The Prize for the most Indecisive Traveller

[WanderlustNZ]

Wow, that is so cheap. I can see even more why Vietnam appeals so much to you.

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Barging into your convo here-I think your country is beautiful WanderlustNZ and I agree you can tour for a reasonable price, but no, nothing like how cheap Vietnam is, though with the tourist interest there now I wonder if that will change in the coming years.

I have a foot in both camps with the cities versus country as I spent the first half of my childhood til the end of primary school in London and my high school years in rural Qld and currently live in a semi rural location on the edge of Brisbane. We love seeing the countryside more than cities but I do like the "vibe" of a big city as a contrast.

We visited Vienna a very long time ago but it didn't appeal to us - on that first trip to Europe in our early 20's it was the smaller towns in Germany and Austria we loved the most. We watched a training session at the famous riding school and did enjoy that but didn't find the "soul" of the city. Loved Salzburg and Innsbruck though. I wouldn't discount the smaller towns in France either - I had a girlfriend who married a Frenchman and lived for many years in the Dordogne. In the 80's it hadn't been discovered and we had magical times staying with her exploring the little towns, castles, rivers, prehistoric caves etc. I would love to revisit the area again.

I think your anniversary trip pact is pretty ambitious Zanzibar but I love it and you have certainly maintained it to date!

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Oh and Zanziibar we can recommend Dart Stables to go LoR horse riding with in Queenstown - DD has done 2 rides with them now to different locations.

 

[zanzibar138]

Barging into your convo here-I think your country is beautiful WanderlustNZ and I agree you can tour for a reasonable price, but no, nothing like how cheap Vietnam is, though with the tourist interest there now I wonder if that will change in the coming years.

I hate the thought of Vietnam becoming over-touristed. It's still very charming at the moment, but once the masses descend, who knows We want to experience it as much as possible before that happens.

I have a foot in both camps with the cities versus country as I spent the first half of my childhood til the end of primary school in London and my high school years in rural Qld and currently live in a semi rural location on the edge of Brisbane. We love seeing the countryside more than cities but I do like the "vibe" of a big city as a contrast.

Big cities are stressful to me. I don't deal well with crowds or hustle and bustle. I've lived right on the outer edge of a metro area for most of my life.

We visited Vienna a very long time ago but it didn't appeal to us - on that first trip to Europe in our early 20's it was the smaller towns in Germany and Austria we loved the most. We watched a training session at the famous riding school and did enjoy that but didn't find the "soul" of the city. Loved Salzburg and Innsbruck though. I wouldn't discount the smaller towns in France either - I had a girlfriend who married a Frenchman and lived for many years in the Dordogne. In the 80's it hadn't been discovered and we had magical times staying with her exploring the little towns, castles, rivers, prehistoric caves etc. I would love to revisit the area again.

Most people I've heard of have been disappointed in Vienna, so I'm probably setting myself up for disappointment too. I have to see for myself though. I'm actually quite looking forward to exploring more of regional France when my parents are there. It will be interesting to see where they end up basing themselves. It might still be a city, but it won't be Paris.

I think your anniversary trip pact is pretty ambitious Zanzibar but I love it and you have certainly maintained it to date!

Maybe a little ambitious, but it doesn't need to be a big trip every year. You can do a long weekend in Asia or South Pacific (or NZ as discussed) pretty cheap. And we have already talked about whether Tassie would count

Oh and Zanzibar we can recommend Dart Stables to go LoR horse riding with in Queenstown - DD has done 2 rides with them now to different locations.

They are already in my Favourites list Nice to know they come recommended though!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Big cities are stressful to me. I don't deal well with crowds or hustle and bustle. I've lived right on the outer edge of a metro area for most of my life.

Gosh, we are alike. DH needs to live near a big city as his job is quite specialised. So we choose to live on the outskirts to try and avoid the hustle and bustle.

I lived in London for a few years, and while it's a city that will always hold a piece of my heart, it started to play havoc with my nerves after about a year. I remember reading a book that was full of tips about a British OE and it had a checklist for deciding when you had lived in London for too long and it was time to go home.
It included such things as:
- you get annoyed when someone stands on the wrong side of the escalator
- you think there is something strange about anyone who tries we to start up a conversation with you on public transport
- and the worst one; you no longer view a tube jumper (someone who jumps in front of a tube train to take their life) as a tragedy, but rather an inconvenience.

