What I learned today!

[Piglets Mommy]

I was looking through the "stuff" we have received so far for our vacation and probably the most disappointing thing is the Customized Maps we received from Disney. Now don't get me wrong. I really like the maps they are a wonderful souvenir but unfortunately I ruined them.

I did them going on two months ago and since that time I have learned so much about the World that I am disappointed in the fact that I took all the stuff I didn't "THINK" we would do off them. Now...they are pretty much useless and unfortunately I can't get new ones for another 4 months. The Epcot one is the worst. I took off pretty much the whole World Showcase and come to find out there is a lot of cool stuff to do!

So my tip is to anyone thinking of getting the Customized Maps. Leave EVERYTHING on them. They are big and you can see a lot of detail. That is of course if you leave the detail on there. Order them in all their glory. Then after you have placed the order you can further customize the map and print it out on your home computer to suit your touring plan. You can do this as often as you like and change it as your needs change.

I think you can get around the 4 month window and order the maps again now, the way you want them by signing up and creating them with a different email address. We did this in 2007, when we went with my inlaws...I created a set for us and a set for them. I may have used their address too, I don't remember....but you could just as easily use a friend or family member's address too, if you need to.

"What happen did you win the lottery?" This is the kind of response you get from most people when you tell them you are going to Disney World on vacation. Being the what if kinda guy I am I worked up a little 8 Day Stay in one of the monorail resorts with a deluxe dining and a Town Car to pick us up. I threw in the 7 day MYW with a park hopper and the water park options. Once I got the total I can understand why some my friends might think that I robbed a bank.

But then I tell them what I paid. 4 Plane Tix, 7 nights at a value resort , Free Dining Package, 7 Day Base MYW, Catch the Magic Express from the airport. And they can't believe it. Around $60 a day per person? It costs more than that for us to drive 20 minutes to Kings Island (Cincinnati thing).

Disney is truly for everyone. You can spend upwards of 10K for a week or if you are a real bargain hunter there are HUNDREDS of books (Barnes and Noble has a whole section dedicated to Disney Travel Guides) and hundreds of websites that can help. Or you can do like we did just go to disney.com and use there services. Going that route saved us HUGE on airfare.

If you are a camper you can save even more by going the Fort Wilderness Route.

So the tip today is to spread the magic to your friends and family. Most people don't even realize how "affordable" it can be if you want to put a little effort into it.

I agree...if we get lucky with airfare, we can do Disney for less than the Jersey shore. It's a no-brainer to me!

 

[mrstomrice]

With 2 young ones in tow who wake up early anyway, we try to do an early EMH at each park, maybe with the exception of EPCOT, at least once At MK EMH, you can ride all of the fantasyland rides with barely a wait (starting with Dumbo first, of course. THis line gets long fast!) . We are able to leave the area and head to other sections of the park when the other masses of parents with young kids come and have lines to wait in. I do not like lines that are longer than 15 minutes and we do not park hop, and this plan has always served me well. When the boys get older, we will likely try the EMH nights.

 

[jamieguffey]

With 2 young ones in tow who wake up early anyway, we try to do an early EMH at each park, maybe with the exception of EPCOT, at least once At MK EMH, you can ride all of the fantasyland rides with barely a wait (starting with Dumbo first, of course. THis line gets long fast!) . We are able to leave the area and head to other sections of the park when the other masses of parents with young kids come and have lines to wait in. I do not like lines that are longer than 15 minutes and we do not park hop, and this plan has always served me well. When the boys get older, we will likely try the EMH nights.

Good Idea on visiting Fantasyland during EMH. I would imagine most parents have a difficult time with the little ones and the 6:30 wake up call we had planned on doing fantasyland first but we might save that for the EMH day.

 

[jamieguffey]

I was looking at allears and I read about the picnic in the park thing at animal kingdom. It looks really cool and very cost effective.With two little ones we will likely be able to get away with the picnic for two meal. Daddy gets 2 pieces of chicken and mommy noah and sophie will split the other two. Of course the side will be macaroni and cheese and I don't eat dessert so they can have those. Check it out if you haven't already.

For a description and menu:
http://allears.net/din/akpicnic.htm

For a good article:
http://land.allears.net/blogs/allearsteam/2009/07/picnic_in_the_park_animal_king.html

And here is the map of the park with the suggested spots:

 

[mrstomrice]

Thanks for the info about the picnic. I am glad that it allows you to use the meal plan as well.

