Tall Lady

Spoke with customer service on the Minnie van line today. I wanted to see about getting picked-up for our HS day. However, since they start running at 6:30 am, she didn't think it was the best choice. She directed me to regular uber. She said today and yesterday they had "surprise" park openings at 6:30 am. She said she did not know if that would continue...but the park was still booking out by 8:30 am max. 

Wow, ok. Thank you all for the heads-up. We will be there in almost 2 weeks. We have booked a breakfast at Hollywood and Vine an hour before opening and hoping that will help. BUT with 5: 30 am times right now, I am not sure we stand a chance. 

Anyone know what the current ride wait time is for Rise of the Resistance? I thought I read about a different type of "sign-up" for ride times on launch day...but could have misunderstood. 

On 11/19/2019 at 8:54 AM, tim5055 said:

My gut feeling is that this change will make the Fort the same as any hotel.  The front desk staff will always be able to see what is occupied, vacant and pending arrival.  They can sell a vacant site for one night without a problem.

 

Where I see the possible issues arising are special requests.  A system that has apparently worked well for many years (faxing requests) could be in peril.  I'm being told by another travel agent who works the Fort a lot (sorry Jason) that the faxes are being forwarded to the new assignment group.  How long will this last?? 

 

To be honest, I have never faxed a request.  I have noted on my reservation some things at times, like "back side of 1900 loop, outside" but even that was rare.  I like the surprise of seeing where they put us this time and we have never been disappointed.  On one occasion we didn't fit on a site but other than that time have always been happy.

 

I'm hoping that this is an issue just because it's change.  Nobody like change.

I did notice you can no longer request a loop. But they may have made that decision a few years ago as well. We love the 1600 loop. I have a few questions, if someone doesn't mind answering them.

1) Should we still fax?

2) My in-laws are coming this time, so I had plan to fax for their rig as well...with a simple "please put us near our kids" type request. Does that work? Or is there another way to request to be near someone?

3) What number is everyone calling? The main line?

TIA!!

On 1/30/2018 at 1:19 PM, Lou... said:

I can tell you with certainty that Money Grubbing Land is not the new name, however, "Year of a Million Schemes" might work.

The new name was announced internally the day after Iger made the announcement that there would be a name change. Managers were told and some let their staffs know because they assumed it was going to be released to the public within days anyway.  That didn't happen, but the new name was out there.

A lot of time has passed since then and for all I know the name has been changed from what Iger thought it was going to be. If it hasn't changed, IMO,  it's a good name and is not on that silly list of ridiculous names.  I'm not going to divulge what it is, but a clue is that only one word will change.

Lou, thank you! I hated all those names...and this is probably my favorite park for many reasons. 

Great point. I wasn't really thinking about those, but they're comparable in price to the Music's family suite.

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Thank for this insight on All-Star Music. I hadn't even thought of that one. We are hoping to go to Disney at the end of March next year. I know, spring break season....but it's the only time we really can go.

Anyway, we usually stay at the Fort in our camper but want to try a hotel this time. We are a family of 5, with kids ages 12, 6 & 2 by that time. I am all ears to any recommendations for hotels during that time. I think we are looking to stay 3/23-4/1. We want to do a day or two at the hotel and visit each park once...maybe go twice to one, if there's time. We'll have two total days of travel (one there, one back). We are also planning on the middle level dining plan this time...a first for us.

Anyway, any insight to the best hotel stay for the money and the needs mentioned is greatly appreciated. Branching out from the Fort is a little overwhelming.

Thanks!

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Can't speak for others, but I didn't imply that I don't want to see it happen.  There are currently no pavilions representing any South American countries....while Brazil isn't necessarily representative of the rest of SA, it could be a fun pavilion with some unique foods not currently offered on a year round basis in WS.  I think it would be a good addition.  

I also still believe that a Russian pavilion would be fascinating and a great add.  They say that it was originally planned but political tensions during the Cold War followed by economic turmoil as the USSR collapsed killed it.  Maybe someday....such a huge country with a unique history should would be good to be represented.  I doubt we'll see it, but you never know.  Or perhaps they could simply invade and take over the Norwegian pavilion.  Kick the sisters out, and retheme the Maelstrom back to it's original glory, but instead of polar bears they could have shirtless Putins yelling at and threatening guests.  

Phahahaha! This was hilarious.

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4 hours ago, Cortezcapt (Derek) said:

If you are camping you can have up to 10 people. If the extras are going to come or you think they are I would add them to your reservation that way they would get Magic Bands and if you can get them their bands before they get there they would be able to drive right in. I find it easier to request an extra parking pass at check in that way you don't have to deal with it later. I might be mistaken but I believe it's 2 vehicles per campsite but when we have more than one we usually park in the overflow lot as to not crowd our site.

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Thank you.

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On 11/8/2016 at 1:56 PM, Travisma said:

If you have an Aldi nearby, they have really good glüwein starting soon.

 

I will check it out!!!

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On 11/22/2016 at 10:20 AM, Starbuc71 said:

I thought I'd post a thread where fiends could post things strange, new or whatever during thanksgiving week. Here a few I saw

1.

this was only parked for a day near the DVC kiosk. Never saw it before. 

