Who's already planning for 2017 or 2018

[catfan98]

So....I think we have finally decided on POR for our resort for April since we will need 2 rooms. 2 rooms at Deluxe prices is . I'm still going to price AKL just in case when discounts come out, though, because we would really like to stay there. Maybe (crossing fingers) discounts will be in our favor for it. I have researched the POR rooms and they look really nice and the grounds look beautiful. I first thought about the Royal Rooms, but I think I'm now leaning towards a preferred Alligator Bayou room...maybe...lol. Waiting....impatiently...for prices.....

 

[AWholeNewW0rld]

We are in the planning stages a year out. We are tentatively going to Disney World with our DS (3) in May 2017!

 

[mdsouth]

So....I think we have finally decided on POR for our resort for April since we will need 2 rooms. 2 rooms at Deluxe prices is . I'm still going to price AKL just in case when discounts come out, though, because we would really like to stay there. Maybe (crossing fingers) discounts will be in our favor for it. I have researched the POR rooms and they look really nice and the grounds look beautiful. I first thought about the Royal Rooms, but I think I'm now leaning towards a preferred Alligator Bayou room...maybe...lol. Waiting....impatiently...for prices.....

I totally understand your decision to stay in two rooms at a moderate instead of a deluxe. Think of it this way, you will have LOTS more money to spend on souvenirs and such. Or just more money in the bank!


I am leaning towards March 2017 and thinking about PORFQ unless there is a discount during that time that does not include PORFQ.

We are in the planning stages a year out. We are tentatively going to Disney World with our DS (3) in May 2017!

AWholeNewWorld! You have come to the right thread to start you 2017 planning! The will pass quicker than you know.

 

[mdsouth]

I have been making a list of restaurants that I want to try on this trip. I figure I will add all the ones that I might want to go to and then narrow the list down later when it is closer to ADR making time.

List of restaurants that I would like to try for the first time

Cape May – Beach Club (and Beaches and Cream for dessert) Have character meal with the gang and we can tour the Beach Club resort

Captain Cook’s counter service for Tonga Toast

Kona Café – have read a lot of great reviews

Whispering Canyon - I think my two kids would really get a kick out of the antics here and we can tour Fort Wilderness

Brown Derby if go to Studios for Cobb Salad and burger for my son

EPCOT – Counter Service – Liberty Inn (burgers and steak on CS credit)

Rainforest Café at AK for my daughter (though we can go to one in Chicago Area about 2 and half hours away from home so it is not a priority)

Plaza Restaurant during our MK day

So, what about everyone else???

 

[chocolateavocado]

I have been making a list of restaurants that I want to try on this trip. I figure I will add all the ones that I might want to go to and then narrow the list down later when it is closer to ADR making time.

List of restaurants that I would like to try for the first time

Cape May – Beach Club (and Beaches and Cream for dessert) Have character meal with the gang and we can tour the Beach Club resort

Captain Cook’s counter service for Tonga Toast

Kona Café – have read a lot of great reviews

Whispering Canyon - I think my two kids would really get a kick out of the antics here and we can tour Fort Wilderness

Brown Derby if go to Studios for Cobb Salad and burger for my son

EPCOT – Counter Service – Liberty Inn (burgers and steak on CS credit)

Rainforest Café at AK for my daughter (though we can go to one in Chicago Area about 2 and half hours away from home so it is not a priority)

Plaza Restaurant during our MK day

So, what about everyone else???

We stayed at BC this past Thanksgiving & had the character breakfast at Cape May- it was one of highlights of the trip. The characters were great- especially Goofy The food was really, really good. I'm really glad we did it.

In 2013 when we stayed at the poly, we had breakfast a few times at Kona. It was good. My ds loved the blueberry pancakes (pancakes are 1 of his favorite foods) so much, we made a reservation for the following morning too.

We were not a fan of Captain Cook's at all, but that was before the remodel and the before the new menu. We're looking forward to trying there again and the new food stand at the Oasis pool, too.

We did Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs (not the one at AK, though) in 2013 and my ds loved it. We did TREX both 2013 and 2015 & we liked it alot. Both places had pretty good food and the atmosphere was alot of fun. We don't have anything like this where we live, so it was super cool for my son.

I have to start thinking of where we want to try the next trip, too.

 

[mdsouth]

We stayed at BC this past Thanksgiving & had the character breakfast at Cape May- it was one of highlights of the trip. The characters were great- especially Goofy The food was really, really good. I'm really glad we did it.

In 2013 when we stayed at the poly, we had breakfast a few times at Kona. It was good. My ds loved the blueberry pancakes (pancakes are 1 of his favorite foods) so much, we made a reservation for the following morning too.

