Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

[The Mad Hatter]

1)We were thinking of going last week of Oct/first week of Nov in 2007. Is this a relatively slow time for crowds?

2)I was thinking a minimum of 6 day park tickets (1 day each for DAK/Studios, 2 days each for MK/EPCOT). Would this be enough time to see everything in those parks?

3)What is everyones opinions on the best econemy, and the best mid-grade hotels?

4)Are the meal programs and the magical express from the airport worth it?

Thanks so much!

[nemofinder22]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

hmm dont know #1 but for #2 when I went we spent only one day at MGM and thought that it wasnt enough time since there were so many shows to see. I think someone eles might know a better answer.

#3 We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and it was wonderful the grounds are very nice and the buildings are even better plus the room we got was only steps away from a bus stop.

#4 We did Magical Express and it was great! they got our stuff and we just hoped on to a nice bus and watched a movie welcoming us to WDW and dropped us off at the resort. This was all at 1:30am too but our luggage we arrived around 3am(as it states luggage arrives about 2-3 hours after you arrive) at the hotel but they didnt want to deliver it since they thought we would be asleep so we got it first thing in the morning very nice of them. Free service and very much worth it.

[kcnole]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)We were thinking of going last week of Oct/first week of Nov in 2007. Is this a relatively slow time for crowds?

It used to be, but with MNSSHP I'm not so sure it is anymore. The first week of November may still be, but from what I've heard the lines are long right now.

2)I was thinking a minimum of 6 day park tickets (1 day each for DAK/Studios, 2 days each for MK/EPCOT). Would this be enough time to see everything in those parks?

I'd add the park hopper option onto them. That won't be enough time to see everything in those parks (if the lines are still bad) without it. However if you add the parkhopper I'd give DAK half a day and the other half at MGM (if you're truly wanting to see every attraction no matter what) and then another full day at MGM. Two days at the other two parks should be ok.

3)What is everyones opinions on the best econemy, and the best mid-grade hotels?

Value: Pop Century
Moderate: Port Orleans French Quarter

4)Are the meal programs and the magical express from the airport worth it?

I haven't used the meal programs so I don't know. As for magical express, if you're not planning on ever stepping foot off of property except to head back to the airport then it most definitely is. It works well, and its free saving you on a rental car or taxi cab. If you plan on doing a lot of exploring of the other things in Orlando off site it may not be however.

[The Mad Hatter]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

MNSSHP

[Pacha]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Mickey's Not So Scary Haloween Party.

[kcnole]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.

[The Mad Hatter]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Mickey's Not So Scary Haloween Party.

Gotcha

And to the best of my understanding, the trams and monorail on property are free?

[kcnole]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

yep, all transportation while on property that is offered by Disney is free. Also, if you're staying on property, you can park at the parks for free as well which is a very nice touch.

[akfandisney]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)We were thinking of going last week of Oct/first week of Nov in 2007. Is this a relatively slow time for crowds?

2)I was thinking a minimum of 6 day park tickets (1 day each for DAK/Studios, 2 days each for MK/EPCOT). Would this be enough time to see everything in those parks?

3)What is everyones opinions on the best econemy, and the best mid-grade hotels?

4)Are the meal programs and the magical express from the airport worth it?

Thanks so much!

1: the Crowds are mid to low
tips ( Do not go to MK On a Monday) weekend are pack to

2: I think you need 7 days One for the water park or disneyquist (DTD)
One day for each AK and MGM Studio fine and two day for Epcot Must and MK
that 7 day can be a time off day or thinng miss day.
it will be a nine day trip( two days for flying if from CA)

3: econemy Alot stay at all star or POP centery
Best way is go with Mid grade Hotle
Most time I stay a DVC resort.
4.If you stay only at WDW it is find
But if you are going to Non-disney Parks Tranportion is hard with out car.
I do alot of non-disney parks thing and I need a Rental car

[Pacha]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)What Kcnole said.

2)What Kcnole said.

