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Posted on 5/2/17 at 9:15 am to Dam Guide
Ohana character breakfast at the Polynesian Village Resort isn't bad either.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 10:01 am to GeauxColonels
I thought the 1900 Grande Floridian buffet was pretty solid, maybe not the absolute best but certainly one of the better character meals I've been to for the price imo. For whatever it is $20-25 for an adult its hard to beat price wise.
Norway is solid but it'll be $75 for each adult if you get a beer, the food is Norwegian and the salad buffet is not going to have much unless you like fishy fish. I personally didn't mind it but I don't think many will.
Norway is solid but it'll be $75 for each adult if you get a beer, the food is Norwegian and the salad buffet is not going to have much unless you like fishy fish. I personally didn't mind it but I don't think many will.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 10:47 am to baldona
quote:There are other buffets for that price with the same food. Crystal Palace, Tusker House (may be a couple dollars more), Cape May Cafe.
Grande Floridian buffet was pretty solid, maybe not the absolute best but certainly one of the better character meals I've been to for the price imo. For whatever it is $20-25 for an adult its hard to beat price wise.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 10:55 am to ell_13
I ran the marathon in 2016. Weather made for a difficult run. I agree with showing up in time for the races and stay after to enjoy the parks. Do you do all the pictures and ride EE? I had decided not to take the pictures and EE was not running as I passed through AK. I look forward to reading through your thread as you reach your window for ADR, FP+ and post trip.
Off Topic: Are you headed to WDW this month for the AP early entry in Pandora? From what I've seen so far online, the new land looks awesome.
Have you spend anytime on the DIS boards... The runDisney section I found extremely helpful when researching the marathon.
Off Topic: Are you headed to WDW this month for the AP early entry in Pandora? From what I've seen so far online, the new land looks awesome.
Have you spend anytime on the DIS boards... The runDisney section I found extremely helpful when researching the marathon.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 11:13 am to lsucm10
quote:No to both. I know someone who takes as many pics with characters as possible. I'm just ready to be finished.
Do you do all the pictures and ride EE?
I will take one at the castle or Spaceship Earth, etc.
quote:My first "big" date coming up is in a month. 7 months out from the trip, I can change my hotel to any resort with availability.
I look forward to reading through your thread as you reach your window for ADR, FP+ and post trip.
quote:My dad will be there at the end of the month. I'll be picking his brain for sure.
Are you headed to WDW this month for the AP early entry in Pandora? From what I've seen so far online, the new land looks awesome.
quote:Yes. I read mostly the DVC boards and the News/Rumor board. I'm not very active though. It's user base is so large that anything I could ask or say has already been asked or said.
Have you spend anytime on the DIS boards... The runDisney section I found extremely helpful when researching the marathon.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 12:48 pm to ell_13
quote:
Yes. I read mostly the DVC boards and the News/Rumor board. I'm not very active though. It's user base is so large that anything I could ask or say has already been asked or said.
I spend some time on the News/Rumor board as well. The admin guy (rteetz) does a good job with it. Most of my time is spent on the running side. If you venture over there it wouldn't take long to spot one of the bigger threads and my user name as someone from the Baton Rouge area. Next time you go to the site say hi if you find it.
I agree with you about the amount of posters there, but its a very different forum than TD. Its rare for someone to give you a hard time for a repeat question, as most of the poster are more than happy to share the answers with you. Do you train with Varsity since WDW marathon and LA marathon are a week apart?
Posted on 5/2/17 at 1:01 pm to lsucm10
We trained with varsity for years but it's been tough recently because of the flood and having a young kid. I've gained so much weight the last year that it would be tough for me to jump right in again. Hoping to lose it all by the end of summer when training really picks up as the weather cools.
Posted on 5/2/17 at 1:43 pm to lsucm10
quote:
Its rare for someone to give you a hard time
I can't take it over there, I like the brutalness of TD. It's more honest to me.
This thread is really making me want to take the jump and do the full. Damn you, I want to do something else for vacation during that time frame.
This post was edited on 5/2/17 at 1:48 pm
Posted on 6/5/17 at 11:39 am to ell_13
So this past weekend, I'm 7 months out from my check-in date. This means I have the ability to book any DVC resort as long as I have the points. We had booked a Studio at Saratoga Springs as a placeholder to at least make sure we have a room, but we really wanted a 1-bedroom for the extra space, but more importantly for the washer/dryer in room. It saves us space on packing and it's almost a MUST for 2 adults running 4 days straight. That's a lot of smelly, sweaty clothes to be sitting around for an extra 6-9 days.
