Overwhelming!!!

[Gwendolyn]

I don't know this is the right spot to write this message but I feel sooooo overwhelmed by the whole WDW thing.

It is soooooo different from the parcs near Paris. You need to think about so many things. I'm scared to forget something. And I'm scared we will have a money problem while being there...

In DLRP you can walk to and from you hotel to both of the parcs and Disneyvillage. So you don't need to plan anything you just do what ever you want without missing anything.

How does is work from All-stars-movie resort, how do you go to the parcs, can you walk to all the parcs? How much does a taxi cost if you want to visit a grocerystore to buy some groceries? What are the opening hours of groceriestores? Are the WDW busses, monorails and ferries crowded in the first 2 weeks of december?

And how important is it to plan without missing anything?
How can you plan without driving yourself crazy?

Do you really need to plan beforehand where to eat? Or can you just pop in a restaurant and ask for a seat. Are there enough counter restaurant and what kind of food can you find there?
What kind of budget is reasonable for 2 adults and one child (nearly 3 in december) per day for food?

What do I really need to know about WDW or the USA what isn't mentioned on the website of WDW or wdisneyw?

Sorry for the many questions. But as I already said. I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything.

[Whitequeen]

Woah!!! Calm down girl, you'll have a seisure!

It is a bit overwhelming, isn't it? :(

Sit down and write down all the questions that are troubling you. Take one at a time and post in the relevant forum. Before you know it you'll know everything there is to know about your trip. :D

[Slowhand]

First of all Gwendolyn, don`t panic, all of us felt as you do on our first trip I guess.

Yes WDW is HUGE, a lot bigger than DLP, but the Disney Transportation system is fine for travelling between the parks. Walking is not an option!

Try to do a bit of planning before you go and also make sure that you set aside some rest days or else you will be worn out trying to do everything at once.

Many people make PS`s well in advance for their meals and this is fine. On the other hand, my DW and I make our PS`s on the morning of the day when we want to have dinner in any particular restaurant, and so far we have not encountered any problems. We have also just "rolled up" at the restaurant on a few occasions, and apart from a small wait, we have been fine.

We were there during the first couple of weeks in December last year and the crowds, apart from a few special events, were not in evidence, although just before Christmas [like the week before and during Christmas], are a lot different I`m told.

[dcfromva]

Do you really need to plan beforehand where to eat? Or can you just pop in a restaurant and ask for a seat. Are there enough counter restaurant and what kind of food can you find there?
What kind of budget is reasonable for 2 adults and one child (nearly 3 in december) per day for food?

Gwendolyn,
It depends on your appetites--sometimes the serving sizes are large and you can get by with sharing. Here is a convenient link to all the menus (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/menus.html) at WDW. This will give you an idea of the prices.
We generally plan sit down meals and I target an average $60.00 per day per adult and $30.00 a day per child. Some meals cost more and some cost less. Counter service will be way less.
What time in December will you be going? You can't get ressies for counter service restaurants. In early December, I would say--no worries. At Christmastime: :eek: But, there are some strategies that you can use such as going at non-peak times: eating really early or really late.
-DC :ears:

[Cindernaenae]

Poor thing. Just breathe. Again. Again.

OK. You're staying at Disney, and as my DH said the other day, they do take care of you.

You won't starve to death. And if you're worried about money, how about getting the new dining plan, that way most of your meals will be paid for before you leave? And if possible, bring an extra credit card JUST for emergencies. (Not the one you're using for all that shopping you'll be doing ;) )

[Josette]

you could always run into me in the process, and I could help!

You cannot walk from the All Stars. You can take a bus, to the parks. They're not too bad..sometimes you have to wait for another one.

Wal*Mart is open 24 hours and you can take a taxi to get there or rent a car.

Some fast places you can just pop in to eat.

Character meals and non-fast food ones, you should really make Priority Seating.

The only thing about WDW and USA is you get searched going into the parks.

