New to Dis, a few planning questions

[debramckee]

We're from Calif. (near DL), and planning our first trip to WDW in 5 1/2 years. We'll be there Oct. 23-30, to celebrate DD's 10th Birthday. We're staying first 4 nights at BWI, and last 3 at WL (just couldn't decide). I have been reading the DIS boards like crazy and gotten lots of great ideas. Here's our plans in brief:

10/23
arrive at BWI in pm
dinner on Boardwalk

10/24
MGM day
PS for Fantasmic Dinner Package

10/25
Morning - Epcot
PM - Swim at BWI
PS for dinner at Teppenyaki

10/26
Typhoon Lagoon
Rest in Afternoon
PS for Illuminations Cruise at night (I actually got one, am sharing with another DIS family)

10/27
AK day
Check into WL in pm.
PS for dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe

10/28
Relax at WL day, Trail's in breakfast at FW, monorail ride from Contemporay, swim and rest
MNSSHP at night

10/29 (DD b-day)
Sleep in after Party
Epcot in mid-day for anything missed
PS for dinner at Ohana

10/30
Back to MK for anything missed (but not so concerned since we live near DL)
Off to airport in pm

Any comments or suggestions?

Also, a few questions...
Since the 29th is DD's actual b-day, should I tell the CM's at WL? Or at Ohana's? When is the best time to let them know? Can she get a birthday button even though we won't be at MK that day? Does the fact that she's turning 10 matter for child vs. adult prices matter (even though it's basically the last day of the trip)? We bought 7 day PHP passes (will use extra days back at home), and booked all meals as 2 adults and 1 child. Thanks for any suggestions...We can't wait!

Praying for safely of those at WDW this weekend!!

 

[Zippa D Doodah]

welcome to the boards.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

Looks great! Lots of down time to relax.
Welcome to the DIS boards!

 

[XStAnt]

Just a couple of suggestions:

1) I'm assuming you don't have a full day at MK because you have spent a lot of time at DL and are familiar with most of the MK. I'd check with DD10 to make sure she's okay with that since that is the prime age for enjoying MK.

2) Make sure you can see Wishes. From what I understand it's different than the fireworks show at DL. I'm not sure if you'll see it on the day of MNSSHP, so check the schedule and fit it in somewhere--perhaps after dinner at 'Ohana (you can watch it from the beach at the Poly).

3) I'll recommend going to see Cirque du Soleil one evening. It's a wonderful show and would make a great BDay present for DD. Perhaps you could go to see it that evening.

4) I think you have a nice schedule that goes at an easy pace. If you wanted to pack a little more in, you could plan one, full day for Epcot (10/25) and then have a full day to go to Universal or Sea World. It will make the vacation a little more tiring and hectic, but it is an option you may want to consider.

Other than those suggestions it looks like a great trip. Have a blast!!

 

[Mortlives]

Originally posted by debramckee


Also, a few questions...
Since the 29th is DD's actual b-day, should I tell the CM's at WL? Or at Ohana's? When is the best time to let them know? Can she get a birthday button even though we won't be at MK that day? Does the fact that she's turning 10 matter for child vs. adult prices matter (even though it's basically the last day of the trip)? We bought 7 day PHP passes (will use extra days back at home), and booked all meals as 2 adults and 1 child. Thanks for any suggestions...We can't wait!

Praying for safely of those at WDW this weekend!!

Answers: yes, tell them. Tell them all! Yes, you can probably ask in advance or get one from Epcot instead. Guest Services at all parks have birthday buttons. Disney policy is to never punish a child for growing up. They will still honour the child PHP that day, or you can go to guest services and they'll upgrade the remaining days to an adult PH. Also, I believe the meal child price applies until they turn 12. So you should be fine.

Kungaloosh!
Morticia.

 

[debramckee]

Thanks for the helpful suggestions. Counting down the days!

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Guest Relations at each park can give out a birthday pin. The birthday pins for each park have different designs on them.

 

[Moosysmom]

I was at Disney last year for the first time for my birthday after I'd moved to Florida. My friends and family were home so I was alone on my birthday.
The CM's at MK were the best. I truly enjoyed spending the day there. They truly made it a special birthday for me.
We took my niece this spring on her birthday, and she got a balloon and a birthday card at Hollywood and Vine for dinner.
It was great.