Single Parent with Twins -Random Questions 3rd Part

edgarjcs

Earning My Ears
Joined
Oct 21, 2011
Messages
37
Hi,

Yeah, its me again :rotfl:

This is my third thread with specific questions. Sorry about that :confused3

As I did before, I found useful to let you know facts that could affect or not your replies:

a. I am a single parent traveling with 5yrs twins (a girl and a boy)
b. We have a booked reservation in Pop Century
c. We are staying on September 14 to 21, 2014
d. 6 days of Park Tickets have been booked
e. This will be the first time in Disney for my kids, second time for me, but first time staying on property.

Lets start:

1. Pop Century:
I made an preliminary booking with the Free Memory Maker package, then, when the Free Dining Plan was offered for our dates, I ran to change the reservation to the Free Dining Plan instead, but I decided that maybe for me would be great to have pictures of the three of us instead of just take pics of my kids and decided to add Memory Maker.
Later, after read some pages on internet, I called to make a special request: a standard room at the 60's building, 3rd floor with lake view.
The questions here are. Considering our trip dates, what are our real chances to make that request possible? Low, Mid, High? and Also, what would happen if they cannot make it possible? Would we face the possibility to get one of the farthest rooms or they would try to accommodate us in another building with similar room features?
I am afraid that we could be located far away from the main building.

2. Magic Kingdom:
We will arrive on a Sunday noon. I want to take my kids to Downtown Disney to let them a light taste of the environment and then go back to the hotel, get dinner and rest.
I have read some websites that do not recommend to go to Magic Kingdom on Saturday or Monday, because they are the busiest days of the park. Sad thing is that I would like to start taking my kids to MK, because they simply get excited when they see the Cinderella Castle in pictures and maybe it will be amazing when they can see it in person.
It is that bad? Should I skip Magic Kingdom? Usually the most recommended park on Mondays is Epcot, but maybe it wont be what they would expect to see first, I don't know if I can explain myself.

3. Wishes:
Given that my first trip to Disney was an adult trip, we skipped some things and we were seeking for thrilling rides, drinks and that kind of stuff.
I really want to take my kids to MK and stay enough to see the fireworks, but again, I have read that there is a nightmare on the transportation buses side when the show is over. With tired kids and pushing a stroller, maybe it will be even worse. Question here is if its possible (easy?) to get a taxi from the Transportation Center to Pop Century and how expensive it could be? Or maybe, if you think that I could handle the return to the hotel in another way.

4. Art of Animation:
I read that the use of the pool for guests of other hotels is prohibited, not a big deal, but do we have to ask permission to visit the resort or take pictures or we are simply limited to eat at its restaurants? I have seen great spots to take pictures and the kids would love that.

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: (this is related to one of my big worries)
The newest Disney attraction is finally open, but with certain level of sadness I have noticed that there are only two spaces per row in the train. Does it mean that we wont be able to ride it? :(
If its so, then I should be mentally prepared to miss a lot of rides?
I know that some rides perfectly could accommodate us, but would be really disappointing to miss rides like this.

6. Shopping:
How secure is shopping merchandise at the parks and request that it be send to the hotel? Has somebody had problems with this? For example missing items that arrive later (warning for last day), broken stuff, etc?

7. Groceries:
When you use one of those services that advertise to make deliveries to Disney resorts, exactly where are those items delivered? Do I have to take them myself from an specific point at the hotel or bellboys are allowed to help me with that?

Well, I will stop here. I hope some of you can help me with these new questions.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards :thumbsup2

Edgar
 
Here's my opinion, I'm sure you'll get others... :)

Hi,

Yeah, its me again :rotfl:

This is my third thread with specific questions. Sorry about that :confused3

As I did before, I found useful to let you know facts that could affect or not your replies:

a. I am a single parent traveling with 5yrs twins (a girl and a boy)
b. We have a booked reservation in Pop Century
c. We are staying on September 14 to 21, 2014
d. 6 days of Park Tickets have been booked
e. This will be the first time in Disney for my kids, second time for me, but first time staying on property.

