Rent a DVC villa. Will save you tons.

That's what we've done the past 2-3 times we've been to Disney. Rent a house off property and save the money on the room. But, if we can, I'd like to be on property this time since none of the little kids have ever stayed on property.

I stayed on property last year for a couple nights at the Contemporary before we moved off. It’s great being there. There is nothing like it. Being submerged

Off site was great too and more relaxed, but being on property if you can afford it is second to none.

I agree with both of those statements.

Staying off property gives you an opportunity to relax & get away from it all. We usually rent a place with a pool so at the end of long park days, we come back, grill some food and swim. Always a great way to end the day.

Your comment about staying on property is exactly why I want to do it. My oldest & youngest have stayed on property one time each. Oldest when he was 6 or so, and my youngest a few weeks ago for a cheerleading competition. But my two middle boys haven't. I really want them to experience it at least once with me because of the memories with my parents. I want them to be immersed in the "magic". Just once.

I know that it will likely cost me more money to do it, but I think it will be worth it. That's why I'm hoping that there is some other places I can cut some costs. One of those cost saving measures is to drive down. It takes a few days & a night or two in a hotel on the way to and from, but the cost of 6 people flying makes it so much cheaper.

Just looked at flight info in case I was wrong.

Checked in July & October since I can't check out to next year. Prices run from $260/person in October to around $410/person in July.

So flight alone would cost $1,500-$2,500 total.

What hotel were you staying in?

You're rich, bud. Congrats.

Contemporary. Right near The Magic Kingdom

I’ve also stayed on site in California as well. At the Disneyland hotel and the Grand Californian

All awesome hotels

I will be if I can sell this kidney. You need a kidney?

Allegiant Air should have cheaper flights.

Just got back from a 5 day trip to WDW.....was at Disney Studios the day that Rise of The Resistance was debuted (not the soft opening). Didn't get to ride it, but no big deal for me since we are Annual Passholders and will probably go again soon when the crowds are a little more sparse.

But I will say this.....I have gone to WDW a little over 50 times since my first visit in 1987 and this is the first time I have come back from a trip a little wanting. There were opportunities for the Cast Members to exhibit that "Disney Magic" that has always been the nice component of a trip to DisneyWorld that were missed. I'm not talking freebies or comps, more of the opportunity to provide a nice experience.

This was supposed to be a special trip for myself and my family....my daughter and her hubby of one year came home for Thanksgiving and to go with us to WDW. In addition, my wife and I were celebrating our 35th anniversary, something she let Disney know when we made the reservations in April, along with every subsequent phone call to see if there were cancellations that would allow us to move to a different resort or a better room.

Without going too deep....none of the calls she made to the reservations line were pleasant or accommodating, (unless of course we would like to choose a larger room which they were happy to handle for the normal change in price).

When we got to the resort and were at the check-in line we asked for something available closest to the front so that the trek to the bus stop wasn't worse than walking around the park. What did we get....a room (non-refurbished) at the furthest point from the front of the resort!!

And while everyone else around us was being asked as they checked-in if there was a special occasion (first visit, birthday, ANNIVERSARY, or other special event) our illustrious Cast Member seemed more intent on just finishing our booking and sending us on our way. (Yes, I know I should have spoken up....but I have yet to visit Disney where a Cast Member didn't make that part of their "welcome" speech)

As always there were Cast Members who were exactly what you expect at Disney....courteous, considerate, helpful....and I will send a note to #CastCompliment to acknowledge it.

But honestly...this trip left a little to be desired.

50 times?



Can i borrow $10,000?

Sounds like a lot.....but of those times 10-11 have been combined with industry conventions at either the Contemporary or the Dolphin/Swan. Add in a few that were due to being part of a national advisory board and you have about 35 times that were trips I paid for.

Living in the Southeast (NC, SC, and FL) give you the opportunity to visit Disney often.

My wife’s brother works for Disney corporate so we get to go for free, along with staying at their place for the weekend. Probably spent 20 days at the parks in past year and the trips still seem expensive when all we have to pay for is food, which we also get a discount on. I can’t imagine how expensive it would be to take a family to stay at Disney for a week.

