November 2012 Trip planners #4~almost Disney time! Everyone welcome!

[mommyof3princess27]

I thought Fantasmic was a fixed price of $34 something...and you got an appitizer, entree and dessert? unless im wrong

 

[AquaDame]

Oof, guys, I need advice! We are currently booked at AoA in a LM room for one night - the night of our 1/2 marathon, we leave the next day. After puttering around trying to figure out logistics of making that work since it's not a host resort I decided if I could get a deal then I would move to a host resort but there aren't any attractive offers BUT it sounds like SUCH a pain I just don't know what to do. Here are the options I sent my husband:


Option A) Stay where we are, take a taxi to ESPN to get our packet on
Saturday morning or take a bus from our resort to a park (probably
Epcot so we can walk over to Beach Club or else bus to park to another
host resort) and then take the shuttle from there to get our packet.
Take a shuttle back to a host resort and then to a park then back to
our room to drop the stuff off then bus to MK for our Tony's spaghetti
lunch (Non-negotiable). Then go back, nap, and then do it all over
again to get back to ESPN for the start of the race. Take a taxi back
to our resort after we are done (there are no buses running except to
a host resort).

Option B) Stay at a host resort. Here are the options left:
-An Allstar Value: $99 vs. our $120 for AoA LM.
-The ONE mod is sold out.
-Stay Deluxe: Yaht Club is nuts at $394/night but walking distance
from Epcot. We could go BACK to AKL for $260, the others are sold out.
I dunno if we'd spend $140 in taxi fees, I doubt it even if we do take
all 4 rides since it ended up being about $18 per trip with my Mom to
the CCC, BUT some people STILL say its $35 for that 3am ride back to
your resort. :/

Option C) Say to heck with it, stay at the Dolphin or Swan for $161 or $188 respectably and walk to BC for
the shuttles, walk back to the hotel after the race, take a taxi or
rent a car to get back to the airport. Looks like Super Shuttle would be $18 pp to MCO.

What would you guys do?

 

[mommyof3princess27]

Oof, guys, I need advice! We are currently booked at AoA in a LM room for one night - the night of our 1/2 marathon, we leave the next day. After puttering around trying to figure out logistics of making that work since it's not a host resort I decided if I could get a deal then I would move to a host resort but there aren't any attractive offers BUT it sounds like SUCH a pain I just don't know what to do. Here are the options I sent my husband:


Option A) Stay where we are, take a taxi to ESPN to get our packet on
Saturday morning or take a bus from our resort to a park (probably
Epcot so we can walk over to Beach Club or else bus to park to another
host resort) and then take the shuttle from there to get our packet.
Take a shuttle back to a host resort and then to a park then back to
our room to drop the stuff off then bus to MK for our Tony's spaghetti
lunch (Non-negotiable). Then go back, nap, and then do it all over
again to get back to ESPN for the start of the race. Take a taxi back
to our resort after we are done (there are no buses running except to
a host resort).

Option B) Stay at a host resort. Here are the options left:
-An Allstar Value: $99 vs. our $120 for AoA LM.
-The ONE mod is sold out.
-Stay Deluxe: Yaht Club is nuts at $394/night but walking distance
from Epcot. We could go BACK to AKL for $260, the others are sold out.
I dunno if we'd spend $140 in taxi fees, I doubt it even if we do take
all 4 rides since it ended up being about $18 per trip with my Mom to
the CCC, BUT some people STILL say its $35 for that 3am ride back to
your resort. :/

Option C) Say to heck with it, stay at the Dolphin or Swan for $161 or $188 respectably and walk to BC for
the shuttles, walk back to the hotel after the race, take a taxi or
rent a car to get back to the airport. Looks like Super Shuttle would be $18 pp to MCO.

What would you guys do?

you confused me! lol and I re-read it 4 times.... i would switch to the Swan and Dolphin or stay where you are... i did hear that taxis are expensive too

 

[AquaDame]

I'm so sorry... it IS that complicated if you aren't staying at a host resort but still try to use the event transportation though! So frustrating! I know taxis are spendy, but when I map it out the ESPN facility is only 1.7 miles.... how much could that really be? Even if we DO have to do it three times... ugh!

 

[ireneryan]

Always go with the service. I know some people are upset that the gratuity is not included in DDP, but for me I find when gratuity is included at places due to party size the service isn't as good. I will typically tip 20-25% of the entire bill, alcohol and tax included, when service is good. Good service to me means a balance of attentive service that isn't overbearing. I shouldn't have to hunt down my server to get a drink or my check and they shouldn't be asking me every 30 seconds how my meal is or if they can get something for me.

The absolute best explanation of tipping I have ever read. I waitressed for 10 years and I am planning the exact same as you.

 

[ireneryan]

I'm so sorry... it IS that complicated if you aren't staying at a host resort but still try to use the event transportation though! So frustrating! I know taxis are spendy, but when I map it out the ESPN facility is only 1.7 miles.... how much could that really be? Even if we DO have to do it three times... ugh!

I'm not sure where I saw it but I think I may have just googled an Orlando taxi calculator, you put in your starting point and your ending point and it estimates the taxi cost + tip. Sorry I'm not more helpful than that...

 

[AquaDame]

I'm not sure where I saw it but I think I may have just googled an Orlando taxi calculator, you put in your starting point and your ending point and it estimates the taxi cost + tip. Sorry I'm not more helpful than that...

