Single Mom, Three Kids....and its a year away. Is it too early for pre trip?

[DexLabDeeDee]

Hi! Just jumping in to say that I really recommend 1900 Park Fare if you want good interactions with characters. I like to try and go every trip and the stepsisters are HILARIOUS! Plus, you get more time with all of the characters than you would if you were just standing in line to meet them.

I don't know if it fits in your budget anymore but if it does, I would go! It's our favorite character dining.

 

[annaaidan99]

We are actually discussing that now! That was my only ADR and I was hoping it was worth the trip with my parents. They agree it would be neat to do a character meal, so it's tentatively still on the agenda.

 

[annaaidan99]

So how did we wind up at the WL in a deluxe room when I was all prepared for a value resort?

Well, my parents were actually ticked I didn't ask them earlier. To my credit, I've invited them on four previous trips and was declined. I told them they were more than welcome to come, and gave them the particulars on All Star Music, and the dates I was going.
* they wanted to shorten trip by two days to minimize pet sitting time (now a 7 night trip)
* they wanted to drive all of us in their vehicle.

This was ok by me, so we moved on to resort.

First they were fine with All Star Music.
(They've only stayed previously at Poly and CR)

Then it was clear he was looking at options with transportation other than bus. He saw WL, and we priced the room with two woods view regular rooms. We were debating the dining plan I had chosen as it didn't click as well with new arrangements.

Then we found the deluxe rooms that had had club level perks and we were sold. So instead of using QS dining credits, we plan to eat breakfast at the lounge, eat lunch in the parks and then return to room to swim and rest, stopping to snack in the lounge in evening. We aren't huge eaters (except DS) so I think this will work well. It also encourages time at the resort, which I think will make for a more relaxing trip.

 

[annaaidan99]

It just keeps evolving! My brother and his family have decided to come as well! I found a deal on orbitz and he booked a CL room at WL for $327 a night! Now my conundrum...the deluxe room I've booked is also $1000 cheaper! I have a package booked through Disney now (I haven't paid full balance yet, but I have done $3500 of it....with gift cards. If I thought I could cancel the hotel portion and just use the money I've got on gift cards to pay for tickets for all ten of us, I'd do that. I'm afraid it will be a huge hassle though. But $1000 is a lot of money.