Fall, Firsts, Food And The Final Frontier-WDW PTR - UPDATED 10/9 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Fall, Firsts, Food And The Final Frontier-WDW PTR - UPDATED 10/9
A Walt Disney World Pre-Trip Report
Part I- Details And Background: Early to Mid February, 2016
Adventurers: A Solo Trip
Dates: Saturday, October 15-22 2016
Where: Walt Disney World and One Other Orlando Attraction
Resorts: Hilton Lake Buena Vista and B Resort in Disney Springs
Meets: None at the moment but I hope to meet up with some Passporters. Those of you here, that will be down in WDW during this time, I would love to meet up! Feel free to contact me if interested!
Activities: WDW Parks, Epcot’s Food and Wine Festival, Dining, Entertainment and much more!
I will explain the title as we go along, but will give away the first three. It’s a fall trip, so a given. There will be so many new first time experiences for me on this trip. Probably the most since my first couple of trips to WDW back in 2002-4. The third being food with some great ADRs and the Food & Wine Festival. The last one, I’ll let you guess on as I’ll be talking about that later in my PTR.
Here we are as I begin my fourth ever trip report and just the beginning as this is only the Pre-Trip portion. This is a first as I usually don’t get around to a PTR and just incorporate it within the regular TR. So, I’m hoping this portion will be completed in two months before my trip, but no guarantees!
So how did this trip come about? I’ve been thinking about taking a fall trip to Walt Disney World and experience Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival for some time now. Well, I’m finally going to make it happen as I always went to WDW in late winter or early spring to get away from the harsh winters of the northeast. I finally, got the will power to hold off my trip until the fall. I think it has the makings of a good one as I’m basically, a good planner.
So, first of all I looked at my possible dates for the fall. I wanted to avoid mid to late September as it’s so hot and humid still in Florida as I was in the Orlando area five years ago at a golf resort and was so hot and quite unbearable at times. I also didn’t want to go Columbus Day weekend as the crowds are quite high. I thought the following weekend or the weekend after being October 15-22 or 22-29. I decided to go with October 15-22. But this will depend on what rates I can get for Disney resorts or elsewhere.
Disney didn’t have any promotions for my time period yet, but I felt I’m starting to get priced out of the resorts, even with the discounts and mostly at the deluxe resorts. I’ve been staying at moderates most recently, but love the deluxe resorts and not willing to put down a lot of $$$ for DVC as I have a mortgage.
I looked at the Swan and Dolphin resorts in the Epcot area and there were some discounts through September but not during my period as it’s a bit busier in WDW in October with the F&W Fest. And better temps. Next, I looked at some of the Disney Springs hotels and there were a couple of them that appealed to me. I wanted to spend a fair amount of time in this area as it’s completely revamped, since my last trip in April, 2014. I went online to check out the new B Resort and Hilton Lake Buena Vista. They look nice and got some good reviews on various travel sites. I also thought, about a possible split stay.
I would lose some amenities by staying in DS such as Fastpass+ reservations at 60 days, but 30 days is fine. Also, length of stay ADRs at 180 days, but not a big deal. The biggest loss would be Disney’s Magical Express to/from the airport and resort airline check in. I would get transportation on my own for this and just check in and pick up my own bags. Disney Springs does have their own bus transportation to the parks and runs every 30 minutes. If I decide on the DS area to stay, I could also walk to Saratoga Springs Resort and to the Paddock stop and pick up transportation there.
I also knew I could save some money on my flights as I was pretty confident I had enough Amex points to have transferred over to Jet Blue’s True Blue program and get mostly a free flight with the exception of the normal fees. I could not check flights yet for Jet Blue as their schedule was only through the end of September currently. I just had to wait for this and I knew it wouldn’t be long.
When it came down to booking flights, I wanted an early morning flight for departure and a later flight for return so I can have nearly a full day on my arrival and spend time in one of the parks on my last day with a good lunch at one of the WDW eateries. I’ve done this my last few trips and I feel this is the way to go!
Over the next couple of weeks, I checked for rates of the Swan and Dolphin hotels and there still wasn’t a promotion for my dates, as just through the end of September still. Also, Disney would come out with some resort discounts for my dates but there was limited availability and pretty much any resort I tried for my dates was unavailable. I even tried some split stay combinations and that didn’t work to what I wanted, but some openings. It was sounding like Disney Springs was where I was going to stay on this trip!
Also, sometime around the middle of February, Jet Blue extended their schedule, which included my dates. I checked the various New York City area airports and the flights to Orlando were very expensive, but not so much for the return. Even with different combinations, I wouldn’t have enough Amex points to make this work. I also had some True Blue points as well. So, I’d just keep checking back and hope the prices would drop. My preference was to fly out of and return to Westchester airport as it’s small and close to me. It’s a great little airport with only eight gates with security and baggage claim so easy. There are fewer amenities at this airport, but they have a Dunkin Donuts, so that works for me.
NEXT: Finalizing Flights, Resorts and Other Planning!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 01-22-2017 at 10:51 PM..
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Glad you like it and so glad you'll be following along! I'm very detailed with so much planning as it always works out for me. I love the planning aspect of this and been fortunate that everything seems to work out! Being well organized is the key as well as asking for tips and keeping up with your plans!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Raves here for the Hilton LBV. We've stayed there twice for a single night before checking into our Disney resort the next morning. Honestly, as much less as its rates are compared with the Deluxes and as really nice as that Hilton is, we've considered staying there rather than in the bubble. The bubble keeps winning largely for sentimental reasons...so far.
