Just wanted to post a quick review of our platinum plan stay! It was just DH and me:
Arrival day:
We checked into Bay Lake Towers on DVC points, and headed to F&W... this was the main reason for this trip, but I added the platinum plan after finding this thread! F&W was great... we arrived about 1:30 and were famished, so we blew through the first 6 booths or so and then suddenly were so full we could eat no more. We saw a few of the shows (China, Great American Adventure, Canada) that we always skip b/c we thought our kids are too young to sit through them, ate one or two more things, and then went to MK to see the presidents show and haunted mansion, which we also have always skipped because of the kids. We then went back to Epcot and tried several more dishes/drinks before surrendering. You really need several days to enjoy F&W... we enjoyed everything we had but were just so full. We were planning on getting to bed early to prepare for the next day, but it was still after midnight
1st day on Platinum:
When I booked the trip, I was assured that they could link the reservations so that we would not have to move rooms. However, they did not do that so we had to pack everything back up and bring our luggage downstairs at 7... they held the luggage for us until we got our new room that afternoon, which was just a few rooms down. There were several conventions going on so they said they couldn't avoid that. So that was beyond frustrating but worked out ok.
Backstage Magic After using snack credits for breakfast at Contempo Cafe (I had oatmeal and DH had a croissant, both very decent/standard), we met at Epcot for the tour. There were about 20 people on it and we had two guides, and for most things they divided us into two groups so it was very intimate. They gave us audio devices so we could hear them, loaded a ME bus which was stocked with iced water bottles (I had 4-5 that day), and off we went.
I cannot say enough good things about this tour, it was just fabulous. Do not worry about spoilers to the magic, we just left with an incredible sense of awe at how complicated it is to run this place (they have 62,000 cast members!) and how much detail goes into everything. They kept repeating that Walt's philosophy was that people do not notice perfection but they do notice imperfection, and I guess that's true b/c I've never paid attention to so much stuff they pointed out. I can't wait until our next trip with the kids to look at everything in a different way.
This tour included lunch at Whispering Canyon which was good... they served the Skillet combos family style, and it was a nice time to get to know others more.
Yachtsman After the tour, we had just enough time to run back to the room via the monorail, change clothes, and grab a cab to Yachtsman. We were about 5 minutes late but they sat us immediately. Our server was great and my DH loved his meal, but my Filet was not great. I have never had a Filet so tough... it was not terrible, but it just was not as great as any filet should be. It's also a surprisingly loud/busy restaurant for a signature.
Wishes Cruise We hurried our waiter along to get the check, but he took forever and I started to get pretty stressed about being late for the cruise. Once it finally came, we trucked it back through epcot (my DH didn't want to pay for another cab, with tip the first one was pretty expensive!) and took the monorail to GF. We were about 10 minutes late so the boat had left already, but he called the captain to come back to get us. We told him not to worry about it, we didn't want to inconvenience the others, and he said they looked up our schedule before they left, saw we were at Yachtsman, and figured we'd be late... he assured us it was no problem. So they were back in a few minutes, we apologized profusely and the other family on the boat was so kind about it, I felt terrible!
We still had about 20 minutes left before the fireworks, so the captain brought us around the lake/lagoon and told us some very interesting facts about the area. We discovered that we all (the passengers) live very near each other, so all of us had loads to talk about, it was a really nice time.
I have to admit that I only booked this b/c it seemed a shame not to since it was included! We have seen Wishes a dozen times, so I honestly didn't think this would be anything great. I was so wrong! Our boat did have sound so we were able to hear everything, and it was so quiet there with just the sound of the lapping water, and it was absolutely the best view of them that I've ever seen. We were even able to see Tinkerbell pretty clearly! My DH was also very impressed with them, I highly, highly recommend this!
Day 2 (and move #3!)
We were on the waiting list for BLT studio for DVC but couldn't get it, so we moved to OKW this day. So, we brought our luggage down for them to transfer to OKW, grabbed a snack again for breakfast (chocolate croissant
) and took a cab to Epcot for the 7:45 am segway tour.
Just FYI, WDW paid for this cab b/c they did not have any transportation available that early! I just went to the concierge the night before and asked them if they had any busses running that early since the monorail didn't start until 8, and she said no but gave us a voucher for the cab! We just paid a tip, didn't know if that was included in the voucher or not, but we were happy to pay it as I was expecting to have to take a cab on our own.
