September 2011 - The Planning Has Started!!!

[KellyWasHere]

WOW! Look at all the new travelers joining in. Welcome! I was on that other September thread for a bit but not much seemed to be happening at all.

 

[Momof2Disneyboys]

Good morning September peeps! Long time no "see". My part time job has been keeping me quite busy.

Well, it's MARCH!!! Another month closer to September!!

Welcome to all our new friends!

Baby-watch, I want in! I'm going with March 8, because that's my daddy's birthday!


YAY Jo -- look at our tickers starting with a "5" now!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[L-Harper]

Hi! We'll be there in September, too. DH & I staying at Yacht Club lagoon view club level Sept 10 -15th. That is our favorite resort & I just can't resist club level. Those homemade chips & dip...yummy!!!

We're then headed to Grand Floridian for 2 nights in a deluxe king room in the main building club level. This is our first ever GF stay; hope we won't regret leaving YC.

We are doing deluxe dining for the first stay. We like to do several of the 2 credit places & I can spread the credits out until dinner on the 15th. I'm making DH crazy trying to decide on our ADRs. Gotta make some final decisions this week.

How exciting does your trip sound?! Welcome to our group! I have you added to the first post!

 

[L-Harper]

I need some insights and discussion on taking breaks mid-day. I have such mixed feelings on it, but I can't really determine much since we don't have actual experience. I've read a lot of comments on it, but I want your guys' opinions too. I feel like we need to let the boys rest because I'm sure WDW is a very overwhelming experience. Then on the other hand I feel like we'll be wasting SO much time. Thoughts? Help me through this decision!

 

[JoBird]

LH-- have yoe ever been to FL in the summer?? If not, I think you're in for quite a surprise at how draining the humidity is.
That alone would make me tell you that yes, you do need breaks.
It's exhausting.

You could play by ear and see how your children handle it the first day or so. I think that everyone needs downtime if you plan on going to a park in the morning and a park at night, in that kind of weather.

Plus, going back to the resort and getting into the pool might be one the the kids' favorite things- don't be surprised if it is. Lots of people come home and say that they paid all of that money for the trip and all their children wanted to do was get in the pool.

 

[JoBird]

Shelly---- Yay for '5'!!!!!

 

[L-Harper]

No, I have never been to Florida before. I don't think we'll be going in September again...

 

[Disneyx6]

We'll be there Sept. 24-29 @ AKV!!

 

[L-Harper]

We'll be there Sept. 24-29 @ AKV!!

Welcome! I have you added to the first post!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

I need some insights and discussion on taking breaks mid-day. I have such mixed feelings on it, but I can't really determine much since we don't have actual experience. I've read a lot of comments on it, but I want your guys' opinions too. I feel like we need to let the boys rest because I'm sure WDW is a very overwhelming experience. Then on the other hand I feel like we'll be wasting SO much time. Thoughts? Help me through this decision!

We love mid-day breaks, especially if you are getting to the parks close to opening time. Don't look at it as a waste of time. The parks are open long enough to allow for that type of break. Take advantage of it! Most families have a hard time staying at a park from 9am to 10pm each and every day of their vacation.

Even if your own family can make it without a break, remember that mid-day is when thousands of people at the parks start getting cranky as well! Sometimes, we leave the parks mid-day, just to get a break from pushy or cranky guests! The heat and sun while standing in lines with no shade can take quite a toll.

 

[L-Harper]

We love mid-day breaks, especially if you are getting to the parks close to opening time. Don't look at it as a waste of time. The parks are open long enough to allow for that type of break. Take advantage of it! Most families have a hard time staying at a park from 9am to 10pm each and every day of their vacation.

Even if your own family can make it without a break, remember that mid-day is when thousands of people at the parks start getting cranky as well! Sometimes, we leave the parks mid-day, just to get a break from pushy or cranky guests! The heat and sun while standing in lines with no shade can take quite a toll.

So what does your typical day look like, with times? For example, if you had a day like this... what times would you do everything? Starting your morning in DHS at rope drop, lunch in DHS, break back at your resort (for us, its Pop), head to MK for the evening with dinner at Chef Mickey's.

 

[jbmom]

I need some insights and discussion on taking breaks mid-day. I have such mixed feelings on it, but I can't really determine much since we don't have actual experience. I've read a lot of comments on it, but I want your guys' opinions too. I feel like we need to let the boys rest because I'm sure WDW is a very overwhelming experience. Then on the other hand I feel like we'll be wasting SO much time. Thoughts? Help me through this decision!

I would play it by ear too. I don't like to take breaks, especially when the boys were younger. It was too much to pack everything up, fold the stroller, drive or take the bus back and then to do it again on the way back to the parks was such a hassle. Florida in September is brutal, but we would take a break in the AC even if it was just a few minutes. Plan on lots of water and TS meals are a nice longer break. We now do shorter days, swim, then if we feel like it we go back to the parks in the evening. We have been so many times we don't feel like we have to do it all anymore. We also have a lot less stuff we need to take to the parks now so it works out okay.

This summer when it gets in the 90s try taking a long walk and see how you feel. Thats how we "train" for Disney. We usually don't have the humidity, but it seems to help us acclimate for Disney!

 

[disneydreamin247]

I need some insights and discussion on taking breaks mid-day. I have such mixed feelings on it, but I can't really determine much since we don't have actual experience. I've read a lot of comments on it, but I want your guys' opinions too. I feel like we need to let the boys rest because I'm sure WDW is a very overwhelming experience. Then on the other hand I feel like we'll be wasting SO much time. Thoughts? Help me through this decision!

