Need help making this memorable.

[1stdisneycruise]

We have never been to Disney World as a family. My husband and I went on our honeymoon 15 years ago. We pre-bought all of the amusement park tickets and after day 7 we were so tired of rides. I dont want to do that to us again. I am thinking of mixing it up. This is my first thread in years. So I hope I am doing it right.

We are booked at Yacht Club Resort in July

We have not bought any tickets yet. I am thinking:

Disney World
Gatorland with zipline (we love adventure)
Sea World with the VIP PASS to feed the sea life (we love animals)

This all adds up very quickly.

Any helpful tips saving on food, fun at the resort.

We are flying in so cant bring a ton with us.

We did not stay on a resort last time.

 

[gillenkl]

There are alot of other things to do at Disney besides rides:

behind the scenes tours
hot air balloon at DTD
pick-a-pearl at Epcot
Fort Wilderness horseback riding or segway tour
watersports - boats, parasailing
exploring all the countries in Epcot
spa services
typhoon lagoon - snorkeling with sharks and fish
checking out the stables at Fort Wilderness - there is an area with memorabilia
see YeeHaw Bob at Port Orleans

 

[serene56]

How long are you going for?

disney is not just all about rides.
(actually called attractions because while waiting in the lines there is enough to do to keep you busy.

4 parks (we do epcot in 2 to break that park up)

we went for 7 days and not enough time to fit it all in and we did not go visiting any other places but disney.

 

[danceintherain]

The Boardwalk area has some fun entertainment. You could also head over to Fort Wilderness for the Campfire sing-a-long. The BC/YC also does movies on the beach. Stormalong Bay is an attraction in and of itself.

If you add the Water Parks & More option you can go to the Water Parks, Disney Quest, do a round of golf, and visit the Wide World of Sports Complex.

Mousesavers.com has excellent tips for saving on food.
Some of those that I have found helpful are:
Do table service breakfasts, instead of later meals, they're cheaper and you get basically the same experience just different food. If you want your big meal to be later in the day, do the last breakfast seating (usually around 11am). This is most applicable for character meals, but it can work other places as well. If a restaurant has a separate lunch menu, it is almost always cheaper than dinner. (many restaurants have started combining their lunch and dinner menus though)

Counter Service restaurants can be eaten at a la carte, so you don't have to be locked in the the set meals they have listed. You can order just the entree, or just the side dish. Kids meals have to be ordered as the set though.

Order off the kids menu. The acceptability of this varies at the Table Service places, but you can do it at pretty much any Counter Service place.

You can get a cup of ice water at any of counter service restaurants, no charge. If you can stand the taste of Florida water, then bringing your own water bottle and refilling it throughout the day can save quite a bit of money.

Share meals. Order appetizers etc.

Since you're planning on outside of Disney time, I expect you'll have a car? Off property restaurants tend to be a lot less expensive than eating on property. Also, you can make a stop at the grocery store to pick up some snack items to take with you to the parks.

 

[baler31]

I don't know how long your trip is but it may be that you are trying to accomplish too much during your trip. I would devote the trip to either just Disney or just Gator/Sea World. Frankly, we would be tired too trying to do that all in one week.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

Hot air balloon RIDES??? at DTD Where is DTD? My kids would love a hot air balloon ride.

We are going for 7 days BUT:
Day 1 we fly in and can get something to eat and that is about it. I am going to order groceries and have delivered. I do not understand the TABLE BREAKFAST. WHAT IS THAT AND HOW WILL THAT SAVE US MONEY??
Day 2 we are going to check out the pool and resort and then at night I have to be at a meeting and I am so hoping to make it back in time to watch the movies under the stars. The kids and I have wanted to do that for some time. Hubby not so much. He does not like outside LOL
Day 3 I am at meetings all day/ then we get to eat as a family and watch fireworks.
Day 4 is our fun day. We are thinking Disney. My kids are older (10 and 13) and love roller coasters and are not into smaller rides. So between shows and roller coasters. That is all we will do that day.
Day 5 I have a breakfast meeting and then we are free so THEN we will GET A RENTAL CAR. So we don't have a car until this day!!! So that is why I put Gatorland. It would not have to take up all day. We all have wanted to go Zip Lining for the past 5 years. So this would be so cool.

