forum and Disney newbie!!!

[neechofish]

My parents booked a dream trip to Orlando on Saturday. We have two weeks and are coming from the UK. there will be 8 in our party. DM58,DD57, DB33, DS30, ME 34, 11 yr old foster sister and 2 nieces aged 5 and 18months. This has been a massive shock for me DB and DS. It will be a surprise for the kids. We are staying at buena vista palace in early June. We have 2 week Disney passes, and definitely will be doing universal studios.

I have joined this site and been reading it since Saturday! I can't tell you how excited we all are. You are all fantastic.

I will however be needing your help. I am determined that the kids have a trip of a lifetime (I include myself as a big child). After 48 hours of solid research I'm beginning to make a plan. (Only mk so far!!!) I'll be asking many more questions I am sure but initially:
1) is it too late for a June trip to book CRT for breakfast on the first morning? Alternatively can you recommend a good princess breakfast we may be able to book?
2) DN5 is terrified of fireworks.... which is the best evening parade?
3) Do we need to bring our own pennies for the penny machines?
4) can we get one photopass for our group of 8?
5) as there are 8 of us, is it just as easy to take a cab to MK from DTD? I understand a large cab will cost the same as a smaller one.
6) I have 3 kids eat free cards... Any recommendations for DTD evening meals?

Many thanks guys, I think you will be hearing from me a lot as I am really stressing and determined that the kids have the best ever time.

 

[snowglobe girl]

Happy for you and your family!! Group trips can be so much fun, as long as you aren't trying to please everyone. Here is my opinion, for what it's worth:

1) is it too late for a June trip to book CRT for breakfast on the first morning? Yes, most likely. The castle tends to book up right at the 180 day mark and is hard to get later than that. It can be done, but it will require you checking the dining website frequently in case someone cancels.

Alternatively can you recommend a good princess breakfast we may be able to book? Norway in Epcot (Akershus) has a Princess character breakfast that you could probably still book now.

2) DN5 is terrified of fireworks.... which is the best evening parade? MK's Main Street Electrical Parade is great and she'll love it. You could ride the rides during the fireworks and then see the 2nd parade if she can stay up that late. It's less crowded too.

3) Do we need to bring our own pennies for the penny machines? Yes, although we've gotten change at close stores before when we ran out of pennies.

4) can we get one photopass for our group of 8? Yes

5) as there are 8 of us, is it just as easy to take a cab to MK from DTD? I understand a large cab will cost the same as a smaller one. -I can't answer this one. I've never taken a cab at Disney. I always use their bus system or our car.

6) I have 3 kids eat free cards... Any recommendations for DTD evening meals? I'm not sure which restaurants qualify, but the T-Rex Restaurant and Rainforest Cafe are lots of fun for kids.

 

[neechofish]

Thank you for your reply. I'm very much looking forward to it!

I expected as much with CRT - I'll risk a cheeky phone call but with 8 in our party I don't fancy our chances.

 

[SA mom]

Couple of additions:

1) It isn't impossible to get a CRT reservation. If you are persistent and try everyday you might get in. I was able to change our reservation within a few weeks of our early June visit.

2) You can watch fireworks from the beach at the Polynesian resort without the loud sound. My daughters were both afraid at age 6 so we bought them earplugs. They learned to love it.

4) You can all have different photopass cards and load the card numbers onto the same account. If you are doing photopass+, only that one card will work for the ride photos and character meals, but all the other cards can be attached to the photopass+ account. Be sure to take a photo of your photopass cards so if you lose them, you can still add them to your account. When we split up, everyone made note of their photo numbers on the rides and then I went back later and loaded those ride photos onto our photopass + card. It was so fun to have all the ride photos.

Hope you have great time!

 

[dvcHammer]

for your question on the penny presses - new pennies are not copper and do not make as nice pressed coins as older ones. Pre-1982 ones are 100% copper and make much better imprints.
And since I'm getting pressed penny geeky here, clean & polish them so there is no dirt or oxidation on them. Makes a big difference in the final product

 

[Albytaps]

for your question on the penny presses - new pennies are not copper and do not make as nice pressed coins as older ones. Pre-1982 ones are 100% copper and make much better imprints.
And since I'm getting pressed penny geeky here, clean & polish them so there is no dirt or oxidation on them. Makes a big difference in the final product

Wow... that's hardcore!

