GF, Poly, Platinum Pkg..Thousand Questions

[STLDisney_Freak]

Thanks everyone for you help...You have definitely gave me sometime to think about...
Just for my curousity...
Which plan would be better:

Premium or MYW plus dining? Or just none of them?

 

[Lynne M]

Just wanted to add one more thing....I just looked over the list of what's included in the Platinum package.

There is one and only one thing in that whole package that's exclusively for package guests....the special viewing areas for Wishes and Illuminations. You can get EVERYTHING else without buying the package.

The Platinum package is a way to pre-pay for EVERY activity that's offered at WDW. If you stayed for a month, you couldn't do it all. But, if you get that package, you're going to be paying for it all whether you do it or not. And, with two very small children, you'd be excluded from many of the activities. I hate to be blunt, but you might as well pile the money up and set fire to it.

Here's my best suggestions for you:

1. Book a concierge room at GF, with an MK view. The GF is the most princess-y resort at WDW. The concierge staff will help you with all of your planning needs.

2. Pick up a copy of Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW at your local bookstore, or Amazon. You'll see descriptions of everything that you can do at WDW, and you'll be able to tell what's appropriate for your kids.

3. Start a thread on the Theme Park boards with a title like "Dream Trip for my Princesses". Ask for suggestions on activities that folks would include in a perfect trip for two princesses. You'll get tons and tons of great ideas for activities that will give your girls the most fabulous vacation they could ever have.

I know you want to pull out the stops and give your girls the vacation of a lifetime, but the Platinum plan is not the way to go. It's not meant for families with 4 and 6 year old children. You're thinking of this as a once-in-a-lifetime trip, but if you drop the Platinum plan, I'd bet that you'd have enough money left over for a second trip.

 

[Warmwinds]

Honestly, if it were me, I would skip the post-cruise stay completely. You will already be gone 11 or 12 days...that's a lot! We've taken many cruises, and when they are over we are just glad to be getting home to rest, LOL. Sometimes we have stayed an extra day just for fun and it is often an anti-climax. Just something to think about that could save you a lot more money. I know you want to "extend the Magic" but it would be so nice just to go home with the glow of the cruise. And like others have said, with all these money-saving tips, you'll be able to come back again when everyone is fresh and ready for a second time!

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

<<<The Platinum package is a way to pre-pay for EVERY activity that's offered at WDW. If you stayed for a month, you couldn't do it all. But, if you get that package, you're going to be paying for it all whether you do it or not. And, with two very small children, you'd be excluded from many of the activities. I hate to be blunt, but you might as well pile the money up and set fire to it. >>>

Trust me, I'd rather a more experienced Disney'er give me some tips than me find out a I wasted thousands of dollars.

 

[BionicEar]

Time of our travel is going to be December of 2008. We are planning something like this.....

Two Nights at Hard Rock Hotel for Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure and 5 Nights at Walt Disney World. We are then going to depart on a 4 night cruise. Our departure date we are looking at is Dec. 14, 2008.

I plan on booking that ASAP when I get my tax refund which should be next week.

You may want to put that money into a savings account, since you cannot book a room at Disney more than 500 days out. 500 days before December 14, 2008 is August 2, 2007.

 

[lucincia]

Thanks everyone for you help...You have definitely gave me sometime to think about...
Just for my curousity...
Which plan would be better:

Premium or MYW plus dining? Or just none of them?

Have you been reading the thread?

Common consensus here so far, you have two choice. Since you want to splurge, splurge wisely. Just because you have wads of money to throw around doesn't mean you shouldn't throw them around with some common sense.

1) You start with MYW.

2) You add on dining, if you want to.

3) You upgrade resort to concierge level.

Skip the premium and platinum etc packages.

Then, book the events you want to do separately, you'll still be ahead in money, and you can take those money that you were planning to spend on platinum and blow them on something else!

Sure, quality over quantity. But, when you have the quality but not enough time to enjoy it, why waste the money.

