~*~The OFFICIAL 2014 Dates Thread - Come Join Us!~*~

[DisneyMomFanatic]

That's awesome! I'm glad you're getting to go. We didn't think we'd be going back so soon (we just went last year and stayed in POP), but we just missed it so much and had such a good time that we decided to be incredibly frugal this year so we can go next year haha. How long is the drive for you? We considered driving, but from New York it's just too long for us!

If you drive straight thru it is approx. 18 hrs ish. We break it into 2 days. We are just outside of Philadelphia so we drive to Florence, SC and on the second day we get to Disney around 4ish pm. On our way back we do the same thing but stop at Lumberton, NC. We find a Days in or something similar that only charges about $75 at most including taxes and it must include a continental breakfast. (get the most for the least!! Something my Dad taught me). Including gas (6 fills down and back) 4 meals (fast food lunch and dinner down and back @ $30/meal @ 8 meals) and 2 nights hotel, it should be no more than $675. Airfare would be anywhere from $1100 and up.
We also stop every 2-3 hours for at least a potty/stretch legs/change driver stop. Even if it's only about 10 mins, it keeps us fresh. Going down 95 makes it easy.

 

[auprincess]

I haven't used them but I've seen nothing but rave reviews. I get you on the nerves, other than my son going to school neither kid has ever been with an "outside" sitter. If I need to leave them it's always been with family members.

My niece did EE as her very first roller coaster. It was the only ride pic my sister and BIL bought, her face in it is hilarious.

Found it! She's in the front with her dad.

That picture is great!

 

[SAT887]

You are doing an awesome job with this thread!! Are you any closer to making your plans for next year? It just wouldnt be right if you didnt get a trip after keeping track of all of us!!

I agree with this.... You are awesome Bearcats! You must go to WDW!

Thanks, Val! I try hard to keep up with everyone's plans!

As far as our plans for WDW, here is what I know for sure:

1. We're definitely doing WDW next year and not doing Vegas.
2. Our trip will be in October or November.
3. We'll be there for 9 nights / 10 days.
4. We'll be staying offsite. I've got it narrowed down to 5 or so hotels.

Anddddd so far, that's it! But hey, I'm further along than I was a couple of weeks ago, so I guess that's a good thing! Seems like every time I turn around, something changes, so until I know for sure what our dates are I'm not putting myself on any list or joining any of the month-threads!

Where offsite?

We may run into each other, sounds like we are going around the same time as you.

Tentative Schedule and looking for any advice/suggesstions too before we make ARDs on July 22:
January 18inner Garden Grill
January 19: Lunch Hollywood and Vine, might try for Fantasmic Package
January 20: Dinner Akershaus
January 21: Dinner Chef MIckey's
January 22: Breakfast Ohana and Dinner BOG
January 23: Lunch Via Napoli or Sci Fi
January 24: Lunch CRT
January 25: Lunch Crystal Palace

E eWe love Ohana for Breakfast since it is served family style and the kids get to interact with characters and to the parade. It is a family tradition and then take the monorail over to opening ceremonies.

Lucky for you to be staying at the Beach Club. We love it there!! I hope your dad comes through on Kidani, our kids loved the Savvannah view last January. We will be at BLT as the as the same time as you.

We are a week earlier! Today is my ADR day

 

[mamabear0222]

I really need to book some ADRs when it's my time but I think because we're offsite I'm kinda meh about it all...