I'll be down the same time! :D

[Babymischief]

You can save money by asking when you check in for a fridge for your room. They are $10 per night and are small, but good for keeping the milk butter meats etc in. This is what we did, we had cereal most mornings because the food court breakfast was costing us $30 for 3. I would allow $60-70 for an evening meal for 3 including tip. Mustn`t forget to tip. Also if you go to somewhere in WDW to eat have your dinner early like 4pm because it will still be lunchtime prices for the same food for that evening. I only got reservations when I was at WDW while in the hotel and had no problems and that was in Oct. Good luck and remember... take it slowly...and realise that you can`t do everything all in one go. And it cost us $20 each way to get to walmarts by cab from the Pop Century Hotel... sounds alot but don`t forget it`s in dollars.

[PaulaK]

Gwendolyn, we spend twice as much in Paris as we do at WDW! If you plan on taking the same amount of money per day, you should be pleasantly surprised by what's left in your pocket at the end of the holiday! :D

[dizzyknee]

It is overwhelming but if you've been to DLP then you've got a jump on all the people who are true first timers...(for some strange reason sometimes it's helpful to know that things could be worse :afraid: ...but you're going to Disney World how bad can that be, really? :wink: ...OK enough perspective) I think you need a good book on Disney World, a hot cup of tea, and a deep breath.

I would recommend The Unofficial Guide (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/search-handle-form/002-6087169-6628052) and The Passporter (http://www.passporterstore.com/store/158771020x.aspx)

The first will give you LOTS of info., much of it from experiences people have contributed. This one is great if you have kids and want tips on age appropriateness etc. and you want a really thorough understanding of the park(s).

The second is pretty much all the info. you will need but presented in a very simplfied and straight forward way. This is great for having with you.

The one thing you will definately want to look into is getting tickets for Mickeys Very Merry Christmas Party (these are extra)and other events Christmas events (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/mvmcp.html) If your pocketbook allows it's great to do this twice b/c then you won't feel rushed or miss anything. And if you have kids you can get back to the resort for some sleep.

There is so much to do in Orlando. Don't forget there is also SeaWorld (1 day) and Universal Studios(2 days) some people like taking airboat rides or seeing the alligators. I'd choose WDW, Universal, SeaWorld and relaxation.

[kazzaqld]

I don't know this is the right spot to write this message but I feel sooooo overwhelmed by the whole WDW thing.

It is soooooo different from the parcs near Paris. You need to think about so many things. I'm scared to forget something. And I'm scared we will have a money problem while being there...

What do I really need to know about WDW or the USA what isn't mentioned on the website of WDW or wdisneyw?

Sorry for the many questions. But as I already said. I feel a bit overwhelmed by everything.
Gwen, Dank U Wel for your questions - I sooooo know how you feel and you at least have the advantage of DLP.

I am about to ring tonight for my PS's and even the thought of that is terrifying me!!! Crazy huh! :wacko:

The thought of travelling so far, just me and DS9 is making me nuts - gotta keep telling myself - we're going for fun, we're going for fun :lol:

[Cinderella]

If you are taking a car service from the airport to the All Star most of them will stop at a grocery store for you and you can shop on your way to the hotel. Most grocery stores are open from early morning until late in the evening and usually one is open 24 hours.

As for meals and reserving ahead of time, when are you going?
If you are planning on any meal with the Princesses DEFINITELY book it 90 days in advance. Dinner shows should also be booked in advance.

[dizzyknee]

Cinderella I'm glad you popped in b/c you just reminded me that I forgot to tell Gwen of one of the best ways to alleviate some of the stress of planning...hire a Disney specialist travel agent.

We have two excellent agents who post regularly here on these boards...Cinderella and MickeyMac.

Cinderella has booked several of my trips and it has always been a wonderful experience. She has booked our air, resort, tickets, car and done our PSing all by email. It really lightens the load, and I would imagine when you are traveling from far away it would really make everything easier b/c you are not having to make all those long distant calls and you are dealing with someone who really knows the ins and outs of Disney.

[dizzyknee]

How are things going? Are you feeling overwhelmed still?

[Gwendolyn]

Thank you for asking. But I still feel very overwhelmed.

I already have an idea of the basics like flight, transport and hotel. But I'm doubting between a 10 magic unlimited pass or a annual passport. And when is it the best time to buy an AP? Can I even buy an AP if I'm from the Netherlands. And I heard about discountcodes. Is it wise to book in May and maybe miss any discount because I didn't have any codes?

But the food and the planning. I'm terrified that I will think of WDW that it is toooooooo big or something. I don't know. I nearly live in DLRP and i'm really used to it and I love DLRP. I'm worried that I won't like WDW.