The segway tour was fun. There was only one other couple with us and we all talked freely. The other wife shared my fear of falling off and making fools of ourselves, but it was actually very easy. They break the practice down step by step, there's really no way to fall or not get it. We practiced inside for about 30 minutes and then were set loose with our guide. Except for me running over one tiny corner bush in the garden at America, there were no major problems
It was really neat to go thru Epcot this early with no guests. We could see cast members painting fences and stuff, everyone smiled and waved at us as we passed. Our guide was very nice but not very informative. I guess I was expecting the level of info that we rec'd on the backstage tour, but he just pointed out a few things at a couple of the countries, some of which was included in the backstage tour. There was also a free ride period in a roped off area that was tiny, and I didn't really see the point in that. We had to skip France entirely b/c they were doing some sort of filming there for F&W. So overall I really liked this tour, but it was mostly b/c of the novelty of riding the segways. I don't think this is something I would need to do again.
Jetskis After the segway tour, we walked back to the monorail and went back to Contemporary and to Sammy Duval's. I had parasailing booked, but I didn't know about the minimum weight requirement and DH said that he would not ride with me The guy at Sammy's said he could find the captain and see if they would make an exception b/c it wasn't windy, but I told him not to worry about it... I have been before in the Bahamas so it wasn't that important.
Anyway, they were nice about canceling that and we got jet skis instead. DH was disappointed that we were confined to one area, but it was about the size of 3 football fields so it was plenty of area to ride. I guess it would have been more fun to actually go somewhere, but it was still fun. I was ready to stop before the time was up but waited until the guy signaled us. It was fun and I would do it again. Oh, and we took off our shoes b/c there was a little water on the foot rest area, but otherwise we didn't get wet at all. The people at SD were very friendly.
LunchAfter that we jumped onto the monorail and had lunch at Kona Cafe. We were sat a little after 12 and I had a 1:30 massage, so I was stressing about that... but we told our server we were in a hurry, and we had a fantastic meal and were out the door by 1! I had never eaten there before and really liked it.
Spa I went back to the Contemporary for massage and mani/pedi. This was originally booked at GF, which I was very excited about, but it was changed with the construction (which the manicurist told me was for a new DVC.) The massage was good but I was disappointed in the atmosphere... I envisioned changing into a robe and having a drink, nice place, etc, but it wasn't at all... it was just a little room off of a gym. The massage was mostly good, but she actually left some bruises on me. I had to ask her to lighten up a couple of times.
I then went across the hall for the mani/pedi, but I was starting to worry about time so I just did the mani. Again, she was nice, we had a nice time talking, but the atmosphere was just not nice. It even looked a little dirty in some spots, very cheesy carpet/paint colors. Mani was very good though!
While I was doing this, DH went back to Sammys and rented the wave raycer (sp?)... he went all around the lake/lagoon and enjoyed it but said it was sloooooow. He then walked to MK and took a bus to OKW and checked in, and he found that our luggage had "magically appeared" already. I'm fairly certain he then took a nap, although he denied it.
Cirque After the mani, I also walked to MK and took a bus to OKW. I think it was about 4:30 by this time, and I was wanting to get to Cirque early (6p show) in case there was a problem with the vouchers. I showered to get the massage oil out of my hair and dressed for V&A in record time and then we tried to get a boat to Cirque.
This was the only time of the trip where transportation was really bad. It took us almost an hour to get there! For those who have never stayed there, OKW is right there next to it practically! This was the only time of the trip that I was really freaking out. DH found a # and called and they said it was no problem, we did not have to be there an hour ahead of time, so I relaxed a little bit.
We got there about 10 minutes ahead of time, walked right up to the window and got our tickets without any problem. We had great seats and enjoyed the show. They were also continually seating people throughout the show. Very fun show, but no intermission so be prepared for that!
V&A Following the show, we caught a bus to the Poly (it was the first monorail resort bus to come, and we were afraid to wait for a GF one!) and then took the monorail to GF. We were seated immediately and over half of the tables were empty.
V&A had called about 5 days prior to confirm the reservation and ask about allergies, and during this call I joked that I was a very picky eater. Well, she must have written that down b/c the server who brought our menus went over everything and then turned to me and said that the chef had discussed my menu options with her earlier and that they would change anything I wanted! So, practically all of the dishes they offered some sort of alternative, although most of the courses had at least one thing I would eat if they just left off things like tomatoes and mushrooms. There was one course (maybe the hot appetizer?) that had absolutely nothing I would eat, so they made a mini version of one of the main entrees for me! Then I had the pork tenderloin for the main dish. My DH, who is also a picky eater, did not have to make any changes to his, he ate quail, lamb, and buffalo
...
