Would love your WDW guru advice...

[Jessmela]

I'm sooo looking forward to a real vacation. It's just me and my husband. We arrive very late/early on 1/12 (just after midnight) and leave early am on 1/17. So here are my plans so far:

1/13 MK- With reservations at 8pm for Wishes cruise leaving from Contemporary Marina (we have 6 spots open--if you're interested in joining us, please PM/email me)

1/14 Daytime is open, looking for suggestions. 5:30pm dinner reservations at California Grill (timed to coincide with sunset) Depending on how tired we are and the weather may stay to see fireworks from the landing after dinner

1/15 Morning at AK, Afternoon at MGM. Fantasmic Dinner Package reservation with 4:50 pm seating at Mama Melrose

1/16 Epcot- 8:00pm dinner reservations for Bistro de Paris (planning to arrive early and let them know we're celebrating my b-day and our anniversary...hoping to be able to get window seats to see Illuminations).

We are staying off site (on i-drive) and will have a rental car. I haven't bought the park tickets yet, so I'd be up for non-Disney suggestions for the day of 1/14 that are not theme parks.

Originally we thought we'd do at least one non-WDW day. But I think I have at 3 days worth of stuff I want to do and it's only $30 bucks more for the fourth day. Should we go for another day at the parks, or is there some other relaxing off-site thing worth doing. I was checking out the Canvarel National Seashore--but was thinking January might be too chilly for this.

I'm debating the California Grill dinner, but I can always cancel the reservation if I change my mind. Is it worth the price?

Any advice on parking at the parks-- where to park each day? Our hotel does have a shuttle but when I called they were pretty vague on the return times and there's only 3 morning times each day.

Anything that's a must do that I've missed?

Again thanks for all the wonderful tips!
Jessica

 

[KeepSwimming]

Sounds like you've got it all together!! I haven't experienced some of the things you have scheduled, so I can't comment. However, to answer your parking concerns, I would take the shuttle your hotel offers if it is free because Disney does charge $9 to park there (unless you are an AP holder).

If you do decide to park your own car there you really don't have a choice where you park. Disney CM's direct you to the next available space. if you get there early enough you'll be up front and can walk up to the security checks, otherwise a tram pulls up to take you to there.

Have fun!

 

[tjmouse]

You could also park at the Transportation and Ticket Center and take monorail or bus to anywhere you want to go.

As far as an off-day from the parks, I would go to Downtown Disney for some shopping and maybe Pleasure Island in the evening. Another suggestion might be to book a spa treatment at the new spa at the Dolphin, then go over to Boardwalk for dinner and dancing afterward. (I tend not to leave Disney property once I am there, but there are lots of non-Disney things to do too, like a beach or other attractions.)

 

[WDWguru]

I don't have much to add, but just HAD to respond since you specifically called my username in your post title!

I second Downtown Disney, spa and maybe even a tour of the resorts on your "off" day - then hit PI that night. California Grill is WELL worth the price. I've only eaten at two other places on property that I like as well, or better - Jiko at AKL and Victoria & Alberts at GF.

Have fun!

 

[mtdevine615]

Had to respond also since we are also flying in late that night and we'll be at the MK on the 13th as well. Actually you schedule looks very much like ours. I would suggest getting the extra day ticket and go to Epcot again. It takes more than a day to see that park. If you don't want to do that I'd sugest going to DTD and maybe PI as well, great shopping and some very nice restaurants. Welcome to Dis and maybe we'll see you there.