Followed the plans on here and no Elsa FP

[DekrRini]

And that's fine, but going on vacation and pinching pennies is not fun to ME. It's stressful. I just think at this point eating a $1500 loss, probably less if renting points, is better than ballooning that loss to $3000 or $4500.

And the suggestion another poster made about not paying their bills in order to cover the trip costs is ludicrous to me.

The bills are her grandmother's bills not the OPs and the OP is not legally bound to pay any of them. That she is willing to do so is admirable, especially given her own financial situation.

 

[3DisneyFanz]

I would NEVER cancel a vacation that was paid for. That is insane. There are so many good suggestions that have already been given to make the vacation worthwhile.

For me, if the entire point of the trip was A&E, bite the bullet and stand in line for it. Just because you don't have a FP+ doesn't mean you can't see them. I realize that means you'll miss out on other things but those other things don't seem to be what the trip was about anyway.

I agree with this one 100%. If you have a day plus the party then just take the full experience and go with it. Let's not forget many, many moons ago in a land before FP our ancient ancestors stood in line for everything and survived just fine.

We stay on property every time we have to be in the area whether we go to the parks or not and we aren't even close to staying at AKL on any trip. It really sounds like a couple days sleeping in and chilling by the pool may be exactly what is needed.

 

[crostorfer]

The bills are her grandmother's bills not the OPs and the OP is not legally bound to pay any of them. That she is willing to do so is admirable, especially given her own financial situation.

So, ruin Grandma's credit and put her in a more precarious financial situation, so that she can pay for more at WDW? This is your suggestion? Is Grandma going to be able to eat while she's gone? Maybe she could leave her a couple of cans of cat food, and leave the window cracked.

Its not just Grandma's bills either, is it? Her husband lost his job, and their house got robbed, did I get those details correct? From an outsider's prospective, it sounds like they have bills that need paying, more than they need to spend more money at WDW. That is why I suggested that it may be better to scrap a trip, and take the loss, when it is no longer practical to take it, financially. A $1000 loss is better than $2000 you can't afford to spend.

 

[mummabear]

So, ruin Grandma's credit and put her in a more precarious financial situation, so that she can pay for more at WDW? This is your suggestion? Is Grandma going to be able to eat while she's gone? Maybe she could leave her a couple of cans of cat food, and leave the window cracked.

Its not just Grandma's bills either, is it? Her husband lost his job, and their house got robbed, did I get those details correct? From an outsider's prospective, it sounds like they have bills that need paying, more than they need to spend more money at WDW. That is why I suggested that it may be better to scrap a trip, and take the loss, when it is no longer practical to take it, financially. A $1000 loss is better than $2000 you can't afford to spend.

I don't remember the OP asking anyone's opinion on whether they should take the trip....
Financially it may be difficult, it may (or may not) be the "best" thing to do but it sure sounds like OP and her family need a break both literally and figuratively.
She came here to have a wee vent that at 60 days she couldn't get the one FP she wanted (And yes it didn't come across "well" to some) and what does she get people a) making her feel bad for taking a trip they don't think she should take and b) making her feel bad about her trip because hey can't afford for it to be fun enough in posters eyes.
OP if you are still reading this thread despite the negativity, you will have a lovely time, you will decompress ready to tackle the issues when you get home, your family will make lovely memories both in and out of the park.
There is loads to do for little or no money.
What dates are you there?

 

[rainboots]

I would do movie nights at different resorts each night, campfires, marshmallow roasts, pool games at AKL, learn to hula at the poly, check out the boardwalk free tour, wilderness lodge has a tour I believe, and do whatever else AKL has for free activities. Sounds like a real vacation to me!!! Not scheduled every minute or on the run to make FPs!

Enjoy your trip, relax and get away from the stress for a bit! Many hugs & pixie dust to you, OP!

 

[magicmomms]

Thanks...hubby didn't lose his job though, thankfully! Economy effects his job though and what he makes.

I am looking into Trails end- think we are gonna do a half day there. It sounds like great fun our family would enjoy. See the horses, maybe go fishing, trails, have a nice dinner, and then the campfire and movie under the stars if weather permits.