 

[neechofish]

Thank you!!!
Loving the pressed pennies idea.

I now have a little task for the kids before we go. I shall have them collecting pennies and tell them we are going to a copper mine. Some great conversation starters for the dwarves!

 

[disneygkt]

When we go to disney, I get each of our kids the M&M mini's in the tube. It's perfect to stack quarters with each penny for pressing. I even take the M&M wrapper off and decorate each tube with Disney character stickers. The tubes are also great for holding quarters for the laundry facilities.

 

[JessM]

Answers in blue below!

My parents booked a dream trip to Orlando on Saturday. We have two weeks and are coming from the UK. there will be 8 in our party. DM58,DD57, DB33, DS30, ME 34, 11 yr old foster sister and 2 nieces aged 5 and 18months. This has been a massive shock for me DB and DS. It will be a surprise for the kids. We are staying at buena vista palace in early June. We have 2 week Disney passes, and definitely will be doing universal studios.

I have joined this site and been reading it since Saturday! I can't tell you how excited we all are. You are all fantastic.

I will however be needing your help. I am determined that the kids have a trip of a lifetime (I include myself as a big child). After 48 hours of solid research I'm beginning to make a plan. (Only mk so far!!!) I'll be asking many more questions I am sure but initially:
1) is it too late for a June trip to book CRT for breakfast on the first morning? Alternatively can you recommend a good princess breakfast we may be able to book?

Its not too late but you will need to check everyday! I know you want to do a princess breakfast but consider booking a breakfast at Crystal Palace. If you can book before the park opens you can walk down an almost empty mainstreet, its magical!

2) DN5 is terrified of fireworks.... which is the best evening parade?

The Electrical Parade at the MK is wonderful. You will all love it!

3) Do we need to bring our own pennies for the penny machines?

Yes but you can always grab change from one of the main gift shops

4) can we get one photopass for our group of 8?

Yes! You can collect as many photopass cards as you want and add them to one account. They even let us order more than one CD when we got home.

If you get Photopass+ you will get ONE red photopass card that has to be used to collect any dining or ride photos (in addition you can also collect regular photos with the card). You can still collect regular photopass cards and add them to your Photopass+ account, you just won't be able to get the ride or dining photos without the red card. I hope that made sense!

5) as there are 8 of us, is it just as easy to take a cab to MK from DTD? I understand a large cab will cost the same as a smaller one.

You would have to catch the cab at the Contemporary Resort. It would probably be just as easy to catch the Contemporary DTD bus.

6) I have 3 kids eat free cards... Any recommendations for DTD evening meals?

Sorry I've actually never eaten at DTD, we aren't big shoppers

Many thanks guys, I think you will be hearing from me a lot as I am really stressing and determined that the kids have the best ever time.

 

[neechofish]

Thank you!

I have managed to wangle adr for 8am at CP for our first day so I am very pleased.

I've also booked wishes dessert party for our second evening and princess dining at akerhaus for breakfast a couple of days later.

I am over the moon with this.

The last dining experience obviously my list is now fantasmic!

I'm getting carried away but I don't care!!

So far the plan is:
First evening: wander around dtd and early night.
Day one - Mk - ADR at CP for 8am. In park all day. Probably come away when the kids are ready.
Day 2 - MK possibly a later start dependant on the kids but all day with wishes on evening.
Day 3 AK -ropedrop. Adr at rainforest cafe for 12:30. Early night, dinner at hotel
Day 4 EP ADR 8:am Akerhaus. Finish with illuminations.
Day 5 TL/BB - no time restraints. I will be going to HS solo for SWW
Day 6 Ioa for ropedrop. Dinner at BBKings
Day 7 US for ropedrop. dinner at tony romas
Day 8 Aquatica - no time restraints. Early night.
Day 9 HS ropedrop adr to be made.
Day 10 tl/bb
Day 11 busch/seaworld
Day 12 busch/seaworld
Day 13 - whatever the kids have enjoyed most and down time
Day 14- whatever the kids have enjoyed most leave at 6pm

On most Disney long days the kids will be having a few hours back at the resort to relax. The other evenings the kids will be in bed early. I am "solo" and will use the waterpark days as downtime if I struggle as I will be staying at the parks until I drop!

