Help me Plan my First WDW trip... I think its really happening this time...three's a charm.

[mickEblu]

California grill is really nice and has an outdoor observation deck to watch the fireworks. I think going to the same park two days in a row might get boring. I would suggest switching it up.

At MK Columbia Harbour house, Casey’s Corner and sleepy hollow are good quick service options. Skippers Canteen is good as well, and if you don’t mind spending more money Cinderella’s Royal Table or Be Our Guest are unique with good food.

MK is good to avoid on weekends, DHS isn’t necessary and DAK is usually good on weekends. Epcot depends on the festival going, if it’s the first week or so it may be crowded. Your list is pretty good, MK is open for EMH on Wed and Epcot is on Mon, so I would go to them those days.

Thanks for the info on MK and Epcot EMH days. I’ll definitely try to hit MK on my first full park day there to get the most bang for my buck espeically since I don’t intend on going super early more than one time per park tops. You have me thinking that quick initial itinerary I put up looks pretty good. Somehow with out even knowing which days were EMH and choosing the dates based on completely different criteria it all lined up. I have MK on the first Wednesday. AK on Saturday and Epcot on the following Monday.

I think I’m going to pass on BOG and Cinderella’s Royal Table but will look into Skipper Canteen and Liberty Tavern.

Thanks!

 

[mickEblu]

I like your order and I don’t think it matters a ton, just know that DHS will probably have the most unbearable lines regardless of what day you choose. Also went to DHS first on my last trip and by mid-morning every line was at least an hour long, and we really started to panic about how the rest of the week would be. But thankfully the other parks have a better mix of long and short lines.


For Beach/Yacht Club to Epcot, the closest Skyliner station is right next to the entrance so I don’t really see anything but walking being an option. I actually have walked from Beach Club to DHS and then taken the skyliner from there to Epcot, because I’m truly insane. (I was bored on a business trip.) Monorail from Beach Club to MK would be very fun.

A Minnie Van is often two or three times as expensive as an Uber or Lyft… the cars are cuter but I don’t know how you can justify the price.


At Prime Time the waiters like to reprimand people for putting their elbows on the table and are generally rough around the edges in a lighthearted way. You probably know that but just wanted to make sure you’re aware in case that isn’t your thing. I think it’s great and so is sci fi.

T-Rex and Rainforest Cafe at Disney Springs are both fun for kids even if the food isn’t winning any awards.

Oh wow I didn’t realize it or perhaps forgot how close Beach Club is to Epcot! So can you walk right through the International Gateway entrance from Beach Club? Someone else mentioned taking a boat to Epcot from beach club to Epcot. Does that boat drop you off at the international gateway or at the front of the park? Anyway, Skyliner wouldn’t make very much sense lol. Still might take it from Epcot for a little joy ride though.

For DHS from Beach Club the fastest option from what I understand is boat? Otherwise it looks like I’d have to walk into Epcot through the international gateway (if possible), get on the skyliner and do that huge loop to DHS.

How are all these options with strollers? I’m assuming they re allowed but need to be folded for all these various modes of transportation?

Haha I’m aware about the waiters and it’s not really my thing but the atmosphere looks neat. Still, if I had to choose between it or Sci fi im going Sci Fi.

Monorail from Beach Club to Epcot sounds fun. How long would that take roughly? Sounds more fun than a bus for sure.

 

[mickEblu]

Looks about right. I would do two days starting at Epcot vs. Animal Kingdom simply because Epcot's walking area is much larger and you might want to split it up because of that.

Park hopping will probably be a pain with the kids.

Skipper Canteen is a good full service option for MK, but I also like Liberty Tree Tavern. Great colonial decor and the menu is all you can eat Thanksgiving.

I would wake up early at least once per park. After that is up to you, but keep in mind WDW parks get busier much faster than DLR's do.

Yeah I think Epcot makes more sense for a second day. More stuff to do and eat. It’s also close to the hotel I’m leaning towards.

