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

[clkelley]

Is that something that commonly happens enough for people to get upset over it? I just can't imagine it actually being the case -- especially since there's availability at FW two weeks from now, but none at any of the Value resorts.

Just to clarify -- I'm talking about a tent site, not an RV site.

A "tent" site is what Disney calls a partial hookup site. Electric, water, cable. I often use a "tent" site with my little camper. And yes, it does make a difference. Sometimes sites are VERY hard to get.

 

[jenstall]

Hmmm, I thought Disney also had some sites without hook-ups. Maybe I misread the descriptions.

 

[clkelley]

Hmmm, I thought Disney also had some sites without hook-ups. Maybe I misread the descriptions.

That is the Group Camping Area, minimum of 20. $10 per night per person. No packages or anything over there.

 

[sissy_ib]

Never mind, I found the answer to my questions in this thread!

 

[TinkOhio]

Okay...now we know what we want to do, but I'm hoping for feedback about how to fit it in. These are our firm plans.

Day #1

2:00- Shower, get ready for Hoop Dee Doo
3:00- Leave for 5:00 HDD
5:00- HDD
8:00- drive to Epcot for 9:00 preferred Illuminations viewing

Day #2

5:30- Fulton's
8:00-check in at Cirque for 9:00 show

We also want to fit in:
-Poly photo shoot
-parasailing
-horseback riding
-jet ski tour
-Water skiing/tubing

We'll have a rental, so there is no need to wait for busses. What do you think is the best way to fit this all in?

 

[sissy_ib]

Okay...now we know what we want to do, but I'm hoping for feedback about how to fit it in. These are our firm plans.

Day #1

2:00- Shower, get ready for Hoop Dee Doo
3:00- Leave for 5:00 HDD
5:00- HDD
8:00- drive to Epcot for 9:00 preferred Illuminations viewing

Day #2

5:30- Fulton's
8:00-check in at Cirque for 9:00 show

We also want to fit in:
-Poly photo shoot
-parasailing
-horseback riding
-jet ski tour
-Water skiing/tubing

We'll have a rental, so there is no need to wait for busses. What do you think is the best way to fit this all in?

Where are you staying and why are you leaving two hours early for HDD? I would do the photo shoot on the second day in late morning for the best natural light. Then your water sports. Can you do horseback riding before HDD?

 

[TinkOhio]

The cm who booked our HDD reservation said to be there by 4:00. We'll be staying at the CBR.

 

[ajh88]

Oh, I never should have opened this thread! I had read it awhile ago, back when it was first started, but there was no way we could do an upgrade at that time. Now, we are planning my super fabulous graduation celebration trip and I stumbled upon this again. So, my wheels have been turning and I'm about 95% sure I'm going to do the Platinum upgrade in the middle of our August vacation for one night!

I crunched some numbers and figured it will be in the neighborhood of $750 additional for 4 "adults" (even though DD will only be 10) - we are doing the regular DDP for the rest of our trip anyway, so I factored that into the differential. We had already planned on doing La Nouba, a portrait session, buying PhotoPass CD, and going to the spa. So, our Platinum plans look a little like this - I haven't figured out the dates/times in detail yet, but I'm so excited I had to post.

We will be doing:

La Nouba (category 1 seating, if available)
Grand Floridian spa (me and DD - I know the spa certificates are for ages 12 and up, but they offer a "My First..." spa package and I'll pay OOP if I have to for her)
Around the World at EPCOT Segway tour (DH and DSS)
EPCOT Aqua Seas tour
Cinderella's Royal Table (maybe - we may not want to waste a park ticket if that is all we are doing at MK for the day)
In room dining (if we don't do CRT)
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Carriage ride at Ft. Wilderness
WISHES fireworks cruise goodvibes I'm super excited about this!)
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Watercraft rental at the Poly
Photo shoot (at the Poly)
Richard Petty Ride Along (DSS - maybe, we'll see if he is interested)
Mini Golf (maybe - if we can fit it in - not a must do)

I think that is all. I know, we aren't eating at V&A's, but honestly, I don't think anyone else in my family would eat ANYTHING on their menu. Maybe someday, but not this trip. It's OK though - HDDR is probably more our style anyway!

So, does anyone have any experience using the spa certificates? I'm pretty sure I read that if not everyone in your party is going to the spa, one person can use 2 certificates - did I make that up?

Any other insights would be much appreciated. We are going for 2 weeks and we have been (as a family) 8 times in the last 11 years. Not as often as some, but enough that we know our way around and we're looking for something "beyond" the rides at the parks, KWIM?

