Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Five

The fifth and final part to the Walt Disney Vacation Planning series!

What kind of ticket and/or package to get?  I'm going to try to sum this up in a nutshell!

So here's the scoop on the tickets:

You start with a Magic Your Way Base Ticket with a choice of ticket length from 1 to 10 days. The base ticket allows admission to one Theme Park per day – you are permitted to leave and go back to the same park.  You cannot go to a different park, even if you bought a 7 day ticket for a 4 day stay – you will not be allowed to go to a different park with the same ticket.  Ticket expires 14 days after the first use.

You can then add on the following for a fee (contact me for pricing!):

Park Hopper® Option - visit more than 1 Theme Park on the same day (or all 4 if you want!).  This applies to all days on the Base ticket.

Tip:  I recommend the Park Hopper® Option.  I like the option of going to a different park if I choose.   It can also buy you more hours in the parks if your visit is during value season when park hours are shorter.

Water Park Fun & More Option - includes a certain number of admissions into one of the following: Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Disney's Blizzard Beach, DisneyQuest®, Downtown Disney®, Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course or Disney's Wide World of Sports®. (Subject to seasonal or weather closures. Age restrictions may apply for access to certain facilities) The number of visits is based on the length of base ticket.  

Tip:  If you plan on going to a water park for just one day or go to DisneyQuest once, it is cheaper to buy the one day admission to either of them.  Planning on more than one visit or going to both – get the Water Park Fun & More option.

No Expiration Option - unused Theme Park Days and unused Water Park Fun & More admissions never expire so they may be used on a return visit. 

Tip: If you are staying for 11 days or more, or plan on returning within a year, purchasing an annual pass is a better option.

Now on to packages!

To get a package or not, that is the question!  Packages can offer a good value – you can save money on dining.  The base package starts with resort accommodations and a base ticket (plus some features).  You can then add different packages with dining and recreational activities included. 

Tip:  Booking a package offers convenience, but is not always the most economical choice.  I feel it's worth it to price things separately. Shameless plug:  Part of my services as a travel agent are helping you choose the best options for you (package, ticket etc!).  Discounts are sometimes offered by Disney, contact me for information on the latest ones!

Below is a summary of the packages.  Park Hopper, Water Park Fun & More and No Expiration Options can be added. 

Everyone in the room must be booked on the same package and ticket options. Packages and tickets plus their options or components are nontransferable. Theme Park tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use unless the No Expiration Option is purchased. Visiting more than one Theme Park on the same day requires the Park Hopper option.

Magic Your Way Package – 2010 Starter package.  Includes:

• Accommodations at a Disney Resort
• Magic Your Way Base Ticket - admission to one of the four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks
• Official luggage tag (1 per person)
• Arcade card valid for 100 points of game play at resort arcades (1 per room)
• Planet Hollywood meal & merchandise voucher
• One round Miniature Golf (one per room)
• Niki Bryan Spa Discount – 15% off most 50 minute or greater services at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa. (Hand and foot treatments are excluded. Age restrictions apply).
• ENHANCED! Walt Disney World® Marina Discounts – 15% off the regular price of any boat rental at participating Walt Disney World marina locations.
• Guided Fishing Excursions Discount – 15% off the regular price of Guided Bass Fishing Excursions and Bass Nitro Fishing Excursions at select Walt Disney World marinas. Excursions include fishing equipment, rod, reel, shiners, artificial bait, non-alcoholic beverages and a 1 year membership to B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society).
• Sammy Duvall's Watersports Discount – 10% off the regular price of all activities including parasailing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing trips at Sammy Duvall’s Watersports Centre located at Disney's Contemporary Resort. (Subject to availability; restrictions apply).

 2011 packages include the above plus:

• Children Activity Centers – 15% off the regular hourly rates at the Children Activity Center located at select Disney Resort Hotels. Minimum charge of two (2) hours per child. Services available for children age 3-12.

The following packages have a fee per person per day (in addition to the cost of the starter Magic Your Way Package) and must be purchased for entire reservation with at least a 1 day theme park ticket. Contact me for information on pricing!

Magic Your Way Package Plus Quick Service Dining      

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

- includes: entree or Combo Meal and dessert (lunch or dinner only) or juice (breakfast only) plus non-alcoholic beverage.

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included. Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining  

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

One table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

One quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

1 Snack - such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe                                    

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals –

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Magic Your Way Premium Package                                       

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus -

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals (any combination of) –

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Unlimited selected recreation -  includes: Golf (lessons, greens fees, rental clubs, cart, balls & shoes included), Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required.

