Disney/Universal Studios vacations

[calvegas04]

Knock on wood, but we've managed to keep the Christmas Disney trip a secret and can't wait to surprise them Christmas morning. Six adults, six kids. All flying out Christmas Day. Weather doesn't look great early on. Hopefully that changes. It's Florida, so who knows. Can't wait though!

Has anyone been the week of Christmas? It's the parks' busiest season and we're curious "realistically" how many rides we can expect to get on (utilizing Rope Drop, Genie+, and ILL of course). Didn't plan any table service meals while at the parks (saved those for off days). We would like to meet a couple characters at each park. This is my sister-in-law's first time taking her kids so they want to see Mickey and a couple princesses. Otherwise, we just want to hit as many rides as we can during this crazy busy week.

Good luck

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

Knock on wood, but we've managed to keep the Christmas Disney trip a secret and can't wait to surprise them Christmas morning. Six adults, six kids. All flying out Christmas Day. Weather doesn't look great early on. Hopefully that changes. It's Florida, so who knows. Can't wait though!

Has anyone been the week of Christmas? It's the parks' busiest season and we're curious "realistically" how many rides we can expect to get on (utilizing Rope Drop, Genie+, and ILL of course). Didn't plan any table service meals while at the parks (saved those for off days). We would like to meet a couple characters at each park. This is my sister-in-law's first time taking her kids so they want to see Mickey and a couple princesses. Otherwise, we just want to hit as many rides as we can during this crazy busy week.

I live five minutes from the parks. It will be busy but there are things that can help you do more. You can message me if you are interested.

 

[irishnd31]

I live five minutes from the parks. It will be busy but there are things that can help you do more. You can message me if you are interested.

I don’t know BBG…. You need to be a little cautious around someone named AdmiralBackHand.
He may seem like he wants to help but we all know he just wants to give you five across the lip…

I kid brother…. Lol

 

[BleedBlueGold]

D23 Announcements are insane!

Disney Experiences Unveils Unprecedented Expansions at its Parks and Resorts at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event | The Walt Disney Company

On Saturday, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa® unveiled an unprecedented slate of projects including new attractions, lands, and more that demonstrate why Disney remains the undisputed leader and trailblazer of the...

thewaltdisneycompany.com

 

[GoldenTate(r)Tots]

D23 Announcements are insane!

Disney Experiences Unveils Unprecedented Expansions at its Parks and Resorts at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event | The Walt Disney Company

On Saturday, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event Presented by Visa® unveiled an unprecedented slate of projects including new attractions, lands, and more that demonstrate why Disney remains the undisputed leader and trailblazer of the...

thewaltdisneycompany.com

You knew they had to bring something(s) big to counter Universal's new park that comes next summer. My son loves Disney, my wallet hates Disney, but things like this just keep making us come back. Can't wait till he's older and wants rollercoasters and not the theming, but then again Disney will probably hit me right back with rollercoasters in these new parks.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

You knew they had to bring something(s) big to counter Universal's new park that comes next summer. My son loves Disney, my wallet hates Disney, but things like this just keep making us come back. Can't wait till he's older and wants rollercoasters and not the theming, but then again Disney will probably hit me right back with rollercoasters in these new parks.

We've become a Disney family as well. My wife and daughter (and myself, admittedly) truly love being there. My son (5) loves it too, but he's terrified of rides at the moment. The rider swap is nice, but it's also a time suck if/when you're pressed. So we look forward to the days when he's beyond that fear.

 

[ThePiombino]

Frickin' love Disney. Going again with the fam this coming spring. Younger son will be 6 and already his 3rd time there. All I want to know is will the Pirates themed restaurant be open by then? Lol

Sent from my Pixel 8 Pro using Tapatalk

 

[GrangerIrish24]

We have been going to Disney every year since my kids were old enough to enjoy it. We stay at our in-laws house, which is a 45 minute drive from the Magic Kingdom. Helps save a shit ton of money. We usually went with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom but this spring we are doing Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

 

[Irish#1]

They do know how to make money.