However I am conscious that this was exhausting even preparing it!

I do have detailed day plans for the attractions and they can talk be changed, except where an adr dictates where we will be that day.

How's it looking?

 

[Disney Fool]

Washing the pennies in ketchup makes them shiny! I think with the age group of your party, you'll probably want a second day at Epcot. It's much bigger than you think.

 

[neechofish]

Thanks for the tip! We do have room in the schedule for an extra day there.

 

[Disney Fool]

I can almost feel your excitement! Be aware, once bitten, that feeling never goes away. You WILL find a way to return sometime. (yeah, its that good). Enjoy your planning. Further questions? Ask away. Oh, and you might want to purchase a favorite Princess dress for the five year old. Most little girls dress up, but not all. (bring a change of clothes so kids can tour park in comfort after meal). Coming from the UK, make sure you are all protected from the harsh Florida sun (sunhats, sunscreen, lots of water to drink). Oh, and welcome to the DIS

 

[neechofish]

Haha! I am becoming intolerable to be around!
It's a combination of things but for me the most important is giving the kids the time of their lives. 4yo will never forget this. 12 yo has had a terrible life so far so this is the opportunity to cram an entire childhood into two weeks for her.
My parents don't appreciate the size of the task and don't even know there are 4 separate theme parks!!
I am not usually a big planner, I take things as they come, but this experience will never be repeated. Yes, I am sure we will all go again (I'm already planning a second trip!!) But that first peek of the world can't be repeated.

I'm happy with the plan at the moment. The adr 's have exceeded my expectations with the late booking.I'm in two minds about booking fantasmic package.

4yo is already a little princess she has a couple of outfits already. I have bought her a fantastic medieval costume which I am adapting as a merida costume.

12 yo is harder as she is unaware we are going to WDW. She is however being educated on a daily basis with one film a night )

 

[MHSweb79]

I recommend getting a good guidebook- like the Unofficial Guide or Birnbaum's Disney for Kids.

As an aside- we stayed at the Buena Vista Palace for our honeymoon. In 1984.

The only downside to taking cabs is that your party of 8 might want to split up during the day. You might want to consider renting a car instead. This will give you much greater flexibility during the day (someone can bring the little ones back to the resort for a rest/ swim and return later in the day, for instance).

Good luck, and have fun!

QUICK - Go to easywdw.com and download/ print out the fantastic cheat sheets. I did it yesterday and was blown away - and I'm a Disney veteran!

 

[Disney Fool]

Not sure if you've heard about this, but there is a Wonderland Tea Party with Alice and Mad Hatter over at the Grand Floridian at 1900 Park Fare. You make reservation through Disney Dining.

 

[neechofish]

I got the cheat sheets yesterday and have passed these onto my parents... I was pleased that all the advice on here seems to be excellent and effectively the cheat sheets compound it all nicely. My plans follow the cheat sheets. I'm getting good at this!!!

Mad hatters - I will look into this - the kids (sorry me) will love it.

Car rental was considered but decided against because of the parking costs at BVP and the parks. I suspect the men of the party will change their mind after one day on a crowded bus!

 

[Alesia]

As far as the cab goes, you can't get 8 people in a taxi (even a van,) so you'll need 2. DTD to MK will cost about $25 per cab, one way.

 

[subtchr]

I think your plan looks great so far!

My only comment is about your restaurants for dinner on your Universal days. Did you consider restaurants at CityWalk or in the parks, instead of off property? There is Bubba Gumps, Hard Rock Cafe, and Margaritaville in CityWalk; and Mythos in IoA is consistently rated the best theme park restaurant in the country.

If you choose one of these on those nights instead of Tony Roma's and BB Kings, it would be much more convenient to go back into the parks after dinner for things you have missed or to experience them after dark, including the Cinematic Spectacular at US. CityWalk is fun to explore on its own, too!

Have fun - I'm sure you will!!

 

[neechofish]

Hi thanks for that. Tony romas is non negotiable as it's a favourite of ours in tenerife. It can always be done another night though!! I'll check out citywalk.