Day 6/ 7 SeaWorld with feeding dolphins and other animals.

Day 8 check out of resort and walk board walk until 5 when we have to get on bus to go to airport. WE might rent wave runner. When we did that a few years ago my kids loved those. plus I hear there is a place that sells ice ream call the KITCHEN SINK. Not to be missed. ?

The reason we have to do it all in one trip is this alone is costing us close to $7,000. and we are a cruising family and we usually spend around $3,000 and see and do a ton. So, I dont see us going back to Disney. Plus sadly we only have 5 more years with both of our kids at home. So that is not much more time to travel with them We still want to go overseas.

When it comes to eating. This is my plans until I find out more about table BF and whatever other money savings we can find

Day 1 eat Disney at the Steak place in the Resort
Day 2 Bf in our room we packed, a big lunch and Dinner in our room of things we packed
Day 3 Bf and Lunch in room and a big dinner at the Fireworks
Day 4 Bf in the room and then eat lunch and dinner at Disney
Day 5 eat big Bf in Resort and then eat whatever Gatorland has to offer for lunch and eat in FL somewhere (a nice hearty healthy meal--- dont know where??????)
Day 6 and 7 buy the SeaWorld all day dining for $30.00 a person and eat BF in our room
Day 8 NOT SURE???? I would love to hear about the cheaper BF times or table????

I need to start praying for great weather.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

..

 

[1stdisneycruise]

The Boardwalk area has some fun entertainment. You could also head over to Fort Wilderness for the Campfire sing-a-long. The BC/YC also does movies on the beach. Stormalong Bay is an attraction in and of itself.

If you add the Water Parks & More option you can go to the Water Parks, Disney Quest, do a round of golf, and visit the Wide World of Sports Complex.

Mousesavers.com has excellent tips for saving on food.
Some of those that I have found helpful are:
Do table service breakfasts, instead of later meals, they're cheaper and you get basically the same experience just different food. If you want your big meal to be later in the day, do the last breakfast seating (usually around 11am). This is most applicable for character meals, but it can work other places as well. If a restaurant has a separate lunch menu, it is almost always cheaper than dinner. (many restaurants have started combining their lunch and dinner menus though)

Counter Service restaurants can be eaten at a la carte, so you don't have to be locked in the the set meals they have listed. You can order just the entree, or just the side dish. Kids meals have to be ordered as the set though.

Order off the kids menu. The acceptability of this varies at the Table Service places, but you can do it at pretty much any Counter Service place.

You can get a cup of ice water at any of counter service restaurants, no charge. If you can stand the taste of Florida water, then bringing your own water bottle and refilling it throughout the day can save quite a bit of money.

Share meals. Order appetizers etc.

Since you're planning on outside of Disney time, I expect you'll have a car? Off property restaurants tend to be a lot less expensive than eating on property. Also, you can make a stop at the grocery store to pick up some snack items to take with you to the parks.

I would love to hear about the table service breakfast and I love your water idea. We need to drink water when we are outside for that long. I am worried about FL. I am wondering what Disney will let you care in with you? I get side on any kind of ride so small snacks are a blessing to me. Plus bottled water would be nice...

 

[hellerjw]

You can bring your own food & drinks in but there are some limitations. I found the information below from a Google search:


"Disney allows visitors to bring their own food in, though the logistics of doing so require preparation before you arrive.

Prepare foods which don't require heating. Disney World has no means for visitors to heat food inside the park and their website specifically mentions "snacks or foods that do not require heating" as permissible carry-ins. Sandwiches, dry munchies, cans of soda and bottled water tend to work best, though you can also bring in cold food such as potato salad if you have a proper container for it.

