Floridian & Yaught Clb Q's ~ NEWBIE

[Deke]

SO many questions! Newbie here, going with the Fam, wife & 3 chillins, 8, 6 1 1/2, years of age. We have to split our stay due to our timing in making reservations for THIS Easter Vacation... 3/23 ~ 3/30.

K, 1st Q: Since this is a hugely busy time to vacation, are we looking at a "pressure cooker" type of experiance, where one must be on constant crowd control watch... people pushing and cutting, and long lines everywhere we go... beach, meals, water parks? (I know that sounded negative, but I'm imagining the worst.)

2nd Q: Sort of like the 1st... What can we expect? Will we be able to comfortably find a spot on the beach at the Grand Floridian, without having to wake up at 6:00AM? Can we go to the water parks and expect to wait on lines for an hour, to go down a slide? (Wow. I sound negative!)

I guess I'm expecting rude behavior at an overcrowded Park. Can someone calm my fears!? Or, am I sort of on target? I hope not! This is our first Disney Vacation... AND first vacation with all three kids... I'm in hyper, negative parental mode! I'd love a great experiance... what can I do to make that happen? Or, is the timing such that, it's simply impossible?

SORRY SO NEGATIVE! I wanna be happy and excitied, but, I'm a basket case right now!...

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated, as is your time... Thank you!

 

[vettechick99]

Welcome Deke!

Well if you expect the worst, then it could only get better, right?

Easter is a busy time of year...just like the Summer or Christmas. It's crowded, but manageable if you follow some guidelines. First, don't go commando. You have plenty of time, so go to a park in the morning, back to your resort for lunch and swimming and to another park that evening.

Second, definitely stay on site - which you are doing. You want to be able to go back to the resort easily to escape the crowds. Also, make a few PSs so that you know you won't have to eat counter service every meal.

But good news, the crowds will dissapate come Monday, so you'll have three days of short lines and low crowds.

You're going in knowing it's gonna be crowded..and that's half the battle. Have a good time and relax!

 

[Disney Fool]

Hi, there and welcome to the DIS! I'm writing to allay some of your fears. Yes, you are going at a traditiionally busy time, but it's not as bad as you may think--with some forethought, and good planning. You're going to love the GF, and it's convenience to the MK. You will also have the option of taking a boat back to the resort from the MK. At peak and very busy crowded times, I think the opposite of what the crowd is doing. Plan to shop on Main Street at closing, the shops stay open an hour after the park is closed. That way, you can easily get on the monorail or boat to your hotel without the pushing and crowding. Take your time....relax. Enjoy. Stop and smell the roses. Go at a leisurely pace, and you won't be adversely affected by the crowds. Take advantage of EMH (evening magic hours at MK) so your children won't be frustrated by longer lines. Trust me, judging by the ages of your kids, you'll be back--so don't try to do it all in one trip.

 

[littlemuffin]

Welcome!!

We have done WDW 2 times at Easter and have loved it both times. Just relax and enjoy the atmosphere. We are going again this year at the same time. The weather has been fantastic for us each time and I think that is better than going in the summer and it being crowded.

By the way, you will LOVE the Yacht Club it's great.

Kathy

 

[Deke]

Thanks Allison!
So, come Monday (great J. Buffett song!)... come Monday, it'll be alright (?) THAT's great news.

Some q's about tickets ?... We're really into water parks. What do you suggest? > That's really what my kids want to do... they're not too into the characters. They really dig rides, but, the characters they're not into too much.

Also meals: I keep reading about making priority seating reservations... what's the scoop? Are there any places that are good for parents (in case a nice cocktail is needed), and the kids? As said we are @ the Floridian, and the Yaught Club.

Thanks Allison for your time and expertise!,

 

[vettechick99]

Thanks Allison!
So, come Monday (great J. Buffett song!)... come Monday, it'll be alright (?) THAT's great news.

Some q's about tickets ?... We're really into water parks. What do you suggest? > That's really what my kids want to do... they're not too into the characters. They really dig rides, but, the characters they're not into too much.

Also meals: I keep reading about making priority seating reservations... what's the scoop? Are there any places that are good for parents (in case a nice cocktail is needed), and the kids? As said we are @ the Floridian, and the Yaught Club.