3)What Kcnole said for value, and I'll pick Coronado Springs for moderate. Stayed there in February and loved it! I'm sure opinions will vary a lot for the resorts. I did a LOT of research before our trip and used Micehcat, disney.com, but mostly this site for info:
allearsnet.com

4)What Kcnole said about Magical Express and probably yes to the meal program if you're willing to spend some time to use all or most of the sit down dinners. On our February trip, we didn't use every available meal on our plan and still saved over $100 on food! Other thing to consider is that, with a few exceptions, tips are included, so you reduce the hassle of calculating those. You also eliminate the hassle of how to pay - Cash? Credit card? etc. Your meals all go on your room key, gratuity included. For my wife, two kids and myself, the meal plan was well worth it and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

You're welcome and have a great trip!

[TDLFAN]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)What Kcnole said.

2)What Kcnole said.

3)What Kcnole said

4)What Kcnole said!

That's because I have not said anything.

[lisaboo]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)We were thinking of going last week of Oct/first week of Nov in 2007. Is this a relatively slow time for crowds?

I am not sure but we were just there late Sept/early Oct and the crowds weren't bad during the week but were pretty crazy on the weekends.

2)I was thinking a minimum of 6 day park tickets (1 day each for DAK/Studios, 2 days each for MK/EPCOT). Would this be enough time to see everything in those parks?

We actually spent a day and a half at each park and two full operating days at AK (they have much shorter operating days than the other parks). I REALLY don't think that AK is a half-day park, at least not a half operating day, that would be only like four hours. Of course, since they close at 5, it does leave you all evening to go to another park.

3)What is everyones opinions on the best econemy, and the best mid-grade hotels?]

Have only stayed at AKL, so I can't say but I have heard great things about Port Orleans.

4)Are the meal programs and the magical express from the airport worth it?

We LOVED the dining plan, we got some great food and saved a ton of money. Just make sure you make reservations before you go. If you want to see our trip report which includes dining pictures, go here. We also thought the Magical Express was very convienent and a nice service.

[Phonedave]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

1)We were thinking of going last week of Oct/first week of Nov in 2007. Is this a relatively slow time for crowds?

I JUST got back (Sat 10/14 - 10/21) I have been down in August, July, and Feburary before. Crowds were more than Feb, but WAY less than in July and August. Lines were not long at all. Most standby lines were 30 minutes tops. I think the longest posted time was 40 minutes for Soarin'

2)I was thinking a minimum of 6 day park tickets (1 day each for DAK/Studios, 2 days each for MK/EPCOT). Would this be enough time to see everything in those parks?

Enought to see EVERYTHING - not on your life. Enough to see a lot of the "big stuff" yes. I would add the hopper option as well. It will let you take advantage of EMH and some attractions that you have your heart set on may close and this gives you the chance to go back (al la my 5 year old and the Tower of Terror)

3)What is everyones opinions on the best econemy, and the best mid-grade hotels?

I have been in Pop Century and All Star Movies. PC is a bit newer, so that would be my choice. Try to sweet talk a room close to the pool/food court/bus stops. They are supposed to be more money, but you never know. I just left PO-Riverside. To me, it was worth the upgrade from the value places. Much nicer landscaping and rooms. Pools are nicer too. I like food - real food - so having a restaruant on site, as opposed to a food court makes me happy.

4)Are the meal programs and the magical express from the airport worth it?

Never used the meal program, but then I have Disney Dining Experence so thats a different story. Me, I don't want to be confined to a number of meals and snacks. Some days I don't eat much. Other days I may want many meals

DME is free, and to me works very well. If are with a participating airline it works VERY well. In that case you do not have to get your checked luggage in Orlando, and you can check in at the resort when leaving.

-dave

[The Mad Hatter]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Enought to see EVERYTHING - not on your life. Enough to see a lot of the "big stuff" yes. I would add the hopper option as well. It will let you take advantage of EMH and some attractions that you have your heart set on may close and this gives you the chance to go back (al la my 5 year old and the Tower of Terror)

Now I'm actually leaning more towards getting 7 day hoppers and having 2 fudge days to do whatever (DTD or whatever).


