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

[MEK]

I don't know if they would let you park at the Contemporary if you are not a resort guest there or don't have a valid dining reservation there. With your dates being so close to a major holiday they may be very restrictive on parking. What might be a good idea is to valet park there. Keep your receipt for the valet and you could valet at the Grand Floridian for your dinner at Citricos that night for free (except for tipping the valet, of course.)

Tuesday - no problem. You have valid reservations for parasailing, fishing and California Grill. Just let the guard know.

I never thought about the valet parking, but that is definitely a must for the GF, so great thought! Self- parked there once thinking "how bad can it be?" It was bad - really bad!

When we went for the Train tour in 2009 we were told to park in the CR! They will let you in. You have to be there by 7:15 am and not much is running then. They did not give a parking pass and we had lunch at LTT after the tour and then moved the car. I guess in total it was there for about 6 hours.

Good to know! I just stayed at BLT and that parking lot is always at least 1/2 empty. There were plenty of parking spaces there, so I can't imagine it would be an issue.

Plus, I was out running on the jogging path at about 7:10 one am and I saw a couple on their way to MK. I surmised that they had to be going to the train tour.

 

[gibbersome]

well, i just booked our second Premium package. Details are still sketchy but DH will be able to do his Segway tour and eat at the Yachtsman...that's all that matters.

Haha, men need their meat and toys!

 

[2ofUs]

beautifultomorrow:
Nov. 10 Contemporary Garden Wing Platinum Plan -- 2 adults
9:45 am Dolphins in Depth
1 pm Coral Reef (still not sure if there is enough time here)
Ar you not sure if there is enough time between end of Dolphins -or- between Coral Reef & Parasailing? At Coral Reef they do tend to rush diners a bit (we got our entree while still eating our appetizers) and Lunch shouldn't require more than 45min. Even at that, allowing time for transport (monorail or driving?) you'll still need about 30 minutes to get to Contemporary.
2:30 pm Parsailing
3 pm personal watercraft rental
7:30 pm Wishes Cruise
9:35 pm California Grill

Nov. 11
9:30 am Epcot Around the world Segway tour
lunch CS oop
12:30 Aqua Seas tour
4:45 Portrait session at Grand Floridian
7 pm Massages at Grand Floridian Spa I always feel oily after a good massage and my face is a bit smushed from laying on my tummy. Maybe switch the massage to after the tour, then change/fluff and head to a portrait session pre-dinner?
9 pm Victoria and Albert's

Sounds like a nice plan and glad you could put it together so quickly! I'm sure you already put thought into it, but I wanted to clarify the two things above. These plans can be GREAT fun and a good value for the investment.I can't wait do to a Platinum so we can try V&A!

 

[2ofUs]

PureTcrazy:

12/7
Breakfast at WL Club lounge
Check in GF early
FT WILDERNESS SEGWAY 8:30 (85)
SPA(4 massage 1 pedi/mani 2:00 (150)
PORTRAIT PACKAGE 4:00 (6 each)
V & A 5:00 (125)
XMAS Wishes Cruise 8:00 (30 each estimated)
We will use snacks or eat OOP for lunch.

12/8 Check out of GF move to SSR in the afternoon
GRAND FLORIDIAN CAFÉ 7:15 (25)
ATW SEGWAY TOUR 8:30 (95)
AQUA SEAS TOURS 12:30 (140)
CORAL REEF (MAMA & friend) 2:00 hopefully she will have a view of the aquarium and can see us in the water! This will be OOP
CHECK IN SARATOGA SPRINGS
CIRQUE 6:00 (90)
FULTON'S 8:20 (70)
Photo pass CD (20 each)

I have a thought regarding your meals. Instead of paying OOP for Coral Reef, why not pay OOP for mom & friend at BREAKFAST and let them use the plan credits for the CR meal since it will be more costly and includes an appetizer, entree and dessert!

