The Meal Deal is worth it for the drinks alone, but don't expect the food to be good. It's awful, even by theme park standards. You might want to plan a nice lunch outside of the park at one of the restaurants at City Walk. Might be a nice way to break up the day if it's hot.
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Looking to book a Disney Trip for Spring Break, advice?
- Thread starter Petrie
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The Meal Deal is worth it for the drinks alone, but don't expect the food to be good. It's awful, even by theme park standards. You might want to plan a nice lunch outside of the park at one of the restaurants at City Walk. Might be a nice way to break up the day if it's hot.
joeyjoejoeshabadoo
Member
Fast Passes are free. Some other parks have Front of Line passes but those are different. With Fast Passes you insert your ticket and they give you a return time.
At least with Disneyland, the trick with Fast Passes is you can go anytime after the return time. You do not need to return in the hour allotted. The other tip is, look at the bottom of the Fast Pass. In small print it will tell you when you can get another Fast Pass. If the timing is right, you can chain Fast Passes and for at least a few of the rides.
Hopefully, I finally will get to go to Disney World this Spring. I'm a So Cal native and grew up with Disneyland but I have never been to Disney World. I'm looking forward to obsessing over the differences between Disneyland and The Magic Kingdom.
open_mouth_
insert_foot_
I took my wife a few years back and we had a blast. Stayed for 6 days and went mostly to the universal parks and sea world. Just an awesome place to vacation every 5 years IMO. lots to do and not just for kids. We loved the Cici's all you can eat pizza place. They don't have that in NY.
btw, I got a time share in a nice resort that I share with my family so if you want to rent a week of it for cheap, just pm me.
btw, I got a time share in a nice resort that I share with my family so if you want to rent a week of it for cheap, just pm me.
open_mouth_
insert_foot_
see my post above. I did exactly that when I was 26. it's made for vacationing.
nicoga3000
Saint Nic
There are a lot of things you can do and respect as an adult there. As I said previously, I took my fiance there - that's where we got engaged. It's definitely more than just a kids playground.
As an adult, you respect more of the architecture, the technology, and the efficiency/operation management. The logistics behind running that park...Holy lord. It seems trivial, but if you stop and think about it, there is a LOT going on.
E: Not saying the park itself isn't a pleasure to experience, either. It really is a magical place, no pun intended. It's an amusement park mixed with a Broadway show that you get to be a part of.
I did this once and it was great.
AbsoluteZero
Banned
DangerStepp
Member
Listen to this guy's advice; also, LOVED Pop Century.
Also, if you want to eat at the more popular restaurants call NOW and book reservations. If it's just the two of you then you can show up a couple hours before you want to eat to see if anyone has canceled; it's easy for them to squeeze two people in often times.
The dining plan is DEFINITELY the way to go because you'll end up spending way more in food than you think, plus you can trade in snacks for meals, etc if you aren't going to use them.
Eat at Ohana's at the Polynesian Resort! You will thank me later!!!
If staying at an on-campus hotel then be sure to check your schedule for which parks are hosting extra Magic Hours so you can plan your days accordingly. You'll most likely want to do a park a day rather than skipping around and riding the bus/boat/monorail. Extra Magic Hours were so awesome; there's nothing like you and your woman riding Small World all by yourselves acting a fool at 3 AM.
When I was younger my family went to the Disney park in Florida (I always get world/land confused, sorry 
) for a stay at the park and a cruise, as well. We had a regular room on the cruise booked, but when we showed up they randomly upgraded us to the Walt Disney suite! It was fantastic! We had 1st class special treatment the entire cruise long (waiters/waitresses treating us like were royalty) and a massive room. I had a good time there, but I dunno how much fun the cruise would have been without that perk haha.
I'd still say we had a good time there, but it was a few years ago.
) for a stay at the park and a cruise, as well. We had a regular room on the cruise booked, but when we showed up they randomly upgraded us to the Walt Disney suite! It was fantastic! We had 1st class special treatment the entire cruise long (waiters/waitresses treating us like were royalty) and a massive room. I had a good time there, but I dunno how much fun the cruise would have been without that perk haha.I'd still say we had a good time there, but it was a few years ago.