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

So we have come up with our dining choices for next year. For those of you that don’t know me, we are all about good food and good restaurants. We LOVE our Disney Dining. We have done the dining plan in the past and the Deluxe Dining plan twice. This time we are saving some money without the plan while still eating at the places we want to eat. DS loves his shrimp but can get down with a good steak, DD loves mussels but will be a carnivore for a NY strip steak. DH is ALL carnivore! I will try many different proteins. We all love good sides, appetizers and desserts. We just have a hard time, in the hot summer months, eating all of them at every meal. Here is what we have decided for next year…
DTD day
L- Raglan Road (loved it last year and must have more)
D- Maya Grill (little known gem at Coronado Springs we love. Tex-Mex type food, Yum!)
AK day
L- Yak & Yeti (love this place and kids want to go back again, ok, done)
D- Cape May Clam Bake (yes, we can get down with a seafood buffet, haven’t been in a while)
Arrival day
D- Ohana (love this place! Must do every trip, great food and atmosphere)
DHS day
L- 50’s Prime time Café (my favorite for the kitch and good comfort food, yum)
D- Counter Service in the park some where
1st Epcot day
L- Rose and Crown (haven’t been since Disneymoon ’94, kids want to try so here we go)
D-Teppan Edu (Must do on every trip for the last 3 or 4 trips, super yum!)
2nd Epcot day (no kids just DH and myself)
L- La Hacienda (did this last trip but were so full couldn’t appreciate it so trying again this trip)
D-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2nd time for us, steaks that melt in our mouths, yes sign me up!!!!)
1st MK day
L-Cosmic Ray’s (staple CS for us, we enjoy this place. Only missed it once in all our trips)
D- Be our Guest (It’s new and we figure we should try it out)
2nd MK day
B-Chef Mickey’s (been for dinner recently but not Breakfast and kids want to do B there, so okay)
D-Citricos (never been but menu looked good and we wanted to try another signature this trip)
Departure day
B- Landscapes of Flavors (good food, nice to do before leaving)
So this is what we have. What do you think? Let me know. I would like to hear what you think and if you have any questions about any places I have been, I would be happy to answer them as best I can. Ok, so let me know what you think!

 

[SAT887]

I really need to book some ADRs when it's my time but I think because we're offsite I'm kinda meh about it all...

Sent from my Samsung S3 using DISBoards

I am too... I've made one...... Feeling indecisive!

So we have come up with our dining choices for next year. For those of you that don’t know me, we are all about good food and good restaurants. We LOVE our Disney Dining. We have done the dining plan in the past and the Deluxe Dining plan twice. This time we are saving some money without the plan while still eating at the places we want to eat. DS loves his shrimp but can get down with a good steak, DD loves mussels but will be a carnivore for a NY strip steak. DH is ALL carnivore! I will try many different proteins. We all love good sides, appetizers and desserts. We just have a hard time, in the hot summer months, eating all of them at every meal. Here is what we have decided for next year…
DTD day
L- Raglan Road (loved it last year and must have more)
D- Maya Grill (little known gem at Coronado Springs we love. Tex-Mex type food, Yum!)
AK day
L- Yak & Yeti (love this place and kids want to go back again, ok, done)
D- Cape May Clam Bake (yes, we can get down with a seafood buffet, haven’t been in a while)
Arrival day
D- Ohana (love this place! Must do every trip, great food and atmosphere)
DHS day
L- 50’s Prime time Café (my favorite for the kitch and good comfort food, yum)
D- Counter Service in the park some where
1st Epcot day
L- Rose and Crown (haven’t been since Disneymoon ’94, kids want to try so here we go)
D-Teppan Edu (Must do on every trip for the last 3 or 4 trips, super yum!)
2nd Epcot day (no kids just DH and myself)
L- La Hacienda (did this last trip but were so full couldn’t appreciate it so trying again this trip)
D-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2nd time for us, steaks that melt in our mouths, yes sign me up!!!!)
1st MK day
L-Cosmic Ray’s (staple CS for us, we enjoy this place. Only missed it once in all our trips)
D- Be our Guest (It’s new and we figure we should try it out)
2nd MK day
B-Chef Mickey’s (been for dinner recently but not Breakfast and kids want to do B there, so okay)
D-Citricos (never been but menu looked good and we wanted to try another signature this trip)
Departure day
B- Landscapes of Flavors (good food, nice to do before leaving)
So this is what we have. What do you think? Let me know. I would like to hear what you think and if you have any questions about any places I have been, I would be happy to answer them as best I can. Ok, so let me know what you think!

