Thursday, February 18, 2010

Thursday's Tip

When you book a vacation package directly with Disney, they will almost always recommend tickets for the length of your stay. But if your flight into Orlando lands at, say, 10 AM, it could be noon or after before you're able to visit the parks. On a Extra Magic Hours morning, you would be missing out on over 4 hours of fun, but still paying for it! Same goes for the day you leave...if you have to leave the parks early to catch a flight, you're not getting the most bang for your buck.

Instead of paying for a day that you'll only get to enjoy half of, take a tip from me (Thursday's Tip, to be precise): instead of purchasing tickets for half days, try one of the many other activities that Disney has to offer outside the parks. Here are a few of my favorite suggestions:

  • Do a character meal at one of the resorts. My favorites: Chef Mickey's (Contemporary) and the Supercalifragilistic Breakfast at 1900 Park Fare (Grand Floridian).

  • Visit Downtown Disney. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, and activities to keep you busy for a half day or more.

  • Play mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland.

  • Take a resort tour. Ride the monorail to the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. Get off at each stop and explore! Or, drive or take a bus to the other WDW resorts. All are elaborately-themed and tons of fun.

  • See Orlando. While we mostly enjoy staying in the midst of Disney magic, there are lots of other things to see and do in the greater Orlando area.

  • Have afternoon tea in the Garden View Tea Room (Grand Floridian). This is a favorite of mine! It's an inexpensive--at least by Disney standards--treat. I took my oldest daughter last year, and she was thrilled!

  • Take a Disney Vacation Club tour. Yes, it is a timeshare. Yes, they will try to sell you a membership. However, the process isn't "shady" like many time-share presentations. Besides, seeing the DVC properties is really fun, and you're often rewarded with something cool, such as a special FastPass.

  • Relax by the resort pool. If it's at the beginning of your trip, you're going to need your energy when you start tackling the parks! And if it's the end of your trip, you'll be ready for some rest after touring.

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2 comments:

  1. Sherrie FoxFebruary 18, 2010 at 3:36 PM

    Hi.saw your post today...you can actually check in and get your keys to the kingdom anytime that day, I've done it at 7AM...the resort will text or call you to tell you when the room is ready. Luggage goes up when room is ready.

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  2. Affording the MouseFebruary 18, 2010 at 11:55 PM

    Good point--yes, you can check in at any time! And I definitely recommend that. But if your flight doesn't arrive first thing in the morning, you will lose precious touring hours, even if you go straight to the parks upon arrival. Depending on where you're coming from, to arrive by 7 AM could have you leaving your home in the wee hours, making you tired when you arrive, even before you begin touring. Of course, I'm coming from the perspective of a parent of little ones. I'm sure teens and grownups could handle that. :-)

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