UnOfficial March 2012 Trip Planners Tread-DIS Meet 3/8 Info Pg 1

[skyecaitlin88]

Mine needs to be changed to 2-12!
We added a day due to airfare!

 

[Lidian]

We rarely do a CS so TS get quite pricey unless you skip apps and desserts and that is not much fun when on vacation, so we have always had the OOP expense of the meals plus the tip anyway. Just having to shell out the tip is going to seem like a bargain.
I did go through the menus and guessed at what we might order and came up with my own cost analysis with a savings of 38% by buying the DxDP, granted if we were paying OOP we would skip some apps or desserts to save on the meal cost, but overall I am happy, first time ever with the DP and no looking at the prices, just order and eat.

Ok I will remember that once you post the new ADRs no more changeing

I made our reservation for the night before our flight tonight, we always stay near the airports with one of those stay park go packages. I got a email that they were having a sale so I said well might as well book it tonight and much to my surprise the rate was only $114 + tax, when I booked for Oct it was $160.
Next is to get a deal on a rental car if DH still wants to rent one.

I know some of our tips have been in the $40-range, which is what I'm used to the check being (before tax + tip). So anytime we're at WDW, it's sticker shock ... but knowing the food is paid for in advance and not having to be frugal when looking at the menu is so worth it. However, DH would have a fit if I had to budget out tips to cover apps on top of everything else, and tons of more ADRs.

I already had to get permission for the OOP meals I've scheduled. (We haven't talked about them yet.) I told him I booked them, explained why, and waited for him to tell me to cancel. But he didn't. He was all, ohokay. I'm beginning to like this guy. I hope my real DH doesn't come back. (No, I totally joke. And he knows I tease him on here.)

I have no clue what you're talking about when it comes to flights and packages. I've never been near an airport, let alone in one. Oh, that's not true. I went in one once ... back in '97. My friend, his whole family was going to Hawaii (without him), so I went with him to see them off. And I don't really remember it, I was more focused on lending him my shoulder. But we could only go into like the lobby area or something. I dunno. He went further in, past some security, and I waited.

Wow ... I totally went OT. What is the package thing you're talking about?

Do you guys typically rent a car? We always take the WDW buses. We hate driving.

 

[sjs314]

I know some of our tips have been in the $40-range, which is what I'm used to the check being (before tax + tip). So anytime we're at WDW, it's sticker shock ... but knowing the food is paid for in advance and not having to be frugal when looking at the menu is so worth it. However, DH would have a fit if I had to budget out tips to cover apps on top of everything else, and tons of more ADRs.

I already had to get permission for the OOP meals I've scheduled. (We haven't talked about them yet.) I told him I booked them, explained why, and waited for him to tell me to cancel. But he didn't. He was all, ohokay. I'm beginning to like this guy. I hope my real DH doesn't come back. (No, I totally joke. And he knows I tease him on here.)

I have no clue what you're talking about when it comes to flights and packages. I've never been near an airport, let alone in one. Oh, that's not true. I went in one once ... back in '97. My friend, his whole family was going to Hawaii (without him), so I went with him to see them off. And I don't really remember it, I was more focused on lending him my shoulder. But we could only go into like the lobby area or something. I dunno. He went further in, past some security, and I waited.

Wow ... I totally went OT. What is the package thing you're talking about?

Do you guys typically rent a car? We always take the WDW buses. We hate driving.

OMG the DIS is terrible today, I do not think the new server can handle all the volume the DIS has.....any way

Your DH sounds like mine somewhat You try talking to him and whatever you have planned is fine, then watch out when later he looks at you like you are nuts, and never mentioned the plans to him before.

I plan on estimating how much tip $ I need get an assortment of Bills $20,10, 5,1's and paying the tips in cash. Off the top of my head I am thinking maybe $40 or so a day for Tips?

I use to be terrified of flying until the last time we drove early 90's the entire trip down it rained 1200 miles of rain pelting us on the highways, blinding rain to the point when we hit Jacksonville it was so bad DH pulled over on the Hwy well the big rigs were even pulling over I was in tears begging him to get off the exit , I was sure one of those big rigs or another car was going to slam into us. He got off we went to eat someplace and continued to WDW after the rain slowed down. All the time we were at Disney we stayed POFQ that year I was dreading the ride home.
You guessed it we no sooner got on the road and it started raining. We stopped various times along the road but the rain delayed us so bad instead of getting home Sunday we did not get home till Monday morning 5am I made it work at 7 just barely DH called in, I said I was never gonna drive again.

Next year we flew for the first time and never looked back.

