The Mouse-KIDS are in charge...a Jan '12 PTR NEW 2/5 TR link & new tickers

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

We have now finalized our NEW game plan for our 5 days thanks to the help of MRYPPNS…

Sun 15th arrival/ MK eve EMH

Mon 16th late morning character meal/ mini golf-Fantasia gardens/ DHS eve EMH

Tues 17th AK morning thru lunch/ Marketplace for shopping and dinner

Wed 18th EP day w/ a break midday

Thurs 19th check-out/ MK/ departure

All the kids and Mom and Dad all like this plan (so thanks MP) and feel this will help accomplish all the goals/places the kids would like to go during our quick 5 days…deciding what to do in each park will be the challenge…

Up next in the planning is FOOD! So stay tuned…

J~

Whew!! I'm so glad that got sorted out. I was confused and I'm not even going!

It's really a bummer about F! You never know though, it could change before January.... and that of course would totally throw a wrench in the works.

Ooh, I can't wait to find out about the food, I expect to see a LOT of Orange writing in this section, it being Nathan's favorite thing and all!

 

[mousescrapper]

Sorry...

no need...I was just messing w/ ya...

Your touring plans look great! I love the balance of park time and rest/relaxation time. I think that is definitely the way to go.

I think it looks good...a nice mixture for a short trip

I love the new plan!

thanks Amy...

Yeah! Glad I was some help. Now if I can just get my plans finalized tonight...

tons thanks and hope you and your ladies got something squared away!

Can't wait to see where you are planning on eating at DTD and what character breakfast you choose.

Nathan's working on the lists...

Whew!! I'm so glad that got sorted out. I was confused and I'm not even going!

that's always the hard part...

It's really a bummer about F! You never know though, it could change before January.... and that of course would totally throw a wrench in the works.

I know I honestly hope it doesn't change...

Ooh, I can't wait to find out about the food, I expect to see a LOT of Orange writing in this section, it being Nathan's favorite thing and all!

oh yeah him and food....as he was studying the maps and picking places he liked....the places he doesn't like though have nothing to do w/ the food but the environment or maybe an experience that didn't please him it was neat watching him debate it out...

 

[irish dancer]

Oooh, I like that plan! Good job Heidi!! Looks like a good mix of park time and extracurricular activities!!

MMMMm, food. Can't wait to read all about it.

 

[Marshay]

All caught up!

Looks like you got your plans set and that looks great! It's so hard to pick just a few things to do when you only have a few days. Our last 2 trips in Nov were just 5 days and they become packed days, even though I tried not to. It's just once I'm there I remember more and more that I want to do!

We haven't seen Fantasmic in about 8 years or so. I like it but just can't stand the wait for it. I know Rachel would enjoy it but Elie would probably just sleep right through it and she's heavy to carry and hold for a performance!

 

[mousescrapper]

Oooh, I like that plan! Good job Heidi!! Looks like a good mix of park time and extracurricular activities!!

yes she is a PRO! I think it will work great

MMMMm, food. Can't wait to read all about it.

coming up...

All caught up!

Looks like you got your plans set and that looks great! It's so hard to pick just a few things to do when you only have a few days. Our last 2 trips in Nov were just 5 days and they become packed days, even though I tried not to. It's just once I'm there I remember more and more that I want to do!

I am hoping to really help the kids pick just a nice size of MUST GOALS for each stop and focus on other things besides just running from thing to thing...we'll see haven't gotten to that part of planning yet

We haven't seen Fantasmic in about 8 years or so. I like it but just can't stand the wait for it. I know Rachel would enjoy it but Elie would probably just sleep right through it and she's heavy to carry and hold for a performance!

we have only seen it once...they have the stroller parking pretty far up...so if you sit toward the back works out well...but crazy trying to get out (I agree)

 

[tree320]

LOL very neat...what are your dates for jan? the official month threads are fun too...thanks for stopping by and QUOTE]

We are doing a Grand Gathering of 22 family members. Jan 17-23 at BWV. With this many going the planning is getting tricky. Part of the family is not going to be there until the 19th. I love reading over your plans, but feel like I can't do any planning just yet. We are not doing everything together, but want to make sure to get some Big Family Time in. I really not sure how to do things without sounding pushy. We have done this one other time and it was not organized at all and we didn't even get one Big Family Picture.
Your kids sound like they are enjoying the planning so much! I love that!

