Followed the plans on here and no Elsa FP

Keep checking the Fastpass site. When I booked our FPs there was no availability, however yesterday morning when I checked one appeared. I had been stalking the site 3-4 times a day. It can pay off.

Good luck
 
OK, I'll try to be constructive because I'm not a big FP+ fan.

1. Definitely keep checking for 2 people at a time. You have 7 days, something *will* open up on those 7 days. If it's important, you may have to switch your days around, but nothing will be as hard to switch around as A&E.

2. Ask about the change/cancellation policy of the AKL unit. I know you are renting, but you don't lose anything by explaining the difficult changes in your family's financial situation and see if they can refund you if they find someone else to rent the unit to. It sounds like it's not the FP+ that is causing the stress, it's the budget. If they can, move to another hotel that will allow you to enjoy your vacation without the financial stress. Or move the reservation to a future date next summer/early Fall. The Frozen summer thing at DHS was chock-full of Anna and Elsa. The parade was really cute and the fireworks were very good. We met A & E at our Disney cruise and it wasn't even remotely as memorable as the Frozen summer thing at DHS the summer before.

3. Definitely book other Meet and Greets. Sometimes a princess or character that is not *the* one will have a great interaction with your child and they will wind up remembering that more.

4. There's a lot of Frozen theme stuff around the parks that you can make a big deal of for your daughter: special treats, cupcakes, maybe get her a hair thingy, etc.

5. Going during parade or fireworks will allow you to use the rest of the time for something else and not experience a long wait.
 
I'm not sure why you chose AK if the only reason you did was for FP+ for A&E. There are much less expensive onsite resorts.

Not only that, AK is one of the FURTHEST resorts from MK.

That being said, I was able to grab a A&E FP no problem. I really like how the FP+ system works. I Can't wait to see how it goes in the parks. (This is our first time on the new system)
 
This thread is raptly entertaining.

I can't believe I'm about to say this, because it goes against every WDW principle that I hold dear, but..........*swallow* *cough* *swallow*..................

...................................................*dramatic pause*...............................................................

..........................................................An hour in standby never killed anyone. (Well, not anyone in relatively good health anyway.)

I just about killed me to type that. Honestly, if that is the ONE thing your kid wants to do, in all of WDW, then an hour in standby is worth it.

On a side note OP, trying to chase the ideal of a "perfect trip" will do nothing but exhaust and disappoint you. The higher you put the trip on a pedestal, the farther it will crash. I understand you've had a bad year, (I didn't read all of the replies, but that is what I'm picking up here), and that you and your family really need this vacation, but the more you plan and tweak, and re-plan, and obsess, quite frankly, the further into chaos you will plummet. A couple of days into your trip you will turn into that bloodshot eyed, crazy haired Mom who is screaming at their family that if they don't get moving in 5 minutes they'll miss (*insert whatever here*), and you've paid $*)*#)*@)*@ for this trip and it can't be missed! Then you will burst into tears when you discover that, really, all your kids want to do is swim in the AKL pool. (That was my biggest letdown, honestly. All my daughter wanted to do was spend all day at the pool, despite everything else to do, and see, at WDW.

You are going to be you, you are going to do what you want to do and that is fine, I'm just offering up some friendly advice that trying to plan that "perfect trip" is kind of like chasing that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Disney is a little stressful, but it doesn't have to make you miserable. Be flexible, understand that it may pour rain 5 out of 7 days, know that you may not make it to every ADR, the fastpasses you want may not ever be available, and whatever ride you have a FP for and are really looking forward to may break and be down for the next few days, right before you board it. Life happens, even at WDW.

