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

[arilvdc]

So do you think it would be possible to get from fishing at YC to a 9:30 Segway tour?

If we could do both of these on the same day it would really help us on the first day but I'm worried about the timing.

You should be fine. our tour started before epcot was open and we got stuck at the turnstiles behind someone who was arguing with a cast member. we walked through the gate at 9:45, and our group waited the 5 minutes it took to walk from the gate to innoventions and then sign our paperwork. I don't recommended being late like we were, BUT they will wait for you.

but like the PP said, having them drop you off at the international gateway at 9ish gives you plenty of time to walk to innoventions. just make sure that you can enter that way. if future world isnt open at the time, I've heard that people have had issues where they aren't let through even though they have a tour.

 

[SnowWhite33]

Your Bass Fishing Tour (if it is done the same at YC as it was last September at Contemporary) will be ONLY your group, thus you are pretty much in charge of your timing.

If it is necessary for you to cut the tour short, simply address that issue with your tour guide (captain) politely asking if they could drop you off at the dock nearest the International Gateway by whatever time you need. (9am would allow 15 minutes to get to check-in location.)

Determine how long it will take your group to walk from there to Guest Services on the right (East?) side of the Epcot ball if you are approaching from World Showcase. You are requested to be there 15 minutes prior to check-in where you need to get your name tag and read/sign required documents.

They do try to wait for everyone to arrive, then they walk across to Innovations West(?) where they assign helmets and have you watch a training video. If you happen to be delayed a few minutes, GS could walk you over to catch-up with the group but you'll still have to be there in time to watch the video.

We asked our guide to drop us at MK dock by 9am and she said "well, we really aren't suppose to, but..." and we gave her a smile & a nice tip.

You should be fine. our tour started before epcot was open and we got stuck at the turnstiles behind someone who was arguing with a cast member. we walked through the gate at 9:45, and our group waited the 5 minutes it took to walk from the gate to innoventions and then sign our paperwork. I don't recommended being late like we were, BUT they will wait for you.

but like the PP said, having them drop you off at the international gateway at 9ish gives you plenty of time to walk to innoventions. just make sure that you can enter that way. if future world isnt open at the time, I've heard that people have had issues where they aren't let through even though they have a tour.

Thank you for your replies.

I was just thinking that we could have our Segway tour at 9:30 after our 7AM fishing. That would allow us to be at AK for the 8:30AM Backstage Safari tour the day before and not have to worry about park hopping. I think the morning tour at AK would be better also to have cooler temperatures.

Now I'll have to convince DH that he won't smell like fish after the fishing excursion . He is so worried that we'll be the smelly fish family on the Segway tour

 

[MOM POPPINS]

Can Disney Vacation Club members use the Platinum Package while staying at a DVC villa?

 

[2ofUs]

Can Disney Vacation Club members use the Platinum Package while staying at a DVC villa?

Unfortunately, no. We tried and were told that DVC already receives a considerable discount on tours/activities (really?) so they can only buy DDP or DxDP, but no Premium or Platinum.

 

[2ofUs]

Thank you for your replies.

I was just thinking that we could have our Segway tour at 9:30 after our 7AM fishing. That would allow us to be at AK for the 8:30AM Backstage Safari tour the day before and not have to worry about park hopping. I think the morning tour at AK would be better also to have cooler temperatures.

Now I'll have to convince DH that he won't smell like fish after the fishing excursion . He is so worried that we'll be the smelly fish family on the Segway tour

No worries about fishy smells as the captain/tour guide will do all the baiting & hook removal, etc. They should have hand wipes on board, but it wouldn't hurt to bring your own. By the way, though you MIGHT be told that snacks/beverages will be provided, that is not the case. The most we got was a bottle of water. So take you coffee/danish as needed and enjoy an early morning on the water. Great time to take sunrise pics too!

 

[papamouse1]

Can Disney Vacation Club members use the Platinum Package while staying at a DVC villa?

