Thanks so much for all of the great information. I'm definitely going to look into the swan or dolphin. We are driving so ME won't be an issue. I would prefer to be able to charge to the room, but that certainly isn't a deal breaker.
I do think you're right about the marketing department being separate. I hear of lots of people who already have a reservation being able to apply a pin. Of course, lots of times this does mean having to change resorts.
That is one amazing schedule!!! I'm not even close to detailed planning yet. I would feel alot better if I could just make a reservation.
Love the Dolphin, both hotels are super nice, comfy beds, great dining options and of course location. To be honest, we didn't charge much back to our room when we stay on site anyhow and we always rent a car too, so you should have a blast at either one.
Thank goodness I'm planning a longer trip. Now that I've got a rough sketch layed out I can't imagine doing in less than 10 days without yearly trips.
I've broken my days down to:
Breakfast (many character breakfasts)

Park

Lunch

Nap

Park

Dinner

Fireworks/Parade
I've got a nap figured into every day but one. My little guy is 4 and still naps a good two hours on most days and is quite happy to stay up late and sleep late. We'll see how this goes.

Even though we will miss valuable park time in the afternoons for my sanity he needs some downtime.
I think I need to look into the cost of a delux meal plan or cut out some of those character breakfasts.
sounds great- the nap/break is a life saver for us. We would have some terrible meltdowns if we didn't.
LaDonna & EXWDWCM - Thanks for your thoughts.
DS has nap time every day at day care, but he doesn't usually sleep much, but Disney is a whole different kind of tired.
We are early risers... 6am so we can be out the door by 7:30 and to the park for 8am breakfast ADRs.
I think I'm going to plan for daily breaks. I definitely want to avoid a meltdown. When DD gets tired, she just gets quiet, but when DS gets quiet, well, let's just say Oscar the Grouch has NOTHING on him. If I find we don't need the breaks, great; but I think I need to be prepared for them... even if we just go back to the room and watch TV and rest.
When I priced out our meals, we came out better with the deluxe, but we have some other expensive meals also.
TP has their estimated hours up. I don't think official hours are set to be released until May.
Yep, official hours won't be released til May. Then Disney likes to add more hours sometimes and change things a month or a few weeks out. Usually they won't change EMH or take away hours, but just add hours. I anticipate them maybe adding hours for MK on that weekend- that Sat night or something maybe.
yeah, the break helps us a lot. Otherwise, we would have some big meltdowns. the breaks help us avoid that and we all have a great evening that way!
My kids are lousy nappers - I don't think they have actually ever taken a nap at Disney during one of our breaks, but we always try to spend some quiet time in the afternoon - either in the room or at the pool or something. I think you have a good plan!
I'm definitely bringing a stroller, though. My youngest is four, and probably won't ride in it much, but I usually have it so loaded up with stuff I can't imagine going without it!
lol- i am bringing our stroller too- my DS will have just turned 5, but that is a LOT of walking, especially at the pace we usually go. This last trip, he got out and walked a lot more, but we like storing all our crap in the stroller too.
Also, I should say that I've been following along.
Well, let me be more specific. When the thread first started, I jumped on board and added my November dates and forgot all about this thread!

My bad.
So by the time I remember I made a post, ya'll were on page 141. That like 3904258239890 posts.
So by following along, what I really mean is, I spent about a week straight, reading ever.single.post on all 141 pages.
Hi. I'm ready to jump in the middle of this conversation now.
Welcome BACK!!!
I have another ADR question. I know that's not the topic of thise thread but you folks know all that is Disney! Can you make two reserations for the same day, same meal? Say I know know if I'll be in MK or HS on a given day can I make ADR for two places?
I believe you can book two ADRs, just keep in mind the new process for if you are a no show for certain ones- they will charge your credit card etc. So just keep that in mind. That new policy is in effect now I believe. here is the info:
"Walt DIsney World restaurants will soon begin requiring and enforcing a credit card guarantee for reservations with the goal of reducing last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Under the new policy, making a reservation at select signature and character dining locations throughout Walt Disney World’s hotels and theme parks will require submitting credit card information up front, which will be charged $10 per person if reservations are not cancelled more than 24 hours before the reserved time.
The policy will go into effect on Oct. 26, 2011, and will apply to the following locations and restaurants:
Walt Disney World resort hotel restaurants:
1900 Park Fare
Artist Point
California Grill
Cape May Café
Chef Mickey’s
Cítricos
Flying Fish Café
Jiko – The Cooking Place
Narcoossee’s
‘Ohana
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Victoria & Albert’s ($25 per person fee)
Magic Kingdom:
The Crystal Palace
Epcot:
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
The Garden Grill
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Hollywood & Vine
Disney’s Animal Kingdom:
Tusker House Restaurant
The phone number 407-WDW-CNCL is now available to assist with cancellations.
Pre-paid Walt Disney World dining locations already operate under a similar policy, with an even stricter rule. If reservations at dinner show locations are not cancelled in advance of 24 hours before the reserved time, the full dinner price is still charged with no refunds available.
This policy exists at:
Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue
Mickey’s Backyard BBQ
Since the launch of Disney’s online dining reservation system in 2009, many guests have complained of their favorite restaurants being completely booked far ahead of their desired dates. The system currently allows reservations to be made up to 6 months in advance, with few restrictions or penalties for multiple bookings or not showing up for the reservation without canceling first.
Under the new system, guests may still book multiple reservations for the restaurants above, but will be charged a fee unless cancelled at least a day before the reservation’s time, potentially opening up day-of tables for those who haven’t planned ahead six months. The potential of being charged $10 per guest may result in some diners thinking twice before booking excessive numbers of reservations, freeing up more times for more patrons."