Newbies during Free dining

[moonchyld42]

We just booked an 8 day vacation during free dining and are wondering how busy the 1st week of Sept will really be considering school starts for most ppl then???

Also this is our 1st trip and we are wondering how to fit it all in. I don't want to commando plan. Any tips would really be appreciated.

Are there any must see things we need to do???

we were planning the

1 day for AK, EP, and DH
2 for MK and then the last day pick were we wanted to go back to

We also have the water parks too

I am a planner but I see so many conflicting posts I feel like m head is spinning

My son has a sensory disorder so we were planning afternoon breaks back to the resort.

How is the transportation at All Star Movies? is it really worth it to leave the parks or will that just be a hassle??

PLEASE HELP

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome! How old is your son? Do you have other kids as well?

This is my first trip since 1990, so I'm a little short on real advice. But think about picking up the Unofficial Guide to WDW at your local bookstore. There are a series of touring plans that should help.

Can we assume you're already made your dining reservations?

I know very little about sensory disorders, but it seems to me that those afternoon breaks are probably more important for your family than they might be for another. The parks are HUGE and it's easy for anyone to get overwhelmed by the sights, the sounds and the crowds. It's pretty much guaranteed to still be HOT in early September, so that dip in the pool might make a world of difference in everyone's temperment. We're taking 3 kids under 11 in August, and we WILL be in the pool every afternoon.

I think what you want to do is this: take a look at the EMH schedule for the days you'll be at WDW. From what I've read, there are 2 prevailing strategies:

a) Be there at rope drop for the AM EMH. Plan to stay in the park till lunchtime; by then it will be a mob scene. Go elsewhere that night.
b) Choose the park that had EMH hours the day before. All the resort guests will be at today's EMH park and you'll have the early hours to yourself.

I'm still not sure which philosophy makes the most sense, but it may help give you a direction.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

We usually go on vacation in September/October because there are less crowds and our love of Disney doesn't carry over to children.

Last year we went the starting the Monday after Labor Day. This year we are going the first Saturday after Labor Day. Last year the parks were pretty quite, our average wait time was around 10 minutes, with the larger waits at the newer attractions. The restaurants were busy though, because of dining plans (free too). I would definately get your ADRs taken care of soon if you haven't done it already.

Being that you're going to need to take a bus (if you don't have a rental car), it could take you over 20 - 30+ minutes to get back to the resort from the park (depending on the park) and how long you need to wait for a bus. So just factor that time into the process, it may just be better to leave the park and just walk around a bit or if at Epcot/MK take the Monorail to one of the resorts to get a way for a little while.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Welcome!
1) Make sure to make your dining reservations ASAP! People are turned away in droves at TS restaurants during free dining because they did not make their reservations.
2) We are staying at ASMo for free dining too! (But we will be there the week before you.)
3) The weather will be HOT, HOT, HOT when you go. Not only is your resort close enough to take a break, IMO you'd be crazy not to take one on most days. The best way to tour that time of year is to get to the parks at opening and leave early afternoon to rejuvenate. Then, if you have the energy, head out again.
4) Let us know how old your child is and we can tell you some of our must-sees.

 

[DisneyWisher]

The first week is absolutely the best time to go. We'll be at ASMu 9/3 -9/8. The waits are very short compared to any other time of the year. Early afternoon all the All-Stars will share buses. Don't fret about that because they are close to each other plus the buses run constantly. I would check out the EMH. MK usually has evening EMH on Sunday so think of going on Monday because most of the other resort guests stayed up the night before and will want to go to another park. We only do EMH in the morning. Most people don't want to be at the park at 8am. Sept 5 is the first MNSSHP so MK will close that night at 7pm and not have Wishes.
As far as ADRs there are a few restaurants that don't accept them such as Beaches and Cream at BC/YC, ESPN Club at Boardwalk and Planet Hollywood at DTD though the walls and ceilings can be a bit busy with movie memorabilia. If you are doing any character meals book those ASAP. check out the link for menus that will help you plan your ADRs better.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm#disneydining

good luck and have an awesome trip

 

[pruesmom]

We always go in Sept. during the free dining. We've gone a few times near the beginning of the month and it clears out right after labor day weekend. Have fun!

 

[christa112]

This will be our 3rd trip during Free Dining!!! Our 1st time around we stayed at ASMo and it was great. The only issue we had was at closing time, the busses were packed!!! Like PP stated the All Stars share busses and sometimes you have to stand, or wait for another bus to. The wait is really not that long, but when you are tired it feels like forever.

Like PP said it is very HOT in Sept!! One great thing about WDW every has AC even the bathrooms!!! I would go in and totally wet my hair to keep cool. The bus ride is about 20 mins or so, so it is definately possible for you to go back to the hotel, rest and then go back to the parks.

Your plan sounds great park wise, one thing we do different we always give ourselves 2 days at AK, it is pretty big park and lots of walking and shows to fit into one day.

