First trip in 11 years....

[njcarita]

Hi all,
We were once avid disneyholics and than health issues, life and finances got in the way of our trips.
Now hubby and I have the opportunity for a short trip between Oct 2 and mid-December. Just a short stay 1-4 days depending on when we go and cost.
I ust o know Disney world like the back of my hand and feel lost attempting to throw this trip together...EXCITED but lost.

My health is still not great so my goal is to just hit Epcot World show case, downtown Disney ( lol I mean disney springs?) and maybe one day relaxing in a water park.

We have tons of days left on our tickets from our previous trips.

So just need to find a not expensive place to stay our usually go to in the Value resorts, so any suggestion of where and when are appreciated.
I am going to go scour the boards, gosh do I have a lot of catching up to do... so please throw ideas my way!

 

[rstevens333]

If you're keeping costs down and want to see World Showcase, consider Pop Century.

The room renovations are really clean and nice. (extra space from a murphy bed, plus better bathroom doors and showers.) You'd also be able to walk to the Skyliner and take a gondola to the International Gateway.

Pop has mobile ordering for much of the food court, if standing in lines is an issue. They've also got Dole Whip in the dessert area if you're a fan and won't get to the Magic Kingdom. You can also walk over to Art of Animation and enjoy their food court for variety.

Hope that helps! There are much bigger Pop Century experts out there, but I've stayed 3-4 times since the renovations and have enjoyed the rooms.

 

[Belle5]

I understand how things change! There was a period when I was literally on these boards daily (joined in 1999) and was always planning a trip. But...life gets in the way and the prices have gone up so dramatically! I think the biggest discount offered for a Disney Value Resort right now is 10%. You might want to consider renting points for a studio villa at a DVC timeshare. I would have suggested a free dining package but you don't need tickets (lucky you)! I think early to mid-December is a great time to visit with all the holiday theming! Also, as you develop more health issues it usually seems wiser to not visit during the hotter times! Have fun with your return to Disney! Do your homework on all that's new to see and eat!

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hi all,
We were once avid disneyholics and than health issues, life and finances got in the way of our trips.
Now hubby and I have the opportunity for a short trip between Oct 2 and mid-December. Just a short stay 1-4 days depending on when we go and cost.
I ust o know Disney world like the back of my hand and feel lost attempting to throw this trip together...EXCITED but lost.

My health is still not great so my goal is to just hit Epcot World show case, downtown Disney ( lol I mean disney springs?) and maybe one day relaxing in a water park.

We have tons of days left on our tickets from our previous trips.

So just need to find a not expensive place to stay our usually go to in the Value resorts, so any suggestion of where and when are appreciated.
I am going to go scour the boards, gosh do I have a lot of catching up to do... so please throw ideas my way!

I know someone mentioned a DVC rental, I think that could work but you don't have much lead time so getting a studio in a few months is not likely going to happen but usually you can get more bang for your buck renting points but if you compare apples to apples meaning you were going to pay rack rate at Poly and now you got a DVC rental at Poly, yes you will save money...... but not if you were comparing a stay at Poly with a stay at POP. Keep your eyes peeled for specials on rooms or just stay offsite. If budget is a big concern, you can find rooms at nearby disney hotels for a lot less cost. Most disney values are glorified motels so by choosing offsite properties, you can get a moderate amenity resort for a value priced rate. Fall and Christmas time are expensive times to travel but we stayed at a moderate last year before Thanksgiving and saved about 20% on our room. Just keep checking the specials page if you prefer on site stays

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

Good luck and hope you enjoy your visit!

 

[Shellyred8]

I would vote for Pop, AoA or CBR. All three are now on the Skyliner so you would be able to take that to EPCOT and not have to worry about buses.

 

[njcarita]

If you're keeping costs down and want to see World Showcase, consider Pop Century.

The room renovations are really clean and nice. (extra space from a murphy bed, plus better bathroom doors and showers.) You'd also be able to walk to the Skyliner and take a gondola to the International Gateway.

Pop has mobile ordering for much of the food court, if standing in lines is an issue. They've also got Dole Whip in the dessert area if you're a fan and won't get to the Magic Kingdom. You can also walk over to Art of Animation and enjoy their food court for variety.

Hope that helps! There are much bigger Pop Century experts out there, but I've stayed 3-4 times since the renovations and have enjoyed the rooms.