Also, I just want to make sure - we don't *have* to stay club level to upgrade to Platinum, right? We just have to stay deluxe? We are already booked TPV at the Poly for our entire stay - I just have to finagle the reservation with my changes.

 

[DCDisney]

I think you underestimated the costs. Each adult is $230
For the platinum plan plus you have to buy a 1 day ticket for each person at about $80. So in addition to the room it would be about $1240 for the 1 night platinum plan. If you do
It in the middle of your ddp trip you will be stuck paying extra for tickets on both ends too because the first few ticket days are more expensive than adding days. If you purchase 1 adult Annual pass you can purchase ticketless ddp package for the rest of your stay but for the platinum plan you aren't allowed to do it ticketless.

 

[kungaloosh22]

Okay...now we know what we want to do, but I'm hoping for feedback about how to fit it in. These are our firm plans.

Day #1

2:00- Shower, get ready for Hoop Dee Doo
3:00- Leave for 5:00 HDD
5:00- HDD
8:00- drive to Epcot for 9:00 preferred Illuminations viewing

Day #2

5:30- Fulton's
8:00-check in at Cirque for 9:00 show

We also want to fit in:
-Poly photo shoot
-parasailing
-horseback riding
-jet ski tour
-Water skiing/tubing

We'll have a rental, so there is no need to wait for busses. What do you think is the best way to fit this all in?

Where are you planning to shower at 2:00 PM? I assume you mean in your hotel room, but I think you need to be prepared for the chance that you won't be in a room at 2PM. If it's a 1-night plan, that means you check-in that morning. Even if you're already in that room category at that resort, there's a chance that they might make you move. I know it's not likely, especially if your ressies are linked, but there was a thread lately about people who had same category room w/a package and then room-only (or vice-versa), and some people reported having to change rooms. One woman said she was forced out of her room at 10AM, then didn't get in her new room until 5PM, and that the really annoying part was that it was only a few doors down from where she had been.

My take-away from that is to have a contingency plan in case you're forced to move during your platinum days.

 

[kungaloosh22]

I know carriage rides are included on the Platinum Plan, but does anyone know if the Haunted rides in October are also included?

 

[papamouse1]

I think you underestimated the costs. Each adult is $230
For the platinum plan plus you have to buy a 1 day ticket for each person at about $80. So in addition to the room it would be about $1240 for the 1 night platinum plan. If you do
It in the middle of your ddp trip you will be stuck paying extra for tickets on both ends too because the first few ticket days are more expensive than adding days. If you purchase 1 adult Annual pass you can purchase ticketless ddp package for the rest of your stay but for the platinum plan you aren't allowed to do it ticketless.

I am DVC, so I don't do the packages, but my understanding is that this dilemna is easily remedied. I believe you can make your first ressie, say for example a 3-day stay. On this package, you buy a MYW, but ask for a 7 day ticket (I am almost sure you can do that). Then 2nd ressie is the one night stay with a 1 day ticket for the Platinum package (then just save the 1-day and cash in later). Then on the 3rd ressie you just book room only.

I believe that would work.

I haven't read this whole thread, so I apologize if this info was already given, but Mousesavers has a great article on doing just this type of planning. It includes TONS of info, prices, etc.

http://www.mousesavers.com/onenightplatinum.html#meals

I have talked my wife into it for our 25th anniversary coming up next year... can't wait!

 

[DCDisney]

I am DVC, so I don't do the packages, but my understanding is that this dilemna is easily

The problem is that the pp wants to use the dining plan so they need a pkg for all 3 segments and tickets for all the segments in order to buy the dining plan unless they are DVC or AP which allow you to buy the ddp ticketless. For a long trip buying 1 AP to get this option is probably a good savings but adds more cost to the consideration.

 

[sissy_ib]

I think you underestimated the costs. Each adult is $230
For the platinum plan plus you have to buy a 1 day ticket for each person at about $80. So in addition to the room it would be about $1240 for the 1 night platinum plan. If you do
It in the middle of your ddp trip you will be stuck paying extra for tickets on both ends too because the first few ticket days are more expensive than adding days. If you purchase 1 adult Annual pass you can purchase ticketless ddp package for the rest of your stay but for the platinum plan you aren't allowed to do it ticketless.

I think they are saying the difference is only $700ish because they had already planed on some components of the platinum plan.