Hotels near airports have what they call a stay park fly package, it is your room the night before your flight, your parking while your gone and shuttle to the airport and back to the hotel when you return from your trip. Airport parking fees are quite high up to $25 a day so it is quite a bargain @ $114 and we start our vacation a night early have a nice dinner head to bed and wake up refreshed to head to the airport. Plus we like to take early am flights so no having to get up and head out to the airport at 3am.

This will be our first time flying out of HPN(Westchester NY) We normally flyout of BDL(Hartford) and once JFK(NYC)

We normally use Disney Transportation while there , we never want to bother with driving, although we have driven over to HDDR everytime we went (as we always had a car available) Once we rented before when we were either going to US or SeaWorld I forget which but the car rental company comes and picks you up at your hotel takes you to get the rental then when you return the car brings you back to your resort.

DH said he like to rent a car this time for going to MK, DTD and to go pick up water etc but it is still sort up in the air since everyone says drving to MK is a pain in the you know what, I know if we go to DTD we might take a taxi if we do not have a car since I hear the buses to DTD and back can be bad. Plus now that I made the ADR for Boma we will need to drive or Taxi there.
I have to pin DH down so we can reserve a car if we are going to rent one.

I am thinking the Taxi will come out cheaper in the long run.

Honestly I would not mind driving so much if we lived closer to WDW.

How long is your trip total in hours? It takes us 2 days driving 10 hours each day.
I have been planning a driving trip to US but thinking of either 3-4 days down and back each way, more leisurely stopping at a few places along the way down and back

 

[sjs314]

Mine needs to be changed to 2-12!
We added a day due to airfare!

For an extra day !

Changed your dates on page 1

 

[Lidian]

OMG the DIS is terrible today, I do not think the new server can handle all the volume the DIS has.....any way

I agree. It's TERRIBLE!

Your DH sounds like mine somewhat You try talking to him and whatever you have planned is fine, then watch out when later he looks at you like you are nuts, and never mentioned the plans to him before.

Yes, that's exactly right! Back in 2010, Muppets was under refurb. I told him a million times and he always responded with bad words (it's one of his Must Dos). So when we get there, he says "Let's go to Muppets", and I told him it was under refurb. "Why didn't you tell me?? I would have asked to reschedule the trip." Maybe I should write things down and tape it to his shirt.

I plan on estimating how much tip $ I need get an assortment of Bills $20,10, 5,1's and paying the tips in cash. Off the top of my head I am thinking maybe $40 or so a day for Tips?

I have a spreadsheet with estimated costs for each meal and then a formula to calculate OOP expenses, including a line for tips. I budget for a specific %, so I have an estimate on what the tip will be per meal, and what I'll shell out for the whole trip on tips. We usually don't carry cash and just charge it to our card or room.

If you're wanting to get an estimate on what you'll spend on tips, maybe try the same! You can look at it per meal, or per day, or per trip! (And I don't expect everyone to be a whiz with spreadsheets, if you want to do it and need help setting it up, I'd be happy to help! I'm actually taking Excel this semester, but I've been using it for YEARS.)

I use to be terrified of flying until the last time we drove early 90's the entire trip down it rained 1200 miles of rain pelting us on the highways, blinding rain to the point when we hit Jacksonville it was so bad DH pulled over on the Hwy well the big rigs were even pulling over I was in tears begging him to get off the exit , I was sure one of those big rigs or another car was going to slam into us. He got off we went to eat someplace and continued to WDW after the rain slowed down. All the time we were at Disney we stayed POFQ that year I was dreading the ride home.
You guessed it we no sooner got on the road and it started raining. We stopped various times along the road but the rain delayed us so bad instead of getting home Sunday we did not get home till Monday morning 5am I made it work at 7 just barely DH called in, I said I was never gonna drive again.

Next year we flew for the first time and never looked back.

WOW! We've had to pull over a few times because of rain, but that stinks that it just wanted to rain on your travelling!

Hotels near airports have what they call a stay park fly package, it is your room the night before your flight, your parking while your gone and shuttle to the airport and back to the hotel when you return from your trip. Airport parking fees are quite high up to $25 a day so it is quite a bargain @ $114 and we start our vacation a night early have a nice dinner head to bed and wake up refreshed to head to the airport. Plus we like to take early am flights so no having to get up and head out to the airport at 3am.

This will be our first time flying out of HPN(Westchester NY) We normally flyout of BDL(Hartford) and once JFK(NYC)

Oh, that makes sense! That's cool that they offer something like that!

