very general Disney questions...

[pooh8402]

my 30th is coming up in April, and my H and I have decided we want to do WDW in Orlando. we've both been before, but it's been years (2000 for me, 2001 or 2002 for H). it would most likely be just the two of us, and we'd stay off site, and drive onto the property. also, I'm hoping to be pregnant by then, so I'm aware of ride restrictions (no Space Mountain or Splash Mountain or Tower of Terror ) but I'm okay with that. we would avoid the water parks. and while I'm a history buff and would love the Disney history tours, DH couldn't care less.

I guess I'm just asking about general tips, where to start looking for deals and tickets and what not. my parents did the trip planning when I went last (I was 16 at the time) so I have no idea how they did all the behind the scenes stuff that adults do. I do realize that March/April is one of the most expensive times of the year due to spring break and good weather and we're okay with that but we want to save money where we can. I do remember FastPass being awesome, and worth the price according to my parents.

anyway, like I say, very general. we just decided this weekend, so I'm at the very beginning of my research.

[pooh8402]

we'd get a rental car whether we are on site or off. also, my ILs have a world-wide timeshare, so we'd use that; I think it is usually $150/week. andplusalso, if we go for 7 days, I may convince DH to take me to Harry Potter!

[alleinesein]

Fast Pass is free so dont even worry about that.

Tour information and special events can be be found here disneyworld.disney.go.com/events-tours/

STAY ON PROPERTY! I cannot stress this enough. Yes, you can find cheaper hotel rooms off property but once you factor in the cost of daily parking and sometimes the cost of parking at the hotel you might as well stay on property. You can bundle your hotel and theme park admission into one package to save some $$. You will also get to utilize extra magic hours (early/late park admission on select days at select parks).

Why would you avoid the water parks? If its hot they are nice.

If you plan on going in mid spring you might be down there when the EPCOT Flower and Garden Festival is going on (its typically in April and May). If you wait to go down until after Easter you should avoid all of the spring break crowds)

[zitiqueen]

We were in Orlando during the third week of April this year and the place was a friggin' ghost town. All of the Spring Breaks are done by then, colleges and K-12s. We didn't wait more than 10 minutes for any rides at Universal or Islands of Adventure; I don't imagine Disney was any different. Even the freeways were empty. It was awesome. If you time it right, you can have the place to yourselves.

[trigal]

I would stay on the property. Also, there are books out there about doing Disney without kids.

[pooh8402]

DH just told me he doesn't want to fly, but instead drive there. the drive is doable but sucky in one day. so we wouldn't need a rental car, but would still eat gas + parking. however, if we can use his parents' timeshare, it is ~$200/week ($150 plus a transfer fee). even the value resorts on the property are over $100/night. so the car is non-negotiable.

I just checked on the timeshares, and there is nothing available on the property for when we want to go (only thing available is the Key West Resort, in December of this year). however, plenty of them across the highway, less than 15 minutes drive.

[zitiqueen]

Just because I'm nosy, why doesn't he want to fly?

[pooh8402]

a few reasons: flights are expensive (yes, gas is too). we'd have to pay for parking at the airport anyway, so then we'd be paying double the parking. he actually likes road trips--we have some great conversations on road trips. we can pack more. as I said in my OP, I hope to be pregnant, and if I conceive this cycle, I'd be in my 3rd trimester by the time of this trip, in which case I couldn't fly anyway.

moving on from lodging/transportation...

what else? any restaurants yall recommend? something I should do for my birthday itself? shows? I never had the chance to do Epcot when I was there last, so recommendations there would be awesome.

[expatpumpkin]

If you can swing it, I'd stay on property. But the time you figure in the free parking (at the Disney hotels), free transport, Magic Hours, bundled tickets, and general lack of hassle, it's surprisingly affordable. And a better experience, IMHO

We've stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge and the Art of Animation hotel. AK was really nice and AA was a "value property" but was still attractive and had good amenities.

