First time planning off-site...so lost!

[Infamousmare]

For the first time in my adult life, I'm planning a Disney trip and staying off-site. We're at the SVV because my husband got a killer rate with his super double secret probation status at Starwood (sorry about the Animal House reference - couldn't help myself).

I'm planning the vacation, as usual, for my family, my parents and my sister. Just to make things more interesting, we're all coming in from different states, staying for different lengths of time and arriving via different modes of transportation.

I've been spoiled in the past by being able to hop online and make ADRs on the +10 system, call cast members with questions and to re-arrange plans and having the monorail whisk me to and from my resort at my leisure. Wow, looking back, I sound like a female Thurston Howell.

Okay, so here's what's going on. Feel free to jump in and tell me where I'm screwing up (or, if you're feeling particularly kind, gently suggest a better way of doing this).

My parents and I (and the kiddies) plan to be in the parks for 7 days in November/December. I'm purchasing an annual pass for myself in order to also buy a TiW card. Given the projected cost of the TS and CS meals we'll be eating (based on past expenditures, of which I have carefully filed in a massive Disney File, right next to the past 7 years' worth of tax returns), and given that we are a large party who all eat together and will all be covered by the card, this will make financial sense. The rest of the party will be on regular parkhopper tickets.

The problem is that I can't get into CRT, LeCellier or BoG - all ADRs I'd banked on having. I hadn't banked on being the last in line for reservations.

Next, the Magic Bands. We didn't have them last year. This is all new to me. I called the Disney line to see how to link our accounts so that I can get FP+s for everyone and the CM told me we should all friend each other with our smart phones. Except I don't have a smart phone. Is there an easier way to do this? We all travel together and we *used* to just grab our FPs first thing and divvy them up among those who wanted to (or could) go on that ride. I think this year might be a hassle.

So now I'm trying to go back and re-arrange/recalculate dining, banging my head trying to figure out the FP+ system and half the time I login to my account, my dining ressies aren't there.

Lastly, I've been given 2 different bits of information regarding the AP - one CM told me that the clock starts ticking from the moment I buy it...another said that the year begins the first time I use it at the gate. Does anyone know for sure? (The reason I care about this is because I have tentative plans to come back in September '15, if I don't have a nervous breakdown planning this year's trip.)

All of this is now causing me to have nightmares about being stuck in a miles-long traffic jam on International Drive...and of Mickey telling me the park is closed...and of my Magic Band being confiscated because I'm a dunderhead.

I feel like a complete bonehead...and I miss BLT already.

 

[leebee]

First of all… BREATHE!!

You aren't last in line for your ADRs; you are just in line with the rest of us whose vacations start on those days (at 180 days out, of course!). I think part of your ADR problem is your party size. Have you tried breaking it down into smaller groups? I know, it will negate the TIW for some but you have to choose which is better; getting the restaurants you want, or saving the money? Also, have you tried for lunch ADRs at these places? You might have better luck. Also, keep trying. Many people cancel their ADRs as they tweak their vacations, as well as those who have to cancel their vacations at X (I don't know how many) days so they don't lose their vacation deposit. Keep trying, don't give up… maybe Akershus for princess interaction if you cannot get CRT? Lunch or b'fast?

FP+s… I don't have a smart phone either. Not sure what to tell you about linking people. Some folks have mentioned that once someone is "linked" to your account, they have access to everything, and both ADRs and FP+s have been modified, changed, lost, so I am not sure how many folks I'd link. How many different accounts are you talking about? Hmmm… maybe make a tentative plan (i.e., say to all try for SM, 2dmt, and hm starting at 10am on Day 2, make the FP+ from home at the same time on the same day) and then juggle times and magic bands when you get into the parks? It seems that as long as a magic band is activated, it can be swapped among party members. I am going to do this when we go; I don't ride coasters, so although I'll make FP+ for both DD and me, she'll use her band for her first ride on ToT, then mine for a second ride.

I thought APs started on the first day of use, but you'll have to check. As you know, CMs don't always have the best info! Good luck planning, and remember- BREATHE!!

 

[grantclaire]

Hi, cannot help much with ADR as we mostly use counter service, but the Vistana Villages is a great resort! have stayed there many times. Very close to WDW, in the AM you be there in 15 mins. Just avoid Vineland road at all cost! The outlet mall causes major traffic problems. When you leave the SVV stay on International Drive and turn right on 536 World Drive which will take you right into the heart of WDW. When returning watch for 535 and International drive signage. Also avoid I4. There is a super Walmart and Public close by as well. Good luck.

 

[Infamousmare]

First of all… BREATHE!!

You aren't last in line for your ADRs; you are just in line with the rest of us whose vacations start on those days (at 180 days out, of course!). I think part of your ADR problem is your party size. Have you tried breaking it down into smaller groups?

HA! Thanks for the advice to breathe. You know, on my end I'm hearing from my mother and sister nonstop. The phone keeps beeping with a new text or message about "one more thing" they want to remind me to try to get arranged. I had quite forgotten to breathe, especially when trying to make sense of the magic bands.

As for the ADRs, I had thought about splitting us up; however, I can't make a double ressie. What I may do is just call the dine line and see if they can help me. Of course, the last time I did this, the CM booked us 2 hours apart but told me both our parties were on for the same time. Most of the CMs I deal with are really super people. It's only when I need them most that I get the certain member of the village who's not normally allowed outside.

As for the FP+ system, the CM I talked to last night (who was fabulous, BTW), advised me to call about 6 weeks before we can book our FPs for someone to walk me through linking accounts. Basically, I'm just going to have to open accounts for my parents and book their FPs for them. My sister can do this herself; however, my poor parents are going to wind up ordering Chinese takeout by accident if they try to do that. I tried walking my mom through the WDW system last year, with hilariously disastrous results. She kept yelling at the computer and using Mickey's name in vain. Again, once instructed to breathe, I pulled it together and got a great CM. It will all work out...especially since I found out I don't have to use Magic Bands. Believe me, with my absentminded (but really adorable) mother, my active toddler and my sensory-sensitive middle guy, the bands will be my own personal hell. KTTWs will be our saving grace.

Oh, and you were right. APs start the first day you use it at the gates. You have one year from the date of purchase to use it, then it begins the first time you enter one of the parks. You do have to visit Guest Services to activate, but after that, it works like any other MB or KTTW.

Hi, cannot help much with ADR as we mostly use counter service, but the Vistana Villages is a great resort! have stayed there many times. Very close to WDW, in the AM you be there in 15 mins. Just avoid Vineland road at all cost! The outlet mall causes major traffic problems. When you leave the SVV stay on International Drive and turn right on 536 World Drive which will take you right into the heart of WDW. When returning watch for 535 and International drive signage. Also avoid I4. There is a super Walmart and Public close by as well. Good luck.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. First, we LOVE Starwood properties and we were bummed at how expensive the S&D were with points (10,000 for a double bed room x 2 rooms that won't connect = a pretty expensive and cramped vacation for seven!). The SVV looks really lovely, but I was so afraid I'd be disappointed that we weren't at BLT or SSR. It is good to know that it really is only 15 minutes away...and it's even better to know which streets to avoid.

I'm feeling better. I think I'll muddle through the FP+ and the ADRs and we'll have a good time. Now, if they'd just stop pestering me about eating at CRT...