First time staying on-site (and other questions)

[LuvAlphvle]

We’ve decided to go to Disney next October. We’ll probably be staying in ASMo (we’ll have a then-four-year-old who loves Toy Story). We’ve never stayed on-site before so I have a few questions:

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park?

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site?

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply?

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them?

5. Is the dining plan worth it?

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween?

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday?

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals?

9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?)

10. How late/early do the buses run?

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like?

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it?

Sorry for the novel! I had more questions than I thought.

 

[badblackpug]

We’ve decided to go to Disney next October. We’ll probably be staying in ASMo (we’ll have a then-four-year-old who loves Toy Story). We’ve never stayed on-site before so I have a few questions:

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park? Yes, definitely

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site? Don't know, never bring my own car

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply? You are not making things up. They will deliver packages to ANY WDW resort (I love this service)

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them? Most of them have "spots" for meet and greet. They don't wander. Character meals are great.

5. Is the dining plan worth it? I think so, yes. But that will depend on your family's eating habits

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween? Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween. I have never been there at this time, but I am sure others could help

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday? There are lots of "links" for this if you do a search. There is a "It's my birthday" button that you can get for her to wear in the parks.

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals? Not mine, When they were smaller I bought the $10 cheapie from walmart, and just gave it away at the end of the trip (random act of kindness)

9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?) Try to get something close to the bus stop, and moderately close to the food court. (lugging sleeping children from the bus to the room is not amusing)

10. How late/early do the buses run? An hour or so after park closing, I never get up early enough to find out just how early they run!

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like? This year will be our 1st time in early November, I will get back to you on Nov. 14

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it? I will also be purchasing these this year for the 1st time!

Sorry for the novel! I had more questions than I thought.

Ever since my 1st on-site trip in 1999, I wil NEVER, and I mean NEVER stay off-site again. It is the absolutely best way to go!

 

[maxtomsmom]

We’ve decided to go to Disney next October. We’ll probably be staying in ASMo (we’ll have a then-four-year-old who loves Toy Story). We’ve never stayed on-site before so I have a few questions:

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park?

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site?

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply?

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them?

5. Is the dining plan worth it?

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween?

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday?

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals?

9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?)

10. How late/early do the buses run?

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like?

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it?

Sorry for the novel! I had more questions than I thought.

I will try to answer some of your questions, but some others may have the answers because I have never stayed ASMo:

1) The bus system is wonderful. Some resorts share buses, but all resorts have buses for each park including the water parks and downtown disney. Buses run on a constant schedule about every 20 - 30 mins. depending upon time of year and the crowds. You can get a map of your resort which will have the bus stop(s) marked. They run 1hr before the parks open and up to 2 hrs after. There are also cabs.

2) I'm not sure if you pay for parking if you take your own car as we never had a car.

3) I believe anything you buy in the parks, resorts, downtown disney can be delivered to your room. We did this and it was great. It does take some time so I wouldn't recommend doing it on your last day. Also, they will hold anything for you at guest relations. We also did this at MGM. We bought mugs and didn't feel like carrying them around for obvious reasons, the store brought them to guest relations for us. I think it was there.

4) Do character meals!!!!!! They are your best way to ensure you meet them. You can book them well in advance from home. You need to call the Dining dept. THe main number can transfer you. You tell them what you want and what time, they will let you know if there is room. I have 2 character meals already planned for our upcoming Dec. trip. SOme sell out quite fast especially the princess ones. You might want to book your DD one on her b-Day. Tell them its her B-day and she will get the royal treatment. Characters do have spots where they stand to greet and sign autographs. If you go to guest relations when you first walk into the park you can get a schedule. Be prepared to wait in line. They only do it for short periods, but they come out several times a day. That is why character meals are really good. Check out the Dis section about them, there is a lot of great info.

5). Never did the dining plan.