Lets start:

1. Pop Century:
I made an preliminary booking with the Free Memory Maker package, then, when the Free Dining Plan was offered for our dates, I ran to change the reservation to the Free Dining Plan instead, but I decided that maybe for me would be great to have pictures of the three of us instead of just take pics of my kids.
Later, after read some pages on internet, I called to make a special request: a standard room at the 60's building, 3rd floor with lake view.
The questions here are. Considering our trip dates, what are our real chances to make that request possible? Low, Mid, High? and Also, what would happen if they cannot make it possible? Would we face the possibility to get one of the farthest rooms or they would try to accommodate us in another building with similar room features?
I am afraid that we could be located far away from the main building.
I have been in one of the further buildings away from the main building (the 50's building I think, near the further end of the bowling pin pool). It can be far, but it's not horribly far. The only way to guarantee a spot near the building is to book one of the Preferred rooms, unfortunately.


2. Magic Kingdom:
We will arrive on a Sunday noon. I want to take my kids to Downtown Disney to let them a light taste of the environment and then go back to the hotel, get dinner and rest.
I have read some websites that do not recommend to go to Magic Kingdom on Saturday or Monday, because they are the busiest days of the park. Sad thing is that I would like to start taking my kids to MK, because they simply get excited when they see the Cinderella Castle in pictures and maybe it will be amazing when they can see it in person.
It is that bad? Should I skip Magic Kingdom? Usually the most recommended park on Mondays is Epcot, but maybe it wont be what they would expect to see first, I don't know if I can explain myself.
I would sign up for touringplans.com and check out their recommendations. Generally, September isn't a horrible time to travel (compared to spring break, or Christmastime), but it can be busy. That being said, we ALWAYS go to the MK first, even on our day of arrival - it's tradition for us. On our upcoming trip, though, my plan is to have fun at our hotel instead - it's too much to try to get to the MK after traveling all day.)

3. Wishes:
Given that my first trip to Disney was an adult trip, we skipped some things and we were seeking for thrilling rides, drinks and that kind of stuff.
I really want to take my kids to MK and stay enough to see the fireworks, but again, I have read that there is a nightmare on the transportation buses side when the show is over. With tired kids and pushing a stroller, maybe it will be even worse. Question here is if its possible (easy?) to get a taxi from the Transportation Center to Pop Century and how expensive it could be? Or maybe, if you think that I could handle the return to the hotel in another way.
What we have done (both with or without kids), is to hang out after Wishes is over - have an ice cream, sit down & people watch for a bit. If your twins will have a stroller, get them cozy - maybe they'll fall asleep. Then you can take your time getting to the bus. (The busses to Pop Century run from just outside the gates at the MK, there's no need to go to the TTC. And don't forget, getting to the TTC will be just as difficult.)

4. Art of Animation:
I read that the use of the pool for guests of other hotels is prohibited, not a big deal, but do we have to ask permission to visit the resort or take pictures or we are simply limited to eat at its restaurants? I have seen great spots to take pictures and the kids would love that.
I'm pretty sure that you can visit the resort for pictures & food.

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: (this is related to one of my big worries)
The newest Disney attraction is finally open, but with certain level of sadness I have noticed that there are only two spaces per row in the train. Does it mean that we wont be able to ride it? :(
If its so, then I should be mentally prepared to miss a lot of rides?
I know that some rides perfectly could accommodate us, but would be really disappointing to miss rides like this.
This may be an issue, unless one of your kids is willing to ride alone (or with a stranger??) I haven't been there to see the new ride, but some of the other rides that typically fit 2 actually can fit one adult and two kids, but it REALLY depends on the ride...

6. Shopping:
How secure is shopping merchandise at the parks and request that it be send to the hotel? Has somebody had problems with this? For example missing items that arrive later (warning for last day), broken stuff, etc?
I've never had a problem in all of the time that I've been to the parks. (Just don't do it the last day.)

7. Groceries:
When you use one of those services that advertise to make deliveries to Disney resorts, exactly where are those items delivered? Do I have to take them myself from an specific point at the hotel or bellboys are allowed to help me with that?
I've ordered stuff through diapers.com (snacks, diapers, etc.) and it was delivered/stored in the luggage room. I had to go pick it up, but if it's alot, I'm sure you can use one of the luggage carts to move it if a bellboy can't help you.

Well, I will stop here. I hope some of you can help me with these new questions.

Thanks in advance.

