More for Less: A Theme Park Planning Strategy

[jade1]

Loving your ideas LT.

Very similar strategy to our days-other than the non WDW park selections (except US/IOA) and we still prefer the onsite WDW resorts and WDW dining. Next time aiming for a golf am and a fishing am.

XMAS week post:

DA was indeed incredible. Stepping into the movie itself really, still wish it was an entire park though.

Gringotts was super cool and inventive-would have loved a "side B" that turns off into a thrill ride coaster section though.

FJ may still be a bit better IMO, the train was cool-but really only if you can tie it into the movies/books, then it is a very nice addition.

Butter Beer is way better than L Brew IMO-but I have a very sweet tooth.

Transformers a bit too identical to Spidey but very good as well.

Most everything was an hour plus (except we hit Transformers and Mummy going in at about 30 min ea, train wasn't too bad either) so we did wait far more in lines than any at WDW, but we only did a few rides a day almost always with FP+. The WDW shows/parades/fireworks/dining/drinks/atmosphere things were amazing enough alone.

Anyway we did hit RNR and TOT and Fantasmic that evening with no wait for one amazing end to an awesome day.

Did the MK NYE Preview Midnight fireworks on the 30th-soo good.

Had the big 3 FP+ scheduled before.

NY at EPCOT was so much fun, very packed but a breeze walking 5 min to/from BC.

Did TT FP+ after the fireworks to be safe.

NY Day we hit the Citrus Bowl (skipped fishing until DSIL comes along this spring) to watch a rare Gophers Bowl, MIZU pulled away at the end though, but a great time for sure, followed by FP+ that night at DHS. Indy was pretty fun after about 10 years skipping it.

Clearwater Beach last Monday followed by DHS FP+.

BC is still the best part of it all, just love that place and location.

 

[BugsDaddy]

I think if "the usual suspects" left the thread alone, it would probably be better off. Taking the time to go back through someone's posts from years ago sounds like someone else has an agenda anyway.

I can show anyone how FP+ has materially changed our plans and is going to save us a bunch of money while we get to do more things than we'd normally get to do. It's amazing that so many of "the usual suspects" have a problem with this idea.

I don't think that is the problem they have with the thread. I think the problem they have with the thread is they see it as a backdoor attempt to disparage FP+ and Disney by the same people who always seemed inclined to take that position. Obviously, it's a little naive to think that the majority of posters on a board dedicated to Disney do not have a loyalty to the brand and will not defend it. While perhaps others who are not familiar with the history of some of the Disney detractors will take what is being said at face value as they do not suspect any alterior motives.

 

[Laketravis]

I don't think that is the problem they have with the thread. I think the problem they have with the thread is they see it as a backdoor attempt to disparage FP+ and Disney by the same people who always seemed inclined to take that position. Obviously, it's a little naive to think that the majority of posters on a board dedicated to Disney do not have a loyalty to the brand and will not defend it. While perhaps others who are not familiar with the history of some of the Disney detractors will take what is being said at face value as they do not suspect any alterior motives.

Well Bugs, to be honest - that simply sounds like paranoia on the part of a small number of loyalists.

And if we follow your thought in bold all the way to conclusion, shouldn't those who have nothing but positive things to say about WDW and attack those they think don't fully disclose, say, DVC ownership or ties to these forums or even if they or their relatives actually work for Disney? Might readers not suspect any ulterior motive in those cases as well?


.

 

[cakebaker]

I'm certainly not attempting to get the thread shut down. I don't think that's anyone's intention. I do think though that the motivation for both threads is to show that Disney has not only failed with FP+ but they've created the entirely opposite effect. There have been comments on this thread ( or the other, I forget) to that effect already by others- something along the lines of "unintended consequences" I believe it was. And because of your bias against FP+, along with some obvious problems with your figures and estimates, it's rather hard to believe that this is really an attempt to do more for less and more of an attempt to prove Disney's ignorance.

 

[Laketravis]

Loving your ideas LT.

Very similar strategy to our days-other than the non WDW park selections (except US/IOA) and we still prefer the onsite WDW resorts and WDW dining. Next time aiming for a golf am and a fishing am......

Jade, it was seriously your NYE posts and screen shots that starting giving me this idea, which then led to what other possibilities could be opened up when a few of your favorite events are "hard scheduled".

