Disney World Vacation
- Thread starter blhowes
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Scott1
Puritanboard Commissioner
To get your money's worth and have a well planned day, you may find helpful a computerized itinerary that helps minimize wait time and crowds and maximizes ride time:
RideMax - How RideMax Works
Practically, most people can do about two time blocks of 3-4 hours in a day before getting tired and losing focus. That means something like:
8am-12n rides
12n-1p lunch
1p-5p rest and nap
5p-9p rides
With the ride time waits minimized, if you have a week 7 days and want to "park hop" you might consider something like:
Sunday Find a good church there, rest and worship all day
Mon, Tue ride plan as above
Wed Do totally different activity (e.g. Museum, bike, nature trails, etc.)
Thu Holy Land Experience
Fri, Sat ride plans as above
This allows a maximized day at each theme park, maybe two days at your favorite one with a "park hopper" pass but doesn't burn you out, and varies the routine.
RideMax - How RideMax Works
Practically, most people can do about two time blocks of 3-4 hours in a day before getting tired and losing focus. That means something like:
8am-12n rides
12n-1p lunch
1p-5p rest and nap
5p-9p rides
With the ride time waits minimized, if you have a week 7 days and want to "park hop" you might consider something like:
Sunday Find a good church there, rest and worship all day
Mon, Tue ride plan as above
Wed Do totally different activity (e.g. Museum, bike, nature trails, etc.)
Thu Holy Land Experience
Fri, Sat ride plans as above
This allows a maximized day at each theme park, maybe two days at your favorite one with a "park hopper" pass but doesn't burn you out, and varies the routine.
Backwoods Presbyterian
Puritanboard Amanuensis
Ask the PCA. 
blhowes
Puritan Board Professor
Scott,
Thanks for your advice. I particularly like the idea of using RideMax. Looks very practical.
The last time we went was around 10 yrs ago. The youngest was still in a carriage, so he doesn't remember much of the trip (except the banana phone in the hotel room). He's at an age now where he can enjoy it much more.
We bought a 5-day package last time and got to visit all/most of the parks. That seemed a little much at the time (though it was in August and very hot, so that may have been a factor). This time, I think we're leaning more towards a 3-day trip, so going with a plan seems like an excellent idea.
Thanks for your advice. I particularly like the idea of using RideMax. Looks very practical.
The last time we went was around 10 yrs ago. The youngest was still in a carriage, so he doesn't remember much of the trip (except the banana phone in the hotel room). He's at an age now where he can enjoy it much more.
We bought a 5-day package last time and got to visit all/most of the parks. That seemed a little much at the time (though it was in August and very hot, so that may have been a factor). This time, I think we're leaning more towards a 3-day trip, so going with a plan seems like an excellent idea.
PointingToChrist
Puritan Board Freshman
I recall that Clark Howard (who has a radio show and website for saving money) recommended a certain type of book (The Unauthorized Guide to DisneyWorld or something like that) to know all the tips and tricks for the best price without delays. You may wish to do a Google search for his website and this book.
ReformedWretch
Puritan Board Doctor
This isn't going to sound right, I'm sure...but
Anyone in your family the least bit handicapped? By that, I mean anything at all that a doctor would say might be uncomfortable for them standing in long lines or heat? Our daughter has some kind of arthritis that causes every joint in her body to swell and ache about twice a month or so.
her doctor hear we we're going to Disney and wrote us a note saying standing still for hours in the heat would not be good for her. Disney gave us a "handicapped pass" and we waited in NO LINES at all, we we're placed right on every ride we went to immediately. We couldn't believe it.
I ask because we passed people in wheel chairs and on crutches that apparently didn't know you could do such a thing. We told many of them about it, but it was too late for them to get a note from a doctor.
Anyone in your family the least bit handicapped? By that, I mean anything at all that a doctor would say might be uncomfortable for them standing in long lines or heat? Our daughter has some kind of arthritis that causes every joint in her body to swell and ache about twice a month or so.
her doctor hear we we're going to Disney and wrote us a note saying standing still for hours in the heat would not be good for her. Disney gave us a "handicapped pass" and we waited in NO LINES at all, we we're placed right on every ride we went to immediately. We couldn't believe it.
