Disney/Orlando tips?

[Haig]

We stayed at the POP Century hotel on the resort and it was very clean & fun. Lots of stuff to do for the kids and the food bar in their is not expensive.

Their bus service to the parks & water parks are very fast and it's about every 15 minutes.

If you end up going to epcot and have strong stomach, try the Mission Mars ride.

The food & gifts are priced the same within each theme park & resort hotel.

If you stay on site, you can save $$ by buying a huge resort mug for $8. You can then use this mug to get free milk, coffee, tea, & soft drinks 24/7 thru out your stay from any food shop on any resort hotel.

No smoking at any of the parks unless you go to the designated smoking area.

[Fat Tone]

Thanks for all the great tips and links. Much appreciated

What we are leaning towards is ~1 week in Orlando then get a hire car and drive south to somewhere around Fort Lauderdale - this being roughly half way south and potentially a good base for getting to the Keys etc.

I need to keep a close eye on costs as this will be one of the most expensive trips we've ever undertaken, and thats the main thing driving decisions at least for the first week. Cost isn't 'everything' as we still want the great experience, but we need to be sensible.

I hear your overwhelming vote for staying on-resort. We'd happily do that but for the cost, particularly wrt eating. It seems to me that staying downtown might be a little less convenient for getting to the parks, but reports are that eating is only 50-70% of on-resort, and the hotels are cheaper too.

Some questions thus far:

1. As UK residents, do we have to pay the same taxes on all of our purchases made from the UK, particularly accommodation, tickets and car hire?
2. Are resorts like 'Pop Century' etc too young for 5 & 10 year olds? A friend has received advice that they would be wasted on her 10/11 year old boys and so has decided to stay on International Drive.
3. Do the off-resort hotels generally have shuttle services that are convenient enough to get around? We'd be unlikely to be 'park hoppers'.
4. Fast Pass - is this something you pay extra for on entry each day? How much is it? We came across it at Alton Towers (the UK's major theme park) when we went on the busiest day of the year. We refused to pay because there were two options, each only covering ~1/3 of the rides so you'd need both and it added a huge percentage to the ticket. When standing in the long queues we were all glaring daggers at those who just walked straight past us an on to the rides.
5. Is Fort Lauderdale a good idea for week 2? Does the proximity to Miami affect things either way? Is a week too long for there? Is there a better option?
6. Is SatNav standard on rental cars these days?
7. If we leave the rest of the booking until ~April, is that likely to limit choice of accommodation massively or affect ticket prices etc?

TVM,

Tony.

[Gurm]

I hear your overwhelming vote for staying on-resort. We'd happily do that but for the cost, particularly wrt eating. It seems to me that staying downtown might be a little less convenient for getting to the parks, but reports are that eating is only 50-70% of on-resort, and the hotels are cheaper too.

Get a combo package. Hotel, park passes, and meals all included. It works out better. Use AAA or other discount service to get some knocked off the top.

You'd only save on breakfast and late-night snacks, since you'll end up staying in the parks from early morning until they kick you out after dinner. You'll eat there ANYWAY! But the combo package works well, that's what we did last time.

Also please remember that if you stay "downtown", they can claim all they like that they can get you to Disney in 20 minutes, but it'll be an hour and a half before you're in the park. Maybe an hour on a good day. Stay on-site and the FAR resorts (all-star, etc.) are all only 15 minutes from the front gates, tops.

2. Are resorts like 'Pop Century' etc too young for 5 & 10 year olds? A friend has received advice that they would be wasted on her 10/11 year old boys and so has decided to stay on International Drive.

I don't know - Logan was 4 and LOVED Coronado Springs. I'm sure he would have had MORE fun at the All-Stars, but we wanted something a little quieter. *grin*

3. Do the off-resort hotels generally have shuttle services that are convenient enough to get around? We'd be unlikely to be 'park hoppers'.

See my diatribe above. They all get you into the park, fairly conveniently, but it takes a while. And returning in the evening... can be a wait.

4. Fast Pass - is this something you pay extra for on entry each day? How much is it? We came across it at Alton Towers (the UK's major theme park) when we went on the busiest day of the year. We refused to pay because there were two options, each only covering ~1/3 of the rides so you'd need both and it added a huge percentage to the ticket. When standing in the long queues we were all glaring daggers at those who just walked straight past us an on to the rides.