I can MAYBE understand visiting Disney 7-8 times over 20 years as they make new attractions but WTF visiting 50x's? :eek:

This country and the World is a big wonderful place, go somewhere else for a change.

It might be a mind opening experience......:clap:

I've been to 36 countries and about the same number of states and only visited a few multiple times.

Too much to see in the World to keep going back to the same place over and over and over again. I've never gotten that

I went to Disney world about 2 years ago and was so underwhelmed. Other than 1 show and the parade, almost everything else was a let down to me. The parks needs a renovation in the worst way. Everything looks like how it probably looked in the 70s.

Epcot is going to be getting a major renovation over the next couple years. Tomorrowland in magic kingdom is getting expanded and updated.

You'd think that Tomorrowland would require renovations every day.

I chuckle when I see a post like this.....and you are not the first. I grew up in KC (Mosby MO) to be exact and not much around the Midwest I haven't seen.

But beyond that.....

I have visited every state in the US save for Maine, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii. Seen the Grand Canyon, LA, San Fran, Albuquerque, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Antonio, Dallas, Denver, Cheyenne, Mount Rushmore, Red Wing MN, Washington DC, NY City, Philadelphia, Gatlinburg, Rutland VT, Boston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, Amelia Island, etc....etc....you get my point. I have traveled all over the US and to Australia overseas...spent 6 months in Spain as a Foreign Exchange student when I was younger. Saw a lot of Europe with my exchange family.

Don't always make the assumption that just because someone has a favorite place that they don't expand horizons.

Not really......they have done many changes if you haven't been in 2 years

Sounds like poor planning on your part..?

Nice try.....this sounds like an answer I would get from the crazies over at the Facebook Disney Junkies group.

To this point most of your posts about Disney have been pretty sane and reasonable. But I am not a newbie when it comes to planning for Disney....up to this point all my visits (yes, all 50 of them) I have come away very happy, pleased with the Disney Magic.

This time I wasn't...that doesn't make make me a poor planner, just someone who didn't receive the best of service this time.

When we made our reservations in April....during our last stay, we weren't told that they would be refurbishing the front 3 buildings at that time. Had we been told, we might have chosen a resort a step up.

I am an Annual Passholder and won't stop going....we enjoy staying on property. Just disappointed in the service this time.

Have you been to the Disney Land in France? I went this past summer and the rides are much better and the park isn’t nearly as crowded. There isn’t as much theming there, but the rides were pretty intense for a Disney park.

The wife and I have talked about going to an overseas trip that would include a stop at a Disney owned property. Our stumbling block at this point is we have 28 y/o son with Asperger's who doesn't travel well on a plane. And unfortunately no one who we trust to be able to take care of him while we travel.

That would make it difficult. I think it was about an 8 hour flight to London and then another couple of hours on the train to France, so that’s a long time to be confined in a small space with a lot of people. We only went there for a couple of days and were in Paris for the other couple of days. After being in Paris, going to Disney felt like being at the US embassy. It was the only place where the French people were actually nice.

Walt Disney World
 

It sounds like you may have had some higher than normal expectations for this trip, especially given the frequency with which you go, with this one being a bit more special for you compared to most. It is nice when they surprise you with perks and benefits but part of what makes them special is that you aren’t typically expecting them. But because this was a more unique and special trip I can see you hoping for something to help make it standout from the others long after leaving the park.

Things like a cast member here and there not being on top of their game happens as you know (though not frequently) but that being part of any feeling of wanting more seems really nit picky. I get that you hoped for more such as the room upgrade but expecting it is different and the not getting it factoring into a somewhat negative experience seems a bit unfair.

I was a Disney World cast member, an awesome one at that. I received many awards and trained new cast members. One day I found out my grandma had cancer AND I was trying to pass a kidney stone all day long. I didn’t act very “Disney” that day and a guest called me a prick and said I need to be more magical. My point is, you never know what people are going through, and sometimes it’s difficult to be on every day all day.