AbsoluteZero
Banned
DangerStepp
Member
It's a must every time we go! Ohana's and the 50s Prime Time Cafe in Hollywood Studios!
There's nothing like having a fake "mom" yell at you to finish your mashed potatoes or a "cousin" to ask you whether you'd like seconds or thirds on pork, steak, shrimp, or chicken.
Jme
Member
Hi. I just got back from WDW like 4 days ago.
AbsoluteZero said pretty much everything that needs to be said but just in case I'll post a comment/advice I give in general:
My tip to you is rent a car and DO NOT use the disney transport. The disney transport is a great convenience BUT pricey.Rent a car at a weekly rate which are discounted (I like to use Alamo for WDW trips and have had success with Budget as well). The cost of having a car for a WEEK is going to be less than using their transport busses. It also comes with the convenience of not relying on disney resort buses to and from parks/resorts. Especially if you are doing the Dining Plan, you may find your reservations are hard to keep when relying on the bus schedule. Do yourself a favor and rent the car. Free parking at the resort (and all resorts and parks on property during your stay)
Speaking of dining, keep in mind that you can now book dining reservations 180 days (6 months!) ahead of time - and people DO - if you want to make sure you get your favorite restaurants, make your dining plans as soon as possible.
Regarding the DDP, I find that the Deluxe Plan is nice but is also TOO MUCH FOOD - 3 meals a day with appetizer, entree and dessert. Plus 2 snacks. You'll find yourself spending more time eating at sit down restaurants than you care for, or you'll spend your dining credits on quick service meals to save time, but end up making the extra cost of the deluxe plan not worthwhile. The standard dining plan (that AbsoluteZero mentioned) will give you each 1 snack, 1 quick service, and 1 table service per day. I like to use the snack for breakfast (a muffin or crossant from the bakery), 1 quick service for lunch while im in the park (turkey leg! or cosmic rays, flame tree bbq, etc!) and then use my TS for a sit down meal at a nice restaurant in the evening ('Ohanas!) You'll still find yourself plenty full for much less money.
And one last money saving tip - do not buy a park hopper ticket. On a short trip (3 days) it's not going to be worth it as you will likely spend most of your days in a park without hopping at all. Instead buy single day tickets, and if you do plan to park hop, buy extra days worth. 5 days of non-hopper tickets cost LESS than 3 days w/ park hopper. I don't know how long you plan to stay but I would get 4 days minimum (1 for each park)
Some people will say Animal Kingdom is a "half day" park and I agree, but a lot of others don't. Besides the fact that it closes early (5-6pm due to the animals), it is somewhat lacking in attractions - THAT BEING SAID it's one of my favorite parks because it has THE BEST THEMING (Asia and Africa is amazing!)
I don't know what some people are talking about but fast passes are FREE. If you see people selling them they are selling passes they were given by customer service for one reason or another that are special and different than normal fastpasses. Don't buy them, your theme park tickets come with fast pass for free.
Have fun, and ignore the haters. They either haven't been to Walt Disney World or hate fun. The only park with truly "kiddie" rides is Magic Kingdom, and even then its only in Fantasy Land, and even then, they are still pretty cool. (Peter Pan's Flight I'm looking at you)
AbsoluteZero said pretty much everything that needs to be said but just in case I'll post a comment/advice I give in general:
My tip to you is rent a car and DO NOT use the disney transport. The disney transport is a great convenience BUT pricey.Rent a car at a weekly rate which are discounted (I like to use Alamo for WDW trips and have had success with Budget as well). The cost of having a car for a WEEK is going to be less than using their transport busses. It also comes with the convenience of not relying on disney resort buses to and from parks/resorts. Especially if you are doing the Dining Plan, you may find your reservations are hard to keep when relying on the bus schedule. Do yourself a favor and rent the car. Free parking at the resort (and all resorts and parks on property during your stay)
Speaking of dining, keep in mind that you can now book dining reservations 180 days (6 months!) ahead of time - and people DO - if you want to make sure you get your favorite restaurants, make your dining plans as soon as possible.