Oooh thank you I didn't even realize those existed! If it is correct the taxis really aren't that bad, $8+ tip for the three rides to/from ESPN and then the big one from the race is like $12 if we can get one from the BWV at 3am... one girl SPECIFICALLY said that would be $35 but I can't see how?

 

[tigger30066]

Oooh thank you I didn't even realize those existed! If it is correct the taxis really aren't that bad, $8+ tip for the three rides to/from ESPN and then the big one from the race is like $12 if we can get one from the BWV at 3am... one girl SPECIFICALLY said that would be $35 but I can't see how?

We took a taxi from DTD to Coronado Springs one night after La Nouba and I think it was like $15.

 

[Tulles]

Well I saw the announcement about the room only discount and thought how perfect would it be to stick in one nights at GF for MIL at the end of the trip. Then I realized the promotion was only good until Nov. 16 and our last day is Nov. 18 so we're one night short. Then I thought about it in the middle right before we switch from POR to AoA. No rooms left. Which is actually a relief because it would have screwed up alot of our plans and DH would have killed me.

What it did do was prompt me to cancel my extra ADRs and start looking for some better times at the ones we do have. I managed to snag a 6:25pm for our Cape May instead of 6:50pm. Not much of a difference but when you think about my kids are used to eating dinner between 5:30 and 6 it's so much better.

Still checking relentlessly for a Le Cellier lunch though. Fingers crossed that one will appear sometime.

 

[uscgmouse]

I was reading online that there are many people who decorate all up for Christmas @ the campground. I was wondering if it is possible to drive through to see the lights or if they offer tours or something. We will be at the World the week after Thanksgiving and I thought we might get lucky and see some decorations.... any ideas?

 

[mrsap]

Hello everyone. I was wondering if you guys could give me your opinion of 'Ohana for breakfast. They have a reservation available and I was thinking of trying it out. The lady said its family style. Is it a typical breakfast? (eggs, waffles, etc.) ? Thank you!

 

[uscgmouse]

Hello everyone. I was wondering if you guys could give me your opinion of 'Ohana for breakfast. They have a reservation available and I was thinking of trying it out. The lady said its family style. Is it a typical breakfast? (eggs, waffles, etc.) ? Thank you!

I ate there about 4 years ago for breakfast and it was really good. It seemed pretty normal breakfast food. Waffles, eggs, sasuage, bacon & toast. They characters came around and they sis a little parade thing. It was nice. I think it would be worth trying out.

 

[mrsap]

Thanks for your response! I just looked up the menu and it seems like its basically just eggs served with a bunch of sides. Just a little disappointed. I think I'll call and find another restaurant.

 

[ireneryan]

What it did do was prompt me to cancel my extra ADRs and start looking for some better times at the ones we do have. I managed to snag a 6:25pm for our Cape May instead of 6:50pm. Not much of a difference but when you think about my kids are used to eating dinner between 5:30 and 6 it's so much better.

Still checking relentlessly for a Le Cellier lunch though. Fingers crossed that one will appear sometime.

I think 625 vs 650 sounds huge! Good Job!!I've been trying to tweak my times too and last night I changed a 755am Cape May to an 8am Cape May b/c somehow 8 doesn't sound as early as 755 What can I say, we're not really morning people. I'm still trying to bump it up to 830 and if I have to get there 5 minutes at a time I will!

 

[nmills]

Only 84 days left, is it wrong to already be making a snack list of things I must have/try?

 

[aubreysmom09]

Only 84 days left, is it wrong to already be making a snack list of things I must have/try?

I'm attempting this right now. Our exchange student keeps saying oooohhhh cupcake.. Looks like she may be doing a WdW cupcake tour..lol.

 

[mamamini]

Only 84 days left, is it wrong to already be making a snack list of things I must have/try?

Are you kidding!? I've been on "Disney food blog" for the last two months planning snacks!! You're right on track!! What's on your list?

 

[kaileighbug]

I wish they did a 2 table service as well.

Count me in on this as well....

im feeling left out.. i think i am the only person that has not changed our reservation since we made it in. NO discounts or free dining or anything lol.

Don't feel bad. Disney is probably in love with you.

We are known for making changes on this thread and some of us more than others.....

Only 84 days left, is it wrong to already be making a snack list of things I must have/try?

There is a cupcake at starring rolls with my name on it. Good thing I have help to eat it because it looks huge....

 

[nmills]

Are you kidding!? I've been on "Disney food blog" for the last two months planning snacks!! You're right on track!! What's on your list?

So far I have a dole whip (i gotta see for myself why everyone talks about this), cupcakes, a chocolate dipped rice krispy treat, hopefully some fun holiday treats at MVMCP, churros, and we are going to have our first mickey ice cream bars. I used to go all the time when I was younger and never had one... Oops. I can't wait to see my kids enjoying one for the first time... I'm sure my son will be a hot mess after having it in his hands for 5 seconds. Is there anything else I am missing? I am hoping to get some of this stuff to take home and enjoy since we won't be able to eat all this is 2 days.

 

[kerriemiller]

We are known for making changes on this thread and some of us more than others.....

..

Hubby and I are working right now on changing our entire plan dates, resorts everything lol trying to see if we can get that room discount to work out