We normally use Disney Transportation while there , we never want to bother with driving, although we have driven over to HDDR everytime we went (as we always had a car available) Once we rented before when we were either going to US or SeaWorld I forget which but the car rental company comes and picks you up at your hotel takes you to get the rental then when you return the car brings you back to your resort.

DH said he like to rent a car this time for going to MK, DTD and to go pick up water etc but it is still sort up in the air since everyone says drving to MK is a pain in the you know what, I know if we go to DTD we might take a taxi if we do not have a car since I hear the buses to DTD and back can be bad. Plus now that I made the ADR for Boma we will need to drive or Taxi there.
I have to pin DH down so we can reserve a car if we are going to rent one.

I am thinking the Taxi will come out cheaper in the long run.

Honestly I would not mind driving so much if we lived closer to WDW.

If you're only planning on going to one or two places via non-WDW-bus, it just might be cheaper to take a taxi. And you may end up taking transportation one way and a taxi the other. So if you're looking to cut costs, get quotes on rentals, and see how many times you'd use it versus getting a taxi!

We usually take a park bus and then just hop into the line to the resort we're going to. Like if we didn't want to drive to BW, we'd just hop a bus to Epcot then hop a BW bus. We did that a lot in 2009. It was a PITA, but saved us gas and having to pile everyone in!

How long is your trip total in hours? It takes us 2 days driving 10 hours each day.
I have been planning a driving trip to US but thinking of either 3-4 days down and back each way, more leisurely stopping at a few places along the way down and back

Our trip is about 10-11 hours or so. I know when I mapped it out, quickest route showed as 10.5 hours. We make decent time, and we stop for the kids and some meals. I couldn't imagine a 20 hour trip!

A leisurely drive would be nice!!

 

[sjs314]

I agree. It's TERRIBLE!



Yes, that's exactly right! Back in 2010, Muppets was under refurb. I told him a million times and he always responded with bad words (it's one of his Must Dos). So when we get there, he says "Let's go to Muppets", and I told him it was under refurb. "Why didn't you tell me?? I would have asked to reschedule the trip." Maybe I should write things down and tape it to his shirt.

Oh I can so relate. When we were still booked at CR DH asked me how much we still owed so I printed it out and gave it to him. When the Spring Offer came out and CR was not included I suggested we switch resorts, so DH says well what do we owe I tell him and he is shocked, umm I gave you a printout a few weeks ago dear



I have a spreadsheet with estimated costs for each meal and then a formula to calculate OOP expenses, including a line for tips. I budget for a specific %, so I have an estimate on what the tip will be per meal, and what I'll shell out for the whole trip on tips. We usually don't carry cash and just charge it to our card or room.

If you're wanting to get an estimate on what you'll spend on tips, maybe try the same! You can look at it per meal, or per day, or per trip! (And I don't expect everyone to be a whiz with spreadsheets, if you want to do it and need help setting it up, I'd be happy to help! I'm actually taking Excel this semester, but I've been using it for YEARS.)

I always carry come cash for tipping normally since we pay OOP it just added to the bill and paid that way either on the room card or bank card but since we are doing the DP I read various accounts of how people paid the tip and I decided to just write in "cash tip" on the reciept and do that this time.
I have an estimated list someplace of the meal costs so shouldn't be too hard to calculate. We don't do drinks, DH will have an occasional beer I am sure but he can not go overboard due to his meds so it shouldn't be to awful bad. Drinks are what really push the price of meals up if your a drinker.



WOW! We've had to pull over a few times because of rain, but that stinks that it just wanted to rain on your travelling!



Oh, that makes sense! That's cool that they offer something like that!



If you're only planning on going to one or two places via non-WDW-bus, it just might be cheaper to take a taxi. And you may end up taking transportation one way and a taxi the other. So if you're looking to cut costs, get quotes on rentals, and see how many times you'd use it versus getting a taxi!

We usually take a park bus and then just hop into the line to the resort we're going to. Like if we didn't want to drive to BW, we'd just hop a bus to Epcot then hop a BW bus. We did that a lot in 2009. It was a PITA, but saved us gas and having to pile everyone in!

I mentioned to DH today about we need to sit down and check out and sign him up on the Alamo site(I heard there is a $30 coupon) he was "yeah ok" and went to lay down

This thing need a person shooting themselves in the head or banging there head on the desk



Our trip is about 10-11 hours or so. I know when I mapped it out, quickest route showed as 10.5 hours. We make decent time, and we stop for the kids and some meals. I couldn't imagine a 20 hour trip! A leisurely drive would be nice!!