 

[sissy_ib]

Oh, I never should have opened this thread! I had read it awhile ago, back when it was first started, but there was no way we could do an upgrade at that time. Now, we are planning my super fabulous graduation celebration trip and I stumbled upon this again. So, my wheels have been turning and I'm about 95% sure I'm going to do the Platinum upgrade in the middle of our August vacation for one night!

I crunched some numbers and figured it will be in the neighborhood of $750 additional for 4 "adults" (even though DD will only be 10) - we are doing the regular DDP for the rest of our trip anyway, so I factored that into the differential. We had already planned on doing La Nouba, a portrait session, buying PhotoPass CD, and going to the spa. So, our Platinum plans look a little like this - I haven't figured out the dates/times in detail yet, but I'm so excited I had to post.

We will be doing:

La Nouba (category 1 seating, if available)
I'm pretty sure the seats are cat 2. But cat 2 seats are acctually better than cat 1. In cat 1 and the "front and center" seats you are way to close to everything as there will performers all over the stage and high above it. It is this way at any Cirque show.
Grand Floridian spa (me and DD - I know the spa certificates are for ages 12 and up, but they offer a "My First..." spa package and I'll pay OOP if I have to for her)
Around the World at EPCOT Segway tour (DH and DSS)
EPCOT Aqua Seas tour
Cinderella's Royal Table (maybe - we may not want to waste a park ticket if that is all we are doing at MK for the day)
In room dining (if we don't do CRT)
Hoop Dee Doo Revue
Carriage ride at Ft. Wilderness
WISHES fireworks cruise goodvibes I'm super excited about this!)
Yachtsman Steakhouse
Watercraft rental at the Poly
Photo shoot (at the Poly)
Richard Petty Ride Along (DSS - maybe, we'll see if he is interested)
Mini Golf (maybe - if we can fit it in - not a must do)

I think that is all. I know, we aren't eating at V&A's, but honestly, I don't think anyone else in my family would eat ANYTHING on their menu. Maybe someday, but not this trip. It's OK though - HDDR is probably more our style anyway!

So, does anyone have any experience using the spa certificates? I'm pretty sure I read that if not everyone in your party is going to the spa, one person can use 2 certificates - did I make that up?
I would also like to know the answer to this as I'm not sure DF would want to use his, but if not no biggie.

Any other insights would be much appreciated. We are going for 2 weeks and we have been (as a family) 8 times in the last 11 years. Not as often as some, but enough that we know our way around and we're looking for something "beyond" the rides at the parks, KWIM?
Like other posters have said, if you are doing a package for each segment of the trip you will need to factor in that you need to buy at least a one day ticket with each. But they can be saved for future trips and upgraded. I would set it up so you get in one day with a room only and start the package the next day. Also make sure you check what days and times the tours/shows you want to do are held. (Cirque is dark Sunday and Monday, etc.)
Also, I just want to make sure - we don't *have* to stay club level to upgrade to Platinum, right? We just have to stay deluxe? We are already booked TPV at the Poly for our entire stay - I just have to finagle the reservation with my changes.
For platinum you just have to stay deluxe. You can link you reservations together and they will try to keep you in the same room but understand you may have to switch room as you will have multiple reservations. Good luck planing!

 

[Bronte]

Well I did it !!!!!!!!!

Booked a Premium Plan for just one night in December !!!!!!!!
When I booked I asked the CM when I could start booking dining and entertainment ... He said everything can be booked 180 days prior, nothing before that date.
Just want to make sure ... Dinner Shows, tours and water sports can only be booked 180 days in advance correct ???
Thanks

 

[sissy_ib]

Ok a few questions for those who have done it...
With the wishes cruise-are you on the boat with the music or without? I'll do it either way, just wondering.
With the fishing excursions do they limit you to certain times? There are several offered.
And has anyone done a tour that they did not feel was worth the time? I'm not trying to pick the most expensive things just to get my $$ worth.