I have never, ever, been so full in my life. Everything was just absolutely wonderful. If they had not made the changes to the menu, I would not have eaten much there at all, dessert and the breads were the only things I would have eaten. I would have never asked for any changes, so I was so appreciative of them making that notation and offering to accommodate my 3 year old palate.
This was just a wonderful experience. The server noticed chill bumps on my arms at one point and she brought me a cashmere wrap. I had the most delicious hot tea with dessert, I commented on how great it was and the server brought me a card with the website where I could order it from (tealeaves.com, fyi). They also gave us an orange/date bread loaf in a bag with our menus when leaving... I've heard some people say they didn't get the bread to go, so not sure why we did. It was delicious for breakfast!
The only downside was that about half way through our meal 2 couples were seated at the table next to us... they were so loud and possibly intoxicated upon entering. They were cursing and being crude (I often curse, but I mean they were CRUDE)... they shared our servers who were a lovely married couple, and one of the guys harassed Beth throughout... I will never forget her name b/c we heard it every 2-3 minutes as he yelled out across the restaurant for her, cracking jokes about her, etc. Her husband murmured some funny remarks to us about them, but they were both very tolerant and pleasant with them.
So, I highly, highly recommend V&A, it's just a wonderful experience. And don't hold back on letting them know any of your likes/dislikes, it seems like they are eager to please everyone.
Afterwards we decided we were too full to walk to find a bus, so we took a cab back to OKW. Slept late (til 8am) the next day and did a little shopping before heading back to the airport.
Thank all of you for this thread and the input, I would have never thought about doing this otherwise. Many people warn about overscheduling and rushing around, and I cannot emphasize this enough. I had a spreadsheet and thought I allowed enough travel time, but we cut it very close on just about everything... using Disney transportation is very time consuming, even the monorail. The transportation had lots of pixie dust during our stay b/c we only had the one time going to Cirque when it took a long time, but still I worried constantly... so the last few minutes of Cirque I was ready to get out to get to the next ressie, etc. I still enjoyed everything, but it would have been better to not worry at all!
Thanks again everyone!
Arrival day:
We checked into Bay Lake Towers on DVC points, and headed to F&W... this was the main reason for this trip, but I added the platinum plan after finding this thread! F&W was great... we arrived about 1:30 and were famished, so we blew through the first 6 booths or so and then suddenly were so full we could eat no more. We saw a few of the shows (China, Great American Adventure, Canada) that we always skip b/c we thought our kids are too young to sit through them, ate one or two more things, and then went to MK to see the presidents show and haunted mansion, which we also have always skipped because of the kids. We then went back to Epcot and tried several more dishes/drinks before surrendering. You really need several days to enjoy F&W... we enjoyed everything we had but were just so full. We were planning on getting to bed early to prepare for the next day, but it was still after midnight
1st day on Platinum:
When I booked the trip, I was assured that they could link the reservations so that we would not have to move rooms. However, they did not do that so we had to pack everything back up and bring our luggage downstairs at 7... they held the luggage for us until we got our new room that afternoon, which was just a few rooms down. There were several conventions going on so they said they couldn't avoid that. So that was beyond frustrating but worked out ok.
Backstage Magic After using snack credits for breakfast at Contempo Cafe (I had oatmeal and DH had a croissant, both very decent/standard), we met at Epcot for the tour. There were about 20 people on it and we had two guides, and for most things they divided us into two groups so it was very intimate. They gave us audio devices so we could hear them, loaded a ME bus which was stocked with iced water bottles (I had 4-5 that day), and off we went.
I cannot say enough good things about this tour, it was just fabulous. Do not worry about spoilers to the magic, we just left with an incredible sense of awe at how complicated it is to run this place (they have 62,000 cast members!) and how much detail goes into everything. They kept repeating that Walt's philosophy was that people do not notice perfection but they do notice imperfection, and I guess that's true b/c I've never paid attention to so much stuff they pointed out. I can't wait until our next trip with the kids to look at everything in a different way.
This tour included lunch at Whispering Canyon which was good... they served the Skillet combos family style, and it was a nice time to get to know others more.
Yachtsman After the tour, we had just enough time to run back to the room via the monorail, change clothes, and grab a cab to Yachtsman. We were about 5 minutes late but they sat us immediately. Our server was great and my DH loved his meal, but my Filet was not great. I have never had a Filet so tough... it was not terrible, but it just was not as great as any filet should be. It's also a surprisingly loud/busy restaurant for a signature.
