This time we did it right! (Updated 3/2!)

[pierresgirl]

Have I mentioned how jealous I am of all your trips??!! Lucky girl! My and my bf Ecogirl have pretty much decided on AKL in Sept for 3 nights but are only doing 2 park days so we'll be able to enjoy the resort. Greece is SO amazing , I've been twice when I lived in England. You will love it!

Thanks for writing a tr Julie!!!! Stay in touch on the Aug Sept board

Leyla

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

Joanne (I better be careful or I'll start calling you that for real)

Our take on the DDP...we were too tied to ADRs.....we probably won't do it again....OR if we do, we'll do all Signature Dining.....It was a good value even with the changes to the plan in 2008.

I would say late April only to miss any late Spring Breaks....

Thanks Josh! Late April it will be. About a mini-meet, I'll let you know about the dates and we'll see what we can arrange!

Is Signature Dining where you use 2 credits for a meal?

Hi there--I have grown up with DL and live 15 minutes from the park and go there often with my AP. The one thing people who are used to WDW have a hard time adjusting to is how close everything is--DL and DCA are just across a small courtyard from each other--so it is very easy to park hop! It's too bad that you don't have more than one day--for a commando type trip I would think a day and a half would be the minimum to hit the high points in both parks. I would study maps of both (if you want PM me and I will mail you some) and identify what your "must do's" are--you've gotten a lot of good suggestions already.

For restaurants--I know it's not the greatest food in the world but can I say--Blue Bayou. There is NOTHING to beat the ambiance of sitting in a darkened restaurant while the Pirates boats go by (and occasionally hear the screams of people going down the drops). And actually, I've enjoyed the three meals I've had there. And if you are two couples--well I think it's one of the more romantic places in DL. You can either go for lunch (and at lunch they have the famous Monte Cristo sandwich--but I would suggest sharing it because it is very heavy and fried) or dinner--but will need Priority Seating either way (the same as an ADR--just called differently here. You can make those 60 days in advance so I would hop on that. It is pricey--either lunch or dinner--but you can split plates for a small fee (or some people just go for dessert).

Since Spring Break seems like it's mostly mid-April I would suggest late April for your trip--you're also less likely to hit any rain we might get.

and finally, if you are there when they are doing the Electrical Parade at DCA for me it is a must--even more than the fireworks (but that's just my preference and I'm sure it's because of childhood memories).

If you have any other questions feel free to PM me or post here!

Cheryl (p.s.--I thought your TR was great! I am going to WDW for the first time (more or less--went MANY years ago when there was just the beginnings of the Magic Kingdom) and picked up a lot of tips from your TR!)

Oh, you're awesome!!!

I would love to have some maps...I'll pm you for sure.

Thanks for all the great advice. It's just the kind of advice I need!

You're gonna love Disney world! I'm glad I could give you some tips!

Is late April quiet(er)? New Englanders have school vacation in late February AND in late April. Are we the only ones? We are deciding between late February (a week later than the majority of the country) or late April for next year. I'm leaning toward late April. I think it also depends when Easter is, doesn't it? The Disney website reports that early April is a a great time to visit, but not late April. I guess I can report back on early April after my upcoming trip.

Sorry - I'm now realizing that you are talking about your DL trip... It was a late night - DS4 was up sick most of the night - I'm still in a bit of a fog...

Oops...It is kinda weird that we're talking about DL on my WDW TR!

Have I mentioned how jealous I am of all your trips??!! Lucky girl! My and my bf Ecogirl have pretty much decided on AKL in Sept for 3 nights but are only doing 2 park days so we'll be able to enjoy the resort. Greece is SO amazing , I've been twice when I lived in England. You will love it!

Thanks for writing a tr Julie!!!! Stay in touch on the Aug Sept board

Leyla

I will definitely try to keep up better on the Aug Sept board.

I LOVED AKL!!!!!! Make sure you spend your evenings by the fire with a cocktail!

I can't wait for Greece. Of course, the Greece shopping has (secretly) begun. I am obsessed with finding the perfect white dress for the trip.

DH is looking at contract jobs in England right now, so we may move across the pond for a year before we have kids. It would be great to be able to travel to all the places that are so accessible from England!

 

[jordanyosh]

Signature Dining IS 2 TS Credits.

Jiko, CA Grill and the like are Signature Dining.

 

[SwansLoveDisney]

I guess you know your TR is over when you come home from work to find your trip journal all chewed up and strewn all over the floor.

No, it wasn't my DH getting back at me for spending so much time on the DIS.

It was my pooch, Indy, who graduates from dog school next week. So much for the classes!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Is late April quiet(er)? New Englanders have school vacation in late February AND in late April. Are we the only ones? We are deciding between late February (a week later than the majority of the country) or late April for next year. I'm leaning toward late April. I think it also depends when Easter is, doesn't it? The Disney website reports that early April is a a great time to visit, but not late April. I guess I can report back on early April after my upcoming trip.

We only have one Spring break in Oregon - last week of March, whether it falls on EAster or not.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I know Jordan is by far the expert on DL, but I would say if you get to DL when the park opens, you can FP the must see rides, then head over to DCA - cuz you don't have California Screamin in WDW, Paradise Pier is unique, and of course there's always TOT and Soarin', and Grizzly Bear Rapids, which is longer and wetter than Kali. You can do it!

Our system is: DH and his uncle run to the next ride on our list to get a FP, while we head for a shorter stand-by line, then repeat when heading to the next ride. Of course they get their excercise, but we "get her done!"

 

[MeMom]

How nice to have all those trips in the works! I will look forward to seeing and hearing about them - especially Greece. I've never been and will probably never get to go, but in pictures it is amazingly beautiful!