Newbie needs help

[mamahope1]

I had no idea about the level of planning that my Disney World trip would require. I honestly thought we would show up and "play it by ear". So now I need help.

Let me explain. I am a 62 yo grandma who is taking my two grown children and my grandson to DW on Oct 28- Nov 1. We have NEVER had a family trip and have saved two years for this one.

I would like to share what we have planned so far (mostly by other peoples suggestions) and then have you tell me if this sounds good or not. Please feel free to make suggestions. Keep in mind that I am not up for going 7 Am to 10 PM every day and neither is my grandson.

We are staying at the Carribean Resort. we have one room with two queen size beds and I have been freaking out, wishing I could afford a type of arrangement where I had a bedroom with a door I could close. Apparently this accommodation does not offer it.

We booked through AAA and the dining plan plus comes free.

We will be getting to our hotel about 4 PM on 10/28 and thoughts we would spend the evening at Hollywood Studios. We were planning on having a quick service meal that evening.

the next day we will have breakfast at Ohana and then go to the Magic Kingdom. We will be there all day. Will we see fireworks? We are having a quick service late lunch somewhere and dinner at the Captains Grille at 7 PM.

On Fri 10/30- the big adult kids are going to Universal and I am taking my grandson to the Animal Kingdom. We have a reservation at Donald Safari Tusker house (?). I am told to get a fast pass for the safari there.

Oh by the way, we have park hopper passes but not fast passes thus far.

I thought when we got tired we would just play back at the resort.

On Sat 10/31 (Halloween) we thought we would do Epcot will the 6 yo like it?). My daughter is taking him to the not so scary Halloween party at 5, leaving my other daughter & I at Epcot to check out more adult things (?). We have dinner plans at Teppan Edo.

On the last day we have until about 2 pm so thought we would go to Downtown Disney. That is it for now. My grandson wants to see fireworks. Is that the same as the light show?

What would you change? What would you keep the same?

I would be very grateful for any advice or guidance you can offer.

Also- is the place we are staying your best suggestion?

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

I just want to say that you are a terrific grandma My father goes to Disney with us (DH, myself and 2 DD's) every year- my kids think he is the best grandpa ever for taking them to Disney. You will make some fantastic memories with your grandson. I haven't stayed at the Caribbean resort, but the pictures (pool especially) look great! You have made great ADR's. Plus, reservations for the Hallowe'en party. If you go to DTD on your last day, you might want a reservation at T-Rex if your grandson likes dinosaurs. Also, a stop at Goofy's Candy Co. in DTD is a great way to use up any leftover snack credits (your grandson will probably like the 'build your own rice crispy treats'). The Lego Store will be fun if he enjoys playing Lego. My only suggestion is to make sure that you have FP+ booked for rides. Everything else looks like you will have fun. Remember that there is so much to do and you can't do it all - your grandson will have a blast! Have a great trip!

 

[mamahope1]

What is an ADR. He does like dinosaurs. I will let the guy at AAA know. The guy from AAA also said that he will hep me figure out how to use the Fast Passes, which I have yet to buy. For instance, he said to use one at the Animal Kingdom and take my grandson on the Safari. Would you agree?

Any suggestions about fire works. Do you really have to find a seat three hours before they do them? Do they do them in different parks? Is the light show different from the fireworks? Thank you for responding. It helps to not feel so overwhelmed.

 

[itchin2go]

It sounds like you're off to a good start!

Accommodations: There are limited options as far as suite-type rooms at Disney. I think there are "family suites" at All Star Music and Art of Animation. There are also villas at many of the deluxe resorts. Even though you don't have 5 guests, this link may help: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/groups/

If you switched reservations now, I don't know if you would find a free dining offer. We haven't stayed onsite for years, so I'm probably not the best person to be giving you advice. You can certainly check with AAA to see if they can find you a family suite or villa, but definitely ask whether you would lose the free dining. I know what you mean about wanting a separate room. My family will pretty much only stay in suites these days. When we did stay onsite, we stayed at the DVC villas. They are nice, but pricey.