I get what you are trying to say...so evidently I am not expressing myself well enough.

What I am saying is that all my experiences with Disney have been with a touch of magic, so I know what to expect as normal. This time it didn't have that same touch of magic)

I didn't expect them to give us a room upgrade (to a suite or larger room) I just didn't expect to be put at the furthest point from the main building in one of the oldest rooms in the place.

And for clarification I just alluded to the Front Desk Cast Member in particular as an illustration. There were other issues that we ran into with other Cast Members I didn't elaborate on because it would take too long. (The Disney reservations group comes to mind)

This I understand....and I can tell at no point would I ever call a working Cast Member a "prick".

But having attended several seminars that were given by Disney associates it is weird that they made you work on a day you might not be your best due to family issues.

I didn’t tell anyone. I needed the money, so I worked. In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have. All in all, it was an awesome experience. I eventually moved on because the hours sucked and the pay was worse, so I had to adult. Lol

A little sad, looking back. Brianfo is now deceased.

Having to adult really sucks sometimes...

Right?!

Wow. CP has a Disney World thread and a foremost expert on Disney World chimes in with his recent experience and is met with such hostile opprobrium.

Can we save this anger for the Patriots?

I grew up in Florida. I used to go to Disney for fun on weekends in high school even though it was a 2.5hr drive. It’s our closest experience to Arrowhead.

You want to save some money on air fare, Alligiant Air has flights from Springfield mo to St. Petersburg for less than $100 non-stop. You then have a 1.5 hour drive over to Disney.

Flying sardine cans

they are spending $4 BILLION on upgrades and updates in the next 5 years.

you get what you pay for. :)

Exactly

I've been quite a few times and loved it every time. One day I hope to retire not too far away and get a season pass.

I’m currently lying in bed in Animal Kingdom Lodge. I rode “Rise of the Resistance” earlier tonight. Holy ****balls. Isn’t Claynus a Star Wars fan? If he ever rides it he’ll probably ejaculate himself to death. It’s less a ride and more like being in a movie. The most ambitious, intricate, and involved ride I’ve ever been on.

Boom. Almost a 2 year bump on a 15 year old thread.

Going to be in Orlando for a couple days next month and thinking about spending one day at a park. Wanting to do something different from Disney. We've never been to Universal Studios and was hoping to get some input from those of you that have.

I'm hoping to have one day at a park and one day of relaxing or doing something NOT park related - but it looks like to experience everything at Universal, you have to get through both Universal Studio's and Island of Adventure. Is that a 2 full day deal or is that something you can get through in one day?

If we ultimately decide to NOT do a park, what are some other things to do that teenagers will enjoy as much as teenagers can enjoy anything?

Any suggestions on good hotels to stay at?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Epcot has a great interactive Stare at Your Phone exhibit that lasts all day, with Hot Pockets provided at lunchtime.

Book an airboat ride through the wetlands to see some gators and other wildlife. Had a blast doing it a few years ago.

I like the Dolphin or Swan resorts. They are on the Disney boardwalk and have nice pools. I am staying over Memorial Day at the Dolphin with my kids. If you have wheels it’s a pretty easy one hour drive over to the Kennedy Space Center. Even better if there is a launch going on while you are there. Good luck!

I'm sure it's mentioned in this thread somewhere, but the Whispering Canyon Cafe is great (or at least was years ago)... they had all you can eat meat platters that were really good and it's a fun place to have a meal. Ask for a straw, get a box of straws... ask for ketchup and kids from every other table bring you ketchup... and random broom/horse races, etc.

So basically it's just like being at home.

Had a friend that did that a few years back. Looked like a blast. I'll put that down on my list.

That's a large question. People tend to forget how narrow Florida is. Do you have a rental car? Head east from Orlando and in an hour you're at Cape Canaveral; head west and in 90 minutes you're in Tampa (with everything from Busch Gardens to the Florida Aquarium to the Dali Museum in St. Pete).

