Looking for Adventure in the Great Wide Somewhere a PTR

[If U Had Wings]

Now that I'm set with my resort decision, I find myself with a new quandry.

Tickets.

I actually have 5 day passes for this trip already, with the non-expiration option on them. I bought them last year expecting to use two days last year, and then using the rest of them for a short weekend trip this year. I ended up not needing to use any of the days, so I still have full 5 day passes. My plan is to use the 5 days, and enjoy 2 days of non-park relaxation. So really the dilema is not about this trip, but future trips.

Since I've already shelled out the money for the non-expiration option on my tickets it would be a waste to just use all 5 days this trip and have basically thrown away my money paying for the option. (I hate wasting money ). So my plan is to upgrade my tickets for my next trip. I just need to figure out when that will be.

Right now I have two possible trips in mind for next year. A short weekend only trip in March to run the princess 1/2 marathon, and a longer trip with my friend H in the fall so we can run the ToT 13K. Neither is definite.

I really want to make the trip in March, but they released the special room prices for the weekend and they are high. March is a full price season, and it will be really rough for me to be able to justify the cost for a weekend solo trip. Still I'm not eliminating the possiblity yet that I can maybe find a roomate, or a friend who may want to go for the weekend, even if they don't take part in the marathon.

A fall trip is a bit more definite. My friend wants to take part in the ToT race. She's going to be walking the race, and the ToT, gives you a bit more time to complete the race so it's a better choice for her than the marathon. Still, it's a year away and you never know what will happen before then.

Why does this matter? I ran some numbers today for upgrading my tickets. I was planning on just adding on another 5 days this year. Then I'd be all set for next fall, as we are planning on checking out Universal for a day or two. It would be the perfect amount of time. If I did the March trip, I'd still have to pay for park passes if I wanted to do the parks then.

The thing is though, I was surprised to find that it would be cheaper for me to upgrade to an AP pass than to a 10 day pass, because of the cost involved in the non-expiration option. I hadn't even thought of the AP option originally. It is tempting. With an AP pass I'd be able to go into the parks every day this trip if I felt like it, not worry about passes for the March trip if I go, and be able to do whatever I like next fall as well. Plus with an AP, there's always a chance I could score a better room discount for next fall, as well as get to enjoy the various other discounts it offers. (Like the 10% off any one treatment at the GF spa, which I was planning on doing). I would also be possibly able to get a Tables in Wonderland card for food discounts. (I'd just have to figure out if it would be worth the cost of the card or not).

Sounds good, right? So what's the dilemma?

The possibility that I don't go again next year. I was originally supposed to go to Italy next year, and had to cancel those plans because of the economy. (No raises/bonuses at work made it impossible). Nothing is for certain, and if I upgrade to the AP and then don't go again, I'll be out the $175. With the upgrade to just 10 day passes if I don't go next year it won't be a problem. I can just hold the tickets until I need them.

Obviously I won't need to make a decision until December, but there's nothing like having a new Disney dilemma to drive me nuts until then . I'll have to sit down and have a chat with my friend and figure out our plans.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Ugh Wings! That is a tricking one. All I can say is that if you get an AP I know you will go back to Disney to use it Fuzzy Disney Math and all....

If you do get the 10 days instead, think about adding the water park on for $50. 10 water park tickets that will last forever. I have something like 11 wp tickets so I'll probably never have to buy one in my lifetime! It would pay for itself in one visit.

 

[Flossbolna]

That's a tricky one!! Perhaps you really nedd to do the math on how much you could save with the AP discounts and the TiW card. If you can see savings there, it might be worth getting the AP just for that and then see what happens next year! You even might be able to get an AP discount for this years December trip. I think it is possible to book the AP discount and then just show them that you bought one on your first day at WDW.

I guess if you end up buying the AP you won't have to worry about using it again, it seems like having an AP in their pockets makes people returning to WDW even more than they planned - not less! But I understand your uncertainty. That's why I still have not bought an AP...

 

[TarzansKat]

This is actually a similar dilemma I'm facing right now.

I'm 99.9% sure that I'm going to upgrade my pass to an annual. Given that Mom wants to go with me in January and that I'd like to get in a family trip (just the three of us) before DS goes to kindergarten, it seems like a pretty good idea.