6) Mickey's not so scary halloween party is great. You will need to buy tickets for the event plus tickets for the day. If you do a park hopper option, then you will be fine. If not you will need to make that day, a magic kingdom day. If you're confused, I can explain it more in detail in another post. The party is so much fun and Magic Kingdom is the only park that it is done. Christmas is the holiday they really go nuts.

7) Let your resort and the park know your DD is having a b-day. They will give her a button and I believe she will get a free dessert. I'm not sure about the last one, since we've never been to WDW on anybody's bday.

8) We bring our own stroller. I know my DS who was four at the time did use it especially in the evenings and more towards the end of the trip. I recommend getting an umbrella stroller as folding the big ones on the bus is a pain. I'm not sure how much the rentals are, but I don't think their terribly expensive. If your DD can handle a lot of walking like when she visits the zoo, then she should be ok.

9) Some people who are staying at AsMo resort may have better answers to this. There are many books and websites dedicated to tips. Tourguide Mike is one. We read a lot of different websites over the years to help us maximize our stay.

10) See answer number 1.

11) The crowds are light in comparison to the rest of the year. You're going at a good time. The weather is warm. I've never gone the end of October before. We went late Sept./early Oct. last year and wore shorts every day and night. The weather was hot. By the end of Oct. I'm sure it's a little cooler, but still warm. THe pools are heated even the water parks pools so you should be able to use them. I check out the weather channel online a few days before we go to see what it will be like. Bring a rain poncho from home because Disney charges a fortune.

12) Pal Mickey is cute. We have one. He takes 3 double aa batteries. I would bring extra. Carrying him will be no problem if you have a stroller. He's not very big. My son liked him a lot and we plan on bringing him again. You can make it a B-day gift for your DD.

I hope this helps. I am no way an expert, and I'm always reading about it. I'm sure others will be able to provide more info especially about your resort. We've stayed at AKL, off site and we'll be staying at CSR in December.

 

[LuvAlphvle]

These answers are just what I'm looking for! Thanks! If anybody else wants to answer too, I'd love to read your suggestions!

I just booked our rooms (ASMo, Buzz/Woody - can't remember which - first floor facing the courtyard). Yay! Only 13 months to go.

 

[monorailsilver]

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park?

Yes but you already knew that by reading the other posts. You usually wait under a canopy of sorts & the buses come to either side. When you walk to the bus stop there is a sign posted to tell you what number to go to. Sometimes I have even heard the bus driver say,
'go to #2 (insert a number) to go back to your resort (insert resort name)"

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site?

Free, free, free.

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply?

You are not making this up.

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them?

Both. In the MK they are in Toon Town as a meet & greet. If you look on the guide maps it will tell you (or it is the loose daily pamplet by the guide maps) where & when they are going to be around.

5. Is the dining plan worth it?

Never did it because we like to live vicariously vs being stuck to a scheduale to eat in a certain park/resort on a certain day (this is assuming you made ADR's).

We bring our own breakfast & eat it in our room & sometimes depending on our mood we just want a pretzel for lunch so it wouldn't be worth it for us.

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween?

Never been.

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday?

You can get her a cake or do other special things. I have never done it so others will have better answers then me.

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals?


I never rented a stroller but last year my 4 yo rode in the stroller every day. Sometimes she did walk & we folded it up & hooked it onto the other stroller. I had/have a Jeep Umbrella stroller & it cost about $30 (there are cheaper ones).

I have never rented a stroller.

9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?)

Check out Mousesavers & All Ears sites.

Go with the flow & try not to rush it because you will be with a 4 yo & she may want to stop to smell the roses yet in your eyes you have to get to XXXX to see something there because your scheduale says you have to do it.

If you can, ride the monorail up front (you have to ask & if there is room they will let you ride there).

The light up walkway is neat at Epcot at night.

The fireworks may scare her or they may not.

Don't expect to see everything.

10. How late/early do the buses run?

I know they run at least an hour before park opening/closing but I am not sure exactly.

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like?

Never been to Orlando at that time.

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it?

 

[LuvAlphvle]

Oh, and since I forgot to ask when I made the reservation (duh), when my confirmation comes in the mail will it have a room number on it, or will I just have to wait until we get there to find out which room we're in?