 

[mlwear]

I would want to use as many of those FL days at DW. We went off-site (Sea World and visiting others while still staying on-site) last year and what a regret. Enjoyed seeing family, but should have made all of them come to DW to visit us . We just wanted to get back to DW fun!
Concierge with DP is how I would go and pay OOP for any of the other things you really want to do. The concierge IPO will help you plan everything and you will save a lot of money. I agree with the pp about the preferred viewing of Wishes and Illuminations, find your ideal spot early and you'll be fine. I was tempted by the Platinum plan for our first trip, but I studied it and realized we would have to really work at getting anywhere near our money's worth out of it. Plus, the Dis will help you SO much. You will find planning the trip to be a lot of fun and IPO can help you put it all together.
As far as the MK view...I hate to even write this, but I would get some opinions from quite a few if this is really important. We stayed Poly LVC wanting that great MK view and felt very slighted. We paid a lot extra for that great view so many have pictures of, but year one we were on the first floor behind a huge over grown bush and had to stand on chairs to see the castle (or walk in front of the bush and gather with most other Poly guests for fireworks). The next year, I explained our disappointment hoping to get a better view and we got stuck on the 2nd floor and it was so booked we couldn't get a room change. IMO, the second floor is a stinker. We could see the lagoon and part of the castle, but we had to take turns wedging ourselves "just so" to see the fireworks around the support beam. Most nights we ended up watching from the lounge. We still love the Poly and will stay again, but will choose GVC. MANY others will have different experiences than we did, some will even like the privacy of the bush and being on the second floor, but just know there is that chance if it isn't part of your dream. Just something to keep in mind.
You are going to have a wonderful trip no matter what sort of plans you put together!

 

[STLDisney_Freak]

<<<Have you been reading the thread? >>>

Actually Yeah I have and what I've read is not to do platinum. I didn't see anyone mention any of the other packages. =O) If they did, I must have missed it.

 

[Sammie]

We have done the special viewing for Illuminations and believe me it is not worth having to pay for it.

There is no where at Epcot that you can see everything, because the show is basically around the lake and regardless of where you are, unless you are at spot between the shops as you come in from Future World, then something will always be behind you.

When we did the special viewing, it was near Italy and we were packed in the viewing area like sardines. I have had much better views finding my own spot to watch and without any hassle.

As to Wishes, maybe someone can state their experience with it, but again, there are so many places to see it without paying to have a spot that I can't imagine the reserved one is any better.

I would book concierge with dining as the others have suggested at the Polynesian, lagoon view. The MK views are fabulous from there.

I agree that with the length of time you are going to be there, you will not see much in the parks if you are scheduling alot of other things such as tours. We usually stay 2 weeks and never do the tours.

 

[Magic2000]

Besides the BBB, I will suggest you check out the children's activities offered at the Grand Floridian!

When my DD was younger, she LOVED the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party (at the GF). Also, the Cooking Adventure also offered at the GF. Both are really nice for the kids - she did the Pirate thing too, but it was summer and she said it was hot.

Your girls would probably have a blast at the Tea Party - kids get their own "tea pot" (apple juice), and they get to decorate a cupcake (and you spread the icing with your finger - much to my DD's delight!!!), along with finger sandwiches, etc. They play games and Alice and the Mad Hatter have a great time playing with the kids!

Have a great trip!!!

 

[BionicEar]

As far as the MK view...I hate to even write this, but I would get some opinions from quite a few if this is really important. We stayed Poly LVC wanting that great MK view and felt very slighted. We paid a lot extra for that great view so many have pictures of, but year one we were on the first floor behind a huge over grown bush and had to stand on chairs to see the castle (or walk in front of the bush and gather with most other Poly guests for fireworks). The next year, I explained our disappointment hoping to get a better view and we got stuck on the 2nd floor and it was so booked we couldn't get a room change. IMO, the second floor is a stinker. We could see the lagoon and part of the castle, but we had to take turns wedging ourselves "just so" to see the fireworks around the support beam. Most nights we ended up watching from the lounge. We still love the Poly and will stay again, but will choose GVC. MANY others will have different experiences than we did, some will even like the privacy of the bush and being on the second floor, but just know there is that chance if it isn't part of your dream. Just something to keep in mind.
You are going to have a wonderful trip no matter what sort of plans you put together!

