How Early is Too Early to Plan??? - TR Link Added - 12/29

[eandesmom]

We booked 2 rooms in the Little Mermaid section from 12/13 – 12/19.

I am SO glad you went with 2 rooms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much better sleeping and napping for all.

Now, I mentioned that we hope to possibly change resorts. Well, based on history, AoA hasn’t exactly been eligible for discounted rates. So we’re booked at rack rate, and likely that’s what it’s going to be if we stay there. In past years, there have been some good discounts available for Deluxe resorts in December. Before we booked the trip, MiL asked if we could stay where DW and I stayed a few years ago. If you’re new to my TR’s, she’s referring to Kathy’s favorite resort, Wilderness Lodge. She saw the pictures and really would like to stay there. So basically, if they would come out with one of their 30 – 40% discounts on Deluxe resorts, comparing the cost of a couple of rooms at WL to the cost of a couple of rack rate rooms at AoA seems like a reasonable upgrade, so we would likely try to switch. But truthfully, I think we’ll be happy either way.

I think you have a good chance of a discount coming out.

One thing I did differently this time around was booking the Regular Dining Plan. I typically am not a fan, and don’t see the value in it, but we’re planning to get some more buffet and character meals this time, so I think it makes more sense. We might do one or 2 meals that are 2 credits (and yes I know it doesn’t make sense to use dining credits there, but I can’t bring myself to let my in-laws see how much the bill would be if we paid for it). Right now I think we might… might do CRT this trip. This would be a first for all of us. We also will likely do a Candlelight Processional package. Probably easier to justify that cost out of pocket since it is more than just a meal.

If you do a lot of the regular buffet meals (non 2 credit types) you can make the plan pay off still. I would try to limit your 2 credit meal use to only one, otherwise you burn those credits awfully fast!

Right now, our short list for Table Service meals is as follows:

• Chef Mickey – It has been a great first meal tradition with our kids. We’ll keep the tradition alive, but maybe not the first meal this time around…
• Via Napoli – Ok. This isn’t even on the short list, nor is it up for discussion. We’re eating here.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table – We think it might be fun to try while our little prince is still little enough to enjoy the princesses and our little princess will hopefully be receptive to them.
• Be Our Guest – Obviously I want to try dinner here. We’ll probably plan to eat lunch here at a minimum and it might get left off the ADR list.
• Whispering Canyon Café – Definitely eating here if we don’t get to stay at WL. Probably eating here if we do stay at WL.
• Garden Grill – Looks like a fun character meal. Maybe a good one for us to look at for a CP package.
• Tusker House – I’ve booked this one twice and cancelled it as the trip approached due to schedules/plans changing.
• Crystal Palace – Always a favorite. We haven’t been here since 2008.
• 50’s Prime Time – DW hates this place and always refuses to go. I know her parents will love it, and I fully intend to take advantage of that fact and eat here for the first time since 1998 if we can work it in.
• Mama Melrose/Sci Fi – Our top choices if we’d book a Fantasmic package. Otherwise, not a priority.
• Hollywood & Vine – Only if the character line up is something our kids would really like. The food was horrible last time we ate there.
• Beaches & Cream – Always on my short list, we just never manage to work it in
• Yachtsman – DW and I are hoping to get a date night. If so, this is probably where we’ll go.
• Liberty Tree – DW and I love it. I’m sure her parents will love it. It will probably fall just short of making the cut this time around since we ate there last trip.

A few thoughts.

These aren't worth a dining credit, I'd go out of pocket if they make the cut. Beaches and Cream, Liberty Tree. Depending on what you order, same thing with Via Napoli, 50's Prime time and WCC. Do BoG for lunch, it's not the best for kiddos and is pricey.

With so many other options, why is Hollywood and Vine even on the list? Long or not? Cut it

 

[jedijill]

Congrats on getting booked! Now you can really start to plan!

Jill in CO

 

[afwdwfan]

I am SO glad you went with 2 rooms!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Much better sleeping and napping for all.

Definitely.

I think you have a good chance of a discount coming out.

I do too. Historically they've been available, but time will tell.

If you do a lot of the regular buffet meals (non 2 credit types) you can make the plan pay off still. I would try to limit your 2 credit meal use to only one, otherwise you burn those credits awfully fast!

And that is my plan for the time being.

A few thoughts.

