Ok so I barely know where to start

[BemaniAK]

So I'm casually planning a 2-week holiday down to WDW with my partner at some point next year.

I just barely know where to start, we've already decided the arrival and departure dates will be chillax days with no theme park entry, but we were going to go with 10 days of regular parks and 2 days of Water parks.
But there lies my first wall, how should I go about it? Get a standard 10 day MYW ticket and buy a 2 day MYW with the water park option on it on the day.
Is that the most cost-effective solution?
Will my 10-day pass expire 10 days after the first use? Should I get the no Expiry option so we can go to the water parks on whatever days we want without losing a day on our 10-day ticket? (I am also considering just knocking off a day and leaving one day for jet lag recovery and just getting a 10day with water park and maybe hopper, how much travel time would there be between parks on the bus service?)
Also I assume that the 10-day ticket expiry countdown starts on the first day of use, not the day of arrival?
Should I be calculating the package and ticket cost I get on the website with the extra sales tax that the US has? (Im not sure on the rate either)

Speaking of US tax, do the menu prices on the restaurant listings have a sales tax, too?
If I have a dining plan, are tips still customary on top of that?
I might not even bother with a dining plan just so we can have 100% flexibility in what we eat and when we eat it, in which case, is getting Disney Dollars actually worth it? What's the best way to get my aussie dollars into spendable dosh at WDW?
Is it possible to literally just get everything charged to my room bill and just use my Debit card at the end to pay it off?
I apologize for the huge range of questions but there are a lot of specifics that are either cleverly hidden or just not specified on the WDW website.

EDIT: Oh, two more things, how much time should I give between leaving, say, the movie hotel, and arriving at a park through the free transport services, and I wanted to know the details of the internet access at the hotels, this website says it's free wireless access, but the official site only lists "high-speed Internet access (additional fee)"

Am I right to assume that you just pay for a higher speed internet connection, and is the standard internet access fast enough to Skype call without issue?

 

[BecBennett]

Welcome to the boards first of all!

I'll try to answer what I can, but some of your questions might be better off posted in the theme park strategies board - you'll get more answers, and there are more people who do this more often over there.

So I'm casually planning a 2-week holiday down to WDW with my partner at some point next year.

I just barely know where to start, we've already decided the arrival and departure dates will be chillax days with no theme park entry, but we were going to go with 10 days of regular parks and 2 days of Water parks.
But there lies my first wall, how should I go about it? Get a standard 10 day MYW ticket and buy a 2 day MYW with the water park option on it on the day.
Is that the most cost-effective solution?

So you're planning on spending 12 days in the parks and water parks over all? If you're not planning on spending full days in the water parks then maybe just a 10 or 12 day MYW ticket with the park hopper and water parks and more option on it would suit. That way you could spend the heat of the day at the water parks, but then head to somewhere like Epcot towards the evening for a nice restaurant meal or whatever.

Will my 10-day pass expire 10 days after the first use? Should I get the no Expiry option so we can go to the water parks on whatever days we want without losing a day on our 10-day ticket? (I am also considering just knocking off a day and leaving one day for jet lag recovery and just getting a 10day with water park and maybe hopper,

I think it expires 14 days after first use, not 10, but I could be wrong. I also don't think that's how the no expiry option works, if you use it on a day, then that counts as a day, regardless of where you use it. The no expiry means that if you don't use all of your days on your MYW pass then you can come back in a years time and still use it then. I'm a fan of the hopper myself, wouldn't get a MYW ticket without it.

how much travel time would there be between parks on the bus service?)

Between parks can take quite a while, because you've got to catch a bus from a park, to a resort, and then catch another bus from that resort to the next park. They say to allow an hour and a half for travelling if you're going somewhere for a meal, and it really can easily take that long.

Also I assume that the 10-day ticket expiry countdown starts on the first day of use, not the day of arrival?

That's right, first day of use.

Should I be calculating the package and ticket cost I get on the website with the extra sales tax that the US has? (Im not sure on the rate either)

Speaking of US tax, do the menu prices on the restaurant listings have a sales tax, too?
If I have a dining plan, are tips still customary on top of that?
I might not even bother with a dining plan just so we can have 100% flexibility in what we eat and when we eat it, in which case, is getting Disney Dollars actually worth it? What's the best way to get my aussie dollars into spendable dosh at WDW?