No, you put your ticket card into the machine, and it spits out a fast pass. It then says "come back in 30 minutes" and when you get back you go to the front of the line. On a ridiculously busy day you might wait an hour. But instead of waiting in LINE, you wait wherever you want - like on some other attraction. Sometimes they give you instant fast passes, depending on how sad you look. I had a pregnant wife and a 4 year old, I got into Star Tours in 30 seconds. *grin*

6. Is SatNav standard on rental cars these days?

Not on rental cars that cost normal human prices.

7. If we leave the rest of the booking until ~April, is that likely to limit choice of accommodation massively or affect ticket prices etc?

Not so much for August. August is ridiculously hot in Orlando. Ticket prices are fixed, no changes there. It's just which rooms will be available. But if you're planning to go to an all-star resort on-park, I doubt you'll have a problem then versus now.

[degrub]

If you can pick out the places at Disney that you want to stay, then go ahead and make the booking with CC to reserve. You generally get a better choice earlier, and it should not cost anything to change later.

[ND66]

Not so much for August. August is ridiculously hot in Orlando. Ticket prices are fixed, no changes there. It's just which rooms will be available. But if you're planning to go to an all-star resort on-park, I doubt you'll have a problem then versus now.

If you plan on staying in POP Century resort, I'd say book it in advance. This is the best and nicest Resort from all of the Value Resorts, also the first one to be sold out (or booked out) since is very popular lately.

There are some discount codes on the wdwinfo site, when available (currently there are none of your interest), they give you quite a discount, like free upgrade to Park Hoppers or Water Parks and a good discount on Dining Plan (last time I got 40% OFF the dining plan). Keep checking that site.

Last time they looked like this:

Disney Magic Your Way Package Discounts

These Magic Your Way Disney World Package discounts include free Park Hopper and Water Parks & Fun upgrades to your MYW ticket.

Travel Dates:
• 1/1/08 - 1/17/08
• 1/21/08 - 2/13/08
• 2/18/08 - 3/15/08
Packages begin at $385 per adult based on double occupancy, $231 for Junior/Child, $192 for Child

Three Night Minimum is required - Package must be booked by December 15, 2007 - Based on availability - Certain restrictions apply


Magic Your Way Package
ZVX - Magic Your Way Package
ZVY - Magic Your Way Package with Dining
ZVZ - Magic Your Way Package with Dining and Wine Add On
ZWA -Magic Your Way Package with Deluxe Dining


Disney Visa Magic Your Way Package Discount
ZXE - Magic Your Way Package
ZXF - Magic Your Way Package with Dining
ZXG - Magic Your Way Package with Dining and Wine Add On
ZXH - Magic Your Way Package with Deluxe Dining
ZXI - Magic Your Way Package with Deluxe Dining and Wine Add On
NOTE: The Disney Visa MYW Discount requires an immediate deposit


Canada Resident Magic Your Way Package Discount
ZWD - Magic Your Way Package
ZWE - Magic Your Way Package with Dining
ZWF - Magic Your Way Package with Dining and Wine Add On
ZWG - Magic Your Way Package with Deluxe Dining
ZWI - Magic Your Way Package with Deluxe Dining and Wine Add On

If you plan on watching shows or parades, park hoppers are great. Not always the weather will cooperate or for whatever other reason (dinner plans or just simply someone feeling a little sick) they are a great thing. First time we went with standard 1 park per day ticket, I upgraded them 2 days later. Will never go without them again, but that just me.

I did stay in Coronado Sprigs twice while attending a conference. That place is business oriented, huge conference center. Most of the people you’ll run into there will be attending some kind of conference or seminar, in business attire too.

Like Gurm said, it’s a quieter choice, but…….. when you go to Las Vegas, the sound of slot machines creates that “atmosphere of something’s happening”. Pumps you blood up a little.

I’d say same thing for the Value Disney Resorts. If you want a quiet room, don’t get the Preferred Room, farther away from the Pools and Dining area.
Last time we were there, we were at the last building, farthest away from the main pool and dining area, you could hear the fly outside.

Keep in mind, all the value resorts have few at least couple of pools and a kiddy pool each. You can always find a quiet pool somewhere.

1. As UK residents, do we have to pay the same taxes on all of our purchases made from the UK, particularly accommodation, tickets and car hire?

Call Disney and ask. I think that on everyday spending you pay the taxes, and you get a refund later based on your receipts.

We came across it at Alton Towers (the UK's major theme park) when we went on the busiest day of the year. We refused to pay because there were two options, each only covering ~1/3 of the rides so you'd need both and it added a huge percentage to the ticket. When standing in the long queues we were all glaring daggers at those who just walked straight past us an on to the rides.