 

[monorailsilver]

It won't have the room number but it will say (for the most part) if you requested something.

 

[LuvAlphvle]

I guess that's good enough. So excited to take DD to Disney!

 

[runwad]

Looks like only stroller rental hasn't been answered, well I was there last April and got a double and it was 18, I THINK a single is 10. My 6 & 8 year olds wanted to ride in the stroller, too much walking for them, plus I liked the fact I didn't have to worry about them getting swept up in the crowd and we could walk at our pace and not theirs. We were there last October too and it was hot hot hot and humid humid humid! Crowds were ok we managed with fast passes and taking advantage of the EMH. Didn't do the halloween party though. Oh but we did do the dinning plan and for the 5 of us it was worth it. We went to places we would've never spent the money to go to. DId someone say look on allears.net and check out the menu's to see what you'd like and decide that way by pricing it all out. Have fun.

 

[LuvAlphvle]

I live in Louisiana so I'm familiar with lots of humidity, but that doesn't mean I like it. I hope next year won't be too bad.

 

[all4fun]

Didn't read the other responses so forgive me if this is a duplicate! Hopefuly there's something new here for you...

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park?

We stayed at ASMo two weeks ago. The bus drivers were really good about telling everyone just before dropping us off at whichever park, to make a note of the bus stop number. They are also well marked so we never had a problem finding the right one.

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site?

Parking is free if you're on property. Ask for a parking pass and put it in your car window. When you go through the turnstiles into the parking lots, they will wave you through.

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply?

Delivery is to the resort gift shop, and will be there for you the following day. If it's the day you're leaving you can have things sent to package pickup at the front of the park instead.

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them?

I recommend you read this section of Allearsnet.com http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/fur.htm and check out the "characters at a glance" section for each park which shows where the characters typically "hang out". We have never had a problem getting opportunities to see/take pics with the characters.

5. Is the dining plan worth it? Totally! Check out the Restaurant board for all the info you could ever want about DDP.

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween? When we were there a week ago they started doing the MNSSHP in the evenings, but we didn't participate so couldn't tell you much about it. It looked like quite a few people were dressing up in costume for it though.

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday? Children's Birthday ideas at WDW: http://allearsnet.com/pl/bday.htm

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals? Stroller FAQ: http://allearsnet.com/pl/strol_faq.htm (can you tell I like Allearsnet site? lol)

9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?) Sometimes the cleaning staff would put ds's toys in the window and I saw they did that with others as well. Thought it was cute. Other than that we didn't do anything special so can't really comment too much on it.

10. How late/early do the buses run? Busses run approx 1 hour prior to park opening and 1 hour after closing.

If taking the bus to MK (especially) plan for at least a 20min bus ride. Busses usually came every 15mins so the wait wasn't too bad. If you're like us though, you will prefer just taking your car. This last trip we didn't rent a car to save $$ and we really disliked using the bus, but I guess that it is just not our "style". Live and learn. At least you'll have a car so if you decide the busses aren't working for you, then you have other options. Others love using the bus system so I'm sure you'll get responses opposite of mine.

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like? check accuweather.com or weather.com for the averages (that is what I usually do).

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it?

Hmmm, I'm still kind of up in the air about it. We bought one off of Ebay so at least we didn't spend full $$ on it. It's a battery hog (so I recommend using rechargables) and although it's really cute I did get tired of carrying it around. But we also had a camera bag with camera and camcorder and a seperate backpack. It was just one more thing to juggle but if you're able to travel light then that part of it might not bother you at all.

hth!

 

[jenr812]

Thought your name looked awful familiar How sweet that you are celebrating Maya's birthday at WDW next year! She will love it.

1. Does each park have a designated bus stop for each hotel? If so, is there a map(s) that shows where these stops are at each park?
Nothing new to add that hasn't been said!