I think on the website those prices include tax... I think I'm not 100% on how tax works over there, so this is a question you could probably ask in the dining section of the boards and get an answer straight away. I've never used the dining plan, so I'm not sure about tipping.

Disney Dollars work dollar for dollar - so you're not saving any extra money by using them. Personally I use the commonwealth bank travel card for my money, it can be used as eftpos, or to get money out from an ATM.

Is it possible to literally just get everything charged to my room bill and just use my Debit card at the end to pay it off?
I apologize for the huge range of questions but there are a lot of specifics that are either cleverly hidden or just not specified on the WDW website.

EDIT: Oh, two more things, how much time should I give between leaving, say, the movie hotel, and arriving at a park through the free transport services, and I wanted to know the details of the internet access at the hotels, this website says it's free wireless access, but the official site only lists "high-speed Internet access (additional fee)"

Am I right to assume that you just pay for a higher speed internet connection, and is the standard internet access fast enough to Skype call without issue?

I think you can charge everything using your key to the world card - your room key, but there's a limit that can go on it. So you'll probably need to make a payment on it half way through your stay.

Probably allow half an hour to get from your hotel to the parks, but as each park is located in a different area it will take you longer to get to one over another, also if you've just missed a bus you need to add time waiting for the next one to come. Or if it's really busy when you're there, there's always the possibility of the first bus that comes by being full, and you might have to wait for the next one.

The internet must have changed since we were there, from memory I had to pay to use it, and wi-fi wasn't on offer. So can't help there sorry.

Best of luck with the planning!

 

[BemaniAK]

I also don't think that's how the no expiry option works, if you use it on a day, then that counts as a day, regardless of where you use it. The no expiry means that if you don't use all of your days on your MYW pass then you can come back in a years time and still use it then.

Oh I knew that, the idea was have our 10-day in the package that didn't expire (This was when I was under the impression it expired 10 days after first use) and buy tickets for the waterparks separately on whichever days we wanted to visit them.
But we've decided on 13 day trip with 10-day ticket with the Water Park option and a day of jet lag recovery at the resort.
Thanks for the info, I'll ask about some stuff in the A&S board, but I'm going to look into a Travel Card since then we won't have to worry about shaky exchange rates if it's like a prepaid conversion card.

 

[Andona]

Hi BemaniAK!

There are buses that run directly between each of the theme parks. There is some useful information about this in one of the sticky posts at the top of the DIS Transportation forum. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2573200

If you post an enquiry there about times from Park A to park B you'll get a quick reply

Just keep in mind that when you catch a bus from MK to another park it's via the Transportation and Ticket centre. The bus stops are well signposted and tells you what bus bays to wait at to go to the other parks , here is a link to current post on easywdw.com that shows the bus stop sign at AK - http://www.easywdw.com/uncategorize...r-celebration-and-its-tough-to-be-a-bug-6312/

There are no buses that go direct from resort to resort - you would have to go via one of the parks to go to another resort on the buses.


Re the Dining Plan - taxes are included but you do have to pay extra for tips.

Good luck with your planning!

Andona

 

[Sugarglider]

HI and welcome to the Boards

you've posted a lot of questions which, as Bec notes, can be researched here on the Disboards using some of the other sections of the Boards and the 'search' function.

If you stay in a Disneyworld resort, you are given a "Key to the World" card - this acts as your room key, park tickets and a charge card in one. This needs to be linked to credit/debit card. I do charge almost everything to the KTTW card and have not hit a limit yet - then again being solo I am not a huge spender!

Disney Dollars are kinda fun - they are not necessary. I rarely see them used. But might be fun to get a few to at least have a look at them.

You'll find most of us here use travel cards (so many available now) and we are all watching the exchange rate and waiting for when the dollar is high!

Re: ticket prices (and everything else) I think you'll find most of us whip out the excel spreadsheet and just have to bite the bullet and do cost comparisons. There are so many options and everyone's situation is different.

