Life’s too short...to never sleep in a treehouse! 8/27 TR is up! Link in siggie

[eandesmom]

So funny how we all have different takes on things....to me you need less energy for a water park because you don't have to really pay attention to anything like you do at the parks....but I see your angle.....takes a lot of energy to walk up those stairs for the slides (I'd be in the Lazy river after an hour )

Well with 4 kids at different ages, interests and swimming/thrill abilities, a water park is actually a lot of work for us lol, the wave pool exhausts me as I've got some who think they are stronger swimmers than they really are and I have to watch them like a hawk. I just don't see being truly on top of it like I'd want to be on day one and frankly don't find them relaxing at all lol! I'd pass if I could.

Yeah, if the goal is to do TSM then hit that up that morning but I'd go to MK after breakfast.

yeah. I may move 1900 to the day before so it could just be a full DHS morning, not sure

Now granted I don't memorize the Illuminations schedule every month but 10pm does not seem correct.....it's almost always at 9pm. (Disney's schedule has it at 930pm in December but in July it's 9pm so I can't understand why it would be 10pm in August). I think the person you spoke with was confusing the Illuminations time with the MK Fireworks time (which is 10pm)

I think so too which is why I have 2 different dinner reservations lol! Hopefully they didn't accidentally book us on the wrong cruise.

I'm having a hard time believing that CG is booked solid. I think it's your party size.....same with Saana.

You know I tried some options as parties of 4, thinking I could make 2 reservations for 4 and by in large those weren't available either, or were at really horrible times like 4pm.

It is free dining......

 

[Native NYer]

Wow you have quite a busy week planned.
I don't know how you are able to plan for such a large group

 

[DisMomAmy]

I knew there was a reason I didn't reply when I read this the first time... Heidi caught all of my concerns (plus a few extras).

My biggest concern was all the back and forth. I'm a big fan of park hopping and hitting two parks in one day (with a mid-day break) but the resort meals added to that made it look like you would be spending way too much time on buses, etc.

Other than that I think your plans look good... Looks like you did a good job trying to hit all of the parks with Sandie & Paul, plus squeezing in everything else before they arrive.

It'll be a busy week, but hopefully those mid-day breaks will be enough of a re-charge for you & your gang.

 

[eandesmom]

Wow you have quite a busy week planned.
I don't know how you are able to plan for such a large group

I'm the oldest of 6?

I knew there was a reason I didn't reply when I read this the first time... Heidi caught all of my concerns (plus a few extras).

Heidi rocks

My biggest concern was all the back and forth. I'm a big fan of park hopping and hitting two parks in one day (with a mid-day break) but the resort meals added to that made it look like you would be spending way too much time on buses, etc.

given the ADR constraints in my replies back to Heidi, what would you suggest I do? I'm really trying to stick with the restaurants everyone voted on, though honestly even going outside of that there just isn't much when you look at the days I could do some swapping (16,17,18) thanks to being a large group and free dining.

Other than that I think your plans look good... Looks like you did a good job trying to hit all of the parks with Sandie & Paul, plus squeezing in everything else before they arrive.

It'll be a busy week, but hopefully those mid-day breaks will be enough of a re-charge for you & your gang.

I hope so! IF I can get them up early enough to have it make sense for a mid day break. It SO different than our normal touring mojo that it's going to be a challenge.

I think.

Then again, maybe they will all surprise me! The good news is Jeff is on board with the early am plan otherwise i'd be doomed and the kids have agreed, in principle.

How that translates when we are trying to wake up Kendall at 5am Seattle time is another story.

 

[Native NYer]

I'm the oldest of 6?

I'm the oldest of 2. BIG difference.

 

[eandesmom]

I'm the oldest of 2. BIG difference.

yeah that and we have 4 kids....

my Mom is the UBER planner...this is nothing. She and my dad fully planned our trip for 20 back in '04. Of course it was far more open than this, I think we only had 3 "scheduled" park days that we all agreed to be at certain parks together (full day at AK, full day at TL and a half day at MK and one dinner) but still!

 

[Happydog]

Okay you are getting some feedback, but I see a similar thread.