And al that pre planning of what to eat when and where to go on a certain time. How would I know how to plan, if I never been there? You know what I mean?

And when is it smart to visit which parc? Is it smart to visit a parc with an early or late opening? Or is it smart NOT to visit those parcs that day? And what about fireworks and parade. I'm trying to find info on those on the net but can't find them.

Maybe it's too early to plan my trip that detailed already. But when is it the best time to plan?

Toooooooooo many questions.....

I'm sorry for bothering you with it. I quess you heard them thousands of times before.

The only thing I've already planned is buying a Pal-Mickey :rotfl:

[Breeze]

And al that pre planning of what to eat when and where to go on a certain time. How would I know how to plan, if I never been there? You know what I mean?

If you click HERE (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/menus.html) it will take you to the part of our site that has a list of menus for a large number of the restaurants in and around Disney. I have always found that looking at a menu before hand will give me a good idea as to whether or not the family will like eating there.

Don't stress about planning all your meals ahead of time. Just pick a few "don't want to miss" places and then kind of go with the flow for the other meals. Everyone ends up with their favorite places to eat at Disney and you will too :thumbs:

[tajainaz]

Okay, Gwendolyn! Inhale, exhale. And inhale, exhale.

There! You are officially warmed up and ready to tackle WDW planning!

Seriously, relax!

Have you already made your lodging (room) reservation? If not, you might want to enlist the services of Cinderella or MickeyMac. They are terrific! Let them know your plans, if you will buy an AP and to apply any room only codes if they become available. They may or may not--they usually are announced about 60 days or so prior to the effective dates. Codes are not automatic, they are based on expected occupancy levels (reservations). If occupancy rates are high in some resorts, they may be offered only in those with low occupancy. Basically, they are an incentive for guests to stay at certain resorts.

Annual pass. To AP or not to AP. Yes, you can purchase one if you live outside the US. There is no discount for advance purchases, so you can buy it at WDW or at the Earport store in MCO (Orlando airport). The Earport store tends to be a bit slow--many new staff members.

You do not need to have an AP in hand to take advantage of an AP discount (apply it to existing reservations via telephone), but you may be required to have it when you check in or the rack (regular) rate will apply. Only one person in your group needs to have an AP when checking in. The others can use what ever ticket is considered the best value for your plans during your visit.

One of the many nice things about utilizing the services of Cinderella or Mickeymac is that they will make your room reservations for you at rack rate, and will watch for and apply any discount that becomes available and you are eligible to use. If you plan to purchase an AP, let them know and they will watch for an AP discount (or general discount, if that is available) and spend a great deal of time on the telephone to have it applied to your reservation. If they are able to apply a general discount or none are available, you won't need to purchase an AP unless it's the best value for your visit. One thing off your shoulders! They also can take care of other aspects of your WDW visit, but I'm very much a DIY person, so I tend to do most of the planning and reservations myself.

Remember, though, that AP discounts usually are available for room-only reservations and do not apply to packages.

Dining: As others have mentioned, apparently princess meals (particularly breakfast) require careful planning and maneuvering to obtain a PS. My vast experience (3 trips in recent years) :wink: has found that I really didn't need PSs made that far in advance. All were made after I arrived at WDW, and most were made the same day. If there are special events with packages for the restaurant of your choice, you may need to make reservations much earlier. This is true for the CP restaurants (LeCellier and others that I can't remember at the moment), and Fantasmic restaurants (Hollywood & Vine, Mama Melsrose's & Brown Derby). I wasn't able to make a PS for Holllywood & Vine for Fantasmic after I arrived at WDW last December, but if you're flexible about the restaurant, you may be fine. In August, 2003 and December, 2003, we/I made the PS two days earlier without any difficulty.

[Meezers]

You have gotten some REALLY good advice so far.

I am obsessive compulsive about planning the WDW trips...however the one thing I have found is that outside of travel and room....be flexible.

I have made PS's as far out as I can and also the morning of....both worked.

If you do want to do something really special like the character meal....def make a PS.

MickeyMac is awesome with the rooms.

Buy a book and take notes in the margin. I usually make a very loose schedule and allow for some days to sleep in and others to make sure Mom gets her nap. We love to eat so much of our plans are around what food where :)

I had never been to a character meal before this last trip and really loved Liberty Tree Tavern. I am sure others can tell you which place to go for what character.