10-11 hours is still long but better than ours. It a little over 1200 miles for us from Connecticut , once we get thru NYC and Wash DC it is not a bad trip.

 

[Lidian]

Oh I can so relate. When we were still booked at CR DH asked me how much we still owed so I printed it out and gave it to him. When the Spring Offer came out and CR was not included I suggested we switch resorts, so DH says well what do we owe I tell him and he is shocked, umm I gave you a printout a few weeks ago dear

Men.

I always carry come cash for tipping normally since we pay OOP it just added to the bill and paid that way either on the room card or bank card but since we are doing the DP I read various accounts of how people paid the tip and I decided to just write in "cash tip" on the reciept and do that this time.
I have an estimated list someplace of the meal costs so shouldn't be too hard to calculate. We don't do drinks, DH will have an occasional beer I am sure but he can not go overboard due to his meds so it shouldn't be to awful bad. Drinks are what really push the price of meals up if your a drinker.

We aren't drinkers. I've yet to have a drink at WDW, actually. Wait. I think I had a glass of wine at Cali Grill in 2010. Yes, I'm such a lush.

We only bring enough cash to cover tolls and Mousekeeping. I'm horrible at losing cash.

I mentioned to DH today about we need to sit down and check out and sign him up on the Alamo site(I heard there is a $30 coupon) he was "yeah ok" and went to lay down

This thing need a person shooting themselves in the head or banging there head on the desk

I agree. We definitely need a head-desk smiley. And that sounds exactly like my DH. "Hey, we need to go over _____." "Okay." Then he goes and gets on his computer for the night and I don't see him until he crawls in bed.

10-11 hours is still long but better than ours. It a little over 1200 miles for us from Connecticut , once we get thru NYC and Wash DC it is not a bad trip.

I think it is under 700 miles for us. 1200 miles! I think I'd faint having to travel through NYC and DC.

 

[sjs314]

With only 37 days until I arrive in WDW I did not think it was possible to get more excited about my trip but........................

I opened my email this morning and saw the Disney Parks Blog ......................

And then read about the new Castle Show that is starting on Feb 1 and running into April

Read all about it at the link below

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/more-fun-surprises-in-store-for-the-magic-the-memories-and-you-at-disney-parks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DisneyParks+%28Disney+Parks+Blog%29

​

 

[Lidian]

With only 37 days until I arrive in WDW I did not think it was possible to get more excited about my trip but........................

I opened my email this morning and saw the Disney Parks Blog ......................

And then read about the new Castle Show that is starting on Feb 1 and running into April

Read all about it at the link below

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/more-fun-surprises-in-store-for-the-magic-the-memories-and-you-at-disney-parks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DisneyParks+%28Disney+Parks+Blog%29

​

Hmm... I actually planned on being in the room by the time the night shows started at MK.... I dunno now.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

Oh I'm stressing about crowds now!!! Tried to change two of my dining reservations to include more of my family on the weekend and couldn't change either one T-Rex and Coral Reef.

 

[sjs314]

Oh I'm stressing about crowds now!!! Tried to change two of my dining reservations to include more of my family on the weekend and couldn't change either one T-Rex and Coral Reef.

Try calling T-Rex direct to book a new reservation then just cancel the one on the Disney site. You should have no problem getting a reservation if you call the actual restaurant.

Good Luck

1-407-828-8739

 

[sjs314]

Hmm... I actually planned on being in the room by the time the night shows started at MK.... I dunno now.

I am going to MK a night that there is no MSEP , just Wishes so maybe the crowds will not be as bad but still booked the Dessert Party since DH hates the crowds before, during and after the fireworks.

The castle show is not long I do not think so if you planned on an early evening I would not worry about it.

 

[bigjrfan88]

Oh I'm stressing about crowds now!!! Tried to change two of my dining reservations to include more of my family on the weekend and couldn't change either one T-Rex and Coral Reef.

I don't know what your dates are but I checked a wide variety of dates for both lunch and dinner and was able to find a good bit. Maybe they just dont have a table to accommodate your party size. Try splitting up your party size

 

[oopsiDAISY]

With only 37 days until I arrive in WDW I did not think it was possible to get more excited about my trip but........................

I opened my email this morning and saw the Disney Parks Blog ......................

And then read about the new Castle Show that is starting on Feb 1 and running into April

Read all about it at the link below

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2012/01/more-fun-surprises-in-store-for-the-magic-the-memories-and-you-at-disney-parks/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DisneyParks+%28Disney+Parks+Blog%29

​

NOOOOOOO!!!! Since we have booked the Fireworks Cruise we will miss the castle show! I was okay with that since we saw the other one last March, but not THIS!!!