Anyway, that's my two cents

[maddiepaddy]

My H and I went to Orlando this summer for a conference. We stayed just off property at a Hyatt, which was lovely. We only did one day at Disney (epcot). Honestly, it was kinda a PITA as an off property visitor. Parking fees are high at the parks, transportation to/from off property is slow, you miss out on extra hours and other benes, etc. We decided if we ever go back with the purpose of going to Disney that we will definitely stay on property. It just looked like it would be so much easier.

I totally get wanting to save money, but you've got to factor in your time and convenience, too. Esp when you'll likely be PG.

[alleinesein]

For your birthday dinner I recommend Victoria and Alberts if you want to splurge.

Other restaurants that I like
-Kona Cafe at the Polynesian for breakfast (Tonga Toast)
-Jikos at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for dinner
-Monsieur Paul (formerly the Bistro de Paris) at EPCOT for dinner
-Biergarten at EPCOT for a loud, casual lunch or dinner
-Restaurant Marrakesh at EPCOT for lunch or dinner
-Afternoon Tea at the Grand Floridian
-Aloha Isle in Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom; its the only location that has Dole Whip and Dole Whip Floats

Restaurants that I avoid at all costs (they are overrated, crowded, overrrun with kids, overpriced, etc)
-Chef Mickeys. This is the most popular character breakfast at WDW and its always a zoo; food is mediocre and service is not what you would expect from disney.
-California Grill. The food is fine but ever since parents discovered that you can see the MK fireworks it has become a noisy, kid infested place and lost a ton of its ambiance. If you must eat there try to get seating in the wine cellar room; you wont have a view of the fireworks but you will be able to see parts of Illuminations at EPCOT

You can book your dining reservations online and you will need reservations for most of the restaurants at EPCOT and the hotels. Getting a same day reservation can be very difficult.

[pooh8402]

thanks for the restaurant recs alleinesein!

one question I have that I can't really find: how far in advance are we allowed to purchase park admission tickets?

the reason I ask is that what I'm reading about the restaurant reservations, is that one needs to have their hotel reservation or admission tickets already in hand. since we will likely (as in about 90% likely) stay off-site, the only way I could make dinner reservations is with my park admission tickets. I've already decided to go to Undercover Tourist for those.

[alleinesein]

Sept 16, 2013 16:10:36 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

thanks for the restaurant recs alleinesein!

one question I have that I can't really find: how far in advance are we allowed to purchase park admission tickets?

the reason I ask is that what I'm reading about the restaurant reservations, is that one needs to have their hotel reservation or admission tickets already in hand. since we will likely (as in about 90% likely) stay off-site, the only way I could make dinner reservations is with my park admission tickets. I've already decided to go to Undercover Tourist for those.

You can buy your tickets now.  If you arent going for another 6+ months it will be cheaper to get them now because disney has a very bad habit of jacking up ticket prices every year.  There really arent any discount tickets to Disney; AAA has them so if you are a member you should check out their prices. 

The only restrictions that the tickets have is that some of them must be used withing 14 days of the first use or within 6 months of the first use. 

You should just be able to book your dining reservations on the WDW website.  Where is it requiring you to have a park ticket to book your reservation?  I know that some restaurants remind you that a valid theme park admission is required because the restaurant is located inside a park but for restaurants outside of the parks at the hotels you do not need a ticket.  They do ask for contact information and you can give them a cell #.

[pooh8402]

Sept 16, 2013 16:32:32 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Sept 16, 2013 16:10:36 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

thanks for the restaurant recs alleinesein!

one question I have that I can't really find: how far in advance are we allowed to purchase park admission tickets?

the reason I ask is that what I'm reading about the restaurant reservations, is that one needs to have their hotel reservation or admission tickets already in hand. since we will likely (as in about 90% likely) stay off-site, the only way I could make dinner reservations is with my park admission tickets. I've already decided to go to Undercover Tourist for those.

You can buy your tickets now.  If you arent going for another 6+ months it will be cheaper to get them now because disney has a very bad habit of jacking up ticket prices every year.  There really arent any discount tickets to Disney; AAA has them so if you are a member you should check out their prices. 

The only restrictions that the tickets have is that some of them must be used withing 14 days of the first use or within 6 months of the first use. 

