Help! Guidence for my boss and her family...

[Tinks1984]

So, as the title suggests, my boss and her family are heading to WDW in October this year. She’s been before, when she was in her early 20’s and didn’t enjoy it (she did go when it was August, so it rained most days!). This time her husband has persuaded her to take the kids (9 and 13) and she’s asked me to help her plan things out!

They’re staying at the Swan for two weeks and want Disney, Universal and Discovery Cove and Seaworld etc. I’ve mentioned a few things to her so far and they’ve expressed an interest in the Halloween parties both at Universal and Disney, so we’ll be picking dates for these pretty soon now that I’ve found the Disney park hours for MK.

Ok, as I’m helping as best as I can, I thought I’d get you all in on the act too. What do you think is must-see for them as a family? What’s a must see and do for the kids of that age? I don’t want to plan their days (unless they ask me too), but she wants to sit down with me in a few weeks and discuss things and book some extras etc so I thought it’d be best to be a little more prepared.

I’ve thought so far about EMH for the parks, Photopass if they want it, ADR’s for character meets, the parties, ESTA’s...anything I’m missing? There’s bound to be loads I know, but I’m just beginning to think it out for her. I was simply thinking if they had as much information as possible, it’d make their trip easier and maybe help my boss enjoy it more this time around and convert her a little.

It’s much easier planning my own trips, that I’ve decided already!

 

[Tinks1984]

Anyone??

 

[lennymore]

What about suggesting she get the Brit Guide to Orlando? Even though we've been every year for the past 5, we still buy the updated copy each time. There are so many things to remember that it's so useful to have it all written in 1 place!

 

[wilma-bride]

Rachel, it's really hard to know what to suggest. As you say, she's already decided what parks they might want to do. To try and fit all that into a two-week holiday is probably a bit of a push without suggesting the likes of Busch Gardens, Legoland etc. on top. From what I've read, Legoland is probably aimed more at younger children though anyway.

If they are into the bigger thrill rides, it mght be worth them choosing to do Busch Gardens over, say Sea World. Will they be hiring a car?

I would say that the Halloween party at Disney is a must but I suspect the one at Universal would be wholly unsuitable for a 9 year old (and possibly even for a 13 year old too, unless they are the type who likes to be scared witless). The Universal parties are very intense and very adult-orientated. I certainly wouldn't take Daniel and he's nearly 11.

If they are going in October, obviously the Food & Wine Festival is a must and you need to factor in at least a couple of days for that - but try to avoid weekends as it gets very busy.

Obviously Downtown Disney is worth a visit - you don't say whether the kids are boys or girls but, if they're boys (and even if they're girls), T-Rex would be a good place to suggest for dinner one night. We also really enjoyed House of Blues at DTD.

I would recommend the Brits Guide too as it can be a useful reference, particulary if it's the first time she's been in a while as lots may have changed (not sure how long ago her '20s' was )

At the Swan, they need to get sundaes at The Fountain and maybe do the character breakfast (Saturdays and Sundays at the Garden Grove restaurant). They can make use of the Friendship Boats to get to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Can't really think of much more at the moment but, if you have any other specific questions, please ask

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

At Halloween all the RVs at the campground will be decorated, we plan to go over 1 night to take a look.

Do they want to go shopping, my dd is 13 and wanted to shop so you might have to factor that in.

Tell them to make the most of getting up early when they first get there and hit the parks early.

Grab breakfast from the Boardwalk bakery or Paris in Epcot (now open from 9am) if they are going to that park and most of all have a good time!

 

[Tinks1984]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I’ll pop the information on my list too, as I wasn’t even aware there were character breakfasts at the Swan!

I’d totally forgot about the Brits Guide, I’ll pop that onto my list too.

Thanks for mentioning the Universal parties Joh, I was meant to ask about the parties, as my boss thinks it’d be okay for the 13 year old, but I will reiterate again that they’re rather intense. Her children aren’t the type that would probably appreciate that, as they’re lovely kids. I’d rather have her spend the money else-where than on tickets for them not to stay at the party. The children are a boy, 13 and girl 9.

It was nearly 20 years ago that my boss went, so there’s plenty changed since then that’s for sure! I’m also pretty sure now that she’s got her own children, the World will be totally different again and I’m hoping that they’ll enjoy themselves.

Anyone suggest anywhere for Food & Wine? I’ve never been this time of year, so I wouldn’t have a clue where to start. Also, they go on October 18th, is it better to do an early Disney Halloween party, by that, I mean as far away from October 31st as possible?

They do want to head out to Busch Gardens, so I’m thinking that I also may suggest, like you say, missing Sea World and heading to Busch instead, as I think the kids will get more from the rides at Busch. Then again, they’re doing DC, so there’s always the option of heading to SeaWorld if they like when they’re there.

They are hiring a car whilst there too, can anyone confirm if they’ll have to pay daily parking at the Swan now? I know we didn’t as ASSp last time, but I’m sure I’ve read since that they’re charging at some hotels now?

 

[klangkat]

EDIT: D'oh, didn't see that this had already been said, sorry!

Hello,
While there isn't a set age minimum, Universal advise their Halloween Horror Nights are only suitable for children 13+.
So if she's planning on taking the 9 year old - I'm not saying she shouldn't - but I'd certainly advise she does some research, watches some vids, checks the content on the official site before she commits to a decision.

 

[wilma-bride]

Rachel, yes there is definitely a parking fee at The Swan. I have a feeling it's around $14. Therer is also a resort fee of $17 plus tax but I'm not sure if this would apply to your boss - it would really depend who she booked ht ehotel thorugh. If booked as part of a package, with a UK TA, chances are the resort fees will be included. She will probably still have to pay the parking charge though.

If they want to visit Busch Gardens and also fancy Sea World too, then they can upgrade their Discovery Cove ticket to include both for a small additional charge (rather than buying them separately).

As far as MNSSHP goes, I would always plump for an earlier night as the closer to Halloween you get, the busier the parties are. Also, try and avoid weekend nights.

For the Food & Wine Festival, it really is just a case of playing it by ear, wandering around World Showcase and enjoying the various food and beverage offerings. There are some (free) concerts held and special events (paid) - details are not normally published until later in the year though.

If money is no object, it might be worth them considering a Wishes or Illuminations Cruise. It's a great way to see the fireworks without the crowds. Or they might fancy the Wishes Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom.

 

[Elise79]

Things to consider with the Swan (and Dolphin) is although they are onsite they are not owned or operated by Disney. You do get the Extra Magic Hours benefits and Disney Transportation however they do not have KTTW cards so no charging to your room in the parks. Both Epoct and DHS can be walked to as well as the boats.

I am not sure about package delivery or free parking at the parks.

As for Food & Wine - it best enjoyed as part of an evening an Epcot and staying at the Swan they can just walk home after

 

[wilma-bride]

As for Food & Wine - it best enjoyed as part of an evening an Epcot and staying at the Swan they can just walk home after

Crawl home, you mean?

 

[Tinks1984]

Crawl home, you mean?

Haha, do you know my boss? That's exactly what she'll be doing, she enjoys a drink or two, she's great fun.

 

[Elise79]

Crawl home, you mean?

Didn't like to tar the OP boss like that!

 

[wilma-bride]

Didn't like to tar the OP boss like that!

Haha, my comment was aimed at you Tracy

 

[Elise79]

Haha, my comment was aimed at you Tracy

What do you think I am Joh? I don't sit drinking wine at France or Piña Coladas in Mexico