First Timer Grownup Vacation Help

[kaytee]

Hi there.

This website is really great. Lots of info and help.

My husband and I will be travelling over New Years Eve weekend and staying at the Caribbean. We have been surfing the WDW site for Romance and Relaxation and have narrowed our Theme Park experiences to Epcot and Animal Kingdom so far. Lots of research to do.

Any and all tips and help from you seasoned visitors is appreciated. No kids with us (ours are grown). I haven't been to DW since before Epcot was built:lol: and dh has NEVER been... so we are really looking forward.

Going on a tight budget, so no pricey restaurants or extra entertainment in the cards (this time). Anything we shouldn't miss. We were thinking the laser show on New Year's Eve at Epcot might be the best bet for us, but maybe you people have better advice?

Thanks to all and nice to meet you. (Did I mention that my birthday is on NYE?)..

:sohappy:

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Kaytee - first of all Welcome :wave:

I've never been on NYE but I'm pretty sure you'll get some responses soon

 

[Nemo14]

Hi Kaytee and welcome to the boards! Although I've never been to WDW for NYE, My DH and I have gone a few times without kids, and it's really a blast!

Your choice of CBR is good - we've stayed there several times with kids and without. Currently our favorite resort is POR, but we also enjoyed the CBR.

You didn't mention how long your visit would be, so it's a little difficult to offer advise. I would however suggest that you not skip the MK. There's nothing like your first view of the castle to really take your breath away. The fireworks there at night (Wishes) are awesome too.

I can relate to traveling on a budget, but you should try to experience at least one of the sit-down restaurants, particularly in World Showcase. (My DH and I save our quarters in a seperate jar to save up for a big night out, so it doesn't seem like such an extravagance).Make a reservation now if you can, and start saving up for it!

This board is filled with tips for "must-see" things, but just remember that you'll never be able to see them all in one visit (that way you have a good reason to go back!), so just relax and enjoy yourselves, and have a magical vacation!

PS If you'd like a tour guide, I'm available! :wave:

 

[ssidiouss@mac.c]

If it was me I and I was on a tight budget I would choose the Pop Century resort which would save me enough money to spend on some of the great dinners at WDW (Fultons Crab House, La Cellear, ect)

Also.. no matter what.. make sure you see Illuminations.. do not miss that!!

Hmm.. if I was just going for 2 days or however long your going I would do:

DAY1:
Magic Kingdom early morning
Do a few of the big attractions.. Splash, Space, Mickeys Philharmagic
Lunch at Columbia Harbor House (counter)
Park Hop by monorail to Epcot
Hit Test Track/Fast Pass Soarin
Spend the night doing the countries and get soarin in.
Illuminations

DAY2:
MGM early morning
Do a bunch of attractions.. Tower of Terror, Beauty&Beast, etc
Early Lunch at Sci Fi
Check out Osborn Lights when it gets dark
Bus to Downtown Disney
Late Dinner at Fultons Crab House
Spend the rest of the late night (until 2am) at the clubs there

:sohappy:

 

[godisney]

Some tips

Hi there.

My husband and I love the Caribbean beach, and we always request Jamaica - we find there are more couples there, and there is a little beach with hammocks that is so relaxing, and romantic. The Caribbean is a great hotel because there are quiet pools at each location, so you don't have to deal with the noise of the main theme pool if you want a nice relaxing swim. There is a bridge to walk over to get to Port Royale for a cocktail at night at the tiki bar. We walk over the bridge in the morning, get coffee and take the bus from Port Royale-
Epcot is a great place to walk and enjoy the Disney magic. There are often free entertainment spots set up around the lake, and there are inexpensive food options in each country. I find the take out chinese food to be great, and our favorite spot is the little Sommerfest stand in Germany, right in front of the biergarten. They serve beer, hot dogs and pretzels, and goulash soup- this makes for a great, fast lunch, and there are tables you can sit at. Get a table first- it is first come, first serve, and then send someone up to order. Mexico has good fast food too, and you can't go wrong with a good ole burger and fries in America. At club cool you can get free coke a cola. The Land also has a great quick service place to eat with a lot of food choices. It is called Sunshine season food fair.
The laser show at Epcot sounds great. I have read that there is a great view from the pub in England. They say you should make a dinner reservation for around 7:30. Make the reservation as soon as you can, even now if you can. When you get to the pub, request an outdoor table. Being that it's your birthday, I'm sure you can get them to accomodate you. Then you can enjoy a table, pub food, drinks, and a great show! There is a back exit at Epoct, I think by Paris. There are turnstyles and you can get your hand stamped to re-enter. If you walk down a bit you will end up at the Boardwalk hotel area. This is a great place to walk around. They have entertainment on the boardwalk, and it is pretty at night with the shops all lit up. It is a good place to get ice cream. When you are done, you can walk back into Epcot.
Wherever you go, I'm sure you will have a great time!