Need help with several questions please

[NatsFan78]

I am planning a trip for September 9-17 with my husband and son. My daughter, son-in-law, and three grandsons (10 months, 2 year old, and 3 year old) will hopefully be in an adjoining room. I have not been to Disney since 2008. This will be my son-in-law and grandsons first trip. I need help with planning please! I have my hotel and park reservations as well as my dining. We are staying at the All-Star Movies resort. Sone of my questions are personal opinion questions. In no particular order:

1. Will the room have a mini fridge? I am seeing conflicting information on that.

2. How long does it take (approximately) to get from the hotel to the parks with Disney’s transportation? I’m trying to decide if I want to take a break and go back to the hotel each afternoon. My daughter will be going back with her husband and kids for naps. I am not sure if my husband and I will every time or not. It might be easier to get the boys to nap without all of us there since she will be using our room and hers lol.

3. Is the park hopper worth the cost? My trip is paid, can I still add it? We did add the water park to our tickets but now I am second guessing leaving the park hopper option off. How much would it cost to add to our seven day ticket?

4. We have a reservation for Via Napoli the night we are in Epcot but not until 8:00, that was the only thing available the morning reservations opened for us. We are hoping to get it moved to an earlier time. We are also hoping to get Chef Mickey’s breakfast for our first morning there. My daughter was trying to book it but the website had issues and it didn’t go though. We both have an alert set at touring plans and mouse dining (I think that was the names) but nothing has showed up yet. Is there anything else we should be using? I have been checking early in the morning and several times throughout the day but have not had any luck.

5. My daughter and son-in-law will be paying for their meals and my husband and I will be paying for ourselves and our son. Is it possible to do a split check at character dining if we tell them when we arrive? We will be seated together but on separate bills. I realize that is probably a very stupid question but wanted to be sure. I understand we will have a higher gratuity added because we are seated together but I am fine with that.

6. My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary while we are there. If we let the front desk know do they still have the buttons you can purchase to wear?

7. Is it better to drive to the parks or use the Disney bus system?

8. Is the Halloween party worth the cost?

9. Any advice and tips for navigating the trip with toddlers would be greatly appreciated.

I’m sure I will think of a million more questions. Thank you so much for your help!!

 

[loves to dive]

Yes, there is a mini-fridge in the room. They don't get as cold as a real fridge so don't expect to freeze something, they call them drink coolers.

How long it takes depends on the park and the traffic. The farthest park is MK and I think the longest it took me from ASMo was 20 min. but your mileage can and will vary. It depends on how many people are at the bus stop, when the last bus came and the time of day.

Yes, you can add the PH when you get there but be aware it will be for the entire length of the trip, you can not add it for a day or two. You can add it at any time during the trip but again, it will be for the entire length of the trip. The cost depends on how many days tickets you have. I don't know it off the top of my head but it should be listed somewhere on this website. Is it worth it, that's subjective. We always have it and we have been with an infant and still did at least two parks every day. We would go back to the room mid-day for a rest/nap/swim and then go to a different park at night.

Can't help you with the ADRs, we don't make them in advance just day of.

Don't know about splitting the check but unless it's for one of the ones you pay in advance, I don't see why not.

The buttons are free and yes, just tell them at the front desk or GS at any of the parks and they will give you one. Usually when you check in at the front desk they will ask if you are celebrating anything.

I always use Disney transportation and I always have a car with me. That is really subjective, you will have people that will say they think it's better to drive and others that will say it's better to take Disney transportation.

The Halloween party is subjective. Personally, no it's not worth the price for me. From seeing ages of your littles, it will be kind of late for them and I'm not sure the two littlest will even enjoy it. There is an extra parade, different fireworks, "free" candy and some "free" snacks and the park is a tad less crowded if you want to ride rides.