Pack your food in either small coolers or soft-sided bags such as purses or backpacks. Disney World doesn't allow large hard-shelled coolers inside its parks. A large cooler is anything bigger than 24 inches by 15 inches by 18 inches -- the size of the largest lockers at Disney World. Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park doesn't allow coolers at all, unless you need one specifically for medical purposes. Animal Kingdom also prohibits juice boxes in the park, because the plastic straw wrappers on such drinks constitute a hazard to the animals.

Make sure your food is packed in plastic containers, Ziploc bags or the like. Disney World forbids glass containers from entering the park. The only exception is baby food jars and perfume bottles. If you're worried about food getting squashed in your bag, use a plastic container with a hard side.

Be prepared for a security check. All Disney World parks check bags for weapons and other illicit items. This includes coolers and backpacks with food. Arrange your food in the bag so that security personnel can search through it quickly and cleanly, then repack it once you get past the check point.

Consider renting a locker for your food once you enter the Disney World theme park. You can place it there and then come back for it when you're ready to eat, sparing you the effort of lugging your food around the park all day."



Hope this helps!

 

[skeeter31]

Unfortunately, based on the amount of time you're actually going to have to spend on vacationing and not working, I don't see having the time to do Gatorland and Sea World. Only having one day for the WDW parks is nothing. There are 4 parks in WDW and only giving yourself one day is either going to limit you to only one or two parks, or make you miserable traveling between so many in one day.

Also, I would start trying to book reservations at some restaurants now. You're only a month and change away, so you've missed the 180 day window to start booking. It's not the end of the world, but if you want to make sure you have somewhere to eat when you need it, you're better off making the reservations now.

 

[outahere]

Hot air balloon RIDES??? at DTD Where is DTD? My kids would love a hot air balloon ride.

DTD is Downtown Disney, which you can get to by Disney bus from your resort. By the way.... the balloon is tethered so you just go up for a few minutes then go back down.


plus I hear there is a place that sells ice ream call the KITCHEN SINK. Not to be missed. ?

Actually, the Kitchen Sink is one of the menu items at Beaches and Cream, which is an ice cream shop at the Yacht and Beach Club resort. The Kitchen Sink is HUGE - think 8 to 10 large scoops of ice cream with all the toppings, including an entire can of whipped cream.

Hope that helps.

 

[baler31]

I understand wanting to see and do it all but sometimes you need to stop and smell the roses. Trying to force everything into such a short period of time offers little enjoyment for anyone.

Do you not have other opportunities for ziplines ? I know we have three places within 25 miles of our small town that offer these. I would certainly skip Gatorland on this trip and most likely Sea World as well. Or skip Disney and do the others. I really think in trying to do it all you will just be tired and frustrated and leave with the attitude that all you did was run around from place to place.

I am not sure exactly what you mean by saving money with a table breakfast but WDW has quick or counter service restaurants that are basically like fast food and table service restaurants that are traditional restaurants or buffets. If you stay at a WDW resort you may add the dining plan to your reservation and in some instances this may result in a savings.

 

[baler31]

I just noticed you are at Yacht Club. Really would not waste that by going to other places. You are a 5 minute walk from the back gate of Epcot and a 15 min boat ride from Hollywood Studios. Don't know how old your children are but it is very easy to come and go from those two parks to the Yacht Club. Lots to see and do at all 4 of the Disney parks and the pool area for Yacht Club is a park in and of itself.

 

[ChristineOH]

I noticed you only have Disney down for one day on your itinerary. Is your husband taking your kids to the Disney parks while you're at work? Or is that really the only day you're going? And are you planning to do Magic Kingdom that day?
There are four Disney parks. The Yacht Club is very expensive to stay in because it's close to two: Epcot and Hollywood Studios. If you are shelling out all of that money to be close to those parks, you should definitely plan on one day at each of them. And most people wouldn't visit Disney without visiting Magic Kingdom.
If you really are planning to spend only one day at Magic Kingdom and not visit the other three parks, and money is a concern, there are lots of great off site resorts where you could stay for a LOT less money and do Seaworld, Gatorland, etc. And still spend a day at Magic Kingdom.
Good luck!