I called DVC member services Saturday and sure enough, the only 1-BR available throughout the whole stay was the "Preferred View" at Saratoga. This is one of those recent, pointless changes Disney made. They did it years ago with Old Key West "charging" more points for rooms closer to the hospitality house. At Saratoga, it's a little different with the rooms back on the lake across from Disney Springs as well as being close to the HH. Just not worth it for me.
The only day that wasn't available was Thursday night, so I waitlisted 2 rooms: Regular 1-Bedroom at Saratoga (saves me 36 points) and Regular 1-Bedroom at OKW (saves me 45 points). Only 2 waitlists are allowed at a time and there can be some strategy involved. Well, I called the morning to fix an error with the names on the reservations and one of the waitlists went through. It would have automatically been processed without anyone touching anything, but with me on the phone the cast member went ahead and pushed it through so she could give me the updated confirmation number (needed for My Disney Experience).
I'm going to keep the Old Key West waitlist active. While I'd be completely fine with the Saratoga room, Old Key West is much larger and the atmosphere is nicer there, IMO. Also, it would save us an extra 9 points, which isn't much but we are planning a trip to Aulani in Hawaii later on in the year and it would give us enough for an extra day. But again, I'd be fine with staying at Saratoga. The benefit there is being able to walk to Disney Springs as well as being the location of the clubhouse for the Buena Vista Golf Course which I'll be playing on this trip.
At this point, we are almost 1 month away from booking our Dining Reservations. We already have a pretty solid idea of where we will eat, but until Disney releases park hours, we won't know the "when". With a young son and the necessity to be in bed at a decent hour for our 3 AM wake up calls, Extra Magic Hours aren't a priority for us at least early on in the trip. Because EMH aren't released for another few weeks, this won't be finalized until then.
And just a note about how we do dining. We do NOT do the dining plan. It's just not for us. We eat at a lot of table service places. We drink some. We don't get a bunch of snacks, especially not since you can bring food/water into the parks. Looking at my analysis sheet, I'm saving $800 by paying out of pocket and that's on the low end. Add in Tables in Wonderland ($150 up front for an 18% discount on ALL purchases), and I'm saving closer to $1k.
Once we have these booked, I'll update my "Plans" post with our itinerary.
I called DVC member services Saturday and sure enough, the only 1-BR available throughout the whole stay was the "Preferred View" at Saratoga. This is one of those recent, pointless changes Disney made. They did it years ago with Old Key West "charging" more points for rooms closer to the hospitality house. At Saratoga, it's a little different with the rooms back on the lake across from Disney Springs as well as being close to the HH. Just not worth it for me.
The only day that wasn't available was Thursday night, so I waitlisted 2 rooms: Regular 1-Bedroom at Saratoga (saves me 36 points) and Regular 1-Bedroom at OKW (saves me 45 points). Only 2 waitlists are allowed at a time and there can be some strategy involved. Well, I called the morning to fix an error with the names on the reservations and one of the waitlists went through. It would have automatically been processed without anyone touching anything, but with me on the phone the cast member went ahead and pushed it through so she could give me the updated confirmation number (needed for My Disney Experience).
I'm going to keep the Old Key West waitlist active. While I'd be completely fine with the Saratoga room, Old Key West is much larger and the atmosphere is nicer there, IMO. Also, it would save us an extra 9 points, which isn't much but we are planning a trip to Aulani in Hawaii later on in the year and it would give us enough for an extra day. But again, I'd be fine with staying at Saratoga. The benefit there is being able to walk to Disney Springs as well as being the location of the clubhouse for the Buena Vista Golf Course which I'll be playing on this trip.
At this point, we are almost 1 month away from booking our Dining Reservations. We already have a pretty solid idea of where we will eat, but until Disney releases park hours, we won't know the "when". With a young son and the necessity to be in bed at a decent hour for our 3 AM wake up calls, Extra Magic Hours aren't a priority for us at least early on in the trip. Because EMH aren't released for another few weeks, this won't be finalized until then.
And just a note about how we do dining. We do NOT do the dining plan. It's just not for us. We eat at a lot of table service places. We drink some. We don't get a bunch of snacks, especially not since you can bring food/water into the parks. Looking at my analysis sheet, I'm saving $800 by paying out of pocket and that's on the low end. Add in Tables in Wonderland ($150 up front for an 18% discount on ALL purchases), and I'm saving closer to $1k.
