Didn't have any questions to begin with, but have plenty now.
It's actually the first time I'll go on a vacation with a boyfriend. The dates is Sept. 3rd to 17th, to avoid the crowds and get the cheaper prices. Because we're traveling from the UK we were able to get an awesome deal:
But as I've read through the whole thread, most of them shouldn't have been asked before. And the few who has, is stuff that is a little unclear to me as people have replied different on the same thing.
Wow, I can't believe I just have read through 196 pages of this thread
- When can you do online check in? As in how long before the trip?
We got an email for Online check-in 10 days before we arrived.- Is the hotel shampoo any good? My previous experiences from several years ago is that hotel shampoo is crappy, but maybe that has changed?
I had no problem with the hotel shampoo, but I may be an exception. There is no body lotion but I brought some from home so I didn't ask if they had any at the front desk
- I think I read somewhere that the hot tub closes at 9pm, is that right?
we saw people in here after 9:00
- I've read that you should leave a tip for mousekeeping every day (feels very guilty as I've never left any tip for mousekeeping before, I blame this on being Norwegian as tips isn't as common there). How much should I leave every day?We usually leave about $2.00 to $3.00 per day
- Is it a good idea to buy MNSSHP tickets in advance? And is there a price difference if you do? I can't imagine they will sell out the sept. parties as it's still early...Can't hurt at least this way you will know you are getting in. The tickets are open to the general public to buy not just Disney resort guests
- When can you do online check in? As in how long before the trip?
10 Days- Is the hotel shampoo any good? My previous experiences from several years ago is that hotel shampoo is crappy, but maybe that has changed?
Some people don't like it, some think it's fine. It's H20 combined shampoo/conditioner. I rarely use it, but had no problems when I did (but I don't have a mass of hair!)- I've seen a lot of people talking about adding pins and/or discount codes to make their trip cheaper. How/where do you get these codes?
They are sent randomly by Disney to past guests. If you have booked through the UK already though, that would probably be a confirmed booking (pretty much like a high-street travel agent booking) so I doubt you can adjust it now. Disney UK is NOT the same as booking with WDW directly in the states.- I've seen a ton of pictures of the resorts, but does anyone have a picture of the hot tub?
- I think I read somewhere that the hot tub closes at 9pm, is that right?
- I've read that you should leave a tip for mousekeeping every day (feels very guilty as I've never left any tip for mousekeeping before, I blame this on being Norwegian as tips isn't as common there). How much should I leave every day?
It's actually not essential, it's a "tipping optional" position. However most people seem to leave around $1 per guest per night (leave it daily rather than at the end of your stay so the right person gets the money if shifts change, etc).- I've read several posts saying you can request stuff like room close to food court when you check in online, but then someone also said you can't make any requests at all. What is true?
Make your specific requests in advance with your booking agent, the online system only has a few tickboxes you can select. You can also try calling or faxing the resort directly a few days before you arrive if you wish.- Does anyone know how often they change sheets while you're there? Is that something you have to request for them to do?
It's certainly not daily - perhaps weekly or twice-weekly? You can request more often if you wish of course.- Can you attach more than one credit card to room keys? Ex. if I want to attach my cc to my room key, and my BF wants to attach his cc to his room key?
Never tried, but I don't think so, I THINK it's one card per room.- Can you choose to have charge abilities on your KTTW and then pay cash for your charges at the hotel? (that way you won't have to carry too much cash in the parks)
Yes, that's fine, you can pay off your room account in cash whenever you want. If you get to a $1,000 balance you'll need to pay it off before you can charge anything more though.- And this is for UK/international people: Is it usually expensive to use CC in the US, or is it better to have cash? Can't decide if it's a good idea to have charge abilities on my KTTW or not...
Depends on the credit card. If you use the right card, it's much more beneficial than paying in cash. Most cards load about 2.75% commission or fees onto the daily interbank rate, which makes it cost about the same as the cash purchase rate. However if you use a zero-loading card then you'll get the prevailing interbank rate, which can save you a lot of money (in effect about a 3% saving on everything you spend). I use Santander Zero card, but the Post Office do one which offers the same deal. Why let the banks charge you when you could be spending that extra money yourself! (on a total charge of $3,000 for example, you'd benefit by around $100)- Is it a good idea to buy MNSSHP tickets in advance? And is there a price difference if you do? I can't imagine they will sell out the sept. parties as it's still early...
Yes, it's a bit cheaper to buy in advance once you know your dates. As you say, it's very unlikely to sell out in September, but why take the risk? Oh, and use that zero-rate credit card to pay - again, why make a $60 purchase cost $62 if you can avoid it by simply using a different card? Aim for an early weekday rather than Friday/Saturday as it'll be quieter with less locals going.
Wow, I can't believe I just have read through 196 pages of this thread
The dates is Sept. 3rd to 17th, to avoid the crowds and get the cheaper prices. Because we're traveling from the UK we were able to get an awesome deal:
- $150 spending money
- 14 day ultimate park tickets for the price of 7
- Free Quick servise DDP for our entire trip
- Preffered viewing of both Wishes and Illuminations
- + a lot of discounts for dining in DTD and so on
And now to my questions, and there's a few
4. I've seen a lot of people talking about adding pins and/or discount codes to make their trip cheaper. How/where do you get these codes?
)
I have to say that you are already getting a deal.
Well, it's certainly a great package, but whether or not it's a deal depends on how much she's paying for it. It's hard to match up exactly, but I'm guessing it would cost about $6000 for that package (or at least the majority of it), without a room discount, and paying for the DDP.
I'd ask her what's she paying, strictly out of curiosity mind you, but I'm afraid that would be rude of me. So, I'll simply hope she got a great deal.
We paid $5131 actually, and that includes the flight as well
