Just a few planning questions!

[skojo]

Hi, I'm working on the pre-trip planning for our first ever Disney World vacation and need some help. We are booked from Oct 24th for 10 days: myself, DH, DS (5), and DD (4). So excited!

Here are a few things I'm not sure of and need advise on:
1 - Is the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage offered on MNSSHP nights?
2 - On nights the Illuminations Dessert party isn't being held, is that area open to all park guests?
3 - How early do we need to secure our spot for a good view of Illuminations?
4 - On our 180 day mark for ADR's, what time can I start booking our dinner reservations online? What time by phone?
5 - On our 60 day mark for FP reservations, what time can I start booking our attractions online?
6 - Last but not least (for now anyway ), what are some food/snack items that are a must try? I have Tonga Toast and School Bread on my list....I'm sure there's lots more!

Really appreciate the help! Thanks

 

[pork]

3. I tend to just find a spot right before the show. WS is so big that I've never had a issue. If you really want a certain spot though or are looking to be right at the waters edge maybe 30-20 minutes before time.

4. 6am ET and then the phones open a hour later.

5.usually at midnight ET but if the magic kingdom happens to be open till 1 that night it'll be 1am ET

6. It's not a trip for me without a dole whip and a churro. The samosas at the AK are also a must do for me.

 

[imthemamahere]

1 - As far as I can see, the Pirates & Pals cruise is bookable throughout the month of September. (up to 180 days from today) So, I'm going to go with yes on that one.

3 - Prime spots will fill up more than 30 min out, but if you're willing to walk around the Showcase a bit to find some empty space, you should be able to around half an hour before Illuminations. Some people will just walk up right before the pyrotechnics begin, and that's fine if you don't mind a less-than-perfect view - unless it's a REALLY busy time of year, the crowd is rarely more than 2 or 3 people deep.

4 - 6am EDT via website, 7am EDT via phone

6 - All depends on your tastes, where you're staying/eating, whether you want a full meal or just a little snack. Dole Whips are so yummy, very refreshing. Mickey waffles are immensely popular at breakfast time - very cute, and quite tasty. Mickey pretzels are a fun snack in the parks. Pastries from the bakery in World Showcase's France. An ice cream sundae from Beaches & Cream at the Beach Club resort. Shave ice from Kabuki cafe in Japan. Zebra domes at Animal Kingdom Lodge (can be found at the dessert section of the Boma buffet and at the Mara quick service restaurant). The Mara salad. The bread service at Sanaa. Fish & chips at the counter service place in EPCOT's UK pavilion.

 

[PaintsWindColors]

My answers mirror the others listed here except: 6 - check out the cupcake crawl (google it for more info) if you're looking for a family-friendly snacking challenge! I've found that the cupcakes (especially those at Boardwalk Bakery and Starring Rolls in HS) are very memorable.

 

[Mikie]

3. I tend to just find a spot right before the show. WS is so big that I've never had a issue. If you really want a certain spot though or are looking to be right at the waters edge maybe 30-20 minutes before time.

4. 6am ET and then the phones open a hour later.

5.usually at midnight ET but if the magic kingdom happens to be open till 1 that night it'll be 1am ET

6. It's not a trip for me without a dole whip and a churro. The samosas at the AK are also a must do for me.

5. I thought that had changed and the FP window now opens at midnight every day regardless of MK hours? Perhaps if we're lucky, resident FP expert @mesaboy2 will pop in to answer. Or the FP sub-forum will have the answers

 

[Jadyreen1282]

My answers mirror the others listed here except: 6 - check out the cupcake crawl (google it for more info) if you're looking for a family-friendly snacking challenge! I've found that the cupcakes (especially those at Boardwalk Bakery and Starring Rolls in HS) are very memorable.

Ya know we did something like this in Chicago. It ended at a cupcake ATM. Yep...google it.

 

[mzsarah10]

3. This last trip we got FP for illuminations as our 4th pass. We were leaving the park for the afternoon and grabbed it on the way out. It was great.

 

[siskaren]

5. I thought that had changed and the FP window now opens at midnight every day regardless of MK hours? Perhaps if we're lucky, resident FP expert @mesaboy2 will pop in to answer. Or the FP sub-forum will have the answers

I'm not mesaboy, but I can confirm from his previous FP+ thread that MK hours no longer factor into when you can start booking FP - it's always midnight Eastern.

 

[pork]

I'm not mesaboy, but I can confirm from his previous FP+ thread that MK hours no longer factor into when you can start booking FP - it's always midnight Eastern.

That's good to know. It was always a little strange they had fast passes tied to closing time at MK.

 

[Mimifree]

The Nutella and fruit waffle from Sleepy Hollow in MK is awesome. Also like the cronut from Refreshment Port in EP. Anything from the bakery in France is delicious! Love Lefou's Brew from Gaston's Tavern in MK. My kids love the kakigori from Kabuki Cafe in EP; it's like a sno-cone. I also enjoyed the carrot cake cookie in DHS. I'm not sure where it's sold now because the Writer's Stop closed. Um, snacks is one of my favorite things about WDW. Lol

 

[mesaboy2]

The Nutella and fruit waffle from Sleepy Hollow in MK is awesome. Also like the cronut from Refreshment Port in EP. Anything from the bakery in France is delicious! Love Lefou's Brew from Gaston's Tavern in MK. My kids love the kakigori from Kabuki Cafe in EP; it's like a sno-cone. I also enjoyed the carrot cake cookie in DHS. I'm not sure where it's sold now because the Writer's Stop closed. Um, snacks is one of my favorite things about WDW. Lol

Beverly Sunset / Sweet Spells, near Starring Rolls, has them.

