Conference koolit::disney

    My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Orlando 12 Years ago. The
    primarary reason for going to Orlando was WDW but we wanted to take
    in the other sites as well. 
    
    We have been hooked on WDW ever since. We've been back four times
    since, and leave in 16 days to spend another aniversary.
    
    What's so magical about it?
    
    
    
    
    EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!
    
    john (Who is nearly coming out of his skin)
    

    Add me to the list of people who went to WDW on my honeymoon.
    That was 11 years ago and have been back serveal times since.
    
    We stayed at one of the Fariway Villa's.  One special thing that
    occured was that we recieved a bottle of Champagne from Disney.
    It showed up in the frig with a congradulations note.  This was
    a surprise since neither my wife or I told them that we were on our
    honeymoon.
    
    dan

    We stayed in the treehouse villas on our honeymoon (8 years ago
    next month.)  We had decided against a honeymoon package after
    comparing costs/options.  The only place we mentioned honeymoon
    was at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Review and when we got back to our villa
    there were roses and chilled champaigne waiting.  I'm still 
    impressed! 
    
    Everything is so clean and the people are so polite - it's a real
    shock when you get back to reality enroute to the airport.
    
    Have a great time!
    
    ep

    Sean & I stayed at the Grand Floridian on our honeymoon.  We had a
    blast, and it was definitely the place for us!  They treated us
    fantastically, and we couldn't think of a better place to be for a
    honeymoon.  Our balcony overlooked Seven Seas and we could see the
    Castle on the other side, definitely a romantic spot!!  Where else
    can you go and have so much to do during the day, and be surrounded by
    more beautiful scenery at night?  Disney World is definitely a magical
    place for my husband and I.
    
    -liz

    
    Well, I went to WDW on my honeymoon TWICE!  The ex-wife and I went
    in '75 and the new wife and I went in '83.  Had a great time both
    times (but better the second...).  The early months of a marriage
    is that special time when all the world looks rosey. What better
    place to spend that first week.  Be a kid again; before the realities
    of kids, working and taxes hits you...
    
    Sure maybe Hawaii is romantic and pretty, but do they have Thunder
    Mountain and Figment? Hoop-de-do, Pleasure Island, World Showcase,
    Haunted Mansions or sub rides?  Of course not...
    
    Gotta go to WDW...
    
    
    Regards, Jim
    
    

    Yes it is a Magical Honeymoon when you go to Disney!!!
    
    I went on Premier Cruise Lines "Cruise and Disney Package" which
    combined a 4 night cruise and three day Disney Vacation, it was well
    organized and well worth the every penny we paid to go!!!
    
    All I can say is I wanna go back!!!
    
    Have a Blast!!!!!
    
    Lynne

    A friend just got married last Saturday and one of her honeymoon stops
    is at WDW......I tried to talk her into spending her whole honeymoon
    there this week but instead she and her husband are spending the week
    at...
    
          ....St. Martin....right in the path of Hugo and Iris....then they
          go to Orlando for a couple of days.
    
          Why don't these young people listen!?!?!?!?
    
    Mike_42_weeks_away

    I also spent my honeymoon at WDW 14 years ago this month.  We spent 1
    week at the Polynesian (remember only Magic Kingdom was around at this
    time) and it was wonderful.  We then moved onto the west coast to
    Clearwater Beach.  After two days of bordom over there, where the
    restaurants closed at 7:00, we called Disney and asked if we could
    come back for the next 5 days.  They put us up in the Contemporary
    and it was great.  Like a previous note, the only time the honeymoon
    was mentioned was at the hoop de doo.
    
    This first time adventure to WDW brought us back every year for 3
    years.  Then we had my son and didn't go back for 3 years, now with
    my parents living down that way, we've been back at least once a year
    and sometimes twice.
    
    After just returning a few weeks ago, my husband says its time to go
    someplace different and won't go back for two years!!!  I don't think
    I can wait that long......
    
    

    My SO and I are spending our honeymoon in WDW.  This was a last
    minute decision.  We had planned on going to St. John but since
    Hugo did a number on the island we cancelled and are now going to WDW
    in 2 weeks (can't wait)!  It was tough getting reservations at
    the last minute - made them yesterday.  There is a golf tournament
    going on while we are going so everything was booked solid.  The man
    from Magic Kingdom Club was wonderful - I spent 45 minutes on the
    phone with him while he tried to find us a room.  We aren't inside
    WDW but are at the Hilton right outside.  Can't say enough good things
    about his persistance in finding us that room.
    
    Looking forward to this vacation - need it after all the wedding plans.
    
    To Dan T. and Paul R. thanks for all the info.
    