After reading all of the posts (and I read them ALL- even the deleted ones) I definetly have a much better outlook on things. I think we are gonna have a great time. Thanks for all the tips- that's not what this thread was supposed to be about, but it has really helped out a lot! I have looked up all the places you have recommended. We won't know how much cash we have until the trip, since the house is up for sale. If it sells we will be so thankful- but that also comes with costs (any changes the buyer wants) and closing costs and such. This has things up in the air for us. My daughter has spending money. She saved and saved all year long so she is set. I don't have to worry about souveneirs. Just gas/food/entertainment.

 

[5kidsmommy]

But she coul

Thanks...hubby didn't lose his job though, thankfully! Economy effects his job though and what he makes.

I am looking into Trails end- think we are gonna do a half day there. It sounds like great fun our family would enjoy. See the horses, maybe go fishing, trails, have a nice dinner, and then the campfire and movie under the stars if weather permits.

After reading all of the posts (and I read them ALL- even the deleted ones) I definetly have a much better outlook on things. I think we are gonna have a great time. Thanks for all the tips- that's not what this thread was supposed to be about, but it has really helped out a lot! I have looked up all the places you have recommended. We won't know how much cash we have until the trip, since the house is up for sale. If it sells we will be so thankful- but that also comes with costs (any changes the buyer wants) and closing costs and such. This has things up in the air for us. My daughter has spending money. She saved and saved all year long so she is set. I don't have to worry about souveneirs. Just gas/food/entertainment.

Just an FYI it's Fort Wilderness, that should make finding info easier for you. Their is a buffet there called Trails End. Fort Wilderness is a wonderful place to hang out.

Hopefully things will look up for you.

 

[magicmomms]

Thanks!

I was just reading about FP for the 3pm parade. I think that might be good to get a spot to see Elsa. (Not to mention Flynn Ryder- she really likes him, but there is no meet that I know of). It's all booked. Is this something that may open up or was that a 60 day gotta grab early?

 

[MischaOz]

Honestly, you prob don't need a FP for the 3pm parade. There are so many spots where you can watch the parade. If you keep checking you may see some FP open up, but I would rather save the FP for rides or characters.

 

[DoingDisney]

Thanks...hubby didn't lose his job though, thankfully! Economy effects his job though and what he makes.

I am looking into Trails end- think we are gonna do a half day there. It sounds like great fun our family would enjoy. See the horses, maybe go fishing, trails, have a nice dinner, and then the campfire and movie under the stars if weather permits.

After reading all of the posts (and I read them ALL- even the deleted ones) I definetly have a much better outlook on things. I think we are gonna have a great time. Thanks for all the tips- that's not what this thread was supposed to be about, but it has really helped out a lot! I have looked up all the places you have recommended. We won't know how much cash we have until the trip, since the house is up for sale. If it sells we will be so thankful- but that also comes with costs (any changes the buyer wants) and closing costs and such. This has things up in the air for us. My daughter has spending money. She saved and saved all year long so she is set. I don't have to worry about souveneirs. Just gas/food/entertainment.

Just wanted to say we rented points at AKL a little bit ago for a 2 week trip (definitely the only way we would stay at a Dlx, they just aren't worth it otherwise) and while I know its different when you have the option of being the parks multiple days I will say that on a couple days we purposefully just stayed at the resort.

Try to make sure you get a view you want, I can't remember if I saw what type of room view you have or not, but if its a standard room, if you initially get one with a partial view of the Savannah and aren't super fans, ask to be moved to a view of the pool, they are gorgeous.

We could easily spend a week at that resort without going to the parks. And don't forget you can use the facilities at both Jambo and Kidani, both pools Savannah views and everything.

 

[Drv6111]

There are some great non FP spots for the parade. The train station balcony is one that I like. And check at least 3 times a day for FP openings. People change their minds a lot. Also the in park kiosks sometimes have additional FP opportunities. Enchanted Tales comes to mind. Make sure you hit the Tangled Toilets and look for all of Rapunzel's paintings. No FP needed there!