These aren't worth a dining credit, I'd go out of pocket if they make the cut. Beaches and Cream, Liberty Tree. Depending on what you order, same thing with Via Napoli, 50's Prime time and WCC. Do BoG for lunch, it's not the best for kiddos and is pricey.

Good points. We will always do Via Napoli out of pocket. We love the pizza, so when you can order a pizza and feed the family on $40 or so, it is a no brainer. Our plan would definitely be to use credits on character meals first and then just use what's left wherever. But VN and Beaches & Cream, if we work it in, will certainly be out of pocket.

With so many other options, why is Hollywood and Vine even on the list? Long or not? Cut it

I can't even come up with a good argument. I hate that place.

It's only redeeming quality is that it has Disney Jr. characters, and if it gets a lineup with more of the ones our kids like, it may *almost* be worth an early morning breakfast ADR on our DHS day.

Congrats on getting booked! Now you can really start to plan!

Jill in CO

Yes. Now that we've finally agreed on resorts, we can start arguing about ADRs and FP+!!!!

 

[glennbo123]

Sorry I haven't been on here more Andy. I'm glad to see that you've booked. I haven't seen it in person, but I think you'll like AoA. Good call going with 2 rooms.

Edited to add: I just went back and looked at your Disney on Ice pictures. Your kids are very cute, I know you're having fun taking them to things like that. And I loved your wife's quote at the end of that post.

 

[amazingact21]

We booked 2 rooms in the Little Mermaid section from 12/13 – 12/19.

Yes… we even changed to the more expensive week of the 2 we’d considered. That week is just more convenient for all of us with our home schedules. We could have made either week we were considering work, and both require a little bit of juggling, but this one is just going to be easier. So in the end, it was worth the expense to DW and I, and it was even more of a factor for MiL and FiL to go that week as opposed to the week after Thanksgiving.

AoA is a great choice.

It's definitely a step above the rest of the values, the Cast Members there are extremely helpful and friendly, and the resort itself is well-themed. Even though you're not staying in a Cars suite, the outside area in front of the building is a great place to explore. Actually, all the different areas are probably going to be a hit with your kids, since they'll be at that target age.



I have visited the 17th-21st before, and while it's a more expensive time, the crowds are still low and the weather is just a fraction colder. I don't think you'll lose out on anything (except a few dollars) by going a week later.

She saw the pictures and really would like to stay there. So basically, if they would come out with one of their 30 – 40% discounts on Deluxe resorts, comparing the cost of a couple of rooms at WL to the cost of a couple of rack rate rooms at AoA seems like a reasonable upgrade, so we would likely try to switch. But truthfully, I think we’ll be happy either way.

Wilderness Lodge at Christmastime would be great. Not to mention the ability to hop on a boat to get to MK would be a big convienence when you've got diaper bags, strollers, etc to deal with.

One thing I did differently this time around was booking the Regular Dining Plan. I typically am not a fan, and don’t see the value in it, but we’re planning to get some more buffet and character meals this time, so I think it makes more sense.

The Dining Plan is all about which restaurants you pick. If you plan it right, the cost of the plan can end up less than the cost of the meals. And if everyone is a big refillable mug user, then it can definitely be an advantage.

[*]Via Napoli – Ok. This isn’t even on the short list, nor is it up for discussion. We’re eating here.

I agree, that has to stay.

[*]Cinderella’s Royal Table – We think it might be fun to try while our little prince is still little enough to enjoy the princesses and our little princess will hopefully be receptive to them.

I could see this being a good time to try and eat here.

[*]50’s Prime Time – DW hates this place and always refuses to go. I know her parents will love it, and I fully intend to take advantage of that fact and eat here for the first time since 1998 if we can work it in.

Use the extra members of your party to your advantage.

Ok. I guess our short list really isn’t all that short. We still have a lot of work to do here. There are too many old favorites that we don’t want to miss and too many new ones that we want to try. There just aren’t enough meals in the day.

The only downside to picking places to eat. It's the eternal problem of Do I eat at my favorite restaurants or try some new places?




Overall, your plans look good. I think you've picked a lot of things your kids will enjoy. And eating at character meals could potentially cut down on character meet and greets. Which opens you up to more time on FP+ and other attractions.


As far as the Dining Plan goes, it can be a really good thing to do with first timers. If they don't have to think about how much each meal is costing them, they tend to gripe less and stress about the prices less. Most don't stop to add up each entree and compare it to the one lump sum they paid ahead of time.
It's an awesome way to show people the amazingness of Disney restaurants without the sticker shock.



