Planning our second trip.

TK924 · 02-24-2003

First of all, Hello to everyone. I'm new here and wanted to get some info from the Disney vets!

Our story. Me, my wife and daughter went on our first WDW trip on Dec 26-28, 2001. Let me say that it was very busy, but we did have lots of fun. We stayed in a cheap ($35/night) hotel a couple of miles down from a Disney entrance. It was not a nice, clean place, but it was a cheap place to stay.
Being that this was our first time, we had no idea what we were doing. We showed up at MK the first day about 30min prior to the park opening. We were surprised to see people going in and had no idea about early entrance. Boy, was this a treat! We ran and did all the things that were most important to us first, and then went around to everything else later. We did the same on the 2nd day at MGM.

So, here we are ready for another trip. This time, my sis-in-law and her son are going with us from 4/2-4/6. We have already made reservations at the BW Lake Buena Vista and with the AAA discount are getting the room for $95/night. Is this good for this hotel?
I understand the BW LBV has been renovated. Is this correct? And is it nice?

We are all on a budget and I want to get the most for our $ just like everyone else does. Of course, those dates are during the kids spring break, so I know it will be more crowded than usual, but this is the only time that we can all go.
How do these Spring Break crowds compare to the Christmas crowds?

Thanks for any help that you could give!

:D

PiratesFan · 02-24-2003

TK924, Welcome to Disney Central. Now that you have been "bitten by The Mouse" I know you will find this site extremely helpful.

I don't have any knowledge about the BW LBV, but I do think that the Christmas Crowds are the most crowded of the entire year. I have been to WDW during Spring Break the year after EPCOT opened. Presently, it can be slightly more crowded than during the peak summer months, but certainly workable. Get your PS (Priority Seatings) as soon as possible, and try to take advantage of FastPass if available. I'm sure the DC gang could offer more insight.;pirate:

TK924 · 02-24-2003

Thanks for the welcome, PF!

This all can be very frustrating and intimidating. That's why I'm here. Hopefully, I'll get good info to make the best decisions.

And you know that since I'm a newbie I have to ask, What is Priority Seating?

I know all about the FastPass! This was used several times during our first trip. It will be used again. :D

TK924 · 02-24-2003

OK, I'm doing some I-net research and finding that the BW LBV is not a good choice. I'm reading reviews that say that the place is out-dated and smelly, the staff is unfriendly and there are very pushy time share sales people that hound you every time you enter or exit the lobby. I do not want something like this for our second WDW trip.

What would be other good reasonable choices for the Downtown Disney area? ;)

So far, I like these:

http://www.radissonparkway.com/

http://www.royalplaza.com/

Has anyone stayed at either of these places before? Comments/suggestions?

Thanks.

mattomouseman · 02-24-2003

Hello newbie! Welcome to Disney Central. If you are on abudget you may want to look into the All Star Movies or All Star sports. I have never stayed there but the rates a very reasonalbe. We usually stay moderate. Our next trip we had some extra cash so we are going full boat, we're gonna stay at the Poly! YIPPIE, can't wait! As a kid we always tried to save staying at the outter hotel/motels but let me tell ya, there's nothing like staying on porperty!

Like Piratesfan suggested get your PS (Priority seating) arrangements done as soon as possible. A great site for help with that is www.pscalculator.com check it out! Any questions you have feel free to PM me or post on the board and I will try to help you out! Good luck and again WELCOME!:)

MickeyMac · 02-24-2003

Priority Seating (aka: PS) is a confirmation that you should be seated within a reasonable amount of time, at a certain time. It is not a 'reservation' (meaning, guarantee of table)

Although, having said that, I look at PS' as reservations. :D

You choose where you want to eat, then call Disney Dining and book the time. Some restaurants sell out relatively quick (Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's, etc) and others, you can simply walk into and still hope for seating. You can use the link that Mattomouseman gave to figure out when you can start calling a particular restaurant for seating.

I also second the All Starts, the on-site transportation system is much better than any you will get from the off-site.

From the DTD links you provided, I like the Royal Plaza, but both are excellent. I just like the decore better.

WDWNutCase · 02-24-2003

Oh Man...

All I have to say is that unless you LOVE Disney and you have a LOT of patience stay clear of WDW at Christmas time. It is THE most crowded time of year.

Also, budget wise, if you're staying on property at a Disney hotel, this is the most expensive time as Holiday Rates are in effect which mean high room prices!

Willbegone · 02-24-2003

Welcome to DC! I have learned so much here and I'm sure you will too. I also would suggest All Stars or even a moderate depending on the codes. See, Disney puts out discounts for certain times of year and these can really save you money. Keep watch on this site and Mickey always posts the news. I didn't know this was even availabe until I came here.

Let me also suggest doing at least one or two character meals. These are buffet and are really not a bad price when you look at what you are getting.