We are going to do this as DVC owners, you just need to book a 1-night cash ressie and figure it into your costs... some DVC people have done it, and not even moved from their DVC resort to the room they rented

 

[SnowWhite33]

No worries about fishy smells as the captain/tour guide will do all the baiting & hook removal, etc. They should have hand wipes on board, but it wouldn't hurt to bring your own. By the way, though you MIGHT be told that snacks/beverages will be provided, that is not the case. The most we got was a bottle of water. So take you coffee/danish as needed and enjoy an early morning on the water. Great time to take sunrise pics too!

I did think we got something to drink, soda or water. But we will be sure to bring our own. And good hint on the hand wipes, I will be sure to bring those too.

And I'm really going so I can take pics, don't care a thing about the fishing

 

[maggiew]

I Tried to search for this but couldn't find it:

Can you only book one fireworks cruise per package or can you do Wishes on one night then Illuminations on the other?

How much are these valued at?

Do I need to call at the 180 day mark or is there a Platinum package "concierge" that I can deal with ahead of time and have them book it for me on the correct day?

I am deciding if I should keep the Platinum vs. Premium plan. The only thing extra I am wanting to do is the Fireworks cruise and the Aqua Seas tour. No victoria and alberts (unless I can kind of preselect my food since I am picky!).

Thanks,
Maggie

 

[beautifultomorrow]

I Tried to search for this but couldn't find it:

Can you only book one fireworks cruise per package or can you do Wishes on one night then Illuminations on the other?

How much are these valued at?

Do I need to call at the 180 day mark or is there a Platinum package "concierge" that I can deal with ahead of time and have them book it for me on the correct day?

I am deciding if I should keep the Platinum vs. Premium plan. The only thing extra I am wanting to do is the Fireworks cruise and the Aqua Seas tour. No victoria and alberts (unless I can kind of preselect my food since I am picky!).

Thanks,
Maggie

You can choose only 1 cruise per package.

It's hard to figure the exact value because Disney normally charges a set price per boat whereas when you do it on the plan if there are other platinum plan peeps doing it on the same night they'll be on the boat too. So its not really the same as booking a private cruise.

If you do the platinum plan you can use a concierge (Itinerary Planning Office) to make your bookings for you, you can tell them in advance and then they will get them for you when the time comes. You can contact IPO once you have a confirmed platinum package room reservation.

Personally, unless you are already gonna stay at a deluxe resort even if you did the premium plan, I wouldn't shell out the significant extra cash to do platinum (the bulk of the extra cost is the rack rate deluxe room) if all you want to do from the platinum offerings are the cruise and the Aqua Seas tour. If you think you might want spa treatments, Dolphins in Depth, Richard Petty Driving Experience, the photopass CD or other platinum offerings go for it.

Victoria and Albert's is awesome but if you are a picky eater/ don't like to try "adventurous" sounding dishes it is probably not for you.

 

[maggiew]

You can choose only 1 cruise per package.

It's hard to figure the exact value because Disney normally charges a set price per boat whereas when you do it on the plan if there are other platinum plan peeps doing it on the same night they'll be on the boat too. So its not really the same as booking a private cruise.

If you do the platinum plan you can use a concierge (Itinerary Planning Office) to make your bookings for you, you can tell them in advance and then they will get them for you when the time comes. You can contact IPO once you have a confirmed platinum package room reservation.

Personally, unless you are already gonna stay at a deluxe resort even if you did the premium plan, I wouldn't shell out the significant extra cash to do platinum (the bulk of the extra cost is the rack rate deluxe room) if all you want to do from the platinum offerings are the cruise and the Aqua Seas tour. If you think you might want spa treatments, Dolphins in Depth, Richard Petty Driving Experience, the photopass CD or other platinum offerings go for it.

Victoria and Albert's is awesome but if you are a picky eater/ don't like to try "adventurous" sounding dishes it is probably not for you.

Can you choose one fireworks cruise and then one fireworks viewing spot? For example, could I do the Wishes cruise andthen the next night do the Illuminations viewing spot? If so, which one would you pick for the cruise? I was thinking the Wishes might be better for a cruise?

I was thinking about maybe adding a spa treatment. The manicure/pedicure might be nice because we are leaving for a cruise after the 1 night platinum package. Maybe I could do the spa and Dh do a golf lesson??