You should just be able to book your dining reservations on the WDW website.  Where is it requiring you to have a park ticket to book your reservation?  I know that some restaurants remind you that a valid theme park admission is required because the restaurant is located inside a park but for restaurants outside of the parks at the hotels you do not need a ticket.  They do ask for contact information and you can give them a cell #.

my guidebook and mousesavers.com... I was specifically looking for dining (like for lunch? I remember doing Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom for lunch when I went the first time) in the parks, but what I'm reading is that the hotel restaurants seem to be top-notch.

[alleinesein]

Sept 16, 2013 16:47:43 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Sept 16, 2013 16:32:32 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

You can buy your tickets now.  If you arent going for another 6+ months it will be cheaper to get them now because disney has a very bad habit of jacking up ticket prices every year.  There really arent any discount tickets to Disney; AAA has them so if you are a member you should check out their prices. 

The only restrictions that the tickets have is that some of them must be used withing 14 days of the first use or within 6 months of the first use. 

You should just be able to book your dining reservations on the WDW website.  Where is it requiring you to have a park ticket to book your reservation?  I know that some restaurants remind you that a valid theme park admission is required because the restaurant is located inside a park but for restaurants outside of the parks at the hotels you do not need a ticket.  They do ask for contact information and you can give them a cell #.

my guidebook and mousesavers.com... I was specifically looking for dining (like for lunch? I remember doing Liberty Tree Tavern in Magic Kingdom for lunch when I went the first time) in the parks, but what I'm reading is that the hotel restaurants seem to be top-notch.

Plan your restaurants based on what park you will be doing each day.  On your MK day eat at MK restaurants or at MK resort restaurants, etc.

You may have to give a CC # for dining reservations as a guarantee that you will show up.  You can book a reservation for dining without having a hotel reservation or a theme park ticket.  They do try to link all of your information in their computer system to keep tabs on you   My guest history file at Disney is insanely huge.

Currently their online restaurant reservations system is only booking through March 14th; if you are staying on property you CAN book all of your dining reservations exactly 6 months out from your arrival date for your entire stay so that is one of the reasons why they ask if you have a confirmation #. 

Another restaurant recommendation- Columbia Restaurant is in Celebration, FL and since you will have your own car getting there will be easy.

Do you know what time share properties you might be able to get?  Ive stayed at 2 in the WDW area and one was horrible and the other was ok and one of the closest to the parks but was also next door to Vista Way (apartment complex that houses the WDW College Program kids...it can be LOUD at night). 

[pooh8402]

my ILs' timeshare is through RCI, and there is a huge list. this is what I've found, in order from closest to WDW to farthest. many of these were just off of International Drive.

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Fountains Villas
Grand Beach I
Cypress Pointe Grand Villas Rental
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive
Kingstown Reef
Westgate Leisure Resort
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

[alleinesein]

Sept 16, 2013 17:32:27 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

my ILs' timeshare is through RCI, and there is a huge list. this is what I've found, in order from closest to WDW to farthest. many of these were just off of International Drive.

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Fountains Villas
Grand Beach I
Cypress Pointe Grand Villas Rental
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive
Kingstown Reef
Westgate Leisure Resort
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

Ive stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.  Try to get that one; they underwent a huge property makeover when I stayed there in 2004.  Its next door to the Marriott and Vista Way (the WDWCP apartment complex).  The resort is HUGE but it has multiple pools and dining options.  They will try to sell you a timeshare but just tell them NO and they will stop bothering you.  The rooms were decent sized and the decor was 'florida tourist cheesy'.  Its maybe a 15 minute drive to any park in WDW.  I do not remember if they have a shuttle service to the parks; we used a rental car and I had free parking and admission at Disney because I was working for the company. 

Do not stay at the Westgate...Ive stayed there as well.  It looks like it is close to the park but its a good 15 minute drive to the property and another 10-15 to get to a specific park.  Check in can take forever because they make everyone check in at the same time.

The Hilton @ SeaWorld is going to be a good 30 minute drive away from WDW.  Its not that far in terms of miles but driving through town can take forever.

[pooh8402]

Sept 16, 2013 18:06:18 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Sept 16, 2013 17:32:27 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

my ILs' timeshare is through RCI, and there is a huge list. this is what I've found, in order from closest to WDW to farthest. many of these were just off of International Drive.