Basically I too think you will regret all the back and forth from far away locations. So with the 1900 park fare in particular. You would have to leave DHS easily before 10:00 to get to GF, PARK, and walk from that guest lot to the main building -- it is a haul. And a bus would require a ride to a park and then to the resort. risky. I would instead either make that the MK day and make DHS the day before (your second day). Honestly, you may just want to bag the 1900 Park Fare this trip... You will barely be in DHS before you have to go... if you stick to DHS, don't do the breakfast, you will have a much more satisfying time there... I would get there early (just explain the issue to the kids, rouse them that one day "early" the other days not a fret, and get the FP and get in line. You will have two rides in before 1pm. Do your DHS morning, enjoy it, have a snack, then head back to WL, have lunch poolside, they have a great pool bar, and relax! Then go to Epcot for dinner, etc. and fun. 1900 Park Fare isn't all that. Not in exchange for time doing stuff, vs. shuttling yourself there and back. that hour and 1/2 will be two hours easily.

RE the day for arrival, again, going to MK is an option, but by that time of the day it is hot, and the lines long. If you just want to go to walk around and do the big capacity stuff, you would be okay, but if the room isn't ready, you could just kick it at the pool and get to the AK earlier than 4 -- so only the one park that day. MK seems to be an option but not a solid plan, so I guess that is a good back up, but again you will spend time going back and forth, and maybe a snooze pool side your first day is better and get to AK for the rest of the day/evening. I really like that choice to go there, we do that quite often with AK...

I think the days at Y & B Club are much better.

I also think the DTD day could be your check out day... But I see you have that photo shoot scheduled.

Anyhow these are just my observations, I would hate for your family to get grumpy because there is a lot of time spent transporting vs. doing.

I know it isn't easy!!!

regarding the ADRs -- have they discussed maybe putting your group at two tables? Would that help with #s? like being able to get into some of these other restaurants? That isn't ideal, but then maybe they could put the tables together... Not sure about that.

 

[MEK]

Great tip, I'm actually building that into my touring plan, only problem is our last morning looks like it might be best for it for a couple of reasons. How early is the morning tour? We could maybe do it on day 2 before we go to Typhoon Lagoon, I'm just not sure the group will be acclimated enough to get up early to do something at 8 (4 am our time, bleh) and won't really know until we are there.

Tour starts at 9am! I think its every day of the week, although it was only listed for a few days in the activities schedule.

Even if you don't do the tour make sure you meet the ranger. He is soooooo nice!

 

[englishrose47]

When we there last September DD did not believe me when I said we need to leave now !!!We had ressies for Chef Mickeys and I told her we need to allow time for bus to MK and then mono to Contemporary!!Soooo the line for MK is huge so she decides to get on the Epcot busI kid you not !! We ended up getting a cab !!! I think next time she will listen to me !! Travelling from resort to resort is not quick!!!!I wish Disney would have a direct bus !!

 

[MEK]

I agree with dropping the 1900 park fair ADR. Too time consuming. Too much running back and forth.

I like your plans. they look good on paper and I think you should use them as a guideline. I love your ADRs and I am glad you are trying Saana.

What a great trip you have planned!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

Thanks!

Okay you are getting some feedback, but I see a similar thread.

Basically I too think you will regret all the back and forth from far away locations. So with the 1900 park fare in particular. You would have to leave DHS easily before 10:00 to get to GF, PARK, and walk from that guest lot to the main building -- it is a haul. And a bus would require a ride to a park and then to the resort. risky. I would instead either make that the MK day and make DHS the day before (your second day). Honestly, you may just want to bag the 1900 Park Fare this trip... You will barely be in DHS before you have to go... if you stick to DHS, don't do the breakfast, you will have a much more satisfying time there... I would get there early (just explain the issue to the kids, rouse them that one day "early" the other days not a fret, and get the FP and get in line. You will have two rides in before 1pm. Do your DHS morning, enjoy it, have a snack, then head back to WL, have lunch poolside, they have a great pool bar, and relax! Then go to Epcot for dinner, etc. and fun. 1900 Park Fare isn't all that. Not in exchange for time doing stuff, vs. shuttling yourself there and back. that hour and 1/2 will be two hours easily.

We won't be parking, no car but still, am leaning towards either scrapping it or doing it before TL the previous day instead (I can get over bfast 2 days in a row lol), I can move it to 9:10 and still get to TL in plenty of time. I am not in a rush to get to TL since it's a long mid day pool break lol!

I think I will have issues dragging kids away for breakfast since it will be our first time at DHS so the thought was, they will want to go back.