Still haven't decided on lowering my platinum plan to premium. If I get a fireworks cruise, plus AquaSeas and then a Spa Treatment, maybe it would be worth it?? Right now I am staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I wanted WL, but I couldn't get a standard room for my room only night the night before using my PIN code. But I could get it at AKL. I'd be interested in the Dolphins in Depth tour, but don't think I could fit it in due to the timin. Maybe I should do that instead of Keys to the Kingdom? But I was really interested in doing MK on one day and EPCOT on the second day since it will be our only 2 park days. I'd like to get a "taste" of both parks.

Maggie

 

[ajh88]

I did it! I booked us our Platinum Package for one night!

We are right at our 180 day mark and I'm going to ask a really dumb question. How do I contact IPO? I would really like to get at least the fireworks cruise booked ASAP.

Thanks!

 

[maggiew]

OK, I messed around with our itinerary a little bit. Let me know your thoughts. Right now I have AKL and Platinum plan booked.

Platinum Plan at AKL $1086 for 1 night room, 2 day tickets, platinum pkg

Day 1:
EPCOT Segway 7:45 - 10:15 ($95)
Princess breakfast 10:45 ($40)
AquaSeas 12:30 - 3 ($140)
AK Photosession
Jiko 6 pm ($60)
Illuminations Priority Viewing 9

Day 2:
Keys to Kingdom 9 - 2 ($80)
Spa/Golf 3:30 pm ($110 mani/pedi)
Narcoose 7 pm ($60)
Wishes Cruise 10

I'm not really crazy about the Princess breakfast (its only DH & I for our 20th anniversary ) but there is really no other way to eat between the Segway tour and the AquaSeas tour without eating lunch really late (too late for a nice dinner later!)



Other option is to drop down to the Premium Package:

Premium package at Port Orleans Riverside $864: 1 night hotel, 2 day tickets, premium pkg

Day 1:
EPCOT Segway 9 - 11
Lunch Tutto 11:30
Afternoon Fishing Excursion at POR
Yachtsman Steakhouse 6
Illuminations Priority Viewing 9 pm

Day 2:
Keys to the Kingdom 9 - 2
Photo Session WL??
Carriage Ride 5:30 pm
Narcoose 7 pm
Wishes Priority Viewing 10 pm

We might have to taxi it from carriage ride to Narcoose? How late do you think I could do Narcoose and still make it to the Priority viewing?

Maggie

 

[smile4stamps]

OK, I messed around with our itinerary a little bit. Let me know your thoughts. Right now I have AKL and Platinum plan booked.

Platinum Plan at AKL $1086 for 1 night room, 2 day tickets, platinum pkg

Day 1:
EPCOT Segway 7:45 - 10:15 ($95)
Princess breakfast 10:45 ($40)
AquaSeas 12:30 - 3 ($140)
AK Photosession
Jiko 6 pm ($60)
Illuminations Priority Viewing 9

Day 2:
Keys to Kingdom 9 - 2 ($80)
Spa/Golf 3:30 pm ($110 mani/pedi)
Narcoose 7 pm ($60)
Wishes Cruise 10

I'm not really crazy about the Princess breakfast (its only DH & I for our 20th anniversary ) but there is really no other way to eat between the Segway tour and the AquaSeas tour without eating lunch really late (too late for a nice dinner later!)



Other option is to drop down to the Premium Package:

Premium package at Port Orleans Riverside $864: 1 night hotel, 2 day tickets, premium pkg

Day 1:
EPCOT Segway 9 - 11
Lunch Tutto 11:30
Afternoon Fishing Excursion at POR
Yachtsman Steakhouse 6
Illuminations Priority Viewing 9 pm

Day 2:
Keys to the Kingdom 9 - 2
Photo Session WL??
Carriage Ride 5:30 pm
Narcoose 7 pm
Wishes Priority Viewing 10 pm

We might have to taxi it from carriage ride to Narcoose? How late do you think I could do Narcoose and still make it to the Priority viewing?

Maggie

Hi everyone. I'm not sure if I ever commented in this thread... I'm more of a lurker here but I am subscribed for ideas for when I plan my next trip to WDW. (Most likely in 2 years)

Anyways. The reason I quoted the above is I was wondering why go for Platinum and not take advantage of dining at Victoria & Alberts? Maybe its just me but that seems to be a big draw of the Platinum vs the Premium plan.