I am lazy and hire a car - and mix my travel between car and bus. There is a Transportation Board that can give you info on this

The Disney website prices are mixed as to when they show tax or not. However to be absolutely certain you could pretend you are going to book a room/buy a ticket and when you get to your 'cart" the price will have the tax shown. Most of the key fan/info sites (like wdwinfo, allears, mousesavers, easywdw) are very clear about tax when showing prices.

disney are in the process of rolling out free wifi access in all the resorts. I don't know how AS Music is coming along - but on the Resorts board - there will be a AS Music specialised thread, usually with a resort profile in the first few posts. That thread will confirm - and you can ask more questions. I was at the Boardwalk using their wifi and managed to successfully Skype. Last year, wifi was free, $10/24hrs if you plugged in the ethernet cable.

If food interests you and there is a special meal or event you really want, I recommend booking - even if it is only that one dinner - some restaurants are book out at the 6mth mark and cannot take walk ups. All depends on the restaurant and time of year.

If you are someone who likes planning - you're gonna love WDW!! My partner reckons my WDW trips are really cost effective from the months of entertainment I get out of OCD planning!! There is SOOOO MUCH that can be planned! Enjoy!

 

[BecBennett]

I am lazy and hire a car - and mix my travel between car and bus.

We're going to get a car next time. I can't stand just standing or sitting around waiting, at least if we're in a car we're moving and going in the right direction.

Even when we would catch a boat between DTD and our resort at POR half the time I'd get off at POFQ and walk the rest of the way because it felt quicker - we may not have walked faster then the boat, but usually it would stop at POFQ and sit there for 15 minutes for some reason or other.

 

[BemaniAK]

I am lazy and hire a car

Ah, that reminds me of another question.
If you have a Provisional or Open license here, how easy is it to be certified for driving in the US?

 

[Sugarglider]

If you have an full license here in Australia you are OK. No need to do anything. Some people like to go to their motoring association (e.g. NRMA) and get an International Permit but it is not necessary. Australian license is accepted by the hire car companies.

After googling the question I have the impression that P platers can get an International Permit and that would be OK in the US - in addition to taking your license as well. I have never gotten such a permit so I advise googling to find out the cost and process.

 

[BemaniAK]

If you have an full license here in Australia you are OK. No need to do anything.

Man I had no idea

I haven't traveled overseas since I was a kid and I already feel confident thanks for all the help guys

 

[beachcat]

Hello BermaniAK

I am actually going to WDW tomorrow (6-8-2012) so maybe I can answer some questions. I bought a 10 day park hopper plus pass with no expiration date 4 years ago. Still using it. I would recommend it if you ever plan on returning to WDW. Not many people use up the 10 consecutive day pass and waste a day or two which is good for Disney of course. The plus pass gets you into the water parks multiple times as well.

Sales tax is 6% and is added on to the restaurant menu price as well as all merchandise prices. Tipping is generally 15% to 20% dependent on how good your server is.

The bus system is frustrating. Riding the boats and monorails is part of the fun. It depends on which resort you are staying in. I would recommend staying on-site but it can get pricey. Hanging out at the resorts is also enjoyable. Have you decided which resort you are interested in?

You can just charge everything to your room and have a credit card on file with the resort to cover the charges. Usually $1500.00 is the max before you have to add more $$. Internet service that I have seen is $10.00 per day. I have never seen it for free. Disney Dollars are a novelty and are sold because many never get spent. They go home as souveneirs.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I live about 100 miles west of WDW so it is just a weekend getaway for me.

 

[BemaniAK]

Have you decided which resort you are interested in?

We've basically already decided on staying at either the Movie or Music hotel since we're still pretty much kids (I'll be 21 and she'll be 19 when we go) without the saving power of full time workers.
We're both pretty hardcore Theme Park nuts (have one-hour-drives to about 5 different theme parks in Queensland) we've done 10+ consecutive days across Dreamworld and White Water World a few times before (Cheap yearly passes ) so we both agree that our Water Park days can very easily be relax days.

As far as the bus is concerned, I am thinking of applying for an international license and just renting a car, is parking next to a park early in the morning less of a hassle than taking the bus?
What is it about the buses that make them frustrating?

EDIT: Oh, I asked this in the main forum, but, you might know too, if I arrived at, say, 8:30 AM without an ADR, would I be stuck outside the park until 9?
Some people say they can get in dead early on non-EMH days, grab a fastpass and line up for an attraction ready for the 9am open, others say it's ADR only and you only have access to the early morning restaurants.