Wishes Cruise We hurried our waiter along to get the check, but he took forever and I started to get pretty stressed about being late for the cruise. Once it finally came, we trucked it back through epcot (my DH didn't want to pay for another cab, with tip the first one was pretty expensive!) and took the monorail to GF. We were about 10 minutes late so the boat had left already, but he called the captain to come back to get us. We told him not to worry about it, we didn't want to inconvenience the others, and he said they looked up our schedule before they left, saw we were at Yachtsman, and figured we'd be late... he assured us it was no problem. So they were back in a few minutes, we apologized profusely and the other family on the boat was so kind about it, I felt terrible!
We still had about 20 minutes left before the fireworks, so the captain brought us around the lake/lagoon and told us some very interesting facts about the area. We discovered that we all (the passengers) live very near each other, so all of us had loads to talk about, it was a really nice time.
I have to admit that I only booked this b/c it seemed a shame not to since it was included! We have seen Wishes a dozen times, so I honestly didn't think this would be anything great. I was so wrong! Our boat did have sound so we were able to hear everything, and it was so quiet there with just the sound of the lapping water, and it was absolutely the best view of them that I've ever seen. We were even able to see Tinkerbell pretty clearly! My DH was also very impressed with them, I highly, highly recommend this!
Day 2 (and move #3!)
We were on the waiting list for BLT studio for DVC but couldn't get it, so we moved to OKW this day. So, we brought our luggage down for them to transfer to OKW, grabbed a snack again for breakfast (chocolate croissant
) and took a cab to Epcot for the 7:45 am segway tour.Just FYI, WDW paid for this cab b/c they did not have any transportation available that early! I just went to the concierge the night before and asked them if they had any busses running that early since the monorail didn't start until 8, and she said no but gave us a voucher for the cab! We just paid a tip, didn't know if that was included in the voucher or not, but we were happy to pay it as I was expecting to have to take a cab on our own.
The segway tour was fun. There was only one other couple with us and we all talked freely. The other wife shared my fear of falling off and making fools of ourselves, but it was actually very easy. They break the practice down step by step, there's really no way to fall or not get it. We practiced inside for about 30 minutes and then were set loose with our guide. Except for me running over one tiny corner bush in the garden at America, there were no major problems
It was really neat to go thru Epcot this early with no guests. We could see cast members painting fences and stuff, everyone smiled and waved at us as we passed. Our guide was very nice but not very informative. I guess I was expecting the level of info that we rec'd on the backstage tour, but he just pointed out a few things at a couple of the countries, some of which was included in the backstage tour. There was also a free ride period in a roped off area that was tiny, and I didn't really see the point in that. We had to skip France entirely b/c they were doing some sort of filming there for F&W. So overall I really liked this tour, but it was mostly b/c of the novelty of riding the segways. I don't think this is something I would need to do again.
Jetskis After the segway tour, we walked back to the monorail and went back to Contemporary and to Sammy Duval's. I had parasailing booked, but I didn't know about the minimum weight requirement and DH said that he would not ride with me
The guy at Sammy's said he could find the captain and see if they would make an exception b/c it wasn't windy, but I told him not to worry about it... I have been before in the Bahamas so it wasn't that important.Anyway, they were nice about canceling that and we got jet skis instead. DH was disappointed that we were confined to one area, but it was about the size of 3 football fields so it was plenty of area to ride. I guess it would have been more fun to actually go somewhere, but it was still fun. I was ready to stop before the time was up but waited until the guy signaled us. It was fun and I would do it again. Oh, and we took off our shoes b/c there was a little water on the foot rest area, but otherwise we didn't get wet at all. The people at SD were very friendly.
LunchAfter that we jumped onto the monorail and had lunch at Kona Cafe. We were sat a little after 12 and I had a 1:30 massage, so I was stressing about that... but we told our server we were in a hurry, and we had a fantastic meal and were out the door by 1! I had never eaten there before and really liked it.
Spa I went back to the Contemporary for massage and mani/pedi. This was originally booked at GF, which I was very excited about, but it was changed with the construction (which the manicurist told me was for a new DVC.) The massage was good but I was disappointed in the atmosphere... I envisioned changing into a robe and having a drink, nice place, etc, but it wasn't at all... it was just a little room off of a gym. The massage was mostly good, but she actually left some bruises on me. I had to ask her to lighten up a couple of times.
I then went across the hall for the mani/pedi, but I was starting to worry about time so I just did the mani. Again, she was nice, we had a nice time talking, but the atmosphere was just not nice. It even looked a little dirty in some spots, very cheesy carpet/paint colors. Mani was very good though!