Have a great time planning!

trishb · 02-24-2003

Hi TK and Welcome to DC!

April is a beautiful time of year to visit! You will have a wonderful time!

At Downtown Disney, I have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott. Very nice, clean, and convenient. The rooms were large, too. The best part was the short walk to Downtown Disney. We visited there every night.

This hotel is very convenient, especially if you will have a car. It will consume alot of your touring time if you have to depend on the buses, even at the resorts on property.

Keep in mind that visiting Downtown Disney, FT Wilderness, and the Disney resorts is free. Keep this in mind when buying your theme park passes. Downtown Disney and Ft Wilderness make great Disney outings...without the cost.

I will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have!

BuzzLightyear · 02-24-2003

I am new here also, but not new to Disney. We use to stay "off site" all the time. We finally stayed on-site last year and it made all the difference in the world.
Just a recommendation from a former "off-siter"

TK924 · 02-24-2003

Hey, thanks to all for the info. This seems to be a great place to share WDW info. And this was the first WDW forum site that I found. I'm glad that I registered now.

My wife has called and found availability at the All Star Music Resort for $104 w/AAA discount. I think this would be the best option for us at this point. Do you agree?
I've heard the pros about staying at one of the "Value resorts", but what are the cons?

Again, Thanks to everyone for their help. This place is great! ;)

**mickey** · 02-24-2003

Right now that is the best deal for a value resort. Ask for Movies if possible, your kids will just love it and so will you. It is possible that there will be better deals come along for April, but you never know. Just watch the front page for any announcements like that.

By the way, just go for a standard room, and ask to be away from the pool, that would be the only con, being right by the pool over spring break.

BuzzLightyear · 02-24-2003

I say on-site even at the "value" resorts is better than off-site anyday. We were going to stay at the All Stars also, but were fortunate enough to be able to book a Beach Club room this year.
I am sure if you keep reading these boards you'll feel the same way, and be able to get a ton more information on the All Star resorts.
Maybe start a new thread requesting All Starts information.

Have a great time when you go!

TK924 · 02-24-2003

Well, we wanted AS Movies, but I think my wife said there was no availibility during the dates we're going, so AS Music is fine. I think that being our first time staying inside WDW, this will be awesome. I'm really getting excited now!

JOANN · 02-24-2003

Hi TK924, Glad to hear your staying at a Disney Resort. I know you will be much happier. Our family stayed at the BW in 1999, for my daughter's bachelorette party. So, it was one of those last minute things. I have to say we got a good deal, plus a free breakfast buffet every morning, but I'd never stay at any on those hotels again. I think the bus system is terrible. We had a couple of terrible experiences, and will not stay their again. We spent 11 days at DW for the Thanksgiving Holiday, stayed at the Coronado SPrings, and the AKL. In May we're going back and stayin either at the CS, or the AKL. I love the AKL. !!!! Have stayed their at least 3 different times already. We have annual passes, and really get some good deals. Still waiting for those special annual pass rates to come out in May. Hope you have a wonderful trip, and welcome to DC. :) :) :) JOANN

02-24-2003	#1 (permalink)
TK924 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 212	Planning our second trip. First of all, Hello to everyone. I'm new here and wanted to get some info from the Disney vets! Our story. Me, my wife and daughter went on our first WDW trip on Dec 26-28, 2001. Let me say that it was very busy, but we did have lots of fun. We stayed in a cheap ($35/night) hotel a couple of miles down from a Disney entrance. It was not a nice, clean place, but it was a cheap place to stay. Being that this was our first time, we had no idea what we were doing. We showed up at MK the first day about 30min prior to the park opening. We were surprised to see people going in and had no idea about early entrance. Boy, was this a treat! We ran and did all the things that were most important to us first, and then went around to everything else later. We did the same on the 2nd day at MGM. So, here we are ready for another trip. This time, my sis-in-law and her son are going with us from 4/2-4/6. We have already made reservations at the BW Lake Buena Vista and with the AAA discount are getting the room for $95/night. Is this good for this hotel? I understand the BW LBV has been renovated. Is this correct? And is it nice? We are all on a budget and I want to get the most for our $ just like everyone else does. Of course, those dates are during the kids spring break, so I know it will be more crowded than usual, but this is the only time that we can all go. How do these Spring Break crowds compare to the Christmas crowds? Thanks for any help that you could give! :D Last edited by TK924; 02-24-2003 at 05:48 AM.

02-24-2003	#2 (permalink)
PiratesFan Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Northern New Jersey Posts: 353	TK924, Welcome to Disney Central. Now that you have been "bitten by The Mouse" I know you will find this site extremely helpful. I don't have any knowledge about the BW LBV, but I do think that the Christmas Crowds are the most crowded of the entire year. I have been to WDW during Spring Break the year after EPCOT opened. Presently, it can be slightly more crowded than during the peak summer months, but certainly workable. Get your PS (Priority Seatings) as soon as possible, and try to take advantage of FastPass if available. I'm sure the DC gang could offer more insight.;pirate: __________________ Yo Ho Yo Ho a Pirates life for me!