This thread will help you with fastpasses when the time comes to book them: http://disboards.com/threads/fastpa...ed-priorities-and-strategies-part-ii.3326057/

Regarding downtown Disney, I've seen lots of reports of construction and congestion. If you go there, read up on where to park. We didn't go on our last trip because I heard so many horror stories about the construction. I believe there's a new parking garage?

 

[itchin2go]

What is an ADR. He does like dinosaurs. I will let the guy at AAA know. The guy from AAA also said that he will hep me figure out how to use the Fast Passes, which I have yet to buy. For instance, he said to use one at the Animal Kingdom and take my grandson on the Safari. Would you agree?

Any suggestions about fire works. Do you really have to find a seat three hours before they do them? Do they do them in different parks? Is the light show different from the fireworks? Thank you for responding. It helps to not feel so overwhelmed.

Regarding fireworks in the Magic Kingdom, you can do the Wishes dessert party (which has gotten really pricey) and have reserved seating or book fastpasses for a reserved area. You don't have to do either, but there are those options. You have similar options in Epcot, but it's really easy to see the fireworks there without staking out a spot ahead of time.

 

[mamahope1]

It sounds like you're off to a good start!

Accommodations: There are limited options as far as suite-type rooms at Disney. I think there are "family suites" at All Star Music and Art of Animation. There are also villas at many of the deluxe resorts. Even though you don't have 5 guests, this link may help: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/planning-guides/in-depth-advice/groups/

If you switched reservations now, I don't know if you would find a free dining offer. We haven't stayed onsite for years, so I'm probably not the best person to be giving you advice. You can certainly check with AAA to see if they can find you a family suite or villa, but definitely ask whether you would lose the free dining. I know what you mean about wanting a separate room. My family will pretty much only only stay in suites these days. When we did stay onsite, we stayed at the DVC villas. They are nice, but pricey.

This thread will help you with fastpasses when the time comes to book them: http://disboards.com/threads/fastpa...ed-priorities-and-strategies-part-ii.3326057/

Regarding downtown Disney, I've seen lots of reports of construction and congestion. If you go there, read up on where to park. We didn't go on our last trip because I heard so many horror stories about the construction. I believe there's a new parking garage?

Thank you. If we go to DTD, it would not be by car. We would take the bus (free). You are absolutely correct about losing the free dining if we switch from a moderate to a value. Thank you!!!!

 

[englanddg]

What is an ADR. He does like dinosaurs. I will let the guy at AAA know. The guy from AAA also said that he will hep me figure out how to use the Fast Passes, which I have yet to buy. For instance, he said to use one at the Animal Kingdom and take my grandson on the Safari. Would you agree?

Any suggestions about fire works. Do you really have to find a seat three hours before they do them? Do they do them in different parks? Is the light show different from the fireworks? Thank you for responding. It helps to not feel so overwhelmed.

ADR = Advanced Dining Reservations

Most of the time you will need these to get into the more popular table service restaurants. You certainly at least want to book a few at places you know you'll want to try.

 

[mamahope1]

Thank you!

 

[itchin2go]

What is an ADR. He does like dinosaurs. I will let the guy at AAA know. The guy from AAA also said that he will hep me figure out how to use the Fast Passes, which I have yet to buy. For instance, he said to use one at the Animal Kingdom and take my grandson on the Safari. Would you agree?

Fastpasses are free.

Yes, the Safari is a must see at AK!

 

[mamahope1]

I hear you about reservations. We tried to book to Be Our Guest 8 months ahead of our visit and it was already reserved to capacity. I just want to make sure the restaurant we are going to is IN the park we are in. I am not sure if I did that correctly. Thank you again, very kindly!

 

[englanddg]

I had no idea about the level of planning that my Disney World trip would require. I honestly thought we would show up and "play it by ear". So now I need help.

Doesn't work that way anymore. <sad>

Let me explain. I am a 62 yo grandma who is taking my two grown children and my grandson to DW on Oct 28- Nov 1. We have NEVER had a family trip and have saved two years for this one.

Have you looked into the Not So Scary Halloween Party? It will be going on during your stay. If you have not purchased tickets for it, be aware that Magic Kingdom will close early some of those nights during your visit.