Have you been to Raglan Road for dinner? The Irish dancers are great, they actually brought my 3 year old up on stage
Ooo, I want to try rose & crown! I love seeing others ADRs, helps me remember what I want to try.

 

[BDL]

DTD day
L- Raglan Road (loved it last year and must have more)
D- Maya Grill (little known gem at Coronado Springs we love. Tex-Mex type food, Yum!)
AK day
L- Yak & Yeti (love this place and kids want to go back again, ok, done)
D- Cape May Clam Bake (yes, we can get down with a seafood buffet, haven’t been in a while)
Arrival day
D- Ohana (love this place! Must do every trip, great food and atmosphere)
DHS day
L- 50’s Prime time Café (my favorite for the kitch and good comfort food, yum)
D- Counter Service in the park some where
1st Epcot day
L- Rose and Crown (haven’t been since Disneymoon ’94, kids want to try so here we go)
D-Teppan Edu (Must do on every trip for the last 3 or 4 trips, super yum!)
2nd Epcot day (no kids just DH and myself)
L- La Hacienda (did this last trip but were so full couldn’t appreciate it so trying again this trip)
D-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2nd time for us, steaks that melt in our mouths, yes sign me up!!!!)
1st MK day
L-Cosmic Ray’s (staple CS for us, we enjoy this place. Only missed it once in all our trips)
D- Be our Guest (It’s new and we figure we should try it out)
2nd MK day
B-Chef Mickey’s (been for dinner recently but not Breakfast and kids want to do B there, so okay)
D-Citricos (never been but menu looked good and we wanted to try another signature this trip)
Departure day
B- Landscapes of Flavors (good food, nice to do before leaving)
So this is what we have. What do you think? Let me know. I would like to hear what you think and if you have any questions about any places I have been, I would be happy to answer them as best I can. Ok, so let me know what you think!

Believe it or not, I can offer ZERO opinions about your choice restaurants. I have not eaten at ANY of them. I am so woefully behind.

 

[cadale]

Just stopping by to say we are officially booked for our dates, May 22 - 26, 2014 at POR. It will be the end to our Disney Cruise. My son can't wait to do SWW. Of course I can't wait to see him roll out of bed early enough to get to HS.

 

[SweetStitch13]

If you drive straight thru it is approx. 18 hrs ish. We break it into 2 days. We are just outside of Philadelphia so we drive to Florence, SC and on the second day we get to Disney around 4ish pm. On our way back we do the same thing but stop at Lumberton, NC. We find a Days in or something similar that only charges about $75 at most including taxes and it must include a continental breakfast. (get the most for the least!! Something my Dad taught me). Including gas (6 fills down and back) 4 meals (fast food lunch and dinner down and back @ $30/meal @ 8 meals) and 2 nights hotel, it should be no more than $675. Airfare would be anywhere from $1100 and up.
We also stop every 2-3 hours for at least a potty/stretch legs/change driver stop. Even if it's only about 10 mins, it keeps us fresh. Going down 95 makes it easy.

That sounds like a pretty good plan! And you get to experience those other cities/towns along the way. I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. Thanks for sharing

 

[SweetStitch13]