We were not a fan of Captain Cook's at all, but that was before the remodel and the before the new menu. We're looking forward to trying there again and the new food stand at the Oasis pool, too.

We did Rainforest Cafe in Disney Springs (not the one at AK, though) in 2013 and my ds loved it. We did TREX both 2013 and 2015 & we liked it alot. Both places had pretty good food and the atmosphere was alot of fun. We don't have anything like this where we live, so it was super cool for my son.

I have to start thinking of where we want to try the next trip, too.

Thanks for sharing your experiences with the restaurants on my list. I know my list of restaurants will be changing over the next few months as I read more and more reviews and it gets closer to actually making ADRs!

 

[SullyD13]

So glad I found this thread! I thought I was the only one planning trips so far out! We are going in November/December 2017 (a dreaded year and a half away ) but on the bright side it gives us plenty of time to save and build up the excitement. I'm taking my mom as a "thank you for life" gift (don't all my moms need that gift? ha) and I am MAJORLY splurging and aiming for either the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian (thank GOD we are just two people...I couldn't afford more than that!) Those resorts have always been my dream ever since I was little! So I guess its good I have an entire 18 months to save. Thought I'd do it now when I can actually save the money instead of in the future when I have more finances and....kids! But I'm sure when I have kids I'll have even more of an excuse to go and then I'll be even more guilty of the Disney World planning!

I also do the entire "fake" vacation to plan and see pricing. Can't wait till the 2017 prices are actually out and I can get a real idea of everything! Have you guys done (or do you plan) on doing the Disney Dining plan?? We are wondering if it is worth it. It's pretty pricey because we would probably do the deluxe since we want to eat at some of the signature restaurants and Cinderella's Royal Table. If we didn't do the deluxe we'd just be paying on top of the normal dining plan to eat at them since they aren't included which seems to defeat the purpose of even having the dining plan. I just don't know if we would actually consume $200 worth of food a day between the two of us....

If the budget permits we are going to try and do the Africa Safari Trek though! Has anyone does this??? It looks amazing!

I have loved reading everyones plans and details so keep em' coming!!

 

[SullyD13]

I have been making a list of restaurants that I want to try on this trip. I figure I will add all the ones that I might want to go to and then narrow the list down later when it is closer to ADR making time.

List of restaurants that I would like to try for the first time

Cape May – Beach Club (and Beaches and Cream for dessert) Have character meal with the gang and we can tour the Beach Club resort

Captain Cook’s counter service for Tonga Toast

Kona Café – have read a lot of great reviews

Whispering Canyon - I think my two kids would really get a kick out of the antics here and we can tour Fort Wilderness

Brown Derby if go to Studios for Cobb Salad and burger for my son

EPCOT – Counter Service – Liberty Inn (burgers and steak on CS credit)

Rainforest Café at AK for my daughter (though we can go to one in Chicago Area about 2 and half hours away from home so it is not a priority)

Plaza Restaurant during our MK day

So, what about everyone else???

We went to Kona Cafe last October and it was one of our favorites! But make reservations! We had a res for breakfast on our 2nd day and we loved it so much we tried to do walk-up every other day and they were booked solid. I could have eaten there every morning!

Also, since last time was our first ever Disney World trip we did an early ADR for the Plaza on day 1. It was our first character breakfast ever and of course our first Disney day and it really set the mood for the entire trip. We also had the sweetest waiter (not really a waiter since its a buffet but he brings out your drinks) and he came up with an entire itinerary for our first day. It's really experiences like that that make Disney trips so memorable and magical.

Are you thinking of doing Be Our Guest or Cinderella's??

 

[louey]

We just got back from a week in Disney got to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival for the first time . It was so nice and I have to say May is a perfect time to go we had the best weather and IMO the crowds were not bad at all We were already planning our next trip while we were there September 2018 for Food and Wine. Hoping to stay longer than a week and by then all the new stuff in the works should be done including the refresh of our favorite resort Yacht Club.

 

[Megan83]

We took our kids to WDW for their first time in April 2016, it was a great time, good crowds and awesome weather. The kids had a blast they are 2.5 and 5. We are planning another trip for September 2017, my mom wants to go this time and possibly my inlaws! It will be fun if we can get the whole family down there, my kiddos will be 4 and 6.5 at that point and I think it will be amazing!! I dont think we will be able to stay on property unless there is a really good deal. We stayed at the Hilton at Bonnet Creek in April and it was soooo nice! My kids and I love Disney, my DH is not as excited but loves seeing the kids and how excited they get.