Once we have these booked, I'll update my "Plans" post with our itinerary.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 8:39 am to ell_13
Flights are now booked.
Southwest used to have a mid morning direct flight from New Orleans to Orlando but that seems to be gone for now. Our options were 5:15 AM with a 7:55 arrival or an 11:30 AM flight with 2:10 PM arrival. We chose the earlier flight.
Getting there at 2:10 doesn't leave any room for relaxing because we have to go to the Expo for our race packets and we have to go to Disney Springs to pick up the Tables in Wonderland card. And of course, we need to be asleep somewhat early for a 6:30 race on Thursday.
Arriving at 7:40 instead gives us almost the whole day to get settled and gives us options with things to do outside of the parks. I may play an extra round of golf and bring my son along for the ride. My wife may come too, but she's more likely to spend some time shopping around Disney Springs.
The flight home is in the afternoon. Currently, Southwest has some really cheap ticket prices that second/third week of January. I'm talking under $80. The flight is late enough to where, again, we have some options in the morning. We could go to a park and do a favorite ride one more time, go hotel/pool hopping if the weather cooperates. And it's not something we have do decide right away. Adding a park day to our magic bands is easy and "cheap" because they allow you to add-on to your current ticket. I think an extra park day is only $8 more.
So the next step for us is dining. I think we have it all picked out and my reservation date is 7/7. I'll update the thread then with my full itinerary because Park hours will be out as well. That would leave fast past booking and golf booking. Looking like I'll get two rounds in after all.
Southwest used to have a mid morning direct flight from New Orleans to Orlando but that seems to be gone for now. Our options were 5:15 AM with a 7:55 arrival or an 11:30 AM flight with 2:10 PM arrival. We chose the earlier flight.
Getting there at 2:10 doesn't leave any room for relaxing because we have to go to the Expo for our race packets and we have to go to Disney Springs to pick up the Tables in Wonderland card. And of course, we need to be asleep somewhat early for a 6:30 race on Thursday.
Arriving at 7:40 instead gives us almost the whole day to get settled and gives us options with things to do outside of the parks. I may play an extra round of golf and bring my son along for the ride. My wife may come too, but she's more likely to spend some time shopping around Disney Springs.
The flight home is in the afternoon. Currently, Southwest has some really cheap ticket prices that second/third week of January. I'm talking under $80. The flight is late enough to where, again, we have some options in the morning. We could go to a park and do a favorite ride one more time, go hotel/pool hopping if the weather cooperates. And it's not something we have do decide right away. Adding a park day to our magic bands is easy and "cheap" because they allow you to add-on to your current ticket. I think an extra park day is only $8 more.
So the next step for us is dining. I think we have it all picked out and my reservation date is 7/7. I'll update the thread then with my full itinerary because Park hours will be out as well. That would leave fast past booking and golf booking. Looking like I'll get two rounds in after all.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 7:57 pm to ell_13
Remember that the park hours don't officially get set in stone anymore until about a month out along with nighttime entertainment. It's frustrating that Disney expects us to know where we want to eat 6 months out but they can't tell us the exact park hours and nighttime entertainment schedule with the same courtesy anymore.
Sounds like y'all should have a great time anyway. Looking forward to the review. We are staying at BLT in October which over the past few years has gone from a slower season to one of the busiest times of the year, oh well.
Sounds like y'all should have a great time anyway. Looking forward to the review. We are staying at BLT in October which over the past few years has gone from a slower season to one of the busiest times of the year, oh well.
Posted on 6/23/17 at 8:01 pm to SnowAubie
quote:Yep. For now with a young one, we actually try to avoid the extra evening hours. But more importantly to us is the crowd sizes which don't really play a part in mid january.
Remember that the park hours don't officially get set in stone anymore until about a month out along with nighttime entertainment.
quote:Right? Food and Wine is a huge deal now and people wait till then to go to florida rather than dealing with the summer heat. BLT is fantastic. Wish we could stay there this time but I have no issues with Saratoga.
We are staying at BLT in October which over the past few years has gone from a slower season to one of the busiest times of the year, oh well.