Regarding the DDP, I find that the Deluxe Plan is nice but is also TOO MUCH FOOD - 3 meals a day with appetizer, entree and dessert. Plus 2 snacks. You'll find yourself spending more time eating at sit down restaurants than you care for, or you'll spend your dining credits on quick service meals to save time, but end up making the extra cost of the deluxe plan not worthwhile. The standard dining plan (that AbsoluteZero mentioned) will give you each 1 snack, 1 quick service, and 1 table service per day. I like to use the snack for breakfast (a muffin or crossant from the bakery), 1 quick service for lunch while im in the park (turkey leg! or cosmic rays, flame tree bbq, etc!) and then use my TS for a sit down meal at a nice restaurant in the evening ('Ohanas!) You'll still find yourself plenty full for much less money.
And one last money saving tip - do not buy a park hopper ticket. On a short trip (3 days) it's not going to be worth it as you will likely spend most of your days in a park without hopping at all. Instead buy single day tickets, and if you do plan to park hop, buy extra days worth. 5 days of non-hopper tickets cost LESS than 3 days w/ park hopper. I don't know how long you plan to stay but I would get 4 days minimum (1 for each park)
Some people will say Animal Kingdom is a "half day" park and I agree, but a lot of others don't. Besides the fact that it closes early (5-6pm due to the animals), it is somewhat lacking in attractions - THAT BEING SAID it's one of my favorite parks because it has THE BEST THEMING (Asia and Africa is amazing!)
I don't know what some people are talking about but fast passes are FREE. If you see people selling them they are selling passes they were given by customer service for one reason or another that are special and different than normal fastpasses. Don't buy them, your theme park tickets come with fast pass for free.
Have fun, and ignore the haters. They either haven't been to Walt Disney World or hate fun. The only park with truly "kiddie" rides is Magic Kingdom, and even then its only in Fantasy Land, and even then, they are still pretty cool. (Peter Pan's Flight I'm looking at you)
AbsoluteZero
Banned
In response to the post above, if you're just planning on doing Disney for the entire trip you don't need to worry about rental cars or anything.
When we went last we stayed a week, with five days of theme park time.
Transportation from the airport to our resort was complementary, and every morning you walk out front and jump on the bus to the appropriate park/attraction you want to go to.
At the end of the trip another bus took us from our resort right back to the airport.
So if the trip ends up being all-Disney this go-round you don't need to worry about renting a car whatsoever.
When we went last we stayed a week, with five days of theme park time.
Transportation from the airport to our resort was complementary, and every morning you walk out front and jump on the bus to the appropriate park/attraction you want to go to.
At the end of the trip another bus took us from our resort right back to the airport.
So if the trip ends up being all-Disney this go-round you don't need to worry about renting a car whatsoever.
I went last summer, stayed at the Pop Century resort. Had a fun time.
Make sure to get to places early if you want to ride the busiest rides. Oh, and make sure to see the firework shows as much as you can. Pretty impressive stuff.
And yeah, don't worry about transportation if you are staying within all the Disney stuff. It's insanely easy to get around without a rental.
Make sure to get to places early if you want to ride the busiest rides. Oh, and make sure to see the firework shows as much as you can. Pretty impressive stuff.
And yeah, don't worry about transportation if you are staying within all the Disney stuff. It's insanely easy to get around without a rental.
genericsuperhero
Member
Seconding the 'rent a car' opinion. You really don't want to be sitting waiting for Disney transportation to and from your resort. It works for some people, but I'd rather be on my own timetable. Plus, if you want to leave property for whatever reason (say, to go to Islands of Adventure, or Target because you want to keep some bottles of water in your room and don't want to spend 3.50 a bottle) you can.
However, since you specifically mentioned spring break, you may be under 25. In which case, you may not be able to rent. If that's the case, just make sure you give yourselves extra time so you don't run the risk of missing the bus and waiting another 20 mins, then missing your reservation.