Best regards :thumbsup2

Edgar
 
1. Pop Century:
I made an preliminary booking with the Free Memory Maker package, then, when the Free Dining Plan was offered for our dates, I ran to change the reservation to the Free Dining Plan instead, but I decided that maybe for me would be great to have pictures of the three of us instead of just take pics of my kids and decided to add Memory Maker.
Later, after read some pages on internet, I called to make a special request: a standard room at the 60's building, 3rd floor with lake view.
The questions here are. Considering our trip dates, what are our real chances to make that request possible? Low, Mid, High? and Also, what would happen if they cannot make it possible? Would we face the possibility to get one of the farthest rooms or they would try to accommodate us in another building with similar room features?
I am afraid that we could be located far away from the main building.
We just stayed at Pop Century last September and requested any room in a building close to the pool far in advance. That request was completely ignored when we checked in at about 7pm on a Friday. Maybe if you check in earlier (or because you're checking in on Sunday) you might have better luck.

2. Magic Kingdom:
We will arrive on a Sunday noon. I want to take my kids to Downtown Disney to let them a light taste of the environment and then go back to the hotel, get dinner and rest.
I have read some websites that do not recommend to go to Magic Kingdom on Saturday or Monday, because they are the busiest days of the park. Sad thing is that I would like to start taking my kids to MK, because they simply get excited when they see the Cinderella Castle in pictures and maybe it will be amazing when they can see it in person.
It is that bad? Should I skip Magic Kingdom? Usually the most recommended park on Mondays is Epcot, but maybe it wont be what they would expect to see first, I don't know if I can explain myself.
In September you will not have a problem with crowds any day of the week that isn't around Labor Day unless your threshold for crowds is set very low. However, some kids experience MK on day 1 and then are bummed and upset that the other parks are not as fun. A lot of people recommend not doing MK first with kids unless they've experience WDW before.

3. Wishes:
Given that my first trip to Disney was an adult trip, we skipped some things and we were seeking for thrilling rides, drinks and that kind of stuff.
I really want to take my kids to MK and stay enough to see the fireworks, but again, I have read that there is a nightmare on the transportation buses side when the show is over. With tired kids and pushing a stroller, maybe it will be even worse. Question here is if its possible (easy?) to get a taxi from the Transportation Center to Pop Century and how expensive it could be? Or maybe, if you think that I could handle the return to the hotel in another way.
We've never tried a taxi. We always rent a car, park at Contemporary/Bay Lake Towers, and walk over there (10 minutes at most). Buses are insane after parades/fireworks.

4. Art of Animation:
I read that the use of the pool for guests of other hotels is prohibited, not a big deal, but do we have to ask permission to visit the resort or take pictures or we are simply limited to eat at its restaurants? I have seen great spots to take pictures and the kids would love that.
We have paid AoA a visit each time we've gone since it opened. No permission is needed and it's such a short walk from Pop Century across the Generations Bridge. Your kids WILL love it! But be warned, they will wish they could swim in their pools.

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: (this is related to one of my big worries)
The newest Disney attraction is finally open, but with certain level of sadness I have noticed that there are only two spaces per row in the train. Does it mean that we wont be able to ride it? :(
If its so, then I should be mentally prepared to miss a lot of rides?
I know that some rides perfectly could accommodate us, but would be really disappointing to miss rides like this.

6. Shopping:
How secure is shopping merchandise at the parks and request that it be send to the hotel? Has somebody had problems with this? For example missing items that arrive later (warning for last day), broken stuff, etc?
We've never had a problem, but it takes a day or two to get there now. it used to be a lot faster.

7. Groceries:
When you use one of those services that advertise to make deliveries to Disney resorts, exactly where are those items delivered? Do I have to take them myself from an specific point at the hotel or bellboys are allowed to help me with that?
We've used WeGoShop.com twice before (a woman named Amy has/had the WDW franchise) and it was very easy with low delivery expense. The WDW hotels are great about storing your groceries until you arrive, and items that need refrigeration are stored in a refrigerator for you, too. At AKL the bellboy delivered them to us. The other time we just used their luggage cart to get it to the room (but they probably would have delivered it for us had we asked).

Hope that helps.
 
5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train: (this is related to one of my big worries)
The newest Disney attraction is finally open, but with certain level of sadness I have noticed that there are only two spaces per row in the train. Does it mean that we wont be able to ride it?
If its so, then I should be mentally prepared to miss a lot of rides?
I know that some rides perfectly could accommodate us, but would be really disappointing to miss rides like this.