So we have come up with our dining choices for next year. For those of you that don’t know me, we are all about good food and good restaurants. We LOVE our Disney Dining. We have done the dining plan in the past and the Deluxe Dining plan twice. This time we are saving some money without the plan while still eating at the places we want to eat. DS loves his shrimp but can get down with a good steak, DD loves mussels but will be a carnivore for a NY strip steak. DH is ALL carnivore! I will try many different proteins. We all love good sides, appetizers and desserts. We just have a hard time, in the hot summer months, eating all of them at every meal. Here is what we have decided for next year…
DTD day
L- Raglan Road (loved it last year and must have more)
D- Maya Grill (little known gem at Coronado Springs we love. Tex-Mex type food, Yum!)
AK day
L- Yak & Yeti (love this place and kids want to go back again, ok, done)
D- Cape May Clam Bake (yes, we can get down with a seafood buffet, haven’t been in a while)
Arrival day
D- Ohana (love this place! Must do every trip, great food and atmosphere)
DHS day
L- 50’s Prime time Café (my favorite for the kitch and good comfort food, yum)
D- Counter Service in the park some where
1st Epcot day
L- Rose and Crown (haven’t been since Disneymoon ’94, kids want to try so here we go)
D-Teppan Edu (Must do on every trip for the last 3 or 4 trips, super yum!)
2nd Epcot day (no kids just DH and myself)
L- La Hacienda (did this last trip but were so full couldn’t appreciate it so trying again this trip)
D-Yachtsman Steakhouse (2nd time for us, steaks that melt in our mouths, yes sign me up!!!!)
1st MK day
L-Cosmic Ray’s (staple CS for us, we enjoy this place. Only missed it once in all our trips)
D- Be our Guest (It’s new and we figure we should try it out)
2nd MK day
B-Chef Mickey’s (been for dinner recently but not Breakfast and kids want to do B there, so okay)
D-Citricos (never been but menu looked good and we wanted to try another signature this trip)
Departure day
B- Landscapes of Flavors (good food, nice to do before leaving)
So this is what we have. What do you think? Let me know. I would like to hear what you think and if you have any questions about any places I have been, I would be happy to answer them as best I can. Ok, so let me know what you think!

Those all sound like great options! Have you eaten at Artist Point? We want to do at least one signature on our next trip, but we're torn between Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse. We've heard good things about both, but haven't eaten at either!

 

[SAT887]

So who here has experience being in WDW for marathon weekend in January? I am not so worried about crowds and such but getting from point a to point b... Any tips, suggestions, things to expect?

 

[mom4praise]

Finally we have dates and hotel picked. My parents are coming down for part of our trip .

Please move me to December We will be at POR December 14-27. My parents are joining us on the 23rd for Christmas. (Notice the hotel change I WIN I WIN I WIN)

Originally when I spoke to the school there was absolutely no way to pull the high school kids for vacation. After being persistant that they are my kids and I should be able to, I spoke to a guidance counselor who we have a good relationship with and explained it to him....and YES I can pull them for a week. My college age son though I do not want to pull. So we are leaving the day after his final class.

Now I just need to be patient for the packages for December to open up.

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

Have you been to Raglan Road for dinner? The Irish dancers are great, they actually brought my 3 year old up on stage
Ooo, I want to try rose & crown! I love seeing others ADRs, helps me remember what I want to try.

We have not done Raglan Road for dinner but I have heard good things. We would have done it for dinner this time but Maya Grill is only open for dinner and not lunch. So we will shop, eat, pool, rest, then eat again that day.

Believe it or not, I can offer ZERO opinions about your choice restaurants. I have not eaten at ANY of them. I am so woefully behind.

I was there at one point too. You have to start somewhere and that is what we did. We would like to eat at every TS location eventually. Our problem is that we love so many places and want to keep going to them it is hard to fit in new places. To have such problems in life...

That sounds like a pretty good plan! And you get to experience those other cities/towns along the way. I'll have to keep that in mind for the future. Thanks for sharing

The last time we drove down, DD was not quite 3yrs old. They were fine but we had to make many more and longer stops. For this trip they will be not quite 12 and 15, no problem. They can chat, play games and keep themselves occupied better (I hope).

Those all sound like great options! Have you eaten at Artist Point? We want to do at least one signature on our next trip, but we're torn between Artist Point and Yachtsman Steakhouse. We've heard good things about both, but haven't eaten at either!

We haven't eaten at Artist Point. It was on our list that we would have done if we went with the DxDP. But since we had to cut our budget we are saving at least $2000 by not doing that dining plan. We looked at Narcoosee, AP, YSH, Flying Fish, Le Cellier, California Grill, Citricos, and Brown Derby. We whittled it down to 2 signatures based on our location and how it would fit in to our touring style. We knew we HAD to do YSH because it was SOOOOOO good. I can't say anything bad about this place at all. (I have pictures and our review of it on my dining report). I barely had to cut my filet and it melted in my mouth. their soup, oh my! But AP was on our list, it just didn't make the cut this trip. Maybe next year.