Hopefully, a discount will pop up eventually for either WL and AoA and you can make a final decision. Like you said, though, I think you'll be happy at either one.

 

[KatMark]

Finally Booked!!!

Awesome news!

As it has been documented here, there has been a bit of back and forth discussion revolving around the when and where of our trip. Part of our difficulty was that we had a strong desire to stay somewhere that would be an impressive experience for our first time visitors, but also somewhat budget friendly as to not give them complete sticker shock and ruin the trip before it started.

I calculated out some options and basically outlined a price range for what I thought we could do on a few different resort options. MiL didn’t bat an eye, and actually said they’d be willing to pay more than their share if they had to. Wait… what?

Glad it all worked out.

That said, we really did want to try AoA, but it just seemed like a Cars Suite would be too crowded for us. We’d considered renting DVC points, staying in 2 rooms at a value or a moderate. We even considered staying offsite. In the end the choice wasn’t really all that difficult.

We won't go any other way now if we can...DVC for us.

We booked 2 rooms in the Little Mermaid section from 12/13 – 12/19.

Yes… we even changed to the more expensive week of the 2 we’d considered. That week is just more convenient for all of us with our home schedules. We could have made either week we were considering work, and both require a little bit of juggling, but this one is just going to be easier. So in the end, it was worth the expense to DW and I, and it was even more of a factor for MiL and FiL to go that week as opposed to the week after Thanksgiving.

Sounds great (Mark really wants to stay in one of those rooms).

Now, I mentioned that we hope to possibly change resorts. Well, based on history, AoA hasn’t exactly been eligible for discounted rates. So we’re booked at rack rate, and likely that’s what it’s going to be if we stay there. In past years, there have been some good discounts available for Deluxe resorts in December. Before we booked the trip, MiL asked if we could stay where DW and I stayed a few years ago. If you’re new to my TR’s, she’s referring to Kathy’s favorite resort, Wilderness Lodge. She saw the pictures and really would like to stay there. So basically, if they would come out with one of their 30 – 40% discounts on Deluxe resorts, comparing the cost of a couple of rooms at WL to the cost of a couple of rack rate rooms at AoA seems like a reasonable upgrade, so we would likely try to switch. But truthfully, I think we’ll be happy either way.

You mean the ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE, don't you?

One thing I did differently this time around was booking the Regular Dining Plan. I typically am not a fan, and don’t see the value in it, but we’re planning to get some more buffet and character meals this time, so I think it makes more sense. We might do one or 2 meals that are 2 credits (and yes I know it doesn’t make sense to use dining credits there, but I can’t bring myself to let my in-laws see how much the bill would be if we paid for it). Right now I think we might… might do CRT this trip. This would be a first for all of us. We also will likely do a Candlelight Processional package. Probably easier to justify that cost out of pocket since it is more than just a meal.

With the extra character meals, a good idea.

Right now, our short list for Table Service meals is as follows:

• Chef Mickey – It has been a great first meal tradition with our kids. We’ll keep the tradition alive, but maybe not the first meal this time around…Nice tradition
• Via Napoli – Ok. This isn’t even on the short list, nor is it up for discussion. We’re eating here. Can't wait to try this in September.
• Cinderella’s Royal Table – We think it might be fun to try while our little prince is still little enough to enjoy the princesses and our little princess will hopefully be receptive to them. Never done this
• Be Our Guest – Obviously I want to try dinner here. We’ll probably plan to eat lunch here at a minimum and it might get left off the ADR list. There have been a lot of mixed reviews, but we have enjoyed it every time
• Whispering Canyon Café – Definitely eating here if we don’t get to stay at WL. Probably eating here if we do stay at WL.NO COMMENT
• Garden Grill – Looks like a fun character meal. Maybe a good one for us to look at for a CP package.I know why you are doing this.
• Tusker House – I’ve booked this one twice and cancelled it as the trip approached due to schedules/plans changingFor breakfast? We really like the breakfast
• Crystal Palace – Always a favorite. We haven’t been here since 2008.LOVE CP
• 50’s Prime Time – DW hates this place and always refuses to go. I know her parents will love it, and I fully intend to take advantage of that fact and eat here for the first time since 1998 if we can work it in. I'm with your wife; worse meal of our trip two years ago
• Mama Melrose/Sci Fi – Our top choices if we’d book a Fantasmic package. Otherwise, not a priority. We're going back to Mama Melrose in September (actually I'm doing it on the girls trip too
• Hollywood & Vine – Only if the character line up is something our kids would really like. The food was horrible last time we ate there.The food is ALWAYS horrible there
• Beaches & Cream – Always on my short list, we just never manage to work it inLOVE IT; I unfortunately just cancelled it for next week.
• Yachtsman – DW and I are hoping to get a date night. If so, this is probably where we’ll go. BEST STEAK at Disney
• Liberty Tree – DW and I love it. I’m sure her parents will love it. It will probably fall just short of making the cut this time around since we ate there last trip.