 

[beautifultomorrow]

beautifultomorrow:
Nov. 10 Contemporary Garden Wing Platinum Plan -- 2 adults
9:45 am Dolphins in Depth
1 pm Coral Reef (still not sure if there is enough time here)
Ar you not sure if there is enough time between end of Dolphins -or- between Coral Reef & Parasailing? At Coral Reef they do tend to rush diners a bit (we got our entree while still eating our appetizers) and Lunch shouldn't require more than 45min. Even at that, allowing time for transport (monorail or driving?) you'll still need about 30 minutes to get to Contemporary.
2:30 pm Parsailing
3 pm personal watercraft rental
7:30 pm Wishes Cruise
9:35 pm California Grill

Nov. 11
9:30 am Epcot Around the world Segway tour
lunch CS oop
12:30 Aqua Seas tour
4:45 Portrait session at Grand Floridian
7 pm Massages at Grand Floridian Spa I always feel oily after a good massage and my face is a bit smushed from laying on my tummy. Maybe switch the massage to after the tour, then change/fluff and head to a portrait session pre-dinner?
9 pm Victoria and Albert's

Sounds like a nice plan and glad you could put it together so quickly! I'm sure you already put thought into it, but I wanted to clarify the two things above. These plans can be GREAT fun and a good value for the investment.I can't wait do to a Platinum so we can try V&A!

THanks for the tips, yes I am concerned about the amount of time for lunch between Dolphins in Depth and Parasailing (have to be there at 2:15pm). Coral Reef is usually pretty quick for us so I think it will be ok and we can probably get the desserts to go or something if it looks like time is running short. We haven't decided on renting a car yet or not. We did the premium plan in August with only Disney transportation, but I know getting places would be much faster with a car!

I had originally wanted to do the massage before the portrait session like you suggest but the IPO said the last appointment for the photos is at 4:45, I am assuming because it gets dark much earlier at this time of year. So, if we want to do that we have to do it then.

 

[beautifultomorrow]

I see some mentions on here about valet parking... we are still deciding whether or not to rent a car, if we do, what can you tell me about "free" valet parking? Do you get it for dining at Victoria and Albert's? Any others? I guess I've never really thought about it because we almost always use disney transportation.

 

[beansmom]

we will be renting a car....i can't imagine trying to make all the tours and adrs relying on the bus. We have APs and TIW so we get free valet parking. Sorry I can't help with that.

So far for our March trip we will:

Monday:
we'll try to book the photo session at the poly b4 breakfast
Kona 9am
boating after breakfast
Lunch undecided now
Maybe a tour after lunch
Yachtsman 8:15pm

Tuesday:
quick breakfast at POP food court-OOP
Segway for DH and Gardens of the world for me
Lunch undecided right now.
There is no LaNouba during our stay so we will get the GC.
Narcoosee 9:20

I'd love to do a carriage ride on one of the evenings...it was very romantic at Ft Wilderness. I need to find a couple places for lunch and we're all set.

 

[2ofUs]

MEK: How does this sound?

Sunday - check in room only value or mod
Monday - check in one night premium package
Steam Train Tour 730 - 1030 Make sure to tell your tour conductor that you have a 10:30 ADR at CRT. The last 30+ minutes of the tour consist of a discussion and the handing out of tour pins at the Train Station. If you let him know, he can give you your pins at the beginning of that discussion so you can leave early enough to get checked-in at the castle. This is a fun tour and you will be the FIRST people admitted into MK. Way cool to see all the CM crew doing a last minute inspection of Main Street pre-opening.
CRT 1030
Backstage Safari Tour at AK 1pm - 4pm
Dinner at Citricos
Preferred Wishes Viewing

Tuesday - check in room only one night
Hope you don't mind if I toss in some thoughts here for your Tuesday plans?

Bass fishing has an early morning tour from 7-9am. If you are an early riser and can get to Contemporary dock by 6:45am, you could be done by 9 leaving more time open for other activities.