I hate to say, I ticked everything on that checklist. Pretty much the day after doing that quiz, DH and I started making arrangements to come home.

I guess cities just don't suit my personality. I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of being where I needed to be, or avoiding the sea of people around me, that I forget to slow down and appreciate the small stuff around me. I know some people thrive on big cities - they make them feel energised. That's just not me unfortunately.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

...but didn't find the "soul" of the city.

That's a good way of putting it. We couldn't find the soul either.

 

[zanzibar138]

I get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of being where I needed to be, or avoiding the sea of people around me, that I forget to slow down and appreciate the small stuff around me.

Exactly! Crowds make me feel very claustrophobic and insecure. I am one of those people who ducks and weaves around the crowds on the footpaths because I just want to get to where I'm going so I can relax I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it

I have to say I'm a little concerned about how I'm going to fare on our upcoming trip to DLR. Running with such huge crowds of people scares me a little, as does the thought of touring the parks during peak time (which is why we weren't even going to do the parks that weekend, but DH went and messed that up for us ). I'll just have to go at my own pace and find somewhere to unwind if I need to. September should be ok, but I think doing a tour on my birthday will be a great way to avoid some of the weekend crowds

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Exactly! Crowds make me feel very claustrophobic and insecure. I am one of those people who ducks and weaves around the crowds on the footpaths because I just want to get to where I'm going so I can relax I'm getting stressed out just thinking about it

I have to say I'm a little concerned about how I'm going to fare on our upcoming trip to DLR. Running with such huge crowds of people scares me a little, as does the thought of touring the parks during peak time (which is why we weren't even going to do the parks that weekend, but DH went and messed that up for us ). I'll just have to go at my own pace and find somewhere to unwind if I need to. September should be ok, but I think doing a tour on my birthday will be a great way to avoid some of the weekend crowds

I'm thinking the same about a tour. I'm quite anxious about the crowd levels on Gay Days, so will happily pay money to have someone guide me around the crowds. That, and the fact that the DLR tours look pretty cool

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Quick update.

I got an annoying job out of the way a few weeks back and applied for new passports for DS and I. Mine has arrived, and I got an email yesterday to say that DS's is on it's way. It's quite a nice feeling to know we all have up-to-date passports with plenty of years left on them.

I updated 3 of our 4 Hawaiian Airlines flights to economy comfort seats (basically extra legroom, priority boarding, and a few extra perks). On the International (Auckland - Honolulu) legs we each get a souvenir pillow and blanket to keep. While it's a nice idea for a perk, I'm not sure how much room we'll have in our suitcases for pillows and blankets.

I can't quite decide whether I want to upgrade the LAX - HNL leg. It's $60 p/p, and the alternative is to book the Fantasmic Dessert Package. I'm swaying towards the Dessert at present. I figure that 5 hours in less comfortable seats is not the end of the world given that we have 3 nights to relax at Aulani afterwards.

Also, the NZ dollar has been at a yearly high the last few days. I'm crossing my fingers that it stays that way for a bit longer.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Double post

 

[PrincessInOz]

Quick update.

I got an annoying job out of the way a few weeks back and applied for new passports for DS and I. Mine has arrived, and I got an email yesterday to say that DS's is on it's way. It's quite a nice feeling to know we all have up-to-date passports with plenty of years left on them.

I updated 3 of our 4 Hawaiian Airlines flights to economy comfort seats (basically extra legroom, priority boarding, and a few extra perks). On the International (Auckland - Honolulu) legs we each get a souvenir pillow and blanket to keep. While it's a nice idea for a perk, I'm not sure how much room we'll have in our suitcases for pillows and blankets.

I can't quite decide whether I want to upgrade the LAX - HNL leg. It's $60 p/p, and the alternative is to book the Fantasmic Dessert Package. I'm swaying towards the Dessert at present. I figure that 5 hours in less comfortable seats is not the end of the world given that we have 3 nights to relax at Aulani afterwards.

Also, the NZ dollar has been at a yearly high the last few days. I'm crossing my fingers that it stays that way for a bit longer.

My vote is for the Dessert package.

