oi DH changed plans- new questions!!

[mudnuri]

First thank you all who answered my other post regarding planning our first trip to DW.

DH and I discussed at great lengths last night the best way for us at DW....we've come up with a new list of priorities...and now I require even more help!...so here goes.

DH would like to stay onsite, to be able to use the early entry, etc..plus he would like the DD's to be able to experience ASM...I've checked the hotels out, and am happy with the ASM decision...until that is I realize, DW hotels do not offer breakfast of any kind, and you have to pay for a fridge...plus- some dont have coffee makers...wanna see a unhappy momma- dont give me coffee!....anyway- I am still in the research stage of this...the trip will now be April 18-24 (my DD's school vaca- and NOT peak rate at ASM)..

Part of me wants to do HIFS...I just love the part about having 2 rooms- easier for the kids to get to sleep etc... plus the breakfast..heck a continental breakfast works for us, add to this the kitchenette, and I'm sold. I have found it for 76 a night..good deal!

It looks as though the early entry is a diff park each day..now I'm not to concerned about missing this option....I'm on vacation, and would prefer to lounge my way!...not having to get up and get going in a rush to get there before anyone... crowds don't bother me, I'm okay with lines etc...my girls are young, which means the big popular rides wont interest them...

We will be driving down now, airline prices made this decision which means I'll have our truck. I understand with the parkhopper you can use the disney transpo system...which means I park once a day $7 - thats not bad.

I'm not sold on the vouchers yet, we may get a few for lunch....but being offsite with a vehicle really increases our options....

The entertainment book seems like a good deal, can anyone tell me what type of discounts it offers for restaurants-- is it b1g1 etc.. or a % off ???

The Disney Dollars- if they are not all used (year sure!) can then be used at TDS? I think I'm going to start purchasing them now, since we will be off-site (if I have my way) we wont have a room key to charge to...now a question- are thes DD's a "credit card" or are they paper? I'd hate to think they are each a piece of paper...uugghh

Any and all help you can give is appreciated...your opinions etc.. are what I'm here for..

thanks
Brandy

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Don't count out Movies just because of the cont breakfast, the food court has both a toaster and a microwave that you can use. They also offer a mug that you can refill all week for about $12. (All you need is your Mug Man to go fetch the coffee in the morning) We buy a small cooler and have milk, juice, pop tarts. etc in the room as we get dressed. That saves time and money. Since you are going during Spring Break time the parks will be crowded and staying on-site will mean that you can use Early entry. A BIG BONUS for Magic Kingdom, especially Fantasyland. The lines can be 60-70 minutes long for Peter Pan, Pooh Bear, and Dumbo. Getting in at the start of EE you can do all 3 in the first hour. The rooms are much smaller but being that close to Easter I would not consider being off site.

 

[mad4themouse]

You really need to weigh the pros and cons of staying at each site and decide what works the best for you.

Look at the pluses for staying onsite. Early entry, the theming, being "inside the magic", shorter commute. Decide whether having those will make your vacation any better.

Then look at the negatives. Smaller accomodations, no breakfast, no kitchenette, more costly. Do the positives outweigh the negative? If not, then I think you have your answer.

Just to add fuel to the fire, have you bought your park passes yet? If not, VISA has a promotion right now where kids under 10 get to "Stay and Play for Free". Essentially, when a paying adult purchases a room and UPH package, 2 kiddies under 10 get free UPHs. I just checked for your dates on the disney.com website and the package is available and would cost your family $1359.70 for an ASMo room and UPHs.

6 nights at HIFS @ $76/night = $456 (taxes and resort fees extra). Add 2 adult 7-day PHPs and 2 child 7-day PHPs from Paramount travel for $1092.00 (plus shipping). The cost of staying at HIFS becomes more than $1548.00. Oh, and don't forget 7 days of parking ($49). That's a difference of nearly $250!

Just something else to think about.

 

[frannn]

It seems easier to park hop & take a break with the kids if you stay on site. We would often go back to the AS Mo room mid afternoon to take a break (for us, and for DD). This way, you can utilize the day and night activities and have a nice breather in between. Also, quicker to get to parks, no extra gas costs, no parking costs. Refillable mug is better than in room coffee maker because you get soda, coffee, cocoa, iced tea, hot tea, etc included. I believe Easter vacation is a very busy time at WDW. It would be easier to strategize your time and schedule if you stayed on site, IMHO. Besides, although we do not spend a ton of time in the resort (hence the AS choice), we believe the themeing adds to our experience. If this does not "do it" for you, maybe you could get one of the deals at the DTD hotels. Also, a short grocery stop at Publix-or pack your own bread, etc, goes a long way for not a lot of $$. We stopped at Publix in Boca for baby food, water, iced tea, snacks, diapers, etc. Upon checking out, DH said "Wow, I thought that was going to be a lot more!" It would at WDW....

 

[mudnuri]

Where can I find out info regarding what types of accomodations/costs these hotels have...I did not know of the food court for instance- does this cost $$??

