Honestly the people on here stress way too much about Disney. We took our 1 and 4 year olds and didn't really haveuch planned and we rode every single ride and somehow managed to have an amazing time. That was all despite DH breaking his ankle three weeks prior to our scheduled trip and having to push it back 6 weeks. And staying off property.
I think most of the posts on here are pretty ridiculous with tr crazy planning.
Post by kittycatlove on Mar 4, 2015 11:17:06 GMT -5
We went to Disneyland first and did absolutely no planning. It was a blast and stress free and the time of year we went there were barely any lines for character meets and rides.
We then decided to tackle WDW and went last year during free dining. Booked it and made a few character meal reservations that we knew we wanted to do, and picked our FP's. We then just winged the rest of our trip around the things that we had pre-planned. Once we got there it was super easy and the little bit of planning ahead of time was worth it for us.
But I could totally see not doing any of that and still having a blast. It's the happiest place on earth, just being there is great
I've said it before, but I also don't relate to the super-planning for Disney. But I have assumed part of that is because I've only ever gone to Disneyland, and our method when I was a kid was to just show up, pay at the gate, and hit as many rides as we could during the day. We also packed in food and snacks. So in my mind, it's a one-day thing with lines and cold sandwiches.
Just do what I plan to next time and get a Disney Travel Agent, tell them what you want and they'll handle the details, all you have to do is make your list, e-mail it to them, then show up.
Post by jeaniebueller on Mar 4, 2015 11:48:02 GMT -5
And you don't need to do a dining plan. You really don't. WE did one character meal and just ate at the quick serve places the rest of the time. You really can just show up and do what you want.
I've had plenty of trips where the idea is we'd fly by the seat of our pants, but I also really enjoy trip planning. Sometimes I enjoy it more than the actual vacation. My Google drive has several vacations mapped out. Vacations that we will probably not even go on.
Post by pinkdutchtulips on Mar 4, 2015 11:58:02 GMT -5
Arghhh my post got eaten ?!?
My parents planned a WDW trip when we were kids in the mid 80's and by planning I mean booked a spot at the onsite campground and pre-purchased 5 day passes for the MK and Epcot - no meal plans, no character breakfasts.
I was at DL 10 years ago and we met my mom at the gate (bc she had the pre-purchased tix) and she made a reservation at the Trattoria in CA Aventure for ALL (15 of us) of us for dinner. That was the extent of it.
DD has yet to go but I'm not envisioning anything more than getting a room at an offsite hotel and getting tix at the gate. If my siblings and I decide to make a fam trip out of DL, I'll call my friend who's a Disney Travel Agent and have her do all the legwork!
I'm glad a new sport has been added to the Breezy Olympics.
Some people are planners. Some aren't. The sky is blue and the domestication of the dog continues unabated.
I showed up at Disney naked with no money and no FP and I'm fine!!!!
I wish this was true lol. That would be a fantastic story
Anyway, if/when we go to Disney World I doubt we will make reservations for characters or restaurants. I mean if you don't make restaurant reservations I can still like eat french fries from a stand right? Or get a hot dog or something right? lol. I don't have time for eating in restaurants when there are rides to ride!
I wish this was true lol. That would be a fantastic story
Anyway, if/when we go to Disney World I doubt we will make reservations for characters or restaurants. I mean if you don't make restaurant reservations I can still like eat french friends from a stand right? Or get a hot dog or something right? lol. I don't have time for eating in restaurants when there are rides to ride!
I don't believe they allow cannilbalism at the Happiest Place on Eartth.
Post by karinothing on Mar 4, 2015 12:50:52 GMT -5
I also really want to go to Disneyland over Disneyworld. But part of that is because I grew up with Disneyland so it has a special place in my heart. I want to share that with DS. Plus, ain't nothing better than the Alpine Inn. alpineinnanaheim.com/General-Info/rooms.html
I've said it before, but I also don't relate to the super-planning for Disney. But I have assumed part of that is because I've only ever gone to Disneyland, and our method when I was a kid was to just show up, pay at the gate, and hit as many rides as we could during the day. We also packed in food and snacks. So in my mind, it's a one-day thing with lines and cold sandwiches.