My wife went when DW just opened. We went back on Halloween during the 50th year celebration. In between I can't remember how many times we've been with G-Kids or when ours were younger. It's always been fun. Way too pricey, but fun.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

We have been going to Disney every year since my kids were old enough to enjoy it. We stay at our in-laws house, which is a 45 minute drive from the Magic Kingdom. Helps save a shit ton of money. We usually went with Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom but this spring we are doing Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

Not trying to spend your money, but you should check out some of the Value/Moderate resorts just one time and be amazed at the difference in convenience. IMO, it's well worth the extra money to stay on site. My best friend used to always stay at his sister-in-laws place and then day trip to WDW with kids. Last year, they decided to do an overnight at WDW instead of the commute. He was shocked at how much easier it was w/ the shuttles and early entry. Even though they did away with "Magic Hours," resorts guests still get a head start into the parks. Substantial enough to get in a ride or two before the real crowds show up.

 

[GoldenTate(r)Tots]

Not trying to spend your money, but you should check out some of the Value/Moderate resorts just one time and be amazed at the difference in convenience. IMO, it's well worth the extra money to stay on site. My best friend used to always stay at his sister-in-laws place and then day trip to WDW with kids. Last year, they decided to do an overnight at WDW instead of the commute. He was shocked at how much easier it was w/ the shuttles and early entry. Even though they did away with "Magic Hours," resorts guests still get a head start into the parks. Substantial enough to get in a ride or two before the real crowds show up.

With little ones, how much do you notice the shuttle/travel impacting the trip at a value/moderate compared to the deluxe or whatever they label the "higher end" resorts? We've only been twice (my son is 5 next month) and stayed at Beach Club the first time, then found a reasonable deal at Polynesian last time, but deal really should have an asterisk considering the cost. I didn't find much value at the Polynesian in terms of getting to his favorite parks (he likes Star Wars so Hollywood Studios was his favorite), but being able to watch the fireworks from the pool was great. Beach Club was nice because of the short walk to Epcot and the awesome pool. The price drop off between some of the resorts is so great that I can't help but want to try some of the value ones, but wasn't sure if the cost savings was not worth it when they're younger (ie hot kid at the park means lets get to the pool asap before it's meltdown city).

 

[GrangerIrish24]

Not trying to spend your money, but you should check out some of the Value/Moderate resorts just one time and be amazed at the difference in convenience. IMO, it's well worth the extra money to stay on site. My best friend used to always stay at his sister-in-laws place and then day trip to WDW with kids. Last year, they decided to do an overnight at WDW instead of the commute. He was shocked at how much easier it was w/ the shuttles and early entry. Even though they did away with "Magic Hours," resorts guests still get a head start into the parks. Substantial enough to get in a ride or two before the real crowds show up.

We have had a couple trips where we stayed multiple days. First time we did, the kids had more fun swimming in the pool than actually going to the park. I was fine with it because they had a bar outside with a jack and coke icee machine.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

With little ones, how much do you notice the shuttle/travel impacting the trip at a value/moderate compared to the deluxe or whatever they label the "higher end" resorts? We've only been twice (my son is 5 next month) and stayed at Beach Club the first time, then found a reasonable deal at Polynesian last time, but deal really should have an asterisk considering the cost. I didn't find much value at the Polynesian in terms of getting to his favorite parks (he likes Star Wars so Hollywood Studios was his favorite), but being able to watch the fireworks from the pool was great. Beach Club was nice because of the short walk to Epcot and the awesome pool. The price drop off between some of the resorts is so great that I can't help but want to try some of the value ones, but wasn't sure if the cost savings was not worth it when they're younger (ie hot kid at the park means lets get to the pool asap before it's meltdown city).

We've done all three tiers and each provided pros and cons, as you'd expect.

Animal Kingdom Lodge (deluxe)
Port Orleans Riverside (moderate)
Art of Animation (value)

AoA was nice enough for our "budget" trip. The pools are fun. The cafe had a ton of great food options. It's a very short Skyliner trip to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It's not too far from AK either. It is on the SW side of WDW so Magic Kingdom was a bit of haul. Otherwise, for the money, we enjoyed it and would gladly go back there with small kids.

Port Orleans is on the W side of the map. It's closest to Epcot, but obviously not too far from HS either. Super easy access by ferry boat to Disney Springs. The room value is only a slight upgrade over the Value resorts, imo. Moderate resorts mostly just offer more food options with on site restaurants. The pool was fantastic. I'd definitely go there again. Hard to beat the location, price, food options, etc all bundled into this particular resort.