I'm just not sure if I should upgrade DS and DH, and commit ourselves to going again before he goes to school. I guess the theory being that so much could happen in a year.

But, it could be my dream trip. The one where I get a great AP room rate, and don't book any dining. :::sigh:::

So I feel where you're coming from, believe me.

Honestly, if you know you're going to do at least one of those trips, I would upgrade to the annual. It really makes financial sense, I think.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Hmmm. I was facing a similar dilemma in May and I didn't upgrade to an AP and I regret it....big time. Even if I just go on my trip in the Fall, it would have made sense but oh well, you live and you learn.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Ugh Wings! That is a tricking one. All I can say is that if you get an AP I know you will go back to Disney to use it Fuzzy Disney Math and all....

If you do get the 10 days instead, think about adding the water park on for $50. 10 water park tickets that will last forever. I have something like 11 wp tickets so I'll probably never have to buy one in my lifetime! It would pay for itself in one visit.

I didn't know that about the water parks. I may have to do that. I've never been to any of the water parks. I'd like to visit one of them one of these days. I'm still living with the sadness that I never got to visit River Country when I was a kid. My brother didn't swim, so my parents never would take us. I'm still disgruntled about it.

I keep playing with the fuzzy Disney math. If it wasn't for the price of the plane tickets I'd feel better about going more often. Rooms are relatively cheap enough, and if I really had to I could get a bargin room off-site. There is just no getting around the airfare though. It's really the only time I hate being so far away from Disney.

That's a tricky one!! Perhaps you really nedd to do the math on how much you could save with the AP discounts and the TiW card. If you can see savings there, it might be worth getting the AP just for that and then see what happens next year! You even might be able to get an AP discount for this years December trip. I think it is possible to book the AP discount and then just show them that you bought one on your first day at WDW.

I guess if you end up buying the AP you won't have to worry about using it again, it seems like having an AP in their pockets makes people returning to WDW even more than they planned - not less! But I understand your uncertainty. That's why I still have not bought an AP...

I'm going to have to wait until I get down there no matter what I chose to do. I was doing some research last night on allears.net and realized that it will be better for me if I wait until I've used the ticket once before upgrading.

If you upgrade before the ticket is used at all, you owe the difference between the price printed on the ticket and the current price of the ticket your buying. If you upgrade once you've used the ticket at least once you only pay the difference between the current value of the ticket and the new ticket your buying. As my ticket was bought last year before the last increase, I'll be much better off waiting. This will be even more true if the tickets go up again in August like they are calling for.

I definitely need to sit down and play around with the fuzzy Disney math for the discounts too. It may just push me over the edge. Even if I only use the AP 7-8 days this year, and the short trip in the spring I may work out okay with the discounts.

I'm 99.9% sure that I'm going to upgrade my pass to an annual. Given that Mom wants to go with me in January and that I'd like to get in a family trip (just the three of us) before DS goes to kindergarten, it seems like a pretty good idea.

You know I'll be dying to see where you stay with your mom. I love hearing about the deluxe places!

I'm just not sure if I should upgrade DS and DH, and commit ourselves to going again before he goes to school. I guess the theory being that so much could happen in a year.

That's exactly what I've been thinking. My next week long trip won't be until next October in theory. That's a long time to take a chance on. It's why I keep thinking my decision may come down to the March trip. It will be close enough to my Dec. trip that I'll have have to have plans in progress.

But, it could be my dream trip. The one where I get a great AP room rate, and don't book any dining. :::sigh:::

I know. Dreams of BWI for my 40th on an AP discount keep dancing in my head!

Hmmm. I was facing a similar dilemma in May and I didn't upgrade to an AP and I regret it....big time. Even if I just go on my trip in the Fall, it would have made sense but oh well, you live and you learn.

You never know right? At least since my trip is at the end of the year, that leaves me with a whole year to sneak in another one.

 

[MRYPPNS]

I'm still living with the sadness that I never got to visit River Country when I was a kid. My brother didn't swim, so my parents never would take us. I'm still disgruntled about it.

Isn't it funny the things that stick with us.

 

[Flossbolna]

I know. Dreams of BWI for my 40th on an AP discount keep dancing in my head!

My 40th birthday dream is AKL concierge... Still have until November 2011 to see how this will work out...

 

[TarzansKat]

You know I'll be dying to see where you stay with your mom. I love hearing about the deluxe places!