 

[ChristineOH]

Do table service breakfasts, instead of later meals, they're cheaper and you get basically the same experience just different food.

I do not understand the TABLE BREAKFAST. WHAT IS THAT AND HOW WILL THAT SAVE US MONEY??

I think what the post about the table service breakfast just meant that if you want to do a character meal, the breakfasts are cheaper than the lunches or dinners. It still gives the experience of a sit down meal and characters, but for less money. If you are REALLY trying to save money though, character breakfasts are still expensive. It's cheaper to eat cereal in your room, of course.

 

[gillenkl]

Oh my goodness...I don't even know where to begin Just reading your schedule is exhausting!

As a PP mentioned "Disney World" is 4 parks - you need at least 1 day per park - you still will not be able to see everything. Forget Gatorland, etc..... you just don't have the time for it. You need to take it down a notch with all your plans or you will just be frustrated and not want to return to disney. It's a huge place with tons to do and you can't do it all in 7 days.

Most people make dining reservations 6 months in advance - so you're way behind on that one - but I would still call and try to something it just might not be at the time you want and you'll need to be flexible. There are table service restaurants - you are served with a waitress/waiter and you need a reservation. Then there are counter service restaurants where you go to the counter, order, and seat yourself - you don't need a reservation.

I guess you have 7 days. So that's 4 days (1 day for each park), 1 day for Downtown Disney and 2 days for exploring your resort, watersports, etc... You don't have time for anything else (Gatorland, etc...) Forget the waterparks ticket option, I doubt you'll have time.

If you have a chance I'd pick up a copy of Passporter or other disney travel book and start to familiarize yourself with disney properties.

Where is the $7,000 being spent - I assume room and plane? Does that include your food and tickets too? You would save by just concentrating on disney and forgetting the other parks for now.

 

[Spunky946]

I'd enjoy Disney World and all it has to offer and do Gatorland and Seaworld another time. It will be a lot less money to add days to your Disney tickets, then to go to the other places.

Enjoy and slow down.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

We have been to Disney before without the kids (honeymoon). We have tons of theme parks in our area and are kind of tired with them as a family. In the last 2 years we have done Hershey, Six Flags, Worlds of Fun and others. So I can see why you guys though we were going to try to do 4 theme parks in one day LOL
No, we are just going to do ONE. Either Magic Kingdom or Hollywood Studios. Which ever one has the biggest roller coasters. We don't own a television so the kids are not excited with Characters and even when we did own a television they never have enjoyed characters. When we went on the Disney Cruise they saw no reason to stand by them.
We are more of an adventurous and resort kind of family. We all voted last night and all of us want a day at the resort (my family gets 2 , jealous) SeaWorld with feeding the dolphins and others sea life.
When we were in Grand Cayman we went in the middle of the ocean and swam and feed the sting rays. We had a week of fun and that is the part the kids still talk about.

Then zipline over the Gators.

Plus on the food: half of the time we will not be on the Disney property so the food package does not work for us. Then half of the time we are on Disney property my work is paying for it and has already made the reservations. My kids are excited about eating at Epcot before the fireworks are going off. So I dont think I will be able to bet that, memory. Something work put together. But I have thought about making reservations at Arabian Nights? So I just need to make a few plans for food. 1 dinner, 1 lunch. Our food while at Magic Kingdom and then the night after Gatorland. Thinking Arabian Nights???

I will have to check out the hot air balloon for the 2 half days I still need to fill up. We are a moving and groving kind of family. We say sitting is for Resorts and adventure is for memories. So I am trying to make it both. Vacation is for taking it all in.

Thank you for all of your help

 

[gillenkl]

Disney isn't known for coasters the only big ones are Rocking Rollercoaster, Everest and Space Mountain.

 

[1stdisneycruise]

My hubby kids talking about space mountain.