Leaving in 3 weeks and still more questions..

[jacquek95]

Hi all! We're leaving in 3 weeks for our 1st WDW vacation in 4 years and now I'm starting to panic that I haven't "prepared" enough for it. I have a few questions that I know all the knowledgable (sp?) here can help me with!

We're arriving around 6:00 PM on Saturday and staying off premise for the night and then checking into BW on Sunday. We plan on hitting AK right away on Sunday morning.

Q1: Where at Downtown Disney is the Guest relations booth so that we can pick up our tickets on Saturday evening? Is it open late?

Q2: We're not the earliest risers in the world (hey, on vacation, right?)... Should we just head straight for AK or would you check in at BW 1st? (We usually don't spend more than 6 hours at AK)

Q3: I read somewhere that DVC members get free internet at BW, but can't find it on the members website anywhere. Can anyone confirm this for me? Do we just bring our laptop and plug in at the room?

Q4: This may seem a silly question, but I have always wondered in the past. At BW you get the free valet parking and just need to tip. Do you usually tip when the bring you the car AND when they park it? Or just when they bring it to you?

Q5: Is there a Wal-mart/Target convenient when driving from Orlando International into Disney? (we've never flown to WDW before)

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[JaxFLBear]

Q1: Where at Downtown Disney is the Guest relations booth so that we can pick up our tickets on Saturday evening? Is it open late?

There are two. There is one between Team Mickey and Ghirardelli in the Marketplace. They are open the same hours as Downtown Disney. There is also one on the West Side.

Q3: I read somewhere that DVC members get free internet at BW, but can't find it on the members website anywhere. Can anyone confirm this for me? Do we just bring our laptop and plug in at the room?

Yes. As long as you are staying on points, the internet is free in your villa. There will be an ethernet cable in a bag in the closet. Just plug both in and launch your browser. You will see the standard disclaimer and there should be a foot note saying the it's free for members.

Q4: This may seem a silly question, but I have always wondered in the past. At BW you get the free valet parking and just need to tip. Do you usually tip when the bring you the car AND when they park it? Or just when they bring it to you?

I've only tipped ($5) when picking up my car. I seen posts where people tip $2 or $3 at drop off and pickup.

Q5: Is there a Wal-mart/Target convenient when driving from Orlando International into Disney? (we've never flown to WDW before)

There is a new Super WalMart a couple miles north of the airport. Take the north exit (SR436) to Hoffner Ave (SR15). Turn left on Hoffner and the SuperWalmat on the right 1.5 miles down the road. If you take the South Exit (SR417), there is a SuperTarget on Town Center Blvd.

 

[Chuck S]

Q1: Where at Downtown Disney is the Guest relations booth so that we can pick up our tickets on Saturday evening? Is it open late?

The DtD Guest Services is located in the building behind Ghiradelli's, between Arribas Brothers and Team Mickey. It is open until 10pm or 11pm, whenever the rest of DtD Marketplace closes. There is also a guest service kiosk near the bridge to Pleasure Island, across from Virgin Megastore on the Westside.

Q2: We're not the earliest risers in the world (hey, on vacation, right?)... Should we just head straight for AK or would you check in at BW 1st? (We usually don't spend more than 6 hours at AK)

That is really personal preference. I like to get checked-in first thing, then enjoy the parks.

Q3: I read somewhere that DVC members get free internet at BW, but can't find it on the members website anywhere. Can anyone confirm this for me? Do we just bring our laptop and plug in at the room?

DVC Members get free internet at DVC Resorts, unless they are staying on an Interval Int'l trade or on regular cash through Central Reservations/Disney Travel. You will see a verification screen about the charges, you must accept the charge screen, but it should not show up on your room bill. If it does bill out, go to the front desk to have the charges reversed.

Q4: This may seem a silly question, but I have always wondered in the past. At BW you get the free valet parking and just need to tip. Do you usually tip when the bring you the car AND when they park it? Or just when they bring it to you?

Yes, you receive free valet at BW, but must tip. Some people tip at both drop off and pick-up, others just when they bring back the car. Personal preference.

Q5: Is there a Wal-mart/Target convenient when driving from Orlando International into Disney? (we've never flown to WDW before)

Thanks so much for your help!

There is a Super Walmart, it is a very busy store, not too far from Disney property. The closest would be 3250 Vineland Rd., Kissimmee 34746, if you want to find it on an internet map or GPS system.

Have a great trip.

 

[drusba]

Closest Walmart is at 3250 Vineland Road (St Rd 535; about three miles off-site) and closest Target is at 4795 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy (Hwy 192; about 4 miles off site and about a mile from the Walmart) both in Kissimmee. You can map them on-line.

As to buying APs, you can also just easily do it when you arrive at AK -- if you are not an early riser that means you will arrive after morning rush and there is generally no line at guest services to get APs after morning rush. However, if you decide not to check in before going to AK (and I assume you have a car), then you must get your AP before doing so (the night before at DD if that is your choice). It is the only thing that will allow you into the parking lot at AK for no parking charge before getting a room key and the window parking pass for your car that you will get when you check in.