We like it there

Ok. I guess our short list really isn’t all that short. We still have a lot of work to do here. There are too many old favorites that we don’t want to miss and too many new ones that we want to try. There just aren’t enough meals in the day.

No, that is a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG list

I guess my next update here will have to be narrowing down the park days so we can take a look at what ADR’s might work on a given day.

Thanks for your patience and following along!

I'm glad things are coming together.

 

[MEK]

Yay for:

(1) picking a week!

(2) picking a resort!

and

(3) picking an overabundance of ADRs.

So glad that the planning is starting to move along. I so want to go back in December, but it's not going to happen this year.

Happy planning. We want to here all about it. Don't be such a stranger!

 

[DaveinFallsChurch]

Congrats!!! We loved AoA from our visit last year! I think your kids will definitely enjoy the theming just like our kids did.

And I love your ADR list. Via Napoli is one of my favorites now that I had an opportunity try it last month. Tusker House is our favorite breakfast character meal for the food. And I think CRT is definitely worth a try at least once. That first time walking inside the castle is awesome.

 

[amandaw]

Yay! for getting booked! Sounds like y'all made choices that are really going to work well for y'all.

 

[afwdwfan]

Sorry I haven't been on here more Andy. I'm glad to see that you've booked. I haven't seen it in person, but I think you'll like AoA. Good call going with 2 rooms.

I think it is the best plan for us. And I definitely look forward to checking out AoA... if we don't end up changing.

Edited to add: I just went back and looked at your Disney on Ice pictures. Your kids are very cute, I know you're having fun taking them to things like that. And I loved your wife's quote at the end of that post.

Thanks! They are definitely at a fun age. Well, most of the time. They do have their moments, but you know how that is.

AoA is a great choice.

It's definitely a step above the rest of the values, the Cast Members there are extremely helpful and friendly, and the resort itself is well-themed. Even though you're not staying in a Cars suite, the outside area in front of the building is a great place to explore. Actually, all the different areas are probably going to be a hit with your kids, since they'll be at that target age.

I'm kind of thinking we might just take the first day of our trip to hang out around the resort and check it all out. Maybe head out to dinner somewhere and possibly see fireworks or something, but mostly just hang out, swim, and explore the resort.

I have visited the 17th-21st before, and while it's a more expensive time, the crowds are still low and the weather is just a fraction colder. I don't think you'll lose out on anything (except a few dollars) by going a week later.

I think this week will be great! Truthfully, I'm kind of excited to go at this time. In the past, going just after Thanksgiving, just hasn't "felt" like Christmas. I mean the party is fun and the lights look great, but I guess just being so early in the season and being in warm weather, it just didn't feel quite like the Christmas season yet. I'm sure that going the week before Christmas will make it feel more Christmassy.

Our only hesitation at all about this week was the price difference.

Wilderness Lodge at Christmastime would be great. Not to mention the ability to hop on a boat to get to MK would be a big convienence when you've got diaper bags, strollers, etc to deal with.

Absolutely!!!! We loved the WL when we stayed before, and I know MiL will love it there. But yeah, boat access to MK with the stroller is what makes it worth the extra money, every time!!!

The Dining Plan is all about which restaurants you pick. If you plan it right, the cost of the plan can end up less than the cost of the meals. And if everyone is a big refillable mug user, then it can definitely be an advantage.

I totally agree. We typically aren't going to get our money's worth out of it, but I do love the convenience factor.

I agree, that has to stay.

It is mandatory for us.

I could see this being a good time to try and eat here.

I think it will be. We probably won't be back for a couple of years and by then DS might be old enough that he doesn't care/want to see the princesses.

Use the extra members of your party to your advantage.

The only downside to picking places to eat. It's the eternal problem of Do I eat at my favorite restaurants or try some new places?

Exactly! I really want to try to eat everywhere at least once, but we keep trying places and the next thing you know they end up being on the "every trip" list!

