*** The Official July 2014 thread, join us won't you? ***

[lovestoread]

I hear ya! In another couple of years my boys will outgrow Dutch Wonderland so I won't be able to get a Dole Whip anymore over there. I love Lancaster! The shopping is awesome, love Kitchen Kettle Village and the little local shops. I love the restaurants there too, especially Miller's and Plain & Fancy! I know everyone on the DIS is anxious for FP+ to become available to book for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, but I'm hoping it's not available yet as of my FP+ window (May 21st). If it is, I will be up until midnight the night before, and it's mid week. I'm hoping it opens on a weekend so I don't have to get up at 5 in the morning right after doing that! I guess I could hope right? Other than that ride, I think all the rest of our selections could wait until early in the morning.

When it's time to do your fastpasses, just know that the mine train didn't show up for me as an option when I was on my iPad, but was an option when I got on my laptop. I was stressing out!!

 

[lovestoread]

Yesterday was my "60 days 'til Disney" so I started booking my fastpasses. I think I will be glad to have them once it's time for my trip, but it was stressing me out a bit to have to specifically choose my park for every day of my vacation. Has anyone else felt this way? I know I can change them, but it just wasn't an easy process for me. And now that you can get additional ones after using your three, I felt that it was very important to choose the right time frames.

Anyway, almost every day is booked, which will be good in the long run. As I stated earlier, I first tried on my iPad, and the Mine Train was not showing up. So be ready for that. If that is the case for any of you, try a different device! It was right there once I got onto my laptop.

Does anyone know for sure the times for activities/events for the week of the 4th?? Parades and such? Thanks! And may the 4th be with you today!

 

[Jessicavoet]

Can I join the fun?

We are heading to OKW 7/27-8/3 for our first trip with the kids (boys ages 8 & 5). We haven't been to the parks since 2005 and are feeling overwhelmed with all the FP+ changes!

Welcome!!! We're a little overwhelmed too, this is our first trip so I'm just trying to soak in everything I can lol

Hi all,

Wow, this is a long thread, lol.

My family is going to WDW and staying at the Polynesian July 4th-12th 2014. This is the only time we could all go this year, and I'm a little nervous about the crowd situation over July 4th week.

We will have fun regardless!

Welcome!!!


We are 2 months and 2 weeks from vacation today!! I am so ready to get out of here and live in a "pretend" world for a while lol

 

[SRUAlmn]

Yesterday was my "60 days 'til Disney" so I started booking my fastpasses. I think I will be glad to have them once it's time for my trip, but it was stressing me out a bit to have to specifically choose my park for every day of my vacation. Has anyone else felt this way? I know I can change them, but it just wasn't an easy process for me. And now that you can get additional ones after using your three, I felt that it was very important to choose the right time frames.

I feel a little bit that way too. We normally know which days we'll be at which parks since we rely on Josh's suggestions on Easy WDW, but we were feeling pressure when it came to picking times. Our plan this year (since we're spending more than usual on our resort) was to spend more of the morning and early afternoon at our resort/pool, and then just do the parks in the late afternoon and evening. With FP+ we'd still be able to enjoy everything without running to the parks early. When they announced the change to add more after your 3 are done, it made me wonder if we should book them earlier, but I think we're going to stick with our original plan. From what I've read, most things will be able to be changed once we're there (except maybe the 7DMT and we're not doing Anna and Elsa.)

 

[patclairesmom]

Bad news, I need to leave the group as we can't go in July anymore.
but good news we got free dining in Nov!

 

[bangzoom6877]

Yesterday was my "60 days 'til Disney" so I started booking my fastpasses. I think I will be glad to have them once it's time for my trip, but it was stressing me out a bit to have to specifically choose my park for every day of my vacation. Has anyone else felt this way? I know I can change them, but it just wasn't an easy process for me. And now that you can get additional ones after using your three, I felt that it was very important to choose the right time frames. Anyway, almost every day is booked, which will be good in the long run. As I stated earlier, I first tried on my iPad, and the Mine Train was not showing up. So be ready for that. If that is the case for any of you, try a different device! It was right there once I got onto my laptop. Does anyone know for sure the times for activities/events for the week of the 4th?? Parades and such? Thanks! And may the 4th be with you today!

Did you go on at midnight, or did you wait until the morning? I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it to stay awake to book the FP+ for the Seven Dwarfs mine train, or just wait until morning. We're not going to see Anna and Elsa, so that's not an issue for us. Our FP+ window opens May 21st and I'm trying to decide if is ant to stay up until midnight the night before or just book at 5am when I normally wake up.

