Leaving in 3 days for 2nd trip, but have new questions (m)

[mom2jp]

We are doing things a little different this time - going in cooler weather, staying off-site, buying APs instead of park hopper.

1. We have already purchased our AP vouchers at the Disneystore. Our first day in Orlando is the day we fly in, we won't be visiting any parks. We are going to MK the next morning. When is the best time to activate the AP? Can we wait until our first park day and activate them at the window when we enter the park? Or should we go to Epcot before it closes the evening before and have them activated then? I hate to start the AP a day early since we're unsure when we're going next year. And I remember going through the gates at the parks where they look through your bags and then swipe your park pass. But I can't remember seeing somewhere you would actually purchase or activate them . . .and I don't want to waste a lot of time at park opening activating passes!

2. We are staying at the Sheraton Vistana with my parents - free lodging for us, I can't complain. Except last time we stayed at the Polynesian and the monorail was minutes from us. Staying offsite, what is the best way to get to the parks? For instance, do we park in the parking lot at TTC and then take the Monorail to MK? Since we are off-site guests, are we still eligible for Disney transportation?

3. According to the weather channel, it looks to be between 50 and 70 degrees while we're there. I've been packing jeans and long-sleeved shirts for myself. Could it possibly be shorts weather? All the posts I've been reading say pack for everything, but we're coming from highs of 30 degrees here and 70 degrees sound downright balmy to me. Do I really need to bring my heavy coat and mittens?

4. I need some good walking shoes. Last time we went it was extremely hot, so I purchased some Teva sandals (which I love!) But if it gets cold enough to be wearing a coat and mittens, I don't think I'll be comfortable in sandals! Any suggestions for good walking sneaker type shoes? I don't like the heaviness of athletic shoes, but I want something with good support. Oh and I have a wide foot, if that makes a difference!

Whew! That was a lot of questions, but I didn't want to clog the board with individual posts! Thanks!

Sherry

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

I'll try to comment on some of your questions:

1. Don't know much about the vouchers, but if I were you I'd just plan on getting to the MK early and have them activated and are in line when the park opens. Don't you just activate them at guest relations/ticket counter, prior to proceeding to the park entrance? The bag check isn't too bad unless you are carrying a lot of stuff. Put the smaller items in a zip-lock plastic bag so they can just lift it out and see what's there without things spilling. Have your bag(s) unzipped and ready for security to go through.

2. Parking. If you have an AP (or any other ticket for that matter) you are eligible to ride the WDW transportation. You will have to pay for parking though. If visiting the MK, I would definitely park at the TT Center.

3. Florida weather. Take at least one warm weather outfit!! You never know until you get there what it's going to be like. Remember that they have lockers at the front of the park for rent, so if it's warm but you'll be there late, you might want to stash a sweatshirt in the locker for later.

4. Shoes. Get ones that fit you. I personally have New Balance but members of the family have their own preference. If you are a female and have a wide foot, you might want to look at men's shoes. I have been buying men's athelic shoes for the last few years for this reason. And to be honest, they are the same style as the women's!!! Beware though -- break them in BEFORE you go!!!

Have fun!!!

 

[Jynohn]

Having just returned a few days ago, I can help with the weather question. Make sure to pack for ALL kinds of weather!

I've been there before in the winter months and knew enough to pack plenty of warm clothes, but I wasn't prepared for how hot it could get in January too! The first few days of our trip were very warm (in the mid 80's) and we found that we had not packed enough shorts, etc.

That being said, a few days later we found ourselves absolutely FREEZING in Epcot despite being bundled up in layers, sweatshirts, etc. People were buying extra sweatshirts and towels to wrap around their children in strollers. It got very cold VERY quickly.

So when people say be prepared for ANY type of weather this time of year, they're not kidding! LOL

 

[safetymom]

Parking is free with an AP. It is a great benefit. There are ticket booths before you get to the security table and through the ticket machines.

It will be done in a matter of minutes.

 

[sconstantz]

My mom and dad are there now. They say the weather is 70 to 75 during the day, and cooling off at night. I would pack the shorts, and the long pants, and sweatshirts. I was with them this time last year, and it got down right cold!! But, we also had days at the pool. So you never know. The Vistana (which is where we stayed last year, also free with parents) condo's have washing machines, so don't overpack. Just pack a few of everything, and then wash as you need to.

But bring that bathing suit!!

Oh, and I love new balance shoes. You do need to break them in though, so go buy them now, and start wearing them.

shelly