 

[mousescrapper]

LOL very neat...what are your dates for jan? the official month threads are fun too...thanks for stopping by and QUOTE]

We are doing a Grand Gathering of 22 family members. Jan 17-23 at BWV. With this many going the planning is getting tricky. Part of the family is not going to be there until the 19th. I love reading over your plans, but feel like I can't do any planning just yet. We are not doing everything together, but want to make sure to get some Big Family Time in. I really not sure how to do things without sounding pushy. We have done this one other time and it was not organized at all and we didn't even get one Big Family Picture.
Your kids sound like they are enjoying the planning so much! I love that!

grand gatherings can be tricky...our largest group ever going was 13, it was actually our first WDW trip w/ the kids (just 3 of them then) we arrived first for 4 days, then the grandparents arrived and finally my SIL, her boyfriend (now husband) and her son and his girlfriend (soon to be wife)...

we did 2 park days all together (out of the 9 my family was there) and that proved to be enough...we also did 4 meals all together too...a character breakfast, the Luau, a dinner, and Mother's day brunch. We also did some smaller things w/ the grandparents, plus one night out for Matt and I and his SIL and brood...

I have traveled w/ my Mother almost everyone of my WDW trips and My dad also came for an additional one, we took our inlaws for 1/2 the time on our last trip too....but it does add to the planning mixture quite a bit...

my biggest advice is if you are planning the majority of it, is too have a master schedule for your time there and break it down by time chunks morning, afternoon, and evening for each day...then pick a few given things on certain days like a couple meals and a few time chunks that everyone WOULD be together in the parks...include in that time some photopass opportunities too (color coordinated may make an awesome shot!)...then the rest of time you leave open, those that wish to go w/ you will and those that don't can do their own thing...a good blance of together and alone hope that helps

ADR day is coming up so you'll want to be ready to at least call and deal w/ some of that!


good luck!

 

[tree320]

grand gatherings can be tricky...our largest group ever going was 13, it was actually our first WDW trip w/ the kids (just 3 of them then) we arrived first for 4 days, then the grandparents arrived and finally my SIL, her boyfriend (now husband) and her son and his girlfriend (soon to be wife)...

we did 2 park days all together (out of the 9 my family was there) and that proved to be enough...we also did 4 meals all together too...a character breakfast, the Luau, a dinner, and Mother's day brunch. We also did some smaller things w/ the grandparents, plus one night out for Matt and I and his SIL and brood...

I have traveled w/ my Mother almost everyone of my WDW trips and My dad also came for an additional one, we took our inlaws for 1/2 the time on our last trip too....but it does add to the planning mixture quite a bit...

my biggest advice is if you are planning the majority of it, is too have a master schedule for your time there and break it down by time chunks morning, afternoon, and evening for each day...then pick a few given things on certain days like a couple meals and a few time chunks that everyone WOULD be together in the parks...include in that time some photopass opportunities too (color coordinated may make an awesome shot!)...then the rest of time you leave open, those that wish to go w/ you will and those that don't can do their own thing...a good blance of together and alone hope that helps

ADR day is coming up so you'll want to be ready to at least call and deal w/ some of that!


good luck!

Thanks for the great advice!
I think we have got everyone talked into at least a big group pic in front of the castle and wearing orange shirts with "Keller House takes on the Mouse" on them. DH does not like to look like the Von Trapp Family, but I said one day won't kill him.

 

[mousescrapper]

FOOD….FOOD….and more FOOD!​

Is this the best part or the hardest part of planning a WDW trip I wonder? With the decision to go OOP for food this trip it will make for some balance among no desserts each meal and sharing sides, drinks, etc… As well w/ no SNACK credits we’ll have to carefully budget for snacks separately…

Compromise will need to be used often…but I feel by setting some ground rules and expectations before even stepping into the Wonderland of FOOD…will help.