 

[mdsouth]

So glad I found this thread! I thought I was the only one planning trips so far out! We are going in November/December 2017 (a dreaded year and a half away ) but on the bright side it gives us plenty of time to save and build up the excitement. I'm taking my mom as a "thank you for life" gift (don't all my moms need that gift? ha) and I am MAJORLY splurging and aiming for either the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian (thank GOD we are just two people...I couldn't afford more than that!) Those resorts have always been my dream ever since I was little! So I guess its good I have an entire 18 months to save. Thought I'd do it now when I can actually save the money instead of in the future when I have more finances and....kids! But I'm sure when I have kids I'll have even more of an excuse to go and then I'll be even more guilty of the Disney World planning!

I also do the entire "fake" vacation to plan and see pricing. Can't wait till the 2017 prices are actually out and I can get a real idea of everything! Have you guys done (or do you plan) on doing the Disney Dining plan?? We are wondering if it is worth it. It's pretty pricey because we would probably do the deluxe since we want to eat at some of the signature restaurants and Cinderella's Royal Table. If we didn't do the deluxe we'd just be paying on top of the normal dining plan to eat at them since they aren't included which seems to defeat the purpose of even having the dining plan. I just don't know if we would actually consume $200 worth of food a day between the two of us....

If the budget permits we are going to try and do the Africa Safari Trek though! Has anyone does this??? It looks amazing!

I have loved reading everyones plans and details so keep em' coming!!

! Right now, I am still debating whether or not to add the dining plan. For you and your mother, it will depend on how many signature restaurants you go to. I, totally get your point that the convenience factor is lost if you are on the basic plan and then pay OOP for some meals. For us, if we used two credit each for a signature restaurant than the other days we just had counter service meals for both lunch and dinner. This worked for us because on those days we wanted to spend as much time in the parks and it was convenient. Also, there are some great options for counter service meals out there. There are some great threads that share the really nice meals you can have with counter service credits and also ones that share how you can get a lot of food with snack credits. (Certain items you would not expect to be snack credits are snack credits). It also makes a fun vacation meal!!

We went to Kona Cafe last October and it was one of our favorites! But make reservations! We had a res for breakfast on our 2nd day and we loved it so much we tried to do walk-up every other day and they were booked solid. I could have eaten there every morning!

Also, since last time was our first ever Disney World trip we did an early ADR for the Plaza on day 1. It was our first character breakfast ever and of course our first Disney day and it really set the mood for the entire trip. We also had the sweetest waiter (not really a waiter since its a buffet but he brings out your drinks) and he came up with an entire itinerary for our first day. It's really experiences like that that make Disney trips so memorable and magical.

Are you thinking of doing Be Our Guest or Cinderella's??

Are you confusing the Plaza restaurant with the Crystal Palace? The Crystal Palace has the Winnie the Pooh characters. I don't think the Plaza restaurant has any character meals. At least it didn't when I was last there in 2014. The Plaza is the restaurant that is just inside the MK, right by the front entrance. CP is closer to the castle.

We had dinner once at Cinderella's Royal Table in the castle. It was a nice meal but not something we need to do again for awhile. So, I am leaning towards one meal at BOG. I just haven't decided if it will be lunch or dinner.

We just got back from a week in Disney got to enjoy the Flower and Garden Festival for the first time . It was so nice and I have to say May is a perfect time to go we had the best weather and IMO the crowds were not bad at all We were already planning our next trip while we were there September 2018 for Food and Wine. Hoping to stay longer than a week and by then all the new stuff in the works should be done including the refresh of our favorite resort Yacht Club.

louey! I agree with you that May is a great time to go. I loved seeing all the flowers at the Flower and Garden Festival. Staying for over a week will be nice in that you can have one down day in the middle of your vacation to relax.

We took our kids to WDW for their first time in April 2016, it was a great time, good crowds and awesome weather. The kids had a blast they are 2.5 and 5. We are planning another trip for September 2017, my mom wants to go this time and possibly my inlaws! It will be fun if we can get the whole family down there, my kiddos will be 4 and 6.5 at that point and I think it will be amazing!! I dont think we will be able to stay on property unless there is a really good deal. We stayed at the Hilton at Bonnet Creek in April and it was soooo nice! My kids and I love Disney, my DH is not as excited but loves seeing the kids and how excited they get.

Megan!

I have always thought it would be so much fun to go to WDW with extended family members. I just haven't been able to convince any of my family members to join us on our trips yet. It is nice to get the good review about the Hilton at Bonnet Creek. So, if the opportunity does come about to go with other families it might be a good option. Having a washer-dryer in the unit and a full kitchen would be nice on a longer stay.