 

[joanzie72]

this past spring I printed out a parks plan for the month of Feb 2013. It had approx. crowd levels, fire works times, rated parks on which one you should go to. Sadly it didn't print the web page it came from on the bottom Anyone have a good website to check out? Going Feb 2014

 

[SAT887]

this past spring I printed out a parks plan for the month of Feb 2013. It had approx. crowd levels, fire works times, rated parks on which one you should go to. Sadly it didn't print the web page it came from on the bottom Anyone have a good website to check out? Going Feb 2014

I like easywdw.com he has good crowd calendars. I'm not a huge follower of them, but I can't say I don't look. Some people swear by touringplans.com.... However, I do prefer Josh from easywdw methods, breakdowns and humor.... I don't think I have seen the feb calendar posted yet though....

 

[rharper1496]

So we have come up with our dining choices for next year. For those of you that don’t know me, we are all about good food and good restaurants. We LOVE our Disney Dining. We have done the dining plan in the past and the Deluxe Dining plan twice. This time we are saving some money without the plan while still eating at the places we want to eat. DS loves his shrimp but can get down with a good steak, DD loves mussels but will be a carnivore for a NY strip steak. DH is ALL carnivore! I will try many different proteins. We all love good sides, appetizers and desserts. We just have a hard time, in the hot summer months, eating all of them at every meal. Here is what we have decided for next year…
DTD day

Can I come eat with you guys? DH is allergic to shellfish and my kids act like eating a steak is some sort of horrible punishment. I'm banished to the world of chicken.

 

[rharper1496]

I like easywdw.com he has good crowd calendars. I'm not a huge follower of them, but I can't say I don't look. Some people swear by touringplans.com.... However, I do prefer Josh from easywdw methods, breakdowns and humor.... I don't think I have seen the feb calendar posted yet though....

Feb hours haven't been released yet. I've been refreshing that page at least once an hour since yesterday like I think that's going to make it happen sooner.

I've also turned into an OCD email checker for the 0.000001% chance there's a code in there.

 

[mickeyplanner]

Today is my ADR day

Well, how did it go with your ADRs today?

This time we are saving some money without the plan while still eating at the places we want to eat. !

HOw are you saving some money? Are you not doing the dining plan or just not the deluxe? I keep crunching numbers and I think we are going to do TIW for the whole trip without a dining plan. I think it might help to save us a little since DS will have just turned 3 and is not a big eater so other than character meals, he can share with us or DD.

So who here has experience being in WDW for marathon weekend in January? I am not so worried about crowds and such but getting from point a to point b... Any tips, suggestions, things to expect?

WE have been at Disney twice during the Marathon weekend. Avoid MK and you will be fine. We save AK and HS for those days and have no problems at all.

 

[SAT887]

Well, how did it go with your ADRs today?

HOw are you saving some money? Are you not doing the dining plan or just not the deluxe? I keep crunching numbers and I think we are going to do TIW for the whole trip without a dining plan. I think it might help to save us a little since DS will have just turned 3 and is not a big eater so other than character meals, he can share with us or DD.

WE have been at Disney twice during the Marathon weekend. Avoid MK and you will be fine. We save AK and HS for those days and have no problems at all.

I haven't finished my ADRs yet... I'm so undecided.... Does MK get insanely busy? Maybe we will do HS that day and try FF for dinner..... Then we can wander on over to Epcot that evening and walk around the world showcase..... Do you think Epcot would be crowded at night?

 

[auprincess]

So who here has experience being in WDW for marathon weekend in January? I am not so worried about crowds and such but getting from point a to point b... Any tips, suggestions, things to expect?

I have and honestly I didn't find it bad at all. We were even staying at a value where lots of runners were. The only thing I noticed was the food court and pool were more crowded.