Then at 9 you could either:
1) Stay at Contemporary for breakfast (WAVE or Contempo) , then boat over to FW for 11:30-1:30 Segway (arrive by 11:15);
OR
2) Ask to be dropped off at Ft. Wilderness, eat at their very good and inexpensive breakfast buffet, then do a horseback ride, archery or other activity until the 11:30 -1:30 Segway

By switching your Bass tour to the early morning, you'll discover fish are more plentiful (out early for their breakfast) and you'll see the sunrise over Bay Lake - beautiful! Since you are done by 9am, you'll have time to do a few other things in the area and be closer to FW for Segway (transportation to/from FW and in to Mike's Bike Barn can get convoluted and a bit time consuming).
By moving the Parasailing @ 2pm or later the weather will be warmer for water sports and you'll have time for a mid-day break to tidy up for the photoshoot & dinner at CG.

If you've never seen La Nouba, you really should! By making changes for this morning, you could do a 6pm La Nouba (out by 7:45 or so), then get to California Grill by 8:30p. I suggest this change since it is a lot easier to schedule based on the length of an activity that the length of a meal, right?

Besides, this restaurant is so nice that having to rush through dinner would be a shame. With an appetizer, entree and dessert, you can easily spend 1.5-2 hours here. (The cheese tray - either as an appetizer or dessert - is the best I have tried at WDW and I have tried MOST of them.)

So, look over the activities offered in and around Ft. Wilderness, consider allowing a rest break late afternoon, and if the changes look good, try to work in La Nouba. It is an amazing experience - and we sat at the very top - row KK - in the center section on our last visit (4th time at La Nouba) and thought it was the best place we'd sat so far.

Segway Tour at Fort Wildnerness 830 - 1030ish
grab lunch somewhere
Parasailing 1200
Bass Fishing 130pm - 3:30pm
Photoshoot (really optional for me)
Dinner at Cali grill
LaNouba at 9pm (if not too exhausted)

Also - I have read that it is possible to park at the contemporary for the train tour. Is this true. Planning to have a car to make this all work.

 

[2ofUs]

beansmom:
Monday: we'll try to book the photo session at the poly b4 breakfast
Kona 9am
boating after breakfast
Lunch undecided now
Maybe a tour after lunch
In the list of tours I put together for our trip, the only afternoon tour I found is AK Backstage Safari @ 1:00.

Family Magic Tour $30 = 2 hr Daily? @ 10:00
Magic Behind Steam Trains $45 = 3 hr Mon-Sat @ 7:30
Keys to The Kingdom Tour $65 = 4-5hr Daily? @ 8:30/9:00/9:30
Wild By Design Tour $60 = 3 hr M-W-Th-F @ 8:30
Backstage Safari Tour $70 = 3 hr M-W-Th-F @ 8:30 & 1:00
Segway at Epcot Tour $99 = 2 hr Daily? @ 7:45/8:30/9:00/9:30
Behind the Seeds $16 = 1 hr Daily 9:45-4:30 every 45 min
UnDISCOVERed Future World $55 = 4 hr M-W-F @ 9:00
Simply Segway at Epcot Tour ? = 1 hr ?
Segway Wilderness Back Trail $85 = 2 hr Tu thru Sa @ 8:30 & 11:30
Yachtsman 8:15pm

Tuesday:
quick breakfast at POP food court-OOP
Segway for DH and Gardens of the world for me
Lunch undecided right now.
There is no LaNouba during our stay so we will get the GC.
Narcoosee 9:20

I'd love to do a carriage ride on one of the evenings...it was very romantic at Ft Wilderness. The carriage ride is the one thing I have scheduled on several trips but never gotten to do, so it is THE priority for our next visit! I need to find a couple places for lunch and we're all set.