I think that children of some age can share from parent's plate or they have cool kids menu's. Most full dinners are enough for two....Mom and I have been known to share an entree so we can then share dessert!

It is never to early to start planning....I think that is part of the fun.

Let us know what you need!

[dizzyknee]

. But I'm doubting between a 10 magic unlimited pass or a annual passport. And when is it the best time to buy an AP? Can I even buy an AP if I'm from the Netherlands. And I heard about discountcodes. Is it wise to book in May and maybe miss any discount because I didn't have any codes?
OK one thing at a time.

What does "10 magic unlimited pass" give you? no expiration? or hopping? or both? What about the "plus" feature are you interested in Disney Quest or Pleasure Island...I think it will be too cool for the waterparks.

I can see why this is so difficult. I went to the Disney site, it would not let me buy AP tickets if I entered that I was from the Netherlands. So it is hard to know how to deal with that. Again I would recommend getting a Disney Specialist Travel Agent to help answer this queston. It won't cost you any more to make your arrangements with one of them. There is no down side.

Yes you are right there are big discount perks with codes or annual pass discounts. If you end up with an AP you might be able to use an AP resort discount code and get to book yourself into a moderate resort (to get resort discount only one of you needs to have an AP the others can have what ever ticket works out to be the most affordable). That might be nice..right? Here again a TA can book your vacation now and if you ask her to check for better rates/codes etc. she can cancel and rebook for you.

. But the food and the planning. I'm terrified that I will think of WDW that it is toooooooo big or something. I don't know. I nearly live in DLRP and i'm really used to it and I love DLRP. I'm worried that I won't like WDW.

And al that pre planning of what to eat when and where to go on a certain time. How would I know how to plan, if I never been there? You know what I mean? And when is it smart to visit which parc? Is it smart to visit a parc with an early or late opening? Or is it smart NOT to visit those parcs that day?
It's hard to imagine that you won't like WDW but it is big and spread out so if this idea is upsetting to you or you have a preconceived idea, I can imagine that you could have a problem. Try to think about this vacation like you are visiting a new city. And maybe each park is a "neighborhood" to explore. If you were visiting a city you would leave your hotel and take a bus to your destination. The city of Disney makes this very easy by suppling frequent bus service to all the best neighborhoods.

You are lucky that you will be traveling at a time that is not super busy. It won't matter a whole lot about which park which day. In our experience it does work to our advantage to go to a park for the "extra magic hour". Then if it gets busy we can do something else (this is where park hopping is important) But again at this time of year crowds aren't going to be a big problem.

And what about fireworks and parade. I'm trying to find info on those on the net but can't find them.
Dec '04 park hours w/ fireworks and parades (http://www.wdisneyw.co.uk/dec.html) This will give you an idea about what the schedule will look like in Dec.
Keep exploring this site it's all here. If you can't find it ask. Doing a search on the message boards is another great way to find answers because we have all been where you are and have sought the same answers.

It;s not too early to plan out some basic things but don't drive yourself crazy with the details quite yet.

[tajainaz]

Someone from the UK (Dawn or WQ perhaps?) posted that to order an AP from the Disney website you have to leave the country at US, go through the process, then finalize everything with the correct country and currency. Don't know if it will work for The Netherlands, though.

Seriously, don't order an AP at this point. Explore your options.

Keep in mind that many of the ticket options available to those outside the US are not available to US residents, so we may not be familiar with what is being offered. If you'll post the details (copy and paste from the website), it will help everyone to compare the information. :thumbs:

You've already noticed that we're not shy with our opinions! :blush: :wink:

[windbag]

Good advice, as always, from Dizzy. Imagine each park as local towns in your area - just a bus trip away. All the Disney parks are big and as you say not as close together as DLP, so why not just think of each one as separate DLP's! You managed them, so youll do just fine. Dont read 100 and 1 books as youll end up more confused. We bought about three or four on our first trip and ended up in circles! List your must dos and ask about them first. Youve made the first step now march right on in girl! And as for food - what does your stomach say? Do you eat big in the evenings and little at midday? Why not nibble on fruit and crisps during the day so you can save money and space for a sit down evening meal. Look in that book of yours to get an idea of the restaurants that appeal to you, list them and make reservations when you arrive. If its something you desperately want to do, maybe book it earlier but its not the end of the world if you miss a certain event or restaurant is it? The whole thing is exciting and wonderful and new so your memories you take home will be the best no matter what. We too are going from 8th December this year as we have heard its a quiet time to celebrate with the decorations etc but not the huge crowds. So breathe, take your time, ask your questions and dont panic!!! The people on here are the best for proper truthful answers and will steer you in the right direction. If all else fails, you could even take one of them with you!!!