Posted on 6/24/17 at 9:08 am to ell_13
Not sure how I missed this thread...your upbringing sounds similar to mine. My parents bought into DVC back when it started in '91 or '92. I've been almost every year of my life since then...so 25+ trips. Funny bc every time I go now I leave saying "Okay, don't need to go back for a while", then my parents mention a trip and I for some reason get this nostalgic push to go. Unfortunately my wife isn't as big a Disney fanatic - can't blame her though. On paper, it isn't super appealing to adults
That said, we'll be there for the last week of the Food and Wine Fest this year - any tips there? I've only been for food and wine fest once almost 10 years ago but I wasn't 21 at the time.
That said, we'll be there for the last week of the Food and Wine Fest this year - any tips there? I've only been for food and wine fest once almost 10 years ago but I wasn't 21 at the time.
Posted on 6/24/17 at 10:45 am to jordan21210
quote:We went for the last week last year. My advice would be that if you normally schedule meals in epcot, don't. The portions are pretty filling and 2 or 3 kiosks equal a pretty decent meal; some are good by themselves. The lines aren't a problem that week at all. Don't forget the chocolate kiosk off to the right in the gardens between the Land and world showcase. They've got good wine there too. Don't think you have to get to every kiosk in a day. Spread it out. Take advantage of the other parks on the weekend days since EPCOT is usually really full those days.
we'll be there for the last week of the Food and Wine Fest this year - any tips there?
Posted on 6/26/17 at 12:57 pm to ell_13
This is where I am at so far. Im trying to as many days as I can near The Boardwalk so most mornings will be a park furthest away from our resort then we will work our way back. The day we do AK and MK in the same day there just isn't alot I can do about that.
Monday is still up in the air whether I play golf or not but I give up Future World I can handle it. Plus, we will be close enough to run in and do Soarin or test Track during a mid day break.
Monday is still up in the air whether I play golf or not but I give up Future World I can handle it. Plus, we will be close enough to run in and do Soarin or test Track during a mid day break.
Posted on 6/26/17 at 1:57 pm to LSUfan4444
The amount of planning and prep folks like you put into a Disney trip is fascinating to me. And I don't mean that in any disrespect, more as being in awe. I don't have that organization, diligence, etc. It's all just so overwhelming to me.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for sharing.
Posted on 6/26/17 at 2:19 pm to The Spleen
Man, that's absurd. I guess I can see it if you go all the time, but I've gotten to the point that I personally don't think park hoppers are worth it anymore. Its more money which ads up when you have a family, but more importantly its just not really worth it energy wise. I like to open one park and stay until I don't want to be there, then head back to the room and chillout. I'm only in my low 30s, but I can't do these vacations where I get back on Sunday and it takes me all week to recuperate at work from my vacation. Its nice to go and stay busy, but not go balls to the wall for a week or more.
Posted on 6/26/17 at 2:31 pm to baldona
I've only been to Disney once as an adult, and that was plenty. We came back on Saturday specifically to recover on Sunday before going back to work. We also didn't do Park Hopper. Got to park when it opened, stayed until around 2, back to hotel where wife and kids napped and I sat by the pool crushing beers, back to park until close. One day we never made it back to park and just hung around the pool.
Posted on 6/26/17 at 2:40 pm to baldona
quote:
I've gotten to the point that I personally don't think park hoppers are worth it anymore. Its more money which ads up when you have a family, but more importantly its just not really worth it energy wise. I like to open one park and stay until I don't want to be there, then head back to the room and chillout.
Thats pretty much what we do and exactly why we get the hoppers (we're AP holders right now). For this trip for example we are staying at The Boardwalk resort so almost each evening we can easily pop into Hollywood Studios or Epcot and start alot of our days at Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom.
The hoppers really allows for as much flexibility as possible which I think is key for a successful trip.
I think you should have a pretty good idea of where NOT to go and what NOT to do. Once you get that you can pick where you want to eat.
For example, stay away from Epcot on Fridays and Saturdays. Avoid Magic Kingdom on Mondays, etc. If you're going to a park with extra magic hours, don't be there too long outside of those extra magic hours because it will be the busiest park of the day, etc.
So, once we know where we shouldn't be we can pick where we want to be. I lean ALOT towards resort dining rather then theme park dining for this exact reason. Rather than eating IN Magic Kingdom we will go near Magic Kingdom to eat on our magic kingdom day.
It can seem overwhelming no doubt and it may look rigid but it's more of a guide of what not to do rather than what we are doing. With the FP+ scenerio as well it makes me plan about 4 hours of my day but it means the rest of the day I don't have to plan at all and can totally wing it. With the paper FP+ I felt like I actually tried to plan more than I do now.
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