 

[jamieguffey]

Woohoo Less than a month to go!

I was on allears last night reading reviews for the all star movies, I know too late now, its already booked, But I wanted to get an idea what to expect. What I discovered was my day 30 tip. Please for goodness sakes use some common sense when you pick the resort you plan to stay at.

On allears you have to answer an important question when you post a review. Would you recommend the product? I read a couple of the YES responses but I was mostly interested in finding out why people would answer NO to the question. Here are a couple of the reasons people said NO. (VISIT http://land.allears.net/reviewpost/ to read reviews of anything you can imagine)

One fuddy duddy didn't like the fact that a lot of tour groups use the resort:
One snobby visitor didn't like the fact that there wasn't much in the way of amenities, imagine this, they compared it to a Super 8 Motel?
One old geezer didn't like the fact that there were A LOT of kids running around ("If you're a couple and looking for a nice romantic getaway, this is NOT the place for you.")
Another visitor felt the rooms were small and their pool side room was very loud
One person didn't like the fact that the resorts were so far from the parks.
One grown up said it was not for adults.

To these people I say (apologizing in advance for my language) NO 5H1T. You chose a value resort and you were surprised by any of this? These people's vacations were made less special due to the fact that they did not use common sense. Please do not do this to yourself. The Resorts are categorized for you: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. The name says EVERYTHING you need to know to make the right decision. We chose Value because we felt the time we were going to spend in the room is the least important to us. We did pay a little more for a preferred room so we could be closer to the main office/bus stops / food court.

Here is the way I thought about the categories when making the decision.
Value: Below Average you get what you pay for.
Moderate: About average.
Deluxe: Something Special, above average

So please do not ruin your vacation by thinking you are going to be getting anything other than what you pay for. Now on the other hand if you pay for deluxe and get below average BY ALL MEANS go crazy, but give the Staff a chance to fix it for you first.

 

[DHofthe4morCM]

As my screen name implies, my wife is a former cm from way back. She no longer worked for Disney when we started dating in 1991, but we have averaged at least a trip a year since then. We've traveled to Orlando when living in Miami, NC, and now GA. We've stayed offsite, with family, and onsite.

We've traveled when poor students, without kids, with one, and now with two (ages 6 and 2).

Traveling with kids, my best piece of advice is try to stay as in line with your normal schedule as possible. Our kids get up early, so we go early and leave for rest when things get more hot and crowded.

On to the real intent of this post - avoiding disappointment. If we are on a short trip (1-3 days), each of us picks one thing that is a must do. It might be a restaurant meal, a certain ride, etc. On longer trips, we might pick two things. The point of this is to be able to say - "If I get to do x, I will have had a good time." It has to be something that is a virtual 'guarantee' - no special things that might or might not happen. Check the ride closure list to make sure your special thing isn't being refurbished.

It may sound ridiculous to drop a so much money and only get to do one thing, but you get to do 'the' thing. Everything else you do during the trip is a bonus. There will be disappointments that you didn't have time to do x or y, because there is more to see than you can accomplish in years of visits, but you can do a few things that are high priorities for your group. You will also leave plenty of room for that magical moment that you didn't expect and can move on when someone does something to spoil the magic for a few moments.

Enjoy your time - it is a vacation after all.

 

[sjbarnet]

I totally agree with your assessment of the resorts. I choose a value resort because I don't plan to spend much time in my room. The only reason I chose Pop over the All Star resorts is I read on here that bus service may be a bit better at the POP.

A couple of years ago my brother's family (him, wife, 2 young sons) went to Disney and stayed at ASM. My sister-in-law said that she just couldn't see spending a lot of money for a nice room they would only sleep in. She also said the boys loved the pool because it was full of other kids to make friends with. They also loved all of the statues and had several photos taken by different ones.

 

[MHSweb79]

If we are on a short trip (1-3 days), each of us picks one thing that is a must do. It might be a restaurant meal, a certain ride, etc.

I couldn't agree more. I met up with my (engineer) college roomie one time and she pulled out the MK map, looked at the attraction we were closest to (the Indie speedway!!!) and said, "Let's do this and just start checking off rides as we do them." This is a very engineering approach, I guess.
I explained to her my system, obtained through a guidebook, that says to mark each attraction with a * (must see), a check (would like to see) and and X (dont' need to see.) The Indie speedway was a definite X for us!
This way, if you see all of your stars and most of your checks, you've had a very successful trip without wasting time in line for attractions that you won't enjoy.