This is what we did with EuroDisney. But WDW and the related parks intimidate the crap out of me. Not aiming for the breezy olympics here, Brie. Yeah, it makes me super breezy that I stressed the eff out about the idea of renting a car, begging a relative to watch DS for the day, driving 3 hours up to Orlando with DD and then risking perhaps not getting the most out of our visit to HP, so I pulled the plug on the whole thing. That's me, super breezy!
This is what we did with EuroDisney. But WDW and the related parks intimidate the crap out of me. Not aiming for the breezy olympics here, Brie. Yeah, it makes me super breezy that I stressed the eff out about the idea of renting a car, begging a relative to watch DS for the day, driving 3 hours up to Orlando with DD and then risking perhaps not getting the most out of our visit to HP, so I pulled the plug on the whole thing. That's me, super breezy!
FWIW, Universal is TOTALLY different compared to what I hear about WDW. You really do just show up and do whatever the hell you want. I've been dozens of times and have never gotten a fast pass or whatever their equivalent is. I'd still consider going.
I was at universal/IOA last year and never again would I go there without their fast pass. Every fucking ride worth going on had a 60+minute wait. We waited like 80 minutes to ride minion madness. Newp.
It's like taking any other vacation... the more planning you do, the more likely you'll get to do everything 'on your list", the more flexible you are, the less planning you have to do. I went on a kickass 10 day trip to Italy with my friends a few years ago. If I just showed up in Italy with no plans, no itinerary, no ideas of what I wanted to do etc. I wouldn't have had as good a trip. I went to Chicago last summer. I wanted to eat in a few well known restaurants so I had to book my reservation a couple months in advance b/c they were popular. it's just how travel works. Unless you just plan on lying around on the3 beach or going to an AI, most vacations require some planning.
FWIW, Universal is TOTALLY different compared to what I hear about WDW. You really do just show up and do whatever the hell you want. I've been dozens of times and have never gotten a fast pass or whatever their equivalent is. I'd still consider going.
Do they have an equivalent? That's the thing. I think Disney has created more "experiences" and de-bundled the experience to get the most money out of everyone, like airlines. So if you want to skip to the front of the line, you get X, but it's not good for all the rides, then you'll need Y. Then if you want to spend time with z characters, you need to pay $$$.
I don't remember all of that growing up. Maybe it's because we were poor and not doing it, maybe it was just because Disneyland is smaller, I don't know. But I don't think this is about people being planners or breezy or whatever - Disney has become a much bigger empire and I think the fact that they seem to be the only travel agents thriving is telling.
At Universal you buy the FP equivalent (it's an upgrade to your ticket), I remember doing a character breakfast back in 86 when I was 5 so that's been around for a while, no idea the cost at that time. FP+ are free with your ticket, the difference is if you pay $$-$$$$ to stay at a WDW resort you get to pick your FP+ 30 days ahead of those not staying on property.
FWIW, Universal is TOTALLY different compared to what I hear about WDW. You really do just show up and do whatever the hell you want. I've been dozens of times and have never gotten a fast pass or whatever their equivalent is. I'd still consider going.
Do they have an equivalent? That's the thing. I think Disney has created more "experiences" and de-bundled the experience to get the most money out of everyone, like airlines. So if you want to skip to the front of the line, you get X, but it's not good for all the rides, then you'll need Y. Then if you want to spend time with z characters, you need to pay $$$.
I don't remember all of that growing up. Maybe it's because we were poor and not doing it, maybe it was just because Disneyland is smaller, I don't know. But I don't think this is about people being planners or breezy or whatever - Disney has become a much bigger empire and I think the fact that they seem to be the only travel agents thriving is telling.
Fast Passes don't cost anything at all - they just require a little bit of pre-planning if you want to get to the very best things. I am actually 100% behind the idea since it allows you to prioritize the best things that are most important to your family and maximize your time there. The only added cost to see characters would be character meals, but there are still characters free of charge all over the park.