    Kris
    

    	
    	My wife and I just returned from our Honeymoon. We took the
    	cruise and WDW package. We left Sept. 9th and returned on the
        17th. We stayed at Carribean Beach Resort. Every day was a day
    	I'll never forget. We were treated well by all. We sailed on
    	the Star/Ship Majestic. The only thing we would do different
    	is go to WDW first, then the cruise. All I kept saying was
    	"Unbelievable"
    
    	Take care,
    	Frank

    	Any reason for why next time you would do WDW first and then the
        cruise?

    THANK YOU for the great responses to my question.  I think I am
    more excited about going on the honeymoon than getting married (just
    joking!).  From the responses given, I can tell that my fiancee and
    me will have a "Magical" time at WDW. Fourty-five more days to go,
    and I will be on my way to WDW!!!!  I look forward to adding my
    honeymoon experience to this conference.
    
    Honeymooner to be,
    Michael Crowley
    

    Thank you Michael for opening up this topic.  I am getting married
    in Febraury and we are planning our honeymoon for WDW also. I look
    forward to hearing about your trip and I patiently await my own.
    
    Debbie Stoll
    (A fellow honeymooner-to-be)
    

    I too spent my honeymoon at WDW. We stayed at what is now the Grosvenor
    Resort in the hotel village. Our room came with a King-Sized bed
    and complimentary bubble water. I made the mistake of telling the
    waitress at the Hoop-De-Doo that we were honeymooners, and we had
    to get up and dance. Otherwise we had a great time and have been
    down twice since (married 4 yrs now).
    
    A friend of mine went there on his honeymoon, in 1973, and returned
    there this past Oct, for the first time. Shock was a good description
    of how he felt.
    
    Walter

    Helpful hints needed.
    
    My daughter will be getting married on August 25, 1990.  They would
    really like to go to Disneyworld in Orlando, but are not sure if they
    can afford such a trip with all the other expenses of a wedding.
    
    Does anyone have any suggestions?  Is there any package deals that 
    would include airfare/hotel/car rental and possible admission to
    Disney?
    
    Hope to hear from you soon.
    
    Thanks,
     

USAIR offers some relatively inexpensive packages to the Orlando,
area. The toll free number is 800-833-5436.
We've used them in the past and were pleased.

Also Amtrak has some inexpensive packages (call 800-USA-RAIL and
ask for the tour package dept.) to Orlando.

    (sigh) Don't I wish!  No, we're just going down and
    vacationing in sin :-)
    
                                   cj *->
    

My wife and I are leaving for Orlando on 26th March and spending 10 days in the
Orlando area, five of which we taking to see WDW. This visit also spans the date
of our first Wedding anniversary - April 1st (no joke).

Only 24 days to go .... and counting.....

Kev.

    I am leaving with my future wife on july 21. I have been taking
    to the people here that have been there and I hope I am not
    disapointed. I don't think so though. We have 15 days. I am trying
    to decide which to do first WDW the first week or the last week.We
    also are planning on kennedy space and Busch and Cypress Gardens
    and most of all Sea world.I know this should be in another topic
    move it if you wish.
    
    What time should we get to most of the attractions??
    
    which would you recomend first??
    
    and at WDW should we do Epcot,MK,or MGM first?
    
    Ted who is dying to go now

    Rep to <<< Note 139.19 by WFOV11::GUGLIELMO_T >>>

    Ted,
    
    Since a  Portion  of  my honeymoon included WDW I suppose I can provide
    some info.  I would suggest doing WDW  LAST,  since  from  your note it
    sound like your doinig mainly the central Florida area.  The reason for
    this  is  that Sea World, Busch Gardens and  Cypress  Gardens  are  all
    different  type  of  parks,  have  different  operating styles and  not
    necessarily  offer  the same value etc..  By doing these  first  you'll
    most likely be able to enjoy each park for what they  are  vs trying to
    compare them to WDW if you had gone to WDW first.
    
    On my honeymoon, I had done Seaworld, Cypress Gardens, WDW and Busch in
    that order.   I ended up enjoying Seaworld (went again on another trip)
    and Cypress Gardens  (once  was  enough  for me) and ended up trying to
    compare the value of  Busch  to that of WDW since they were basicly the
    same price back in '77  (did  Busch on 2 more ocassions BTW).  By doing
    the other attractions first and finishing  with  WDW you will end up in
    my opinion with a nice enjoyable trip,  since if you start with WDW you
    may  not  necessarily do the other parks, since you'll probably want to
    enjoy WDW last as well ;^).
    