Whatever gave you the impression that Mom and I would be staying deluxe?

That's exactly what I've been thinking. My next week long trip won't be until next October in theory. That's a long time to take a chance on. It's why I keep thinking my decision may come down to the March trip. It will be close enough to my Dec. trip that I'll have have to have plans in progress.

I hear ya. And I feel the same way, but I have an inkling that I'm going to go ahead and bite the bullet. For all three of us. Because if I'm willing to go in the summer, it means that DS won't be in school, I won't be in school, and the only thing holding me back will be that's it hot and there's crowds.

Although I'm sure CP is an EXPERT at going in June, so she could lend some friendly advice.

I know. Dreams of BWI for my 40th on an AP discount keep dancing in my head!

For my 40th, without a doubt, the GF. Even if I have to save my little heart out and cry when I find out the cost of a room rate by then.

 

[MyMuse]

I've been enjoying your TR!

My dream is to stay at the Boardwalk as well; I loved it when I saw in on my semi-solo trip in March. I played mini-golf and ate there as well.
My second fav would be to stay at AKL, though all the talk about WL has me rethinking that.

I'm also going back down in December 5-13th, and staying most of the time in Orlando with the last days to visit family in Tampa area as I do every year. But this year, I will be doing Disney as I am a late bloomer to Disneyitis.
It was originally a solo trip as well, but I may have players with me. Who knows by the time December rolls around.

My original thought was to be in the Boardwalk area but hope to see a discount for the Swolphin. Not quite Disney but close enough. However, I made the decision a couple of days ago to stay off-site. I can use a timeshare condo for free for the week. I can't justify staying on-site, though I tried my darnest. And that lends to my ADR dreams & EMHs out the window. Next time.

The post I saw about buying tickets before the prices go up in August was a great one. Thank you for that.

I look forward to hearing your plans about your trip.

 

[Donald is #1]

What a decision! I would probably go for the AP, but that is me. Also be careful, once you get an AP, you find yourself starting to plot vacations a couple of years in advance so that you can "get your money's worth". By the way, I love my TIW card even during my solo trips. For me it ends up being cheaper than the dining plan.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Isn't it funny the things that stick with us.

it is. My first two trips to the world were before Epcot opened (79 and 81), both times they ran the same all about Disney show in the rooms. I can still sing the Walt Disney World song from that show and remember the host's name. (Susan). Of course my brother wanted to watch nothing else but that 24/7.

My 40th birthday dream is AKL concierge... Still have until November 2011 to see how this will work out...

You definitely need to try to stay there for your birthday!

Whatever gave you the impression that Mom and I would be staying deluxe?

Let's just call it a hunch.

I'm forseeing more debt to be repaid in your future.

I've been enjoying your TR!

Welcome!!

My dream is to stay at the Boardwalk as well; I loved it when I saw in on my semi-solo trip in March. I played mini-golf and ate there as well.

I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. I will get there one of these days.

My original thought was to be in the Boardwalk area but hope to see a discount for the Swolphin. Not quite Disney but close enough. However, I made the decision a couple of days ago to stay off-site. I can use a timeshare condo for free for the week. I can't justify staying on-site, though I tried my darnest. And that lends to my ADR dreams & EMHs out the window. Next time.

I don't blame you. If you can go for free you can't say no to that!

The post I saw about buying tickets before the prices go up in August was a great one. Thank you for that.

I look forward to hearing your plans about your trip.

I just read about it on another thread. I wish I could upgrade before the price increase, but unfortunately I can't do that at the Disney store in NY. Of course if I go to an AP I'm going to have to wait anyways.

What a decision! I would probably go for the AP, but that is me. Also be careful, once you get an AP, you find yourself starting to plot vacations a couple of years in advance so that you can "get your money's worth". By the way, I love my TIW card even during my solo trips. For me it ends up being cheaper than the dining plan.

That is sounding very dangerous!!

 

[If U Had Wings]

I played around today with math for the Tables in Wonderland card, just to see if I went with the AP if it would be worth it.

I didn't even have to resort to fuzzy Disney math.

The answer was an easy "Yes" it would be worth it.