I ask because we passed people in wheel chairs and on crutches that apparently didn't know you could do such a thing. We told many of them about it, but it was too late for them to get a note from a doctor.
blhowes
Puritan Board Professor
Yes. That's a great idea to check into. Thanks.
toddpedlar
Iron Dramatist
Someone suggested "The Holy Land Experience", which you should be aware is awash with 2nd commandment violations - pictures purporting to represent Christ, actors pretending to be our Lord, (including what seems to be a ridiculous emotion-driven "Communion with Jesus" show) etc. I can't imagine why anyone would actually want to go there. Call me an old fuddy-duddy I guess.
blhowes
Puritan Board Professor
Thanks. I haven't found it yet, but will keep searching.
I did find something close - The Cheapskate's Unauthorized Guide to Disney World by Michael Lewis. Imagine that! A book written specifically for me (Mr. Cheapskate himself).
ReformedWretch
Puritan Board Doctor
Wow, well what do you know! Our daughter was a little uncomfortable at first, but when she saw the lines at rides (about the third one we got on) she said "Wow, am I ever glad we did this!"
ReformedWretch
Puritan Board Doctor
CredoFidoSpero
Puritan Board Freshman
Bring as much of your own food as you can. If that's not practical, consider the meal plans, which are expensive, but would be better than paying for food at each meal.
Seb
Puritan Board Junior
If you plan on eating in any of the nicer restaurants in the park, you need to make your reservations as far out as possible - 3 months.
Some of the high demand restaurants like Cinderella's Royal Table and The Crystal Palace get booked up really quick.
btw - One of my favorite places to eat in all of Florida is The Crystal Palace. It's buffet style with great food and variety - and who can resist all the Pooh characters?
Bob,
As a veteran of WDW I can offer you some good tips for budgeting your money. Notice I didn't say SAVE money. After all, you're going to Disney!
If you're happy with basic accommodations, one of the Disney value resorts should work. Believe it or not the cost per night is comparable with a Holiday Inn or Comfort Inn off property. The value resorts are broken down into two categories: the All Star Resorts and Pop Century. Pop Century stands alone. The All Star Music, All Star Sports, and All Star Movie make up the All Star line up. The All Star resorts are located near the Animal Kingdom. The Pop Century is close to Hollywood Studios (formally MGM) and EPCOT. All the value resorts have a food court that offer a wide range of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. HINT: you can save money by purchasing a plastic drink container that is good for unlimited hot and cold beverages at the food court for the duration of your stay. The prices at the food court are about 20% higher than what you would pay off property, but it is Disney.
Disney offers a few variations of it's famous dining plan. The most popular of it's dining plan offers a counter service breakfast, counter service lunch, a sit down dinner, and a anytime snack. The good thing about the Disney dining plans is that they allow you to budget your food dollars ahead of time. They actually are a good value.
They only ticket you should consider getting is a Park Hopper. Make sure you click on Magic Your Way and then Park Hopper on this link to see the true cost. The Park Hopper allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. If you enjoy water parks you can add the water park option. Disney has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Usually the best way of traveling to WDW is via a Disney package. It's possible to get better value by booking on your own, but if you're an inexperienced Disney traveler you may learn the hard way and either spend more money than you bargained for, or be disappointed with your booking. Here are some of the active Disney promotions:
Free Dining Plan Offer
Up to 28% Savings
Another great place to visit is MouseSavers. Take your time to navigate this great website.
I suggest that you CALL Disney to make your reservation. Using the website can be misleading for a newbie. Disney directs it's clicks to certain pages and certain resorts that cost more for the consumer. If you know the site well you can get where YOU want to go instead of being nudged by Disney. It's sort of like going to a grocery store that arranges the flow of traffic to bring you to the most expensive parts of the store first.
HINT: to do Disney right you need a minimum of five days. You can go for less, but you need to realize that you will NOT be able to take in everything. There is just so much to do and see at Disney.
If you decide to go, let me know. I will be happy to provide tips as to what to see and do at the parks.