I haven't been stressed about needing to know which park we are going to on certain days, because I've always had those plans in place by the 180-day ADR window. We also have never park hopped and we aren't on this trip either, so that has never been an issue for us. The only thing that has caused me a little stress is the fact that it is a new system and the touring plan changes based on this, completely, from the way it was on our past trips with regular FP. One thing I'm looking forward to, is not having to make the mad dash to Soarin' or TSMM at rope drop for FP. That will be nice. But we are also trying to get FP+ for seven dwarfs because I know the rush to that ride will be crazy at rope drop and I just want to avoid that. So the FP+ situation for that ride has also had me a bit stressed.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Hi everyone! We're in the middle of our May Madness weekend in the family! Yesterday we celebrated DS and my niece's birthdays at my house, and today we are going out for DH and my bro-in-law. Very busy, but a lot of fun!! Lots of good food and good times, that's how life should always be!

17 days until my FP+ window opens! and I'm debating whether to stay up until midnight to secure a FP+ for Seven Dwarfs mine train, or just wait until 5am when I wake up to do it. We're not going to see Anna and Elsa, so that one isn't an issue. Thoughts/advice anyone?

 

[inspiredlife]

I am feeling a dis-meet at Harambe!

Would be fun!

 

[SRUAlmn]

Hi everyone! We're in the middle of our May Madness weekend in the family! Yesterday we celebrated DS and my niece's birthdays at my house, and today we are going out for DH and my bro-in-law. Very busy, but a lot of fun!! Lots of good food and good times, that's how life should always be!

17 days until my FP+ window opens! and I'm debating whether to stay up until midnight to secure a FP+ for Seven Dwarfs mine train, or just wait until 5am when I wake up to do it. We're not going to see Anna and Elsa, so that one isn't an issue. Thoughts/advice anyone?

I'm having the same debate, and our FP+ booking date is in 14 days. I know it's been so crazy busy with people booking this weekend, but that was a whole month of people trying to book at once. I think I 'might' do the midnight thing just to be on the safe side, but I don't know that it's really necessary? I'll let you know how it goes since our day is before yours

 

[SRUAlmn]

Grrr…… I just typed all this, but I guess I took too long because it signed me out and then when I signed back in it was all gone.


Anyway  I don’t normally post touring plans or ask for feedback because I know everyone is different and does things differently, but this year we’re thinking of going rogue and totally changing up the plan, so I wanted to see what people think. We are thinking about spending more resort time since we’ve been so blessed to get to enjoy a 2 BR MK view room at BLT this year. We thought we should probably take the time to enjoy it (and the resort) and with FP+ it looks like that might actually be possible.

Here are our tentative plans. Our MK days will be the only days we’ll be going to the parks “early.” I know you can now get more than 3 FP+ after you use the 3, so it’s a risk waiting to use them until later in the day, but MK is the only park in which we even really ride more than 3 things! There are 4 of us (2 thrill riders and 2 non-thrill riders,) so when I list two attractions with a / between them it means we’re going to get 2 FP+ for one and 2 for the other and let the two thrill riders ride both things 

Ok, here goes!

Day 1 – Arrival – not going to the parks, enjoy BLT, unpack, explore, maybe go to DTD, dinner ADR at Cali Grill

Day 2 – MK at rope drop – standby ride PP, POOH, Dumbo – FP+ for 7DMT, Little Mermaid, and Buzz – Lunch FP for BOG at 11 – back to BLT around 1:00, go to Epcot for PM EMH from 6-11 - see if we can get additional FP+ for Soarin, (but we know it will be unlikely) or possibly Illuminations reserved area?

Day 3 – Resort Morning – go to AK around 3:00 – FP+ Everest/Dinosaur, Safari, and Kali – possibly (if we win the lottery do Harambe Nights this night)

Day 4 – Resort Day – Chef Mickey’s breakfast ADR – go to MK PM EMH around 7:00 – FP+ for Space/BTM, HM, POTC (try for 4th for MSEP viewing area)

Day 5 – Resort Morning – go to EPCOT from 4-7 (FP+ for Soarin/Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Nemo?) then walk/boat to DHS for PM EMH (this is where the hopping would come in handy because we could use that third one for RNRC instead of Nemo)

Day 6 – Resort Morning – go to DHS around 5:00 (FP+ for TSMM, TOT/Star Tours, GMR)

Day 7 – MK early for Crystal Palace breakfast ADR – this will be a bonus day for us to ride anything for a second or third time, Standby what we can and then I’m thinking FP+ for 7DMT, Space/BTM, and POTC or HM? - then I’m up in the air about this day – stay at MK for most of the day and do night at BLT, or go back to BLT around 1:00 and then go to AK from 4-8