I also recommend Port Orleans French Quarter. It's a moderate, a price grade higher than a value like Pop Cen or the All Stars. In my experience so far the values (especially during spring break time) will be very loud, and very full. Kids, teens, loud annoying people from all corners of the Earth flock to the values. POFQ, though - It's a small resort, quiet, very pretty.
Unlike Jme, I am a fan of the deluxe dining plan. It works out being more expensive per day, and yes it's a lot of food, but my wife and I worked it so we eat a breakfast or early lunch, run around the parks all day, then a signature dining dinner (requires 2 table service credits). It makes it feel so much more like a vacation if you sit down to a fancy dinner at night. You also get a bunch of snack credits that can be used during the day if you get peckish. Some signature restaurants are worth it, like California Grill, Jiko, and Narcoosee's.
This is all assuming you stay on property, if you don't, I have had very good experiences with the Hampton Inn on Palm Parkway, just north of Downtown Disney. I have never taken their bus service to/from the parks, but it's close enough to Downtown where if you do have a car, you can park in the Downtown parking lot (free) and take Disney Transport to the parks if you don't want to take their transport or pay every day for parking (IIRC, there are no direct busses from Downtown to the parks, you may have to take one to a resort, then change busses - I may have that reversed though).
Protip, skip the park hopper ticket option when buying tickets. You will not park hop enough to get value from it. Instead, buy tickets for a few days more than you will be staying. In Disney terms, a "day's" admission is just a single park admission. So if you stay for 5 days, buy a 7 day ticket, two of those 5 days you can park hop. Also, if you don't foresee yourself going to water parks, also take off the 'Water Park and More" option to save more.
I have also been to IoA many times, but only once while they have had HP. It was insane. We never even got to get into Olllivander's or Dervish and Banges. I don't know, but I assume it may have calmed down since Oct of last year.
Protips for HP:
-Get in the queue for Dueling Dragons (Dragon's Challenge) to watch the GoF themed Durmstrang/Beaubatons show. If you're not on the ground waiting you may not even be able to see it. In the queue there is an overlook where you can see/hear it perfectly, and no one will bother you.
- A note about this, the foliage may have grown in so you can no longer see the show. YMMV.
-If you want to see the shops, go ahead and wait to get in if there are lines. Otherwise, the main gift shop by the entrance to the park has 80% of the merchandise (including wands) and no lines.
-Don't get caught at the entrance to Forbidden Journey in something that looks like a line - it's a line for lockers, not because of lack of lockers, but because its a major bottleneck. They are strict about no loose articles on their rides. The tip here is to go through the gift shop - there's a direct entrance to the lockers then right into the ride queue.
But basically, have fun. It really is a wonderful place if you aren't cynical and can deal with people. Don't get heated about lines - enjoy the scenery, look for hidden mickey's, shoot he shit with cast members - they don't get paid much, most of them are there because they want to be. You may make their day as most people treat them like part of the scenery. And they may surprise you. We got free popcorn once, in a souvineer bucket because it was our Honeymoon. Another time we got like 6 anytime fastpasses for Expedition Everest because I was having a lively discussion about Yeti's with the CM at the entrance. Also, if its your first visit, anniversary, birthday, whatever, ask for buttons commerating the occasion. And wear them!
However, since you specifically mentioned spring break, you may be under 25. In which case, you may not be able to rent. If that's the case, just make sure you give yourselves extra time so you don't run the risk of missing the bus and waiting another 20 mins, then missing your reservation.
I also recommend Port Orleans French Quarter. It's a moderate, a price grade higher than a value like Pop Cen or the All Stars. In my experience so far the values (especially during spring break time) will be very loud, and very full. Kids, teens, loud annoying people from all corners of the Earth flock to the values. POFQ, though - It's a small resort, quiet, very pretty.