RE the day for arrival, again, going to MK is an option, but by that time of the day it is hot, and the lines long. If you just want to go to walk around and do the big capacity stuff, you would be okay, but if the room isn't ready, you could just kick it at the pool and get to the AK earlier than 4 -- so only the one park that day. MK seems to be an option but not a solid plan, so I guess that is a good back up, but again you will spend time going back and forth, and maybe a snooze pool side your first day is better and get to AK for the rest of the day/evening. I really like that choice to go there, we do that quite often with AK...

Basically MK is in as an option there for 3 reasons.

1. back up plan if people are tired of sitting and want to move (5 hour flight, bus, sit down breakfast)
2. the boys REALLY want their hair cut the minute we get there
3. it's easy from WL.

But I have no issue with pool, nap, AK. I figure we will just play that one by ear and decide over breakfast.

I think the days at Y & B Club are much better.

I also think the DTD day could be your check out day... But I see you have that photo shoot scheduled.

Anyhow these are just my observations, I would hate for your family to get grumpy because there is a lot of time spent transporting vs. doing.

Kind of funny, people actually got grumpy on the scheduled free day last year because no one could make up their mind! On the "move" day I think that's a pretty flexible one too, especially if we change it to make the previous day more of a full half day at DHS without interruptions.

But yeah, the other days lay out better as I had months to figure out a YC trip...not so much on the WL part.

I know it isn't easy!!! regarding the ADRs -- have they discussed maybe putting your group at two tables? Would that help with #s? like being able to get into some of these other restaurants? That isn't ideal, but then maybe they could put the tables together... Not sure about that.

That's why I'm asking for help, it's not. You stare at spreadsheets, try to book dining and it all gets blurry at a certain point. I have looked at that and couldn't get good times for tables of 4 either but may look again when my brain is a little more fresh.

 

[Happydog]

Thanks!

I think I will have issues dragging kids away for breakfast since it will be our first time at DHS so the thought was, they will want to go back.

NEVER been to DHS?? Oh, really, ditch breakfast. GO and stay. You will have plenty of fun with your kids there! Swap days if you can, then, sure, taking the monorail to GF from MK makes 1900 Park Fare really really easy.

DHS will keep you captivated until lunch, NO question. JUST get there early. For all parks that makes a difference, but for DHS in particular.

Basically MK is in as an option there for 3 reasons.

1. back up plan if people are tired of sitting and want to move (5 hour flight, bus, sit down breakfast)
2. the boys REALLY want their hair cut the minute we get there
3. it's easy from WL.

But I have no issue with pool, nap, AK. I figure we will just play that one by ear and decide over breakfast.

Oh yes, the hop is very easy from WL, it is always good to have options! And the hair cut and such is probably not too busy... and just soak up the Magic Kingdom vibe!

Kind of funny, people actually got grumpy on the scheduled free day last year because no one could make up their mind! On the "move" day I think that's a pretty flexible one too, especially if we change it to make the previous day more of a full half day at DHS without interruptions.

Seems like you have lots of other options, the Water Park and DQuest, and DTD, these are all great filler activities.... there is a great margarita shack across from Once Upon A Toy... tables with umbrellas... JUST saying!!!!!

 

[eandesmom]

NEVER been to DHS?? Oh, really, ditch breakfast. GO and stay. You will have plenty of fun with your kids there! Swap days if you can, then, sure, taking the monorail to GF from MK makes 1900 Park Fare really really easy.

DHS will keep you captivated until lunch, NO question. JUST get there early. For all parks that makes a difference, but for DHS in particular.




Oh yes, the hop is very easy from WL, it is always good to have options! And the hair cut and such is probably not too busy... and just soak up the Magic Kingdom vibe!



Seems like you have lots of other options, the Water Park and DQuest, and DTD, these are all great filler activities.... there is a great margarita shack across from Once Upon A Toy... tables with umbrellas... JUST saying!!!!!

LOL no I meant out 1st time at Dhs this trip. The swap would moving 1900 to the 12th, before typhoon lagoon

 

[eandesmom]

Tour starts at 9am! I think its every day of the week, although it was only listed for a few days in the activities schedule.

Even if you don't do the tour make sure you meet the ranger. He is soooooo nice!

That should work. How long is it?

 

[eandesmom]

I agree with dropping the 1900 park fair ADR. Too time consuming. Too much running back and forth.

I like your plans. they look good on paper and I think you should use them as a guideline. I love your ADRs and I am glad you are trying Saana.

