Home » Forums » Trip Planning » General Trip Planning and Transportation » Visiting itinerary

Visiting itinerary

Login to post comments
22 posts / 0 new
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 09:28
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55
Visiting itinerary

This is the plan...at the moment at least!

Mon 16th May
Check in to AKL after spending over a full day travelling. Plane will land around 8:30pm, so just get in and crash ready for tomorrow...

Tues 17th
Sleep in until when ever, then off to Magic Kingdom for the day, using the touringplans.com late start guide to get us to all the attractions. Breakfast and lunch when we feel like it. Tea will be an ADR - leaning towards the Crystal Palace or Liberty Tree Tavern.

Wed 18th
Up early, breakfast ADR at Boma. Take the shuttle over to Universal Studios for Harry Potter World. Lunch there, then head back at some point in the afternoon. Over to Hollywood Studios for tea and stay until close.

Thurs 19th
Up early, breakfast ADR at Boma. Animal Kingdom day! Again, using a guide to get around and lunching without an ADR. At close (6pm) head over to Downtown Disney for ADR at House of Blues (hubby's particular request). Spend the evening wandering around downtown.

Friday 20th
Up early, breakfast ADR at Boma. Go back and hit any particular favourite attractions, buy something to take back to our neighbour who is feeding the turtle while we're away. Lunch ADR - could be at any of the parks, there's too many options! Then head to Epcot which has EMH this evening!

Sat 21st
Up early and check out Sad Off to New York! biggrin

Obviously we need to pick two ADRs - one lunch in the Magic Kingdom and one dinner at any of the parks. So my questions to all you experienced Disney people: is you could go anywhere for those two meals, where would you go? And why? And, of course, is there anything I could do to improve our itinerary? I haven't actually booked anything other than the accommodation at this point, so there's plenty of room for change!

We aren't on a dining plan and aren't really considering getting one. It seems like they offer more food than we'll probably eat, although I love the idea of having it all paid for in advance.

Does anyone else use the touring plans itineraries? I like the idea of having some guidance, otherwise I suspect we'll get in there and just be overwhelmed and then miss half of what's available. I do intend to tailor them and skip a few of the attractions.

Thoughts and comments appreciated!,
Helen

ETA: I want key lime pie while I'm in Florida! I'm going to be searching the menu boards until I find some...

Tags:
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 15:05
caitiesus's picture
caitiesus
Offline
Joined: 03/11/2009
Posts: 682

One suggestion for the paying for dining in advance that I got from WDW Today...

Use a Visa or American Express gift card. Figure out about how much you will spend on dining, and pay for the card in advance. You can even add the card to your Key to the World, so you still only need the one card. Then you can still have it all paid for ahead of time, but aren't limited by the dining plan and can eat exactly what you want to!

I know I want to do that next time!

Mon, 02/28/2011 - 15:06
Lizzy_B's picture
Lizzy_B
Offline
Joined: 10/25/2010
Posts: 3246

Helen, sounds wonderful! I wouldn't miss Liberty Tree Tavern for lunch - it's pretty great. Also, to expand your ADR options (if you wanted to!) depending on which park you're in, the resorts are really convenient. For instance, if you're in MK, an ADR at Artist Point, California Grill, or Citrico's would be convenient - not to mention delicious. As for the "why's" for my suggestions -

Liberty Tree - excellent theming, delicious food. Lunch is a la carte. I'm also partial to it because we ate there at my first ever trip to WDW (1978.)

Artist Point - Delicious, beautiful, and would give you a chance to peek into the Wilderness Lodge, which is just breathtaking. Food is Pacific Northwest, and imo, tends to be pretty interesting compared to other restaurants on property.

Cali Grill - Consistently delicious, fresh. Amazing views. Never a bad experience here. And shopping on the 4th floor of the Contemporary is one of my favorite things to do.

Citricos - I confess, I haven't been, but I've seen lots of raves by those who have. And GF, like so many of the resorts, is worth a looksee.