I did a rough estimate of what I would order from the restaurants I was planning on going to on my December trip. Pretty much one sit down restaurant a day, sometimes two if I had planned a breakfast. Food wise a few were buffets, for regular restaurants I planned on a main entree only, and one night with a signature restaurant. I added up what the cost would be using the TiW card (20% off, 18% gratuity), and then the cost of what the meals would cost full price with an 18% gratuity. (I usually tip 20%, but it made it easier to use the same gratuity amount).

For just one person alone I'd save about $85 on just the December trip. The card cost is $75 so there would still be a savings. With two of us, it would be worth it, especially for multiple trips.

Just thought I'd let everyone know the findings!

 

[Lady Lallie]

We used the TIW card in May and it was wonderful, it adds up quickly. I'm pretty sure Jen recouped her cost just after a few meals for the two of us!

 

[Donald is #1]

I played around today with math for the Tables in Wonderland card, just to see if I went with the AP if it would be worth it.

I didn't even have to resort to fuzzy Disney math.

The answer was an easy "Yes" it would be worth it.

I did a rough estimate of what I would order from the restaurants I was planning on going to on my December trip. Pretty much one sit down restaurant a day, sometimes two if I had planned a breakfast. Food wise a few were buffets, for regular restaurants I planned on a main entree only, and one night with a signature restaurant. I added up what the cost would be using the TiW card (20% off, 18% gratuity), and then the cost of what the meals would cost full price with an 18% gratuity. (I usually tip 20%, but it made it easier to use the same gratuity amount).

For just one person alone I'd save about $85 on just the December trip. The card cost is $75 so there would still be a savings. With two of us, it would be worth it, especially for multiple trips.

Just thought I'd let everyone know the findings!

Awesome! By the way, the TIW discount will also work for any adult beverages that you order with your meal.

 

[If U Had Wings]

We used the TIW card in May and it was wonderful, it adds up quickly. I'm pretty sure Jen recouped her cost just after a few meals for the two of us!

That's good to know. If I end up with the AP, I definitely need to pick up a TiW card. I'm hoping my friend will be up to sharing the cost as she will be on both trips with me.

Awesome! By the way, the TIW discount will also work for any adult beverages that you order with your meal.

That's even better! I defintely want to try some more of the cocktails this trip.

 

[All7OfUs]

Zowie, I didn't know you could use it on adult bevs. too! I think this would be a no-brainer, but I'm like you, gotta map it all out, and prove it to myself. doesn't it feel good to do the math and come to solid decision??

 

[If U Had Wings]

Zowie, I didn't know you could use it on adult bevs. too! I think this would be a no-brainer, but I'm like you, gotta map it all out, and prove it to myself. doesn't it feel good to do the math and come to solid decision??

I do like seeing all the numbers listed nice and neat so I can refer back to them. I definitely like to have things proved to me. I'm my own Mr. Spock.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Now that I'm settled in on a resort, and have an idea of what I'm doing for tickets, we can get to the good stuff. The daily planning, and let's be serious here, that really means one thing.

Food.

Because honestly, if ADR's weren't really necessary, my planning would simply focus on getting to my favorite ride each day first thing and then winging it for the rest of the day. It makes me miss the days when I was a kid and our days were pretty simple. We'd get up, have breakfast at the Tangaroa Terrace at the Poly, and then head to the MK being sure to ride Space Mountain first. Those were our only plans. Nice. (And really it's a shame that the Tangaroa Terrace isn't there any longer. I remember it having a large dining room, and there was never a wait).

Since the walk in method just doesn't work any longer, I have to work out a plan. I had one when I was planning on going solo, but now that my friend is coming I have to play around with my plans. Between the two of us we've come up with a bit of a "wish" list, places and things we'd like to visit and eat at. Now I just have to come up with the plan.

My Restaurant Wish List
Kona (Breakfast) - Tonga Toast! (I need to try this!)
Akerhaus (Breakfast) - At the risk of sounding like a big goof at my age, I want to meet Belle.
Cinderella's Royal Table (Breakfast)
Crystal Palace
Boma
Le Cellier
O'hana
Raglan Road
California Grill
Brown Derby
Citricos
Narcoosees
Plaza
Liberty Square Tavern
Sci Fi Drive In
50's Prime Time Café
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Chef Mickeys
Tusker House (Breakfast)

Now obviously we can't do everything here. Even if my pocketbook would allow me to eat at that many places, I'd gain about 50 lbs on my vacation and be miserable. So I'm turning to my readers for some advice. A few of the choices I've narrowed down to either/or types of decisions. I actually haven't eaten at many of these places so I'm hoping anyone who's tried them could let me know what you thought. I've been driving myself nuts reading food reports and reviews on the AllEars website. I just trust the opinions more of my friends here on the Disboards.