AK Lodge was obviously the nicest of the three but also the furthest from all the parks not named Animal Kingdom. I wouldn't stay there again despite how nice it is. The pool is amazing. The food is amazing. But we couldn't get over how far the bus rides were, especially at night with two small kids. Save your money. (That's not to say I'd never stay in a deluxe resort again. I'd just choose one more centrally located.)

We have had a couple trips where we stayed multiple days. First time we did, the kids had more fun swimming in the pool than actually going to the park. I was fine with it because they had a bar outside with a jack and coke icee machine.

Jack and coke icee machine?! Now that's a hotel I'd be fine with!

 

[Irish#1]

With little ones, how much do you notice the shuttle/travel impacting the trip at a value/moderate compared to the deluxe or whatever they label the "higher end" resorts? We've only been twice (my son is 5 next month) and stayed at Beach Club the first time, then found a reasonable deal at Polynesian last time, but deal really should have an asterisk considering the cost. I didn't find much value at the Polynesian in terms of getting to his favorite parks (he likes Star Wars so Hollywood Studios was his favorite), but being able to watch the fireworks from the pool was great. Beach Club was nice because of the short walk to Epcot and the awesome pool. The price drop off between some of the resorts is so great that I can't help but want to try some of the value ones, but wasn't sure if the cost savings was not worth it when they're younger (ie hot kid at the park means lets get to the pool asap before it's meltdown city).

We've stayed at quite a few from Fort Wilderness to Deluxe and in between. With how often they run shuttles, the time loss is negligible IMO. We really liked the Port Orleans.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

We've stayed at quite a few from Fort Wilderness to Deluxe and in between. With how often they run shuttles, the time loss is negligible IMO. We really liked the Port Orleans.

I'd have to say of the three we've stayed in so far, that was probably our favorite too. Great mix of everything beneficial at a decent price. Proximity to parks, the pool, food options, ferry boat to Springs, rooms were fine, nothing fancy, but good enough.

My wife is trying to plan her next trip there to celebrate her 40th. Still unclear if the whole family is going or if she'll just do a girls trip with her best friend, who's also a Disney fanatic. Either way, Port Orleans is probably the go to spot.

 

[irishnd31]

I'd have to say of the three we've stayed in so far, that was probably our favorite too. Great mix of everything beneficial at a decent price. Proximity to parks, the pool, food options, ferry boat to Springs, rooms were fine, nothing fancy, but good enough.

My wife is trying to plan her next trip there to celebrate her 40th. Still unclear if the whole family is going or if she'll just do a girls trip with her best friend, who's also a Disney fanatic. Either way, Port Orleans is probably the go to spot.

For a moderate, Caribbean Beach was pretty good too. Great pool and pool bar.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

For a moderate, Caribbean Beach was pretty good too. Great pool and pool bar.

Nice thanks. I'll mention it.

Looking at the map, looks like the Skyliner is in play here for Epcot and HS. We loved using that when we stayed at Art of Animation. Is that the suggested mode of transportation for those parks? Then bus to MK and AK?

 

[Kingbish01]

We are going over Labor Day, staying at Beach Club and hitting up MNSSHP on 9/2. As a 3 year AP holder, I'll give a great tip for getting in and out of MK. Make a reservation (even for 1) at Steakhouse 71 so you can get through security. Park at the contemporary, open app....kick out your reservation a few days then cancel free of charge. Then you can walk to and from MK from the contemporary. It's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than a bus or that little tram thing.

 

[Irish#1]

Disney claims the guy can't sue because he signed up for a free trial of Disney+ years ago. They know no one reads the fine print on the TV.

https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/14/business/disney-plus-wrongful-death-lawsuit/index.html

 

[TheRealLynch51]

With little ones, how much do you notice the shuttle/travel impacting the trip at a value/moderate compared to the deluxe or whatever they label the "higher end" resorts? We've only been twice (my son is 5 next month) and stayed at Beach Club the first time, then found a reasonable deal at Polynesian last time, but deal really should have an asterisk considering the cost. I didn't find much value at the Polynesian in terms of getting to his favorite parks (he likes Star Wars so Hollywood Studios was his favorite), but being able to watch the fireworks from the pool was great. Beach Club was nice because of the short walk to Epcot and the awesome pool. The price drop off between some of the resorts is so great that I can't help but want to try some of the value ones, but wasn't sure if the cost savings was not worth it when they're younger (ie hot kid at the park means lets get to the pool asap before it's meltdown city).