I'll let someone else weigh in on ADRs at other parks - I'm more experienced with the resorts. And I haven't used Touring Plans, but I can't wait to hear about your experience. I think my only concern is that you won't have enough time to see everything, and you'll want to stay longer! Smile

__________________

Mon, 02/28/2011 - 16:15
admin's picture
admin
Offline
Joined: 08/14/2010
Posts: 2733

Helen this looks great! I think a touring plan is a great idea; I know the guys at TouringPlans.com put a LOT of research into those, so I highly recommend them.

For lunch in the Magic Kingdom, I'd definitely go with Liberty Tree Tavern. It's actually our favorite meal. We don't like dinner there as much, but lunch is great.

When you're in HOllywood Studios, going to 50s Prime Time Cafe can be really fun as well as Sci-Fi Dine-in. The best food in the park is likely Hollywood Brown Derby, but I've just heard a bad review (for the first time), so it's not as consistent as I thought it was.

For Key Lime Pie, the best place I've found is Olivia's at Old Key West Resort. A bit out of the way, but the pie is delicious. I wouldn't give up an ADR somewhere else to eat there, but consider popping in for dessert only!

Mon, 02/28/2011 - 20:57
Brad's picture
Brad
Offline
Joined: 08/05/2008
Posts: 4357

I vote for LTT for lunch too!

Orlando is your first stop from Australia right? How bad is the jet lag?

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 08:02
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

Sounds like Liberty Tree Tavern is a winner! biggrin

Artists Point, 50's Prime Time Cafe and Sci-fi Dine-in are all on my list of possibilities. I'm really tempted by Sci-fi - we're both geeks so it suits us Smile

Thanks for the tip on finding key lime pie - that's downtown so maybe I can get some after dinner on the Thursday.

We go Dallas then Orlando but the stop in Dallas is only a couple of hours. Going over (USA or UK) the jet lag isn't so bad - you generally get in later in the day and can crash then wake up refreshed and ready to go the next day. Coming back though...you get in at 6am so there's a whole day to get through before sleeping and it's a killer!

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 16:53
bali's picture
bali
Offline
Joined: 06/20/2008
Posts: 3444

Sci-fi definitely -- especially if you're geeks!! laugh Don't forget to demand that you sit in a car, not at a picnic table. That's my best advice awesome

I'm loving that you've got ADRs planned for Boma each morning. That will make your days so relaxed before park time! Makes me want to go book an AKL visit and just stay in the hotel all day. Boma, Jiko, and Mara -- three of my favorite places to eat!

__________________


May 2008 CSR mickey

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 17:12
Pegosaurus's picture
Pegosaurus
Offline
Joined: 11/12/2010
Posts: 467

oo the cookie milkshakes at Sci-Fi are beaut!

Do they do the same milkshakes anywhere else on resort does anyone know? At any of the non-table service places?

__________________

[url='http://www.mickeypath.com/']

[/url]

Tue, 03/01/2011 - 20:22
WyckedPhoenix's picture
WyckedPhoenix
Offline
Joined: 02/17/2011
Posts: 459

Sounds like a good plan!

One question.. You mention taking a shuttle over to Universal.. Where can I find the information on this service? I have been looking and have had no luck, haha.

__________________

*Jennifer Lynn* NDW #38

Check out my blog at Jennifer's Disney Adventures


Tue, 03/01/2011 - 20:39
Tony's picture
Tony
Offline
Joined: 12/23/2009
Posts: 1260

If you're staying on property without a car then you'll need to get a taxi to Universal as Disney don't run shuttles to get you there.

Another option would be to get a Lynx bus from either DTD or TTC to International Drive and walk across the bridge. Last time I used the Lynx it was about $2 regardless of how far you went, but it would take ages to get there this way.

__________________

I can only please one person per day. Today isn't your day... tomorrow doesn't look good either.

Wed, 03/02/2011 - 07:29
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

This is where the shuttle idea came from:
http://www.destinationsinflorida.com/universal/1daypasses.html

You call and book pick up time the day before, then book pick up time on the day. Sounds ok to me Smile

Wed, 03/02/2011 - 09:10
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

ADRs are all booked - thanks for your guidance! I did go with Liberty Tree Tavern and the Sci-fi Dine In.

