October is here!!! A Semi-live TR!!! Our Oct 7-14 trip to the world!

[pkondz]

the only thing is I think Free Dining might be on while we are there so not sure if anything is available...but it's might be worth asking...I guess I would price out the cost of a cheap hotel plus a cab from the airport and see if that's still less than a night at a value...they will move your bags for you too, right? Hmmm food for thought.

Don't forget that it's two cabs. One to el cheapo motel and one to Disney.
You may find that staying at a value is only a little more than two cabs and a cheap motel.
Crunch the numbers then decide what's easiest on your pocketbook and your peace of mind.

 

[KathyM2]

There is nothing wrong with Winging it. Especially on your last day.

Yup...I think we will pretty much wing it...well other than booking 3 FP+ of course...

I think a little winging it is good for the soul! I would never suggest doing it for a whole trip but for the last day I think its a nice way to end the trip!

Yup...my thoughts exactly...and with an ADR and 3 FP+...there won't be THAT much to "wing" anyway lol

Nothing wrong with an unplanned day! We always have a couple loosely planned days every trip End up being some of the best ones!

You're right...we may even discover something new!

 

[KathyM2]

Don't forget that it's two cabs. One to el cheapo motel and one to Disney.
You may find that staying at a value is only a little more than two cabs and a cheap motel.
Crunch the numbers then decide what's easiest on your pocketbook and your peace of mind.

Yes, good point. The only thing is - does Disney transfer your bags from one resort to another for free? I heard that it can take a long time...anyone know? Or can you take luggage on the busses?

 

[pkondz]

Yes, good point. The only thing is - does Disney transfer your bags from one resort to another for free? I heard that it can take a long time...anyone know? Or can you take luggage on the busses?

I have zero experience with this, but...
From what I've read, Disney transfers your bags for free between WDW resorts.
I've read a few TRs where people mention calling bell services and then going to a park.
Later they go to check in at the new resort and their bags are waiting for them.

But that's (like I said) with zero knowledge. Just what I've read about from others.

 

[KathyM2]

I have zero experience with this, but...
From what I've read, Disney transfers your bags for free between WDW resorts.
I've read a few TRs where people mention calling bell services and then going to a park.
Later they go to check in at the new resort and their bags are waiting for them.

But that's (like I said) with zero knowledge. Just what I've read about from others.

Yes, I have read that around these parts too...but have heard nothing "official" about that...I guess I could ask Disney directly...

 

[pkondz]

Yes, I have read that around these parts too...but have heard nothing "official" about that...I guess I could ask Disney directly...

That's what I would do. Go straight to the source.
I might also consider going to the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies board and posting something like.
"How hard (or easy) is it to resort hop?"

 

[ariane37]

Yes, good point. The only thing is - does Disney transfer your bags from one resort to another for free? I heard that it can take a long time...anyone know? Or can you take luggage on the busses?

Kathy, they do transfer your luggage for free We did this last year, moving from POFQ to AoA. Gave luggage to bell services at FQ in morning of check-out and told them we were moving to AoA-they put tags on our bags to that effect. We went to AoA around......8pm? after spending the day at DTD. What I don't remember is if our luggage was in the room already or if they brought if after we checked in, but I'm pretty sure it was after we checked in. Also fairly certain with transfers you have to physically be in your room when they bring it, but double check on that

We kind of did this again in March when we switched rooms at BWV. Our first night was a separate res. and the rooms were different catagories so we had to switch. Brought bags to bell services in a.m and checked right in to new room since it was same resort (wasn't ready; just did check-in and went to park). When we came back to the new room later our bags were there but, I think it may have been because we didn't technically switch resorts. Hope this helps!

 

[KathyM2]

That's what I would do. Go straight to the source.
I might also consider going to the Theme Parks Attractions and Strategies board and posting something like.
"How hard (or easy) is it to resort hop?"

Both good ideas - I will probably do them both...Disney to see what the official policy is...and the DIS to see how well it actually works lol

Kathy, they do transfer your luggage for free We did this last year, moving from POFQ to AoA. Gave luggage to bell services at FQ in morning of check-out and told them we were moving to AoA-they put tags on our bags to that effect. We went to AoA around......8pm? after spending the day at DTD. What I don't remember is if our luggage was in the room already or if they brought if after we checked in, but I'm pretty sure it was after we checked in. Also fairly certain with transfers you have to physically be in your room when they bring it, but double check on that

We kind of did this again in March when we switched rooms at BWV. Our first night was a separate res. and the rooms were different catagories so we had to switch. Brought bags to bell services in a.m and checked right in to new room since it was same resort (wasn't ready; just did check-in and went to park). When we came back to the new room later our bags were there but, I think it may have been because we didn't technically switch resorts. Hope this helps!