I asked the kids to define “food at WDW”

NR: “Mickey Waffles”


R: “Italy and Character breakfasts”

N: “excellent, really good and interesting”

B: it’s made special”



I also asked them if you could eat anything or anywhere at WDW what would you choose?

R: “pasta” (guess she is easy to please LOL)

NR: “at Epcot”

B: “Chef Mickey’s and pastries from Norway”

N: “Pizza Planet oh and pineapple ice-cream [Aloha isle]”



I then asked Nathan how much money do you think we need to feed 6 people for 5 days at WDW?

N: “a lot…I don’t know $300, $200, $100….well $300 is a lot of money” wow I wish!

I originally set out an OOP food budget that would include 5 CS meals and 4 snack/treat stops…this was about $331.00 now this was just rounded prices not truly reflecting taxes…just a starting base. It was this figure that helped Matt and I choose to do OOP. As my actual food research began this number was getting bigger and bigger…

With the official planning begun for the Jan trip and we have our park times figured out I now have a better idea of how many meals we’ll actually need to eat in the parks, as well we decided no trip to WDW is complete w/out one Character Meal so that has been added as well.

THE BASICS:​

* I had Nathan go thru the Park Maps and pick out various places that he thought he/we would like to eat…I gave him some ideas and we came up w/ a basic number of how many times we’d eat in each park.

* once that was done, I went through that LIST and printed food menus off Allears

* next the kids and I went through the park days and figured out the B, L, D options for our 5 days using this chart:

* That led us to this conclusion:

MK eat at 2 times (2 lunches) plus up to 2 treat/snack stops
DHS eat at one 1 time (dinner) plus one treat stop
AK eat at one time (lunch)
EP eat at one time (dinner) plus a few snack stops
Marketplace eat at one time (dinner) plus a stop at Goofy’s Candy Company​

* Now we (the kids and I then w/ Matt) went over Nathan’s picks and decided which places we all liked. I marked these down in a different chart (I also use this chart plus a cool excel spreadsheet to figure out the budget):

Overall we are unanimous for all the picks except for dinner at DHS (more on that later) and dinner for our EP night.

THE BUDGET (or fuzzy Disney math section):​

* We plan to eat in the parks (including MP) 6 times for lunches/dinner, have treats 1 x a day, one character breakfast and eat in the villa 5 times (3 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 1 dinner)

I have carefully spent several hours over the course of a few days looking over menus to come up w/ a proposed OOP budget for the Counter Service Meals and Treats/Snacks…this is a lot of work, but the outcome is most helpful.

* The proposed OOP budget is $418.55 (not including 1 TS meal) averages out to $84 dollars a day or $105 a night (to be more in the DDP terms)

* Now I also priced out the QS DDP as well for 2012 that would include 2 QS meals, and 1 snack a night which for us would equal 8 meals and 24 snacks; plus each of us would get a souvenir mug. This would cost: $655.76 or $163.94 a night…now in fairness I believe the mugs run about $12.99 so for 6 of them that would = 77.94 so for food only it is roughly $577.82 or $145 a night

The QS plan would eliminate two of our villa meals so I also did a preliminary Garden Grocer Budget (yes I am insane…but it’s summer vacay, what better way to spend my time LOL ) either way w/ or w/out a DDP added in we’d still be ordering groceries so I have not included a delivery fee into the portion of food on the grocery order to cover the 1 lunch and 1 dinner we’ll have at the Villa (following?) those meals will roughly cost us $22.89 in groceries…adding that to my OOP budget we are up to $441.44…that is still over $100 less than the QSDDP…

* The last fuzzy Disney math Q is whether to segment part of our trip and have 1 night on the QSDDP or 1 night on the reg DDP….my brain is getting pretty tired (time for a break)

*



*






*






* Ok back…we don’t have our Character meal/location picked yet…see next post... but I have taken the highest price point to just come up w/ a possible budget. That would equal w/ tax and tip: $166.76