This is SO true. If you read these types of sites, you think that you can't have a great Disney vacation unless you plan, plan, plan. That is actually so wrong. Plan for highlights, the things you will be disappointed if you don't do. (In this instance, going for the A&E FP is correct.) The rest will fall into place. The best parts of a Disney vacation are usually spontaneous. We took dd's friend for her first (and maybe only) trip at 17 last Christmas. We got the A&E FP. But she missed a lot of the things that are supposedly so important. You know what? She had a blast! Your dd will be so much happier to spend time with family relaxing and having fun, rather than running around from one place to another. Especially at 4. I hope you get your FP. But realize that you will have a wonderful time whether you do the planning or not.
 

Many of you clearly haven't read the OP's followups, so you probably won't read this e

1. She rented points so she has already paid for her hotel stay and there's no canceling.
2. Due to a change in financial circumstances since she rented points, she can only afford to go to the park ONE day, not the full 7 of her AK stay. That's why A&E was so important on that one day.
 
If no one has posted this yet, Anna and Elsa are available during MNSSHP and the lines should be considerably shorter. We are also having a hard time getting in to see them and are either going to try for RD or MNSSHP. Even if you don't get to see them i would definitely not let it ruin your vacation, maybe you'll get a little bit of fairy magic and FP+ will open up. Good luck to you I hope your trip is magical.
 
If no one has posted this yet, Anna and Elsa are available during MNSSHP and the lines should be considerably shorter. We are also having a hard time getting in to see them and are either going to try for RD or MNSSHP. Even if you don't get to see them i would definitely not let it ruin your vacation, maybe you'll get a little bit of fairy magic and FP+ will open up. Good luck to you I hope your trip is magical.

That is good to know. See I read (maybe on a blog somewhere), that Elsa was there last year, but this year she may not be there. So I didn't want to bank on that (on our last day) and miss her.
 
Many of you clearly haven't read the OP's followups, so you probably won't read this e

1. She rented points so she has already paid for her hotel stay and there's no canceling.
2. Due to a change in financial circumstances since she rented points, she can only afford to go to the park ONE day, not the full 7 of her AK stay. That's why A&E was so important on that one day.

Yes this is exactly right. We rented points through a company not a person who might be willing to hear my story. We signed a contract, paid our money and that's that. All the money we had saved (a big lump sum) has had to go to other things, therefore I cannot pay $1,000 for week of park passes for the 3 of us. We have to skimp now is all.
 
As I think others have mentioned, meet & greets can vary widely depending on who you get, what kind of day they're having, etc. we had a great Anna but Elsa wasn't that good.

I believe Anna & Elsa are in the FoF parade, so if you don't want to wait in line you could still see them in the parade. Honestly, at age 4 your daughter won't even know that A&E are available for m&g kf you don't tell her. It's really easy to get FP for Cinderella & Rapunzel or Ariel, maybe she would like to meet them and then you could see the others in the parade?
 
So you are only doing 1 day tickets? If so couldn't you still switch the day, if an A&E FP+ came available? I hope it all works out for you, but the great thing is AKL is beautiful, so you can enjoy all there is to see there, go stroll around DTD and checkout the lego creations. I hope it works out for you!
 
OP, I am glad you still get to go on your trip, and I'm sure it will be magical in many ways. There are definitely plenty of things you can do that aren't in the parks.

We like to visit the Boardwalk. Boardwalk Bakery is cute and they have lots of yummy treats. You can get ice cream at Beaches and Cream and walk around the Boardwalk one evening. Plenty to see there, street performers and such.

Downtown Disney is free to go and walk around, as well. There's lots of shopping and places to eat.

You can go watch Yeeha Bob at Port Orleans Riverside.

I think they also show a movie a few nights a week, outdoors at some resorts - honestly I've never been but I've walked past, so I'm not sure how often/what movies they show.

Another thing that might be fun for your daughter: You can buy Disney trading pins on Ebay. Honestly they're like $1 or less apiece and you can buy a bundle for like $10. Get her a cute lanyard from the dollar store, or even on Ebay, and she can walk around with her pins on her lanyard. She can trade with Castmembers that have pins. She'd probably find it fun!
 