I have not been to Universal so I can't speak to it, but I think you may have to pay for the "fast pass" option. Or maybe I'm thinking of Six Flags. Either way, I'm not trying to start a debate over which is better, just clarifying that I think Disney has good intentions with all of the Fast Pass stuff.
And we have almost always had to have reservations to get into the best restaurants at Disney. That is not new. I remember having reservations in the early 90s.
FWIW, Universal is TOTALLY different compared to what I hear about WDW. You really do just show up and do whatever the hell you want. I've been dozens of times and have never gotten a fast pass or whatever their equivalent is. I'd still consider going.
Do they have an equivalent? That's the thing. I think Disney has created more "experiences" and de-bundled the experience to get the most money out of everyone, like airlines. So if you want to skip to the front of the line, you get X, but it's not good for all the rides, then you'll need Y. Then if you want to spend time with z characters, you need to pay $$$.
I don't remember all of that growing up. Maybe it's because we were poor and not doing it, maybe it was just because Disneyland is smaller, I don't know. But I don't think this is about people being planners or breezy or whatever - Disney has become a much bigger empire and I think the fact that they seem to be the only travel agents thriving is telling.
And I think that all is kind of sad, because Disney is already a "dream trip" for so many families who have to save up for a long time to do it, so to then piecemeal it and make the "good" stuff cost more just seems so crappy. I mean, I get that it's a corporation, there are plenty of people willing to pay for those things, but... it still seems icky.
I'm glad a new sport has been added to the Breezy Olympics.
Some people are planners. Some aren't. The sky is blue and the domestication of the dog continues unabated.
Then why don't they get mail, hmm? Answer me that.
Seriously though, why is it surprising that vacations may require some level of planning? LOL at the comparison to Paris. if you show up in Paris with nothing planned, knowing nothing about the city, having no idea how to get around or when museums that you want to visit are open then you're not going to have as great a trip as if you planned ahead. Come on, people.
I'm glad a new sport has been added to the Breezy Olympics.
Some people are planners. Some aren't. The sky is blue and the domestication of the dog continues unabated.
Then why don't they get mail, hmm? Answer me that.
Seriously though, why is it surprising that vacations may require some level of planning? LOL at the comparison to Paris. if you show up in Paris with nothing planned, knowing nothing about the city, having no idea how to get around or when museums that you want to visit are open then you're not going to have as great a trip as if you planned ahead. Come on, people.
I like having an idea of what I want to do, sure, but the Disney posts make it seem like you have to lock in everything two months out or have no fun at all. LOL. That's what's intimidating. We just got back from southern California, and in seven days we had several relatives to visit, plus we knew we'd be going to the San Diego Zoo and Legoland. We also knew which of our favorite restaurants we wanted to hit (we go to SD every year). But the difference is, I didn't have to decide in December what I'd want for lunch Tuesday, 2/24.
Then why don't they get mail, hmm? Answer me that.
Seriously though, why is it surprising that vacations may require some level of planning? LOL at the comparison to Paris. if you show up in Paris with nothing planned, knowing nothing about the city, having no idea how to get around or when museums that you want to visit are open then you're not going to have as great a trip as if you planned ahead. Come on, people.
I like having an idea of what I want to do, sure, but the Disney posts make it seem like you have to lock in everything two months out or have no fun at all. LOL. That's what's intimidating. We just got back from southern California, and in seven days we had several relatives to visit, plus we knew we'd be going to the San Diego Zoo and Legoland. We also knew which of our favorite restaurants we wanted to hit (we go to SD every year). But the difference is, I didn't have to decide in December what I'd want for lunch Tuesday, 2/24.
You can do Disney the exact same way you did SoCal. However, if you wanted to eat at exclusive restaurants with long waiting lists (while in SoCal) than yes you would have had to book it a couple months ahead of time. same deal.
Then why don't they get mail, hmm? Answer me that.
Seriously though, why is it surprising that vacations may require some level of planning? LOL at the comparison to Paris. if you show up in Paris with nothing planned, knowing nothing about the city, having no idea how to get around or when museums that you want to visit are open then you're not going to have as great a trip as if you planned ahead. Come on, people.