 

[maggiew]

Hi everyone. I'm not sure if I ever commented in this thread... I'm more of a lurker here but I am subscribed for ideas for when I plan my next trip to WDW. (Most likely in 2 years)

Anyways. The reason I quoted the above is I was wondering why go for Platinum and not take advantage of dining at Victoria & Alberts? Maybe its just me but that seems to be a big draw of the Platinum vs the Premium plan.

I think DH would like V&A, but I am a picky eater and am not sure it would be worth it for me. I was thinking about maybe looking at the menu the first day and then trying to make a reservation for the second day if I thought there was stuff I would like on the menu?

But, I am interested in doing the Aqua Seas tour and the Wishes cruise, which are included only in the Platinum. But I could also do the spa treatment on platinum, but its not a super requirement for me. I would do it if Platinum, but wouldn't be heartbroken if I didn't do that because we chose Premium.

Maggie

 

[beautifultomorrow]

I think DH would like V&A, but I am a picky eater and am not sure it would be worth it for me. I was thinking about maybe looking at the menu the first day and then trying to make a reservation for the second day if I thought there was stuff I would like on the menu?

But, I am interested in doing the Aqua Seas tour and the Wishes cruise, which are included only in the Platinum. But I could also do the spa treatment on platinum, but its not a super requirement for me. I would do it if Platinum, but wouldn't be heartbroken if I didn't do that because we chose Premium.

Maggie

It looks like you will at least break even whether you do platinum or premium. You aren't packing in the activities like some of us do (and that's ok) but it does look like you'll get your money's worth either way. If Aqua Seas and the fireworks cruise are important to you, go platinum.

I dont know if you are, but if you are hoping to have time to ride rides and enjoy the parks I caution you to rethink doing either plan. You might have time to grab a couple of quick rides but I've done the platinum plan once and the premium plan once (1 night each) and the only time I rode ANY rides was the 2 they took us on as part of keys to the kingdom. With all the shuttling back and forth to make it from place to place there is jsut not much time for that.

Regarding Victoria and Albert's, it's very unlikely you'll be able to make a reservation for the next night once you are there. There are only a few tables in the restaurant and they book up pretty quickly. The menu does change seasonally but take a look at this link to get a good idea of the types of things they serve. You choose 1 selection from each course. Keep in mind some of choices have an upcharge (listed on the menu) that is not covered by the platinum plan. http://victoria-alberts.com/pdf/diningmenuf.pdf

I love Victoria and Albert's and wouldn't dream of doing platinum without going there, but its not for everyone. Next time if we take my dad, I doubt I'll recommend it for him!

 

[maggiew]

We aren't planning on riding any rides or anything. We have been to Disney enough to not mind that.

I am not sure what else I could pack in there. It seems to me the timing doesn't allow it. I guess we could get up at the crack of dawn to do a fishing excursion or golf or something before the tours, but DH wouldn't be so thrilled with that. We've already seen La Nouba and don't really feel the need to go back.

I have looked at the V&A menus and have read many reviews. I think I could find something for most courses that would be ok. None of the amuse boche (sp??) look good though. I would feel bad leaving something so nice left untouched. I could maybe get DH to eat it, but I think he will have enough of a time to eat all his own stuff! I'm considering it though, just for the experience since we have the opportunity.

The AK IPO emailed me today since I booked the package yesterday. So time to get down to some serious planning. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Maggie

 

[beautifultomorrow]

We aren't planning on riding any rides or anything. We have been to Disney enough to not mind that.

I am not sure what else I could pack in there. It seems to me the timing doesn't allow it. I guess we could get up at the crack of dawn to do a fishing excursion or golf or something before the tours, but DH wouldn't be so thrilled with that. We've already seen La Nouba and don't really feel the need to go back.

I have looked at the V&A menus and have read many reviews. I think I could find something for most courses that would be ok. None of the amuse boche (sp??) look good though. I would feel bad leaving something so nice left untouched. I could maybe get DH to eat it, but I think he will have enough of a time to eat all his own stuff! I'm considering it though, just for the experience since we have the opportunity.