As far as planning with toddlers, you can't. You will there one of the hottest and most rainy seasons of the year. It will be very hot and it will rain every day. Some days it will be a quick 10 min. shower, some days it will be a 30 min. gully washer and some days it will rain on and off all day. Take a rain cover for the stroller(s) and always put it over them when you ride a ride, even if it doesn't look like it's going to rain. Do not leave any open food in the stroller, the squirrels are masters at stealing it. Take one or two portable fans to put in the strollers to blow on the littles, it will help. Take some sort of cloth to wipe them down with every once in awhile. Make sure you take them into places with AC as often and you can. Be ready to go on their schedule. Nothing worse then a crying tired little. If they are tired and won't sleep in the stroller take them back to the room so they can rest. There is a lot they can ride in MK but they might not want to. The older one might want to meet characters, the middle one might be a little frightened to.

 

[lostprincess_danie]

4. We have a reservation for Via Napoli the night we are in Epcot but not until 8:00, that was the only thing available the morning reservations opened for us. We are hoping to get it moved to an earlier time. We are also hoping to get Chef Mickey’s breakfast for our first morning there. My daughter was trying to book it but the website had issues and it didn’t go though. We both have an alert set at touring plans and mouse dining (I think that was the names) but nothing has showed up yet. Is there anything else we should be using? I have been checking early in the morning and several times throughout the day but have not had any luck.

I find TP reservation finder will get more active with notifications closer to your trip. When I've used it, most of the notifications came through at night so be sure you dont have Do Not Disturb turned on.

7. Is it better to drive to the parks or use the Disney bus system?

We have done both. Both have advantages. When we went with our 2 year old we ended up using busses for half the trip as it was easier than having to load her up into the carseat every time we went somewhere.
ETA: Used busses at ASMusic last November and didn't have any issues. Pay attention to the bus times in the app. We only ran into a problem trying to get to HS for early entry. We missed the bus by a few minutes and got an Uber instead of waiting for the next bus.

8. Is the Halloween party worth the cost?

I've been 3 times, just two adults. I love it. But you know the kids best. My little one would not be able to handle it. We won't take her to any parties until she's much older. She's a wreck by 10pm. And the next day would be miserable for us all, so we would miss enjoying the parks during the day.

 

[Lisa_lvspplmvr]

I would definitely go back for nap / swim for all parks except Animal Kingdom. It is mainly a day park because no nighttime show . You can stay there until you are ready to go back to the resort for dinner etc . It’s best to do AK on a day before rope drop to take advantage of the chance of getting to bed early .

I’m not sure that you will get much out of the water parks with such young children.

I’m regards to hoppers we don’t get them just go back to the same park . I would rather use that money to stay at a moderate resort . Not having a hot tub if a deal breaker for my son

The Halloween party is definitely not worth it for the little ones . It’s very expensive and they will be likely asleep during most of it . My son fell asleep during the Christmas party when he was 6 ! Missed the whole thing .

The reservation for Via Napoli is easier to get in two separate parties . Try for 4 or 6 then add one at checkin . Also the day before people cancel .

Taking the bus to MK is easier than by car . Also busses usually get in before cars for rope drop .

When we traveled with my parents they were able to go separate checks because of separate rooms.

I forgot to wish you a happy anniversary! Remember to include your celebrating on all reservations! You never know what pixie dust will come your way !!!

 

[disney-inspired]

I2. How long does it take (approximately) to get from the hotel to the parks with Disney’s transportation? I’m trying to decide if I want to take a break and go back to the hotel each afternoon. My daughter will be going back with her husband and kids for naps. I am not sure if my husband and I will every time or not. It might be easier to get the boys to nap without all of us there since she will be using our room and hers lol.

Depends on which park
MK - 18 - 20 minutes
Epcot - 18 min
Hollywood Studios - 15 min
Animal Kingdom - 15

I got these times of a Plan Disney response but I swear the used to have something on WDW's site that would give you estimated travel time between resorts and parks. Can't find it now.

3. Is the park hopper worth the cost? My trip is paid, can I still add it? We did add the water park to our tickets but now I am second guessing leaving the park hopper option off. How much would it cost to add to our seven day ticket?

Do you plan on hopping? We found that it was really unnecessary for our group with small kids. The price to add on the hopper option is $65 per ticket.
It's something I use more when traveling with just adults.

