Disney Dos and Don'ts from AOL

Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
Lucky said:
The problem with the advice is that the right answer to most of these questions is "it depends." Of course deluxe make sense for some people, and values make sense for others. The water parks option makes sense for some, but not for others. A touring plan might even make sense if you're going at certain peak times of year. But overall I think first-time visitors would be better off not seeing these DO's and DON'Ts.
Click to expand...
You got that right. In the realm of WDW there are only a handful of questions that only have one answer. When I get the "Where should should I stay" question from a client it can easily prompt several multi-page emails. Every situation is a bit different. Some people only want a place to sleep and shower, others want full concierge service and a spa while other want to go middle of the road.
 
Master Yoda

Master Yoda

Pro Star Wars geek.
Premium Member
klineski96 said:
I hope this doesn't turn into a "rent a car or don't rent a car" debate... but I can't imagine not having a car when I head down to WDW. AOL seems to be off on alot of things in this article to say the least, but renting car, in my opinion makes sense.

Granted, I only live 30 minutes away. So I'm driving anyway and always have my car. I'm used to coming and going as I please without having to wait for the busses. I've read many threads on this website where people share their bus horror stories, and thankfully I cannot relate to any of them.

Why would anyone choose to wait for a bus when they could simply drive themselves anywhere at anytime? Beside the obvious reason: the car costs money and the busses are free.
Click to expand...
This is again one of those questions that does not have just one answer. Like you said there is no question that having your own car is much easier but for those on a tight budget $35 a day can be a deal breaker. I have done Disney both with and without a car and I would not hesitate to tell a client to go either way. Having your own car is nice but free buses aint to shabby either.
 
klineski96

klineski96

Active Member
Master Yoda said:
This is again one of those questions that does not have just one answer. Like you said there is no question that having your own car is much easier but for those on a tight budget $35 a day can be a deal breaker. I have done Disney both with and without a car and I would not hesitate to tell a client to go either way. Having your own car is nice but free buses aint to shabby either.
Click to expand...


Very good point Master Yoda. $35 for a week isn't cheap at all... and often times cuttings costs outweighs convenience.
 
RiversideBunny

RiversideBunny

New Member
AOL has had misleading articles before.
It may be due to their advertisers' influence.

Once they were featuring a second rate off-site hotel near DownTown Disney and they said it came with 'all the amenities of staying at a Disney resort'.

:)
 
K

KCMO

New Member
klineski96 said:
I hope this doesn't turn into a "rent a car or don't rent a car" debate... but I can't imagine not having a car when I head down to WDW. AOL seems to be off on alot of things in this article to say the least, but renting car, in my opinion makes sense.
Click to expand...

That's just it - the whole rental car at WDW is very subjective and personal so it is ludicrous to pretend that there is an absolute "DO" or "Don't" answer to that question. A lot of people find the rental car very efficient. Personally, the thought of fighting my way through supersized parking lots and traffic on my vacation when I don't have to makes me want to stay home. Everyones' "Do" or "Don't" is going to be different on that so presenting it as an absolute is really irresponsible advice.
 
R

rackman

Member
Also, notice that they got the tips from Travel and Leisure Magazine. That magazine caters to the upscale traveler, so I can see them recommending a guide, deluxe resorts, etc.

Still, I'm not made of money so I do my own legwork and cater my vacation to my needs and means.
 
mickeymatt

mickeymatt

Active Member
I agree with all of you in that this article is worthless. Makes me glad that I don't suscribe to AOL. To say don't stay at the value resort but stay at a deluxe but dont spring for the preferred room as you won't be there to enjoy it! Oh and stay at the deluxe resort but dont get the water parks and more add on because since you are going for a short weekend you will be too tired. The authors of this article are complete morons.
 
NewfieFan

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
It makes me sad that people will read this and pay attention to it... and then all us "Disney pros" will have to undue everything they listened to and tell them otherwise!

On a totally unrelated note... I just helped some first timers plan their July trip to the "World"! They didn't know if they wanted to go to Epcot or not because they heard it was boring and there was nothing for kids to do there. After I picked my jaw up off the floor I told them I was making them go to Epcot and then they could judge for themselves!:king:
 
sublimesting

sublimesting

Well-Known Member
I've got some issues with this!


Issue: Even value resorts will get you extra magic hours, free parking and the free shuttle to the airport 100% of the time.


3. Choose carefully when purchasing Walt Disney World tickets, which in spring 2009 are a whopping $75 for ages 10 and older, $63 for ages 3-9, per day for one park. There are four Disney theme parks to tackle: The Magic Kingdom (kiddie rides and the iconic castle), Epcot (World's Fair fare), Disney's Hollywood Studios (Tinseltown celebrated), and Animal Kingdom (lions and tigers and mice, oh my!). Many folks have had their fill after a long weekend -- which means you shouldn't let the reservations agent talk you into add-ons you won't have time for. Water-park passes? If you only have a few days, fuhgetaboutit.

Actually plan even better. Tickets aren't $75 per day, just 75 the first day, the more you stay the less you pay. Ya gotta get the park hopper too! And who has had their fill after a weekend!?!:veryconfu:shrug:

4. If a room with a view at one of these "deluxe" resorts is going to cost you more, don't bother. You likely won't be there enough to enjoy it.


By this logic he nullifies any reason to get the moderate that he advises in his first topic point.

This Jason Cochran fellow needs to visit this site and refrain from "helping" any other people before he ruins a magical vacation.
 
sillyspook13

sillyspook13

Well-Known Member
"Disney has eight "deluxe" resorts, such as Disney's Polynesian Resort, if you're after convenience and comfort. They're fancifully designed, well-situated, and, like all on-campus hotels, offer guests early entrée to a different park each day, free parking, and sometimes free airport shuttles."

I'm hungry already!:brick:
 
scheat

scheat

Active Member
Wow. Just Wow. Maybe someone should start a website where people can go to ask questions answered by actual experienced people and........wait........oh yeah.
 
jhastings74

jhastings74

Well-Known Member
This is the part that kind of raised my eyebrow a little bit:



Advance purchases from Disney or third-party wholesalers knock off only a few bucks. (However, Universal Orlando, 10 minutes from Disney World, regularly posts excellent deals at www.universalorlando.com.)
--Jason Cochran


So....is this a travel recommendation for Disney or Universal? :veryconfu:lookaroun
 
NewfieFan

NewfieFan

Well-Known Member
Lucky said:
Yeah, we can make our own list of DOs and DON'Ts that's just as helpful to first-timers as AOL's list. Here's one:

DO yank on Tigger's tail. I hear he really likes that.
Click to expand...

DO ask a character, "are you a boy or girl in there?"

DO butt in front of people who have been seated for an hour saving their spot for the parade!

DO ram people with your strollers - it will get you through the park quicker!

DO make multiple ADRs (it doesn't matter if you plan on keeping all of them)!

Hey, you don't need a degree in journalism to make stupid lists!!!:lookaroun
 

Register on WDWMAGIC. This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.

Back
Top Bottom