The Either/Or's

Akerhaus or CRT
I'm leaning towards Akerhaus, but the lure of eating in the castle is strong. I've read some really great reviews about the breakfast at Akerhaus, and Belle is there in her gold dress greeting most of the time. I've read that Akerhaus is less chaotic than the castle, which would be nice, plus it is less expensive, which is always a bonus. Still - dining in the castle - very tempting, although it should be telling me something that my one argument for CRT is just the setting itself. (Well, that and getting into the MK early for pics).

Boma or Raglan Road
On paper this seems like an odd toss up, but it really comes down to scheduling. I had both on my plan, until my friend expressed her interest in the Hoop Dee Doo. She's never been, and I haven't been since 1988, but I always have loved the show. It's going to be a must do. Now something else has to go. We both really like Boma a lot. It was one of our favorites on our last trip together, second only to the Brown Derby. Usually I like to go there after our Animal Kingdom day. Raglan Road is one of those places that I've always wanted to try. I've heard mixed things on the food, but it seems like it would be a good choice for the two of us. Plus while there we could do a bit of shopping in DTD, which I know my friend will want to sneak in at some point.


Plaza Restauant, Liberty Square Tavern, or Crystal Palace
This would be on the day we go to MVMCP. I'm a bit partial to the Plaza, just because the food is usually good and relatively inexpensive. It would also be a quicker choice for us. I've never been to the Liberty Square Tavern, and I haven't been to the Crystal Palace since it became a character meal. Any thoughts on the food at these places would be greatly appreciated. A lot of the reviews I read about the Crystal Palace focus on the characters, but I want to be sure we are having a decent meal too.

Sci Fi Drive in or 50's Prime Time Café
I've never been to the Sci Fi, but would love to check it out. We both really liked the 50's Prime Time on our last visit. I've heard dubious things about the food at the Sci Fi, but is it tolerably good enough? I'm not looking for a 5 star meal, just decent food. I know that the primary draw is the cars and atmosphere.

Chef Mickey's or Tusker House
This one I might not even have to worry about. Our last day we'll have some extra time, so we thought we'd do one last nice breakfast before heading home. If we upgrade to 10 day passes, I'll be trying for Chef Mickey's because we won't have any park passes left. However, if we upgrade to annual passes, I started thinking that Tusker House might be a fun choice. Donald's my favorite character and I just love him in his safari garb. It would also put us close to a park for a last spin on Everest.

And the big decision:

California Grill, Citricos, Narcoosees or the Brown Derby
We want to do one nice signature meal on our last day. I originally wanted this to be at the California Grill, but I'm not as excited about that now that they've done away with the flatbreads. They were my favorite part of the meal on the last trip. We both loved Brown Derby when we went there back in 2007, it was both of our #1 favorite place. Neither of us have been to either of the restaurants at the Grand Floridian. Just looking to see what people would chose (and why) if they could only pick one place.

 

[Lady Lallie]

Okay...my picks.

I would go to Akershush only because I've been to the Castle my last two trips and it's really the Castle that is the draw. I can't imagine how chaotic it gets in there with the characters either since I've only been at dinner and I still think it's a bit loud and crazy. I think breakfast at Akershush would be a lot of fun to try!

Boma or Raglan Road...I have never been to either so I guess it's really what fits into your schedule better.

I loved both Crystal Palace and Liberty Tree Tavern. I think you could get out of Crystal Palace fairly quickly unless you are set on meeting all of our characters. I liked my dinner from CP but I will say I preferred breakfast but that doesn't mean dinner was bad. I adored LTT, I loved the atmosphere and I loved the characters...have they brought them back yet? The food was basic comfort food but really very good! I think either one you go with will be a good meal and not take a whole lot of time either. Buffet and Family Style...both fairly quick.

I think if you stick to the basic food at Sci Fi (burgers & shakes) you will have a good meal. I'm going there in September, so I can fill you in more if you want.

And as for the Signature Meal I am sure you don't have to ask but I will tell you BROWN DERBY.