    As far as what I would recommend doing at WDW first, I guess it depends
    on what type of attraction you like best  since  all  three  are  quite
    diferent.  MK  if  you  are  into  the  Disney's  Full  lenght animated
    Features, or if you  like world fair's then Epcot or if you are a movie
    buff then MGM.  But whatever you do plan on about 4-5 full days for all
    three, buy a multi-day pass, do the morning at MK, afternoon at MGM and
    evening at Epcot, then it doesn't become  a  question as to which to do
    on the first day ;^).
    
    Claude

    Thanks alot. Ican't wait to go I have been waiting 20 of my 24 years
    for this and am dying to get there.
    
    Thanks again
    
    Ted

To all Disney-experts:

I'm going to be married in October this year and we are now planning
our honeymoon.

Facts are:

- We only have 8 days :=(
- My fiance would love to go to some beach, do a little water-sports and so,
- I get fed up after two hours beach (*need* some activity) and
- we both want something extraordinary.

I've been to WDW two years ago, just for two days at the EPCOT as I've been
to Disney Land the year before, and I thought it was great! What I thought
now is to stay inside the village as I was told there is a lake (right?) and
and you can relax at the beach (right?) or do some water skiing or other sports
(right?).

Does this sound reasonable to you?
Do you think there will still be vacancies for this time (Oct 7-15,90)?

Our budget is about $1000 for both, including accommodation, entrance fees,
meals etc. (excluding flights). Does this sound reasonable for a hotel
"inside"?

We also discussed if it was worth the 9-hour-flight (I'm from Vienna/Austria) 
but to my opinion it definitely is!!!

Conclusion: Considering all the above facts would you spend your 
honeymoon there?????

All comments/advice/information is very,very welcome, either here or
send me a mail at VNABRW::TRAXLER_B.

A very big THANK YOU for helping,
Billie

    
    You want beach?  You _got_ beach!  Laurie and I stayed at the
    Polynesian in '82 on our honeymoon...there are two or three pools
    _and_ a sandy beach by the lake.  I don't know how extensive the water
    sports are;  you can get a few different kinds of boats, but as to
    things like water skiing, I'm blissfully ignorant.
    
    As to the budget, the room cost at the Poly might be a bit steep.
    You might consider staying at one of the other on-site hotels
    (Caribbean Beach Resort?) and using the facilities at the Poly
    (or even the Grand Floridian -- the beach wraps around the lake
    between the two resorts.)
    
    Would I spend my honeymoon there?  Already did once, and I'm
    considering doing a "second honeymoon" for our 10th!!
    
      -- John

    Rep to <<< Note 139.22 by VNABRW::TRAXLER_B "reachin' out!" >>>
                      -< Urgent expert's help needed!!! >-

>I'm going to be married in October this year and we are now planning
>our honeymoon.

    Congradulations.
    
>Does this sound reasonable to you?
>Do you think there will still be vacancies for this time (Oct 7-15,90)?

    Probably not  for  an  Disney  hotel  but  diffenitely  for  Orlando or
    Kissimee. (see below)
    
>Our budget is about $1000 for both, including accommodation, entrance fees,
>meals etc. (excluding flights). Does this sound reasonable for a hotel
>"inside"?
    
    Probably  not for inside, since unless you  camp  and  bring  your  own
    equipment, the cheapest room is  at  the  CBR  is  around $75/night not
    including tax (see topic 96 for  details  on  prices), 4 day passes are
    around $100, so for 7 nights your  talking  around  $725 dollars, which
    doesn't leave much for food and souvenirs etc.    Food can be expensive
    or  cheap  depending  on  your  taste  (do  a dir/key=money_matters and
    dir/key=WDW_Food for  those topic which discuss pricing info etc.), and
    if you plan to  visit other attractions as well (Universal Studios, Sea
    World, Buch Gardens etc) then your money will thin for sure.
    
    If however you  stay  on rt192 in Kissimee or on International Drive in
    Orlando then you can find cheap hotels for around 30-40 dollars a night
    and  be  able  to  stay    in    budget    a    lot   easier.    (do  a
    dir/key=orlando_hotels for the topics discussion various hotels outside
    of WDW)

>Conclusion: Considering all the above facts would you spend your 
>honeymoon there?????

    I would and did 13 years ago  and  never  lived  to regret it yet, ;^).
    However only you can decide since you need  to  consider  what  you can
    afford as well as what you plan on seeing/doing etc.
    
    Claude

    Rep to <<< Note 139.23 by ADTSHR::SUTTON >>>
    
>    Would I spend my honeymoon there?  Already did once, and I'm
>    considering doing a "second honeymoon" for our 10th!!
    