[dizzyknee]

Thanks Windbag! Also, you reminded me of something regarding meals. Dec. is cooler, not as exhausting from the heat, so we find we don't need to sit and cool off mid-day. The park hours are shorter, so I plan our sit down meal for the evening. That way we don't waste any park time in a restaurant.

Taja I can't believe how similar our advice was. We were both composing our posts at the same time and posted at the same time. But I think you said it all much more clearly. Nicely done.

Gwen in a nutshell.

1) We aren't kidding about the breathing thing. When you start to feel overwhelmed take a couple of deep breaths. Really.

2) We all understand. We are all here to help. You aren't alone.

3) Take your time. It will all start to come together.

4) Try to enjoy the planning...planning can feel like a vacation if you don't let it 'overwhelm' you. So now we're back to the breathing. Come on now...I want to hear it...in through the nose..blow out through your mouth...again..feel better? :yes:

[Gwendolyn]

Thank you so much everyone for the tips and advices! I'm a bit calmer now.

I think that I'll contact Mickeymac or Cinderella for the rooms. It's great that they'll monitor the discountcodes etc. Maybe will will be in a moderate resort for the same price :rolleyes:

The books: Passporter and the Unofficial Guidebook. Does anyone have an ISBN number? Because then I can go to a bookstore and they'll order it for me. I don't really trust internet credit card purchases so this will work the best for me.

I think we will set the daily budget on 75 euro's per day (around 110 dollars) it's the same budget we always set for DLRP.

Wow, I already feel al lot more relaxed now. Thanks everyone! :hug:

[Meezers]

I think passporter actually has their own website that would give you the isbn number.

I agree that too many books is overwhelming. I started with the two you mention. The only reason I like books is because it is hard for me to work on the computer in bed :) Plus I liked being able to peruse the menu's to help make dining selections....my brother is a really picky eater.

Remember to breathe!

[dizzyknee]

I'm a bit calmer now.

Wow, I already feel al lot more relaxed now. Thanks everyone! :hug:

Awww that makes us all feel so much better. It's hard to see someone feeling so distressed about WDW.

You still have our support just take it one problem at a time. Break each thing down into pieces. Like make a list of restaurants that sound good to you. Don't worry about what meal or what day etc. Explore the attractions in each park, and make a list of ones to stay away from because of the fear factor and a list of "must do's". As you read through the pages of this website or your book you will collect all the info you need to make an itinerary. And as we have discussed here on these boards many times, you can follow your itinerary word for word or just use it as a loose guide line.

Millions of people have visited WDW and made it through the planning process and loved their vacation...I think you will too. :banana:

[Gwendolyn]

I was just looking at last years time tables of the parcs. I'm really surprised that they generally close that early. at 5,6,7 and 8 pm. But it might be good thing though. We'll spend effectivly 12 days in the resort (+2 travelling days) we might want to rest early.

[dizzyknee]

Yes the hours are shorter, but on some of those nights MVMCP are going on check out Christmas Events link in my first post on this thread. This will give you more park time...although it will cost you more too :( It's a fun event try to go on the less crowded weekday nights.
Epcot has some later hours so you can still take advantage the restaurants there.

Otherwise take advantage of those early evenings and have a nice dinner at one of the resorts, and take in the Christmas decorations.
Some of my favorite...
'Ohana (fun for kids)@ the Polynesian
Kona Cafe @ Poly
Artist Point (more subdued) @ Wilderness Lodge
Whispering Canyon (fun for kids)@ WL
Boma (buffet) @ Animal Kingdom LODGE
Jiko (more adult) @AKL
Citricos @ Grand Floridian
Yatchman Steakhouse @ Yatch and Beach Club
Marrekesh @ Epcot