So, I went on the Disney website to check the calendar. The castle show is not listed at all and NOW I found out they have changed a bunch of other times too. Our fireworks cruise was scheduled for 9:00pm fireworks, but now they are changed to 10 pm. So, now I suppose I need to call reservations to see what time we need to show up for the fireworks cruise... And the worst change? Magice Kingdom EMH has changed from 3am that day to NONE THE WHOLE TIME WE ARE THERE!!! Crowds are going to be a nightmare that night and it is too late to try to change any park days because we have ADR's for each park day and no park hoppers. This has upset my apple cart today...

 

[sjs314]

NOOOOOOO!!!! Since we have booked the Fireworks Cruise we will miss the castle show! I was okay with that since we saw the other one last March, but not THIS!!!

So, I went on the Disney website to check the calendar. The castle show is not listed at all and NOW I found out they have changed a bunch of other times too. Our fireworks cruise was scheduled for 9:00pm fireworks, but now they are changed to 10 pm. So, now I suppose I need to call reservations to see what time we need to show up for the fireworks cruise... And the worst change? EMH has changed from 3am to only 11pm!! UGH!!!!!!! This has upset my apple cart today...

So sorry about the change in hours interfering with your plans, I know they changed MK hours maybe a month ago and normally you can expect changes around 2 weeks out from the start of the Month( mid-February for March).

I know I went checking the hours a couple of days ago, guess i need to go see if they have changed more since the last ones I knew about.

BTW as far as I know the castle show has never been listed since the started it back in Oct? It just happens 15 mins(not sure) before Wishes. I did read that you can not really see it from too far off one reason I prefered doing the Dessert Party instead of seeing the fireworks from the Poly beach and now I am very happy I did .
The pics I saw of the castle show at Christmas was amazing.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

I am choosing to take a deep breath and remember I will be in my happy place. We will still have a great time and make many wonderful memories with our kids on the Pirates and Pals cruise... I can always watch the castle show on youtube. Besides that, we will have an earlier night and be ready for the TSM mad dash the next morning at DHS. I had decided just to drag myself out of bed to run and do the dash by myself, but now the whole family can partake of the fun.

 

[AlwaysEeyore]

Try calling T-Rex direct to book a new reservation then just cancel the one on the Disney site. You should have no problem getting a reservation if you call the actual restaurant.

Good Luck

1-407-828-8739

Thank you so much!! I had no problem getting the reservation calling them direct!! Wish Coral Reef had a direct number too. I'll just keep my ressie for 4 and go to the podium first thing that day and see what happens. My daughter is determined to have her birthday dinner with the fish lol.

 

[sjs314]

I am choosing to take a deep breath and remember I will be in my happy place. We will still have a great time and make many wonderful memories with our kids on the Pirates and Pals cruise... I can always watch the castle show on youtube. Besides that, we will have an earlier night and be ready for the TSM mad dash the next morning at DHS. I had decided just to drag myself out of bed to run and do the dash by myself, but now the whole family can partake of the fun.

FYI I am not sure if I am understanding that you originally planned on on going alone to get the Fast Passes at DHS? I know a DISer tried sending her DH off to do that and since she and their 2 DS had not yet entered the park , her DH could not get the Fast Passes , everyone has to enter the park before the machines will accept the KTTW cards.

Not sure if that is what you meant about getting out of bed early, but if it was just wanted to warn you that it won't work.

I think the pirates and pals cruise looks like a lot of fun from TR I have read, I wish I had lil ones,,,,,,you are going to be glad you booked it

 

[sjs314]

Thank you so much!! I had no problem getting the reservation calling them direct!! Wish Coral Reef had a direct number too. I'll just keep my ressie for 4 and go to the podium first thing that day and see what happens. My daughter is determined to have her birthday dinner with the fish lol.

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[oopsiDAISY]

FYI I am not sure if I am understanding that you originally planned on on going alone to get the Fast Passes at DHS? I know a DISer tried sending her DH off to do that and since she and their 2 DS had not yet entered the park , her DH could not get the Fast Passes , everyone has to enter the park before the machines will accept the KTTW cards.

Not sure if that is what you meant about getting out of bed early, but if it was just wanted to warn you that it won't work.

I think the pirates and pals cruise looks like a lot of fun from TR I have read, I wish I had lil ones,,,,,,you are going to be glad you booked it

That is good to know because that was my plan exactly! Anywho, they will be there, so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for letting me know that though. I could have been one very frustrated and tired Mommy!