    John,
    
    Funny you  should  mention  it, I'm now planning my fifth-honneymoon at
    that enchanted place.
    
        1st April '77 - WDW
        2nd April '78 - Hawai (1st anniversary)
        3rd Nov '82   - WDW (late 5th anniversary celebration, poor planing)
        4th April '87 - WDW (10th anniversary)
        5th April '92 - WDW (15th anniversary)
    
    Claude

    Does anybody can find me the fax-number of Disney Travel? It's
    impossible from Austria ....
    
    Thanks a lot!
    
    Btw: We already booked the flights on Saturday ....   :))))
    
    Billie

    My fiance and I are planning on going to Disney for our Honeymoon. 
    Right now, we are looking into the Honeymoon package at the Grand
    Floridian.  Has anyone gone with this package?  Would you recommend it?
    It sounds like a great deal for the price.  Also, we are looking for
    recommendations on places to eat.  Any suggestions or opinions on your
    favorite place?  Also, for those of you who have already stayed at the
    Floridian, what rooms have the best views?  We had heard the Lagoon,
    and the Marina!  Is this true?  What is the Garden View like?  Thanks for
    any suggestions or added info you might have....
    
    KAS

    Could you post the details of the package?  Cost?  What it Includes?
    
    I am ten years past my honeymoon, but I have found that most honeymoon
    packages are available to anyone.  .....AND, I am dying to stay at the
    Grand Floridian!
    
    Thanks

    My fiance and I received a brouchure last night from a travel agent,
    it's throught Walt Disney Travel.  The package is called Honeymoon
    Magic.  The prices vary, depending on what type of view you want and
    whether you choose to go with a rent-a-car.  What we are looking at
    right now is the Pool-Marina view for 2413.00 (per couple).  What is
    included for a 7 night stay:
    
            - Round trip transfers from the airport
              or a National Rent a car for the whole stay
            
            - Seven night stay (tax included)
    
            - Unlimited use of the transportation system (ie. monorail)
    
            - Unlimited admission and use of all attractions ( MK, Epcot,
              MGM, Typhoon Lagoon, Pleasure Island, River Country,   
              Discovery Island)
    
           -  One Early Bird Feature Breakfast with the Disney Characters
              and use of select attractions in the MK one hour before
              regular park opening
    
           -  Ten Disney dollars per couple
    
           -  One Continental Breakfast served to you in your room for six
              days
    
           -  One vacation kingdom dinner (I believe you get to choose any
              restaurant)
    
           -  Two Walt Disney travel flight bags.
    
       Like I said, the prices vary depending on a few things.  The highest
       price shown in the brochure was $2709.00 (per couple) and that is in
       season, garden view, and a rental car.   We will be travelling in
       October, which is off season.  I really hope someone can give some
       type of info on this, it really sounds great, but would love to here
       some personal experiences....  Hope this helps!  I can't wait.....
    
            
     

    I would check on "Round trip transfers from the airport".
    Sometimes this means a limo ride just for two and is well worth it
    (in particular on a honeymoon) even if you have to buy it yourself. 
    
    What use is 1 Continental Breakfast? Room service is expensive,
    for example $30 for chips and preztels. The matching cup of coffee
    may be more than you want to pay. 
    
    At least on dinner must be V&A. 
    
    This doesn't look like a 'great' package and seems to lack
    anything that says 'honeymoon' special. But I personally believe
    that honeymoons should be very special and the GF is special. 
    (ah the jazucuzzi at midnight ...)
    
    mike

    My daughter is getting married in August '91 and they are planning a
    WDW honeymoon.  They have a limited budget and I would love to give her
    suggestions of where to stay and what honeymooners do.
    
    Did I see something about a new hotel other than the Carrribean? 
    
    I guess they will stay a week anyway.  They aren't eligible for 
    the card DEC'ies get from personnel.  So, ideas would be so 
    helpful and if I get enough she might let me come to the wedding too!!!
    
    Hints on costs along with the suggestions would be appreciated.
    
    Thanks
    
    

    Rep to <<< Note 139.31 by POWDML::SIMARD "Just Practicing for Life" >>>
    
>    Did I see something about a new hotel other than the Carrribean? 

    Yes see  topic  96.*  for detail on prices and opening for Port Orleans
    and Dixie Landings,  which  are  comparable in price to Carribean Beach
    Resort.
        
>    I guess they will stay a week anyway.  
    
    Good start if that's their first time.
    
>    They aren't eligible for  the  card  DEC'ies  get from personnel.  So,

    According to my MKC card it states
    
    "It may be used by any  member of your family, and MUST BE PRESENTED AT
    THE TIME OF PURCHASE OR REGISTRATION to qualify for any Club benefits"
    
    So i beleive your daughter is indeed  eligible for use of the card from
    personnel.
    
