From WDW to DL With Love - January 06, 2011 part 2

[KayR]

Sometimes I have found better prices and schedules flying into Tampa. Its a little more interesting getting to the port, but fine for traveling to WDW.

--Kay

 

[ACDSNY]

You guys seem to know about a lot of things - has anybody dumped cable for something else? If so, what? And how happy are you with it? (Tv and internet)

We're the last of the dinosaurs without cable or statelite.

I don't really miss it either.

 

[aan1701]

We're the last of the dinosaurs without cable or statelite.

I don't really miss it either.

My parents have cable. We only have over the air. HD works fine over the air. If I need to watch something on cable I just go there since they live only 10 min from us.

 

[aan1701]

Thanks Alan. We'll see what the new schedule shows when it comes out, but looking at the end of Oct it looks like Phoenix and Las Vegas are the only ones. The Phoenix route gets in around 5/6PM and the Las Vegas one around midnight. I guess it will seem really an official vacation once we book our flights. Can you tell I'm OCD when it comes to planning.

Yup you got OCD. LOL. Funny we used to have non stop flights to both Kansas City and Chicago out of Sac of tomatos.

 

[tinkryansmom]

Normally I like to fly through Dallas as it breaks up the trip nicely from Sacramento and our trips are in the Fall. For this trip I'll have too many bags so I'd like to use SWA and I'm trying to avoid weather delays. Like you I can handle one stop, but that's my limit.

totally agree - don't want to deal with travel delays or 2 stops. Traveling with kidlettes 2 stops gets to be a little much.

Definitely thinking the PHX route is going to work best for us! That would be great if we end up on the same plane!!

Also forgot to mention we drove right through your area this past weekend! Grant Line Road to Prairie City to Placerville! Hope you saw me wave!!

 

[ACDSNY]

Yup you got OCD. LOL. Funny we used to have non stop flights to both Kansas City and Chicago out of Sac of tomatos.

I've seen the one stop routes for KC and Chicago before, but they seem to come and go.

It's killing me to wait until June 4th to make our DVC reservation for before the cruise as I need to use our VGC points. Hopefully we can snag a couple of studios, now to decide where to try for. I'll probably be nice and let DH cousins pick our location.

 

[ACDSNY]

Definitely thinking the PHX route is going to work best for us! That would be great if we end up on the same plane!!

Also forgot to mention we drove right through your area this past weekend! Grant Line Road to Prairie City to Placerville! Hope you saw me wave!!

Yep, you passed right by our place we're on Grant Line! Unless the schedule changes it looks like we'll see you in Phoenix.

 

[Aunt KatKat]

We spent the entire NYE 09-10 in MK, getting up at 5:30 AM, on the bus by 6:15, arrive by 6:30 for the 7:00 AM opening. We didn’t have any kids with us. It was just me (23) and my brother (19), so we had a lot of energy and I would imagine it would be more difficult to get through the day with young kids. On the other hand, if your kids are used to being in the parks for long days on other trips, this day might not be that much worse if you break it up with breaks and meals. First off, be sure to make your reservations for whatever sit-down restaurants 180 days in advance in order to make sure you get the times that you want. I recommend doing what we did, an 11:00 AM or so lunch, and a 4:30 PM dinner. They were nicely spaced out, and we got out of dinner just in time for the 6:15 PM castle lighting which is not to be missed. I cannot emphasize enough that you must pick at least 2 table service meals for this day. It will be expensive, yes, but I cannot imagine being in the park all day and night without having had two substantial, sit-down relaxing meals. If you want reviews or advice on the two restaurants we picked, let me know and I can go into further detail.

While waiting around, if you plan to be in a good spot on Main Street for the fireworks, you need to really be in the area by 6:15. Try to secure a spot near the curb so that you and your family can sit down. We were lucky enough to be able to be near the curb and then another family with young kids couldn’t wait anymore, so they left and gave their curb seats to us and we guarded them the rest of the night. The Disney cast members will not let you sit in the middle of the street or walkways until the fireworks actually start, so you really need to get a curb seat early and stay there the rest of the night. The good thing is, with a family you can take turns sitting as long as at least one of you is “holding down the fort” and guarding the spot, the others can go off to the bathroom, get a snack, etc. There is a lot to keep the kids’ attention. At 6:15 is the castle lighting ceremony. Then there was a Spectro Magic parade at 7:00, Holiday fireworks at 8:00 PM, then another Spectro Magic parade at 10:30, then the fireworks again at 11:50. The last hour and a half was so energizing, by then everyone knows “they made it” waiting all day and night, everyone is blowing their horns, there is a DJ and lights up at the castle, it was really fun. So all of that definitely helped to pass the time.