Orlando itself is pretty much just a giant tourist trap, but you can be tourist-trapped in things other than the Big Three (Disney, Universal, Sea World). Tacky as they might be, on International Drive you can find things like Ripley's and Madame Tussaud's.

If you're sticking within the Disney perimeter, Disney Springs is the latest name for the shopping center that used to be Disney Village and Pleasure Island. Plenty of places to shop (including non-Disney high-end stores) and eat.

If you are interested in being in the Disney bubble but not getting ass-raped for a room, people tend to forget that the Dolphin and Swan are non-Disney properties on site. I know someone who uses their Marriott Rewards to stay there. It's as good as being in a Disney hotel; you can walk or boat from there to the Boardwalk resort, the entrance to Hollywood Studios, the back entrance to EPCOT, and you can even walk next door to Disney's Fantasia mini-golf.

My man...

Gators are everywhere right now and you'd see plenty if you do an Airboat ride. Airboats rides can be found on Rt. 520 at the St. Johns River. About 45 minutes east of Orlando. From there you can go to Cocoa Beach or the Space Center.

I knew I was asking a loaded question that could come with hundreds of answers. But, wanted to get some peoples "top choices" outside of Disney.

I love Disney. I've probably been 20-25 times in my life. With such a quick trip (get in on a Thursday morning, leaving Saturday morning), I wanted to get some ideas of things other than parks to do.

We're driving down to Miami for work and then stopping back in Orlando on the way home, so we'll have our own car to move about anywhere we please.

Does anyone know if the Harry Potter stuff is worth seeing at Universal? Wife is really interested in it.

There also might be a Rocket Launch during the time you're down here. Check the schedule.

Oh, and I've stayed at the Swan waaaaaay back when it first opened. I'm definitely going to look into those hotels.

About Universal, it really depends on a lot of factors. They've got three parks now: Universal, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay (water park).

Are all of your kids teens? If so, you could probably skip Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon in IoA. That'd leave you with Incredible Hulk (great coaster), Spider-Man (awesome simulator), Hagrid's (great coaster but seemingly always broken down), King Kong (simulator), Jurassic Park (low key water ride), Forbidden Journey (cool simulator kind of deal) and they'll open the new Velocicoaster on June 10th which is ****ing awesome as well. Plus they've got the Hogwarts castle and Hogsmeade if you're into the sights.

In Universal, you'd be able to skip the kiddie area as well as Minions and Shrek so that'd leave you with Mummy (cool indoor coaster), Rip Ride Rock-It (great coaster), Transformers (simulator just like Spider-Man), Fast and Furious (would NOT recommend, it ****ing sucks), Simpsons (simulator) and Gringott's (coaster/simulator). For sights, Universal also has Diagon Alley which is so cool to see for the first time.

Volcano Bay is just ****ing awesome. For all teens/pre-teens, it might e your best bet. They've got this cool system where you wear this digital bracelet. You can walk up to a ride and swipe your bracelet and it'll keep you in a virtual line. When the time has passed and you're able to ride, it'll buzz and you just walk up and ride. It just makes it so much more chill. Instead of sitting in the heat in a long ass line for an hour like the other parks, your kids can hit the lazy river or the wave pool or grab something to eat.

The parks have been packed lately so understand that there will be long waits and it's Florida so it's hot as balls. I've been spoiled so going without an Express Pass is not an option for me. If you've got the money, id recommend staying at one of the premiere hotels on-site like Hard Rock or Portofino since they will give your whole family Express passes with the reservation. Plus, Hard Rock has a bitchin' ass pool.

I’m headed to universal in June. Staying on property.

Been there before I and would say 2 days to do everything if your just doing Islands and Universal. 3 days if you want to add the water park.

I plan on getting the express passes as well, but they are expensive.

Dude, it's ****ing awesome.

I saw they were going for $300+ per person lol **** all that!

That's why you're better off booking one of the premier resorts. $400-500 per night is expensive but Express Passes for your whole family kinda makes it worth while.

For Plow, I might also recommend staying at Cabana Bay, Sapphire Falls or Endless Summer. Those are all pretty good. They're not premier so no Express but really great properties with awesome pools and amenities.

