Premium Plan for One Night Just for the Tours, LaNouba, etc.??

[FoodLover]

Ok but somewhere there has to be a grid or chart that shows ALLL options to pick with age range. Totally new to this but LOVING the idea for this June. But when I look at a link provided it just shows the Disney Dining Plan restaurants, etc. Where is the plan explained with "here are your options and this is the cost"......As in tour types, ages, etc....Am I making sense or sounding as confused as I feel???

Honestly if you have kids under about age 16 in your group, I don't think the Platinum Plan makes any sense, because the most valuable elements (Victoria & Albert's, spa treatments, expensive tours) are not for kids.

The Premium Plan might work for people with kids, although you really have to do your research, because a lot of the activities and tours have age restrictions.

I think these plans are primarily worthwhile for adults and families with older teens.

I have a page on my site devoted to doing the 1-day Premium and Platinum Plans, which covers pretty much everything that has been discussed on this thread, as well as a list of everything that is included in the plans, and quite a few sample itineraries, but it doesn't have the kind of grid/chart you're asking for.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

 

[scottmel]

Honestly if you have kids under about age 16 in your group, I don't think the Platinum Plan makes any sense, because the most valuable elements (Victoria & Albert's, spa treatments, expensive tours) are not for kids.

The Premium Plan might work for people with kids, although you really have to do your research, because a lot of the activities and tours have age restrictions.

I think these plans are primarily worthwhile for adults and families with older teens.

I have a page on my site devoted to doing the 1-day Premium and Platinum Plans, which covers pretty much everything that has been discussed on this thread, as well as a list of everything that is included in the plans, and quite a few sample itineraries, but it doesn't have the kind of grid/chart you're asking for.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

Now why didn't I think of you, Mary? I have only religiously followed you for 8 years!!!! WIll check out your plan shortly but I am quickly agreeing with you. DD will be 12 and there is not much she can do on the Premium plan at all. - epcot tour...nothing at AK at all and MK Steam Train tour! Not much in way of tours but saying that then I would only do 1 night on this plan instead of 2. Perhaps the recreational activities would beef it up a little? Will check it out..thanks!

 

[scottmel]

Is this PREMIUM Plan?

1 night moderate hotel
3 meals sit down that could be spread over 2 days - could even do cinderella's breakfast as one meal. (ie. not 2 TS credits)
We are only eligible for 2 tours due to DD12 age - so can do 2 tours
See Cirq
Fireworks seating for Wishes...
Activities? Waterboat rental FREE? Any other activities -besides golf - that could be for DD12 and DH and I that are INCLUDED...I can't seem to verify that parasailing is included and AGES for these activities.

Did I sum it up ok? Feel free to add anything for DD12 - I could just get SEEDS Tour and Steam Train tour at MK for her age....(other MK tour seemed little too young for her...)

 

[kungaloosh22]

Mary, your MouseSavers article is superb! I assume you mean the one found here: http://www.mousesavers.com/onenightplatinum.html.

I just happened to stumble on that today, and came in here to recommend it, only to find you had just mentioned it yourself.

It's a fantastic overview. Can/should we add this to the first page of this thread? I'd hate for this wonderful resource to get lost in a very long thread.

 

[HaleyB]

Honestly if you have kids under about age 16 in your group, I don't think the Platinum Plan makes any sense, because the most valuable elements (Victoria & Albert's, spa treatments, expensive tours) are not for kids.

The Premium Plan might work for people with kids, although you really have to do your research, because a lot of the activities and tours have age restrictions.

I think these plans are primarily worthwhile for adults and families with older teens.

I have a page on my site devoted to doing the 1-day Premium and Platinum Plans, which covers pretty much everything that has been discussed on this thread, as well as a list of everything that is included in the plans, and quite a few sample itineraries, but it doesn't have the kind of grid/chart you're asking for.

Mary
MouseSavers.com

Granted my kids are totally foodies, but I actually find Platinum better than Premium with kids under 16 because two of the main tours for that age are only included with Platinum (Dolphins in Depth and The Aqua Tour). Now this could be a function of my families obsession with all things that live in water as well, but with Dolphins in Depth being so expensive on its own I really think Platinum makes sense if you are considering doing that tour. We are going to do one night of each maybe not on the same trip, though. That might kill me.