That is good to know. See I read (maybe on a blog somewhere), that Elsa was there last year, but this year she may not be there. So I didn't want to bank on that (on our last day) and miss her.

If there truly is nothing you can do, the points are non-transferable and the company won't work with you at all, then honestly I'd just chock the cost up to a loss and cancel. Sorry, I would. I had something in the same realm happen once, and went to WDW on a super tight budget. I worried over every penny I spent. In retrospect, I should have just cancelled because I couldn't enjoy the trip trip for constantly worrying about my budget.
 
Not sure How I could cook meals for the fam like that. I'd rather spread it out so the other days don't seem so boring.
How about preparing a couple meals before you go and bringing them in a cooler, so you can heat them up in the microwave. And bring some cold cuts and bread for sandwiches. There really is so much to do outside of the parks, especially when staying at such a beautiful resort. You won't be bored. Watch the animals, go in the pool, take the free resort tour, look for hidden mickeys, go to a movie night. Downtown Disney has free entertainment, especially on weekends. My kids ADORED the lego sculptures. Maybe set aside a small amount of money for a special souvenir and have a lot of window shopping prior, so she is sure of what she wants before the big purchase at the end of your DTD night. (And by big purchase to a kid a $10 plush can be a big purchase) Really there is so much more outside the park things to do. Try doing a search for ideas. I know I have seen threads on it. Or start a new thread for ideas. Really truly, I know your trip can still be magical even with the obstacles you are facing. Try to stay positive.
 
OP, I am glad you still get to go on your trip, and I'm sure it will be magical in many ways. There are definitely plenty of things you can do that aren't in the parks.

We like to visit the Boardwalk. Boardwalk Bakery is cute and they have lots of yummy treats. You can get ice cream at Beaches and Cream and walk around the Boardwalk one evening. Plenty to see there, street performers and such.

Downtown Disney is free to go and walk around, as well. There's lots of shopping and places to eat.

You can go watch Yeeha Bob at Port Orleans Riverside.

I think they also show a movie a few nights a week, outdoors at some resorts - honestly I've never been but I've walked past, so I'm not sure how often/what movies they show.

Another thing that might be fun for your daughter: You can buy Disney trading pins on Ebay. Honestly they're like $1 or less apiece and you can buy a bundle for like $10. Get her a cute lanyard from the dollar store, or even on Ebay, and she can walk around with her pins on her lanyard. She can trade with Castmembers that have pins. She'd probably find it fun!

And to expand on this, Fort Wilderness has the Chip and Dale campfire sing-along, and it is free! A movie plays after the sing-along. You can bring smores makings from home or pick up a kit at the market in FW.

Also, the movies that play on the beaches are not for resort guests only. Anyone can enjoy the movie.

GO to Animal Kingdom Lodge and take the tours that are offered for free, and spend time with the CM's who are there. They love to share stories about their homelands.
 
Dear OP,

First of all, I'm terribly sorry for everything your family has dealt with over the last few months. I cannot understand how stressed you are already, but I'm trying :D. That being said, I totally understand not only your disappointment at not having the vacation you initially imagined, but your stress of planning what you have left. Even planning a perfect day at MK may not make up for what "could have been", so I can understand how your thoughts are already 'tainted', so to speak.

But I believe you guys will have an amazing time. You mention that you've never taken a family vacation and that the next one will be on a beach, doing nothing. At AKL you'll have two beautiful pools to choose from, a splash pad, lots of animals, free activities (cookie decorating, face painting, poolside games, drumming, storytelling etc.) There is actually so much stuff to do there it'll take you a few days to "do it all" if you choose. Plus there are cheaper things to do at other resorts as well. You can go to Fort Wilderness, have DD ride a pony (I think it's $8) go to the playground, take the boat over to CR, ride the monorail. I would avoid DTD because personally i just think it's a place to spend money :D Take time to enjoy the things around you. Sleep in, watch movies by the pool, roast marshmallows etc. Take time to enjoy the activities at the community hall at Kidani. (BTW I listed activities at both Kidani and Jambo House because you can use the facilities at both!) We stayed at AKL for 8 nights last year and it was amazing. We had 2 "off" days, and it wasn't enough.