We are going for 9 days this time around to give us a chance to hit both water parks. We have yet to do this, so we are really looking forward to it.

Have great time. Get your ADR's in fast!!!

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The great thing about WDW is there's always something MORE to see!


Eight days is pretty long, but even still, esp. if you plan to go to water parks...you won't be able to see EVERYTHING. I'm also not one to plan too much, because you never know when a thunderstrom is going to strike. Remember, it is hurricane season that time of year. One ADR per day is good, but no more than that.

Probably your best bet is to more or less 'plan' to hit the rides thathave fastpass. WHile you are waiting for your fastpass window to come, ride something nearby. Ther eare some rides, like PotC that don't have fastpass, but are still do not misses....if you never been on any rides, then mostly everything is worth visiting.

In over 20 trips, I've never been to a water park, we more or less don't find the time. But then, we're going the end of September, and I have never been in the real heat of summer. If you prefer water parks, then you'll have fun there. You just have to make trade-offs.

AS far as taking breaks, I'd play it by ear, not try to plan them. Often we don't take breaks, but if we're tired and it's hot and you're not enjoying yourself - then a break is a great idea. Just make sure if you have an ADR to allow enough time to get to the resort, have abreak, and get back. You don'e have to go to your resort to take a break, if you don't have time. WHile you are only allowed to swim at your own resort, you can take a boat ride to any reosrt, and grab a snack in the QS, or a beverage at the bar, or sit in the AC'd lobby....

 

[moonchyld42]

Ok my kids are 8 and 11.

We only have a 6 days park hopper with water parks.

The day we land we plan to go to DTD go tubing and let my daughter get her hair did at BBB. Get an early night or maybe play mini golf

Then day 1 AK cuz its got EMH @ night
day 2 MK cuz they have am EMH
day 3 BB in the am then a rest then off to EP cuz they have pm EMH
day 4 DH
day 5 TL in the am then MK with pm EMH
day 6 AK in the am rest then maybe DH in the pm


We def want to catch fantasmic, we have reservations at the crystal palace so far and are planning the others to reserve tomorrow

Any ideas of really kid friendly TS restaurants??

We are also have 2 cases of water, some breakfast foods and some snacks delivered


Any ideas on spending $$$ per day too???


I know I shouldn't plan on perfect but I really want out 1st family vacation to be memorable

 

[KatMark]

Ok my kids are 8 and 11.

We only have a 6 days park hopper with water parks.

The day we land we plan to go to DTD go tubing and let my daughter get her hair did at BBB. Get an early night or maybe play mini golf

Then day 1 AK cuz its got EMH @ night
day 2 MK cuz they have am EMH
day 3 BB in the am then a rest then off to EP cuz they have pm EMH
day 4 DH
day 5 TL in the am then MK with pm EMH
day 6 AK in the am rest then maybe DH in the pm


We def want to catch fantasmic, we have reservations at the crystal palace so far and are planning the others to reserve tomorrow

Any ideas of really kid friendly TS restaurants??

We are also have 2 cases of water, some breakfast foods and some snacks delivered


Any ideas on spending $$$ per day too???


I know I shouldn't plan on perfect but I really want out 1st family vacation to be memorable

First, take a deep breath. Your 1st family vacation will be memorable because you will be together as a family and you'll be at Disney.

Other kid friendly restaurants: Chef Mickey for breakfast or lunch; Cape May Cafe for breakfast (Minnie, Goofy, Chip & Dale in beach attire); Biergarten at Epcot in Germany--kids love the music and it is a great buffet; Liberty Tree Tavern at Magic Kingdom for dinner with characters; Princess breakfast or lunch in Norway at Askershus (breakfast is all American food; lunch is Norweigan food--we didn't care for it); 50's Prime Time or Sci Fi at Hollywood Studios.

With free dining, you shouldn't need too much as far as money every day for snacks as you'll each have a snack credit. What we usually do is get a water for a snack and just refill it all day in the restrooms rather than the sugar in the soda. As for souvenir money, that is up to how much you want to spend.

Definitely take a break during the day. We usually arrive at rope drop (or extra morning hours) and then leave around 1:00 for a swim or nap at the resort. We then head back to the park for our dinner reservation and enjoying the attactions again when the sun has gone down.

We have gone the last three Septembers during the first week. Last year it was 95 every day we were there with very high humidity. We drank lots of water, took our breaks. I also brought a wash cloth with me and ran it under cold water and laid it on the back of my neck...it really helped in keeping me cool.

Remember...deep breath and ask any questions you might have as you go along. Dis members will be happy to help.

 

[SmallWorld71]

Ok my kids are 8 and 11.

We only have a 6 days park hopper with water parks.

The day we land we plan to go to DTD go tubing and let my daughter get her hair did at BBB. Get an early night or maybe play mini golf

Then day 1 AK cuz its got EMH @ night
day 2 MK cuz they have am EMH
day 3 BB in the am then a rest then off to EP cuz they have pm EMH
day 4 DH
day 5 TL in the am then MK with pm EMH
day 6 AK in the am rest then maybe DH in the pm


We def want to catch fantasmic, we have reservations at the crystal palace so far and are planning the others to reserve tomorrow

Any ideas of really kid friendly TS restaurants??