I think I remember you saying you had an extended trip planned. It was 8 or 9 nights, correct? With that much time in WDW you have plenty of time to take breaks and still get to see it all.

LH-- have yoe ever been to FL in the summer?? If not, I think you're in for quite a surprise at how draining the humidity is.
That alone would make me tell you that yes, you do need breaks.
It's exhausting.

You could play by ear and see how your children handle it the first day or so. I think that everyone needs downtime if you plan on going to a park in the morning and a park at night, in that kind of weather.

Plus, going back to the resort and getting into the pool might be one the the kids' favorite things- don't be surprised if it is. Lots of people come home and say that they paid all of that money for the trip and all their children wanted to do was get in the pool.

We love mid-day breaks, especially if you are getting to the parks close to opening time. Don't look at it as a waste of time. The parks are open long enough to allow for that type of break. Take advantage of it! Most families have a hard time staying at a park from 9am to 10pm each and every day of their vacation.

Even if your own family can make it without a break, remember that mid-day is when thousands of people at the parks start getting cranky as well! Sometimes, we leave the parks mid-day, just to get a break from pushy or cranky guests! The heat and sun while standing in lines with no shade can take quite a toll.

Definitely agreed with both of these. Even when we go in October when it's cooler, we still plan for breaks. Midday crowds can be and their crankiness and can be worse! I like to be out of the park by 1. If I'm only planning a half day, I'll usually aim to get to the parks for 3:30. I like to do this for late lunch ADRs.


**Update on Baby Watch** there isn't one! She must be clinging to her umbilical cord like Tarzan. I thought my water may have been leaking last night but I realized I had sneezed without taking a trip to the restroom in the last 20 minutes

 

[MissLiz]

YAY!!!!!! It is very exciting!!! I'm sure you are going to absolutely LOVE both and you'll be excited that you get to experience both. Which dates are you staying at each? I'll get you updated on the first post. I'm so excited for you!

Thanks!

We will be at AKL from 9/16 - 9/19 and then CR 9/19 - 9/23.

The biggest thing is that I know my family loves AKL and I'm the one who really wanted CR, so this is a nice compromise. We'll get to enjoy both resorts for a few days!

Is it time to leave yet?

 

[disneydreamin247]

Thanks!

We will be at AKL from 9/16 - 9/19 and then CR 9/19 - 9/23.

The biggest thing is that I know my family loves AKL and I'm the one who really wanted CR, so this is a nice compromise. We'll get to enjoy both resorts for a few days!

Is it time to leave yet?

I had to compromise with DS on a Poly/GF split! He's infatuated with 'Ohana. He is SO my kid....choosing resorts based on dining options. I've taught him well! I just can't decide on how to do the split. Should we do 4 nights Poly and 5 GF or 5 at Poly and 4 at GF? Both rooms are CL so that doesn't make much difference.

 

[L-Harper]

What all do you get with Club Level?

 

[disneydreamin247]

What all do you get with Club Level?

Not a whole lot! lol You get access to a private lounge that offers different things at different times of day. In the morning a continental breakfast. Some cereals, pastries, fruit, juice, and coffee. In the afternoon some snacks, soda, beer. In the evening a few hot offerings, followed by desserts and cordials. It's nice to be able to have somewhere to just go grab something. It's also nice to have a place to go outside of the room. IPO will also help you with planning your ADRs and other reservations.

 

[TanzUnited99]

Am in for the ride!! We will be at Pop from 16-30 September. It will be our first trip and I can not wait for it to arrive!!!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

So what does your typical day look like, with times? For example, if you had a day like this... what times would you do everything? Starting your morning in DHS at rope drop, lunch in DHS, break back at your resort (for us, its Pop), head to MK for the evening with dinner at Chef Mickey's.

Ok, for example, let's say DHS opens at 9am. Prior to our vacation, we check Steve Soares' website to get the Times Guide for each park's showtimes and Character Meet-and-Greet Times (http://wdwent.com, then click on the Park you need at the top). So, before arriving at DHS, you should have a good idea of which shows and characters are most important to you (including any rides), and have a rough plan of when you want to see them.

Since I believe you are using a bus, I would plan to leave your resort room about 7:30am and be at DHS around 8:30am. Once the park opens at 9am, if the Toy Story ride interests you, I would head there first and either ride Toy Story immediately or get a fast pass for later. Then, I would check off some items on your list (rides, shows, meet-and-greets) until 12pm lunch at Hollywood & Vine. Allow for about 1 hour to eat and interact with the lunch characters and then head out of the parks around 1pm. Get back to your resort for naps and breaks between 2pm-4pm. Then start getting ready for dinner around 5pm at Chef Mickey's. An hour later, head to MK to spend the rest of the evening there until closing around 9pm.

So rough estimates would be 9am-12pm for DHS park stuff. 12pm-1pm for lunch. 1pm-5pm for naps, swimming, relaxing, travel time, etc. 5pm-6pm for dinner. 6pm-9pm for MK park stuff. Obviously, these times can vary depending on crowds, potty breaks, traffic, etc. But it's a start.

 

[sjs314]

I need some insights and discussion on taking breaks mid-day. I have such mixed feelings on it, but I can't really determine much since we don't have actual experience. I've read a lot of comments on it, but I want your guys' opinions too. I feel like we need to let the boys rest because I'm sure WDW is a very overwhelming experience. Then on the other hand I feel like we'll be wasting SO much time. Thoughts? Help me through this decision!

I have to agree about the summer heat of Florida, we are not and have never been rope drop people but we still like to take a break after lunch heading back to the resort for a couple of hours (2-4) then change clothes and head back out to the parks for the evening.

Ugh DH just told me he wants to check to see about going in October now .....all this heat talk finally got to him