One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba

Unlimited use of Disney Children's Activity Centers (potty trained kids ages 4 -12)

Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours

Preferred fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at Magic Kingdom and Illuminations at Epcot. (One viewing per Theme Park. Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)

PhotoPass Portrait Session

Magic Your Way Platinum Package   

Includes features from the Magic Your Way Package plus:

Accommodations at a Deluxe Disney resort or select Deluxe Villa resorts (Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas or Villas at Wilderness Lodge)

For each night of your package, each person (age 3+) receives:

Three table service or quick service meals (any combination of)–

Table service or buffet meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast or buffet,  entree, dessert, or buffet, plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch or dinner. 

Quick service meal – includes entree and non-alcoholic beverage at breakfast, entree or Combo Meal and dessert plus non-alcoholic beverage at lunch & dinner

Children ages 3-9 must order from a Children's Menu (if one is available). Gratuity is not included.  Tax included.

2 Snacks – such as frozen ice-cream novelty, box of popcorn; single piece of whole fruit or a medium fountain soft drink

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

Unlimited selected recreation - includes: Golf (lessons, greens fees, rental clubs, cart, balls & shoes included), Miniature Golf, Water Sports, Archery, Tennis, Guided Fishing Excursions, Cane Pole Fishing, Horseback Trail Rides, Pony Rides, Carriage Rides, Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Bike Rental and Watercraft Rental. Some restrictions may apply and advance reservations may be required.

One admission per person to Cirque du Soliel La Nouba

Unlimited use of Disney Children's Activity Centers (potty trained kids ages 4 -12)

Private in-room child care (4 hour minimum, 6 hour maximum, gratuity not included)

Unlimited admission to selected theme park tours

Fireworks viewing areas for Wishes at Magic Kingdom and Illuminations at Epcot. (One viewing per Theme Park. Advance reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance and voucher is required.)

1 Resort Refillable Drink Mug per Person

PhotoPass Portrait Session

One selected spa treatment per person

Richard Petty Ride Along Experience    

Fireworks cruise to either Wishes or Illuminations (one per reservation) 

Reserved seating at Fantasmic! (one per person)   

Nightly turn-down service  

Personalized pre-arrival itinerary planning   

I don't think I succeeded in summing this up in a nutshell!  I tried! 

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Four

Part Four of the trip planning series is about my favorite thing to decide!  Where To Stay?

Stay onsite!  I highly recommend staying onsite!  There are over 20 themed resorts to choose from.  Disney does not miss a detail when it comes to the themes of their resorts.  Plus the perks you get from staying onsite are great, not to mention the fact that you get the Disney Magic and service 24/7! 

Benefits:

• Disney themed resorts and legendary service
• Disney Magical Express Transportation - offers free roundtrip airport transportation and baggage delivery to and from Orlando International Airport. 
• Use of Walt Disney World® Resort Transportation System – motorcoach, watercraft or monorail
• Merchandise Delivery – don’t lug your packages around all day – have them sent to your resort!
• Extra Magic Hours – Each day one of the theme park opens one hour early or stays open up to three hours extra after park hours.  Resort guests get more time in the parks!  Select attractions will be open.  This is one of the best perks of staying at a Disney resort!
• Close To The Magic - Staying at a Disney Resort means being surrounded by magic 24 hours a day and also being close enough to return to your hotel for a break.   You can take a nap or go for a dip in the pool!
• Charging Privileges – Take advantage of charging privileges available with your Disney Resort ID. Charge most Disney purchases to your room!
• Guaranteed admission to the parks even when they reach maximum capacity.  If you are visiting during a holidays, you could run into the parks reaching capacity and non resort guests will be turned away.
• Disney Dining Plan option
• Complimentary Golf Club Rental - Get complimentary Titleist and Cobra club rental when you purchase a full round of golf at any of the 4 Disney Championship Golf Courses.

Here is my advice on picking your resort:

1.  Decide on the category - there are five different categories of resorts at Disney World.

To help you do this you have to answer some basic questions.

• How much do you want to spend?

• Are you going to spend time enjoying the resort and its amenities or will you be in the theme parks all day?

• Would you like the resort to have a water slide?

• Would you like the resort to have a sit down restaurant or do you prefer quick counter service meals?

2.  Pick your resort!  Once you have decided your category of resort, choose one based on the theme that appeals to you.  You will also have to consider which room view you would like.

Use the following links to explore the different categories and resorts.