4. We have a reservation for Via Napoli the night we are in Epcot but not until 8:00, that was the only thing available the morning reservations opened for us. We are hoping to get it moved to an earlier time. We are also hoping to get Chef Mickey’s breakfast for our first morning there. My daughter was trying to book it but the website had issues and it didn’t go though. We both have an alert set at touring plans and mouse dining (I think that was the names) but nothing has showed up yet. Is there anything else we should be using? I have been checking early in the morning and several times throughout the day but have not had any luck.

Keep checking! You can also use the services like *********** or mouse watcher to get alerts for specific times for each restaurant. As the time gets closer, people may drop their reservations.

5. My daughter and son-in-law will be paying for their meals and my husband and I will be paying for ourselves and our son. Is it possible to do a split check at character dining if we tell them when we arrive? We will be seated together but on separate bills. I realize that is probably a very stupid question but wanted to be sure. I understand we will have a higher gratuity added because we are seated together but I am fine with that.

Splitting a check two ways shouldn't be an issue.

6. My husband and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary while we are there. If we let the front desk know do they still have the buttons you can purchase to wear?

They have them at the parks and the resorts may have them too.

7. Is it better to drive to the parks or use the Disney bus system?

I fly in from California but if you're already going to have a car it may be faster or more convenient to park at the parks. I have no experience with that.

9. Any advice and tips for navigating the trip with toddlers would be greatly appreciated.

Know you won't see/do it all because kids have their limits. That being said I am very pro 'go at rope drop, leave for a break around lunch time for a nap or swim, and then go back at night' touring.

 

[NatsFan78]

Yes, there is a mini-fridge in the room. They don't get as cold as a real fridge so don't expect to freeze something, they call them drink coolers.

How long it takes depends on the park and the traffic. The farthest park is MK and I think the longest it took me from ASMo was 20 min. but your mileage can and will vary. It depends on how many people are at the bus stop, when the last bus came and the time of day.

Yes, you can add the PH when you get there but be aware it will be for the entire length of the trip, you can not add it for a day or two. You can add it at any time during the trip but again, it will be for the entire length of the trip. The cost depends on how many days tickets you have. I don't know it off the top of my head but it should be listed somewhere on this website. Is it worth it, that's subjective. We always have it and we have been with an infant and still did at least two parks every day. We would go back to the room mid-day for a rest/nap/swim and then go to a different park at night.

Can't help you with the ADRs, we don't make them in advance just day of.

Don't know about splitting the check but unless it's for one of the ones you pay in advance, I don't see why not.

The buttons are free and yes, just tell them at the front desk or GS at any of the parks and they will give you one. Usually when you check in at the front desk they will ask if you are celebrating anything.

I always use Disney transportation and I always have a car with me. That is really subjective, you will have people that will say they think it's better to drive and others that will say it's better to take Disney transportation.

The Halloween party is subjective. Personally, no it's not worth the price for me. From seeing ages of your littles, it will be kind of late for them and I'm not sure the two littlest will even enjoy it. There is an extra parade, different fireworks, "free" candy and some "free" snacks and the park is a tad less crowded if you want to ride rides.

As far as planning with toddlers, you can't. You will there one of the hottest and most rainy seasons of the year. It will be very hot and it will rain every day. Some days it will be a quick 10 min. shower, some days it will be a 30 min. gully washer and some days it will rain on and off all day. Take a rain cover for the stroller(s) and always put it over them when you ride a ride, even if it doesn't look like it's going to rain. Do not leave any open food in the stroller, the squirrels are masters at stealing it. Take one or two portable fans to put in the strollers to blow on the littles, it will help. Take some sort of cloth to wipe them down with every once in awhile. Make sure you take them into places with AC as often and you can. Be ready to go on their schedule. Nothing worse then a crying tired little. If they are tired and won't sleep in the stroller take them back to the room so they can rest. There is a lot they can ride in MK but they might not want to. The older one might want to meet characters, the middle one might be a little frightened to.

