Planning for 2007

[Lilo's Mom]

So, I was bored at work and jumped on the boards last week and saw some posts mentioning that resort guests staying now through 1/1/07 can book a future stay in 2007 that would include the dinning plan for free. Hmmmmm, DH and I have given each of our children (between the both of us we have two DD, 22 & 21 and one DS 20) a vacation that celebrates their 21st birthdays. The oldest DD wanted to go to the Dells with just her friends, so we set that up and sent her on her way. The next DD wanted to go to Disneyland, since she hasn't been there since she was three. That trip takes place during her winter break from school this coming January. DS wants to go to Orlando (twist my arm: ) so he can swim with the sharks at Sea World.

Since it is the holiday season, and I have a really good friend who lives in Orlando I thought I would treat her to an overnight stay at Pop Century, figuring she could then make our 2007 reservations so we would be able to get the dining plan. When I called to set things up I asked the Disney booking agent if I could do it that way. I was put on hold for 15 minutes and told that was a "no no", that at least one member of the party that would be using the 2007 reservation had to be present in order to make any arrangements. I explained this to DH who is unable to take any time off of work to head down to Orlando and he told me to make the trip solo and set up everything for 2007, So now I have an overnight stay at Pop Century with my DF, Sue! Here is where the questions for everyone come in. I have pretty much only been to Disney World between June and August, crowds don't bother me and I am not bugged by the heat. DH and I were at POR this past June he loved the resort, but HATED the crowds in the parks. Since the offer for the dining plan is good late August through September we are going to try and go the 15th - 22nd of September. Here are my questions:
1) Any thoughts if that will bring the crowd level down to something more manageable for DH?
If it were just DH and I going on the trip we would go back to POR, but since there are two extra adults we are paying for we are switching to one of the Value Resorts.
2) Would a Family Suite at All Stars be too crowded for us? Would it be better to get two separate rooms?
3) If we didn't go with the suite idea is there a value resort that is "better" than the others? 4) This trip that I am taking in order to make the reservations will be my first stay at a value resort. Given the time of year, I am flying down early morning on the 14th should I even attempt to go to MK? Will it be so jam packed I won't be able to do anything?
5) Since this is my first visit during the holiday season is there a “Disney Holiday Experience” that I shouldn’t miss? Something I should see or do?
6) Also since the main reason DS wants to go to Orlando is Sea World, anyone have any idea how much a cab is from the Disney Resorts to Sea World? Since Disney Transportation is so good, we haven't bothered with renting a car in a long time, so I was wondering if it would be worth it to rent something for just one day, or just cab it there.
I am really excited about taking DS on this trip; we have been to Orlando as a family when DH and I were just dating. That trip we rented a vacation home since we had each of the kids with us as well as allowing them to each bring along one friend. We gave everyone a vote for which theme parks they wanted to visit...they wanted to go to Universal, Sea World and Busch Gardens! What!?! DS has never even been to any Disney park, so it's going to be great watching him discover all the Disney goodness there is to be had!

Thanks everyone for any suggestions and help you can give me!

 

[lgaston]

Not sure if the free dining plan will be for 2007 tho'...

 

[bab31]

1. Anytime school is back in session should make the crowds managable. I would just verify that there are no long weekends over the time you want to go.

2. I dont think it would be too crowded with suites. They look enjoyable! Have you found the thread with the pictures of it? I have not stayed in one. maybe the "kids" would enjoy their own adjoining room??

3.dont know

4. dont know

5. I hear the grand floridian is beautiful- not been - it just stuck in my head from the board somewhere...

6. I know you can catch the bus. check the transportation board for info on how that works. alot alot alot cheaper than cab or renting a car.

 

[mygr8kdz]

1. September crowds are generally low, and the fact that you are going before the food and wine festival starts should help. Remember, if crowds were big, they wouldn't have to offer free dining!
2. Suites are generally excluded from these specials, so make sure you check that out if you are considering it. Also, I believe there is only one bed, the rest is pull out / convertible furniture - not sure how comfortable it would be for adults?
3. Haven't stayed at any myself yet, but i know some prefer POP b/c it is newer and doesn't share buses. There are going to be people who love and hate each - perhaps pick the theming that best suits your group.
4. 12/14 isn't peak season, but it is an EMH day and a MVMCP party night.
5. If i had just one day during this season and no young children to deal with, i think i would go with the candlelight processional in epcot. MVMCP is that night in MK if you are interested. Touring the deluxe resorts all decked out sounds fun, too.
6. There is a bus route to SW (GoLynx). I think if you look on the Sea World discussion board there are threads regarding cab fare. I'm thinking I read somewhere around $21??? Also, I think you are referring to Discovery Cove swim with the dolphins - I don't think there is a swimming portion anywhere at Sea World, though I could be wrong. Your admission to Discovery Cove does include 6 days admission at Sea World, too.
Good luck!

 

[Lilo's Mom]

Thanks everyone for the great tips and advice! The adventure that my DS wants to do is at Sea World, it is called the Sharks Deep Dive. He found the information for it here; http://4adventure.com/SWF/sp_sharks_deep_dive.aspx

One of my favorite things is planning for vacations. I take it to the extreme and make up binders for everyone that is traveling with me. The binders usually have things in them like maps, menus, pictures of places we will go and things we will do. The only vacation that we took with all three of our children was when they were 14, 15 & 16. That trip I gave each one of them a pre-loaded Visa card so it was up to them how they spent their money. They knew going into the vacation that when the card was empty don't even think about asking for more. It worked out really well!

My favorite property is POR Riverside, so I have my fingers crossed that I am going to like POP, since that will make the 2007 trip more affordable. Once again, thanks to one and all!

Donna

 

[disneynuts777]

Transportation to seaworld is expensive from disney. We ended up renting a car for the day. Round trip quote for a cab was 80 plus tip. We rented a compact car for the day for 50 and had the freedom to make some stops on the way there and back. The crowds during the week in Sept are lighter because school is in session. The weekends tend to be busier.