I'm sorry you didn't have such a great view. We were on the 1st floor, Poly LVC, room 1501, and we thought it was great! (Look at the pic in my signature) Sure, there was the "bush" on our left, but it afforded us just enough privacy, and we were still able to have a great view of the fireworks sitting on the patio, or sitting on our bed! The kids really liked laying on the bed, watching the fireworks, and then falling asleep as soon as they were done. If you look at my avatar pic, that is what we saw from our room.

 

[Warmwinds]

Actually, I think she is doing the right thing by staying at the Hard Rock if they are sure they want to go to the Universal Parks...when you stay at one of the 3 Universal Hotels, you get all-day, free front of line access to all rides - like having a Fastpass for every ride all day! However, not sure Hard Rock would be the best choice for small children...I'm sure there are a lot of families there, but I tend to think of it more as a 20-30 year old party hotel (I could be wrong)...OP, I'd check out the other 2 Universal Hotels very carefully and see if their atmosphere is not more to your liking with grandparents and small children.

 

[mlwear]

Great pic Bionic Ear. I would not have wanted to leave either! There are many rooms Poly LVC with great views, but in our experience there are a few that don't. (Our bush completely blocked our sliding door and we were told it could not be trimmed. We finally did get a room change close to the end of our trip and saw the bush being trimmed the next day! Guess the new guests were more persuasive than we were ).
I don't want to get too OT here, but after that incident I barely convinced DH to try LVC again and when we did we got the second floor. We just didn't get that dream view. I do love seeing all the pics from those that did. Maybe we are just jinxed.

 

[Lynne M]

<<<Have you been reading the thread? >>>

Actually Yeah I have and what I've read is not to do platinum. I didn't see anyone mention any of the other packages. =O) If they did, I must have missed it.

The Premium package is just a subset of the Platinum plan, and it's just as much of a waste of money in your case. It also consists of a lot of activities that your girls can't do, or wouldn't be interested in doing. It's very much oriented towards older teenagers, or adults.

The dining plan might work out for you. It gives one 1 TS meal, 1 CS meal, and one snack per day for each person in your group, and depending on how you use it, could be a signficant savings. Take a look at the menus on this site, look over the prices for typical meals that your family might enjoy, and compare that to the price of the plan.

 

[kribit]

Oh, what a sweet woman your mom is. I don't have much to offer about GF because I've never stayed there, but it's a lovely resort and there are many wonderful folks on here who could give you advice.

I agree with the others about the Platinum plan and not being worth it for your group. I would stick with just the dining plan which includes a few extras.

Have a wonderful time planning.

 

[teentoddlermom]

My 2 cents....
1.Stay at GF!....It is so much nicer than Poly, IMHO.
2.Do your own planning, with the trip so far away, you'll never need any other help...use the DIS...hobby.
3.You'll never use all the perks on the Platinum or Premium packages with your little kids...they'll get tired and they will need downtime at the resort.
4.Dining package is a good idea.
5.We loved the Portofino bay resort at Universal...great pool and restaurants and you can't beat the Front of the Line perk at Universal!
6. WOW! Your mom is great!

 

[BNC]

OP, I think that you need to sit down and review all the things you want to do. This post has come back with an overwhelming amount of arguments on why you shouldn't go with the premium or platinum packages, and that makes this an uneven discussion. No one has offered any reasons why you should choose to go on this plan and here are a few.