 

[Megan83]

We plan to do 9-10 days next Sept when we go! It will be our only vacation next year! My work sells discount tickets where you pay for 4 days and get 3 free and they are park hoppers, which I wanted for at least one day so we could split the day between Epcot and Animal Kingdom! We only had one day at Hollywood Studios in April and it wasn't enough, we were there open to close and still missed a bunch! Our kids like shows so they liked that park! Also, my daughter probably could have sat through the frozen sing along at least 2 more times! Haha! None of us have been to Animal Kingdom, so that will be nice to see!

Has anyone done the breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table? I'm thinking my daughter and I might do that in Sept, I know my son won't want to! But I was wondering if it's a buffet and how the food is!

We did the Trex cafe in April and both kids LOVED it! I'm excited to go back and see Downtown Disney all done!

 

[bearcat97]

Oh look. It's my people!! I was planning my next trip in 2018 with the family as soon as we got home from our trip this past February. (I'm hopeful that because the boy will be older and know what to expect, he won't have so many sensory breakdowns... also, I'm planning for a longer, more relaxed trip this time and staying nearer to MK than AKL was. I loved AKL, but it was too far away for the number of unexpected breaks we had.) In the midst of THAT planning (which would be for the twins' 11th birthday and to celebrate the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school... EEP!), I had the brilliant idea to plan an adults only trip in November 2017 to celebrate our 15th anniversary! (Next step... convince the husband that he would rather go to Disney than Vegas... I love Vegas, but November is a crapshoot for weather. The last time we went in November the streets were flooding with all the rain... and it doesn't take that much rain in Vegas to cause flooding because their streets aren't designed to drain efficiently.)

Has anyone done the breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table? I'm thinking my daughter and I might do that in Sept, I know my son won't want to! But I was wondering if it's a buffet and how the food is!

We didn't do breakfast at CRT in February, but we did do lunch and it was fun to eat in the castle. It was a special mother-daughter day for me and the girl, so she got all done up at Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and then we went to lunch where they gave us a table at a window that looked straight out to the carousel and the sword in the stone. Back to your question, though, I don't think breakfast is a buffet. They bring out a plate of pastries before the meal and then you get to select from a menu. I don't know how breakfast is, but lunch was better than I expected based on some reviews I had read.

 

[mdsouth]

We plan to do 9-10 days next Sept when we go! It will be our only vacation next year! My work sells discount tickets where you pay for 4 days and get 3 free and they are park hoppers, which I wanted for at least one day so we could split the day between Epcot and Animal Kingdom! We only had one day at Hollywood Studios in April and it wasn't enough, we were there open to close and still missed a bunch! Our kids like shows so they liked that park! Also, my daughter probably could have sat through the frozen sing along at least 2 more times! Haha! None of us have been to Animal Kingdom, so that will be nice to see!

Has anyone done the breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table? I'm thinking my daughter and I might do that in Sept, I know my son won't want to! But I was wondering if it's a buffet and how the food is!

We did the Trex cafe in April and both kids LOVED it! I'm excited to go back and see Downtown Disney all done!

Megan, like you I am looking forward to going to Downtown Disney without all the construction chaos! I am thinking if we go to Downtown Disney we will have to try our Earl of Sandwich. I have read so many great reviews of the place. But depending on how long the trip is we might not get there at all.

Oh look. It's my people!! I was planning my next trip in 2018 with the family as soon as we got home from our trip this past February. (I'm hopeful that because the boy will be older and know what to expect, he won't have so many sensory breakdowns... also, I'm planning for a longer, more relaxed trip this time and staying nearer to MK than AKL was. I loved AKL, but it was too far away for the number of unexpected breaks we had.) In the midst of THAT planning (which would be for the twins' 11th birthday and to celebrate the end of elementary school and the beginning of middle school... EEP!), I had the brilliant idea to plan an adults only trip in November 2017 to celebrate our 15th anniversary! (Next step... convince the husband that he would rather go to Disney than Vegas... I love Vegas, but November is a crapshoot for weather. The last time we went in November the streets were flooding with all the rain... and it doesn't take that much rain in Vegas to cause flooding because their streets aren't designed to drain efficiently.) .

Bearcat!!

You are so right in that we are your people! That is why I think ! It is so nice to be able to talk and discuss our plans for trips that are months to years away without anyone or giving us the look. I haven't stayed at AKL but we did stay at CSR and it did seem a lot longer bus ride to the main parks. So, I understand you wanting to stay at a different resort.