Here, I found the exact post:

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=45107030&postcount=6

There is no rope drop anymore. Get there an hour before opening. be one of the first through the turnstile. Grab your fastpass and then enjoy the ride. all without being trampled. This week we took our son to JTA sign-ups when the park starting letting guest in at 8:45am

EDIT2: Nevermind, apparently this is referring to a 30 minute early opening at DHS to let earlybirds get Fastpasses for TSM, That's definitely high on my list when we go.

 

[beachcat]

I have stayed at the value resorts - Music, Sports and Pop Century. If you are coming all the way from Australia, reward yourself and stay at Port Orleans or Coronado Springs. If you come here in September - somewhat of the off season, you may find yourself a deal. The value resorts in my opinion are just not worth it. The moderate resorts are just so much nicer. Music & Movie resorts are in the boondocks all by themselves.

The buses are frustrating because they run a continuous loop with no set schedule and I am the master of watching the bus I wanted pull away as I arrive and I wait 20 minutes for the next one. I would much rather ride a boat. Tough to do from many resorts I admit.

Be careful about parking, Disney charges $14.00 per day for parking in the theme park lots. A serious unneeded expense. If you stay at a value resort, toughing it out and riding the buses would be the way to go. Sounds like you are a theme park expert. Just work the Fastpasses all the time, much better than waiting in line. I never get to the park early, I stay late and let the early birds wait for the gates to open. That is just me.

When are you thinking about coming? When I am there this weekend I will ask about deals for you.

 

[BemaniAK]

When are you thinking about coming? When I am there this weekend I will ask about deals for you.

Not till mid September next year, though I can't even get a definite standard price on that date just yet.
Thanks for all the help.

 

[5ofus]

Hi BemaniAK,

I went to WDW twice when I was in my early 20s. The first time, I had no idea what I was doing and stayed off-site. The second time, I was on a limited budget and traveling with my younger sister - I think she was 19 or 20. I insisted that we NEEDED to stay onsite but of course we could only afford the value resorts. We stayed at Music and found it more than adequate. The buses got a little frustrating at times, but it really wasn't that bad. As for the room and other resort facilities, well we didn't really need more than a place to shower and sleep so we were happy with the ASMu. If you and your girlfriend are hard core theme park nuts, I imagine the AS/Pop resorts will suit you just fine.

The drivers license regulations have changed since I last drove overseas. I had to get an international drivers' license from NRMA back then even though I was on a full license. It was easy enough to get one, you basically hand over the money and they hand over the license! I've never driven at WDW though. I've mostly used Disney Transportation and never had a major problem with it.

 

[Andona]

Be careful about parking, Disney charges $14.00 per day for parking in the theme park lots. A serious unneeded expense. If you stay at a value resort, toughing it out and riding the buses would be the way to go..

Parking at the theme parks is free if you are staying onsite at a Disney hotel.

Andona

 

[beachcat]

Thanks Andona I learn something everyday. I really thought Disney would discourage self driving by charging.

September is the off season so a good deal may be available. I will ask this weekend.

 

[australiankaren]

where's my wavey thing....ok, got it...

just take a deep breathe and breath........a few of us are old hands at WDW but still learn something new/ or many things new each trip, so you wont become an expert overnight..

just be prepared that these threads will be taken on tangents, OT & general mayhem & caos.....hold on and enjoy the ride..

Ladies and Gentleman, please collect your belongings and watch your head and step. Please assist small children by the hand. Once again, we hope you enjoy the Magic Kingdom.

 

[Sugarglider]

Internet service that I have seen is $10.00 per day. I have never seen it for free.

Last year Disney began installing wifi across all the resort hotels and it is free!
You may still have to pay if you are plugging in the cable - my room last year didn't have the ol' cable in a bag in wardrobe any more.

 

[australiankaren]

note: dont do banking or anything sensitive like that on the wifi...there seems to be a lot of hacking going on the network......

not that i am paranoid or anything

 

[BemaniAK]

note: dont do banking or anything sensitive like that on the wifi...there seems to be a lot of hacking going on the network......

not that i am paranoid or anything

Internet Banking is pretty safe unless you get hit with a keylogger, if data is intercepted you'd be dead by the time they get past the encryption.
For ultimate safety see if your bank has a mobile app, Android and iPhones at this point in time cannot be keylogged, and still use the same data encryption.
Don't get me wrong there's always a minute risk, but you're more likely to be mugged in the park, broken into at the hotel, or have a bank robbery while you're in an actual branch.