1. Value
2. Moderate 
3. Deluxe 
4. Deluxe Villas 
5. Campground 

Do you have five or more in your party?  Click here to find some options.

   

It's tough deciding which resort!  If you are torn between a couple of resorts, consider splitting your stay.  If you really want to stay at a moderate or deluxe resort and it isn't in your budget for your trip, splitting the stay between two categories may put it in your reach.  There's always next time too!

As a travel agent, it's both my job and my pleasure to help you find the best resort for you.  Feel free to contact me, I would be happy to answer any questions!

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Three

The Walt Disney World five part trip planning series continues today with the third thing you have to decide - how long to stay?

How Long Should I Stay?

If I had my way all of my trips would be at least 10 days during low attendance time periods.  Of course I don’t get my way often.  Little things like, work schedules, school schedules and budget for trip often stand in my way!

The first trip I took with my family was for 3 nights and 4 days.  It was before Animal Kingdom opened so there were 3 parks to visit.  We went at a low attendance time and stayed at the Polynesian Resort.  We were able to do everything we wanted.  Key factors that played into that happening were the low attendance, the great transportation options at the Polynesian and having a plan.  We didn’t take a break during the day and went morning till night.  It was a great trip but I did learn that we needed a break during the day!

Factors in determining how long to stay are:

1. Time of year you are visiting.
2. How you want to spend your days.

It will take 7 days during a visit in crowded times of the year compared to 4 to 5 during a slower time to experience the same amount of attractions.

The following may help you decide how long to stay.  The recommendations are my opinion and are based on my own vacations. 

How Long to Stay Guide:

 (based on trying to see it all! - most attractions, parades & fireworks)

See part one of the trip planning series to find out the dates of low, moderate and high crowd levels.

During Low Crowd Levels:

• 4 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 5 to 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 7 to 8 days – Take your time, spend a day at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During Moderate Crowd Levels:

• 4 to 5 days - Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 6 days – Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have some sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 8 to 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

During High Crowd Levels:

• 5 to 6 days – Tour the theme parks morning till night with no breaks and grabbing quick stuff to eat (counter service).
• 7 to 8 days - Tour at a more leisurely pace, take a break during the day, have a few sit down meals at nicer restaurants.
• 10 days – Take your time, spend a day or two at your resort, break during the day, have sit down meals, go to water parks and do other recreational activities like mini golf or rent a boat.

Most of us have time and/or budget restrictions.  If you can only go to Walt Disney World for 5 days during peak times – GO!  I am by no means saying to forget it if you can’t stay for at least 10 days.  You may not get in everything you want to, but any day at Walt Disney World is better than a day at home or work!

Something to keep in mind also:  Disney has made it very affordable to stay longer.  The difference in cost for theme park tickets from 4 – 7 days is very minimal (we’re talking $5 per day per person!).

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part Two

Here we go with part two of trip planning series to Disney World!

What To Do? It may seem a little crazy to be already thinking about what to do.  You just decided when to go right?  I know what's going on in your mind - I don't know where I'm staying or for how long yet and I should figure out what I'm doing already?!

It's really not jumping ahead of the game.  You may have read this somewhere before but just in case:

Walt Disney World is huge, over 47 square miles! 

There are lots of things to do there too.  Here are some of the fun things available to do at Disney World:

• Four major theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios
• Two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
• Over twenty themed resorts
• Five golf courses
• Two mini-golf courses
• BoardWalk entertainment district
• DisneyQuest - virtual theme park
• Downtown Disney shopping and dining district
• Sports Complex
• private lakes to enjoy water sports, boating and fishing

With so much to do in Disney World, you should have a general idea of what you would like to do on your vacation.  Such as:

• Do you want to visit all four theme parks?

• Do you want to visit the water parks?

• Are other recreational activities such as renting a boat or playing mini golf something you would like to do?

• Do you want to go check out Downtown Disney?

• Do you want to spend some time at your resort relaxing?

Answering these questions will help you decide how long to stay, where to stay and what kind of ticket you should get.

To find out the best, up to date information, go straight to the source and visit the official Disney website.

Hi Ho Hi Ho, It's Off To Disney World I Go - Part One

Not very original, but kind of catchy.  You know you're humming the tune right now, don't deny it!  You can thank me later!

One of my favorite things to talk about is trip planning to Walt Disney World.  There's lots of information on the subject out on the wide world web.  So much, it could make your head spin!  You guessed it, I'm going to put more out there!  In this five part series I am going to share how I get the ball rolling on my Walt Disney World trips.

There are five major things you have to decide.  It doesn't matter if it's your first trip or your 50th!