Wed, 03/02/2011 - 16:33
Brad's picture
Brad
Offline
Joined: 08/05/2008
Posts: 4357

helen wrote:
ADRs are all booked - thanks for your guidance! I did go with Liberty Tree Tavern and the Sci-fi Dine In.

So nice to have that stuff done, isn't it! Is there anything left you have to plan now?

Thu, 03/03/2011 - 01:28
Bella's picture
Bella
Offline
Joined: 06/11/2010
Posts: 3886

Key Lime pie = Olivia's! Best Key Lime Pie ever..and I am not really a Key Lime Pie fan...but this was just the right amount of tart and creamy..and it's just a boat ride away from DTD!

__________________

mickey Bella


Thu, 03/03/2011 - 07:14
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

Two votes for Olivia's key lime pie! I'm dribbling just thinking about it biggrin

Thu, 03/03/2011 - 16:49
Lizzy_B's picture
Lizzy_B
Offline
Joined: 10/25/2010
Posts: 3246

Does anyone else on property even have real key lime pie? I know there was a "deconstructed" version somewhere, but Helen needs the real deal! - So Olivia's is definitely the right choice.

__________________

Thu, 03/03/2011 - 20:25
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

House of Blues does have it on the menu but given the recommendations I was planning to skip it and go to Olivia's.

Fri, 03/18/2011 - 18:16
Lizzy_B's picture
Lizzy_B
Offline
Joined: 10/25/2010
Posts: 3246

Well....if your travels find you in a car somewhere in FL, I HIGHLY recommend Publix Supermarket's version. It's really good and authentic. They also make a mango key lime pie that we love. (And on topic - kinda - shops in Key West and other places, like Mt. Dora have key lime pie wedges frozen, on a stick, dipped in chocolate - o. mi. goodness. Another fave? Betty's A1A Cafe on A1A just north of Ormond Beach. We had a piece of theirs last Sunday and it was delish - and definitely housemade, right down to the thick, toasted graham cracker crust.)

Can you tell we love key lime pie in our household? Smile

__________________

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 09:26
helen
Offline
Joined: 02/21/2011
Posts: 55

Lizzy, those chocolate dipped frozen key lime pie wedges sound gorgeous! muchlove If we had a car we would hunt them down and eat them (all!).

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 14:02
subvetss's picture
subvetss
Offline
Joined: 04/30/2009
Posts: 569

The only plan Jan and I ever made was ' What day are we Driving to the World and what day we are driving Home'. On 56 trips it worked for us.
Joe

__________________

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 17:55
admin's picture
admin
Offline
Joined: 08/14/2010
Posts: 2733

Lizzy B -- Love the frozen, chocolate dipped key lime pie option! Sounds amazing!

Subvetss -- Sounds just about right wink

Sat, 03/26/2011 - 21:48
Bella's picture
Bella
Offline
Joined: 06/11/2010
Posts: 3886

Lizzy_B wrote:
Well....if your travels find you in a car somewhere in FL, I HIGHLY recommend Publix Supermarket's version. It's really good and authentic. They also make a mango key lime pie that we love. (And on topic - kinda - shops in Key West and other places, like Mt. Dora have key lime pie wedges frozen, on a stick, dipped in chocolate - o. mi. goodness. Another fave? Betty's A1A Cafe on A1A just north of Ormond Beach. We had a piece of theirs last Sunday and it was delish - and definitely housemade, right down to the thick, toasted graham cracker crust.)

Can you tell we love key lime pie in our household? Smile

Um Publix..there subs are amazing too.

And frozen, chocolate covered key lime pie?!? Ohhhhhh how wonderful.

__________________

mickey Bella


 
‹ Previous topic: What is the Cheapest way to get to Walt Disney World from Ft. Lauderdale? Next topic: Have a Blast Donald Dork!! ›