Here's a Strategy....Relax!

[RayRay13]

We do the same thing! We go for a few hours, head back to the resort for a swim and back to the parks for dinner and EMH.

 

[goofyintoronto]

We do the same thing! We go for a few hours, head back to the resort for a swim and back to the parks for dinner and EMH.

Yup, us too! We love our mid afternoon break! We love returning to the parks at night, so much cooler!

 

[Praying Colonel]

Yes, winning is fun!

And I'm going to miss being a FP "runner". We don't go to Disney to relax. The magic for us is touring until you drop. If I want to relax I'll go to an all-inclusive on an island.

I enjoyed being the designated FP "runner" (in quotes because I never ran). Back in the Golden Age of "late" FP-, I liked "running" for those FPs in the morning, which usually meant just walking ahead a couple of minutes and grabbing FPs while the family shopped or took a rest room break. Then we'd come back in the evening and use them after a nice afternoon break. A little extra walking by me made our day so much more fun and--dare I say it?--relaxing.

 

[glamdring269]

So now people are arguing about whether WDW is relaxing or not? Isn't that a matter of personal opinion? I find waiting in lines stressful so my goal is to minimize those waits. Maybe others aren't bothered by lines.

I'm glad that what the OP does works so well for her. She has found a formula that suits her needs and really that's all that most of us want. That formula will differ for each person and constantly arguing about what people should want or telling people not to go isn't really solving anything IMO.

Yep I'm very similar. I would rather walk around the park for 30 minutes and hop on a ride immediately as opposed to standing in line for 30 minutes. Standing in lines just drives me a little crazy. Same amount of time but completely different methodology.

We have been very good our last couple of trips in terms of maximizing FP. Last trip in October was kind of cheating though since we had paper FP plus had a chance to test FP+. Will be interesting to see how well RD plus FP+ works out for us in Oct '14.

 

[Magpie]

I've been to London at least 12 times. Spring for a cab to/from the airport. The tube is brilliant, but it encompasses a LOT of stairs which I found really difficult with luggage. Otherwise, the tube is great!

Just a thought!

How much did a cab cost?

We won't have much luggage - just carry-on!

If you need any London help, send me a PM. I grew up there but have lived on this side of pond for many years so I can try help you navigate the differences such as money, underground(subway) payment and I have been to the Potter tour so I can give you advice there as well.

I've read enough of your tips on Disney ect on here, so turn about is fair play so to speak.

Thank you! I definitely will!

 

[BudgieMama]

How much did a cab cost?

We won't have much luggage - just carry-on!

Thank you! I definitely will!

If you don't want to hit the tube, there are overground trains direct to Paddington, which should be quicker and cheaper!

 

[Magpie]

If you don't want to hit the tube, there are overground trains direct to Paddington, which should be quicker and cheaper!

The plan currently is to take the tube, as we already have Oyster cards and it looks like the most cost effective option available to us. Plus, our hotel is really close to a tube station.

 

[bella2117]

The kids and I are headed to Pop for the 1st time in May. So excited!!

We are doing POP in September. First timers as well we stayed at AOA last year but only because it was our first family trip and my husband wanted to make it special. This year is about saving a little so we are going to check out POP. We can't wait

 

[magicbob]

Here's a Strategy....Relax!

Relax don't do it...
When you want to go to it.
Relax don't do it...
When you want to tour.

 

[Rebekkap]

I've been to London at least 12 times. Spring for a cab to/from the airport. The tube is brilliant, but it encompasses a LOT of stairs which I found really difficult with luggage. Otherwise, the tube is great!

Just a thought!

I was in London over Christmas, took the tube from Heathrow and I'm almost certain there were lifts (or elevators as you may call em ) that let you avoid all the stairs.

My tip would be to make sure you get an Oyster card for the tube rather than buying separate tickets - you'll save a bit over a week.

 

[RayRay13]

Relax don't do it... When you want to go to it. Relax don't do it... When you want to tour.

Hahaha!!

 

[Jennasis]

Relax is a strategy...as is "going commando" (not referring to one's choice to wear underwear or not). Both have their merits. And there is certainly a middle ground. Whatever works for you and your family.