I like the sound of Liberty Tree Tavern. I’m down for a Thanksgiving Plate in March and I think I’d enjoy having a meal in Liberty Square. You don’t need a reservation for it do you?

 

[mlayton144]

Oh wow I didn’t realize it or perhaps forgot how close Beach Club is to Epcot! So can you walk right through the International Gateway entrance from Beach Club? Someone else mentioned taking a boat to Epcot from beach club to Epcot. Does that boat drop you off at the international gateway or at the front of the park? Anyway, Skyliner wouldn’t make very much sense lol. Still might take it from Epcot for a little joy ride though.

For DHS from Beach Club the fastest option from what I understand is boat? Otherwise it looks like I’d have to walk into Epcot through the international gateway (if possible), get on the skyliner and do that huge loop to DHS.

How are all these options with strollers? I’m assuming they re allowed but need to be folded for all these various modes of transportation?

Haha I’m aware about the waiters and it’s not really my thing but the atmosphere looks neat. Still, if I had to choose between it or Sci fi im going Sci Fi.

Monorail from Beach Club to Epcot sounds fun. How long would that take roughly? Sounds more fun than a bus for sure.

There is no monorail option from beach club unless you walk all the way through Epcot - which is like a mile. Unfortunately bus or Uber are your options from Epcot resorts to MK or AK.

You can easily walk to Epcot IG from yacht and beach , or you can take a boat if your feet hurt - you don’t have to collapse your strollers on those particular boats to Epcot and HS

Everyone has preferences, but for us HS is less than a full day- it’s crowded and there are only a few attractions we like so that plus a sci-fi dinner (plus Fantasmic when it returns)

Your family sound a lot like mine from a few years ago - don’t want to get up at crack of dawn to parks too often and do the leisurely pace - one piece of advice above all others if this the case. Buy genie plus , and stack your lightning lanes for late afternoon and evening, have dinner around same time and stay late. Might consider ditching the park hopper as with really young kids you may not have the energy to go park to park esp since it’s all new to you anyway. Any free morning or afternoon time explore the resorts, eat there, swim at your resort , or visit Disney springs. There is no one size fits all but that worked for us.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Yeah I think Epcot makes more sense for a second day. More stuff to do and eat. It’s also close to the hotel I’m leaning towards.

I like the sound of Liberty Tree Tavern. I’m down for a Thanksgiving Plate in March and I think I’d enjoy having a meal in Liberty Square. You don’t need a reservation for it do you?

It is table service, so you do need a reservation. Thankfully, it (and Skipper Canteen) aren't the hot tickets that Be Our Guest or Cinderella are, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get a reservation as long as you don't wait too long to book them. The counter service option in Liberty Square is Columbia Harbor House, a place that I've never eaten at because I'm not a seafood person, but people have often spoken well of its food and atmosphere as well.

All of the Epcot resorts are walkable to the International Gateway of the park, though some are of course closer than others, and you always have the option of taking the boats if you want. You could technically walk to Hollywood Studios too if you wanted, but that would be closer to a 30 minute commitment, so definitely take the boat for that.

Unfortunately there's no way to totally avoid bus transportation if you're staying at a WDW resort. Taking a monorail to a park is only really practical if you're staying at one of the three hotels on the monorail line (Contemporary, Polynesian, Great Floridian).

 

[Centauri Space Station]

Yacht and beach is right next to International gateway, where the boat drops you off. YC might be easier to take the boat but BC is definitely closer to just walk. Should take 2-5 mins depending where you are. Boathouse is great at Disney Springs, and polite pig has great bbq and is quick service.

 

[mickEblu]

There is no monorail option from beach club unless you walk all the way through Epcot - which is like a mile. Unfortunately bus or Uber are your options from Epcot resorts to MK or AK.