* Now the reg DDP gives you 1 TS meal, 1 QS meal and 1 snack per night, plus a souvenir mug per person. For 1 night it would equal $236.20…if I try to break that down…the total minus the 6 mugs would be = $158.26 – the character meal (142.65 w/out tip) = $15.61 take our QS meal and snack options costs for the same day as our character meal ( $81.34)…I think that means we come out at least $60 ahead…yes? That is practically my whole Garden Grocer budget ($70 in groceries + other fees)…hmmmmm

* So take my OOP budget of $418.55 add in the character meal (not including tip at the moment) of $142.65 =$ 561.20

* Now take my OOP budget minus 1 QS meal and 6 snacks = $337.21 and add 1night reg DDP = $573.41That is a difference of $12.21 and we now have all the same meals plus the mugs… hmmm am I more confused…are you?

* I honesty don't know how tricky or easy it is to segment a DVC ressie I have read mixed reviews...so there is alot to think about...

So what do you think?

 

[MRYPPNS]

I could follow right along. For $12 I would do the 1 segment of DDP so you can get the mugs ($2 each person! ) and OOP for everything else.

I'd get the segment on the first night so you get your mugs the first day and the dining credits will be good until midnight on day 2. So you get more use of the mugs AND you can use snack credits over the 2 days to maximize them for value...kwim?

What's in you GG order?

 

[Parla]

Wow! That was a lot of math. We love TS meals so I automatically chose DxDP and was happy when I did some math on my PTR. I also didn't want my head to explode like it almost did just now while reading yours. I never thought about doing the DDP and getting the mugs (it just changed for DDP to get the mugs for next year right?) for just the one night. Those mugs are so expensive that it makes it worth it to me. But I really know nothing about DVC and how the DDP works with it.

Seriously though, what better way to spend your summer than doing Disney Math? I wish I had the software and the know how to do spreadsheets!

 

[teekathepony]

Confused here. Mostly because I've never done OOP at Disney, I've hit the free meal plan every time (well, except in 1991 and I was 5. )
You sure do seem to have everything organized well, so I am sure you'll get it down just right.

 

[dekkerdisneydreamer]

I could follow right along. For $12 I would do the 1 segment of DDP so you can get the mugs ($2 each person! ) and OOP for everything else.

I'd get the segment on the first night so you get your mugs the first day and the dining credits will be good until midnight on day 2. So you get more use of the mugs AND you can use snack credits over the 2 days to maximize them for value...kwim?

Heidi always seems to have the best solutions! I agree with her to do the segment if you can figure out how to do so. It seems like you'll get more for your money that way.

Also, I don't think you're "insane." Just very, very thorough.

 

[mousescrapper]

I could follow right along.

oh good...now let's hope my math was right

For $12 I would do the 1 segment of DDP so you can get the mugs ($2 each person! ) and OOP for everything else.

that was what i was thinking...seeing the $236 for 1 night on reg DDP seems CRAZY! but then when you compare it to the OOP budget..it actually makes a ton of sense...

I'd get the segment on the first night so you get your mugs the first day and the dining credits will be good until midnight on day 2. So you get more use of the mugs AND you can use snack credits over the 2 days to maximize them for value...kwim?

that would be my goal Heidi to segment the first night when we arrive in case there is any of that crazy check-out/re check-in weird stuff the next day...now the most bang for my buck would be to use ALL the credits on Day...so that still works...U was trying to think that was accurate, but couldn't remember need to run the numbers by Matt...he was following along till I starting the reg DDP segment idea...lost him there I think

he'd love the mugs anyways too!

What's in you GG order?