Find your touring strategy and go for it.

 

[Zeebs]

The plan currently is to take the tube, as we already have Oyster cards and it looks like the most cost effective option available to us. Plus, our hotel is really close to a tube station.

Take the tube it is very very easy, and much cheaper than the other options. Let me know if you want any help.

Kirsten

 

[Magpie]

Take the tube it is very very easy, and much cheaper than the other options. Let me know if you want any help.

Kirsten

Thank you! It's so nice to know I can find support here, even when I'm going somewhere other than Disney.

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Oh Wilderness, I wouldn't stay on property even if the cost were the same. That's where you and I differ greatly . I didn't "pay" book price for SSR, but I did look it up (usually when people tend to say that the extra costs of staying offsite, like parking, negate any savings, which I have just shown is simply not true unless you are comparing motel-style accommodations to the Disney values). From David's Points Rental, the same room (2 bed, 2 bath) at SSR is whoppingly discounted at $538 per night for our dates. Still not seeing where the savings is? I am quite sure that renting points from ANY source will NEVER get that room down to $125 per night, or less.

Before you say "well the villas are often listed at 30% off during special promotions", that would bring the cost down to $500 per night. My math still shows that as being excessively more expensive than a similar size and style of villa at an offsite property.

"No offsite property can compare"? Our family would say you are correct . The Disney resorts just can't keep up to what's available elsewhere. But that's just my opinion, and my opinion doesn't necessarily be shared by others (like I don't share yours).

I have stayed onsite (for our first Orlando trip, in fact) and can see where people can think that its the only option for a Disney vacation, and why it works for some families. We are definitely the anomalies on this board by not finding value and savings in things like the dining plan, either. If the numbers don't jive, the numbers don't jive. I can totally see people saying "I'm willing to pay more for the feeling I get, or the ambiance" or whatever....but to say its LESS expensive to stay onsite just isn't factual.

"Magic" is found in different places by different families. Disney dining, Disney transportation, and Disney resorts don't hold an appeal for some. If my teen DS and snoring DH had to sleep in the same room for a two week vacation (or for even one night) and we all had to share one tiny bathroom, let me tell ya.....the magic would dissipate quickly.

I am truly glad the OP has found a vacation style that works for her (but its definitely not the style that works for all). That's one of the many things I love about Orlando in general.....it offers so many options for every family.

Well I was just trying to help in case you didn't know about Davids ! You are correct in that we differ and that's fine. I wouldn't stay off site if you saved me 500.00 a day and you won't stay on site no matter what .......no biggie ...enjoy

My other thoughts were clearly directed at the OP and not you........

 

[Planogirl]

Relax don't do it...
When you want to go to it.
Relax don't do it...
When you want to tour.

Oh no you didn't!

That is one song that sticks in my head whenever I'm reminded of it. Oh dear.

 

[amberpi]

How much did a cab cost?

We won't have much luggage - just carry-on!



Thank you! I definitely will!

While I'm typically a pretty minimal girl, London trips are rough for me, as I usually have one checked bag and a heavy carryon with my ipad, at least one laptop, etc. because I go for business and then extend for pleasure and have my husband meet me, so I have a week's worth of suits, clothes for after work, workout clothes and then clothes for touristy stuff. My work heels don't suit a day of touring of the british museum and I wouldn't wear my workout sneakers to the museum either, so the issue a big heavy bad can quickly become apparent I'm sure. If I was there for only 1 reason I could be much more efficient. I also HATE wearing the same suit twice in a week in front of colleagues, but that's probably a weird thing I should have gotten over by now

 

[RayRay13]

Relax is a strategy...as is "going commando" (not referring to one's choice to wear underwear or not). Both have their merits. And there is certainly a middle ground. Whatever works for you and your family. Find your touring strategy and go for it.

Tehehehe... Going Commando..lmao

 

[RayRay13]

Oh no you didn't! That is one song that sticks in my head whenever I'm reminded of it. Oh dear.

Hahaha...i had that shirt, OMG!

 

[EMode]

What I really want to know is how you paid $30 for a year's worth of tide