 

[magicmomms]

I was thinking my view might be good, but my little girl is small. Would it be easy to find a spot where she could see too? How early do u think I would have to get a spot? I didn't realize the parade had changed since I had been there. It looks really cool. I think she will really like it.

 

[jtowntoflorida]

FWIW, if Disney goes back to how things used to be at MNSSHP, Flynn Rider will appear with Rapunzel during the party. Last year was the first year they took the princes away, but they brought them back for MVMCP. We'll have to wait until closer to the first party, though. But other than that, you're right....the parade is the only way to see him in the parks regularly.

 

[Drv6111]

If I were you, I'd take a 2 pm snack break at the train station balcony, and wait there. It's higher up, so has a nice view for your average tiny human. It's really up to that day's crowds for how early. 2 pm might be too early, it might be just right, it might be a bit congested. I'd read through some family trip reports on here and find where they like to stand and times.

 

[magicmomms]

FWIW, if Disney goes back to how things used to be at MNSSHP, Flynn Rider will appear with Rapunzel during the party. Last year was the first year they took the princes away, but they brought them back for MVMCP. We'll have to wait until closer to the first party, though. But other than that, you're right....the parade is the only way to see him in the parks regularly.

That would be awesome! I wonder why they took the princesses away?

If I were you, I'd take a 2 pm snack break at the train station balcony, and wait there. It's higher up, so has a nice view for your average tiny human. It's really up to that day's crowds for how early. 2 pm might be too early, it might be just right, it might be a bit congested. I'd read through some family trip reports on here and find where they like to stand and times.

Thank you!

 

[DoingDisney]

I was thinking my view might be good, but my little girl is small. Would it be easy to find a spot where she could see too? How early do u think I would have to get a spot? I didn't realize the parade had changed since I had been there. It looks really cool. I think she will really like it.

There are a couple websites that have maps of the rooms and what classification they are which will give you an idea of the kinds of views you can get from your room classification.... just google Animal Kingdom lodge .... are you at Jambo or Kidani ?

 

[magicmomms]

I meant the parade view. Our room is a savannah view.

 

[DoingDisney]

I meant the parade view. Our room is a savannah view.

Ah, very nice, some great rooms there

 

[Angel Ariel]

So, ruin Grandma's credit and put her in a more precarious financial situation, so that she can pay for more at WDW? This is your suggestion? Is Grandma going to be able to eat while she's gone? Maybe she could leave her a couple of cans of cat food, and leave the window cracked.

Its not just Grandma's bills either, is it? Her husband lost his job, and their house got robbed, did I get those details correct? From an outsider's prospective, it sounds like they have bills that need paying, more than they need to spend more money at WDW. That is why I suggested that it may be better to scrap a trip, and take the loss, when it is no longer practical to take it, financially. A $1000 loss is better than $2000 you can't afford to spend.

I'm sure the OP is in a better position than anyone here to know her financial situation. If she says they can go on the vacation provided that they skimp, there's no reason not to believe her. I completely understand that vacationing in that manner may stress others out, and that's totally valid. But the family's need to have a release/escape may trump that stress for the OP - and that's totally valid too. Bottom line is that the OP is more knowledgeable about her financial ability to take this trip than anyone here is.

 

[sunflare]

We were at Disneyland and I noticed all the duplicate characters, Mickey and Minnie on both 'Main Streets', Chip and Dale at every character meal, in Toontown, plus on the Main Streets! Princesses at the Ariels Grotto Character Meal at DCA and Fantasy Faire at DL.

So there is ample opportunity to meet the main characters, but they don't have duplicates for the most popular new characters?!

Lame, and Disney surely must recognize the demand for more...

I believe that there is some sort of unspoken rule where characters do not appear at the same time in the same park, especially at WDW. It just appears different at Disneyland because of the size and proximity of the parks - at WDW you can't just walk 200 feet and enter another park or resort hotel. Also, just because you see a character in one place at DLR doesn't mean they *stay* there - DLR characters wander, unlike most of the ones at WDW