Overall, your plans look good. I think you've picked a lot of things your kids will enjoy. And eating at character meals could potentially cut down on character meet and greets. Which opens you up to more time on FP+ and other attractions.

Absolutely! I'm sure we'll still do some character meets, but we just aren't big fans of standing in line for 20 - 30 minutes just to get pictures with characters. If lines are short, we'll do it, but hopefully this way we can knock out the ones we have to see and the rest will just be a bonus.

As far as the Dining Plan goes, it can be a really good thing to do with first timers. If they don't have to think about how much each meal is costing them, they tend to gripe less and stress about the prices less. Most don't stop to add up each entree and compare it to the one lump sum they paid ahead of time.
It's an awesome way to show people the amazingness of Disney restaurants without the sticker shock.

That is kind of my thought process with this trip. I don't want to use 2 credits to eat at CRT, and I know it doesn't make sense. But to me, I think it is easier to do that and then just pay out of pocket somewhere more reasonably priced so that it isn't such a sticker shock.

And I know if we work in 2 or 3 other character buffets, we should do well with the Dining Plan on those.

Hopefully, a discount will pop up eventually for either WL and AoA and you can make a final decision. Like you said, though, I think you'll be happy at either one.

Absolutely!

 

[afwdwfan]

Glad it all worked out.

And easier than I'd expected!

We won't go any other way now if we can...DVC for us.

I'd love to. I just can't justify the cost for 1 trip when we typically try to pack in as much activity as possible. We have been having discussion about buying DVC, and I'm sure that would change our strategies significantly.

Sounds great (Mark really wants to stay in one of those rooms).

I'm pretty excited about checking this resort out. While we kind of hope we can get a good discount to potentially upgrade, I'd almost hate to miss out on staying here this time!

You mean the ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE, don't you?

You know, I really do want to stay there sometime. But MiL wants to stay at WL. And like I mentioned... the kicker on that deal is the direct boat to MK. Don't even have to fold the stroller.

Can't wait to try this in September.

They've got plenty of sauces and everything I've tried has been delicious. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love there.

Never done this

Me neither... It will be neat to hopefully try it. Likely just a 1 time thing unless we're just blown away.

There have been a lot of mixed reviews, but we have enjoyed it every time

We love the restaurant itself, but I'm not sure there's anything on the dinner menu that just makes us have to try it out. We definitely loved our lunch there.

NO COMMENT

You liked it and you know it.

I know why you are doing this.

No! Actually this one was already on the list. We'd looked at it the last couple of trips, but just didn't find room for it. I knew this was one we were definitely hoping to try this time, so I just had to poke some fun at you!

For breakfast? We really like the breakfast

LOVE CP

I do too. We had an 8:15 ADR there a couple of years ago, but gave it up when they changed park hours to open the MK at 8.

I'm with your wife; worse meal of our trip two years ago

She doesn't hate the food. She just doesn't want to be made to stand in a corner or something.

We're going back to Mama Melrose in September (actually I'm doing it on the girls trip too

I really like Mama Melrose. It is no Tutto Italia or Via Napoli, but it is certainly somewhat underrated.

The food is ALWAYS horrible there

I can't disagree. But if the character line up changes to be something our kids would love... well, how bad can you screw up breakfast food?

LOVE IT; I unfortunately just cancelled it for next week.

I am kind of excited that you can make an ADR for it now. I'm still not sure we'll do it this trip. You know. Since we can't eat everywhere. Even if we want to.

BEST STEAK at Disney

I do love the side dishes at Le Cellier, but I've seen a lot of great reviews of Yachtsman lately and I really want to give it a try.

No, that is a LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG list

It is hard to narrow it down!

Yay for:

(1) picking a week!

(2) picking a resort!

Those were difficult, yet not too overly complicated.

(3) picking an overabundance of ADRs.

It is just a working list. Once we start to schedule days, etc. we'll see how they fall into place. I'm sure we'll add more to the list by the time we get to that point anyway.

So glad that the planning is starting to move along. I so want to go back in December, but it's not going to happen this year.

We're kind of thinking this will be our last chance for a while. DS will be starting kindergarten next year and we aren't going between Christmas and New Years. We've already decided we aren't pulling our kids out of school for vacations.

Happy planning. We want to here all about it. Don't be such a stranger!

Well, I share as it becomes available! I'm constantly running ideas in my head, but getting agreement/disagreement/confirmation from my other half isn't always easy.