You can easily walk to Epcot IG from yacht and beach , or you can take a boat if your feet hurt - you don’t have to collapse your strollers on those particular boats to Epcot and HS

Everyone has preferences, but for us HS is less than a full day- it’s crowded and there are only a few attractions we like so that plus a sci-fi dinner (plus Fantasmic when it returns)

Your family sound a lot like mine from a few years ago - don’t want to get up at *** crack of dawn to parks too often and do the leisurely pace - one piece of advice above all others if this the case. Buy genie plus , and stack your lightning lanes for late afternoon and evening, have dinner around same time and stay late. Might consider ditching the park hopper as with really young kids you may not have the energy to go park to park esp since it’s all new to you anyway. Any free morning or afternoon time explore the resorts, eat there, swim at your resort , or visit Disney springs. There is no one size fits all but that worked for us.

Sorry I meant to say Monorail from Epcot to MK but point taken. So it sounds like taking the monorail from Beach Club/ Epcot to MK doesn't really make sense unless you happen to already be at Epcot and are park hopping to MK? And in no case does it make any sense if MK is your starting park as you would have walk all the way around Epcot to the moral station?

Not collapsing strollers sounds great! Bonus points for the boats!

Not that this saves any time but If im staying at Beach Club I could walk over to IG and take the skyliner to DHS right? I don't need an Epcot reservation to use the IG skyliner right? How many times would I have to step off the skyliner on the way and would I have to step into a new line? How long would this trip take? Starting to sound like any trip on the skyliner when staying at Beach or Yacht will be purely a joy ride while maybe leaving the strollers parked at the park.

I think DHS for us might end up being like 2 half days. Or one half day and then a later afternoon/ night trip to hit a couple repeat rides. I only care about TOT, MMRR, RnRc, Slinky and Sci Fi Dine in there. Some to take in Sunset Blvd and check out Toy Story land too.

Yeah would rather not wake up early more than 3-4 times. Definitely buying Genie +. Why do you say stack lightning lanes for later in the day though? Because that's all that'll be available if you don't get there super early? I don't think we NEED the park hoppers. Im just looking at them as insurance to provide flexibility in case we need it or if a ride goes down that I miss. Or if we have to leave the park for whatever reason before I've completed my MUST Do's and cant back the same day. When you consider the total price of the trip it seems like a small price to pay for that peace of mind. Exploring and not rushing to the parks everyday sounds nice but will take some effort from myself to stay in that frame of mind on our first trip with so much to do.

 

[mickEblu]

It is table service, so you do need a reservation. Thankfully, it (and Skipper Canteen) aren't the hot tickets that Be Our Guest or Cinderella are, so it shouldn't be too difficult to get a reservation as long as you don't wait too long to book them. The counter service option in Liberty Square is Columbia Harbor House, a place that I've never eaten at because I'm not a seafood person, but people have often spoken well of its food and atmosphere as well.

All of the Epcot resorts are walkable to the International Gateway of the park, though some are of course closer than others, and you always have the option of taking the boats if you want. You could technically walk to Hollywood Studios too if you wanted, but that would be closer to a 30 minute commitment, so definitely take the boat for that.

Unfortunately there's no way to totally avoid bus transportation if you're staying at a WDW resort. Taking a monorail to a park is only really practical if you're staying at one of the three hotels on the monorail line (Contemporary, Polynesian, Great Floridian).

I'm not a huge seafood guy either. just looked at the menu. I think I would enjoy Liberty Tree Tavern but not sure the rest of the group would.

Sounds like walking to IG/ Epcot from Beach Club makes the most sense and taking the boat to DHS. I need to get on that skyliner though at some point.

Yeah no way to avoid the buses huh? I don't mind taking a bus. I've just heard the lines are really long. So bonus points to Beach Club over Poly for having easy and fun access to two out of the 4 parks. How long do the liners for the boats get?