 

[WillAustin]

I don't think that is the problem they have with the thread. I think the problem they have with the thread is they see it as a backdoor attempt to disparage FP+ and Disney by the same people who always seemed inclined to take that position. Obviously, it's a little naive to think that the majority of posters on a board dedicated to Disney do not have a loyalty to the brand and will not defend it. While perhaps others who are not familiar with the history of some of the Disney detractors will take what is being said at face value as they do not suspect any alterior motives.

Whether it's disparaging to FP+ really doesn't matter. Is that somehow inappropriate? It certainly provides less value for quite a number of people. Opinions are fine, but attempts to discredit someone because you don't like their opinion is pretty immature at best. As I said, there are valid reasons for disliking FP+ to the point of changing plans and spending habits. It's interesting that anyone might be afraid of that reality being discussed.

And I've never said anything about Disney failing or going back to FP-. I just say how it doesn't work for us, ending up with far less rides than we could get before. I certainly don't want them to fail. I bought their stock at $43.

 

[BugsDaddy]

Well Bugs, to be honest - that simply sounds like paranoia on the part of a small number of loyalists.


.

Makes me think of an old saying. Just because you may be paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you.

 

[Laketravis]

I do think though that the motivation for both threads is to show that Disney has not only failed with FP+ but they've created the entirely opposite effect.......

And I will flat out tell you that you are wrong. That is not my motivation.

My motivation, both in this thread and in life, is to spend as little as possible while doing as much as possible. It's a concept often referred to as "LBYM". It is why I am financially able to do so and would like for others to perhaps realize that as well.

I do not want that advantage to be squelched by the paranoid thoughts of a few. Period.


.

 

[cakebaker]

Makes me think of an old saying. Just because you may be paranoid, doesn't mean they are not out to get you.

I use that all the time...one of my favorites.

 

[Laketravis]

I use that all the time...one of my favorites.

I'm not out to get you, Cake. Or Disney. Or WDW. Or assassinate the Mouse.

.

 

[ArwenMarie]

So am I - getting a little concerned about travel times between the various destinations but there's enough room to tweak them if necessary. Except for the first night, and so far I've been having a little difficulty re-arranging my FP's to provide some cushion but I'm still working on it.

I anticipate a copious amount of note taking during this little exercise, hopefully it will benefit others.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you combine UOR and WDW...that's the part I haven't quite figured out yet. We did a split stay in August and both parts felt too short. So now we're thinking it might be better to split them into separate trips?

Anyway, looking forward to how it works out!

 

[ArwenMarie]

PSA: The Ignore option is your friend

 

[erc]

By the way, for everyone's benefit, could you show us how to search for posts within a thread that hasn't had any new posts in almost three years on this new forum? I don't seem to have that capability and am wondering if it takes special tools.

Use the search box in the upper right to search for text by a specific user. In your case search for '40' by user 'Laketravis', and all your posts back to 2011 where you mention "40 years" come forth.

 

[cakebaker]

And I will flat out tell you that you are wrong. That is not my motivation.


.

I'm not out to get you, Cake. Or Disney. Or WDW. Or assassinate the Mouse.

.

I feel relatively safe, thanks.
Besides, I'm in my happy place - my grandson is officially paying age today!

As for the mouse and his owners, they can probably handle themselves just fine.

 

[erc]

I honestly don't remember ever calling you that.

A perfect opportunity to try the search. Search for 'PR' from 'Laketravis'.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

And I will flat out tell you that you are wrong. That is not my motivation.

My motivation, both in this thread and in life, is to spend as little as possible while doing as much as possible. It's a concept often referred to as "LBYM". It is why I am financially able to do so and would like for others to perhaps realize that as well.

I do not want that advantage to be squelched by the paranoid thoughts of a few. Period.


.

If that is the case, the only problem I see is whether cost comparisons are needed. It is almost like they are clutter.

Have you read Mr Money Moustache? Can't link as he tends to have profanity in some of his postings. But he lives life on less. This is not a snark at you--but for him, he doesn't clutter (for the most part) what things would have cost--he just focuses on what he spends. The numbers end up speaking for themselves.

So my personal suggestion with no snark intended is to maybe just flat out review what the trips actually cost you (including how any discounts/deals were obtained) and just leave out the comparisons to previous trips or if you did this trip on the manner of trips past.

I think it would be more beneficial to readers while still making your point you did more for less and then be less inviting to the criticism.