Food wise, you can order from a grocery service. There are tons of things you can make in a microwave or a toaster. And when all else fails there's always wine :rolleyes:

Honestly I think you guys will have a perfect vacation. AKL is the perfect place to feel secluded and a real vacation away from your problems. It's not in viewing area of any of the parks, so it has that 'stand alone' feel. It's relaxing. It's not "go go go" to the park. I know it's not the way most people on the Dis vacation at WDW, but that's what your family is doing and it'll certainly work for you. You'll have time as a family to reboot and relax.

In terms of the FP+, you have a lot of good options that were suggested here. You may even be able to go twice (MNSSHP and on your MK day!)
 
Wow this is awesome! Thanks

Don't remember seeing if the DVC rental was a studio or 1 bedroom unit?? The studio does have only a kitchenette type setup. Microwave, small fridge, sink, coffee maker & maybe a toaster?? If it is a 1 bedroom or more the unit will have a full kitchen + dinnerware & utensils & laundry.
 
OP, I'm very sorry to hear of all your struggles that you have encountered recently and understand how important this trip is for some needed rest and relaxation. I think you have gotten some excellent tips on how to make A&E stil work for your family and wish you the best of luck and pixie dust!

I also agree with some of the most recent posts in taking some time to explore some of the resorts and seeing what magic you can find there. I have always enjoyed the time that we have spent dining and exploring the other resorts and being immersed in the theming. I know that dining at some of the TS restaurants might not be an option since they can be pricey but maybe just getting some snacks like cupcakes at the Contempo Cafe or Dole Whips from the Poly would be fun. Once when we were in Orlando visiting family and our AP's had expired, we just ate at Chef Mickey's and rode the monorail loop to see the other resorts. It was a great memory and helped us get our Disney fix. Another time, we rode the boats from DHS to EP and our whole family loved the boat ride. The tour made us want to stop and see all of the resorts along the way. I have also wanted to go to Ft. Wilderness and see the ranch and stay for Chip and Dale's sing along and campfire. They have catch and release fishing there that is pretty cheap and a trail to walk over to the Wilderness Lodge. I think the POFQ and POR resorts sound fun to go to and explore and I'm excited to see AofA since we will be at POP this year. You might want to check some of the resort FAQ threads on the resort board for more specific details on what is available at each resort. I think it's so great that you are staying at AKL. It is a resort I would love to stay or visit sometime. I think you will find so much there to see and do!

I also agree with the suggestion of picking up some groceries to cut down on food costs. I would actually recommend maybe doing a combination of your own meals and dining at Disney restaurants. It will save you some money but also make it so you aren't preparing all of your own meals. I kind of like a combination myself when we can mange it because I can get sick of eating out for all of my meals. However, I wouldn't enjoy fixing all of my meals there either. Definitely go for easy to prepare and simple foods if you can. Another way to save money is to eat QS and split some of the larger meals or opt for some of the kids meals which are often really not that small. Josh on easyWDW.com and Joe and Ashley on the YouTube vlogs seeyareelsoon often recommend the kids meals for a smaller yet still filling option at a very reasonable price (usually around $5).
 
Hi OP:
Given your situation, I think you are staying in the perfect resort. We are planning a trip to AKL (DVC Villa) in the next three years where we don't go to the parks at all. We, too, will save $1200 in park tickets. Our idea is to rent a car for a few of the days to do day trips to Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Bok Tower, etc. The rest of the time we plan to enjoy the resort - pools, crafts, cultural experiences, watching animals.

I hope you have a wonderful trip and are able to relax and enjoy yourself!
 





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