 

[No Name]

Oh wow I didn’t realize it or perhaps forgot how close Beach Club is to Epcot! So can you walk right through the International Gateway entrance from Beach Club? Someone else mentioned taking a boat to Epcot from beach club to Epcot. Does that boat drop you off at the international gateway or at the front of the park? Anyway, Skyliner wouldn’t make very much sense lol. Still might take it from Epcot for a little joy ride though.

For DHS from Beach Club the fastest option from what I understand is boat? Otherwise it looks like I’d have to walk into Epcot through the international gateway (if possible), get on the skyliner and do that huge loop to DHS.

How are all these options with strollers? I’m assuming they re allowed but need to be folded for all these various modes of transportation?

Haha I’m aware about the waiters and it’s not really my thing but the atmosphere looks neat. Still, if I had to choose between it or Sci fi im going Sci Fi.

Monorail from Beach Club to Epcot sounds fun. How long would that take roughly? Sounds more fun than a bus for sure.

The boat drops you off at international gateway (same place walking would get you). Might be almost a longer walk to the boat station then just to the park.

Boat would probably be best to DHS. Strollers are allowed on all and I’ll punt on which they need to be folded for. It’s been a while since I’ve dealt with strollers so in all fairness I’m not the best for advice in some of these regards.

Monorail from beach club would take over an hour in the afternoon (don’t do it in the morning for a full day at MK) especially because you’d have to wait in line to get into Epcot to then walk to the front of the park to get on the Epcot monorail and then transfer to the MK monorail… only maybe do if you’re feeling super adventurous. My idea of fun may differ from most lol.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

I'm not a huge seafood guy either. just looked at the menu. I think I would enjoy Liberty Tree Tavern but not sure the rest of the group would.

Sounds like walking to IG/ Epcot from Beach Club makes the most sense and taking the boat to DHS. I need to get on that skyliner though at some point.

Yeah no way to avoid the buses huh? I don't mind taking a bus. I've just heard the lines are really long. So bonus points to Beach Club over Poly for having easy and fun access to two out of the 4 parks. How long do the liners for the boats get?

It’s ok if you don’t want seafood, the hush puppies and lighthouse sandwich are really great and they have chicken strips if necessary

 

[mickEblu]

Yacht and beach is right next to International gateway, where the boat drops you off. YC might be easier to take the boat but BC is definitely closer to just walk. Should take 2-5 mins depending where you are. Boathouse is great at Disney Springs, and polite pig has great bbq and is quick service.

Thanks for all the advice! I saw a vlog on the Polite Pig the other day. Looks good!

 

[mickEblu]

The boat drops you off at international gateway (same place walking would get you). Might be almost a longer walk to the boat station then just to the park.

Boat would probably be best to DHS. Strollers are allowed on all and I’ll punt on which they need to be folded for. It’s been a while since I’ve dealt with strollers so in all fairness I’m not the best for advice in some of these regards.

Monorail from beach club would take over an hour in the afternoon (don’t do it in the morning for a full day at MK) especially because you’d have to wait in line to get into Epcot to then walk to the front of the park to get on the Epcot monorail and then transfer to the MK monorail… only maybe do if you’re feeling super adventurous. My idea of fun may differ from most lol.

Yeah Monorail to MK from Beach Club sounds terrible! Thanks for the details! If I want to take the IG gateway skyliner to DHS I could do that with out an EPCOT reservation right? In other words the skyliner station is not inside the park? Im thinking the Skyliner might make more sense to do on my way back to the hotel on a DHS day. Take the boat to DHS in the morning and take the skyliner back to IG gateway and then walk back to the hotel. Don t have to worry as much about lines as from the vlogs I've seen my favorite part of the skyliner is the approach to the IG station over France.

 

[Phroobar]

Yeah I think Epcot makes more sense for a second day. More stuff to do and eat. It’s also close to the hotel I’m leaning towards.

I like the sound of Liberty Tree Tavern. I’m down for a Thanksgiving Plate in March and I think I’d enjoy having a meal in Liberty Square. You don’t need a reservation for it do you?