I am trying to give your the BOD for the most part--because I think showing alternative traveling ideas is a good thing. I am trying to disregard derailments and correct my trajectory when I derail.

So this is just a suggestion that you can take or leave.

 

[MrInfinity]

...

 

[MrInfinity]

I would like to see this thread stand on it's own merits - which is how to use FP+ as part of a theme park strategy to accomplish more while spending less.

Alright, agreed. I'm not touching those last 2 pages. If that's your stance, then...

I have no problem explaining numbers and how I arrive at any particular calculation.

Great. Explain how FP+ will save you money.

Before, you would take a 1 week trip to Disney, stay at CSR ($976), get the DDP ($980) and a Disney AP.

Now, you're saying because of FP+ you must take 2 weeks to do Disney, stay at an Orbitz special, eat at Orlando restaurants that cost just as much as the DDP, rent a car and buy gas, still buy Disney AP, but also Universal tickets and Canaveral tickets, and do that in a 2 week stay for less than 1 week before.

It's just not right. Yes you can save money by going from a Disney World Moderate Resort, down to an Orbitz special. Of course. Everyone knows that. But how is FP+ saving you that? Because it points out that you can do this? Everyone has known and pointed this out for years. It's not news. FP+ is not saving you money. In fact, you're spending more than before, by visiting more parks... spending more time, and adding in Universal and other area attractions. The only thing that salvages your plan and makes it function at all, is FP+.

So just call the plan what it is... "A way to tour Central Florida, by spending a more than you would at Disney". Don't call it More for Less. Cuz your main (only?) cost-savers are downgrading hotels, and eating less. That is getting less for less, not more for less. And still, the overall trip does cost MORE even with the hotel downgrade.

I enjoy the read. Or I wouldn't be here. But every time you claim it's saving money, it's like scratching your nails on a chalkboard, cuz it's not. yes the hotel is less, but you're spending far more in other places. And then you're calling an Orbitz Special about equal to a Disney Mod. You've long since dropped saying you can even stay in a $102/nt condo and even get close.

So if you have no problem explaining numbers and how you arrive at a calculation then pls do so. Don't beat around the bush, or say this plan saves you money by buying Universal tickets in addition to Disney tickets. Just say "Yeah, ok, it doesn't really save money, but I do get a lot more out of it, I like it more, and I don't mind paying more because what I am paying is not going to Disney and I really don't like paying Disney money since they implemented FP+".

I have not made any negative comments to you all along. All I've asked is that you show me how you can do 2 weeks at Universal and Disney, for less than you previously did 1 week at a Disney Mod. Preferably without dropping down to an Orbitz special, but I even granted you that.

 

[SeilerBird]

Rumor has it that this thread is going to be turned into an MTV reality show...

 

[cakebaker]

If that is the case, the only problem I see is whether cost comparisons are needed. It is almost like they are clutter.

Have you read Mr Money Moustache? Can't link as he tends to have profanity in some of his postings. But he lives life on less. This is not a snark at you--but for him, he doesn't clutter (for the most part) what things would have cost--he just focuses on what he spends. The numbers end up speaking for themselves.

So my personal suggestion with no snark intended is to maybe just flat out review what the trips actually cost you (including how any discounts/deals were obtained) and just leave out the comparisons to previous trips or if you did this trip on the manner of trips past.

I think it would be more beneficial to readers while still making your point you did more for less and then be less inviting to the criticism.

I am trying to give your the BOD for the most part--because I think showing alternative traveling ideas is a good thing. I am trying to disregard derailments and correct my trajectory when I derail.

So this is just a suggestion that you can take or leave.

It's not my thread and not my call, but this is a great suggestion. I think it is the comparisons that are causing issues, at least for me. Mainly because I don't see how you accurately compare. No matter how nice the condo, it simply lacks some of the things you get with an on site resort and vice versa. It goes without saying food is cheaper off site, but if you try and compare a dining plan to snacks and a single meal- that's not accurate.

Just drop the comparisons altogether and show what it costs to do a vacation this way-

But when I see totals that have a bottom line of $0 spent at Disney today, I find it hard to believe that the goal is anything more than trying to drain Disney of the +'s they hand out- pardon the pun- while giving nothing in return, sort of an "I'll show them" kind of thing. And if that's the goal, my original opinion stands.