While I was doing this, DH went back to Sammys and rented the wave raycer (sp?)... he went all around the lake/lagoon and enjoyed it but said it was sloooooow. He then walked to MK and took a bus to OKW and checked in, and he found that our luggage had "magically appeared" already. I'm fairly certain he then took a nap, although he denied it.
Cirque After the mani, I also walked to MK and took a bus to OKW. I think it was about 4:30 by this time, and I was wanting to get to Cirque early (6p show) in case there was a problem with the vouchers. I showered to get the massage oil out of my hair and dressed for V&A in record time and then we tried to get a boat to Cirque.
This was the only time of the trip where transportation was really bad. It took us almost an hour to get there! For those who have never stayed there, OKW is right there next to it practically! This was the only time of the trip that I was really freaking out. DH found a # and called and they said it was no problem, we did not have to be there an hour ahead of time, so I relaxed a little bit.
We got there about 10 minutes ahead of time, walked right up to the window and got our tickets without any problem. We had great seats and enjoyed the show. They were also continually seating people throughout the show. Very fun show, but no intermission so be prepared for that!
V&A Following the show, we caught a bus to the Poly (it was the first monorail resort bus to come, and we were afraid to wait for a GF one!) and then took the monorail to GF. We were seated immediately and over half of the tables were empty.
V&A had called about 5 days prior to confirm the reservation and ask about allergies, and during this call I joked that I was a very picky eater. Well, she must have written that down b/c the server who brought our menus went over everything and then turned to me and said that the chef had discussed my menu options with her earlier and that they would change anything I wanted! So, practically all of the dishes they offered some sort of alternative, although most of the courses had at least one thing I would eat if they just left off things like tomatoes and mushrooms. There was one course (maybe the hot appetizer?) that had absolutely nothing I would eat, so they made a mini version of one of the main entrees for me! Then I had the pork tenderloin for the main dish. My DH, who is also a picky eater, did not have to make any changes to his, he ate quail, lamb, and buffalo
... I have never, ever, been so full in my life. Everything was just absolutely wonderful. If they had not made the changes to the menu, I would not have eaten much there at all, dessert and the breads were the only things I would have eaten. I would have never asked for any changes, so I was so appreciative of them making that notation and offering to accommodate my 3 year old palate.
This was just a wonderful experience. The server noticed chill bumps on my arms at one point and she brought me a cashmere wrap. I had the most delicious hot tea with dessert, I commented on how great it was and the server brought me a card with the website where I could order it from (tealeaves.com, fyi). They also gave us an orange/date bread loaf in a bag with our menus when leaving... I've heard some people say they didn't get the bread to go, so not sure why we did. It was delicious for breakfast!
The only downside was that about half way through our meal 2 couples were seated at the table next to us... they were so loud and possibly intoxicated upon entering. They were cursing and being crude (I often curse, but I mean they were CRUDE)... they shared our servers who were a lovely married couple, and one of the guys harassed Beth throughout... I will never forget her name b/c we heard it every 2-3 minutes as he yelled out across the restaurant for her, cracking jokes about her, etc. Her husband murmured some funny remarks to us about them, but they were both very tolerant and pleasant with them.
So, I highly, highly recommend V&A, it's just a wonderful experience. And don't hold back on letting them know any of your likes/dislikes, it seems like they are eager to please everyone.
Afterwards we decided we were too full to walk to find a bus, so we took a cab back to OKW. Slept late (til 8am) the next day and did a little shopping before heading back to the airport.
Thank all of you for this thread and the input, I would have never thought about doing this otherwise. Many people warn about overscheduling and rushing around, and I cannot emphasize this enough. I had a spreadsheet and thought I allowed enough travel time, but we cut it very close on just about everything... using Disney transportation is very time consuming, even the monorail. The transportation had lots of pixie dust during our stay b/c we only had the one time going to Cirque when it took a long time, but still I worried constantly... so the last few minutes of Cirque I was ready to get out to get to the next ressie, etc. I still enjoyed everything, but it would have been better to not worry at all!
Thanks again everyone!
We're 40 days out today! 
We have to make our KTTK tour by 8:45 the next morning! However, I just 
the Castle Christmas lights and would love to have more than one chance to see them. I wish they'd push back the closing one more hour till 11:00 and maybe we'd be able to make it to see Wishes after Illuminations. 
I would have liked to try the plan but a lot of of our stuff was "filler" anyway to get value out of it. We are still doing WL, horseback riding, Wilderness Segway, massages, V&A, CG and parasailing. I told her (GS) WL IPO was fantastic and I felt bad for them doing a lot of work. I also asked about Wild Africa Trek in place of AS/DID but they were not doing it. We would have kept our plan if they did.