Edited to add: I also agree with Jamie on the resort issue. There is TONS of information out there on all of the resorts and hotels in Orlando that is easily accessible. To book a resort and then complain that it is, actually, pretty much what is advertises itself to be, is not the fault of the resort but of the traveler who didn't look at what he/ she was buying before they bought it.

 

[jamieguffey]

Another "tip' I found by browsing the reviews at allears.net (I found mention of this in the Unofficial Guide as well).

Apparently, your ADR's are not exactly reservations. An ADR is more like a fastpass for dinner. It ensures that if you arrive at a certain time you will be seated before any walk ups. However, it does not guarantee that you will be seated any where near your allotted time. Of the bad reviews of the Restaurants, I would say that almost half of them started out with people that showed up early for their ADR's (like it says to) and then were seated 30-60 minutes after their reservations were scheduled. Once the dinner started off bad it only got worse from there.

To help make sure that this possible issue does not ruin YOUR experience try to remember that for the most part the Restaurant is held captive by the patron. Any hint of trying to rush someone through a dinner to keep a schedule will without question be cause for a bad experience for the customer. The hope for the restaurant is that enough people will make quick work of a meal to offset those that take their good old sweet time. If this does not work out then they get further and further behind. Be as patient and considerate as is appropriate.

Appropriate being the key word. We are going during free dining. Just like choosing the value resort I am tailoring my expectations to the situation. Free Dining means A LOT of people will be eating and very few of them will be paying. As a result, I think the restaurants are going to be challenged to handle the quantity while still keeping up the quality. All I am really looking for is edible food and a decent experience for the Princess and the Pirate! Anything more will be gravy! With that said, what we cannot accept is poor or rude servers or managers that don't care if we are having a bad experience. I really feel sorry for those of you that have to pay for your meal during the free dining promotion. I hope all of us scavengers don't ruin your dining experience.

 

[jkswimming]

Thanks so much, I'm enjoying your tips.

 

[cheap traveler]

I read a LOT of tip threads, and this is the first one I have come across that I agree with EVERYTHING!

I use dollar store ponchos, like to throw them out at the end of our day.

I sat down with my girls last night and let them each choose 2 attractions they want to see for each day.

We avoid EMH. Only one of our days this year lines up with EMH, and it is our first of 2 MK days. So if it gets too busy, it's a good time to head back for a swim.

I never park-hop anymore. I always end up pushing too hard if I am able. Leads to a not-so-fun vaca

I don't have to worry about the transportation routes, as I am on my 6th trip this year and it is SUPER easy. (and I live at least 90 minutes from any form of public transportation)

We have our glow sticks packed up already. 2/ $.88 at walmart

the list goes on and on

 

[chell]

So the tip today is to spread the magic to your friends and family. Most people don't even realize how "affordable" it can be if you want to put a little effort into it.

EXACTLY! People don't believe me when I tell them. They want to believe it is super expensive I guess. When I break it down for them they are shocked. I love spreading the magic and trying to help get people to Disney.

About the All Star Movies - it is one of my favorite WDW Resorts. The Toy Story section is so much fun! And I'm an adult without kids, in my mid 30's. I think the rooms are great. The only thing I don't really like about the All Stars is the fact that you have to share a bus with the other All Stars to some of the parks and the fact that your bus stop is wayyyyyyy out at the parks. Otherwise they are AWESOME! The food courts rock too!

 

[tlcdoula]

Appropriate being the key word. We are going during free dining. Just like choosing the value resort I am tailoring my expectations to the situation. Free Dining means A LOT of people will be eating and very few of them will be paying. As a result, I think the restaurants are going to be challenged to handle the quantity while still keeping up the quality. All I am really looking for is edible food and a decent experience for the Princess and the Pirate! Anything more will be gravy! With that said, what we cannot accept is poor or rude servers or managers that don't care if we are having a bad experience. I really feel sorry for those of you that have to pay for your meal during the free dining promotion. I hope all of us scavengers don't ruin your dining experience.