3 year AP here as well that goes too much for my pocketbook. Haha
There's almost an inverse relationship with the deluxe resorts down to value resorts. For example, if you're staying at Wilderness Lodge, the shuttle will often share with Fort Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary resort during non busy hours. Same with Boardwalk and Beach/Yacht club. Most moderates have multiple bus stops which can make it more difficult to get to resorts timely. Ironically, the value resorts all only have one bus stop. All Star Resorts, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. The All Star resorts will share busses sometimes during the day, but the rest all have their own one bus stop. Pop Century and Art of Animation have the Skyliner which can make it easier to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Caribbean being a moderate also has Skyliner, as well as the deluxe Riviera. Most of the deluxe resorts do have alternate transportation options other than just busses. Contemporary is walking distance from Magic Kingdom and also has a boat to MK. Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness has boats to MK as well. Yacht/Beach Club is walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary also have the monorail to MK and Epcot. Hope that helps

Edit: Deluxe resorts do have the benefit of usually being the closest bus drop offs to the fronts of parks.

 

[BleedBlueGold]

3 year AP here as well that goes too much for my pocketbook. Haha
There's almost an inverse relationship with the deluxe resorts down to value resorts. For example, if you're staying at Wilderness Lodge, the shuttle will often share with Fort Wilderness Lodge and Contemporary resort during non busy hours. Same with Boardwalk and Beach/Yacht club. Most moderates have multiple bus stops which can make it more difficult to get to resorts timely. Ironically, the value resorts all only have one bus stop. All Star Resorts, Art of Animation, and Pop Century. The All Star resorts will share busses sometimes during the day, but the rest all have their own one bus stop. Pop Century and Art of Animation have the Skyliner which can make it easier to get to Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Caribbean being a moderate also has Skyliner, as well as the deluxe Riviera. Most of the deluxe resorts do have alternate transportation options other than just busses. Contemporary is walking distance from Magic Kingdom and also has a boat to MK. Wilderness Lodge/Fort Wilderness has boats to MK as well. Yacht/Beach Club is walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Polynesian, Grand Floridian, and Contemporary also have the monorail to MK and Epcot. Hope that helps

Edit: Deluxe resorts do have the benefit of usually being the closest bus drop offs to the fronts of parks.

Nailed it. The multiple stops/resort sharing is something I forgot to mention. We genuinely loved our stay at AOA (aside from when I got really sick and had to get wheel-chaired out of HS, but I digress). We did struggle a bit with bus stops while staying at Port Orleans. Certain stops and certain times worked as a bit of a cheat code, but it was still aggravating to have to deal with. AK Lodge is our only deluxe experience and it's really far away from all the parks not named AK, so it's hard to comment on that. Getting a seat on the buses to and from was fine, they were just long bus rides.

If someone is looking to save money, I can't recommend Art of Animation enough.

 

[Jimmy3Putt]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

 

[MacIrish75]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

YES. You have to go at least once. We go once a year and it never gets old. They do a solid job of creating new rides every so often, too. So every few years there’s a new coaster to experience.

 

[irishnd31]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

Without a doubt. Yes

 

[greyhammer90]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

I drove up there with some friends while I was in college and it was a great time. I don't remember a ton of specifics but I do remember that Millennium Force is one of my favorite coasters. It hits the sweet spot between being thrilling and enjoyable perfectly. I remember it as an ideal roller coaster.

 

[NDFAN2008]

I would not visit Disney it is nothing but a money pit

 

[calvegas04]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

Go to Dollywood

 

[IrishLion]

I would not visit Disney it is nothing but a money pit

Not a single DT prospect in sight, either

 

[greyhammer90]

Go to Dollywood

Hard disagree for a teenager who is into rollercoasters. It's a fun daypark but you go to Dollywood for the mountains and to see glassblowers and kettlecorn being made. Its not a "thrilling" park.

 

[NorthDakota]

My 14 year old daughter is a roller coaster addict.

Question for the Ohio guys: is Cedar Point worth driving from Chicago for a few days?

*edit- we have Six Flags Great America right here.

The prime quick getaway trip for a 14 year old girl who likes roller coasters is probably the Twin Cities.

Mall of America and Valley Fair.