 

[gibbersome]

I'd love to do a carriage ride on one of the evenings...it was very romantic at Ft Wilderness. The carriage ride is the one thing I have scheduled on several trips but never gotten to do, so it is THE priority for our next visit! I need to find a couple places for lunch and we're all set.

The carriage ride was something we couldn't fit into our schedule either. But since it's only $45, I think we may do it on a separate night and pay out of pocket for it.

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Ugh! I haven't been on this thread in forever, but now I have a Premium dilemma.... We had golf lessons + golf @ Lake Buena Vista for DH, myself, DD10 & DS7. DD has decided that she doesn't like golf & wants to do something else. Since I'm not a good golfer, I'm a bit relieved to change up our plans. BUT....there's not much to do!

I booked horseback riding at 10am & we have a 2pm lunch at Wolfgang's GC. I cannot stand the thought of wasting an entire Premium morning on just one thing. And none of the tours that a 10yo can do sound exciting to us

Can someone please explain parasailing to me? Do you EVER (I mean at ANY point) touch the water? I'm not a big fan of getting in a Florida river/lake, if you know what I mean. (snakes! gators! YIKES!!) Other than parasailing, I don't know what else to do. We'll be renting boats/watercrafts for 3 hours on the next day, so I don't really want to do it again.

We're also going to see La Nouba, having portraits & taking a carriage ride @ FW. She might enjoy the carriage ride @ Port Orleans. PLEASE HELP!!!! tia

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Ugh! I haven't been on this thread in forever, but now I have a Premium dilemma.... We had golf lessons + golf @ Lake Buena Vista for DH, myself, DD10 & DS7. DD has decided that she doesn't like golf & wants to do something else. Since I'm not a good golfer, I'm a bit relieved to change up our plans. BUT....there's not much to do!

I booked horseback riding at 10am & we have a 2pm lunch at Wolfgang's GC. I cannot stand the thought of wasting an entire Premium morning on just one thing. And none of the tours that a 10yo can do sound exciting to us

Can someone please explain parasailing to me? Do you EVER (I mean at ANY point) touch the water? I'm not a big fan of getting in a Florida river/lake, if you know what I mean. (snakes! gators! YIKES!!) Other than parasailing, I don't know what else to do. We'll be renting boats/watercrafts for 3 hours on the next day, so I don't really want to do it again.

We're also going to see La Nouba, having portraits & taking a carriage ride @ FW. She might enjoy the carriage ride @ Port Orleans. PLEASE HELP!!!! tia

Don't sweat the parasailing, you absolutely will NOT touch any water. You start and land on the back of the boat (and it is huge and high out of the water). I highly recommend the parasailing.

I have heard the guided personal watercraft tour is really good, they offer that first thing in the morning I believe. You could do it before parasailing. I can't guarantee that you won't get splashed a little on the waverunner, but its not like you are IN the water yourself.

 

[beansmom]

The carriage ride was something we couldn't fit into our schedule either. But since it's only $45, I think we may do it on a separate night and pay out of pocket for it.

gibbers, we didn't have time this last trip, either, and I wanted to do the haunted carriage ride anyway. It was LOVELY and without the Legend of Sleepy Hollow being told to you during, it would be very, very romantic.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Ugh! I haven't been on this thread in forever, but now I have a Premium dilemma.... We had golf lessons + golf @ Lake Buena Vista for DH, myself, DD10 & DS7. DD has decided that she doesn't like golf & wants to do something else. Since I'm not a good golfer, I'm a bit relieved to change up our plans. BUT....there's not much to do!

I booked horseback riding at 10am & we have a 2pm lunch at Wolfgang's GC. I cannot stand the thought of wasting an entire Premium morning on just one thing. And none of the tours that a 10yo can do sound exciting to us

Can someone please explain parasailing to me? Do you EVER (I mean at ANY point) touch the water? I'm not a big fan of getting in a Florida river/lake, if you know what I mean. (snakes! gators! YIKES!!) Other than parasailing, I don't know what else to do. We'll be renting boats/watercrafts for 3 hours on the next day, so I don't really want to do it again.