I believe that no child under the age of 7 can ride alone without an adult who is age 14 or older. I believe that means you have to be sitting next to the child not in the seat in front or behind them.

We were there at the beginning of May so I don't have first hand knowledge of the seat configuration of the Dwarf Mine train since it wasn't open yet. Based on pictures on the Internet I'm going to guess that you will not be able to ride this as it appears that the seats are clearly 2 x 2.

On some rides you can fit three people (where two normally fit) when two are smaller children but it depends on how the seats are designed -- like you could fit all three of you on the haunted mansion.

Bottom line is there may be some rides that you can't ride because of the young age of your children. Although off the top of my head most of those rides have a height restriction as well.
 

7. Groceries:
When you use one of those services that advertise to make deliveries to Disney resorts, exactly where are those items delivered? Do I have to take them myself from an specific point at the hotel or bellboys are allowed to help me with that?


I used WeGoShop this past trip and she brought the groceries directly to our room (although we all helped as well) and even helped me put them away but we were staying in an Old Key West Villa.

If you use WeGoShop (which I highly recommend) you will provide her with your building and room number once you check-in and she will drive as close as possible to your building.

With WeGoShop you pay the cost of the actual groceries so you don't usually pay until they are delivered. This does require you to be in your room when they are delivered. She gave us an arrival time and arrived exactly on time.
 
1. Pop Century:
I think since you are going in Sept, you have a large chance of getting the room request. However, I've stayed at POP twice and we LOVE the over-the-top theming... I don't think it's a huge issue to be away from the main building, its an easy walk to the room buildings and the theming makes it fun (esp for the kids)

2. Magic Kingdom:
Again, September is one of the lowest crowds of the year. If you want to start your trip at MK I think you should go for it :thumbsup2. Just remember to make a plan and utilize your FP+. Again, September is nothing like going mid-summer, and even if MK will be busier than the other parks, it will still be significantly less busy than other times of the year.

3. Wishes:
Same info and advice as 2, Go to MK & Enjoy Wishes! POP has its own buses (doesn't share with other resorts). Plus they tend to send extra buses after Wishes to help clear the guests out of the park. The line may look long, but don't let it get to you, I've seen two and three buses pull up at the same time before!

4. Art of Animation:
You can only use your resorts pool....However, you are more than welcome to explore the other resorts and eat at the restaurants!!!! This can be a lot of fun (for free) too!

5. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train:
Haven't been there to experience it yet, so I cant help with this part. Hopefully someone else here will be able to answer.

6. Shopping:
We've had great experience doing this. Never had an issue. Just keep your receipt and if something does happen, Disney will fix it.

7. Groceries:
I haven't done this myself... but I think they are delivered to the front desk and you have to go pick them up.


Side Note, We are going 9/10-9/16, My daughter (7) & myself. I've taken her on my own twice (ages 2 & 4). If you have other questions or need single-mom-at-Disney advice.... message me :goodvibes
 
1. Like someone said, the only way to be guaranteed a close room is to pay for the preferred room. Even then it might not be exactly where you want it. You can always ask when you get there, too. Once I couldn't get a room close to family the day we checked in, but they offered to move me when the room became available. I declined as it wasn't that important, but that may be an option, too.

2. Personally, it has never mattered to me or my son where we go first. We know we are going to hit them all eventually. Low crowds are more important than order to me.

3. My son is not a fan of fireworks so we tend to skip Wishes, but we have closed parks before. Generally, I'd say if you walk slowly to the busses, it's not a nightmare. There's lots of people, sure, but to me it's part of the disney experience, lol. Just make sure that the kids are awake enough to get on the bus and be aware that they may need to stand the whole way back. Never done the taxi (and wouldn't) but like someone else said, it's probably just as busy.

5. Don't know about the mine train but you may want to come up with a plan for if one person doesn't want to ride something (obviously it's all or nothing). Or what if one wants to see a show and the other wants to do something else. Even though it's just my son and I, I find that having rules spelled out in advance is helpful.

6. Shopping:
I think they now say it could take as long as 2 days (it used to be the next morning). IF you maybe forget to pick something up (it may or may not have happened to me) they will ship your items home for you (they say at your expense but I'm fairly sure I didn't pay for it).

Have a great trip!!
 
As usual, great comments and ideas.

Thanks everyone for sharing your knowledge. This is helping me a lot with my planning.

Kind regards,
Edgar
 





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