is also available if you're returning late from Wilderness Lodge. CS is Roaring Fork, TS is Whispering Canyon Cafe (fun), or Artist Point ($$$). If you go to the Territory Lounge, a real nice bar, you can order apps. They also have the Artist Point menu items available to order. Electric Water Parade comes to Wilderness Lodge, too. With their 40% military discount (so far) Wilderness Lodge could be an affordable and beautiful place to stay. It's my favorite to roam through.

Sorry, now that I read about BoG FP+, it seems to be open to Disney resort guests only. However, everything is changing so fast with FP+, perhaps it will open up more as your visit gets closer.

 

[ampersand]

MYW tickets with the Stars and Stripes options are $1704 with tax. Stars and Stripes are $1476

We could Park-resort bus hop too, couldn't we? Wilderness Lodge is where I wanted to stay for years but this whole trip is coming out of my husband challenging me to do the entire trip (plane tickets and food and everything!) for less than $3000 on our side of it (we're bringing two friends too). Wilderness Lodge sadly puts me over that by about $800 but maybe next time. And nothing says we can't still go visit and see how pretty it is close up!

 

[POOHsie]

MYW tickets with the Stars and Stripes options are $1704 with tax. Stars and Stripes are $1476

We could Park-resort bus hop too, couldn't we? Wilderness Lodge is where I wanted to stay for years but this whole trip is coming out of my husband challenging me to do the entire trip (plane tickets and food and everything!) for less than $3000 on our side of it (we're bringing two friends too). Wilderness Lodge sadly puts me over that by about $800 but maybe next time. And nothing says we can't still go visit and see how pretty it is close up!

Ticket price is good. I was thinking if you didn't purchase options on a MYW ticket (which you barely need), then the two tickets are more similar. Yes, you can go from a park to WL, and reverse. But it depends on the time you're leaving WL. If MK and EP close at nine, there won't be bus service to those parks from WL at that time. Or boat to MK. I'm not sure where SoG bus goes. Last time we stayed at SoG (1990s) the bus took us to TTC. Then we would ferry or monorail to MK from there (and in your case, the MK bus to WL). But returning from WL, there's the possibility you might need a taxi. Split 4 ways, it won't be very much $. Still worth it for a wonderful night at that gorgeous resort.

 

[ampersand]

I hope it's not too much. I know it's not very far from Wilderness Lodge. Heck if we can find a path we might just go ahead and walk back (and take pictures of the gators we see along the way)

 

[Mikie]

Schedule looks pretty good, but it sounds like you are trying to somewhat avoid the F&W crowds, rather than thriving on the crowd vibe - maybe consider going to Epcot both weds and Thurs rather than weds and fri?

On your AK day, maybe watch MK fireworks from Contemporary and have a cocktail there, or evening swim time if that's your speed.

 

[damiel]

Have you thought about the Hoop De Doo review? We always do that on out AK night. It is a blast if you haven't been.
Here is another thought: On Thursday the 18th spend the day @ MK.
On Sunday the 21st hit AK in the morning and then go to MK for the MNSSHP.
We have found we like extra days in MK, there is so much to see and do there. AK is a half day park for us. You can enter MK anytime after 4:00 with a MNSHP ticket. Have dinner before you enter the park, you will not want to miss a second of the party eating.

 

[ampersand]

I wish F&W was starting on the 18th but it doesn't start until the 19th. I know there's soft openings but I was completely outvoted on doing a soft opening F&W instead of "the real thing".

We're intending to get dinner at 4 on our party day, already in MK, so we don't get hit by a seige of people trying to get in for the party. Is that a good idea?

 

[POOHsie]

I wish F&W was starting on the 18th but it doesn't start until the 19th. I know there's soft openings but I was completely outvoted on doing a soft opening F&W instead of "the real thing".

We're intending to get dinner at 4 on our party day, already in MK, so we don't get hit by a seige of people trying to get in for the party. Is that a good idea?

Originally F&W was starting on Fri, Sept 26th, then they added the week prior. So you have to be glad for the early opening during your vacation dates. We were scheduled to go to WDW from Sept 28th on, to visit F&W. Room rates go up in late Sept. When they moved the F&W start date earlier, we were able to re-book to the Disney value season rates and saved $$. Since you have 2 days and nights for MK, maybe you can squeeze in some additional F&W time during the day then return to MK. It's good to plan on early dinner on MNSSHP day. Most places close about 5pm and all that's open during the party are Casey's, Cosmic Ray's and Pecos Bill's (and some TS places). I don't think there will be a "siege" of people, from my experience. That's why they open the gates at 4pm for the 7pm party guests, to avoid a sudden traffic jam. Since you're in the park already, you don't have to walk to the front gate to get your party wristbands. We got ours in Tomorrowland between the bridge and the Stitch ride. There should be a sign at the front gate showing where to get your wristbands, or ask a CM. There's lots of rare characters to see at the party, so study the brochure and have a plan. The lines fill up fast.

 

[sharonabe]

It may not be worth it for the $100 savings, but if you're not planning on using the WP&E portion of your Stars and Stripes, you could use the Salute tickets (I assume you're the spouse of or THE military person). You can use the Salutes back to back, so three of you could get those for $169 and just one use the Stars and Stripes. That would give you eight days, so if you wanted to go over to the parks on your travel days, you could. Changing the S&S to an 8-day is about $18, so that would take away from the $100 savings above.

OH..on your EP FP+ reservations. Remember they are tiered, so be sure to get Soarin or TT on your first evening and then do the other one on your morning.

 

[ampersand]

Is there a cheat sheet to the tiering somewhere? I looked but I can't quite find a list.

 

[sharonabe]

Is there a cheat sheet to the tiering somewhere? I looked but I can't quite find a list.

This is a little lengthy, but it does have the tiering along with other tips:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3143281

 

[ampersand]

Oh you're wonderful (all of you are) thank you!