Good to know!! I guess as long as it arrives at the right hotel I don't much care how it gets there...Now I just have to figure out if the approx $75 difference between a night at a value...and just adding another night at POFQ...is worth it lol...all that assuming I can even change my flight without paying through the nose...I booked my flight on points...so there will likely be some charge...but since I didn't pay for the tickets...it may be still worth doing for an extra full Disney day lol

 

[KathyM2]

So I posted this in the "theme parks strategies" forum as well...but wondering if anyone here has any opinions:

As you all around here know, my DD and I are going to be at WDW in October - from Oct 8-14...and we were planning on going to Epcot on Monday Oct 12th.

They released the bands for the Food and Wine: Eat to the Beat...and apparently Rick Springfield will be there that day(Monday October 12). How will this affect crowds?? He will be there for two days...Oct 12 and 13.

That is really the best day to go to Epcot for us as far as the rest of our plans go...but if it will be completely nuts...then maybe I should rethink it?

How does Eat to the Beat work? Is it just a stage and people can walk by? Can you get around it and avoid the crowds? Is Rick Springfield going to be a big draw? And he's there for 2 nights so...maybe it will spread the crowds out a bit?

I mean "I" loved him in the 80's...and still like some of his tunes...but...will there be lots of fans there?? Will all of Epcot be insane? It's a Monday...so I was hoping it would be one of the slower F&W days...and easy WDW recommends going there that day...so...not sure what to do...any advice/info would be great!!

 

[irene_dsc]

Is Rick Springfield going to be a big draw? And he's there for 2 nights so...maybe it will spread the crowds out a bit?

Well, I haven't seen any concerts at WDW, so I can't speak to that part. BUT - I *did* see Rick Springfield last year at a local theater. Let's just say, he has aged very well. He was bouncing all over the stage the whole evening, and there were still women swooning all over him. I highly recommend going to see him if you can! (He didn't sell out the 2500 seat theater - I think about 2/3 sold?)

 

[SarahDisney]

They released the bands for the Food and Wine: Eat to the Beat...and apparently Rick Springfield will be there that day(Monday October 12). How will this affect crowds?? He will be there for two days...Oct 12 and 13.

I've been during F&W twice, with two different musical acts - Sugar Ray & Boyz II Men. People go to the concerts, and some do seem to pick their dates based on who is performing, but I think that's only a small part of the crowd. Most of the crowd will be general F&W crowd - it doesn't change that much based on who is performing/

How does Eat to the Beat work? Is it just a stage and people can walk by? Can you get around it and avoid the crowds? Is Rick Springfield going to be a big draw? And he's there for 2 nights so...maybe it will spread the crowds out a bit?

The concerts are held at the America Gardens Theater at the American Adventure Pavilion. It's a stage with rows of seating. It's a pretty enclosed area - it doesn't affect the crowds walking past because it doesn't extend out into the walking paths.

I mean "I" loved him in the 80's...and still like some of his tunes...but...will there be lots of fans there?? Will all of Epcot be insane? It's a Monday...so I was hoping it would be one of the slower F&W days...and easy WDW recommends going there that day...so...not sure what to do...any advice/info would be great!!

If you're planning to go to the concert - you may have to go early to get a seat.
If you're not going to the concert, the only effect it will have on you is that you'll hear the music while you're walking past.

Bottom line ... the only way Rick Springfield will affect you is if you plan to attend the concert (which we've done - if you can get a seat, it's a nice chance to sit down for half an hour and hear some good music).

 

[Elevationist]

He was the performer on the my Epcot day last year, and the crowds weren't bad at all. Granted, I spent most of my day at food booths, though!

 

[ursalita]

I don't think it will change the crowds much. I don't know if anyone goes to the park to see the performers since you have to pay $100 to get in the park. I like Rick Springfield so I might choose my Epcot day based on the musical act but not likely. He's going to be in a movie with Meryl Streep this summer.

 

[KathyM2]

Well, I haven't seen any concerts at WDW, so I can't speak to that part. BUT - I *did* see Rick Springfield last year at a local theater. Let's just say, he has aged very well. He was bouncing all over the stage the whole evening, and there were still women swooning all over him. I highly recommend going to see him if you can! (He didn't sell out the 2500 seat theater - I think about 2/3 sold?)

Ha well that's good - you are now making me glad we will be there at that time. I am not sure I will be able to get DD to get there early and sit and wait for an old guy she doesn't even know to come and sing...lol...BUT if she's tired....it may be a way to get her to sit down lol...but in any case I'd love to hear some of his music. I was just worried it would be insane.