It could change but right now I have:
1 loaf store brand wheat bread 2.39 (for sandwiches lunch)
6 yellow bananas 2.70
1 10 ct box Eggo waffles 3.49
1 4pack activia yogurt (for me) 2.99
1 25.5 oz box Cheerios 7.29
1 1% gal milk 4.69
1 59 oz carton OJ 4.99
1 4 ct Smucker Crustables (Rachel) 3.59
1 16 oz box penne noodles 1.29 (dinner)
1 26.5 oz can spagetti sauce 1.49 (dinner)
1 cucumber 1.29 (dinner)
approx 2 lbs red grapes 7.49 (for B, L, and NR)
1 Cantaloupe 4.99
1 loaf Udi's GF bread 5.89
1 8oz bottle Syrup 1.29
1 13.5 oz bag od Tortilla chips 4.19(lunch and for NR)
1 12 pack Diet DP (for Matt ...I think this will come off w/ mug purchase)
1 6 pack water bottles (me) 3.99


this is just my first stab...so a few things may change...plus I will bring some PB, sunbutter, and a few other smallish things from home

Wow! That was a lot of math

I know I lost some brain cells w/ that

We love TS meals so I automatically chose DxDP and was happy when I did some math on my PTR. I also didn't want my head to explode like it almost did just now while reading yours. I never thought about doing the DDP and getting the mugs (it just changed for DDP to get the mugs for next year right?) for just the one night. Those mugs are so expensive that it makes it worth it to me. But I really know nothing about DVC and how the DDP works with it.

I went right to DDP for the past 3 trips w/out even questioning the math...but now it actually pays to do some number crunching...you never know how you will come out ahead...


this DVC DDP segment thing is new, seems like a pretty nice perk IMO...we can't get free dining, so if it works it will be a sweet deal

Seriously though, what better way to spend your summer than doing Disney Math? I wish I had the software and the know how to do spreadsheets!

it's just an excell spreadsheet...you just need to know how to set it up w/ the math formats...someone else set it up for me...you can check around on the boards sometimes you can find free downloads

Confused here. Mostly because I've never done OOP at Disney, I've hit the free meal plan every time (well, except in 1991 and I was 5. )
You sure do seem to have everything organized well, so I am sure you'll get it down just right.

thanks...

Heidi always seems to have the best solutions! I agree with her to do the segment if you can figure out how to do so. It seems like you'll get more for your money that way.

I know she is one smart cookie huh

Also, I don't think you're "insane." Just very, very thorough.

w/ a fine tooth comb

 

[Marshay]

Yep, I'm doing the exact same thing for our January trip.

We decided to do 1 night DxDDP for 2 separate times...so that covers 4 days. With that we'll go to CRT and Kouzzina...then have a day or two OOP and then do Norway Princess breakfast, Chefs de France and Yak & Yeti.

We were going to do the regular DDP for 4 days in a row or just eat out at a TS ever other day, but find that this plan works better. In fact, we saved over $100 per adult and $110 for Rachel.

We will have to pay OOP for all of our CS meals, but that is alright with me, esp as sometimes I just get a kids' meal for myself or split an regular meal with the kids. With the 5 big TS meals, we won't need a lot of other food on those days (breakfast in room). Last trip we also made grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for 2 meals so I can see us also cooking some light meals in the room (which we had never done before, only breakfast).

Anyway, back to you , I think considering the DDP for 1 night of your trip makes a LOT of sense if you are already planning to go to a character meal. Some of those character meals (Garden Grill, Chef's Mickey) are more than what you pay for the kid's meals and almost what you pay for yourself. Then it's like getting a CS, mug and snack for free!

This would allow you to share meals on some other days and maybe skip a snack but then no one feels bad b/c they are doing that every day.

So, do DDP for 1 night and maybe even do QS DDP for another night (but you have to choose wisely to make the QS a good deal). The rest of the time, share/split/eat in room.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Okay, without a doubt I am getting you and Heidi to do my meal price budgeting on the next trip! You, two, are so good at figuring out that sort of thing!

I had to laugh when Nathan said $300 for eating -- if only!

I like your idea of doing one night of the dining plan to get the mugs, etc.

 

[MRYPPNS]

Okay, without a doubt I am getting you and Heidi to do my meal price budgeting on the next trip! You, two, are so good at figuring out that sort of thing!

Anytime Jackie! Julie, Amy and I are always going over each others plans.

 

[Charleston Princess]

Anytime Jackie! Julie, Amy and I are always going over each others plans.