I stayed at the POP years ago when my kids were young ( they are all adults now) and we loved it. Standing can be interesting for me ( I have PoTs, so depending on day I can need to sit down on the floor quickly) but my husband usually waits on line while I sit or wander. Will take a look at them online....... thanks for the suggestion

 

[njcarita]

I understand how things change! There was a period when I was literally on these boards daily (joined in 1999) and was always planning a trip. But...life gets in the way and the prices have gone up so dramatically! I think the biggest discount offered for a Disney Value Resort right now is 10%. You might want to consider renting points for a studio villa at a DVC timeshare. I would have suggested a free dining package but you don't need tickets (lucky you)! I think early to mid-December is a great time to visit with all the holiday theming! Also, as you develop more health issues it usually seems wiser to not visit during the hotter times! Have fun with your return to Disney! Do your homework on all that's new to see and eat!

We us to love going the first full week after Thankgiving , crowds were low , weather was great and it was all decked out for Christmas.. I have a lot of homework to do about the eating.. first time we are going to the park as vegan, so it should be interesting to see if we can still go to our favorite restaurants.

 

[njcarita]

I know someone mentioned a DVC rental, I think that could work but you don't have much lead time so getting a studio in a few months is not likely going to happen but usually you can get more bang for your buck renting points but if you compare apples to apples meaning you were going to pay rack rate at Poly and now you got a DVC rental at Poly, yes you will save money...... but not if you were comparing a stay at Poly with a stay at POP. Keep your eyes peeled for specials on rooms or just stay offsite. If budget is a big concern, you can find rooms at nearby disney hotels for a lot less cost. Most disney values are glorified motels so by choosing offsite properties, you can get a moderate amenity resort for a value priced rate. Fall and Christmas time are expensive times to travel but we stayed at a moderate last year before Thanksgiving and saved about 20% on our room. Just keep checking the specials page if you prefer on site stays

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

Good luck and hope you enjoy your visit!

We prefer on-site but we have done both.. so open to either this trip. lol to bad work is interfering with my Disney research. I can't believe how organized and knowledgeable I once was!!! Every trip I had my Blue Disney Binder full of all our dinning, stay, things to do plans, etc. But this short trip I see as a scouting trip and a learning trip since it's just me and hubby. We are hoping to make one bigfamily trip with our three kids and their fiancee's etc before my middle daughter gets married in the summer( we are looking at early next year). I am checking onsite... the dophin and swan and disney springs hotels.

 

[sullyfam]

As people have mentioned, if your trip is focused on Epcot, then the Skyliner resorts are a good idea (Pop, AOA and CBR). Keep in mind that all 3 of those places are fairly large and spread out so you may want to consider booking a preferred room so that you are close to transportation and dining options. My husband and I stayed at Pop in May on an anniversary trip and we weren't thrilled with it. We had a room in the 90's section which was a far hike to everything. Just FYI. AOA is adorable but again, if booking a Little Mermaid room and not a suite, it's a far hike. CBR is just huge in general so I would go online and find the map of the resort and see what location might work.

Another option is staying in the Epcot resort area where you can walk directly into World Showcase from the International Gateway but those resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk) are going to be pricey.

In terms of timing, I would say to book your trip so that it avoids any holiday weekends and known Disney events. For instance, I would avoid Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving etc. If you stick to a 4 day window where there is no holiday and nothing big going on at Disney (check the calendar of events on the Disney website), then you should be good. Since you aren't doing a lot of park time (only Epcot), crowds shouldn't be a huge issue for you anyways.

Have fun and enjoy your first trip back!

 

[rstevens333]

We us to love going the first full week after Thankgiving , crowds were low , weather was great and it was all decked out for Christmas.. I have a lot of homework to do about the eating.. first time we are going to the park as vegan, so it should be interesting to see if we can still go to our favorite restaurants.

Plant-based food seems to be a real priority for Disney lately:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/...rian-upgrades-in-disney-world-and-disneyland/

 

[njcarita]

As people have mentioned, if your trip is focused on Epcot, then the Skyliner resorts are a good idea (Pop, AOA and CBR). Keep in mind that all 3 of those places are fairly large and spread out so you may want to consider booking a preferred room so that you are close to transportation and dining options. My husband and I stayed at Pop in May on an anniversary trip and we weren't thrilled with it. We had a room in the 90's section which was a far hike to everything. Just FYI. AOA is adorable but again, if booking a Little Mermaid room and not a suite, it's a far hike. CBR is just huge in general so I would go online and find the map of the resort and see what location might work.