I like having an idea of what I want to do, sure, but the Disney posts make it seem like you have to lock in everything two months out or have no fun at all. LOL. That's what's intimidating. We just got back from southern California, and in seven days we had several relatives to visit, plus we knew we'd be going to the San Diego Zoo and Legoland. We also knew which of our favorite restaurants we wanted to hit (we go to SD every year). But the difference is, I didn't have to decide in December what I'd want for lunch Tuesday, 2/24.
And you don't have to do that at Disney either unless there is somewhere specific you want to eat and then like at any high demand place you sometimes have to book weeks in advance there are a few places like that locally if you don't make a reservation 6 weeks out you aren't getting in, when we went we made 2 dinner reservations and did BOG lunch because there were a couple places we particularly wanted to eat, the rest of the time we played it by ear. We ended up doing an eat around the world lunch at the Food and Wine festival one day and grabbing quick service random stuff the rest of the time. We could've done all quick service and not made any reservations easily just wasn't what we wanted to do. If making ressies that far out isn't your thing just don't do it, there are usually still some nice options available even on the same day, usually not the biggies like Cinderella's Royal Table but other great options, we were able to get one at Yak and Yeti at AK same day no problem (ended up not taking it but it was available) for example.
Post by thebreakfastclub on Mar 4, 2015 13:56:04 GMT -5
When I read the food reservation discussions, a lot of the places seem to be on par with Chipotle or Applebee's type experiences. I guess part of it is maximizing the value of the dining plan though?
When I read the food reservation discussions, a lot of the places seem to be on par with Chipotle or Applebee's type experiences. I guess part of it is maximizing the value of the dining plan though?
This is where the ressies come in. The qs places are very Applebees and the like, some of the TS (reservation available places) are as well but some of the places have really good food. We ate at Via Napoli and it was SOOO good. We ate at 9 Dragons too but I was less impressed with them, it was fairly standard Chinese restaurant fair good but nothing o write home about. BOG was kind of standard French Cafe stuff but really well done and yummy. The places with the better food tend to fill up quickly if you go during a busier time because you have a lot of people coming in and needing to eat but not wanting to leave the park to do it and those that know the places will grab the spots at the better restaurants.
Do they have an equivalent? That's the thing. I think Disney has created more "experiences" and de-bundled the experience to get the most money out of everyone, like airlines. So if you want to skip to the front of the line, you get X, but it's not good for all the rides, then you'll need Y. Then if you want to spend time with z characters, you need to pay $$$.
I don't remember all of that growing up. Maybe it's because we were poor and not doing it, maybe it was just because Disneyland is smaller, I don't know. But I don't think this is about people being planners or breezy or whatever - Disney has become a much bigger empire and I think the fact that they seem to be the only travel agents thriving is telling.
Fast Passes don't cost anything at all - they just require a little bit of pre-planning if you want to get to the very best things. I am actually 100% behind the idea since it allows you to prioritize the best things that are most important to your family and maximize your time there. The only added cost to see characters would be character meals, but there are still characters free of charge all over the park.
I have not been to Universal so I can't speak to it, but I think you may have to pay for the "fast pass" option. Or maybe I'm thinking of Six Flags. Either way, I'm not trying to start a debate over which is better, just clarifying that I think Disney has good intentions with all of the Fast Pass stuff.
And we have almost always had to have reservations to get into the best restaurants at Disney. That is not new. I remember having reservations in the early 90s.
Anyone remember their Mom or Dad RUNNING to the Reservation Computers under Spaceship Earth in Epcot in the morning to get a reservation at the World Showcase that night? LOL!
Post by ilikedonuts on Mar 4, 2015 15:18:15 GMT -5
Picking 3 rides each day a head of time and a few dining reservations to me is not scheduling every second of your day.
We watched the damn castle show like 12 times on our last trip. My kid wanted to ride the teacup over and over and over again so we did it. All while still having booked some meals and our FPs.