The price increase from Premium to Platinum for a family of four is what? I guess it depends on where you stay, but WL or AKL are about $150 more than a Value (my math could be off, I did not even price out values) plus what $60 a person? So $400 ish? The cruise, a massage just for the adults and V&A just for the adults more than equals that. Although I have been know to do Mickey math Still I don't think it is fair to dismiss Platinum just because you have kids.

Just my 2¢, and that said, we are ditching the kids to do this plan in Feb. heh.

The sample plans on Mousesavers are a great way to start planing, but don't forget to leave time for lunch! I almost booked back to back tours before I realized we would be eating breakfast on the run to make the first tour so skipping lunch was not a good idea. I'm wishing we had a thread just for post-trip reports for things like that.

Also, if you are still reading Mary your page suggest spa treatments are only available at Saratoga Springs or the GF. Any of Disney's Spa's can be booked, I just doubled checked with my IPO guy to be sure. It helps if you decide to stay somewhere less central and they have a spa. I love mousesavers and send people there all the time. I am really glad you added a page on this plan.

 

[bcvmargs]

thanks op

 

[HaleyB]

Is this PREMIUM Plan?

1 night moderate hotel
3 meals sit down that could be spread over 2 days - could even do cinderella's breakfast as one meal. (ie. not 2 TS credits)
We are only eligible for 2 tours due to DD12 age - so can do 2 tours
See Cirq
Fireworks seating for Wishes...
Activities? Waterboat rental FREE? Any other activities -besides golf - that could be for DD12 and DH and I that are INCLUDED...I can't seem to verify that parasailing is included and AGES for these activities.

Did I sum it up ok? Feel free to add anything for DD12 - I could just get SEEDS Tour and Steam Train tour at MK for her age....(other MK tour seemed little too young for her...)

Parasailing is included and the min age is pretty young for the tandem ride (young enough I didn't take note). There are other things available through Sammy Duvals, call them they are great at suggesting things!

Horse rides. Carriage rides. Fishing excursions. Archery. The photo session.. all come to mind for families with kids.

Here is a link to the 2010 .pdf- it lists most things.
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/me...log/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2010Premium.pdf

 

[FoodLover]

Granted my kids are totally foodies, but I actually find Platinum better than Premium with kids under 16 because two of the main tours for that age are only included with Platinum (Dolphins in Depth and The Aqua Tour). Now this could be a function of my families obsession with all things that live in water as well, but with Dolphins in Depth being so expensive on its own I really think Platinum makes sense if you are considering doing that tour.

Just my 2¢

Yep, you're right, if your kids are at least 8, they can do Aqua Seas; if they are at least 10 and SCUBA certified, they can do Divequest; and if they're at least 13, they can do Dolphins in Depth. Those are all very worthwhile options.

In fact, there are more tours open to kids under 16 than I thought. In addition to the other two tours mentioned previously (Steam Trains and Behind the Seeds), the Family Magic Tour is intended for families with kids 4-10 years old, and Wild by Design is open to 14 and up. Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour will be included in the 2011 Premium and Platinum Plans, and it's open to kids 10 and up.

If you have kids who enjoy a wide variety of foods, the Signature restaurants would be great for them. However, Victoria & Albert's is only open to kids ages 10 and up, and I think it would be the rare 10-year-old who would find it appealing. It's probably more appropriate for the 16-and-up crowd, with some individual exceptions. So that would be a good "adults only" night and younger kids could go to the kids' club, which is included at no extra charge.

Cirque du Soleil is obviously great for all ages.

Kids 6 and up can parasail (I would imagine in most cases this would be done in tandem with a parent). You have to be 16 drive a jet ski, but maybe kids younger than that can be passengers? Not sure. Sammy Duvall's web site also doesn't specify an age minimum for water skiing and tubing.

Boat rentals for the family would be fine -- obviously younger kids can't drive, but could be passengers.

The fireworks viewing (or fireworks cruise for Platinum) is a good thing for all ages.

And of course the family photos you could get from the photo session would be great.

So yes, now that I think about it, you can probably put together a nice package with kids, though I would say the older the better.

Mary

 

[FoodLover]

Mary your page suggest spa treatments are only available at Saratoga Springs or the GF. Any of Disney's Spa's can be booked, I just doubled checked with my IPO guy to be sure. It helps if you decide to stay somewhere less central and they have a spa.

No, I mention some of the other spas in various sample itineraries. However, I usually listed the two main spas when those were convenient to other activities, because the facilities are much nicer and more extensive.