 

[LizfromOz]

Another vote here for Dessert Package. I'm pretty confident you will remember this more than the less than comfy seats on the plane.

Getting close now!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Thanks PIO and LIzfromOz. I'm thinking the same way.

I've already decided we will definitely do the Discover the Magic Tour at Disneyland, but I figure if we forgo the seat upgrade we can also do either the Fantasmic Dessert Package or the Happiest Haunts Halloween Tour. I've got a few months yet to make up my mind.

 

[zanzibar138]

Another vote for the dessert package

And great news about the NZ $ too Fingers crossed it stays up until your trip!

 

[WanderlustNZ]

This morning I woke up to discover that MHP is going to be held on one of the two nights I'm at DLR. I really wasn't expecting this and it's thrown a real spanner in the works. Please help me decide between a few different options, or alternatively suggest a different itinerary altogether.

I apologise in advance for how long-winded this post will be, so a huge thanks to anyone who reads it and offers advice.

A reminder of our background info:
- 3 adults and a son who is a few days away from turning 7.
- We've been to Disneyland once, but it was many years ago.
- Was at WDW last year and saw Fantasmic and MNSSHP.
- Sunday 6th is part of Gay Days. The theme of the day doesn't concern us, but the crowds do.
- Beyond general admission, I am happy to spend roughly $150 extra per person to maximise the short time we have and avoid the crowds. Have pretty much decided to do the 'Discover the Magic' Tour and a WOC Meal package. I'm torn on a third option.
- It's important to us to take a short break throughout the day to recoup and escape the crowds. Often a some sit down meal suffices.

OPTION 1

Sunday 5th October
Morning
Get to DL at opening. Try to ride a big ticket ride or two (Haunted Mansion and Space Mountain are high on my wishlist).
10am - Discover the Magic Tour
Afternoon
Lunch at Cafe Orleans or Big Thunder BBQ, followed by shows, parade, rides
Evening
A light snack for dinner followed by Fantasmic Dessert Package and the Fireworks.

Monday 6th October
Morning
Pop into DCA to see Cars Land and grab fastpasses.
Back to DL to ride things we couldn't do the day before.
Lunch somewhere
Afternoon
Leave DL about 2pm before all the MHP crowds start pouring in. Enter DCA for the rest of the day.
Evening
WOC Package with dinner at Ariels Grotto
Return to our hotel across the road in time to see MHP fireworks from our balcony.

OPTION 2

Sunday 5th October
Morning and Afternoon
Same as Sunday in Option 1
Evening
Head to DCA for the last few hours of our day to do WOC Dining Package (Ariel's Grotto). Alternatively we could pop across to DCA during the day and do the lunch WOC package at Carthay Circle.

Monday 6th October
Morning
Go to DCA until approx 2pm. Light lunch at Cosy Cone.
Afternoon
Head back to our hotel for a rest and to change my son into his costume.
Make a early dinner reservation for approx 4:30 at Downtown Disney.
Evening
Mickey's Halloween Party

OPTION 3
Pretty much the same as option 1, but do the Happiest Haunts Tour instead of the Fantasmic Package.

TIA

 

[zanzibar138]

Wow, glad it's not me deciding!

FWIW, MHP is not considered a way to avoid crowds at DLR, so keep that in mind. Having said that, party nights will get crowded at DCA too when people not attending the party hop there for the night, so unfortunately, you might hit crowds either way.

Also, I would do the WOC lunch package at Carthay if it's fits into your schedule. Ariel's was nothing special (in fact, DH was planning to propose there and didn't because it wasn't special enough). Carthay looks like a pretty nice place to have a sit down meal, and seems to be pretty different from anything at WDW.

Ultimately, it's unlikely to make much of a difference to crowd levels whether you do the party or not, so it might just come down to deciding what your family would enjoy more. Just keep in mind that if you do WOC one night, and MHP the following night, you will not get to see F! Apparently it's much better than the WDW version, whereas the party seems to be better at WDW.

As far as the Happy Haunts tour goes, it might be a good way for you to experience the Halloween attractions without the wait and crowds (eg HM etc). I'd love to add it to my itinerary, but I just can't stretch the budget that far, and I know I'd be doing it on my own as my parents are very anti-Halloween. Depending on the timing of the tour, you may be able to still see F!, even if you don't do the dessert package.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

Wow, glad it's not me deciding!

