Just back... THE BEST TIPS WE USED!!!...

[lkc0538]

We just returned today and I will post a trip report in the next few days. We had a wonderful time and I just wanted to say thank you for the following tips I got on the board (and used):

1. To photocopy the back of your tickets. Day 1, we are at mgm, I loose a park hopper ticket. It was replaced no questions asked-and all the CM's were extremely nice and didn't treat me like the idiot I was!

2. To take the back way in via Sherberth Road. We stayed at Emerald Island resort-using this unadvertised, non-Disney marked road was wonderful. We were on Disney property in 5 minutes.

3. To rent a vacation home. We did thru villa direct. It was incredible-and having our own private super heated pool and hot tub in our backyard was just magical!!!! Thanks for suggesting this option!

I can't wait to post all the details-I'd be happy to answer any questions I can!

 

[lkc0538]

I can't believe I forgot number 4!

4. Go see Cirque du Soleil. It was the best money we spent-has to be seen to be believed. The kids (2 age 7, and 1 age 6) were literally on the edge of their seats. Absolutely awesome-I can't say enough about it!

 

[sweet maxine]

Thanks for the advice about Sherbeth Road. We'll be staying at Silver Lake in December, and that will be our route to the Disney roadways.

 

[tinkerbell13]

and used that shorcut several times too! It was great! Missed Circ this time, I did see it in Las Vegas and it was incredible.

 

[northern michigan]

What's villa direct? How do you reach them? Are they expensive? Is this a regular home? Do they all have heated swimming pools in the back yard?

 

[lkc0538]

We booked our home thru www.villadirect.com .
They have a huge selection and it's easy to see which have pools and which don't. You can rent condos, townhomes, and villas. We booked a 4 bedroom (which included 2 master suites), 3 full bath home, with heated pool and "spa pool" (like a hot tub) for 8 nights and we paid around $1300 with security deposit. Divided between 2 families-it was very reasonable. We loved the peace and tranquility. The last night we were there we stayed at AKL-it was nice, but for us, we much preferred the house. Where we were, it was 5 minutes to AK. It took us 20 minutes to get to the SeaWorld area and Universal. Hope it helps. I know a house off property is not for everyone-but for us, it was great.

 

[lkc0538]

We are already looking at Cirque's website to see what will be coming near us. Looks like we just missed one I'd love to see the one in Vegas!

 

[Scottish-Helen]

Glad you had a great trip! Cirque Du Soleil is amazing isn't it. I'm going to see their show over here in January.

How were the crowds? as I'm thinking about going 5th November next year.

 

[dthogue]

Please tell me more about the Sherbeth Road shortcut? Where is is located? Is it well marked? Will we be able to access all the Disney parks?

Thanks for the tip!

Tammy

 

[Belle1962]

From 192 turn (usually LEFT because people are coming from that end of 192) onto SHERBERTH ROAD

At the first light turn RIGHT and follow the signs to wherever you are going (you are on Disney property)

 

[lkc0538]

Those directions to Sherberth road sound exactly right. Once you get to the first light, the Disney road signs are evident and very easy to follow. We never had traffic on this road-it was a huge help! The only caution I have is it was a road where it was Sherberth one way, but if you turned the other way it was a different road name. Also, to get back out, follow signs for Animal Kingdom lodge-that will take you back to Sherberth.

Crowds were not bad at all. The longest line we stood in was Splash mountain for 30 minutes (it was actually 20), while we fastpassed Thunder mountain, so there had no wait. Even when we hopped over to Epcot for test track one afternoon at about 2 pm, the wait for that was only about 10 minutes. We were very pleased with crowds.

 

[Scottish-Helen]

Thanks for the info

 

[PratersloveDW]

Thanks for the suggestions. Gald to hear that ya'll had a great time!

 

[Lisa AF]

We love the Sherberth road entrance but had a heck of a time finding our way back. I don't believe there is any sign at the intersection. As you go toward AKL pass Blizzard Beach and Animal Kingdom then turn left at the intersection before you get to AKL.
My DH drives so could someone confirm if this is correct?

 

[lkc0538]

I'm laughing because we got a bit lost our first time trying to find Sherberth on the way back. Follow signs closely for Animal Kingdom-there is one I know of (before a McDonald's) that has a sign and the turn is immediate-no warning. Also, they need to prune the trees on that one-it is hard to read before you are right upon it. As you approach AK, the road will V -stay to the left-this will take you to the intersection with Sherberth. If you go toward the right, you will go right in to AK. I remember it being clearly marked for Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Cheesehead66]

We just used Sherberth as well on our October trip. I never worried about which way to go coming back from wherever I was in Disney, I just always looked for the AK signs. Then when going towards AK, I'd look for the AKL sign. You go towards that, and Sherberth is left at a stoplight, so it was really easy to find. It's the last stoplight before you'd go straight to AKL.

Another poster said Sherberth has a different road name if you go across 192 while on it - I believe that was Entry Point Blvd. (I was on it by mistake once!)