Unlike Jme, I am a fan of the deluxe dining plan. It works out being more expensive per day, and yes it's a lot of food, but my wife and I worked it so we eat a breakfast or early lunch, run around the parks all day, then a signature dining dinner (requires 2 table service credits). It makes it feel so much more like a vacation if you sit down to a fancy dinner at night. You also get a bunch of snack credits that can be used during the day if you get peckish. Some signature restaurants are worth it, like California Grill, Jiko, and Narcoosee's.
This is all assuming you stay on property, if you don't, I have had very good experiences with the Hampton Inn on Palm Parkway, just north of Downtown Disney. I have never taken their bus service to/from the parks, but it's close enough to Downtown where if you do have a car, you can park in the Downtown parking lot (free) and take Disney Transport to the parks if you don't want to take their transport or pay every day for parking (IIRC, there are no direct busses from Downtown to the parks, you may have to take one to a resort, then change busses - I may have that reversed though).
Protip, skip the park hopper ticket option when buying tickets. You will not park hop enough to get value from it. Instead, buy tickets for a few days more than you will be staying. In Disney terms, a "day's" admission is just a single park admission. So if you stay for 5 days, buy a 7 day ticket, two of those 5 days you can park hop. Also, if you don't foresee yourself going to water parks, also take off the 'Water Park and More" option to save more.
I have also been to IoA many times, but only once while they have had HP. It was insane. We never even got to get into Olllivander's or Dervish and Banges. I don't know, but I assume it may have calmed down since Oct of last year.
Protips for HP:
-Get in the queue for Dueling Dragons (Dragon's Challenge) to watch the GoF themed Durmstrang/Beaubatons show. If you're not on the ground waiting you may not even be able to see it. In the queue there is an overlook where you can see/hear it perfectly, and no one will bother you.
- A note about this, the foliage may have grown in so you can no longer see the show. YMMV.
-If you want to see the shops, go ahead and wait to get in if there are lines. Otherwise, the main gift shop by the entrance to the park has 80% of the merchandise (including wands) and no lines.
-Don't get caught at the entrance to Forbidden Journey in something that looks like a line - it's a line for lockers, not because of lack of lockers, but because its a major bottleneck. They are strict about no loose articles on their rides. The tip here is to go through the gift shop - there's a direct entrance to the lockers then right into the ride queue.
But basically, have fun. It really is a wonderful place if you aren't cynical and can deal with people. Don't get heated about lines - enjoy the scenery, look for hidden mickey's, shoot he shit with cast members - they don't get paid much, most of them are there because they want to be. You may make their day as most people treat them like part of the scenery. And they may surprise you. We got free popcorn once, in a souvineer bucket because it was our Honeymoon. Another time we got like 6 anytime fastpasses for Expedition Everest because I was having a lively discussion about Yeti's with the CM at the entrance. Also, if its your first visit, anniversary, birthday, whatever, ask for buttons commerating the occasion. And wear them!
We drove down there and used the shuttle bus to and from the parks.
I see no reason at all to drive to the parks. They come and go a few times a hour? Maybe even more frequently? Big woop waiting a bit.
Probably takes longer to walk to your car and exit the area than wait for the bus.
But, I'd never want to be restricted from going to other places on my own time.
I see no reason at all to drive to the parks. They come and go a few times a hour? Maybe even more frequently? Big woop waiting a bit.
Probably takes longer to walk to your car and exit the area than wait for the bus.
But, I'd never want to be restricted from going to other places on my own time.
My secret to saving money at Disney (if you're into exploring) is to have a park-free day. My wife and I went a couple months ago and spent one evening and the following entire day going everywhere except inside the parks. If you want, you can even get by without paying for parking. You can park at a resort for several hours, if you plan on eating there. (Honestly, if you're really cheap, I think you can park there and just say you're eating there.)
I'm a sucker for the monorails, ferries, and water taxis. So, we spent time in the Boardwalk area (with boats from Epcot to Hollywood Studios and the resorts in between), the Downtown Disney area (with boats to Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West), and especially the whole area around the Magic Kingdom (taking the monorail and boats to the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness).