 

[FoodLover]

Horse rides. Carriage rides. Fishing excursions. Archery.

Horseback riding is open to 9 and up, and that's a higher-value activity ($42 per person) so worth doing on the plans.

Fishing excursions are normally very expensive ($250+ per boat) so that's another high-value option. It doesn't appear there's an age limit, so if your kids enjoy fishing, that's a great idea.

Archery is open to 6 and up, and normally costs $25 per person.

Carriage rides are fun and open to all ages. They are relatively inexpensive at $35 per carriage, so if you're trying to get the most "bang for your buck," some of the other activities like parasailing are a lot higher cost. But if your family enjoys the carriage ride, that's all that's important.

 

[FoodLover]

Mary, your MouseSavers article is superb! I assume you mean the one found here: http://www.mousesavers.com/onenightplatinum.html.

I just happened to stumble on that today, and came in here to recommend it, only to find you had just mentioned it yourself.

It's a fantastic overview. Can/should we add this to the first page of this thread? I'd hate for this wonderful resource to get lost in a very long thread.

Thank you! It's fine with me if you'd like to link to it. I "stole" most of the ideas from this thread anyway.

In fact, now that I've been thinking over the various family activities, I'm going to add a section to my page about that, too.

 

[scottmel]

Wow I have come so far since discovering this link yesterday! THANK YOU ALL!!! But Mary, your chart on your page was GREAT!!!! Here is my question though - I am like PLATINUM (spelling!) plan b/c of better tours for DD12 However from what I understand you MUST stay 3 nights at a deluxe for this. Correct? Can't be done with just 1 night deluxe stay....

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Wow I have come so far since discovering this link yesterday! THANK YOU ALL!!! But Mary, your chart on your page was GREAT!!!! Here is my question though - I am like PLATINUM (spelling!) plan b/c of better tours for DD12 However from what I understand you MUST stay 3 nights at a deluxe for this. Correct? Can't be done with just 1 night deluxe stay....

You only have to stay 1 night at a deluxe to do the plan, (and you must pay rack rate for that 1-night, plus the cost of the plan and a one day ticket), but keep in mind transferring from a cheaper hotel and back will eat up time on the plan that you could be using for activities.

For example the day you begin your platinum plan you must check-in to your deluxe resort BEFORE you can start doing any of the plan activities. On the second day the timing of checking back in to a cheaper hotel isn't as critical but you will have to move your luggage twice in two days.

 

[FoodLover]

I am like PLATINUM (spelling!) plan b/c of better tours for DD12 However from what I understand you MUST stay 3 nights at a deluxe for this. Correct? Can't be done with just 1 night deluxe stay....

No, as beautifultomorrow said, you just have to stay one night in a Deluxe to get the Platinum Plan. I recommend "sandwiching" the stay with a room-only night before and after, so you can use your two full days of the plan. You'll want to be ready to check in first thing in the morning on the first day, and you'll want a room nearby so you can collapse into bed at the end of the second day!

The "before and after" nights can be at any resort (even off-site). It's just less of a hassle if you stay in the same resort the whole time.

 

[scottmel]

Ok planning late June 2011 for my trip. I have gone in 2009 and 2010 in June so definately know the heat situation!!! Hence the "tours" while awesome, in June heat could be a struggle...And since DD12 can't do much nothing I am missing is that big of a deal. That being said - here is my plan and unless I can justify a Platinum Night (for the epcot illuminations cruise and spa stuff and indoor epcot swim tour!)...

1. Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot. While not top of my list on a normal day I would take advantage of it.

2. Parasailing...
3. Boat Rental
4. Cirq we have seen - wish we had not else this would be a no brainer but yes I would see it again or ideally go when dark!
5. 3 Signature Dinings...

Anything else I think the heat is going to affect me to much - archery? Horse Back Riding? Walking tours - while great sounding again the June heat...

But to make this work cheaply I would have to downgrade to a mod for full rack rate or use Mary's tip of booking discount room at deluxe and doing value reservation but never sleeping there. But that will add 150 onto the plan by saving myself the hassle....So really I am up to 600 for the above stuff by booking value and not staying there...

But if I booked say a cheap deluxe (Contemporary) I could do above, plus spa, plus cruise plus epcot swimming tour thing.....

ANyone try this with kids around 12 and think it was worth it? This is hard!