I've heard alot about these guidebooks like the Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. Are these worth getting?

[Phonedave]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Now I'm actually leaning more towards getting 7 day hoppers and having 2 fudge days to do whatever (DTD or whatever).


I've heard alot about these guidebooks like the Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. Are these worth getting?

I am assuming this is your first time.

Do your research, read the guides, read the websites, and ask questions.

Have a plan.

and then ....

Do what you want, it's vacation, it's fun, it's Disney. If you get there and something really appeals to you and it's not on your schedule, then do it anyway. So yes, get the guides and read them, but don't let it turn your vacation into a military deployment.

Also, ask questions, and people will give you tips, but remember what may be right for you may not be right for some.

Take me for example. Some people carry snacks, water, assorted clothing, sunscreen, etc. That works for them. Me, I like to travel light. Camera on my belt, wallet in my pocket, autograph books for the kids in my other pocket (yay for cargo shorts). But that's me, others don't like that.

-dave

[kcnole]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

I've heard alot about these guidebooks like the Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. Are these worth getting?

They're good, but you can get all that same information from the various fansites out there at no cost to you. If you want something physical to hold in your hands while you're at the parks then get them, if you don't mind taking the time reading through several of the fansites, then just do that and save the 15 - 20 dollars.

[MickeyMania]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

That's because I have not said anything.

Don't worry, dear. We're grateful. :P

By the time late 2007 comes around, the All-Star hotels could be winding up a renovations period, as I know All-Star Sports is due for renovations soon and that will likely expand to all three of the All-Stars, so don't take any word on what a good value hotel is "now" a year into the future because things could have changed.

As for moderates, things don't appear to be changing in the next year. I'd like to tell you Port Orleans Riverside, Magnolia Bend (Mansions) side. I stayed at French Quarter and while it wasn't bad, the POR mansions looked awesome AND that hotel has an actual sit-down place. The food on premises at POFQ is very little beyond what they can make with a fryer.

[lisaboo]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

I've heard alot about these guidebooks like the Passporter and the Unofficial Guide. Are these worth getting?

I bought both because it was my first trip and I was very excited and wanted to know EVERYTHING! I found the UG to be very informative and gave a lot of interesting factoids. However, as stated above, a lot of that information you can find online. I liked being able to cuddle up in bed at night and read it just before falling to sleep, something you can't do with a computer.

The Passporter I found most helpful for the trip pockets at the back. It allowed me to seperate all of my necessary documents by day and to write down each day's schedule so that it was handy at a glance.

Go take a look at them in a store and decide for yourself if they are worth buying. Borders usually has both.

[The Mad Hatter]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

Thanks again for everyone's input, but riddle me this.
Are both port orleans resorts right next to each other? Or are they the same place but two slightly different themes?

Also a family member claimed that if you are staying off property you have to pay for the Disney World transportation (monorail, bus)?

Thanks again!

[danyoung]

Re: Planning trip to WDW...have a few questions

You could make an argument that there are actually THREE Port Orleans Resorts right in the same area. It used to be that Dixie Landings and Port Orleans were sister resorts, side by side. There was some furor over the Dixie name being offensive, so Disney just renamed DL to be Port Orleans Riverside. Within this one resort are two totally different areas. The Magnolia Bend area is made up of beautiful large mansion type buildings for the rooms, all located on the winding Sassagoula River. Then there's the Alligator Bayou area, with smaller rustic buildings nestled in a wooded area. And of course the Port Orleans Resort has a New Orleans theme.

I think it's stupidly confusing to call both of these resorts by the same name. But this is from the company that gives you the Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness camping area, so I guess it's an ongoing thing.

And while technically the transportation is only for on-property guests, there is never any checking of ID's for the busses, monorails or boats.