I've been during F&W twice, with two different musical acts - Sugar Ray & Boyz II Men. People go to the concerts, and some do seem to pick their dates based on who is performing, but I think that's only a small part of the crowd. Most of the crowd will be general F&W crowd - it doesn't change that much based on who is performing/
The concerts are held at the America Gardens Theater at the American Adventure Pavilion. It's a stage with rows of seating. It's a pretty enclosed area - it doesn't affect the crowds walking past because it doesn't extend out into the walking paths.
If you're planning to go to the concert - you may have to go early to get a seat.
If you're not going to the concert, the only effect it will have on you is that you'll hear the music while you're walking past.
Bottom line ... the only way Rick Springfield will affect you is if you plan to attend the concert (which we've done - if you can get a seat, it's a nice chance to sit down for half an hour and hear some good music).

This is VERY helpful advice. Like I said above...I will most likely not be able to get DD to sit and wait in advance for some old guy (that mommy does like mind you...) to come and sing...BUT I will be happy if I get to at least be within earshot during the show. I might get lucky if she's tired and wants to sit though lol. ...but more than likely what you say...it will only affect is in that we can hear the music as we go by...that's good ) because I just had visions of throngs of people everywhere and no one would be able to move. Although I'd be a lot more worried if it was Taylor Swift or something lol

He was the performer on the my Epcot day last year, and the crowds weren't bad at all. Granted, I spent most of my day at food booths, though!

Billie that's good to hear. That you remember him being there but not that the crowds were super bad. I had planned on being at the food booths too but if it isn't crazy maybe we can grab some food and listen to a little "Jesse's Girl" while we eat lol.

I don't think it will change the crowds much. I don't know if anyone goes to the park to see the performers since you have to pay $100 to get in the park. I like Rick Springfield so I might choose my Epcot day based on the musical act but not likely. He's going to be in a movie with Meryl Streep this summer.

That's good to hear. Really - Rick Springfield in a movie? Is he playing himself lol? Or...can he act? I will have to look into that lol

 

[ursalita]

That's good to hear. Really - Rick Springfield in a movie? Is he playing himself lol? Or...can he act? I will have to look into that lol

Yeah, Meryl plays an aging rock star and he's her bandmate and love interest? I think he's acted before. I know he was in General Hospital. Needless to say it's a big step up for him.

 

[KathyM2]

Yeah, Meryl plays an aging rock star and he's her bandmate and love interest? I think he's acted before. I know he was in General Hospital. Needless to say it's a big step up for him.

That's hilarious!! I may have to go see that lol...or download it lol

 

[Marnm02]

As I recall from last year, nights at Epcot during F&W were always fairly crowded, but not unbearable. And that didn't seem to change based on the musical acts.

Also, I'm very Jello that you got Rick Springfield. The ones during my dates are Christopher Cross (no clue who he is), Starship (no clue what that is), and Smash Mouth (might be interesting for a little high school nostalgia, but probably not worth giving up park time for)

 

[kanadar]

Just found your PTR, we'll be at Disney the same time! Oct 8-12. We will be there for our wedding though, Oct 10th!

The Eat to the Beat concerts don't usually affect crowds too much. In fact, they usually help a little bit as people will start lining up early for the acts. We were there once for Hanson and it didn't affect crowds as much.

 

[KathyM2]

As I recall from last year, nights at Epcot during F&W were always fairly crowded, but not unbearable. And that didn't seem to change based on the musical acts.

Also, I'm very Jello that you got Rick Springfield. The ones during my dates are Christopher Cross (no clue who he is), Starship (no clue what that is), and Smash Mouth (might be interesting for a little high school nostalgia, but probably not worth giving up park time for)

That's good that the crowds weren't unbearable...also, we are going on a Monday so I'm hoping it won't be too bad. I don't know Christopher Cross either..but Starship was big in the 80's lol...I must be older than you lol.

Just found your PTR, we'll be at Disney the same time! Oct 8-12. We will be there for our wedding though, Oct 10th!

The Eat to the Beat concerts don't usually affect crowds too much. In fact, they usually help a little bit as people will start lining up early for the acts. We were there once for Hanson and it didn't affect crowds as much.

Awesome that you will be there at the same time!!! And how magical to get married there...I'm so jealous!!! Congrats too though!! Glad to hear that the bands don't really have that big effect on the crowds...I was worried about trying to rejig all my plans!

 

[kastoney]

How cool if you get to partake of eat to the beat, even if its just within ear shot. We've never been able to go, but its on my bucket list. And Rick Springfield to boot. Though as a child of the 80's he'll forever be Dr. Noah Drake to me