2. We’ll have our own vehicle. If we want to drive ourselves to a park, will we have to pay to park in the lot, or are we free because we’re staying on-site?
As has been mentioned, it's free because you're onsite (good thing, too, as they just raised parking prices!). If you book thru AAA, you also get a special diamond parking pass that allows you to park nearer to the entrances (first come, first served).

3. When we were on our honeymoon in April 2002, I seem to remember a delivery service for on-site guests. If they bought something, it would be delivered to their hotel room so it wouldn’t have to be dragged around the park with them. Am I making things up or does this exist? If so, is it only restricted to certain hotels, or do all properties apply?
Loved this feature! You can do it up til the day before you leave IIRC. You generally have to wait to pick up your item til the next day, I believe.

4. When we were there in 2002 we hardly saw any of the characters. Do they walk around the parks or do they have set spots where you have to go to see them?
We tried to follow the recommendations that we found here at the DIS re: finding characters. We got lucky several times as well and happened to be in the right place at the right time. You'll find info on where to find the characters on the park maps/showtime guides available at the parks each day.

The character meals were great. We did 1900 Park Faire dinner (Cindy and friends), Donald's Breafastasaurus (Mickey and friends), and Crystal Palace breakfast (Winnie the Pooh and friends). CP was by far the best for character interaction AND food, and Donald's was the worst as far as character interaction (very rushed). Cindy's was ok on both accounts. If you are a Disney Visa cardholder, you are also eligible for a special meet and greet and free 5x7 photo. The location is somewhere in Epcot, I believe.

5. Is the dining plan worth it?
ABSOLUTELY!! It was a tremendous value for our family. Jory was free last time since he was under 3, so he either shared from our plates (PLENTY of food!!!) or he was free at the buffets and got his own plate and drink. We never would have been able to afford to eat at all the TS places we went to without it. Plus it was so nice not to worry about the cost of the meals and to allow the kids to order dessert whenever they desired. We are definitely getting it again next May. It will be quite a bit more for us this time, since we have to pay for Jory and Jessica is now considered an adult, but it is still a bargain IMHO!

6. What kind of stuff do the parks do for Halloween?
No personal experience here but you've gotten info from others. I believe MNSSHP is a hard ticketed event that costs extra in addition to park admission btw.

7. DD will be turning 4 while we’re there. Can we do something special for her birthday?
As already mentioned, be sure to mention it to your resort upon checkin and also to your servers. Mention it when you are making your ADRs. They will probably make a note of it on the ressie. You may or may not receive a surprise so try not to have any expectations either way. She may enjoy an outing at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for her bday. I've never been but have seen many posts about it.

8. Will a four-year-old want to ride in a stroller? How much are stroller rentals?
Jory was a month shy of 3 when we went last time, and he will be 4 1/2 next time. I am playing it by ear this time, but we rented the double stroller last time and used the heck out of it. Jayden was 6 and he rode in it a lot. The fact that we were there over the 4th of July holiday (major heat/humidity/crowds) played into that. I am budgeting for the rental, but hoping we don't use it. Jory NEVER rode in strollers outside of WDW btw. So it wasn't like he was used to it. It was just easier for all of us.
9. Any insider tips on staying on the property, something a first-timer might not know? (Like people putting decorations in their windows at ASMo, I’ve read on here?)
Be sure to take time to enjoy your resort, and check out other resorts.

10. How late/early do the buses run?
They were available whenever we needed them when we were there, but it was a busy time, so I am not sure how things are at other times of the year. They ran for our early entry days (including our 8am breakfast at CP) and late nights. You'll get schedules and such while you are there.

11. How crowded is it in late October/early November? What is the weather usually like?
Can't help ya there

12. Is P.A.L. Mickey worth it?
No idea, but I doubt it!


I hope that helps. I tried to post quickly in between running back and forth into the kitchen to check/stir dinner LOL LMK if you have any ?s

 

[jodifla]

FYI: I found an umbrella stroller was great, because I can also use it to lug DS out of the park after a long day. It's also easier to keep track of him in the stroller with the crowds, and umbrella strollers are cheap, and fold up easily.

Have a great trip!