Congrats!!! We loved AoA from our visit last year! I think your kids will definitely enjoy the theming just like our kids did.

It certainly looks amazing.

And I love your ADR list. Via Napoli is one of my favorites now that I had an opportunity try it last month. Tusker House is our favorite breakfast character meal for the food. And I think CRT is definitely worth a try at least once. That first time walking inside the castle is awesome.

If we ever go on another trip to Disney World, and we step foot inside EPCOT, but don't go to VN... I'll be shocked.

I hear all kinds of good things about the Tusker House breakfast. Hopefully we can make it work this time around.

Yay! for getting booked! Sounds like y'all made choices that are really going to work well for y'all.

I hope it does work well! And if it doesn't... well, we're going to Disney World. How bad can it be?

 

[Leshaface]

Yay for getting it booked!

I love your list of restaurants. I don't think your list is long at all BTW! You need options. Via Napoli - please go! For me. So I can drool. Beaches & Cream - i've always wanted to go here but never find time/forget!

Can't wait to see your daily schedule - just a guess, but i'm thinking it's already half way done

 

[khertz]

Via Napoli – Ok. This isn’t even on the short list, nor is it up for discussion. We’re eating here.

Let's be real, Via Napoli is pretty much in my top 5 reasons for going to Disney World at all!!!

Kidding of course, but you know I share your love for that place.

So excited for y'all that you finally have something booked!! Even if you end up changing something, at least for now you have a foundation for the trip that you can start planning around. The two LM rooms sounds like a great choice. Even without staying in a Cars suite, I'm sure DS will love getting to see the Cars outside!

 

[that's nice]

Finally! You chose something.

You know what's gonna work best for your family…. if you don't mind me asking how much will the room cost you? You think this is cheaper than renting points?

 

[afwdwfan]

Yay for getting it booked!

Yeah... it's about time!

I love your list of restaurants. I don't think your list is long at all BTW! You need options. Via Napoli - please go! For me. So I can drool. Beaches & Cream - i've always wanted to go here but never find time/forget!

That's how it always seems to work for us with Beaches & Cream. BC is a resort that I really want to stay at, so I always just think I'll try it whenever we get around to staying there.

Can't wait to see your daily schedule - just a guess, but i'm thinking it's already half way done

Yeah... sure...

I do have some ideas, but I'm kind of waiting to see if they release discounts and we end up changing resorts. Where we stay will have a bit of an impact on what we do.

Let's be real, Via Napoli is pretty much in my top 5 reasons for going to Disney World at all!!!

Kidding of course, but you know I share your love for that place.

Let's be real. We both know you're not kidding! I think it was your TR and a couple of others that gave me the idea to try it, and I'm so glad we did!

So excited for y'all that you finally have something booked!! Even if you end up changing something, at least for now you have a foundation for the trip that you can start planning around. The two LM rooms sounds like a great choice. Even without staying in a Cars suite, I'm sure DS will love getting to see the Cars outside!

Yeah, I'm glad we're booked. At a minimum, we've got a reservation at one of our top choices. And if we'd happen to have an opportunity to upgrade to a Deluxe, that would just be something a little extra.

Finally! You chose something.

Well, you know. No reason to rush into it.

You know what's gonna work best for your family…. if you don't mind me asking how much will the room cost you? You think this is cheaper than renting points?

Yes. I was looking at renting a 2BR if we went that route. It would have cost around $800 - $1200 more depending where we'd book. Even if we'd have rented a 1BR, it would be about the same to a few hundred more than 2 Mermaid rooms. And I wasn't really sure how that would all play out with the magic bands/FP+ anyway, so I'd rather just play it safe.

Even if we would decide upgrade to 2 rooms at WL later on a discount, it would cost just about the same as renting points on a 2BR villa at WL, depending what kind of discount rates they'd come out with.

 

[LuvEeyore]

Better late than never. Joining in to learn from all of your planning. I am trying to plan another trip for Jan 2015. Want to go back and read through your PTR so...very behind in catching up with my DIS.

 

[afwdwfan]

Better late than never. Joining in to learn from all of your planning. I am trying to plan another trip for Jan 2015. Want to go back and read through your PTR so...very behind in catching up with my DIS.

Thanks for stopping by. I'm not sure there's a whole lot to learn from this PTR though.

