I'm going to ask this here too, I posted on the theme park strategies board, but I thought families might have good insight too
I have started planning for our Sept/Oct trip. I could use all the advice you have to offer as it is only my second trip as an adult and my first on property. This will be our second Disney cruise, but the last one (1999) seems like ages ago, and was 2 kids ago.
We will be traveling in a group of 6 (dh and I and our four children-14,8,5,3) We have 6 or 7 day MYW w/ hopper option (I will probably add on non expiry when we are there or I might just go with 4day hoppers and then upgrade if we need/want to there) I am trying to take advantage of the dining plan and feel the need to figure out where I want to eat, so I can make those ADRs. It is so hard without the park hours and EMHs out yet. I figure with hoppers though we can do an EMH and then hop to where I had planned.
I do have a Passporter (not my fave) and TGM (overwhelming but helpful)
Here's the plan so far, input is welcomed...
Wed Sept 28--fly into MCO around 1200, pick up rental car at airport, check into the Nick Hotel and spend the evening there. We'll likely make a quick grocery stop for breakfast in the am and do an easy quick dinner out (is there a resturant at the hotel?) Any suggestions on somewhere light, quick and easy to eat out at. Probably call it an early night
Thurs Sept 29--Drive to Port Canaveral for cruise (cheaper for us to rent a minivan for the WEEK than to pay for Disney's transportation to and from the cruise port)
Thurs-Sun Oct. 2--Cruise (two connecting rooms, does anyone remember if we get breakfast on our last am???)
Sun Oct. 2--Drive back to Disney, check into Pop Century (two connecting rooms) Either late lunch or early dinner (choices lunch at Kona, dinners at Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern-any advice, or suggestions-open to other resturants too) then MNSSHP
Mon Oct 3--Epcot then HDDR for dinner
Tues Oct 4--MGM, Lunch at 50's Prime Time (Is this place worth using a ts meal for??) and then watch Fantasmic later (probably go back to room for a swim or rest during the afternoon)
Wed Oct 5--MK, CRT for breakfast (maybe whole family, maybe just mommy and Belle-3y, Dad and boys could do something else), Hoping that Spectro and Wishes will both be shown this night, if not we'll try to hop over to watch it on Monday or Tuesday.
Thurs Oct 6--AK, Dinner at Boma then to Epcot for illuminations
Friday Oct 7--Head to the airport for 1200 flight.
I'm extremely interested in what times you think I should make ADRs for, whether you think my restuarant choices are good for my large family and some counter service places where we'll be. I realize I have 1 extra ts meal and we'll just pay for that if we keep this itinerary.
Shawna
www.longaberger.com/shawnabarnett
I have started planning for our Sept/Oct trip. I could use all the advice you have to offer as it is only my second trip as an adult and my first on property. This will be our second Disney cruise, but the last one (1999) seems like ages ago, and was 2 kids ago.
We will be traveling in a group of 6 (dh and I and our four children-14,8,5,3) We have 6 or 7 day MYW w/ hopper option (I will probably add on non expiry when we are there or I might just go with 4day hoppers and then upgrade if we need/want to there) I am trying to take advantage of the dining plan and feel the need to figure out where I want to eat, so I can make those ADRs. It is so hard without the park hours and EMHs out yet. I figure with hoppers though we can do an EMH and then hop to where I had planned.
I do have a Passporter (not my fave) and TGM (overwhelming but helpful)
Here's the plan so far, input is welcomed...
Wed Sept 28--fly into MCO around 1200, pick up rental car at airport, check into the Nick Hotel and spend the evening there. We'll likely make a quick grocery stop for breakfast in the am and do an easy quick dinner out (is there a resturant at the hotel?) Any suggestions on somewhere light, quick and easy to eat out at. Probably call it an early night
Thurs Sept 29--Drive to Port Canaveral for cruise (cheaper for us to rent a minivan for the WEEK than to pay for Disney's transportation to and from the cruise port)
Thurs-Sun Oct. 2--Cruise (two connecting rooms, does anyone remember if we get breakfast on our last am???)
Sun Oct. 2--Drive back to Disney, check into Pop Century (two connecting rooms) Either late lunch or early dinner (choices lunch at Kona, dinners at Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern-any advice, or suggestions-open to other resturants too) then MNSSHP
Mon Oct 3--Epcot then HDDR for dinner
Tues Oct 4--MGM, Lunch at 50's Prime Time (Is this place worth using a ts meal for??) and then watch Fantasmic later (probably go back to room for a swim or rest during the afternoon)
Wed Oct 5--MK, CRT for breakfast (maybe whole family, maybe just mommy and Belle-3y, Dad and boys could do something else), Hoping that Spectro and Wishes will both be shown this night, if not we'll try to hop over to watch it on Monday or Tuesday.
Thurs Oct 6--AK, Dinner at Boma then to Epcot for illuminations
Friday Oct 7--Head to the airport for 1200 flight.
I'm extremely interested in what times you think I should make ADRs for, whether you think my restuarant choices are good for my large family and some counter service places where we'll be. I realize I have 1 extra ts meal and we'll just pay for that if we keep this itinerary.
Shawna
www.longaberger.com/shawnabarnett