02-24-2003	#4 (permalink)
TK924 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 212	OK, I'm doing some I-net research and finding that the BW LBV is not a good choice. I'm reading reviews that say that the place is out-dated and smelly, the staff is unfriendly and there are very pushy time share sales people that hound you every time you enter or exit the lobby. I do not want something like this for our second WDW trip. What would be other good reasonable choices for the Downtown Disney area? ;) So far, I like these: http://www.radissonparkway.com/ http://www.royalplaza.com/ Has anyone stayed at either of these places before? Comments/suggestions? Thanks. __________________ Dec 2001 - Off Site (our 1st trip to WDW!) Apr 2003 - All Star Music Apr 2004 - Pop Century Mar 2005 - Pop Century Sep 2005 - Pop Century (nice trip!) May 2006 - Pop Century Dec 2006 - Pop Century (3 days prior to Christmas) Dec 2007 - Pop Century (2nd weekend in Dec.) Jan 2009 - Pop Century (MLK weekend) Last edited by TK924; 02-24-2003 at 05:52 AM.

02-24-2003	#5 (permalink)
mattomouseman Grumpmeister Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Westchester Co. NY Posts: 1,746	Hello newbie! Welcome to Disney Central. If you are on abudget you may want to look into the All Star Movies or All Star sports. I have never stayed there but the rates a very reasonalbe. We usually stay moderate. Our next trip we had some extra cash so we are going full boat, we're gonna stay at the Poly! YIPPIE, can't wait! As a kid we always tried to save staying at the outter hotel/motels but let me tell ya, there's nothing like staying on porperty! Like Piratesfan suggested get your PS (Priority seating) arrangements done as soon as possible. A great site for help with that is www.pscalculator.com check it out! Any questions you have feel free to PM me or post on the board and I will try to help you out! Good luck and again WELCOME!:) __________________ Disneyland1972 WDW1975 Disneyland1987 2000~CBR,2001~Wilderness Lodge 2002~Coronado Springs,2003 Poly, 2004 Disneyland Grand Californian NEVER FORGET, NEVER SURRENDER-GOD BLESS THE U.S.A. Last edited by mattomouseman; 02-24-2003 at 05:50 PM.

02-24-2003	#6 (permalink)
MickeyMac Cherubic Chocoholic Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 2,233	Priority Seating (aka: PS) is a confirmation that you should be seated within a reasonable amount of time, at a certain time. It is not a 'reservation' (meaning, guarantee of table) Although, having said that, I look at PS' as reservations. :D You choose where you want to eat, then call Disney Dining and book the time. Some restaurants sell out relatively quick (Cinderella's Royal Table, Chef Mickey's, etc) and others, you can simply walk into and still hope for seating. You can use the link that Mattomouseman gave to figure out when you can start calling a particular restaurant for seating. I also second the All Starts, the on-site transportation system is much better than any you will get from the off-site. From the DTD links you provided, I like the Royal Plaza, but both are excellent. I just like the decore better. __________________ ... back in the frozen tundra!

		MouseBuzz.com > Walt Disney World > WDW Resorts
Planning our second trip.

02-24-2003	#3 (permalink)
TK924 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 212	Thanks for the welcome, PF! This all can be very frustrating and intimidating. That's why I'm here. Hopefully, I'll get good info to make the best decisions. And you know that since I'm a newbie I have to ask, What is Priority Seating? I know all about the FastPass! This was used several times during our first trip. It will be used again. :D

02-24-2003	#7 (permalink)
WDWNutCase Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 374	Oh Man... All I have to say is that unless you LOVE Disney and you have a LOT of patience stay clear of WDW at Christmas time. It is THE most crowded time of year. Also, budget wise, if you're staying on property at a Disney hotel, this is the most expensive time as Holiday Rates are in effect which mean high room prices! __________________ Resorts We've Stayed In ASM, CBR, CSR, WL, WL Concierge, GFR&S, POR, BW Villas, BC Villas, OKW December 17-24, 2005: Saratoga Springs! Brother & Sis in Law's first ever Disney Trip! Have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da Day! DVC Members since March 2003

02-24-2003	#8 (permalink)
Willbegone Southern Princess Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Too far from WDW! Posts: 2,658	Welcome to DC! I have learned so much here and I'm sure you will too. I also would suggest All Stars or even a moderate depending on the codes. See, Disney puts out discounts for certain times of year and these can really save you money. Keep watch on this site and Mickey always posts the news. I didn't know this was even availabe until I came here. Let me also suggest doing at least one or two character meals. These are buffet and are really not a bad price when you look at what you are getting. Have a great time planning!