I would be doing the room only option if staying on site...While I know some will think I'm crazy- but We will arrive Sunday- earlier than check-in..the kids will have been in the truck all day...my plan is to go mini golf with the kids, grab a late lunch then check in....that takes care of Sunday- We will then have M-F...if the resorts have so much to do, I can imagine you could "waste" a day at a resort..that knocks it down to 4 days.....The kids would love seaworld- that knocks it down to 3....so a 7 day hopper which would come with these hotel "packages" is not worth it to me. I can not say if we will return in a year or ten years, or whenever...never been can't say...so extra days wont help.


If someone has a worksheet they made up with their budget for 7 days- 2 adults 2 kids I'd love to see it...I'm so far totatly confused with everything and can't make ends come up for the life of me!

Whats the best time to get a quick connection with a live person when I call for disney hotel quotes/reservations....are they open 24/7? I could stay up late

Thanks again and keep the opinions coming!

Brandy

 

[tink2dw]

How to get started Planning a WDW Vacation!!

To get a handle on the different types of WDW Hotels and their different prices and what they offer this link should really help!!
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/resortmain.htm#b

Start reading all the Walt Disney World guide books your library carries new or old. Ask which are the favorite ones that other DIS members like.

Then you can start deciding what are the things that are "must do's" and "must see's." and decide the length of your trip.

Then decide on the tickets you will need here.
http://www.mousesavers.com/tickets.html

To keep an EYE on All the discounts for on-site and off-site resorts check here often and sign up for the MouseSavers.com newsletter to get all the best news.
http://www.mousesavers.com/wdw.html

For Air fares sign up at all the Airline Web sites that fly out of your airport, that fly to Orlando or MCO in airline speak. Then Check Expedia,Travelocity for airline deals. Also check out the Transporation Board air,car deals.
http://www.disboards.com/

Start a WDW change jar to save for your trip.[there are many tips here on this board!!]

Also you can decide where you will want to eat and start making plans to make your food budget and check the Priority Seatings Calculator to know when you can make PS's some are as far out as 730 Days.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining.htm

Also to help decide where to eat you can find menu's at Deb's wdw site,this works 2 ways to see where to eat what,and how much it costs, to finalize the food budget.
http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm

To keep all this info in one place,here is a computer Disney Vacation Planner. It will print each day on a seperate sheet. Also check the pull down menu'sat the top for loads of info!!
http://www.intercot.com/planner/default.asp

Well,this should get you start on a thousand more Questions!! So,don't be shy! Ask away!! The kind members here will share what they know! So,check back often!!

tink2dw

 

[tink2dw]

Brandy- WE loved HIFS!! We got a WDW themed room. We spent 5 very relaxing days there!! With 2 adults,Dh,Dw me,and our teen,and Oldest Dd and our baby GrandDd 1 yr old. We all had our own spaces to sleep. There were 3 tv's Dh was watching Star Trek,Dd was watching MTV,and I was rocking GrandDd to sleep watching the Country Music station.

Then we 3[Dh,me,and teen] moved to All Stars Music for 10 days. What a disappointment! There wasn't any themeing IN the room. Not a character in site. The rooms are really small. It just seem to get smaller and smaller everyday. I won't stay in a room like that again!! If I'm paying for onsite I want theming everywhere!! Only Then can they say I'm stay IN the magic!!

We need our space!! Give me HIFS any day!! It is so close to WDW[1 mile away from gates,on a very unbusy road!!] that it is practically a WDW Hotel!! We got much better custumer service,too!!

 

[mudnuri]

I'm about falling over from leaning towards HIFS...I have read and read and read the comments regarding onsite/offsite hotels the service offered by the staff at each, etc... Living in NE, we have Holiday Inn's all over the place up here, we've stayed at many, while I'm not expecting a "ritz cartlton" type hotel, what I expect is a clean, comfortable room.

I've just signed up with my points- that is- if it EVER accepts the activation (ive emailed them).,...and hope to start earning points towards GC's...I'll be turning them into DD's as I called our nearest DS and asked if GC's can be used for DD's and the reply from the Manager (I got her name) was "of course, as long as it's not a merchandise credit, you certainly may"...so that will come in handy for the DD's

I'm still searching for PH tickets- looking for probably the 4 day, though I have seen the 3 day at places.....more questions will be coming, and I thank everyone again for taking the time to answer my previous ones..

Yup-= its HIFS for me on this trip.

Brandy

 

[Disneycrazymom]

If you are going to stay at HIFS plan to visit the parks the day after the EE day. That will help with the crowds. I think Florida Tickets is offering a Character Breakfast free with some of their Park Hopper Tickets. Be sure to call at 90 days out to book some meals.