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Ok planning late June 2011 for my trip. I have gone in 2009 and 2010 in June so definately know the heat situation!!! Hence the "tours" while awesome, in June heat could be a struggle...And since DD12 can't do much nothing I am missing is that big of a deal. That being said - here is my plan and unless I can justify a Platinum Night (for the epcot illuminations cruise and spa stuff and indoor epcot swim tour!)...

1. Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot. While not top of my list on a normal day I would take advantage of it.

2. Parasailing...
3. Boat Rental
4. Cirq we have seen - wish we had not else this would be a no brainer but yes I would see it again or ideally go when dark!
5. 3 Signature Dinings...

Anything else I think the heat is going to affect me to much - archery? Horse Back Riding? Walking tours - while great sounding again the June heat...

But to make this work cheaply I would have to downgrade to a mod for full rack rate or use Mary's tip of booking discount room at deluxe and doing value reservation but never sleeping there. But that will add 150 onto the plan by saving myself the hassle....So really I am up to 600 for the above stuff by booking value and not staying there...

But if I booked say a cheap deluxe (Contemporary) I could do above, plus spa, plus cruise plus epcot swimming tour thing.....

ANyone try this with kids around 12 and think it was worth it? This is hard!

I am of the opinion that if you haven't wanted to do some of the activities on tours and things outside of doing the premium/platinum plan, you might be better off just skipping it. Yeah, you would more than likely break even on the list above, but if you just doing it to get your money's worth its probably not worth the hassle. Doing the plan takes two full days of going to the park out of your vacation, not to mention it takes a lot of time and energy to plan and execute it. Parasailing is the only high value activity on your list (other than Cirque which you said you could skip). Signature dining is expensive but a disney dining plan could cover some of those meals for a lot less $$$.

Also, don't forget to consider the total cost of the plan, you say it would cost $600 extra to do premium at value resort, it's probably more like $900+ when you factor in the park tickets you have to buy -- yeah you can always save them but it is an added expense.

I'm not trying to say don't do it, but I know we get all starry eyed (I do!) when we see all these great options, but this crazy plan isn't the nessecarily the best thing for everybody.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[scottmel]

I am of the opinion that if you haven't wanted to do some of the activities on tours and things outside of doing the premium/platinum plan, you might be better off just skipping it. Yeah, you would more than likely break even on the list above, but if you just doing it to get your money's worth its probably not worth the hassle. Doing the plan takes two full days of going to the park out of your vacation, not to mention it takes a lot of time and energy to plan and execute it. Parasailing is the only high value activity on your list (other than Cirque which you said you could skip). Signature dining is expensive but a disney dining plan could cover some of those meals for a lot less $$$.

Also, don't forget to consider the total cost of the plan, you say it would cost $600 extra to do premium at value resort, it's probably more like $900+ when you factor in the park tickets you have to buy -- yeah you can always save them but it is an added expense.

I'm not trying to say don't do it, but I know we get all starry eyed (I do!) when we see all these great options, but this crazy plan isn't the nessecarily the best thing for everybody.

Good luck with your decision!

Thanks!I would actually need park tickets for the week so was HOPING I could buy a 8 day pass and use later in the week. So ticket expense would be a wash here. I will price it out but was hoping for some money saving deal. We go to disney so often and I guess I was looking to do some cool different things that I wouldn't otherwise be writing a check for...

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Thanks!I would actually need park tickets for the week so was HOPING I could buy a 8 day pass and use later in the week. So ticket expense would be a wash here. I will price it out but was hoping for some money saving deal. We go to disney so often and I guess I was looking to do some cool different things that I wouldn't otherwise be writing a check for...

If you do like one night room only and then do your premium plan and buy an 8-day tickets with that you can use that for the rest of your trip so that would work out fine.

 

[ihave4kids]

We have done both the premium plan when my daughter was 12 and the platinum plan when my daughter was thirteen this year and loved them both and we did them once in June and once in July.Both the Epcot water tours were amazing,especially the dolphins tour. We also loved the parasailing and the jet skiing. The horseback riding was a little warm,but still enjoyable. And we loved the fact that we could go to the Rainforest cafe since we love it there.

 

[tortoni]

Thank you all for this wonderful info. Found this thread last night and I've been planning all day. As Disney vets, we've been looking for something a little different and this idea is ingenious. I'll be planning my next trip around this 2-day premium splurge!