The AK IPO emailed me today since I booked the package yesterday. So time to get down to some serious planning. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Maggie

Yeah, you're right I don't really see where you could fit more stuff into that itineray. In the past I have packed in more by pushing my dinners back to like 9 pm or after but that won't really work with the fireworks viewing plans that you have.

 

[ajh88]

I've made our tentative itinerary for our one-night Platinum stay at the Poly. We will be doing 5 nights leading up to the Platinum night, getting our 10 day Hoppers and doing regular DDP, and we'll be doing 6 nights after with a room only reservation. Our current plans are:

Day 1 (Monday)
7:30 to 11:00 - Spa (Grand Floridian) for me and DD
7:00 to 10:00 - EPCOT Around the World Segway tour for DH + 2 DBILs

11:00 to 12:30 - CS lunch at Poly
1:00 to 2:00 - Rent SeaRaycers (or other watercraft) at Poly
2:00 to 3:00 - Get ready for photo session
3:00 to 4:00 - Photo session at Poly
4:00 to 5:00 - Leave Poly for Ft. Wilderness/Arrive Ft. Wilderness

5:00 to 7:00 - Hoop Dee Doo Revue (category 1 seating)
7:30 to 8:00 - Carriage ride at Ft. Wilderness
8:00 to 9:00 - Travel from Ft. Wilderness to Grand Floridian
9:00 to 9:15 - Check in for WISHES Fireworks Cruise
9:15 to 10:45 - WISHES Fireworks Cruise
11:00 - Monorail back to Poly - bed

Day 2 (Tuesday)

10:00 to 11:00 - Breakfast at CRT

11:00 to 12:00 - Monorail to EPCOT
12:00 to 12:30 - Check in for Aqua Seas Tour
12:30 to 2:30 - Aqua Seas Tour

2:30 to 3:30 - QS or light lunch (either at EPCOT or return to Poly) - if we stay at EPCOT, we might try to do Journey into Imagination and Living with the Land and eat at the Land pavilion, but I'm iffy on that idea

3:30 to 4:00 - Monorail back to Poly (I know this may take slightly longer than 30 minutes)
4:00 to 5:00 - Rejuvenate, shower, get dressed for evening

5:00 to 5:30 - Drive to DTD
5:30 to 6:00 - Arrive at La Nouba and get seated (preferably closer to 5:30 - I know we have to by there no later than 10 till, and I don't like to run late - I don't think it will take 30 minutes to get to DTD, but we've never stayed at the Poly, so I'm not sure of the distance)
6:00 to 7:30 - La Nouba

7:30 to 8:00 - Drive to Yacht Club
8:20 to 9:30'ish - Dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse
9:30 - 10:00 - Drive back to Poly

The one thing I'm unsure about is how the transportation boats run because we've never used them. Can you go from Ft. Wilderness directly to Grand Floridian, or do you have to connect at TTC? Or can you take a boat to Contemporary and then monorail to GF? That's why I tried to leave a bit of leeway in travel time. We can always drive if we must (we will have a car).

Any other ideas or suggestions? I know we are getting our money's worth with this plan but I feel like we have a couple of areas where we could do something else (like the 2nd morning). I guess we could just go to MK at rope drop and do a few rides before breakfast if we don't do anything else.

Any input is appreciated!

 

[maggiew]

Your itinerary looks fun!

The only comment I have is maybe doing the Luau at the Poly instead of Hoop Dee Doo? It would just be easier transportation wise. But maybe you are doing that on another night since you will be there for 5 days before the Platinum plan.

Maggie

 

[maggiew]

Well, I told DH last night what I was planning. The first words out of his mouth were, "How much is this going to cost?" But then I explained it all to him and told him the actual prices of some of these activities. He then said, "I no longer think you are wasting our money."

I then asked him if he was interested in doing Victoria and Alberts. We looked at the menu and also looked at some food reviews. He said, "Sign me up!" He also wants to do the wine pairings, even though that is extra. I laughed at how he came around full circle during our conversation!!

Maggie