Thanks Allison for your time and expertise!,

haha, I've been singing that song in my head since I first posted.

OK, look into the new passes they have called Magic Your Way. You buy a base ticket and then add on as you wish. You can see how this works on www.mousesavers.com under Tickets. You may also consider having one person buy a Annual Pass (annual passholders get discounted rooms). Again, this is all on mousesavers, which you should now go read from top to bottom.

PSs is Disney's way of doing reservations. You can call 60 days in advance (I think) and ask for a PS just like a reservation. The difference is that you aren't "guaranteed" a table, just that you'll be put at the top of the list when you show up.

As for places to unwind, you should read my trip report. We hit lots of fun places and it will give you an idea of what's out there. Disney ain't just for kiddies, ya know! But specifically, there are lounges/bars at both of your resorts, so booze is just a hop, skip and a jump away! But if you're not careful, it's a stumble back.

Hope that helps! There is lots of great advice on these boards!

 

[TammiMcMan]

Hi Deke and welcome. You're really putting us under some pressure to help you out in a hurry, but you've come to the right place. Even at the busiest times, it's easy to do Disney, you just gotta know how. Best advice for the parks is to get in early and get out of there by noon time. You can do more things in the first 3 hours than the whole rest of the day combined. I'd stick to MK stuff while your at the GF and then explore MGM and Epcot when you arrive at the YC. Disney bus service is good, but so much nicer when you can walk from your hotel to the park, or be one monorail stop away. Makes coming back for those afternoon rest times really easy.

Not sure what you're imagining about the GF beach, but if I've ever seen more than 10 people there, I'd be shocked. You can't swim in the lake, so it's basically just to play in the sand. A few people will sunbathe in one of the loungers, but that's about it. The GF has 2 pools, so even on hot days, there was plenty of room to spread out. Both have pool bars for a little libation or a quick lunch.

Yacht Club also has 2 pools and a beach area set up. Stormalongbay is a 3 acre mini waterpark for YC and BC resort guests that the kids just love. There is also a quiet pool located at the end of the resort, nearer to the Swan/Dolphin. I've stayed in both, so if you have any specific questions about them, ask away.

A Disney vacation is a lot about expectations. If they're not too high, you'll probably have a great time and any little problems that arise, will remain little.

Hopefully you're spending some time doing research on the DIS boards. Find out park hours, extra magic hours, line up your priority seating unless you plan on take out and counter service for most of your meals.

Tammi

 

[hightown]

Hi Deke and welcome. My trip is about the same time as yours 3/24 to 3/30 and we'll be at the Yacht Club (YC) for the whole time. We've done multiple trips and stayed and most of the resorts. Although we haven't stayed at Grand Floridian, we've stayed at Yacht Club, Boardwalk and the Dolphin for the EPCOT resorts.

I did have reservations for Port Orleans French Quarter, a moderate but in anticipation of the crowds, I made a switch to YC. There is SOO much more to do with the resorts surrounding the lake, the boardwalk itself and being so close to Epcot and MGM. I think it will make the crowds easier to deal with with so many places to go to for food and fun. There is also a mini golf over by the Swan/Dolphin (other resorts on the lake).

The Disney resorts there do not have 'food courts' but over in the Dolphin, there's a very good one called Tubbies. I think it's even open 24 hrs a day.

If your 'chillins' want ice cream Beaches and Cream is near the YC/BC pool. Good hamburgers. Dolphin also has a fountain.

Boardwalk has a pizza by the slice window and some great sit down places.

Beach Club (it's connected to YC) has Cape May a character breakfast and dinner buffet. Very good but you should try to get a priority seating.

I do believe I've seen a adult beverage or two at those places!

Have fun!

 

[Deke]

Thank you everyone for all the really great advice and encouragement... you've all been very helpful.

Truth-be-told, I'm a bit anxious regarding the crowds... and the size and scope of WDW. We're actually looking for a really laid back vacation, where the kids can do their favorite thing, (hit the pool and waterslides). WDW may be a bit too chaotic at this time of year for us... the planning and reservations needed are becoming overwhelming... we may opt out.

We're gonna give it the weekend, and decide if WDW is what we are looking for. I believe that if we were not hitting peak season, (Easter/Spring Break), WDW would be a no-brainer. We'll see...