We are also have 2 cases of water, some breakfast foods and some snacks delivered


Any ideas on spending $$$ per day too???


I know I shouldn't plan on perfect but I really want out 1st family vacation to be memorable

I've been many times and never had perfect, but they are all wonderful in their own way. So, as PP poster mentioned, deep breath.

Every restaurant at WDW is kid friendly (except Victoria and Albert's) but my boys and I would recommend the following places:
'Ohana
Biergarten
Sci-Fi
Whispering Canyon Cafe
Coral Reef
Sci-Fi diner
Boma
Teppan Edo
As well as character meals: Chef Mickey, Donald's Safari Breakfast, Liberty Tree Tavern, 1900 Park Fare

My boys love the thrill rides so we like to grab fast passes 1st thing in the morning for one of the big rides.

Also, you mentioned that one of your children has a sensory disorder. My nephew (9) does as well and some "down time" at the pool or arcade during the day helps him considerably. Actually, it helps us all. As has been mentioned before, it will be HOT, so listen to everyone's cues and take a break when someone is starting to reach their limits. Also, don't be afraid to split up if you need to.
One last thing, we always ask our kids to list their absolute must-sees for the trip and promise to work those in.You can avoid major problems just by knowing what your family wants and expects out of the vacation.
Oh, and I never tell them about really cool things I learn on the DIS. That way, if something doesn't work out, they don't know they are missing something. But, if it does, they think I'm really cool.

 

[moonchyld42]

I just mad my ADR's and was wondering about a few things

Transportation to and from resorts, to parks and DTD...

Is it reliable?
How early/late do they run??
Is there a daily schedule?


Photopass?

Can you pre order cd if you don't do the photo shoot at GF?

Am I insane to try to fit the water parks and the main parks in all in 6 days?

Park hopper/extra fun

If we go to Disney Quest the night we arrive does that count as a day off our tickets?

please help


Any opinions for our ADR would be appreciated

Day 1- Cap N Jack's 7:05 dinner
Day 2- RFC- 515 OOP
Day 3- Tony's Town Square 5pm
Day 4- San Angel Inn 5pm
Day 5- 50's prime time 415
Day 6- Crystal Palace 750
Day 7- None
Day 8- Chef Mickey's 835 breakfast


How do I get to the cont for my ressies if there is no inter resort transpo???


Last thing do they offer life jackets for non swimmers at the water parks or do I bring my own


OMG i am stressin!!! Can you tell its my 1st time

 

[moonchyld42]

I just mad my ADR's and was wondering about a few things

Transportation to and from resorts, to parks and DTD...

Is it reliable?
How early/late do they run??
Is there a daily schedule?


Photopass?

Can you pre order cd if you don't do the photo shoot at GF?

Am I insane to try to fit the water parks and the main parks in all in 6 days?

Park hopper/extra fun

If we go to Disney Quest the night we arrive does that count as a day off our tickets?

please help


Any opinions for our ADR would be appreciated

Day 1- Cap N Jack's 7:05 dinner
Day 2- RFC- 515 OOP
Day 3- Tony's Town Square 5pm
Day 4- San Angel Inn 5pm
Day 5- 50's prime time 415
Day 6- Crystal Palace 750pm
Day 7- WWC 7:20pm
Day 8- Chef Mickey's 835 breakfast


How do I get to the cont for my ressies if there is no inter resort transpo???


Last thing do they offer life jackets for non swimmers at the water parks or do I bring my own


OMG i am stressin!!! Can you tell its my 1st time

 

[wdwrich]

For your Chef Mickey's breakfast ADR, take your resort's bus to MK and walk over to the CR. It's about a 10-15 minute walk. You can also take the resort monorail from MK to the CR (one stop).

 

[bigbabyblues]

Your ADRs look good to me!

We've never had a problem with WDW transportation getting us where we want to go. The buses will start early in the morning, around 6:30 or so, and they run for at least an hour after the parks close, if not a little longer. There isn't really a schedule, they run continuously. We haven't waited more than 20 minutes or so for a bus, with a couple of exceptions. I allow an hour between leaving the room in the morning and getting to a breakfast ADR.

You can pre-order the photopass and not do the photo shoot. The photo shoots are relatively new, and even though they can be added to the photopass, they are two separate things.

We've only done the waterpark once in 5 trips, and I don't know that we'd do it again for awhile. We had fun, but my boys were too small for the slides and things, we did the lazy river, wave pool, and the Shark thing at Typhoon Lagoon. That's an individual choice though. I don't remember if they had lifejackets or not. I do know you can get them at the resorts for the pool.

If you go to Disney Quest the night you arrive, it will take one of your "plus" options, i.e., the same as a waterpark day.