Platinum plan lets you do anything you've ever dreamed of doing at Disney World. The plan includes a spa treatment, and I'm sure you'll enjoy that! While you're enjoying that you can leave your girls with the "never land club" or in room babysitting, and they will enjoy that because they’re being entertained, while you enjoy adult things. You can enjoy all kinds of water sports as well, as if the girls wouldn't enjoy tubing on the lake in front of the Magic Kingdom. How many kids really do this??? You can parasail with your kids as well 150 feet higher than the Contemporary resort, what a view that will be. Then there are tons of tours that you can go on and a few that you won't be able to. The problem with the Dolphins in Depth tour is that your girls aren't old enough yet, the minimum age is 13. Let’s not forget all the food, this plan does not stop short on food at all. You can feel free to order whatever you want on the menu and not feel bad if you don't eat it all because you've already paid for it. Don't forget that this plan includes all the character meals you can find, and all the best seats for the dinner shows! This plan will also take you to Downtown Disney where you and your kids will enjoy the Cirque show. Also don’t forget about your special keepsake, which is only given to those who go on the platinum plan.

OK so I've gone over some of the things you can do, I left out a few like horseback riding,(oh there are so many more) and now you're wondering there is so much that can be done on this plan can I do it all? No, you can't do it all, but you can do a whole heck of a lot. It depends a lot on when you go to Disney World; I went during a slow time. We went for 7 nights 8 days, and we were able to do a ton of things. So many things friends were really jealous, they didn't know there was that much to do there beside the theme parks.

So now it's really up to you, are you really going to be able to use the package to your advantage? If not the other posters are right, go with a concierge room, on the dining plan, and pay out of pocket for things like the fireworks cruise(if you can get a reservation) and tours you want to try. Remember this is a trip that you and your family are going on, not these other people, only you know what you’re going to enjoy. There are always going to be ways to cut corners and save a little money here and there, but only you’ll know what’s best for you! I think if you really look at what this plan has to offer and compare it to other all inclusive vacations the price is going to be about the same, but you’re going to get to do a whole lot more at Disney.

We went on this plan not knowing if we were going to get our monies worth, but we kept all of our receipts and when we got back from our trip we added everything up and think we came out ahead. (Compared to what we would have paid out of pocket) It was so much fun to just pull out all the stops and do whatever I wanted, you would say to a server I'm on the platinum plan and their eyes would light up and be at your beck and call the entire time, not unlike dinner at "Vic & Al's", mostly because they knew the more they could get you to add to your check the bigger their tip would be. (By the way you've already paid for it so why not)

 

[DISNEY FIX]

I've read here on the boards from people who have gotten the platinum plan have discovered that was a bit much for what they ended up using.

What I would suggest you do? Get a concierge room(s). Unless you're HUGE eaters, skip the dining plan, and just pay OOP for meals, etc. We personally found the offerings in the Poly concierge lounge to be more than adequate for us, and the amount of food offered on the dining plan was very excessive for us. Especially for our kids; who eat like birds. Frankly, just being able to graze all day and get snacks & drinks from the lounge was perfect for them and me & dh.

We also plan on going in December 2008. Maybe we'll see you in the Poly lounge! We won't be on the dining plan, though. That was pretty much decided when we came back home from the last trip.

Somebody is making sense here!

 

[alldiz]

If you have your heart set on the platinum...go for it

If it were me with the same budget...
MYW with dining
Concierge level
That will give you more food than you can eat including
character meals...

Book the few tours that you want and put the huge savings
towards your next trip
or get a suite on this trip..

Either way it sounds like you are gonna have an
awesome trip planned...

OH...I agree that you might like Portofino at Universal better
Peace
Kerri

 

[Warmwinds]

I just want to add a few things that no one has focused on...they said they are going December of 2008.

1) Who knows what packages will be offered by then

2) December has so much Christmasy stuff that would take up more time

3) The weather might be cold so they would Not want to take advantage of things like parasailing and tubing on the lake (plus their kids are pretty young).

IMO, it's two little kids' first trip - they are going to be thrilled with the regular stuff, I think the excessive things would be a waste on kids that age.