I would like to share what we have planned so far (mostly by other peoples suggestions) and then have you tell me if this sounds good or not. Please feel free to make suggestions. Keep in mind that I am not up for going 7 Am to 10 PM every day and neither is my grandson.

We are staying at the Carribean Resort. we have one room with two queen size beds and I have been freaking out, wishing I could afford a type of arrangement where I had a bedroom with a door I could close. Apparently this accommodation does not offer it.

Nope, not at CBR. That said, the refurbished rooms do have a sliding partition that closes off the bathroom areas.

We booked through AAA and the dining plan plus comes free.

Ok, how familiar are you with the Dining Plan? If you are not at all, there are a few things you need to understand about how it works. But, before I blather all that out, I want to know how comfortable you already feel with it.

We will be getting to our hotel about 4 PM on 10/28 and thoughts we would spend the evening at Hollywood Studios. We were planning on having a quick service meal that evening.

Not a bad idea. Though, if you TS at Mama Melrose or Brown Derby you can get Fantasmic Seating (possibly). No extra cost, but saves you an FP+ and gets you reserved seating for the show.

the next day we will have breakfast at Ohana and then go to the Magic Kingdom. We will be there all day. Will we see fireworks? We are having a quick service late lunch somewhere and dinner at the Captains Grille at 7 PM.

Make that ADR for Ohana. That night the Halloween Party will be running (it runs on Oct 29, Oct 31 and Nov 1 during your trip). So, no, you won't see Fireworks unless you purchase the event tickets. The park will close at 7PM, and if you do not have a separate Halloween Party ticket, you will be asked to leave.

On Fri 10/30- the big adult kids are going to Universal and I am taking my grandson to the Animal Kingdom. We have a reservation at Donald Safari Tusker house (?). I am told to get a fast pass for the safari there.

If you breakfast at Tusker before park opening (park rope drop is 9a, but you can get Tusker earlier than that, like at 7:30a or 8a), then you don't need a FP for the Safari if you go there right after breakfast. Otherwise, it helps. It's a good use of one. Depending on how tall your grandson is (and your proclivity for coasters) Everest is generally a high demand FP+.

Oh by the way, we have park hopper passes but not fast passes thus far.

Based on your plans, I'm not sure you'll need the hoppers. You can remove them up until your final payoff date, unless you purchased them outside of a package...then, you are sortof stuck. Not that it's a bad thing.

I thought when we got tired we would just play back at the resort.

The pool at CBR is fantastic, and one of only three zero entry pools (I think?) in the park. My daughter loved it there.

On Sat 10/31 (Halloween) we thought we would do Epcot will the 6 yo like it?). My daughter is taking him to the not so scary Halloween party at 5, leaving my other daughter & I at Epcot to check out more adult things (?). We have dinner plans at Teppan Edo.

Ah, there's the use for the Park Hoppers, and the Mickey's Party. Just be aware the other nights it's going on (I noted earlier) as well, if you want to see Wishes.

On the last day we have until about 2 pm so thought we would go to Downtown Disney. That is it for now. My grandson wants to see fireworks. Is that the same as the light show?

Depends on the "light show". Illuminations is the laser light fireworks at EPCOT, and is worth seeing. Fantasmic is at Hollywood Studios and is more of a stage/pyro show, and is fun. Wishes is the big fireworks display at Magic Kingdom, but they'll swap that out for the Halloween show on nights they are running the party. All are worth seeing, but "Wishes" is the most "Disney".

Also- is the place we are staying your best suggestion?

CBR is fine. Ask for Aruba or Jamaica, by the bridge.

 

[englanddg]

Here, if you want a breakdown of the planning stages, including how to make ADRs, use MDE, FP+ with screenshots, using a real trip as an example, check out my Pre-Trip report for my coming trip in August. I've got all that written up there (and still writing as more things come along...)

http://www.disboards.com/threads/englanddgs-real-life-or-is-this-just-fantasy.3422546/

 

[mamahope1]

My daughter is already taking her son to the not so scary Halloween party. I have had the dining plan explained but I do not necessarily get it. DUH! Perhaps suggest where we should eat depending on where we are. Day 1 - DHS (want to see Fantasmic) , Day 2 - MK, Day 3- AK want to Safari), Day 4 Epcot Day 5- DTD. And we have a 6 year old. If you look at my first post you can see where we think we are going as of now, but I am very open to suggestions.