 

[2ofUs]

split stay in March - looking at premium plan for Monday, Mar. 28th - jam lots of activities. DD is 13 and both very active, we would love lots of water sports and parasailing.
Things that we would like to do during the two days include:

*parasailing (maybe twice) - takes less than 30 min.
-mini golf -
-water skiing
*jet skiing - believe the best way is to book an early tour w/guide
*horse back riding - short (45 min) ride through FW
*La Nouba - dark on Monday, would have to do it on TUES
-Mouse boats
-Hoop Dee Doo - Could do LAST seating (9pm?) and be able to do on same night as La Nouba (choose 6pm performance) & allow PLENTY of transportation time from DTD to FW - or plan to use a taxi.-The Luau - Could do the EARLY seating (5:15, arrive by 4:45) for this, then either monorail or boat over to MK for the private fireworks viewing (really more a reserved area - great view of fireworks / view of castle lighting blocked by mature trees, but there is plenty of open space. Spot is on right of hub, directly across from Plaza, is smoking area during day, but there are tables/chairs down in lower area. We stood up near the entrance for the best overall view.
-CRT - Try getting an early LUNCH here (11:30am?) for the day you will be doing La Nouba & HDDR since dinner won't be until 9.
-a protrait session - can work this in on your Luau dinner night - do it AFTER dinner and before you head to the fireworks-OR- work it in after CRT, but depending on weather/heat, post-Luau might be better
-preferred fireworks viewing - Do as suggested above after Luau

(**indicates most important to us)

Can anyone offer suggestions as to how we can fit this all in? I tried to get all you preferreds in and worked others around. The water skiing and mini golf you could add IF you have time, but these are things you can probably do at home, so I prioritized the Disney things.
Also, will it be difficult to secure reservations for these activities so late in the game? Possibly, but March is a slower season, so put together several options - move activities around, then book by priority. CRT / La Nouba / HDDR / Luau / Jet Ski tour - then fill around them.
Lastly, what happens if there is rain? What activities would be cancelled? Outdoor activities are always subject to cancellation. That being said:
Luau dining area is covered and it rained lightly during our visit - nothing stopped.
Fireworks, even in HEAVY rain, are almost always DELAYED but not cancelled.
La Nouba and HDDR are indoors.
Outdoor activities, especially those in/on water are more concerned about LIGHTENING than rain. Check on their policy when you call to book.

Thanks for any help!

Sorry for the delayed response as I haven't been on the boards for a couple of weeks. Hope this helps.

 

[2ofUs]

Ok a few questions for those who have done it...
With the wishes cruise-are you on the boat with the music - YESor without? I'll do it either way, just wondering.
With the fishing excursions do they limit you to certain times - YES, there are 3-4 times, 7am being the best for fishing, especially in warm weather; it is a 2 hour tour? There are several offered.
And has anyone done a tour that they did not feel was worth the time? I'm not trying to pick the most expensive things just to get my $$ worth. We enjoyed the KTTK & Steam Train (both do not allow young children - 16+ for KTTK, 10+ for Steam Train), both SEGWAY tour locations, others have enjoyed both Animal Kingdom tours - and you could do these back-to-back and finish the day with dinner at Jiko! (well, if it is hot you may want to change first ;~}.

Hope this helps!

 

[ajh88]

I think you underestimated the costs. Each adult is $230
For the platinum plan plus you have to buy a 1 day ticket for each person at about $80. So in addition to the room it would be about $1240 for the 1 night platinum plan. If you do
It in the middle of your ddp trip you will be stuck paying extra for tickets on both ends too because the first few ticket days are more expensive than adding days. If you purchase 1 adult Annual pass you can purchase ticketless ddp package for the rest of your stay but for the platinum plan you aren't allowed to do it ticketless.

You're right in that we'll have to do one day tickets - but I guess I had a hard time quantifying that cost since we will eventually get to use those tickets, KWIM? It isn't like we are paying for nothing - we get the value of those tickets, just perhaps at a later time. We are still mulling an upgrade to an AP at this point - I'm in the midst of crunching numbers.

And actually, with the current public discount, if we move our trip by 4 days, even buying 10 day tickets on one end, and one day tickets for the Platinum and other end, we end up paying $500 more than the package we currently have booked (rack rate). I have to go back to all my numbers, but yes, you are right in that there is an additional cost for 1 day tickets that I wouldn't be paying otherwise.

**Thanks for all of the other information. We were planning on DDP for our entire trip, but we will be spending a couple of non-Disney days at WWoHP/Sea World/Discovery Cove, so depending on how we maneuver things, I could probably cut DDP from half the trip. OR, upgrade to an AP (only one person has to upgrade, is that correct?) to get the 2nd half of the trip ticket free. Either way, I suppose I could add the approximately $300 cost of 1 day tickets to my total "cost", even if we end up not using those tickets until later. And even if I upgrade to an AP, I'll have to add that additional cost it. So, as long we squeeze in more than $1000 in food and entertainment, I'll be happy! Thanks again for the tips!**