Non-forum readers; no ADRs, no TS?

[2Tiggies]

Disney virgin here. We planned a trip for September.

I cannot BELIEVE people would spend 2-3 thousand dollars on a trip and not do hours upon hours of research first.

I have never stepped foot on Disney property, however I did my research and I got ADR's for Ohana, Le Cellier, Chef Mickeys, etc. I was up early on my 90 day mark to get what I wanted.

I have educated myself on Disney parks, resorts, food, transportation and pretty much every aspect of Disney. Can I be 100% prepared before I get there? Of course not. But I didn't spend $2,000 to wander around aimlessly and waste our precious time, either.

It baffles me that people would spend that amount of money and go there totally clueless.

Even if I didn't have internet access, I'd be taking advice from the books -- which I have done in addition to these boards. The books say in plain English that you need to book 90 days in advance or else you may be out of luck!

Jennifer

You would be shocked, as was I....!!!! Clearly you and I have the same sort of logic - for the cost of a 2 week vacation for me and DD7, it came in just on £4,000 (yes that is a Pound sign - currently around $6,500). An acquaintance I know through work went a couple of weeks after we got back. She was SOOOO excited and so I went out of my way to find her in the run-up to her trip to share her excitement (you know what it's like - you want people to join in). Every time I asked her questions I realised she knew nothing about what they were going into and had done NO research. Just booked a package a year prior and were packed and ready to go. I kept offering her suggestions, but she said she wanted to go with the flow. I got the feeling that I might be interfering so bit my tongue and just enjoyed her countdown with her.

Well when she got back I couldn't wait to hear all her news. I was stunned when she said they had seen Mickey twice, Minnie once and no other characters. They also didn't know where to go for character meals and certainly no idea about ADR's. So they ended up driving out to eat off-site for the most part, got no autographs and no photos with characters. I walked away with tears stinging in my eyes. I REALLY wanted her to have a great time. I also felt TERRIBLE that I hadn't maybe just put myself out in on the line and insisted on giving some basic advice and just let myself be considered a nuisance for the sake of helping someone out. I don't want to gloat - I want to share. It just goes to show, there are happy-go-lucky people out there who just work differently to you and I....

 

[spare+a_pair]

DH's co-worker got back from a trip about 2 months ago. They booked it in advance and then went.

When he got back DH asked him about his experience, and the guy was shocked that they couldn't get into a TS restaurant at a "normal" dining time. He said they ate at Boma 4 times (out of 7 TS meals). The only reason he thinks they got those was because they stayed at AKL.

He made sure DS told me to make reservations. DH just chuckled and said "We don't leave for 4 months, and not only does my wife know where we will eat, but she knows what we will all order too"

At least he finally appreciated all of the time I spent on the DIS

 

[princessmom29]

We experienceed a perticularly rude, clueless dad last Nov. At the Norway princess meal. He was crusing and screaming about not being able to get in without a ressie. He had 2 little girls dressed up in princess stuff, clearly under the impressiong that they would be eating with the princesses. I felt sooo bad for the kids.