Gurm explained the Fast Pass, as for the rest of it............... your daily pass to the park does cover it all. All the rides, shows etc. are FREE!

Everyone says Disney tickets are expensive & I say they’re not, for what they give you. I rather pay up front for it all then be “milked” little by little and at the end of the day you realize how much it totals to.

Is SatNav standard on rental cars these days?

It's an option, but once I got it free since they didn't bother to remove it from the car.

5. Is Fort Lauderdale a good idea for week 2? Does the proximity to Miami affect things either way? Is a week too long for there? Is there a better option?

Now I can't answer this one for you, all depends on what you like to do on your vacation.
Fort Lauderdale is beautiful but do you want to vacation or explore???

.

PS. All Diney Resorts are HUGE, prep your self for a good walk just the get to the lobby if you don't stay in the Prefered (closer to it all) Room.

[ND66]

BTW, Here is a link to all the maps, it'll give you a better idea how huge the resorts are:


Walt Disney World Maps

Example of the PoP Century Resort map:

.

[Lizzard[MPE]]

are you renting a car?

[Lizzard[MPE]]

I obviously didn't read page 2/

[Lizzard[MPE]]

5. Is Fort Lauderdale a good idea for week 2? Does the proximity to Miami affect things either way? Is a week too long for there? Is there a better option?

Ft L to Miami is like a 30 minute drive.
Ft L to Keywest is a 4 hour drive. a lot longer on weekends.
Ft L to Key Largo is like an hour and a half.




6. Is SatNav standard on rental cars these days?
You have to book one to get one. I learned that on my last road trip.
try http://ww2.dollar.com/Cars/FindACar.aspx and type in different stuff to find out whats best for you. the better miles per gallon the best. gas in the ftlauderdale area is as of right now $3.29

Check for this so you can save the most money while youre driving around:

http://www.floridastategasprices.com/

kid friendly stuff theres a drive thru wild park.. let me find the info.

http://www.lioncountrysafari.com/

Hours of Operation
Vehicles Admitted............9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Park Closes.............5:30 PM


approximately 59 miles north of downtown Ft. Lauderdale
So i would do that on your way down from Orlando

[Lizzard[MPE]]

I would shop around for air boat tours in the everglades they vary a lot in prices

[Fat Tone]

Thanks again for all the advice.

I've just seen http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_tour...ksofDisney.htm which basically says that Disney thinks things will be quieter for our 2nd week. The WDWINFO site itself seems sceptical. Any thoughts?

If so I feel we should have our more relaxing week first and do disney during the second. Still haven't decided what/where for accommodation, but leaning towards a villa+hire car for both weeks from a cost point of view. I'm also reluctantly starting to accept that the Keys might be a bit too far, and certainly would't please the kids.

[ND66]

DISnote: While some schools go back in session in August, that's not the case nationwide. The crowds noticeably lighten after Labor Day.

True.

First time we went there was the week right after the Labor Day. “ZERO” wait time for the rides and in some corners of the park felt like we were there alone. Imagine going to a toddlers play spot and be there for 15~20 minutes before another kid or two showed up.

But Friday came and......

This accounts for the start of school year mostly.

Otherwise, yours “Slow” and Disney’s “Slow period of time” are two different definitions. They’ll give good discounts for that time and still sell out all the rooms in cheaper Resorts.

I’d expect to be fairly to moderately busy in there. Don’t even want to know what “Busy” in Disney terms means….

.

PS. Check your PM.

.

[Fat Tone]

And Labour Day is 9/1 this year, so well after we get back.

Ta for the PM.

[Fat Tone]

Unfortunate typo

Just found this on a holiday website (you can probably guess which one):

"Please note (Florida bookings only): Virgins (12-16 yrs) flying to Miami or Orlando qualify for their own price."

[Fat Tone]

Conclusions thus far, please correct me if I am wrong:

It doesn't seem to matter what we do, it is going to cost roughly the same.
If I cost 1wk/disney/tickets/dining + 1wk/villa+car or 2wks/villa+car the overall cost is about the same - ~£4.2k all in. That is a scary figure.
If we get a villa we should book sooner rather than later (August is peak season)
Disney discounts are not likely to be available until relatively close to the trip.
Not too much of interest for the kids in the south, so better off staying Orlando area or maybe gulf coast - Clearwater?
Florida Keys too far away, and I can do an airboat ride near the KSC.
Disney should be a little quieter in our 2nd week (according to Disney) so do most Disney parks then?