P.S. If you book your trip you need to call Disney Dining ASAP. The number is 407-WDW-DINE. Restaurants fill up quick. Real quick. You need to book immediately - before you go on your trip.
As a veteran of WDW I can offer you some good tips for budgeting your money. Notice I didn't say SAVE money. After all, you're going to Disney!
If you're happy with basic accommodations, one of the Disney value resorts should work. Believe it or not the cost per night is comparable with a Holiday Inn or Comfort Inn off property. The value resorts are broken down into two categories: the All Star Resorts and Pop Century. Pop Century stands alone. The All Star Music, All Star Sports, and All Star Movie make up the All Star line up. The All Star resorts are located near the Animal Kingdom. The Pop Century is close to Hollywood Studios (formally MGM) and EPCOT. All the value resorts have a food court that offer a wide range of foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. HINT: you can save money by purchasing a plastic drink container that is good for unlimited hot and cold beverages at the food court for the duration of your stay. The prices at the food court are about 20% higher than what you would pay off property, but it is Disney.
Disney offers a few variations of it's famous dining plan. The most popular of it's dining plan offers a counter service breakfast, counter service lunch, a sit down dinner, and a anytime snack. The good thing about the Disney dining plans is that they allow you to budget your food dollars ahead of time. They actually are a good value.
They only ticket you should consider getting is a Park Hopper. Make sure you click on Magic Your Way and then Park Hopper on this link to see the true cost. The Park Hopper allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. If you enjoy water parks you can add the water park option. Disney has two water parks: Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.
Usually the best way of traveling to WDW is via a Disney package. It's possible to get better value by booking on your own, but if you're an inexperienced Disney traveler you may learn the hard way and either spend more money than you bargained for, or be disappointed with your booking. Here are some of the active Disney promotions:
Free Dining Plan Offer
Up to 28% Savings
Another great place to visit is MouseSavers. Take your time to navigate this great website.
I suggest that you CALL Disney to make your reservation. Using the website can be misleading for a newbie. Disney directs it's clicks to certain pages and certain resorts that cost more for the consumer. If you know the site well you can get where YOU want to go instead of being nudged by Disney. It's sort of like going to a grocery store that arranges the flow of traffic to bring you to the most expensive parts of the store first.
HINT: to do Disney right you need a minimum of five days. You can go for less, but you need to realize that you will NOT be able to take in everything. There is just so much to do and see at Disney.
If you decide to go, let me know. I will be happy to provide tips as to what to see and do at the parks.
P.S. If you book your trip you need to call Disney Dining ASAP. The number is 407-WDW-DINE. Restaurants fill up quick. Real quick. You need to book immediately - before you go on your trip.
ReformedWretch
Puritan Board Doctor
If you get a handicapped pass that will help with this A LOT
Hot and muggy.
Ask Mr. Religion
Flatly Unflappable
Get this book:
Amazon.com: The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 (Unofficial Guides) (9780470285701): Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa: Books
Met my wife at Disneyland over 27 years ago. Been to Disneyworld about a dozen times. This book is the one to own and use.
My key recommendation:
Stay at a resort located at the park. I have stayed at them all and the Grand Floridian is tops. The Polynesian Resport gets my second place recommendation.
AMR
Amazon.com: The Unofficial Guide Walt Disney World 2009 (Unofficial Guides) (9780470285701): Bob Sehlinger, Len Testa: Books
Met my wife at Disneyland over 27 years ago. Been to Disneyworld about a dozen times. This book is the one to own and use.
My key recommendation:
Stay at a resort located at the park. I have stayed at them all and the Grand Floridian is tops. The Polynesian Resport gets my second place recommendation.
AMR
ReformedWretch
Puritan Board Doctor
We stayed on the Boardwalk in Disney and loved it.
Patrick,
Great advice. Of course, budget rules. The Polynesian and Grand Floridian can cost up to 4X that of the budget resorts. When we first went it was three of us. Our budget was tight so the All Star resorts were perfect. We eventually graduated up to the French Quarter and Beach Club. I'm not sure how much money Bob is planning to spend.
asc
Puritan Board Sophomore
And crowded!
My wife loves Disney World so we go about yearly, but I refuse to go back during the summertime.
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