FWIW, MHP is not considered a way to avoid crowds at DLR, so keep that in mind. Having said that, party nights will get crowded at DCA too when people not attending the party hop there for the night, so unfortunately, you might hit crowds either way.

Also, I would do the WOC lunch package at Carthay if it's fits into your schedule. Ariel's was nothing special (in fact, DH was planning to propose there and didn't because it wasn't special enough). Carthay looks like a pretty nice place to have a sit down meal, and seems to be pretty different from anything at WDW.

Ultimately, it's unlikely to make much of a difference to crowd levels whether you do the party or not, so it might just come down to deciding what your family would enjoy more. Just keep in mind that if you do WOC one night, and MHP the following night, you will not get to see F! Apparently it's much better than the WDW version, whereas the party seems to be better at WDW.

As far as the Happy Haunts tour goes, it might be a good way for you to experience the Halloween attractions without the wait and crowds (eg HM etc). I'd love to add it to my itinerary, but I just can't stretch the budget that far, and I know I'd be doing it on my own as my parents are very anti-Halloween. Depending on the timing of the tour, you may be able to still see F!, even if you don't do the dessert package.

So funny, your reply sounds exactly like the internal debate I am having in my mind at present
There are so many pros and cons to each option, I just can't decide.

The only reason I am considering Ariels is for the menu. The Lobster Steak meals looks like something DH and DS would pick, and the Dessert trio looks exactly like something I would pick. As you mentioned, the surroundings look decidedly average.
This is compared to Carthay Circle which as a stunning-looking atmosphere, but not as interesting menu. We can't afford the Carthay Circle dinner unfortunately.
A lunch break probably would make more sense as far as recharging us for the rest of the day.

Decisions!

 

[zanzibar138]

So funny, your reply sounds exactly like the internal debate I am having in my mind at present
There are so many pros and cons to each option, I just can't decide.

The only reason I am considering Ariels is for the menu. The Lobster Steak meals looks like something DH and DS would pick, and the Dessert trio looks exactly like something I would pick. As you mentioned, the surroundings look decidedly average.
This is compared to Carthay Circle which as a stunning-looking atmosphere, but not as interesting menu. We can't afford the Carthay Circle dinner unfortunately.
A lunch break probably would make more sense as far as recharging us for the rest of the day.

Decisions!

Oh, that's fair enough then. TBH I don't dine at DLR for the food, I go for the atmosphere I'd be happy with ham and cheese toasties really I can't even remember what we had when we went to Ariel's. I think it was ok, but nothing outstanding. It's probably changed in the last 3 years though, and we did enjoy the dessert platter We can't afford the dinner package at Carthay either so we'll probably do the lunch one day.

I do think a lunch break might work better for you though, given the blurb on your previous post.

 

[Caroline NZ]

I can't really help with your decision making but just wanted to say that we have done the Carthay Circle WOC lunch and really enjoyed it. It was good to have a reserved section for WOC. The Fantasmic dessert package was nice as a treat, but we wouldn't do it every time. And MHP was only an okay experience for us, we enjoyed the fireworks, but probably wouldn't do it again. I was tired on the night though, and I ended up feeling really cold because of this.

 

[WanderlustNZ]

I can't really help with your decision making but just wanted to say that we have done the Carthay Circle WOC lunch and really enjoyed it. It was good to have a reserved section for WOC. The Fantasmic dessert package was nice as a treat, but we wouldn't do it every time. And MHP was only an okay experience for us, we enjoyed the fireworks, but probably wouldn't do it again. I was tired on the night though, and I ended up feeling really cold because of this.

Thanks Caroline, that helps. I think I'm starting to move away from the idea of the Fantasmic Package as it gets such mixed reviews.

I also asked my question on the main Disneyland boards and kind of wished I hadn't.

While I appreciate anyone taking the time to feedback, the feedback wasn't really what I was hoping to hear.
Basically I seems people think I am over-planning and I'm not considering my son's enjoyment levels in any of my options.
Sigh, and here I was thinking my son was at the forefront of my planning decisions, followed by my MIL, DH and me last.

Back to the drawing board...