02-24-2003	#9 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	Hi TK and Welcome to DC! April is a beautiful time of year to visit! You will have a wonderful time! At Downtown Disney, I have stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott. Very nice, clean, and convenient. The rooms were large, too. The best part was the short walk to Downtown Disney. We visited there every night. This hotel is very convenient, especially if you will have a car. It will consume alot of your touring time if you have to depend on the buses, even at the resorts on property. Keep in mind that visiting Downtown Disney, FT Wilderness, and the Disney resorts is free. Keep this in mind when buying your theme park passes. Downtown Disney and Ft Wilderness make great Disney outings...without the cost. I will be more than happy to answer any questions that you have! __________________ Trish

02-24-2003	#10 (permalink)
BuzzLightyear MB Cast Member ® Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,917	I am new here also, but not new to Disney. We use to stay "off site" all the time. We finally stayed on-site last year and it made all the difference in the world. Just a recommendation from a former "off-siter"

02-24-2003	#11 (permalink)
TK924 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 212	Hey, thanks to all for the info. This seems to be a great place to share WDW info. And this was the first WDW forum site that I found. I'm glad that I registered now. My wife has called and found availability at the All Star Music Resort for $104 w/AAA discount. I think this would be the best option for us at this point. Do you agree? I've heard the pros about staying at one of the "Value resorts", but what are the cons? Again, Thanks to everyone for their help. This place is great! ;) __________________ Dec 2001 - Off Site (our 1st trip to WDW!) Apr 2003 - All Star Music Apr 2004 - Pop Century Mar 2005 - Pop Century Sep 2005 - Pop Century (nice trip!) May 2006 - Pop Century Dec 2006 - Pop Century (3 days prior to Christmas) Dec 2007 - Pop Century (2nd weekend in Dec.) Jan 2009 - Pop Century (MLK weekend)

02-24-2003	#12 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	Right now that is the best deal for a value resort. Ask for Movies if possible, your kids will just love it and so will you. It is possible that there will be better deals come along for April, but you never know. Just watch the front page for any announcements like that. By the way, just go for a standard room, and ask to be away from the pool, that would be the only con, being right by the pool over spring break. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

02-24-2003	#13 (permalink)
BuzzLightyear MB Cast Member ® Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Space Mountain Posts: 3,917	I say on-site even at the "value" resorts is better than off-site anyday. We were going to stay at the All Stars also, but were fortunate enough to be able to book a Beach Club room this year. I am sure if you keep reading these boards you'll feel the same way, and be able to get a ton more information on the All Star resorts. Maybe start a new thread requesting All Starts information. Have a great time when you go!

02-24-2003	#14 (permalink)
TK924 Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 212	Well, we wanted AS Movies, but I think my wife said there was no availibility during the dates we're going, so AS Music is fine. I think that being our first time staying inside WDW, this will be awesome. I'm really getting excited now! __________________ Dec 2001 - Off Site (our 1st trip to WDW!) Apr 2003 - All Star Music Apr 2004 - Pop Century Mar 2005 - Pop Century Sep 2005 - Pop Century (nice trip!) May 2006 - Pop Century Dec 2006 - Pop Century (3 days prior to Christmas) Dec 2007 - Pop Century (2nd weekend in Dec.) Jan 2009 - Pop Century (MLK weekend)

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02-24-2003	#15 (permalink)
JOANN Mouse Meister Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: CRETE, Illinois Posts: 1,041	Hi TK924, Glad to hear your staying at a Disney Resort. I know you will be much happier. Our family stayed at the BW in 1999, for my daughter's bachelorette party. So, it was one of those last minute things. I have to say we got a good deal, plus a free breakfast buffet every morning, but I'd never stay at any on those hotels again. I think the bus system is terrible. We had a couple of terrible experiences, and will not stay their again. We spent 11 days at DW for the Thanksgiving Holiday, stayed at the Coronado SPrings, and the AKL. In May we're going back and stayin either at the CS, or the AKL. I love the AKL. !!!! Have stayed their at least 3 different times already. We have annual passes, and really get some good deals. Still waiting for those special annual pass rates to come out in May. Hope you have a wonderful trip, and welcome to DC. :) :) :) JOANN __________________ Been There, Done That, DID IT AGAIN!! Oct. 23-Nov. 6 2005! When You Wish Upon a Star! 1975 Contemporary, 1977 Royal Plaza, 1986-1991 CBR, 1993-1997 Dixie Landings, 1998 Wilderness Lodge, 1999(Twice)-2000(Twice) CSR, 2001(Twice)-2002(Twice)-2003(Twice) CSR & AKL, 2004 AKL & CSR 3 times, 2005(Twice) POFQ Going to Disneyland Sept. 9-12th!!!!!!