Newbie Disney World questions

[hank1105]

Hello All! My wife and I will be visiting Disney World for (3-4) days in mid January 2004. The last time I was at Disney World was at least 15 years ago and the only park we went to was Epcot. I am sure a lot has changed since then. My wife and I are not staying within the Disney property. We are staying at the Marriott World Hotel (something like that), which is 1.5 miles from Disney World. In any event I had a few questions and we really appreciate answers on them. Here goes:

Since my wife and are only going most likely for 3 full days what would be the best ticketing package to purchase? The parks we would like to see are Epcot, MGM, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom (not sure if it called that).

Follow-up question, are there any types of discounts we should look at, we are not members of a clubs or anything like that?

My wife and I love to eat out. I know there is a world class restaurant within Disney but they require a jacket for men, which I am not packing. Any other restaurants that we should look at, love Italian food and Steakhouses.

Last one, I promise, anything we just shouldn't miss?

Thanks so much for everyone's help.

Hank

 

[swilphil]

Hank--Welcome to the Disboard!!

Three day passes are not sold at the gate, but sometimes can be purchased through www.ticketmania.com. Previously they were sold through Alamo, but someone posted that they have discontinued it. Ticketmania has about as low of a price as you can get from a reputable seller.

Epcot World Showcase has several great restaurants: Le Cellier (steak) and Alfredo's. The Swan/Dolphin (by the Boardwalk, Epcot, and MGM) has Shula's steakhouse and Palio's. You can find menus on line, too.

Don't miss--Looking in the nooks and crannies of World Showcase and riding Tower of Terror and Rock n' Roller Coaster at MGM.

 

[djm99]

Welcome hank1105,

This is just my opinion, which may or may not be worth a hill of beans but this is what I'd do:

For ticketing, I would buy the 3 day hoppers plus from Alamo (yes the car rental place.) With hoppers you can hop from one disney park to another plus and extra day in one of Disney's Water parks, Downtown Disney®, Pleasure Island or Disney's Wide World of Sports® Complex.

The tickets do not expire so you can use them later. adult tickets are about $169 per person and that includes taxes and s/h.

AAA offers 4 days for $200, and hotwiresavingsclub.com offers a 4 day hopper with a water park for $198 (they don't charge tax or s/h fees.) Also the hotwiresavingsclub is free for 30 days and $7.50 thereafter, so if you buy your tickets then cancel so be it. I'm not an expert, but I think this is as good as it gets financially for hoppers plus, but I'd love for someone to prove me wrong, because I have not purchased mine yet and I'd love to get a better deal than this.

I'm not sure about restuarants, because I'm a "cheapo", but I promised I would open my purse just a little more this trip. Hope this helps.

 

[capnho]

I'd strongly recommend that you either check out one of the Internet sites with Disney information (allearsnet.com is my favorite) or buy a guidebook from your local bookstore. There are a lot of them, but the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World and the Passporter are both good. I think this would be a big help in planning your vacation!

There are lots of good restaurants. Alfredo's in the Italian pavilion at Epcot is very good for Italian food. My favorite steakhouse is the Yachtsman Steakhouse in the Yacht & Beach Club resort. Other favorites include the California Grill at the Contemporary and Artists Point at the Wilderness Lodge.

Have a great trip!

 

[hank1105]

Excellent information. I would be sure to take a look at that site. Anyone know the average temperature in January?

 

[RealMickey]

Anyone know the average temperature in January?

hank1105,
The average high in Jan. is about 71 and the average low is about 49, But Jan. weather can vary wildly in central Florida. I've been to WDW in Jan. when it was very cold, and when it was shorts and swimming weather.

Have Fun

 

[threeboysmom]

You can also get 3-day park hoppers for $160 through centralfloridatravel.com. I would recommend 1 day at Epcot, 1 day at Magic Kingdom, and 1 day hopping between Animal Kingdom (in the a.m.) and MGM (in the afternoon/evening). For a great steakhouse, try Le Cellier in the World Showcase at Epcot or the Yachtman's Steakhouse at the Yacht Club (outside of World Showcase).

Welcome to the Dis Boards. Ask away - we LOVE to answer questions!

 

[lentesta]

Hi Hank,

Welcome to the boards. I think a guidebook would be a good starting point for your trip, as you'd get an overview of the parks and attractions. Thanks for recommending the Unofficial Guide, capnho!

For steakhouses, I ate at Shula's a couple of weeks ago, and it was quite good. The prices are like a kick to the kidneys, though.