We were planning to buy sandwich meat, berries, and stuff like that as well as milk for the boys so I am relieved we will be able to do that. Thank you for the tips with the boys. I am going to pass them along to my daughter. I know she ordered each one of the boys a little fan for their seat in the strollers. I don’t know if my husband and I will go back each day but my daughter is planning to go back to the hotel each day for lunch and naps.

 

[NatsFan78]

I find TP reservation finder will get more active with notifications closer to your trip. When I've used it, most of the notifications came through at night so be sure you dont have Do Not Disturb turned on.

We have done both. Both have advantages. When we went with our 2 year old we ended up using busses for half the trip as it was easier than having to load her up into the carseat every time we went somewhere.
ETA: Used busses at ASMusic last November and didn't have any issues. Pay attention to the bus times in the app. We only ran into a problem trying to get to HS for early entry. We missed the bus by a few minutes and got an Uber instead of waiting for the next bus.

I've been 3 times, just two adults. I love it. But you know the kids best. My little one would not be able to handle it. We won't take her to any parties until she's much older. She's a wreck by 10pm. And the next day would be miserable for us all, so we would miss enjoying the parks during the day.

I’m really hoping we can get reservations as we get closer. We were able to get everything else we wanted. I never thought about it but getting everyone into car seats is quite a process, especially when they do not want to be buckled because they are tired and cranky. Thank you for your help.

 

[NatsFan78]

I would definitely go back for nap / swim for all parks except Animal Kingdom. It is mainly a day park because no nighttime show . You can stay there until you are ready to go back to the resort for dinner etc . It’s best to do AK on a day before rope drop to take advantage of the chance of getting to bed early .

I’m not sure that you will get much out of the water parks with such young children.

I’m regards to hoppers we don’t get them just go back to the same park . I would rather use that money to stay at a moderate resort . Not having a hot tub if a deal breaker for my son

The Halloween party is definitely not worth it for the little ones . It’s very expensive and they will be likely asleep during most of it . My son fell asleep during the Christmas party when he was 6 ! Missed the whole thing .

The reservation for Via Napoli is easier to get in two separate parties . Try for 4 or 6 then add one at checkin . Also the day before people cancel .

Taking the bus to MK is easier than by car . Also busses usually get in before cars for rope drop .

When we traveled with my parents they were able to go separate checks because of separate rooms.

I forgot to wish you a happy anniversary! Remember to include your celebrating on all reservations! You never know what pixie dust will come your way !!!

My daughter is planning to take them back each day for lunch and naps. I don’t know yet if my husband and I will always go back too. The boys are all water babies so I think they will love the lazy river and the splash areas. The plan is to stay there half the day, go back to the hotel for lunch and naps, then do to Disney Springs.

They have a reservation for 6:30 which would be great for us but it is only for 3 people. I have one currently for all 8 of us at 8:00. I’m afraid if I cancel my current reservation and switch to this one I will not be able to get one with all of us for the same time.

Thank you so much!! How do I include our anniversary on our reservations?

 

[NatsFan78]

Depends on which park
MK - 18 - 20 minutes
Epcot - 18 min
Hollywood Studios - 15 min
Animal Kingdom - 15

I got these times of a Plan Disney response but I swear the used to have something on WDW's site that would give you estimated travel time between resorts and parks. Can't find it now.



Do you plan on hopping? We found that it was really unnecessary for our group with small kids. The price to add on the hopper option is $65 per ticket.
It's something I use more when traveling with just adults.



Keep checking! You can also use the services like *********** or mouse watcher to get alerts for specific times for each restaurant. As the time gets closer, people may drop their reservations.



Splitting a check two ways shouldn't be an issue.



They have them at the parks and the resorts may have them too.


I fly in from California but if you're already going to have a car it may be faster or more convenient to park at the parks. I have no experience with that.



Know you won't see/do it all because kids have their limits. That being said I am very pro 'go at rope drop, leave for a break around lunch time for a nap or swim, and then go back at night' touring.

I am thinking we will use the bus. It seems to be easier and faster for the most part. We were thinking about adding park hopper but I don’t think it will be worth it. I think I am going to use the money on extra souvenirs for the kids instead. Thank you for your help.