 

[EthansMom]

Look at a map of WDW and you'll find that the All-Stars are waaay on the other side of the Disney property from most of the parks -- you'd probably spend as much time in transit staying there as if you stayed at HIFS. I've stayed at Downtown Disney Courtyard (this Sept.) and Port Orleans Riverside. If I could get a great deal, I would stay onsite at a WDW mid-range resort like Port Orleans again. If not, would try HIFS.

Also, I've never seen a coffeemaker in a WDW room and the WDW coffee (according to hubby) is terrible. On this last trip, Courtyard has a coffeemaker in the room, but I had to take DH's own coffee and his travel mug.

The Food Courts at the resorts are a regular, pay-as-you-go restaurant.

On our first trip with just DH and I, we were at EE every day like clockwork. But on the most recent trip with our two year-old, there was no way we could get all three of us ready, out the door, and fed in time to make even a regular opening time not too mention an EE. Just make sure that you go to a park that is NOT the EE park for that day and get there at the normal opening time.

For planning, I would definitely recommend planning 5 days at the WDW parks with the kids. You'll want to make sure to ride the rides that interest you and them and see all of the night-time shows. We did do one day at the water park (Typhoon Lagoon) with one of our plusses and my son had a blast.

Disney Dollars -- my opinion is they are a waste of time, effort and money. Basically, you take a dollar that is good hard currency anywhere in the U.S. and exchange it for a paper dollar that looks remarkably like Monopoly money but with Disney characters printed on it. The Disney Dollars, though, can only be used at WDW and The Disney Store. My opinion is that it's cute to get a little of the Disney Dollars for the kids to spend, but you're better off saving your own money in the bank. If you have a problem being a disciplined saver, then I'd opt for travelers checks instead -- a bit of a transaction fee to purchase, but good just about anywhere.

Although you can take the transportation system for free (basically anyone with any kind of ticket can), it's generally easier (faster) to park hop by driving to another park. Once you've paid the $7 parking fee at one park, that parking pass is good at all of the parks for the day. Very handy and well worth the price.

I got a good deal on my tickets from www.ticketmania.com using the www.mousesavers.com newsletter. Also, try Alamo, www.disneyworld.com, Paramount Tix, and your local AAA for ticket prices.

I hope this helps! Best of Luck with your planning!

EthansMom

 

[mudnuri]

I think it's pretty much set in stone that we are staying off-site...I'd like to say I'm 100% with HIFS, however I have a few more suite "hotels" to check into.

I'm really not that concerned about early entry...if we are at the parks late the night before, how in the world am I going to get all 4 of us there EARLY!....my dd's are in bed at 7:30 every night at home, so after walking all day- then staying up late- holy - they are not going to be eager to wake up and get moving.

My dd's went on disney.com tonight, and looked at the parks, some of the hotels etc. I showed them the ASM - but then my DD7 read the oversized characters are NOT in your room. and she said forget that hotel!...lol

I am going to be checking into the ticket sellers that do not require memberships or free-trial then horror to cancel issues.

We had a big "sit down family meeting" tonight to plan our attack so to speak...the kids are very excited, we explained to them that we would not be staying on site, however we would get a hotel with 2 rooms etc.. ( I didnt mention the kidsuite as that will be a suprise if we book it)...DD7 is interested in the autograph's...dd6 is interested in the pins.........I explained the option of the character breakfast- NADA niether one of them are interested...they said if "micky mouse sat and ate with us then that would be okay"....I think I'll probably reserve on at 90 days out, and then if they really do not want it, I will cancel before the deposit is lost..

I'm not really sure yet what we're doing about meals...I know Breakfast will be in the room....then I was thinking if we are going to be in parks late- we are going to have to go back to the hotel for a "break" later in the afternoon...now being off-site this would be a time for us to eat a late lunch/early dinner cheaper....maybe get the entertainment book and use some b1g1 or something like that.....my dd's are not BIG eaters, after breakfast, so I'm not conerned about a large meal 3 times a day.

I remember seeing something somewhere about an "orlando magic" card....what in the world is this thing???

Thats it once again..THANK YOU THANK YOU to those of you keeping up with my questions!!

I hope someday to return the favor to a disnewbie!

Brandy

 

[jann1033]

www.orlandoinfo.com the "magic card( not all that magic in my opion.)gives small discounts for some stuff, nothing we are using but since you are staying offsite maybe you'll be able to use it. it's free and came with in a week or so. the magic card is on the lower right side in aclick on box type of thing You'll pprobably need to scroll down

 

[Snow Shoe]

As a DVC member, I would highly recommend you going to the DVC rental forum here, and see what it would cost you to rent points and stay on property at a DVC resort. DVC resorts offer kitchenet's, to full kitchens, one bedroom, two bedroom accommodations and larger. Microwaves, refigs, coffee makers are always there! You might be able to stay at BWV, BCV or many other DVC resorts right in Dsiney. The cost is usually $10/pt. You rent the points directly from a menber who makes the res's for you, and through some financial aggrement between the two of you, monies is passed for payment.

Hope this gives you another option on going and staying on property at Disney!