As far as recommendations for the earlier part of the day, I recommend getting to the park at 7:00 AM when it opens, and use those first 4 hours or so getting all of your rides in before the lines turn insane later in the day. Throughout the day, there are tons of extra things going on that aren’t available on regular park days. There are extra parades, activities, and more to keep the kids entertained throughout the day in addition to the attractions and taking time out to eat. We did the Celebrate Street Parade, Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, some other Christmas character filled show on stage at the castle, and there were several other things scheduled too. So there really is a lot to pack in the day.

Oh, and one last tip, don’t plan any park for the next day, January 1. If you do end up staying all the way to the midnight fireworks, the line for the buses is super long whether you leave at 12:00 or 2:00 AM. We left at 1:30 and didn’t get back to the hotel until 3:00. So the next day, we just relaxed all day and it was very much needed. That and because we needed time to recharge before our Disney cruise the next day!

Nicole,

I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble, but have you written up a trip report for this? I would love to read about it, details and all (esp. regarding food )

You write very clearly and details are where the fun is.

Katherine
(I feel like a bit of an impostor posting here now seeing that we're officially unemployed bums. )

 

[WDW Princess 71]

Now I don't know whether to be excited about the prospect or terrified

But thanks much for the advice. I've already posted a reminder to book restaurants at 180 days.

Seems it might make sense to drive instead of using the busses - the Ferries do tend to move people pretty quickly to the parking lots.

You've given me a lot to think on - thanks.

Dan

Dan- don't be terrified. It really was a magical experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. But in order for it to go smoothly, you do need to carefully plan and be prepared for what to expect. I am someone who likes to know exactly what I am getting into, rather than being surprised and disappointed, so I did a lot of research in advance. Yes, we were up at 5:30 AM and not back to the hotel til after 3:00 AM. Yes, we had to sit in the same spot on Main Street from 6:15 until Midnight. And yes the long wait to get a bus back was torture. But knowing in advance that I would encounter that, it didn't bother me and the whole experience of being at the castle for New Years Eve was amazing. The crowd, the energy, it was just priceless. I would absolutely recommend it and would not want anyone to think it was not worth it- unless you are the type of person who hates crowds or lines or being there all day--I'm not saying I love those things, but I can overlook them for a special occasion like this was. If you decide to go, I'm sure you will have a wonderful time and priceless memories for years to come.

Sorry to hear you're having difficulty finding a roomate; I also am sailing solo so I will definitely be very agreeable to sharing meals, activities or Palo with you at any time during this cruise.

I see from your signature that you are from the Jersey Shore- whereabouts in NJ? I am from South Jersey, lived in Ocean City for the past several years but moved offshore to Linwood a few months ago. Nice to see another fellow Jersey person on this cruise. I too might be interested in getting together with both of you single gals since I might be going solo too. I'm booked with my brother for now but his life is so all over the place right now, he is only 19 and not so reliable with keeping plans, so we'll see.

Nicole,

I wouldn't want to put you to any trouble, but have you written up a trip report for this? I would love to read about it, details and all (esp. regarding food )

You write very clearly and details are where the fun is.