A less expensive option, as threeboysmom notes, is Le Cellier at Canada in World Showcase. This has been a favorite of the Unofficial Guide's readers for a few years, and they rank it as one of the top restaurants in all of WDW. I believe more than 90% of readers give Le Cellier a thumbs-up. I've eaten there in the past year, and it's good. It's not Ruth's Chris, but it's good. Try the cheddar cheese soup.

A third option might be the Yachtman's Steakhouse, but it's also pricey.

It's not a steakhouse or Italian, but the buffet at Boma in the Animal Kingdom Lodge is a personal favorite. It's also very popular, and getting a reservation is like....well, I was going to say getting a date with Paris Hilton, but I'm not sure how difficult that is these days. Anyway, Boma is also the highest-rated restaurant for value in the 2004 edition of the Unofficial Guide.

For Italian, I believe L'Originale Alfredo Di Roma's at Italy in Epcot has more light fare on its menu now. So while you can still get traditional Italian food, there are menu options that won't load you down six courses of carbs. I've not eaten here in the last 18 months, but the new menu has got generally good reviews. Keep in mind that this restaurant is one of the first to fill its nightly seatings, so reservations are required (call 407-WDW-DINE).

For visiting the parks, I concur with threeboysmom: 1 day at the Magic Kingdom, one day at Epcot. Do the highlights of the Animal Kingdom one morning, and the highlights of the Studios in the afternoon. I have a touring plan for that around here somewhere. Let me know if you'd like to see it.

Hope this helps!

Len

 

[MLAinVA]

HI! We're going to be staying at the Marriott World Center from Jan 17-24; our first time in years to be off property. Our favorite restaurants are California Grill; the Flying Fish (yes, they have good steaks) and LeCellier. Shula's is wonderful but expensive. When we went we split everything, were completely full and it was STILL expensive. Shula's is the only one of these restaurants that might require a jacket, but the California Grill and Flying Fish do ask that patrons dress in nice casual clothes.
Maybe we'll run into you.

 

[Eljay]

The "jackets required" special restaurant you mentioned is Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian. An amazing experience if you care to pack the jacket and cocktail attire for the lady. You should read up on it on one of the Disney restaurant sites. It has been featured several times on Travel Channel shows about WDW.

As far as ticketing, if you are a Florida resident, there are good options available. If you're not, keep in mind that you can save a little by buying multi-day park hoppers and using the remaining days on a return trip. They don't expire and prices go up just about every year!

The restaurant suggestions already given are all good.

If you like live music, please do yourself a favor & check the entertainment schedule at Epcot to see a set by the awesome Off Kilter, playing several sets a day at the stage by the Canadian Pavilion. Be prepared to have a great, clap-along, toe tap-along, fun time. Amazing musicians & great entertainers.

Enjoy! You'll be amazed by how WDW has grown since you were there last!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Just passing through kind of quickly here in the night, hank, but wanted to welcome you to the DIS!!!!

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Also check www.mousesavers.com and www.allearsnet.com for good info.

 

[Grumpy92]

You also might want to go to Disneyworld.com and order the free vacation planning DVD. It is excellent and gives you a great overview of everything at wdw as well as specific info.

Tiks: Disney does not offer 3day passes unless you are staying at a Disney resort (ump) or thru special pkg deals like Alamo. Your only other option is to purchase 1 day 1park passes or the 4 day park hopper. I would suggest the park hopper because any days that you dont use are good anytime in the future. As for discounts you do get a small one if you purchase them thru mail order or at your local Disney Store. Mousesavers.com is an excellent resource for discounts and you might find a catagory you fall into.

Dining: V&As is the only Disney restaurant that requires a suit. As for steak Yachtmans Steakhouse is excellent. The service and food are impeccable. CG is the most reknown restaurant at WDW. Definitely need a PS befor you arrive for CG or Le Cellier.
At the park I would recommend Le Cellier & Mama Melrose. Menus for most wdw restaurants can be found at www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm She also has a great explanation of tickets.

Weather: With Fla you never know. Keep an eye on orlandosentinel.com and think layers. The temps in the past have been lower 70s down to low 30s.

 

[hank1105]

Thank you all for the replies. Lentesta if you could post that touring plan that would be excellent and very much appreciated. The plan of Epcot one day, Magic Kingdom one day, etc. is right up my alley. Thank you all for welcoming me to this fine board.

Hank

 

[hank1105]

If I am not staying at one of the Disney resorts, how can I purchase a 3 day hopper? I do understand that the hopper's do not expire, but realistically I don't have any idea when my wife and I will be back in Florida. Thanks for any info.

Hank

 

[sha_lyn]

Since typically Epcot is open later than the other parks I suggest instead of visiting if for a whole day, I would hit the other parks in the AM and end each day with Epcot. Another option would be to wait and eat dinner at a resort DD or the board walk after the parks close.