Protip: find a smaller operation. we took one that was like a 4-6 seater from a local as opposed to the giant ones with like a dozen fatties from canada on it. smaller ones can get into spots the bigger ones can't.

If you want to go Disney, for teenagers I'd stick to Hollywood Studios. It's a one day park with the most "teenager" type rides, plus it has Star Wars land.

If you want to stick with Universal, then yeah, you have to buy passes to both parks to "see it all." You won't be able to ride everything, but it's definitely more "teen" oriented than Disney. You don't have to do both parks, but if you want to see all of the Harry Potter stuff you will (Diagon Alley is in one park and Hogsmeade/Hogwarts are in the other).

If you don't want to pay to get into the parks, just go to Disney Springs and/or Universal Citywalk. These are the free dining and entertainment districts. You can easily spend a few hours at each of them.

As for hotels, definitely avoid the Disney bubble right now. Most of the perks you get from staying in the bubble aren't being offered due to Covid. You can stay at the Four Seasons or Waldorf Astoria cheaper anyway, and they're literally right there on disney property.

Both Universal parks are great, and I’d argue more enjoyable than Disney for Teenagers. Island of Adventures has more of the big thrill rides (roller coasters, etc.) while the original park is more about 3D/4D/VR/AR effects incorporated into rides... but thematically enjoyable. My wife is also a Harry Potter addict (I hate everything to do with the stories). We both really enjoyed The Harry Potter zone and rides. Corny as hell, but my wife bought the $30 wand and ran around the zone doing all the magic tricks alongside the kids (they have dozens of interactive stations where you can use the wands). I’d recommend doing both parks, but you can still be happy doing one or the other. Just look at the ride list and go with the one that interests your kids more. You won’t be able to do both in 1 day.

As far as other things to do: NASA’s Kennedy Center was awesome... but I haven’t been in 15 years.

If you get into Hollywood Studios, definitely do the new Rise of the Resistance and the Millennium Falcon rides. It’s tricky to get on Rise of the Resistance because you literally have to check in the second it opens up to get a slot on the ride. Both of the Universal parks are great. I assume the water park is a blast, too. The Harry Potter area at Universal is definitely worth it, and the new Hagrid’s ride has great reviews.

Delmonico’s has great authentic Italian food and it’s my favorite restaurant in Orlando. Via Napoli at Epcot is an excellent pizza place. Toothsomes Chocolate Factory at City Walk is pretty cool, too. If you are going to eat in Disney or Universal, you may want to check the hours of the restaurants because the Disney ones were all closed at 7:00 last weekend because of covid. They may be opening up more now with some of the restrictions being lifted but I would definitely check it out.

Amateur..... 😁....

I know everyone is telling you to avoid the Disney bubble, but I would disagree.

Also...I guess I am not as impressed with the Dolphin ir Swan as others.

If I was going to recommend anything other that Disney property I would say the hotels near Disney Springs. Let's you walk to Disney Springs but also have quick access to the Interstate to head to all the other attractions that have been mentioned.

Yea. Stayed at Cabana Bay about 5 years ago. It was great. Staying at Sapphire Falls this trip.

Walt Disney World
 

If you are thinking of Universal on a one day option it can definitely be done if you get the park hopper option. No one will be able to do everything in one day but the teenagers can ride all the thrill rides and you and your wife could pick and choose some while still seeing all of Harry Potter world. Remember that Harry Potter is part of both parks so seeing it all needs either two park tickets or a park hopper, but it and Universal is small enough to have a good experience in one day.

Even non fans will enjoy it given the thorough theming and complete submersion into the world. They took every page out of Disney’s playbook creating it from the theming and experience but also in the line queues and rides in Harry Potter world. They are all very good. You can’t see any of the other parts of the park while in it. Every building and detail contributes to the feeling of being part of that world. The dragon shoots fire every so often which is cool. Just a lot of details you can otherwise only find in Disney.

I highly recommend the slushy style butter beer. We tried it, the ice cream, and the regular drink with the slushy version being by far the best.