2.

new whatever's being built by the lodge.  Back when I was here in July, they were just clearing the land.  They look huge.  I think I counted 16 on each side of the lodge

3. Empty sites

as of Tuesday morning, there are 13 empty sites on the 2000 loop, 8 between 1600-1900 and 3 on the 1500 loop.  I haven't checked the rest yet but I'm sure there are at least 10-15 more between the other loops  The new loop looks nice   It has 3 empty sites

4. Refrigerator group

i thought I was going to report no sighting of the large group who are always here that bring a full size fridge and dishwasher but I was wrong. They are on the 1500 loop with (3) full size fridges and at least (2) full size dishwashers....no comment

5. Fence frenzy update

looks like all fencing is complete at the fort. All 3 playgrounds are now all fenced in with black chain links and gates. The pool fencing is complete (with no card readers) and most of the water eats in common areas gave the rope fencing. Creeks/canals behind most sites just have gator and wildlife signs posted 

6. Less merchandise is offered at the trading post than years past.  It looks like less toys and clothing 

7. No main tree near trails end as of yet and a lot of garland not lit on trails end

8. Seems all the buses have a digital sign on the back that says do not pass. Also it looks like all the buses were retro fit with HID lights. They are all super bright now. 

9. Epcot has minimal holiday decorations compared to other parks  Maybe this was always so   Future world continues to become more pathetic   

 

Going to Disney springs tonight  will report on new things 

 

 

 I didn't even know #4 was an option. And that happens every year? 

Any update on current decorations?

What are the rules for guests? We have a couple who may stay with us for a few days during our trip. Do they leave their car in the big lot? If so, do they get a car pass? Is there a fee? There are 2 adults, 2 kids, and 1 infant in our camper. The couple pushes us to 7 total. I think I read we could have up to 10 per site. I could be wrong. Thanks for any insight. We want to follow the rules and help keep the Disney magic for everyone.

This looks amazing!! Thank you for sharing. 

Thanks, Jen! Any chance you know when the December activities calendar will be posted?

So, I'd love some advice. We are full hook-up, have a TT, and usually request 36 feet accommodations. We stick with the 1600 loop for the most part. We really liked 1619 during one of our trips. However, having 3 kids (2 being littles), I am little nervous being on the canal this time. Yes, I know I'm being paranoid. Are there any other sites anyone can recommend that have a decent amount of space, near a comfort station, and fairly easy to back-in to? From the Fort Fiends app and YouTube video, I really like 1634. Anyone ever stay at this site? Any others you'd recommend in 1600?

Thanks in advance!

I prefer near the comfort station. We have been near the bus stop, and yes...lots of beeping and bus noise. I creep out of the camper early in the morning to take my shower and sip my coffee while the kids sleep, so being near the comfort station is nice. We also like a lot of space at the site for our (very active) kids to run around.

Ooooooh, I am SO excited. We will be there in the middle of all this yummy stuff. And bring on the glüwein!!!!!

17 hours ago, mouseketab.....Carol said:

Apparently, it's the new norm

I am bummed. 

15 hours ago, ceemike...Mike & Judy said:

When I did online check-in 2 weeks ago for my premium site, I chose 5th wheel (I have a Class A with 2 slides ) and must accommodate fold out awning. I also faxed my site request and received one of my 3 preferred sites.

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That's a great idea! Thank you. 

Hey gang, we haven't camped since 2014, so I could be missing something. However, our online check-in didn't allow for loop choice. In fact, it's set-up like a resort (asking for upper floor, etc). I ended-up choosing the accommodates fold-out awning option. There wasn't a loop option or a comfort station option. There was also no place to write a note. I do plan to fax 5 days ahead. However, I was just wondering if this is the new norm. I haven't found a thread that discussed this issue. Any insight is appreciated. Thank you.

Any idea if Frozen princesses will be at the Halloween parties?

I have made several one day trips to WDW in the past few weeks.  For these trips, I am often looking for FP+'s just the day before, or even the night before the trip.  Every single time lately, there have been A & E FP+'s available.  We've seen them enough, so I have not been claiming them, but it seems that the demand is fading just a bit. Mine Train FP+'s are much harder to secure, but even those are available the day before a trip with enough persistence.  So try looking closer to your trip- things can and do open up.

 

I'm not sure how the cards work, or if that test will still be going on in September, but that sounds like a good plan B.

 

TCD

Thank you!!!!

Last year, the Pointer Sisters were terrific. We got there just at the start of the 5:30 show and stood in the back. For the other two shows that night, we just waited for the line to be seated, and then walked in and got decent seats. If you really want to be near the front, I would get in line no later than one hour before the show. You can still enjoy the concerts without doing that though.

Thank you!

I had an epic mom fail, as I forgot to secure the A & E fast pass for September. However, we will be eating in Cinderella's castle at 8:20 for a 9 am rope drop. We were wondering: could my DH leave breakfast briefly to get a paper fast pass for it with our resort card? Or should we wait till breakfast is over to get in line? We've never participated in this breakfast before, so is that even plausible? I'm not skipping out on the breakfast. But with our scenario do you guys have any other recommendations?

Quick question about Eat to the Beat: we will be there for the Pointer Sisters (super pumped!) and Rick Springfield. What concert time is best 530, 645, or 8? And how early should we arrive for seats? Any extra tips are much appreciated.

The chart below shows that Sept is an excellent month because it's less busy and the temps are still high.

 

 

 

TL is scheduled for refurb at the usual time, the last week in Oct.

Sa-weet!!!