 

[Tomh]

Hi, I'm working on the pre-trip planning for our first ever Disney World vacation and need some help. We are booked from Oct 24th for 10 days: myself, DH, DS (5), and DD (4). So excited!

Here are a few things I'm not sure of and need advise on:
1 - Is the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage offered on MNSSHP nights?

Sorry, I have NO idea

2 - On nights the Illuminations Dessert party isn't being held, is that area open to all park guests?

I believe so, though I am not 100% certain

3 - How early do we need to secure our spot for a good view of Illuminations?

Depends some on time of year, crowd level, and what you consider a good spot. Generally, I say within 10 minutes of the show, you can find a spot to see it. 30 minutes prior you should be able to find a pretty good spot. If it is very busy, or you are particular about your viewing location, then 40 or 45 minutes prior is probably a pretty safe bet.

4 - On our 180 day mark for ADR's, what time can I start booking our dinner reservations online? What time by phone?

6:00 AM Eastern time online, 7:00 AM Eastern time by phone.

5 - On our 60 day mark for FP reservations, what time can I start booking our attractions online?

12:00 Midnight Eastern time

6 - Last but not least (for now anyway ), what are some food/snack items that are a must try? I have Tonga Toast and School Bread on my list....I'm sure there's lots more!

Oh dear lord, SO many options!!! Things I have really enjoyed, Schoolhouse Bread, and Cloud Horns in Norway, Croissants in Italy, Fish and Chips in the UK. The fruit and gnutella waffle at Sleepy Hollow snacks near the bridge from Liberty Square to the hub. Lafou's Brew at Gaston's Tavern. The chocolate mocha what ever the heck it is cupcake that they offer for dessert at Pizza Planet in DHS (not sure if / where you can get this while Pizza Planet is being refurbed, but it is ridiculous). Supper at 'Ohana, it's ALL good!

Really appreciate the help!

Thanks

 

[mecllapfigment]

Looks like you're on top of pre-planning -- that's very important for how huge and complicated WDW actually is. I recommend keeping a daily journal while you're there, for the memories and to help with your next trip. And getting the MemoryMaker Photopass package (if it seems to expensive, trade an ADR dinner or something for it, unless you're doing a package that forces you into ADRs). Last year, my daughter waited nearly 2 hours for the photo with Jack and Sally; the year before, at about 11:30 p.m. I got in line for them and it was a little over an hour -- but we both totally loved the MNSSHP, even though it's not possible to do/see everything. Prioritizing very important, but do allow a fair amount of time for just taking it kind of easy, some winging it, and enjoying all the details during your vacation there. Have fun!

 

[ArielSRL]

My answers mirror the others listed here except: 6 - check out the cupcake crawl (google it for more info) if you're looking for a family-friendly snacking challenge! I've found that the cupcakes (especially those at Boardwalk Bakery and Starring Rolls in HS) are very memorable.

I like the sound of this cupcake crawl....onward to google....

 

[scrapquitler]

Hi, I'm working on the pre-trip planning for our first ever Disney World vacation and need some help. We are booked from Oct 24th for 10 days: myself, DH, DS (5), and DD (4). So excited!

6 - Last but not least (for now anyway ), what are some food/snack items that are a must try? I have Tonga Toast and School Bread on my list....I'm sure there's lots more!

Really appreciate the help! Thanks

Given your travel dates, I think you might find your food/snack options will be overwhelming, especially in Epcot, because you will be there during the Food and Wine Festival. Try googling for last years food and wine festival food options, and be prepared to have a really long list! They set up lots of extra food booths in Epcot, and they all offer several small tapas type portions of various options.

 

[skojo]

Thanks everyone for the info! This is our first trip and probably our only trip to Disney so I'm really trying to make the most out of it. I added the Memory Maker to our reservation. Making a list of all the yummy snacks. Great idea on keeping a journal everyday, will definitely do this too.
207 days to go for the trip I've been dreaming of since I was a little girl and mentally planning since my first baby was born! I think I may be more excited than the kids!

 

[MHSweb79]

Looks like you'll be there for the Food & Wine Festival. Make sure you avoid that area on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. Not only will the crowds be insane, but there will be a lot of people who will have enjoyed the "wine" part just a little too much, which may lead to some behavior that you don't really want your kids involved in. (Loud questionable language, barfing in bushes, etc.)

Also related to F&W, I recommend avoiding all desserts at the kiosks. You dessert money will be much better spent elsewhere! I second the idea of a cupcake crawl, keeping in mind that the cupcakes are large and should be shared.

 

[Parker Clan]

6) We love carrot cake cookie at Hollywood Studios, Frozen Raspberry lemonade Slushie, popcorn (Disney popcorn is just better), pretzel from Sommerfest in Germany ,Caseys Corner, Gaston's Tavern Cinnamon Roll, just to name a few

 

[Planogirl]

I'll add rice cream in Norway and tuna sandwich at Columbia Harbour House.

 

[mecllapfigment]

There was/is small eatery in the back of Germany that has heavenly Black Forest Cake -- much better than the F&W stuff.