We're also going to see La Nouba, having portraits & taking a carriage ride @ FW. She might enjoy the carriage ride @ Port Orleans. PLEASE HELP!!!! tia

You might want to consider the "Magic Behind the Steam Trains" tour. Though there were no children on the tour the time we did it there was about a 50/50 mix of men to women , and all seemed to enjoy the tour. My wife and I did it together and would both enjoy doing it again. You could probably bump your horseback rides to after 11 and still have time to make WP at 2. You can ride horses almost anywhere, but where else can you get the details about the trains and see where the monorails are parked.

And - you will NOT get wet. If you feel any moisture just look for the bird that just flew over and blame it .

 

[weHEARTmickey]

Don't sweat the parasailing, you absolutely will NOT touch any water. You start and land on the back of the boat (and it is huge and high out of the water). I highly recommend the parasailing.

I have heard the guided personal watercraft tour is really good, they offer that first thing in the morning I believe. You could do it before parasailing. I can't guarantee that you won't get splashed a little on the waverunner, but its not like you are IN the water yourself.

Thank you!!! That's all I needed to know Just spent 19 minutes on hold w/ Recreation & I'll just call back in the am.

You might want to consider the "Magic Behind the Steam Trains" tour. Though there were no children on the tour the time we did it there was about a 50/50 mix of men to women , and all seemed to enjoy the tour. My wife and I did it together and would both enjoy doing it again. You could probably bump your horseback rides to after 11 and still have time to make WP at 2. You can ride horses almost anywhere, but where else can you get the details about the trains and see where the monorails are parked.

And - you will NOT get wet. If you feel any moisture just look for the bird that just flew over and blame it .

Thanks for the advice. This is actually on Thanksgiving Day, so there's NO WAY we'd go to MK! I'm pretty sure there will be a few extra people there that day! I know my DS7 (who is looking forward to golf) would love to take the tour, but we'll wait to do it when we all can--after he's 9 or 10?
I definitely wanna book the parasailing now (minus the bird experience) Thanks for your help!

 

[jmskinner]

Just wanted to thank everyone for posting on this thread. We have a January trip planned and the DH decided to go Premium for three nights. Staying at POR.

1/15 Arrive, lunch at Liberty Tree Tavern
Parasailing at 2:00
Raglan Road at 7:00pm
La Nouba at 9:00pm

1/16 Think we will have to go CS for this breakfast.
Around the World at Epcot Segway Tour at 9:30
Le Cellier at 12:55pm
Hoping to do a carriage ride at POR about 5:30
Yachtman's Steakhouse 8:00pm

1/17
Cinderalla's Castle for Breakfast 8:00am
Keys to the Kingdom Tour 9:30am
Hope to do portrait session about 5:00 (January calendar wasn't up yet)
California Grill 7:30pm

1/18
Kona Cafe 8:30am
Wilderness Trail Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour 11:30am
Sanaa 2:00pm

Hopefully we will rent the boats and bicycles also. Jelly Rolls has to fall in there also. Can't wait!!!

Again thanks, never would have thought of booking this without this thread.

 

[beautifultomorrow]

Thank you!!! That's all I needed to know Just spent 19 minutes on hold w/ Recreation & I'll just call back in the am.

If you are just booking parasailing and the like try the direct number for Sammy Duvall Watersports Center (407)939-0754 I am pretty sure I booked our premium plan ressies directly thru them. Fast and painless. Tell them you are on the PP, but you will still have to leave a credit card guarantee.

 

[let'sgo]

Ugh! I haven't been on this thread in forever, but now I have a Premium dilemma.... We had golf lessons + golf @ Lake Buena Vista for DH, myself, DD10 & DS7. DD has decided that she doesn't like golf & wants to do something else. Since I'm not a good golfer, I'm a bit relieved to change up our plans. BUT....there's not much to do!

