WDW Trip HELP!

[UConnAlum04]

It's that time again, and we are planning a disney trip in July 09 :sohappy:. We haven't been in 2 years, and a lot has changed since: Park Hours cuts, shows like Illuminations Fantasmic, Spectromagic/Fireworks only shown on certain days/times, PI being no more etc... We plan on flying in on a Sat afernoon, and flying home the following Sunday.

I'd just like some help from all of you knowledgeable people out there We plan on going to all 4 parks, and definitely want to see the nightly shows that each has (besides AK), so what days would be best for this? I also plan on having some ressies for California Grille at fireworks time, Boma at AKL, and some Epcot restaurant (any reccs?). How do I make these ressies, and when would be best day/time at Cali Grille in order to see the fireworks?

We also usually spend a few nights at PI, but now that is gone so what to do for nightlife at disney? I know we have the option of Citywalk at Universal, but we loved the "Disney" feel of the PI nightlife (ADVENTURERS CLUB), so any suggestions for that?

Sorry for having soo many questions, but with all the recent changes for the first time I actually feel :hammer:when it comes to WDW knowledge. Please Help

 

[Pioneer Hall]

I'll be happy to help with your questions...but just want to say a few things first. You're going to Disney World, so stop focusing on the negatives. Reduced hours and offerings happen when the money just isn't there to support them. When revenue improves again, so will these things. As of right now the only difference in entertainment is Fantasmic. It has showings on Mondays and Thursdays. Illuminations and Wishes are shown nightly and Spectro is shown on certain days as it always was (and in July Fantasmic and Spectro might be daily since the crowds will be stronger than they are now). Just check a times guide when you get there and you will easily be able to plan accordingly.

There are a lot of great dining options at Epcot. I suggest taking a look at the menus on this site and seeing what appeals to you most. I have had great experiences at Le Cellier (very hard to get), Marrakesh, Biergarten, and Coral Reef (just to name a few). You'll get different opinions from everyone on most places, so see what works for you best. As of right now you can make dining reservations on the phone 90 days prior to your arrival (407-WDW-DINE). At some point you will be able to make these online, but we are still waiting on that much delayed system.

The rest of Downtown Disney is still there for you to enjoy at night without the PI Clubs. There is also the Boardwalk which has Jellyrolls and Atlantic Dance. You can also get a game of mini golf in at one of the great courses on property.

Hope this helps...have a fun trip.

 

[jasondiff]

In this economic climate and with the recent changes Disney implemented (dining ressies at 90 days), there's really not much you can plan at this point. Closer to the 90-day mark, you'll have park hours available, including evening entertainment (which may be very different than the current schedule). So at this point, you should make a list of your must-do attractions and shows, and top choices for meals, but leave the actual logistics (which park on which day, dining reservations) until about 100-110 days prior to your trip.

 

[disneygirl76]

Focus on the magic my friend! It's still going to be an amazing vacation! :sohappy:

A couple of things - as mentioned, making ADR's have changed to 90 days out with the exception of Cinderella's Table and Chef Mickey and i believe the shows. Everything else is 90 days out. The hours, and EMH's are no longer posted 90 days out either - so my suggestion would be - as I am taking my own advice planning my next trip in June :lol: - is to plan your days and then through on the EMH's later. To make the ressies - call 407-WDW-DINE - unless by some miracle the new system is up :lookaroun hee hee But I would call to be on the safe side.

This probably goes with out saying but make sure to tell the CM when you make your ressies for the resort, as well as dining, that you are celebrating something. Like this trip, we are celebrating my DH's bday (while we are there) and we honeymooned at GF so we are celebrating our 5th year Anniversary (which is in Dec - but we are celebrating while we are there, rather then doing something in Dec.)

Here's what we always do: (based mostly on a week long vaca)

Day 1 - check in - explore resort and casual dinner at resort

Day 2 - MK, resort break, Epcot (Rose and Crown - reservations later and make sure to tell them a special occasion to secure a good table outside for Illumintations)

Day 3 - AK, resort break, Epcot (Le Cellier - a yummy yummy must IMO)

Day 4 - day off from the parks - hit a water park or enjoy the resort - dinner at a resort - either character like 1900 Park with Cinderella - or something romantic like California Grill

Day 5 - (we have an 9th day, rather then 8 days this time so we are using this day to do a tour, Keys to the Kingdom, and then eat at Epcot that night)

Day 6 - DHS, resort break, Epcot (in this case - if you wanted to catch Fantasmic, you can do that instead)

Day 7 - Epcot, resort break, MK (Crystal Palace for dinner and watch Wishes and Spectro Magic Parade * if it is running)

Day 8 - resort day - character breakfast with dinner at DTD or at the resort - also hit Boardwalk.

Day 9 - last day - check out - since we drive we are able to spend some time at a park so we usually hit MK or Epcot

What we do is after dinner at Epcot - we head to the park with the late night EMH's. We usually only take advantage of the evening hours, rather then the morning ones. Since dinner is usually at 7 or so for us - we are done by 8. The EMH's are usually to midnight or later - depending on which park you are at - so this gives us a nice night out to enjoy the park with EMH's. - it also helps fill the void of not having PI.

As for some great places to grab foodies? My fave CS are Yak and Yeti at AK - that is new since the last time you were at WDW and totally yummy! And I like Pizza Planet at DHS. I'm not a fan of any of the TS at DHS - but Sci Fi and 50's Prime Time are popular. If my DH had his way, he would eat at Brown Derby every day! :lol: Some other good CS, IMO, are El Pirate at MK - different from the typical burgers and fries. Sommerfest at Epcot is also good. For Character Dining - I love 1900 Park at GF (Mary Poppins in the AM and Cinderella at night) - also love Crystal Palace at MK and Cape May had great character interaction at Beach Club - also Donald's at AK is fun!! My fave TS are Le Cell and Rose and Crown at Epcot. Also good, Les Chef and we are trying Beirgartan for something totally new this time. :lol:

I hope this info helps!!! Happy Planning!!! :sohappy:

 

[shmmrname]

Definitely try to make a stop at a Resort Restaurant, they often break up full-day-all-day-park-days. Also, if you want nightlife, the Boardwalk is an option...