Day 8 – Departure day – this is a MK AM EMH day, so we might try to go over for a little bit before we leave

Thoughts? This is a totally different plan for us to SLEEP IN most days, but it seems like it might work. I do need to figure out RNRC, but we might just have to rely on day-of FP+ or doing single rider due to tiering.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

Grrr…… I just typed all this, but I guess I took too long because it signed me out and then when I signed back in it was all gone. Anyway  I don’t normally post touring plans or ask for feedback because I know everyone is different and does things differently, but this year we’re thinking of going rogue and totally changing up the plan, so I wanted to see what people think. We are thinking about spending more resort time since we’ve been so blessed to get to enjoy a 2 BR MK view room at BLT this year. We thought we should probably take the time to enjoy it (and the resort) and with FP+ it looks like that might actually be possible. Here are our tentative plans. Our MK days will be the only days we’ll be going to the parks “early.” I know you can now get more than 3 FP+ after you use the 3, so it’s a risk waiting to use them until later in the day, but MK is the only park in which we even really ride more than 3 things! There are 4 of us (2 thrill riders and 2 non-thrill riders,) so when I list two attractions with a / between them it means we’re going to get 2 FP+ for one and 2 for the other and let the two thrill riders ride both things  Ok, here goes! Day 1 – Arrival – not going to the parks, enjoy BLT, unpack, explore, maybe go to DTD, dinner ADR at Cali Grill Day 2 – MK at rope drop – standby ride PP, POOH, Dumbo – FP+ for 7DMT, Little Mermaid, and Buzz – Lunch FP for BOG at 11 – back to BLT around 1:00, go to Epcot for PM EMH from 6-11 - see if we can get additional FP+ for Soarin, (but we know it will be unlikely) or possibly Illuminations reserved area? Day 3 – Resort Morning – go to AK around 3:00 – FP+ Everest/Dinosaur, Safari, and Kali – possibly (if we win the lottery do Harambe Nights this night) Day 4 – Resort Day – Chef Mickey’s breakfast ADR – go to MK PM EMH around 7:00 – FP+ for Space/BTM, HM, POTC (try for 4th for MSEP viewing area) Day 5 – Resort Morning – go to EPCOT from 4-7 (FP+ for Soarin/Test Track, Spaceship Earth, Nemo?) then walk/boat to DHS for PM EMH (this is where the hopping would come in handy because we could use that third one for RNRC instead of Nemo) Day 6 – Resort Morning – go to DHS around 5:00 (FP+ for TSMM, TOT/Star Tours, GMR) Day 7 – MK early for Crystal Palace breakfast ADR – this will be a bonus day for us to ride anything for a second or third time, Standby what we can and then I’m thinking FP+ for 7DMT, Space/BTM, and POTC or HM? - then I’m up in the air about this day – stay at MK for most of the day and do night at BLT, or go back to BLT around 1:00 and then go to AK from 4-8 Day 8 – Departure day – this is a MK AM EMH day, so we might try to go over for a little bit before we leave Thoughts? This is a totally different plan for us to SLEEP IN most days, but it seems like it might work. I do need to figure out RNRC, but we might just have to rely on day-of FP+ or doing single rider due to tiering.

I hated the idea of FP+ when it first came out! but since being able to use it last week, my thoughts have changed a LITTLE. I do love how you can get FP+ w/ out having to make RD. We used to be an on property family but since we bought our condo, we obviously aren't anymore. It takes us 40 min to get to WDW now and RD is extremely difficult w teenagers. So being able to sleep in is a bonus.
Whenever we stayed on property it was always deluxe so we would always have resort days and plenty of pool time mid afternoon. So all your resort time looks great to me!! I can't wait to be able to book 7DMT- so exciting!!
My booking window isn't until the first of June bc we are off siters.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Aristocath]

This thread is so refreshing compared to the strategies and resorts boards. The negativity is such a downer between complaints of FP+, SDMT opening and Polynesian renovation. I know we all have to reevaluate plans but here it seems more constructive. Thanks for being a happy spot to go to!

Despite the 4th FP+ opportunity, we are sticking with the original plan of getting FP+ for the park we hop to in the late afternoon/ evening. When I picked our FP+ options earlier this week it took me about 45 minutes to do it for our family of five for 10 days. A few times I had to go with the best option it gave me for the 3 FP+s and then go in and change one time for one ride. (Hope that makes sense.)

The day to book our FP+s was a busy one for me so I stayed up the night before and it opened for me at 11pm my time. I had lots of options for the 4th of July week and I was able to secure an Anna &Elsa FP. On Friday I went back and changed a couple of FP+ for the SDMT ride.