What a great trip you have planned!!!!!

Drop entirely or move?

 

[eandesmom]

When we there last September DD did not believe me when I said we need to leave now !!!We had ressies for Chef Mickeys and I told her we need to allow time for bus to MK and then mono to Contemporary!!Soooo the line for MK is huge so she decides to get on the Epcot busI kid you not !! We ended up getting a cab !!! I think next time she will listen to me !! Travelling from resort to resort is not quick!!!!I wish Disney would have a direct bus !!

No it isn't lol. But with 30 resorts I can understand why the can't lol.

 

[DisMomAmy]

Okay you are getting some feedback, but I see a similar thread.

Basically I too think you will regret all the back and forth from far away locations. So with the 1900 park fare in particular. You would have to leave DHS easily before 10:00 to get to GF, PARK, and walk from that guest lot to the main building -- it is a haul. And a bus would require a ride to a park and then to the resort. risky. I would instead either make that the MK day and make DHS the day before (your second day). Honestly, you may just want to bag the 1900 Park Fare this trip... You will barely be in DHS before you have to go... if you stick to DHS, don't do the breakfast, you will have a much more satisfying time there... I would get there early (just explain the issue to the kids, rouse them that one day "early" the other days not a fret, and get the FP and get in line. You will have two rides in before 1pm. Do your DHS morning, enjoy it, have a snack, then head back to WL, have lunch poolside, they have a great pool bar, and relax! Then go to Epcot for dinner, etc. and fun. 1900 Park Fare isn't all that. Not in exchange for time doing stuff, vs. shuttling yourself there and back. that hour and 1/2 will be two hours easily.

RE the day for arrival, again, going to MK is an option, but by that time of the day it is hot, and the lines long. If you just want to go to walk around and do the big capacity stuff, you would be okay, but if the room isn't ready, you could just kick it at the pool and get to the AK earlier than 4 -- so only the one park that day. MK seems to be an option but not a solid plan, so I guess that is a good back up, but again you will spend time going back and forth, and maybe a snooze pool side your first day is better and get to AK for the rest of the day/evening. I really like that choice to go there, we do that quite often with AK...

I think the days at Y & B Club are much better.

I also think the DTD day could be your check out day... But I see you have that photo shoot scheduled.

Anyhow these are just my observations, I would hate for your family to get grumpy because there is a lot of time spent transporting vs. doing.

I know it isn't easy!!!

regarding the ADRs -- have they discussed maybe putting your group at two tables? Would that help with #s? like being able to get into some of these other restaurants? That isn't ideal, but then maybe they could put the tables together... Not sure about that.

I love these suggestions... Have you tried making two ADRs close in time with smaller numbers? I know that when I make ADRs for a large group they always tell me we could be at two tables anyways.

 

[eandesmom]

I love these suggestions... Have you tried making two ADRs close in time with smaller numbers? I know that when I make ADRs for a large group they always tell me we could be at two tables anyways.

Yeah I have although only online. Captains grille shows nothing for a party of 4 the entire night! Saana as well. One of those days shows a crowd level of 9 so..

 

[Happydog]

Sanaa ?? That really surprises me. I bet you could get in. We had a table for five at Christmas, and needed seating for 6 -- when I went to the host, they said no problem, because a table for 5 would usually be big enough for four. Maybe try for one less in your party, would that possibly help you get that sized table after all?

I say drop 1900 Park Fare. If that is an OOP meal anyhow, then save the $ for some other evening. If it is just for the 4 of you I think you will find more to do at DHS than you realize that morning.

Sorry I didn't quite catch everything correctly! So DHS will likely be a big deal for you.

 

[eandesmom]

Sanaa ?? That really surprises me. I bet you could get in. We had a table for five at Christmas, and needed seating for 6 -- when I went to the host, they said no problem, because a table for 5 would usually be big enough for four. Maybe try for one less in your party, would that possibly help you get that sized table after all?

I say drop 1900 Park Fare. If that is an OOP meal anyhow, then save the $ for some other evening. If it is just for the 4 of you I think you will find more to do at DHS than you realize that morning.

Sorry I didn't quite catch everything correctly! So DHS will likely be a big deal for you.

I was surprised too. I've tried it for 4 and for 8 and l can get is lunch. It is emh night and free,dining so...? I'd do the lunch but there isn't anything avail at capt grille the night we would trade with and lunch conflicts with the tea. Sigh