I booked horseback riding at 10am & we have a 2pm lunch at Wolfgang's GC. I cannot stand the thought of wasting an entire Premium morning on just one thing. And none of the tours that a 10yo can do sound exciting to us

Can someone please explain parasailing to me? Do you EVER (I mean at ANY point) touch the water? I'm not a big fan of getting in a Florida river/lake, if you know what I mean. (snakes! gators! YIKES!!) Other than parasailing, I don't know what else to do. We'll be renting boats/watercrafts for 3 hours on the next day, so I don't really want to do it again.

We're also going to see La Nouba, having portraits & taking a carriage ride @ FW. She might enjoy the carriage ride @ Port Orleans. PLEASE HELP!!!! tia

I went parasailing and you remain completely dry. However, whenever we did sea raycers I got soaked. When another boat goes by, the wake will sometimes come right up the front of the boat and dump inside. DH was the one at the wheel, and once he stayed dry, but another time he got soaked, the same as me (passenger). If you absolutely don't want to get wet, rent a larger boat. Just a heads up.

 

[scottmel]

I have been hooked on this thread since it started and was really gung ho on it. Until I stopped to consider DD's age. She will be 12 at the next trip next summer and we have done WDW twice in the heat and enjoy it fine but don't think I could handle any tours in the heat. Though I need not worry as there is not much at all for her age range.

Last summer I hotel hopped 4 times in 10 days and it was a little rough. Though at the last stop I was upgraded to a 5 room suite at YC so no complaints!! But this summer I want to keep it more simple. Based on her age (12) would you all recommend this plan?

HEre are my options:

1. 1 Night at Universal, 1 night at a mod, 5 nights at YC doing Premium Plan for one night while at mod. No dining plan.

2. 1 night at univeral. 6 nights at YC. Free Dining Plan.

We have seen Cirq but would go again but wouldn't pay to go again. Tours again in heat and her age, not real impressive. My only biggie I could is water sports which b/c it is "free" I would do but would have no interest otherwise but my family would.

So anyone out there do this plan with a 10 year old or talk yourself out of it b/c of child's age? thanks! Melissa

 

[HaleyB]

I have been hooked on this thread since it started and was really gung ho on it. Until I stopped to consider DD's age. She will be 12 at the next trip next summer and we have done WDW twice in the heat and enjoy it fine but don't think I could handle any tours in the heat. Though I need not worry as there is not much at all for her age range.

Last summer I hotel hopped 4 times in 10 days and it was a little rough. Though at the last stop I was upgraded to a 5 room suite at YC so no complaints!! But this summer I want to keep it more simple. Based on her age (12) would you all recommend this plan?

HEre are my options:

1. 1 Night at Universal, 1 night at a mod, 5 nights at YC doing Premium Plan for one night while at mod. No dining plan.

2. 1 night at univeral. 6 nights at YC. Free Dining Plan.

We have seen Cirq but would go again but wouldn't pay to go again. Tours again in heat and her age, not real impressive. My only biggie I could is water sports which b/c it is "free" I would do but would have no interest otherwise but my family would.

So anyone out there do this plan with a 10 year old or talk yourself out of it b/c of child's age? thanks! Melissa

I have a 12 year old girl.

After looking everything over I decided the only way to go was Platinum.

This adds the Spa service (10 and up get it) which most girls love, I know mine will.
Dolphins in Depth and Aqua Seas tours (both indoors and allow younger guests)
Victoria & Alberts (which my foodie child will love)
The fireworks cruise, a treat at any age
And the Photo CD, which we often buy.

All in all we'll get a lot more value on this plan than Premium. Although we tend to stay at the AKL so the need for a Deluxe room was not a part of my math.

We booked AKL room only, AKL package, AKL room only to avoid having to change rooms. This is not the cheapest way to do it, but I am sick of resort hopping.