This made me laugh I have enjoyed all your tips so far!!!! We are going on our first trip to Disneyworld at the end of august and agree with you. We are staying at a value resort, doing free dinning, and I know this isn't for everyone, however this is the only way we could afford to go... but it will be great.... we are going to go and have a great time...


thanks again.. loving this thread

tlc

 

[poohbear8]

On to the real intent of this post - avoiding disappointment. If we are on a short trip (1-3 days), each of us picks one thing that is a must do. It might be a restaurant meal, a certain ride, etc. On longer trips, we might pick two things. The point of this is to be able to say - "If I get to do x, I will have had a good time." It has to be something that is a virtual 'guarantee' - no special things that might or might not happen. Check the ride closure list to make sure your special thing isn't being refurbished.

It may sound ridiculous to drop a so much money and only get to do one thing, but you get to do 'the' thing. Everything else you do during the trip is a bonus. There will be disappointments that you didn't have time to do x or y, because there is more to see than you can accomplish in years of visits, but you can do a few things that are high priorities for your group. You will also leave plenty of room for that magical moment that you didn't expect and can move on when someone does something to spoil the magic for a few moments. "

ITA!! I took DD (11) last year alone to WDW. We were so excited to be there, just the 2 of us and not having DH and DS there. We agreed to communicate with each other clearly. (if tired, feet hurt, or not ready for a certain ride) My "thing" I wanted to do was ToT. DD refused to ride it, but did wait for me until I got on, then went down the elevator. After that, I was happy. There was more I also wanted to do, but if they happened, they were considered a bonus. DD looked at the trip the same way. Each park had 1-2 things that were most important to each of us. We hit them first.

In the end, the only thing I didn't do, but would have liked was Rockin Rollercoaster, but the lines were always too long and FPs were gone. I'd done it before, so it was ok. We put the "wait" time in at Toy Story, which quickly became our favorite. So we waited, since the FPs were gone there too.

 

[dd50]

My tip is to rest when you need to. You will be happier and every one in your party will. Some people don't like to stop because they think they are wasting time but you really aren't.

 

[jamieguffey]

Todays "tip" is about the Dining Plan. As I read through the different forums a couple of things keep coming up.

#1 USE IT OR LOSE IT. The minute you check in your credits are available. These are available until 11:59pm on the day you check out. You can check your balance anytime and there are no refunds or carryover of any credits so if you have any left at the end of your trip make sure you stop by the food court and use them on something.

#2 ALL SNACKS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL. It is relatively clear what a table service is, but when it comes to snacks and quick services the lines can get blurry. On one side be careful. You might think what you are getting is a snack but it ends up qualifying as a Quick Serve. If there is any doubt just ask. On the other side you can apparently find places that offer what seems to be a borderline quick service meal for a snack credit.

I am hoping some of the veterans with some special tips or tricks can weigh in and help direct us to some special deals.

 

[Alesia]

My tip for the dining plan is to realize that it isn't a good deal for everyone.

If you're the type that needs a TS meal everyday, then you'll save money.

If you don't like the idea of being tied to a strict schedule because of ADRs, or if you don't love the idea of giving up 2 hours of park time every day, the dining isn't a great option.

We fall into the second category. We only had 3 TS meals for our entire 9 day trip. Eating CS in WDW isn't like eating McDonald's every day. We found a huge variety of healthy meals. We ate everything we wanted, when we wanted, and paid over $200 less than we would have with the dining plan.

 

[DisneyDebbie]

I agree with Alesia- We only schedule 2 character TS's during our 8 day stay. Then enjoy a more relaxing day without worrying where to be. Although I do know which CS places I like the best, I try to make our way over there.

 

[CarolAnnB]

My tip for the dining plan is to realize that it isn't a good deal for everyone.

If you're the type that needs a TS meal everyday, then you'll save money.

If you don't like the idea of being tied to a strict schedule because of ADRs, or if you don't love the idea of giving up 2 hours of park time every day, the dining isn't a great option.

We fall into the second category. We only had 3 TS meals for our entire 9 day trip. Eating CS in WDW isn't like eating McDonald's every day. We found a huge variety of healthy meals. We ate everything we wanted, when we wanted, and paid over $200 less than we would have with the dining plan.

I totally agree with you. People always tell me of course they get the dining plan, it's a great deal. They can't understand how I don't do it. I have 2 girls, 10 and 16, who are both "adults" on the plan, and frankly, I don't think we spend $160 plus gratuity every day of the trip for 2 meals and a snack each. Some days yes, but we don't do a TS every day either. Especially when we were there in June, it was just too hot to eat a big meal every night.