 

[nherbert]

CBR is our favorite resort. Request a room with a Murphy bed, these rooms hold five. There is no guarantee you will get one but if you do then it will make sleeping easier. CBR has the best pool and slide that your grandson will love. We always ask for Jamica building 45 so we can walk across bridge for breakfast.
It is possible on your AK day that is Extra Magic Hour(EMH) day, if you can get going early then that would be good, so you can head straight for the safari, Your GS will love that. He will also enjoy playing in the boneyard and the mini fairground area. Our son enjoy Kali river rapid ride so much, but you will get wet. Our son at that age did not like the dinosaur ride too scary, he also didn't like expedition Everest but all kids are different. He will love the tucker house and meeting the characters (the juice is also awesome) make sure you get an ADR for this restaurant - we always use EMH do safari stroll around and then head for late breakfast at 10:30.
You can see fireworks MK, Epcot and HS if you stay late enough. He will definitely see some at the Halloween party, not sure if you will see them on your MK day if you leave early to eat elsewhere unless you return after meal.
At HS you want to get a fastpass for toy story mania he will love that and sadly one go will not be enough. Go and see the Disney jr show. My son was too scared or the rockin roller coaster ride and also the tower of terror (but again all kids different). The muppet show is fun. And you have to meet phineas and fern if he likes them.
At Epcot our son loved test track (no idea why as I think that one is scary) but we went on that heaps of times. When you need a rest Ellen's energy adventure was heaps of fun for him and it takes a long time so it's a good rest for everyone.
But even though the parks are fun, my sons favorite time is back at the resort in the afternoon playing in the pool.

You will have a great time

 

[mamahope1]

What is EMH? Thank you!!!!

 

[englanddg]

My daughter is already taking her son to the not so scary Halloween party. I have had the dining plan explained but I do not necessarily get it. DUH! Perhaps suggest where we should eat depending on where we are. Day 1 - DHS (want to see Fantasmic) , Day 2 - MK, Day 3- AK want to Safari), Day 4 Epcot Day 5- DTD. And we have a 6 year old. If you look at my first post you can see where we think we are going as of now, but I am very open to suggestions.

I would swap your Magic Kingdom day from the 29th to the 30th then. Reason being is that you will get kicked out early on the 29th, and not see the fireworks, castle projection show and main street electrical parade. The 30th, you will be able to.

Either that or make use of your park hoppers and do Animal Kingdom as you plan in the morning, then hop over to Magic Kingdom at night on the 30th.

 

[englanddg]

What is EMH? Thank you!!!!

Extra Magic Hours. Every day one of the parks either opens up early or stays open late just for on-site resort guests.

 

[englanddg]

For your trip, the EMH hours are:

Wed - Oct 28 - Magic Kingdom open late (10p - midnight) and Animal Kingdom open early (8a - 9a)
Thurs - Oct 29 - Epcot stays open late (9p - 11p)
Fri - Oct 30 - Animal Kingdom opens early (8a - 9a)
Sat - Oct 31 - Hollywood Studios opens early (8a - 9a)
Sun - Nov 1 - Hollywood Studios stays open late (7p - 9p)

 

[mamahope1]

I would swap your Magic Kingdom day from the 29th to the 30th then. Reason being is that you will get kicked out early on the 29th, and not see the fireworks, castle projection show and main street electrical parade. The 30th, you will be able to.

Yikes, not sure I can. We get there at 4 on Day 1 which is why we thought DHS might be best. Day 2 is a full day as is Day 4 at Epcot, but on day 4, my daughter and grandson are going to the halloween party. Do you think we should do Epcot on day 2 and the MK on day 4, even though it closes early for the Halloween party. Will those things you suggest still be going on? We haven't even gotten there and we already need more time...

 

[itchin2go]

You'll have to scroll way down for your dates, but this post will tell you which parks to go to on which days and why.
http://www.easywdw.com/calendar/october-2015-walt-disney-world-crowd-calendar/#more-15448