Budgeting for food is always the hardest part for me.

 

[mousescrapper]

Yep, I'm doing the exact same thing for our January trip.



We decided to do 1 night DxDDP for 2 separate times...so that covers 4 days. With that we'll go to CRT and Kouzzina...then have a day or two OOP and then do Norway Princess breakfast, Chefs de France and Yak & Yeti.


sounds great...have you done the DVC dinning segment before??

We were going to do the regular DDP for 4 days in a row or just eat out at a TS ever other day, but find that this plan works better. In fact, we saved over $100 per adult and $110 for Rachel.

that's great!

We will have to pay OOP for all of our CS meals, but that is alright with me, esp as sometimes I just get a kids' meal for myself or split an regular meal with the kids.

CS meals seem the easist to snip from in matter of cost! I have mostly budgeted adlt mrals for those of us considered adults but I have a feeling some kids meals will be purchased too

Then it's like getting a CS, mug and snack for free!

I like the sound of that!

So, do DDP for 1 night and maybe even do QS DDP for another night (but you have to choose wisely to make the QS a good deal). The rest of the time, share/split/eat in room.

yes I really think the reg DDP 1 night is the way to go

Okay, without a doubt I am getting you and Heidi to do my meal price budgeting on the next trip! You, two, are so good at figuring out that sort of thing!

you bet!

I had to laugh when Nathan said $300 for eating -- if only!

I know right matt and i aren't even eating for $300

I like your idea of doing one night of the dining plan to get the mugs, etc.

I went over it w/ Matt last night and he is on board so I will adjust my total budget figures

Anytime Jackie! Julie, Amy and I are always going over each others plans.

it is great to have someone look over something you may have missed or give you ideas how to mix it up to work better

Budgeting for food is always the hardest part for me.

it takes some effort...but worth seeing if you can save some $$...I was one to just go for the convience factor and "yep sign me up for DDP" but now I can see how a bit of number crunching of other ways can work better for us now...not saying DDP didn't save us money before...but you do need to weigh/count all options!...and hey $ saved on food can mean more souvies

 

[mousescrapper]

Ok now that the budget stuff is figured out...let's get back to:

the character meal​

Like I mentioned in the previous food post, we haven’t actually picked where we want to eat for our Character meal…tough decision…so the kids thought why not ask you all to VOTE on which place you like and think we should go…

We have 3 contenders:

Cape May at Beach Club w/ Minnie, Goofy and Donald buffet prices $26.99-12.99​

B: “I like the idea of a new place, and want to see if Goofy is Admiral or what is he wearing?...but it is the farthest from our resort, but then again we are going that direction for our day”

Chef Mickey’s at Contemporary w/ combination of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Chip, Dale, Goofy and Donald buffet prices $26.62-13.99​

N: “I like CM because I like all the characters and he has really good food…I like good food and it’s close by”

O’Hana at Poly w/ Mickey, Pluto, Stitch and Lilo family style prices $20.99-11.99​

R: “I like Lilo and Stitch he is funny, and Hawaii stuff and they way the place is decorated”

What Mom has to say…I am really torn…I like the idea of just walking over to CM so easy, but we were just there in Nov, I like O’Hana too and not having to get up from table to get our food…have some great memories from our ’08 visit also easy to get too, and then Cape May, this was a great suggestion by Heidi and haven’t dined here since 1994 pre kids too…it is the farthest to get to, but we are thinking of a late morning meal and want to go that direction anyways plus now made decision to utlize reg DDP to pay for this should pick most expensive place to get more bang for a buck…but porr Rachie is feeling not alot of her choices are getting picked...have to figure a way to remedy that...hmmm what to do?


So you tell us….


As a reminder we are thinking of a late meal maybe around 10 am time frame and are planning to do mini golf at fantasia gardens (but I am worried it could be on rehab schedule ??? another story) and then DHS for evening into EMH….should we do bfast, then break at room, then mini golf or bfast, mini golf, DHS…straight thru…have no clue really…

Looking forward to your picks (don’t forget to tell us why too) TIA!