I'm fascinated by the logistics of WDW, so I love just walking around, getting a lay of the land, eating from as many restaurants as possible, talking with employees (er, cast members), and checking out resorts where I'll never stay. It's as good as a day at the parks, for me -- though it could be boring, if that's not your thing.
(Plus, you can watch Epcot's fireworks from Boardwalk and Magic Kingdom's from the roof of the Contemporary.)
I'm a sucker for the monorails, ferries, and water taxis. So, we spent time in the Boardwalk area (with boats from Epcot to Hollywood Studios and the resorts in between), the Downtown Disney area (with boats to Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs, and Old Key West), and especially the whole area around the Magic Kingdom (taking the monorail and boats to the Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, and Fort Wilderness).
I'm fascinated by the logistics of WDW, so I love just walking around, getting a lay of the land, eating from as many restaurants as possible, talking with employees (er, cast members), and checking out resorts where I'll never stay. It's as good as a day at the parks, for me -- though it could be boring, if that's not your thing.
(Plus, you can watch Epcot's fireworks from Boardwalk and Magic Kingdom's from the roof of the Contemporary.)
genericsuperhero
Member
Just don't say you have a reservation, they will check. Eating or visiting the gift shops is a valid excuse for parking at a resort.
We usually take a day and do this too. Some of the resorts are beautiful to walk around - Wilderness Lodge is my favorite.
Yes. Mine too! I'd never been to it before this last trip, but it's great. I love the workspaces, couches, and fireplaces by each floor's stairway. We hung out there for a good, long time.
DeaconKnowledge
Member
*Came in here to see how many posts it took for someone to tell OP not to go.*
1st reply. The negativity never fails.
1st reply. The negativity never fails.
genericsuperhero
Member
Also, to address the OP's question, last time we booked, I did it myself through the Disney site, and called a Disney specific travel agent, and literally, to the penny, got the same quote. They don't really have any special magic, just the knowledge of the property and resorts and knowledge of some of the tips already imparted in this thread.
Also, flyover, I recognized your avatar from the mural in Norway almost immediately.
Also, flyover, I recognized your avatar from the mural in Norway almost immediately.
It is the way of the Internet forum. Whenever someone asks for advice on how best to do something, it's inevitable that someone will soon tell them they shouldn't be doing that thing in the first place.
Ha. Yup. It always cracked me up. Plus, I wear a hardhat everywhere.
Jeff Albertson
Member
In the last few years me and te wife have done a split stay at coronado springs and royal pacific at universal for our honeymoon and 10 days at pop century.
Love both hotels for different reasons, the pepper market at CSR is awesome especially on the dining plan. As we are from the uk there are often free dining offers on which may be the same in the US so worth checking before you book.
On our honeymoon we flew out on 16th march whilst it was quite busy it wasn't ridiculous apart from toy story mania and fantasmic (I would book the dinner package at mama Melrose to get a guaranteed seat)
You have to try a dole whip whilst your there!
My favourite restaurants are le cellier, Boma and teppan edo.
I don't care what people say I get a proper special feelig being there, we have a 6 month old son now and I can't wait till we can take him but will make do with Disneyland Paris next Christmas.
Op I consider myself a huge wdw fanboy so if you have any questions I'll try and help.
Love both hotels for different reasons, the pepper market at CSR is awesome especially on the dining plan. As we are from the uk there are often free dining offers on which may be the same in the US so worth checking before you book.
On our honeymoon we flew out on 16th march whilst it was quite busy it wasn't ridiculous apart from toy story mania and fantasmic (I would book the dinner package at mama Melrose to get a guaranteed seat)
You have to try a dole whip whilst your there!
My favourite restaurants are le cellier, Boma and teppan edo.
I don't care what people say I get a proper special feelig being there, we have a 6 month old son now and I can't wait till we can take him but will make do with Disneyland Paris next Christmas.
Op I consider myself a huge wdw fanboy so if you have any questions I'll try and help.
I go every year. Fastpass is free. Universal has a similar system and they do charge extra.
What app is that exactly?
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