In short, as a big Disney fan you are, you will both definitely find the appreciation, value, and enjoyment of Harry Potter alone given it’s Disney inspiration, but adding in the rest is just a nice bonus. There is plenty for others to do as well. The City Walk can be good as well with the Chocolate Emporium being a really cool place with good shakes, candies, and desserts.

As for where to stay, anywhere near Disney is too far from Universal. There are plenty of good options from reliable national chains along International Drive.

Thanks for all the info guys. There is a LOT to digest. Going to re-read it all and then I'll ask all the kids what they want to do. Once I get the 3 "I don't care" answers from them, I'll make the decisions myself.

I agree with everything mr. tegu said save for one thing.....I am not a big fan of staying on International Drive. But that is more personal taste than anything else.

I agree that Universal went all Disney on Harry Potter and I am not a Potter fan and still enjoyed it.

What about the cable skiing (and whatever else they offer)? I always see the place right off the highway, but have never done it. Any good?

https://www.orlandowatersports.com/

This.

I find a hole in the wall out fit, not one that can seat 20 people. We found one that sat just our family (4). The guide was great. We went to an island and he wanted to find "Old Gatter". He did some sort of grunting, and this huge gatter popped up right in front of us. He was surprised, he hadn't seen Old Gatter for a number of years.

Scared the crap outta me and the kids, even though we were on a board walk of sorts.

We were there the weekend preceding the Challenger disaster. It sure a **** was cold then (late January, 1986). In the 20s, remember the seals on the solid fuel boosters got too cold. So, it can get down right frosty in Orlando in January. Don't know how rare it is for that to happen, but it sure did happen.

Yea, not a potter fan either, but the Potter stuff is pretty fantastic.

Universal has sort of evolved over the years for sure. It’s barely even a ‘studios’ anymore like it was originally intended. I guess they had to adapt or die.

Cannot wait for the new Universal Park to complete in a couple years (Epic Universe)...specifically Super Nintendo World!

https://attractionsmagazine.com/wp-c...uests-main.jpg

*EDIT....ouch, looks like opening is delayed to 2025 due to Covid.

I took our family to both places about 5 years ago. Had a great time at both. Each park offers different things, so you don't get bored. (at least we didnt')
We used the park pass at Universal to go back and forth between the parks all the time. You really have to if you want the true Harry Potter experience (which our entire family enjoys)

At Disney World we purchased the Park Hopper pass and ended up never using it. We ended up spending the entire day at whatever park we started in.
Also paid the extra $$ for the Disney Photo Pass. Well worth the $$. Pictures were great and we were able to get into photo opportunities we never would have otherwises

I had heard about that but hadn’t seen any visuals of it. That will be amazing.

Nintendo World is supposed to open at Universal Studios Hollywood first which is planned for ‘22 or ‘23. It just opened in Japan this year and you can see videos on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/63UtzXfN15s

Last time we were at Disney was 2 years ago and I'll say that the photopass deal that Disney has is well worth the money. Took the entire family (around 18 of us). You can get tons of pics around the parks without having to worry about someone not being in the pic or asking someone to take one. Then you can download & save them when you get home.

Agreed. Plus, they send you a bunch of other stock photos from around the park that you can use for scrapbooks, photo albums, etc.. Pictures of some of the key landmarks when the park is empty, no tourists etc


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Just spent a week at Disney World the first week of December...actually wasn't all that busy. Was able to ride most of the rides we wanted to at all the Parks.

There was a larger choice when it came to food options that last year. And 95% of the Cast Members were what you expected from Disney people.

They did a much better job getting people into the park quickly...no long lines checking every bag.

What was poor? The selection of merchandise and the prices for what merchandise was there. Quality of the merchandise was not there IMO

Anyone else been lately?

I went to Disney World for one day during Thanksgiving weekend. Was one of the worst days of my life. 1.5 to 2 hrs to wait for rides. We probably went to the wrong park since we don't have kids, but my GF wanted to see that castle.

If I ever do it again certainly going at a less busier time and going to Universal Park.

Been there once.

Never again.