 

[afwdwfan]

Mickey Mail

I really don't have too much substantial to add, but I thought I'd share this little surprise we received at the end of last week... Our first Mickey Mail for this trip. We got a small pamphlet that tells us all we need to know about My Magic + and how perfect and excellent it is in every imaginable way!

And more importantly, we got our refrigerator decoration that reminds us of all the important dates for micro managing every last detail of our trip before we ever leave home!

Ok, I'm not really that jaded about the whole My Magic + thing. I do love doing all the advanced planning for our trips, but I always try to make it a somewhat loose plan with some backup options because we ALWAYS end up calling audibles once we're on property. As convenient as the ability to change FP+ times/attractions may or may not be, I'm not looking forward to spending time screwing around on my phone to make changes. Because in this age of smart phones... DW and I are the only 2 among our group who even have one. And from my past experience with Disney websites and apps, I'm 100% confident that I could run to Soarin', grab a legacy FP and be back over at Test Track faster than I could change an FP with my phone. I've got long legs and fat fingers. I know my strengths and limitations!


Anyway... Still waiting to see what, if any, discounts come out for the time our trip is scheduled. As much as I would love to upgrade to WL if the opportunity becomes available, a part of me almost hopes that it doesn't happen. I do want to experience AoA, and even if it is only a little bit more after discounts to move to WL, that difference could cover a night or 2 of our stay in Disneyland in January. But that boat ride to the MK is soooooo nice.

I know I haven't talked a lot about our Disneyland plans. Quite frankly, they have taken a backseat to our Disney World trip. As it stands right now, I'll be at a conference in San Diego that will finish up around noon on 1/13. I'd like to do a little bit of sightseeing around San Diego... possibly either on Saturday 1/10 if we arrive early enough, or right after the conference ends. I'm also hoping to have some time to see a few sights around LA if we can work it in. Our main plan is to head to Disneyland and spend a few nights there. I think we're going to plan to head to the parks on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of that week and fly back home on Saturday. Our plan right now is to stay at the Disneyland Hotel.

We've never been to Disneyland, so this is an entirely new experience, but we are excited about the opportunity to do this. From those of you who have gone, is 3 days enough time, or should we try to get another half day in either on Tuesday afternoon or Saturday morning? We are definitely Disney World veterans and know we will be going back there repeatedly, but Disneyland is an entirely new experience for us. I used to get out to the PNW a couple of times a year for my old job, but aside from that DW nor I, either one, have been to the west coast. We have just a few days to work with and would love to see some things other than our conference hotel in San Diego, and the Disneyland parks, but this is likely our one chance to go to Disneyland so we definitely want to capitalize on our opportunity to explore Walt's park.

 

[amazingact21]

Wow, I had no clue Disney was sending out pamphlets with all the My Magic information. I mean, it makes sense, they have to educate people somehow. And, hey, Mickey Mail is Mickey Mail...


Those imporatant dates are a good thing to have handy, too. Otherwise, you could end up like me and call Disney Tech Support, because your Fastpass reservation page isn't showing up, only to be told you're 61 days out rather than 60.




I have to agree with on the worries over how easy it'll be to change Fastpasses. I think it'll be possible, it just might no be quick and painless. You'll have to go in with a lot patience.



Can't help you any with the Disneyland planning, but I would think if you plan well and monopolize on Fastpasses and early entry to the parks through the resorts, you could get all the big things done in 3 days. I mean, if you're not set on riding attractions you can on here, like Soarin' and TSMM, that are pretty much identical to each than I don't see why not.

 

[KatMark]

"Ok, I'm not really that jaded about the whole My Magic + thing. I do love doing all the advanced planning for our trips, but I always try to make it a somewhat loose plan with some backup options because we ALWAYS end up calling audibles once we're on property. As convenient as the ability to change FP+ times/attractions may or may not be, I'm not looking forward to spending time screwing around on my phone to make changes. Because in this age of smart phones... DW and I are the only 2 among our group who even have one. And from my past experience with Disney websites and apps, I'm 100% confident that I could run to Soarin', grab a legacy FP and be back over at Test Track faster than I could change an FP with my phone. I've got long legs and fat fingers. I know my strengths and limitations!"

The problem here is that those machines are now covered and you can no longer get FP's that way. You either have to do on your phone or they have a line you can get in (they were 20 deep when we passed them a couple weeks ago) to get the FP+ time or change one.


I love that Dumbo thing...I have two of them on my fridge.

I wish I had advice on DL. I've got to start researching it myself as we are going next year and skipping DW.