They are:

          1. When To Go?  

          2. What To Do?  

          3. How Long To Stay?

          4. Where To Stay? 

          5. What Kind Of Ticket and/or Package To Get? 

Okay let's tackle When To Go!

I'm sure the number one question everyone has is:  When is the best time to go?  Here's the answer, drum roll please.......... Anytime you can!  Walt Disney World is open 365 days a year!  It never closes!

Seriously, the answer to the question is all relative - find the best time for YOU!  Some of the determining factors could be cost, crowd levels, park hours, weather and events.  Let's take a look at it:

Cost:  Long gone are the days when it was simple to determine the cost of a Disney World vacation.  Once upon a time there were three seasons of pricing for Disney resorts - value, regular and peak.  We now have- value, regular, summer, fall, peak and holiday.  There are also weeknight rates and weekend rates for all the seasons.

The cheapest time to go would be January (except Martin Luther King Weekend) and September.  These are times when people are least likely to travel.  Right after the holidays and right after school starts!

Disney does have promotions like free dining and resort discounts that can save you money too.  No one knows when and if they will continue these promotions.  One can only hope!

Crowd Levels:  There always seems to be a lot of people walking around the parks at Disney World.  The difference is the amount of people waiting in the lines for attractions. When the parks are more crowded you spend more time waiting in line.  Here's a break down of attendance levels.

   Low:

• January (except New Year's Day and Martin Luther King weekend) until just prior to Presidents' Week in February
• The week following Labor Day until the beginning of October
• The week following Thanksgiving until mid-December

   Moderate:

• After Presidents' week in February through early March
• Late April through early June (except Memorial Day weekend) 
• The end of August
• October until the first part of Thanksgiving week
• The week before Christmas (crowds pick up starting a few days before Christmas)

   High:

• Presidents' week in February
• Mid March through Late April (Spring Break for lots of schools)
• Memorial Day weekend
• Mid June through Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day and weekend
• Christmas week through New Year's Day 

Park Hours: Disney compensates the more crowded times of the year with longer park hours. When the parks are less crowded they do not stay open late.

Animal Kingdom can close as early as 5pm, Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios as early as 7pm, Future World in Epcot closes at 7pm with the World Showcase staying open until 9pm.

If you go to Disney World during more crowded times of the year, you will find the parks staying open later ,sometimes as late as midnight or 1 am.  So if you are a night owl, you may want to plan a trip when the parks are open later.

Weather:  I personally do not like hot and humid weather.  I'm okay, not thrilled with hot, but humid weather turns me into a whiny baby!  Some people don't mind the heat and humidity.  I know people who love to go to Disney World in August.  To each his own and an example of having to determine when is best for you!

            Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec

Avg Hi      72      74      79       83      88       91      92     92       90       85     79       73

Avg Lo     50      51      56       60      66       71      73     73       72       65     59       53

Avg rain   2-3     2-3    3-4      2-3     3-4       7        7       6      5-6      2-3    2-3     2-3

Average Temperatures in (F) and average rainfall in inches.

Events:  There are some fun events planned throughout the year at Disney World. Some of the big ones are:

• Holiday Events:  From the end of November through December, the hotels to the theme parks and everything in between, are decked out for the holidays!  You'll find the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, The Osborne Family lights in Disney's Hollywood Studios and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

• Fall Events:  Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom from the middle of Sept until the beginning of November.  Epcot's Food & Wine Festival from Oct until the middle of November.

• Spring Events:  Epcot's International Flower & Garden Festival from March until the middle of May.

Hopefully this will help you determine the best time to go for you!

Determining factors for me are cost, crowds and weather.  That being said here are some of my favorite times to go:

• The first two weeks of December:  There is nothing like the Disney Magic mixed with holiday magic! It can be chilly – sometimes even cold, parks close earlier and some attractions may be closed for refurbishment but all of the holiday happenings more than make up for it!

• First three weeks of May:  Weather is warm (can get quite warm sometimes!)  Humidity doesn’t seem to be as bad as in the summer and fall months.  Flower and Garden Festival is in bloom.

• January after the holidays but before President’s Day:  Can be chilly – sometimes cold, parks close earlier and attractions can be down for refurbishment but the low crowds make up for it.

Other good times to visit are:

• First two weeks of June – Some schools are still in session so the crowds aren’t as bad yet!

• Last two weeks of August until the end of September:  Hurricane season, hot and humid – but low crowds. 

Until tomorrow...... Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to (fill in the blank) I go .........

You're welcome!