Katherine
(I feel like a bit of an impostor posting here now seeing that we're officially unemployed bums. )

Katherine- I haven't written a trip report- I probably would have done one, but since I went right on the cruise 2 days after NYE, and we were in the process of moving at home literally right when we got back, I never got around to it. Right now I am busy with the last few weeks of the semester before I graduate with my Masters degree on May 13, so between school and work I am swamped and don't have time to write a full report, but I would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Since you mentioned food, I can address that now : ) I would highly recommend doing The Plaza Restaurant for lunch and the Crystal Palace for dinner on NYE. The Plaza Inn was great, I would definitely go there on NYE and would recommend it for any other day in the park too. It had a good menu of choices, and the food was really good for theme park fare—my burger was large and tasty, and their milkshakes and sundaes are delicious. It was air-conditioned and comfortable. The podium was a little disorganized when you checked in for your dining time, and we had to wait about 15 minutes even though plenty of tables were open, but other than that it was a nice experience. Crystal Palace on the other hand, I would highly recommend for NYE but I would not go back there on a “regular” theme park day. The reason being, it was quite expensive—it was $33 per adult, so for 2 of us plus tip and tax, it was over $80 for very average food. The night before, 12/30, we had gone to Jiko, the signature restaurant at the Animal Kingdom Lodge hotel, and it was only about $40 more for a wonderful, upscale meal with drinks, so I would never dine at Crystal Palace on a regular day, especially for a family of 4, if you were going to spend that much on a regular day, you would be better off going to one of the MK area resorts and eating at California Grill, Narcoossee’s, etc. Nevertheless, on NYE you can’t leave the park without risking not being able to get back in since it fills to capacity by noon, so you are limited to park dining. The reason I highly recommend Crystal Palace for NYE is because you get the chance to sit down, take your time and relax, and pack in a lot of food before the long night ahead. There was so much to choose from, salad bar, seafood, sides, main dishes like prime rib, and desserts. You can find the menu for there and any other Disney restaurant at allears.net. Like I said, the food was average theme park fare, but it served the purpose for that crazy day. Plus, you got to meet four characters (Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet, and Tigger) which was nice because meeting characters in the park on NYE brings some of the longest lines I’ve ever seen. In summary, I recommend Plaza Restaurant and Crystal Palace for lunch and dinner on NYE, but above all, even if you decide against those, I cannot emphasize enough that you must pick at least 2 table service meals for this day. It will be expensive, yes, but I cannot imagine being in the park all day and night without having had two substantial, sit-down relaxing meals.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Good morning fellow cruisers! Just wanted to check in as I've be AWOL lately. Steve and I have been busy putting together a wood play set for our grandson and I thought I'd post a couple of photos:

This was taken after 3 hours and is step number 1!!!


Now, 3 days later, we're finally almost done. I'll attach steps the slide and swings today and it should be ready for his 3rd birthday party on Saturday....I hope!

Have a good morning!

 

[granmaz]

Good morning fellow cruisers! Just wanted to check in as I've be AWOL lately. Steve and I have been busy putting together a wood play set for our grandson and I thought I'd post a couple of photos:

This was taken after 3 hours and is step number 1!!!


Now, 3 days later, we're finally almost done. I'll attach steps the slide and swings today and it should be ready for his 3rd birthday party on Saturday....I hope!

Have a good morning!

That looks fun. Well done on the construction.

 

[disfaninca]

Good morning fellow cruisers! Just wanted to check in as I've be AWOL lately. Steve and I have been busy putting together a wood play set for our grandson and I thought I'd post a couple of photos:

This was taken after 3 hours and is step number 1!!!


Now, 3 days later, we're finally almost done. I'll attach steps the slide and swings today and it should be ready for his 3rd birthday party on Saturday....I hope!

Have a good morning!

Great job!!! He is going to love that!!

 

[A Litle Pixie Dust]

Nice job on the playset! I am sure he is going to love it!

 

[Tami0220]

Yep, you passed right by our place we're on Grant Line! Unless the schedule changes it looks like we'll see you in Phoenix.

We are originally from Livermore. We will be staying at Flag City RV rsort in Lodi for my daughter's wedding from 7/24-9/30. Might be fun to meet while we are there since we will be neighbors on the cruise. Let me know....

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Good morning fellow cruisers! Just wanted to check in as I've be AWOL lately. Steve and I have been busy putting together a wood play set for our grandson and I thought I'd post a couple of photos:

This was taken after 3 hours and is step number 1!!!


Now, 3 days later, we're finally almost done. I'll attach steps the slide and swings today and it should be ready for his 3rd birthday party on Saturday....I hope!

Very cool.
Have a good morning!

