Please help me, I am clueless

[Alibaba]

Hiya Everyone
I have been reading the board and trip reports for a few days, This is my second trip to Orlando, and like last time myself and DH are staying off site, i wondered if anyone could answer me a couple of questions, First of all, after reading some reports, i fancied dining at Ohana? at the polynesian resort. Do we need to be staying at a Disney resort to make a reservation,or can we book ahead and then just drive to the hotel, even if we haven't been to a Disney Park that day? The second question is we were planning on spending three/four days at disney parks, do you think we should buy a pass thing or pay as we go in, and which pass would you recommend, Please help i am so confused, i want to get so much out of our trip, but i also want to have a few days relaxing too. Travelling 13th Jan - 27th Jan with TCD

Thanks for reading and hopefully replying.
Ali
P.S Has anyone stayed at the Marriott Courtyard Palm Parkway? Please be honest, what is it like, read mixed reviews.

 

[tashasmum]

You don't need to be staying at a disney resort to dine there, just make an adr and turn up. You will be allowed an amount of time to park, whilst eating without having to pay.
I would suggest that you buy a pass as i think it would work out cheaper than paying for individual days.

 

[Cyrano]

Welcome to the DIS Ali

 

[Alibaba]

Thankyou so much for your lovely replies. It has been really usefull reading everyones experiences, i am so looking forward to making an itinary for my hols.
Take Care
Ali

 

[mandymouse]

I'm just popping this over onto the UK Trip Planning Boards, I hope you get loads of help

 

[catherine]

Welcome to the DIS Ali

 

[jools]

As someone has already said you don't need to be staying at a Disney resort to eat in their restaurants. Just phone up and book or you can turn up and hopefully will get in. At the time you are going it should'nt be too busy you may be lucky and get a walk-in.

Also if you are visiting a Disney park you can book a restaurant for any Disney Resort or park at the customer services desk within the park.

We have eaten at Ohanas it is really nice and afterwards you can have a good look around the resort. If you have timed your meal right you can go down to the beach to sit and watch the water pagent and then the fireworks.

If I was you I would buy a 3 or 4 day pass it will definitely work out cheaper then paying on the gate and will give you more flexibility as you can park hop.

Sorry can't comment on the Hotel, never stayed there.

 

[ariel75]

As someone has already said you don't need to be staying at a Disney resort to eat in their restaurants. Just phone up and book or you can turn up and hopefully will get in. At the time you are going it should'nt be too busy you may be lucky and get a walk-in.

Also if you are visiting a Disney park you can book a restaurant for any Disney Resort or park at the customer services desk within the park.

We have eaten at Ohanas it is really nice and afterwards you can have a good look around the resort. If you have timed your meal right you can go down to the beach to sit and watch the water pagent and then the fireworks.

If I was you I would buy a 3 or 4 day pass it will definitely work out cheaper then paying on the gate and will give you more flexibility as you can park hop.

Sorry can't comment on the Hotel, never stayed there.

what time is the water pagent and fireworks i fancy ohana's myself and it would be great if i could time it right?

 

[Camac]

In January the MK fireworks are at 8pm most nights. The water pagent passes by the Poly at approx 9pm each evening.

Camac

 

[jtlover]

it passes by the Poly first I believe - but you can still see it further on if you miss it as takes a while to go round the lagoon - it is nice

 

[castanea1985]

Hi Alibaba,
We got a good deal at the Courtyard by Marriott on Palm Parkway a couple of years ago, and it was excellent value for money.
Try the Olive Garden (on the corner of Palm Parkway - opp Pizza Hut), it is lovely - especially for couples!
Hope this is of some use to you?
Tracy

 

[ariel75]

In January the MK fireworks are at 8pm most nights. The water pagent passes by the Poly at approx 9pm each evening.

Camac

thankyou for that