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Fountains Villas
Grand Beach I
Cypress Pointe Grand Villas Rental
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive
Kingstown Reef
Westgate Leisure Resort
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

Ive stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Resort.  Try to get that one; they underwent a huge property makeover when I stayed there in 2004.  Its next door to the Marriott and Vista Way (the WDWCP apartment complex).  The resort is HUGE but it has multiple pools and dining options.  They will try to sell you a timeshare but just tell them NO and they will stop bothering you.  The rooms were decent sized and the decor was 'florida tourist cheesy'.  Its maybe a 15 minute drive to any park in WDW.  I do not remember if they have a shuttle service to the parks; we used a rental car and I had free parking and admission at Disney because I was working for the company. 

Do not stay at the Westgate...Ive stayed there as well.  It looks like it is close to the park but its a good 15 minute drive to the property and another 10-15 to get to a specific park.  Check in can take forever because they make everyone check in at the same time.

The Hilton @ SeaWorld is going to be a good 30 minute drive away from WDW.  Its not that far in terms of miles but driving through town can take forever.

Wow, thanks! This is great info!

Sent from my SPH-L710 using proboards

[flatlan]

The website Couponing to Disney has a lot of great planning tips!

[winnied]

Sept 16, 2013 17:32:27 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

my ILs' timeshare is through RCI, and there is a huge list. this is what I've found, in order from closest to WDW to farthest. many of these were just off of International Drive.

Sheraton Vistana Resort-Fountains Villas
Grand Beach I
Cypress Pointe Grand Villas Rental
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on International Drive
Kingstown Reef
Westgate Leisure Resort
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld

I stayed with my ILs (kids, grankids, etc.) at the Hilton GVC at Sea World and while it was kind of a trek I loved the accommodations. It was perfect for us because we generally ate in our suite. 

[dulcemariamar]

I didnt read the rest of the posts but my DH and I loved the Hilton Bonnet Creek. It is actually in WDW and there are free shuttle to the park about every 30-60 mins. depending on the day.

It has a huge lazy river and the resturants in the hotel are really good.

[alleinesein]

Sept 18, 2013 6:53:27 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

I didnt read the rest of the posts but my DH and I loved the Hilton Bonnet Creek. It is actually in WDW and there are free shuttle to the park about every 30-60 mins. depending on the day.

It has a huge lazy river and the resturants in the hotel are really good.

Do you know if their pool area is heated in the winter?  My dad will be at that hotel for an event in December and I am very tempted to tag along.

[dulcemariamar]

Sept 18, 2013 14:43:37 GMT -5 alleinesein said:

Sept 18, 2013 6:53:27 GMT -5 dulcemariamar said:

I didnt read the rest of the posts but my DH and I loved the Hilton Bonnet Creek. It is actually in WDW and there are free shuttle to the park about every 30-60 mins. depending on the day.

It has a huge lazy river and the resturants in the hotel are really good.

Do you know if their pool area is heated in the winter?  My dad will be at that hotel for an event in December and I am very tempted to tag along.

No idea. I would call to check

[hymen]

You don't need to have your tickets in hand to make restaurant reservations. You can buy tickets at any of the parks the day you arrive. Book your restaurants now because they fill up!

Also, I know you are saying trying off property but Disney is offering free dining plans right now through the end of the year (with some blackout dates). If you are pregnant and can't go on certain rides, this might be a good trade off. Also, having the Disney transportation could really make or break your trip especially if you are in your first tri and super tired/sick (or third tri and super tired). It would be easy to go back to the hotel and take a break. The Disney parking lots are a nightmare (especially at MK) and it can sometimes take close to an hour to go from main gate to your car.

ETA: Whoops, sorry, I thought you were planning a trip in October. Since you are looking at April, avoid the common spring breaks/Easter times. It is one of the busiest times of year. Early May would be better.

[hymen]

Also, a cheaper option is to rent DVC points from a website like David's DVC rentals. You can stay at some really nice on-property hotels for 1/2 the price. You can add a dining plan to this as well, but if they do offer any free dining when you go you aren't eligible for it.