Very cool

 

[pahrumpgirl]

Good morning fellow cruisers! Just wanted to check in as I've be AWOL lately. Steve and I have been busy putting together a wood play set for our grandson and I thought I'd post a couple of photos:

This was taken after 3 hours and is step number 1!!!


Now, 3 days later, we're finally almost done. I'll attach steps the slide and swings today and it should be ready for his 3rd birthday party on Saturday....I hope!

Have a good morning!

Looks like fun. I want to play. Tell Steve I'll let him make me one!

Carol

 

[annmorr]

[



I see from your signature that you are from the Jersey Shore- whereabouts in NJ? I am from South Jersey, lived in Ocean City for the past several years but moved offshore to Linwood a few months ago. Nice to see another fellow Jersey person on this cruise. I too might be interested in getting together with both of you single gals since I might be going solo too. I'm booked with my brother for now but his life is so all over the place right now, he is only 19 and not so reliable with keeping plans, so we'll see.



I lived for many years in Wall Twp, Monmouth Cty, just a mile from the beaches of Sea Girt & Spring Lake.... I'm currently living in Brick Twp, Ocean Cty, just about 8 miles to the beach from here. (Can you tell I LOVE being near / on the ocean?) So cruising DCL is all I could ask for in a vacation!
If anyone wants to meet up at the beach pre-cruise this summer, just let me know, I'll be happy to plan something. And I'm starting to feel a lot better about sailing solo, now that I'm beginning to get to know y'all..thanks for being such a friendly bunch!

 

[LindaBabe]

[



I see from your signature that you are from the Jersey Shore- whereabouts in NJ? I am from South Jersey, lived in Ocean City for the past several years but moved offshore to Linwood a few months ago. Nice to see another fellow Jersey person on this cruise. I too might be interested in getting together with both of you single gals since I might be going solo too. I'm booked with my brother for now but his life is so all over the place right now, he is only 19 and not so reliable with keeping plans, so we'll see.



I lived for many years in Wall Twp, Monmouth Cty, just a mile from the beaches of Sea Girt & Spring Lake.... I'm currently living in Brick Twp, Ocean Cty, just about 8 miles to the beach from here. (Can you tell I LOVE being near / on the ocean?) So cruising DCL is all I could ask for in a vacation!
If anyone wants to meet up at the beach pre-cruise this summer, just let me know, I'll be happy to plan something. And I'm starting to feel a lot better about sailing solo, now that I'm beginning to get to know y'all..thanks for being such a friendly bunch!

We must be sure to go to the 'singles' lunch with a member of the entertainment staff! I went once when I was 'alone' with friends and had a blast.

 

[disneywondergirl22]

ahhh, i'm so jealous haha

i've been looking at the website made just for this cruising (which my parents are signing up for, as soon as they decide whether they will be using DVC points or my CM discount) and looks like it's going to be so much fun! i haven't done much research on it yet, but hope to soon, to get an idea of what it'll be about.

i will be a cast member working on this sailing, and for several months before and after. and will be celebrating a milestone birthday on this sailing as well, which will be great, i think! to be in some "exotic" place for my birthday haha i don't know the exact itinerary yet, so i don't know where we'll be for my big day, but i'm excited at the prospect!

i think i'm going to send my mom to this thread, she may enjoy being able to "meet" other people who'll be on board too.

i look forward to reading more

 

[WDW Princess 71]

ahhh, i'm so jealous haha

i've been looking at the website made just for this cruising (which my parents are signing up for, as soon as they decide whether they will be using DVC points or my CM discount) and looks like it's going to be so much fun! i haven't done much research on it yet, but hope to soon, to get an idea of what it'll be about.

i will be a cast member working on this sailing, and for several months before and after. and will be celebrating a milestone birthday on this sailing as well, which will be great, i think! to be in some "exotic" place for my birthday haha i don't know the exact itinerary yet, so i don't know where we'll be for my big day, but i'm excited at the prospect!

i think i'm going to send my mom to this thread, she may enjoy being able to "meet" other people who'll be on board too.

i look forward to reading more

Wow so are you a DCL cast member? I would love to hear some stories of what life is like as a CM on board! I have always wondered what it would be like.