Another option is staying in the Epcot resort area where you can walk directly into World Showcase from the International Gateway but those resorts (Beach Club, Yacht Club, Boardwalk) are going to be pricey.

In terms of timing, I would say to book your trip so that it avoids any holiday weekends and known Disney events. For instance, I would avoid Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving etc. If you stick to a 4 day window where there is no holiday and nothing big going on at Disney (check the calendar of events on the Disney website), then you should be good. Since you aren't doing a lot of park time (only Epcot), crowds shouldn't be a huge issue for you anyways.

Have fun and enjoy your first trip back!

Would love to stay at the epcot resort area! We once stayed at the Dolphin and loved how close the Boardwalk was ( is that even still there?) and Worldshow Case was

 

[Nancyg56]

Since you mentioned a relaxing day, I would consider Coronado Springs. I know it is not on the Gondola line, however it is usually the least expensive moderate, and it is IMO the most adult. The pool area is lovely and whole it is a bot sprawling, the grounds are a joy to walk. They are meticulously groomed, and the views are pretty.

If you are not plannig to spend a lot of time in the park, I think having a moderate resort , while a bit more than a value, can be worth the additional money. There are more amenities available.

 

[njcarita]

Plant-based food seems to be a real priority for Disney lately:

http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2019/...rian-upgrades-in-disney-world-and-disneyland/

Yes seems like fate that we are planning to go now. It will make the trip so much easier and I can try all new dishes at my old favorite place and hopefully new favorites

 

[njcarita]

Since you mentioned a relaxing day, I would consider Coronado Springs. I know it is not on the Gondola line, however it is usually the least expensive moderate, and it is IMO the most adult. The pool area is lovely and whole it is a bot sprawling, the grounds are a joy to walk. They are meticulously groomed, and the views are pretty.

If you are not plannig to spend a lot of time in the park, I think having a moderate resort , while a bit more than a value, can be worth the additional money. There are more amenities available.

When we would go with when my kids were small and my parents would join us they would stay at the Coronado for the same reason...

 

[sndral]

Take a look at POR & POFQ w/ their scenic boat ride to Disney Springs.
Are you aware that Epcot is just starting a massive refurb & is quickly becoming ‘Wallcot’? If construction walls don’t bother you, then it’s no big deal, but if having a lot of the park blocked off isn’t to your taste you might visit another park - AK’s newish ride FOP in Pandora is very well liked.
https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/guar...expands-to-play-pavilion-and-beyond-at-epcot/https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/wall...rld-locations-slated-for-demolition-at-epcot/https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/late...-more-demolition-new-concrete-pours-and-more/

 

[njcarita]

Take a look at POR & POFQ w/ their scenic boat ride to Disney Springs.
Are you aware that Epcot is just starting a massive refurb & is quickly becoming ‘Wallcot’? If construction walls don’t bother you, then it’s no big deal, but if having a lot of the park blocked off isn’t to your taste you might visit another park - AK’s newish ride FOP in Pandora is very well liked.
https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/guar...expands-to-play-pavilion-and-beyond-at-epcot/https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/wall...rld-locations-slated-for-demolition-at-epcot/https://blogmickey.com/2019/09/late...-more-demolition-new-concrete-pours-and-more/

I think we are going to concentrate on the World show case section so not sure if the walls will be there too ?.. and now we are debating about adding a Magic Kingdome Day just to go over to see Belles castle etc , last time we were there they were building it. We were able to snag a night at the swan ( for under $2 using our Bonovoy rewards) and another night at the ALL star movies for under $1 with another cc bonus we had. Hoping to add another day to these, but will be grateful with what we have. I ordered magic bands.. and now trying to figure out which one os our tickets still have days on them. I am still keeping an eye on the Coronado springs It sounds like the perfect resort for us. Can I just say how much joy planning a disney trip is!

 

[njcarita]

Just wanted to update... we ended up going in Jan and just got back today! It was an amazing trip.. our November trip fell through due to my mom's health, but we were all able to go 10 of us ( including my mom ) but ended staying off-site ,we rented a large 7 bedroom house in Emerald Island in Kissimmee. I just walked in an hour ago, unpacked. and here I am ready to plan my next trip.