I would recommend doing it on your laptop/desktop if possible. It was a lot easier than doing the app.

Hope that helps someone and Happy Planning!

 

[wintershawl]

This thread is so refreshing compared to the strategies and resorts boards. The negativity is such a downer between complaints of FP+, SDMT opening and Polynesian renovation. I know we all have to reevaluate plans but here it seems more constructive. Thanks for being a happy spot to go to!

Despite the 4th FP+ opportunity, we are sticking with the original plan of getting FP+ for the park we hop to in the late afternoon/ evening. When I picked our FP+ options earlier this week it took me about 45 minutes to do it for our family of five for 10 days. A few times I had to go with the best option it gave me for the 3 FP+s and then go in and change one time for one ride. (Hope that makes sense.)

The day to book our FP+s was a busy one for me so I stayed up the night before and it opened for me at 11pm my time. I had lots of options for the 4th of July week and I was able to secure an Anna &Elsa FP. On Friday I went back and changed a couple of FP+ for the SDMT ride.

I would recommend doing it on your laptop/desktop if possible. It was a lot easier than doing the app.

Hope that helps someone and Happy Planning!

I agree! I love Disney, so it's hard seeing so much negativity. No one is really going to be happy all the time. I get that people can voice their opinions and such, but misery loves company. I have a few non-happy Disney stories, but why dwell? After all, the downers never overcame my happiness to be there!

This thread is great because we are all happy to be going!

 

[Bbbethei]

Thank you for the warm welcome!

We decided to bite the bullet and rent a car for the trip, even though we're going to be onsite. We ended up with a full-size from Budget through Costco for about $215. I've pricelined our past couple rentals but have had absolutely no luck so far. Is it just the summer crowds that are driving up the prices? I've booked my share of travel, but I'm feeling like a fish out of water with this trip.

 

[454RAT]

All In Now! Just booked thru Orbitz, July 12th thru 19th. First time at Beach Club. We always go every other June, but this year we're waiting till July.

 

[bangzoom6877]

This thread is so refreshing compared to the strategies and resorts boards. The negativity is such a downer between complaints of FP+, SDMT opening and Polynesian renovation. I know we all have to reevaluate plans but here it seems more constructive. Thanks for being a happy spot to go to! Despite the 4th FP+ opportunity, we are sticking with the original plan of getting FP+ for the park we hop to in the late afternoon/ evening. When I picked our FP+ options earlier this week it took me about 45 minutes to do it for our family of five for 10 days. A few times I had to go with the best option it gave me for the 3 FP+s and then go in and change one time for one ride. (Hope that makes sense.) The day to book our FP+s was a busy one for me so I stayed up the night before and it opened for me at 11pm my time. I had lots of options for the 4th of July week and I was able to secure an Anna &Elsa FP. On Friday I went back and changed a couple of FP+ for the SDMT ride. I would recommend doing it on your laptop/desktop if possible. It was a lot easier than doing the app. Hope that helps someone and Happy Planning!

I love this thread too. It's nice being with happy people!

Did you make your FP+ selections at midnight when your day came, or did you wait until morning? I'm trying to figure out which to do...not going for Anna and Elsa, but going for SDMT for sure. Our window opens May 21st. Midweek so I'd rather wait until morning if I can.

I agree! I love Disney, so it's hard seeing so much negativity. No one is really going to be happy all the time. I get that people can voice their opinions and such, but misery loves company. I have a few non-happy Disney stories, but why dwell? After all, the downers never overcame my happiness to be there! This thread is great because we are all happy to be going!

Yes, yes, yes!! There's always some sort of issue on any vacation, but we always remember the great times. Somehow with all the chaos it has always worked out. We laugh about a lot of it now...like, which day will we hit rain at MK? Or will it be both days?

 

[DisneyMomFanatic]

All In Now! Just booked thru Orbitz, July 12th thru 19th. First time at Beach Club. We always go every other June, but this year we're waiting till July.

to our JULY group! Glad to have you join our month. I will add you to the front page.

 

[DisneyFun08]

Bad news, I need to leave the group as we can't go in July anymore.
but good news we got free dining in Nov!

Yay for free dining!

 

[DisneyFun08]

When it's time to do your fastpasses, just know that the mine train didn't show up for me as an option when I was on my iPad, but was an option when I got on my laptop. I was stressing out!!

Thanks for the warning! I love all the advice and suggestions I get from everyone on here!!!

 

[454RAT]

to our JULY group! Glad to have you join our month. I will add you to the front page.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I am so needing this vacation, my son is all about the pool and I think Beach Club has exactly what we're looking for. Now let the planning begin!