The Hilton's rooms were renovated about 3-4 years ago and were very comfy and spacious the last time we stayed there in 11/14. Truthfully, but for no bubble, I very much preferred the HLBV to WL CL. Vastly more spacious room, light and bright.
The best thing about the Hilton is that it's literally right across the street from the Marketplace entrance which suited me because that's the only DS area that appeals much to me.
Really eager to see how your plans develop. You always give your readers the feeling we're right there with you considering each aspect.
P. S. Agreed that DVC is not necessarily a great deal when one has a mortgage or is "no spring chicken" anymore. In my case, I might easily be pushing up daisies by the time we broke even on DVC!
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“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” —Winnie-the-Pooh
Signing on to follow along Dave! Looking forward to hearing all about your plans!
I haven't stayed at either of the DS resorts you are looking at, but we frequently stay offsite in Orlando due to the cost of the Disney resorts. Staying in the DS area, you'll be close enough to be able to use Disney transportation to get around property which will be nice. Yes, staying offsite you give up some perks and being in the bubble but for us, we'd rather have more money to spend on our vacation. You just have to do whatever works best for you.
Great start! What a shame we'll miss you by about three weeks.
It's too bad as I'd like to meet up with you and Mark so much! I met you at the DOD in 2009, but only briefly as I was such a newbie on PP at the time! I'm sure it will happen and hopefully soon!
Just let me know when you can of your next WDW adventure!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Great start, Dave! So close, yet we still miss you.
I so enjoy reading your TRs.!!
As I do i of your TRs! Just don't like the September humidity in Florida as I experienced once and that was enough! A few weeks later for the F&W Fest does the trick!
We'll meet up again soon enough!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Raves here for the Hilton LBV. We've stayed there twice for a single night before checking into our Disney resort the next morning. Honestly, as much less as its rates are compared with the Deluxes and as really nice as that Hilton is, we've considered staying there rather than in the bubble. The bubble keeps winning largely for sentimental reasons...so far.
The Hilton's rooms were renovated about 3-4 years ago and were very comfy and spacious the last time we stayed there in 11/14. Truthfully, but for no bubble, I very much preferred the HLBV to WL CL. Vastly more spacious room, light and bright.
The best thing about the Hilton is that it's literally right across the street from the Marketplace entrance which suited me because that's the only DS area that appeals much to me.
Really eager to see how your plans develop. You always give your readers the feeling we're right there with you considering each aspect.
P. S. Agreed that DVC is not necessarily a great deal when one has a mortgage or is "no spring chicken" anymore. In my case, I might easily be pushing up daisies by the time we broke even on DVC!
Thanks for the great insight on the Hilton as it seems like a great hotel and good location! I also made a reservation for B Resort as it's gotten some great reviews although some don't like the art deco use of whites in the hotel, but mostly that's been the only complaints about it and still new. It does need more amenities like another restaurant as considered a deluxe resort!
I have very good plans for my trip and the PTR is just beginning and perhaps there will be some changes, but just follow along to find out!
I'm glad you like my TRs amd I give you the feeling you're right there with me and I think it's all the details I give as I know I'm a very honest writer! I guess I could never be a political writer or at least one for any politician as that would not work in today's world!
I still got a lot of working years left in me but not willing to make such a commitment to Disney as I like to travel elsewhere and I feel, they've already received enough of my $$$ already!
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October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Signing on to follow along Dave! Looking forward to hearing all about your plans!
I haven't stayed at either of the DS resorts you are looking at, but we frequently stay offsite in Orlando due to the cost of the Disney resorts. Staying in the DS area, you'll be close enough to be able to use Disney transportation to get around property which will be nice. Yes, staying offsite you give up some perks and being in the bubble but for us, we'd rather have more money to spend on our vacation. You just have to do whatever works best for you.
Both have their perks. It's been basically impossible to find a discount for my dates at mods or deluxes for my dates. I will not stay at a value as not my style and far too many kids and buses are a big pitn, from what I've heard from many others! I'm sure I will be paying less for a deluxe resort in DS than I would for a mod in Disney.
Then again, I haven't included my hotel booking yet in this PTR, but that's in the next post and hopefully soon! Having extra $$$ to spend on a trip is always a good thing!
I should be within walking distance of DS and I'm sure 5-10 min depending on hotel and Disney transport will certainly be an option. DS hotels has transport, but a lot of stops, which will be like staying at the CBR with 7 stops!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
About This Page: 
Those of you here, that will be down in WDW during this time, I would love to meet up! Feel free to contact me if interested! 
I also didn’t want to go Columbus Day weekend as the crowds are quite high. I thought the following weekend or the weekend after being October 15-22 or 22-29. I decided to go with October 15-22. But this will depend on what rates I can get for Disney resorts or elsewhere.
It was sounding like Disney Springs was where I was going to stay on this trip! 
My preference was to fly out of and return to Westchester airport as it’s small and close to me. It’s a great little airport with only eight gates with security and baggage claim so easy. There are fewer amenities at this airport, but they have a Dunkin Donuts, so that works for me. 
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Waiting for our next adventure after enjoying our Alaska cruise. 
Jenn
I'm sure it will happen and hopefully soon! 
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