I am trying to figure out how many kids you have and their ages. You talked about your boy and then the twins too. So do you have three kids or just two and one is the boy? Or maybe more?

For me, I have two kids. My son just finished his freshman year at college and my daughter is going into 8th grade. She just became an official teenager in March!

I would totally choose Disney over Vegas!

 

[bearcat97]

I am trying to figure out how many kids you have and their ages. You talked about your boy and then the twins too. So do you have three kids or just two and one is the boy? Or maybe more?

Just the twins. They turned 9 on Wednesday. I refer to them as the boy and the girl online. It's just my weird tic. But anyway, the boy has autism that is exacerbated by sensory processing disorder so the February trip (which was our first trip) was rough on him some days. AKL was beautiful, but it really is far away from everything. I'm glad we stayed there because giraffes, but we want to stay other places, too! I think WL for our next trip with the kids. I think they'll like the bunk beds and the boat to MK. Bonus: by the time we go in 2018, the construction should be over!

I would totally choose Disney over Vegas!

I wouldn't have said that 14 years ago when we got married, but I totally say it now! Plus, if we go in November 2017 and May 2018, then I might as well get an annual pass, right? And then maybe I can squeeze in one more trip after May before it expires.

 

[mdsouth]

Just the twins. They turned 9 on Wednesday. I refer to them as the boy and the girl online. It's just my weird tic. But anyway, the boy has autism that is exacerbated by sensory processing disorder so the February trip (which was our first trip) was rough on him some days. AKL was beautiful, but it really is far away from everything. I'm glad we stayed there because giraffes, but we want to stay other places, too! I think WL for our next trip with the kids. I think they'll like the bunk beds and the boat to MK. Bonus: by the time we go in 2018, the construction should be over!

I wouldn't have said that 14 years ago when we got married, but I totally say it now! Plus, if we go in November 2017 and May 2018, then I might as well get an annual pass, right? And then maybe I can squeeze in one more trip after May before it expires.

I understand about the sensory overload. My son has a mild form of Asperger's and when he was little loud noises and smells would cause a lot of issues with him. He would cover his ears and cringe when people tried to sing Happy Birthday, etc. Now that he is older the noises and smells do not bother him as much. My nephew also has autism. He is non-verbal and is the same age as your kids.

 

[Baklava]

We plan to go for Food and Wine. We're debating the Beach Club v. Boardwalk for a villa but we'll sort it out. We'll book at the Poly (our home resort) to cover our bases but for this trip we're hoping to stay closer to Epcot.

I'm a little nervous about my spectrum kiddo too. She was 5 on our trip this January and a stroller was a good option for retreating from sensory overload. At 7 that's less likely to be viable. We'll have to see where she's at when we get closer and make arrangements based on her needs.

 

[bearcat97]

I understand about the sensory overload. My son has a mild form of Asperger's and when he was little loud noises and smells would cause a lot of issues with him. He would cover his ears and cringe when people tried to sing Happy Birthday, etc. Now that he is older the noises and smells do not bother him as much. My nephew also has autism. He is non-verbal and is the same age as your kids.

That's what I'm hoping for with the boy. He's high-functioning and super smart, but very rigid in his scheduling and need for order and calm. I'm hoping now that he knows what Disney is like, AND he'll be 2 years older, that it'll be easier. My primary goal for the trip in 2018 is to work on convincing him that there are restaurants on property other than Electric Umbrella and Chef Mickey!

I'm a little nervous about my spectrum kiddo too. She was 5 on our trip this January and a stroller was a good option for retreating from sensory overload. At 7 that's less likely to be viable. We'll have to see where she's at when we get closer and make arrangements based on her needs.

Yes. At 8 years old a stroller wasn't going to happen. He did better than I expected, honestly, but there were some rough patches. By the end of the trip, though, he was golden. And now he keeps asking when he gets to go back.

 

[chirurgeon]

Started my serious planning for Disneyland December 2017. Trying to decide if on property or across the street. It's so different from WDW. But I still love the Disney hotels. I have stayed at both Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. Trying to figure if I can save enough for the Disneyland Hotel.

 

[SoarinSC]

Started my serious planning for Disneyland December 2017. Trying to decide if on property or across the street. It's so different from WDW. But I still love the Disney hotels. I have stayed at both Grand Californian and the Disneyland Hotel. Trying to figure if I can save enough for the Disneyland Hotel.

Started doing the same for an October trip in 2017...first visit! Planning on staying at Disneyland Hotel to take advantage of Extra Magic Mornings so gotta save the bucks!