Thank you all again for your kindness, and expertise,

 

[Sammie]

Thank you everyone for all the really great advice and encouragement... you've all been very helpful.

Truth-be-told, I'm a bit anxious regarding the crowds... and the size and scope of WDW. We're actually looking for a really laid back vacation, where the kids can do their favorite thing, (hit the pool and waterslides). WDW may be a bit too chaotic at this time of year for us... the planning and reservations needed are becoming overwhelming... we may opt out.

We're gonna give it the weekend, and decide if WDW is what we are looking for. I believe that if we were not hitting peak season, (Easter/Spring Break), WDW would be a no-brainer. We'll see...

Thank you all again for your kindness, and expertise,

If you are looking for a really laid back vacation I would not recommend Disney World especially at a peak week. It can be a wonderful, fun experience but laid back would never be a word I would use to describe it. If you can go at any other time I would sugggest that. Easter week is one of the 3 busiest weeks of the year and Disney is really staying busy right now.

I know some will see my opinion as negative but I try really hard to call it as I have seen it. Been there done that situation. Also since this is your first trip to WDW and the kids first, even changing resorts in this busy week could be a stress. Basically you will get settled only to get unsettled and move again. With small children that might need a nap, you could be without a room on the move day until after 3pm due to high occupancy at the resorts. If your children were older moving is easier as they don't mind being away from a room all day.

I guess my concern is this is huge undertaking with small children for someone that has never been. It can be a wonderful experience but something you might want to attempt the first time at a less busy time of the year.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I think you picked pretty good resorts for getting in some relaxation amidst the busy parks. Easter week isn't SO bad...I've done this w/ my son and we usually got to parks right at opening and then left before they got too terribly crowded (sometimes as early as 10:30 am, but hey, we got a couple great hours in!). Then we'd have resort time or hang out somewhere like the Boardwalk or the international area of Epcot, which is usually bearable during the day even during peak hours (it's so spread out). If we are missing the parks we do the fastpass stuff in the afternoon.

GF feels removed and it is designed well so you feel pretty relaxed there. I never had any problem w/ beach spots or pool crowds (there are two pretty big pools versus number of hotel guests). There is alot to do around the resort for kids, like character breakfasts, the ladybug release, a great toy shop, adventures in cooking, alice's tea party and the pirate cruise (the last three you want to book early, though). The Yacht club is a fairly relaxed resort as well. AKL is another very relaxing resort, but not on your list. But anyway, the Yacht club will give you stormalong bay and some great slides for your kids. Plus more beach access on the sand that banks the lake.

You'll have fun! Don't worry!

 

[rcraw45425]

We'll be at the GF two days after you leave. I agree with the above posters, you have picked two resorts that will allow you to maximize downtime. We don't get to the parks super early, but then we go frequently. Truthfully, none of my family is really into super early rising on a vacation. The week you're going, by the way, the Magic Kingdom (MK) will be open late about every night. Like 10, 11 PM. What we like to do is go around 9 or so in the morning, then scoot out of MK by noon, usually when the big crowds arrive. Take the monorail to EPCOT, WS (aka the countries) has a lot better food than a burned dry burger at Pecos Bills or Cosmic Ray's. Another neat place to eat is in MGM at the Sci Fi Drive In . The kids loved it, you eat in a "car" while watching cheesy old sci fi movies from the 50's & 60's. Hubby and I actually remembered some of them Real hoot. It's indoors so you don't have to worry about weather. The Yacht Club is our newest favorite hotel. We were there 2 weeks ago, sob. The rooms at both of these hotels are spacious, sleep 5 easily. The pool complex at YC is great. Areas of it are under refurbishment but don't worry, the sand bottom part, which little ones enjoy is open. YC guests are also allowed to use the pool at the Boardwalk Inn, which has the Keister Coaster slide, looks like a wooden roller coaster that shoots you into the pool through a clown's mouth. Okay unless you have a kid that's terrified of clowns. Make sure to make a PS (reservation) for Ohana at the Polynesian, all you can eat polynesian/asian food. Really great, steak, shrimp, turkey & pork plus wontons fried rice and salad. HTH