Magic Kingdom will make the kids feel at home for the first day, then hang out in Epcot the second day.

 

[mickEblu]

Magic Kingdom will make the kids feel at home for the first day, then hang out in Epcot the second day.

Not a bad approach but I think I prefer doing Epcot first after a day of traveling since I could just walk over from the hotel. If I go with the Poly, MK first sounds like a good idea.

 

[PiratesMansion]

Not that this saves any time but If im staying at Beach Club I could walk over to IG and take the skyliner to DHS right?

You could, as it's outside the park, with the caveat that it wouldn't be direct-you would have to transfer to a different line of the Skyliner at Caribbean Beach. Definitely a good place to hop on if your primary motivation is to ride the Skyliner (or visit Caribbean Beach), but if you're wanting to go directly to DHS, you're better off taking the boat.

 

[mickEblu]

You could, as it's outside the park, with the caveat that it wouldn't be direct-you would have to transfer to a different line of the Skyliner at Caribbean Beach. Definitely a good place to hop on if your primary motivation is to ride the Skyliner (or visit Caribbean Beach), but if you're wanting to go directly to DHS, you're better off taking the boat.

Agreed. I came to the conclusion it makes more sense to ride the skyliner back to IG gateway when I’m done at DHS or maybe on one of my down days when I have time to kill.

 

[mickEblu]

Welp. Just entered my dates in for my WDW vacation package on the official site and it’s saying their is no availability for beach or yacht club for 2/27/23 - 3/8/23? Already!? Will they be releasing more inventory later in the year?

Poly is there though for $737 a night. That’s of course without the 25% -30% off offers that get offered later on.

 

[flynnibus]

Welp. Just entered my dates in for my WDW vacation package on the official site and it’s saying their is no availability for beach or yacht club for 2/27/23 - 3/8/23? Already!? Will they be releasing more inventory later in the year?

Poly is there though for $737 a night. That’s of course without the 25% -30% off offers that get offered later on.

Book a hotel now - you can always change it later.

And frankly I wouldn't bank on 30% offers as a gimme... they are often limited.

 

[Tuvalu]

@mickEblu a few clarification points -

The website does not list all availability. Once you have decided on your dates/resort, CALL. Yes, you may have a long wait on hold but it should be worth your time.

There have been NO discounts for the Polynesian since the resort reopened. It has been excluded from all discounts offered. Yacht Club typically has discounts available; Beach Club does too, but discounted rooms are more limited there. Deluxe resort discounts rarely reach a full 25% these days (note the Disney verbiage states discounts of up to 25%.)

Monorail to MK from an Epcot resort is not possible because you need an Epcot park pass (or a park hopper ticket after 2 pm) to enter the IG. Even then, the Epcot monorail only goes to the TTC, where a transfer to Express monorail or ferry is required to reach the MK. A bus to MK from Yacht/Beach will conveniently drop you at the front entrance.

Using the Skyliner from Epcot/Epcot resort to DHS is about 15 minutes travel time, not including time waiting to board at the IG and the waiting to board at Caribbean Beach transfer hub.
IG > Riviera (slowdown, not a full stop) > Caribbean Beach.

Disembark at Caribbean Beach and transfer to DHS line. (Direct route, no stops.)

Reverse the process when traveling from DHS to Epcot (IG).

As mentioned in other posts this transport mode is more “fun” than efficient.

 

[mickEblu]

Book a hotel now - you can always change it later.

And frankly I wouldn't bank on 30% offers as a gimme... they are often limited.

Thank you. I should do that. If they don't give discounts on the Poly though I don't have any interest paying those rates. Especially with construction going on. Maybe I'll just book one of the Orleans hotels as a back up for now (if those are avail, wasn't paying attention). But then of course you have tougher decision of going with better hotel ambiance over the value hotels with better transportation.