    As to the other quwestions, read some of  the  earlier reply, plus I'll
    let others with more time give you hints etc.
    
    Claude

    
    re:    <<< Note 139.31 by POWDML::SIMARD "Just Practicing for Life" >>>
    
    >>                       ... and I would love to give her
    >> suggestions of where to stay and what honeymooners do.
                                        ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    
    I'll bet she already knows... ;^>
    

    I was wondering if someone could help. I've read alot in this
    conference about BEST & WORST, where to stay, etc. I'm planning
    to go to Disneyworld in this Sept. for my honeymoon, and want to
    know if it's a good place for it. I want romance, wine and dine,
    and I know there's fun there. Please help me out.
    
    .Zeke.

	As a former WDW Honeymooner, I would have to give an emphatic YES to
the question in .105.  My wife and I not only had a wonderful time but there
are deffinately romantic spots in WDW that you can spend time in.  Just take
a look at some of the trip reports and you get a feeling for the ambiance of
some of the cozier spots, like someone mentioned the docks at the Grand Florid-
ian during the foreworks.  If I remember correctly, there are some nice walking
trails mentioned in the Birnbaum book that may be romantic leisurly strolls.
Also, reserve a table at the Hoop-De-Doo as early as you can and try to get the
table right in the front row right in the middle of the stage and when they
ask if anyone is on their honeymoon, make sure you let them know you are.
Another nice place to visit on a honeymoon would be Cypress Gardens, this is a
beautiful spot with gorgeous landscaping and it's a nice place to spend some 
time.

Tom

    To answer .34 a definite YES!  My first trip to Disney World was for my
    honeymoon in 1980 and we have gone back every other year since then!
    The best part about it is no matter what you want to do it's there.
    You can be formal/romantic/expensive or casual/inexpensive etc...
    This is for food/entertainment/hotel etc.....  There is an abundance of
    activities besides the parks too.  I recommend it highly!  My husband
    and I still say the best time we went was our honeymoon - before we had
    to take the kids!
    
    Kathy Jette
    

    Well I think my future mother in law and this notes file helped make up
    my mind for our honeymoon.  We own timeshare in Laconia NH and are
    having a really hard time exchanging ANYWHERE for our honeymoon in
    April '92.  
       Well we decided after Aruba, St. Croix, Grand Caymen, St Martin were
    all booked we would  go to Disney.....which is also booked.
         ( I have never been to Disney my Finace went when he was little)
    
    	    ....we were counting on using our timeshare
    instead of having to pay for a hotel...and are short on $$$ due to my
    fiance' being laid off this summer and we are helping my parents pay
    for the wedding.  
            - Would we be better off booking a hotel(are the prices really
    as low as what I have read in here?) and then get the airfare separate
    
    	    - OR should we go with a "package" where the hotel and airfare
    are all included.
    
    I have got the discount card that Digital offers
    	Also we will be going April 12 - 19....is this a good/bad/normal
    time (will we have a hard time getting a hotel???)
    
    	Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!!!!
    

That's the week before Easter, with Easter being the 19th.  One of the busiest,
and in my opinion, worst times to go (though not as bad as some summer dates).
Your view may differ, especially if you are into the various Easter-related
celebrations, entertainment, decorations that may be occurring around
then, or if you are into crowds; I'm not into either.

Personally, if I were in your shoes, I'd use the timeshare in Laconia at that
time.  It should be quiet, peaceful, but still somewhat spring-like.  Perfect
for honeymoon bridge, pattycake, and other honeymoon activities.  Then
schedule a trip to Disney in the off-season.  Depending on your long-term
plans, you may have your own set of rug-rats that will tie you to school
vacation times in years to come.  You may as well enjoy a visit to Disney
in the off-season now, while you can, and save money at the same time.  

Or consider this.  Once you've made the decision not to use the timeshare,
you are no longer tied to the timeshare dates for scheduling your honeymoon.
So, if you haven't locked in your wedding plans, you might wish to move
them two weeks in either direction.  Two weeks earlier will still be 
high-season rates, but the crowds won't be as bad and it should be
easier to find accomodations.  Two weeks later will be low-season rates
(but may be high
season rates for your wedding reception).  If you're highly 
untraditional, just schedule the honeymoon two weeks after the wedding.

As for the direct question, it's been answered several times here in various
ways, so you may wish to scan old notes for other people's opionions. 
My quick summary is that the package deals only pay off if you make
full use of the meals: three sit-down meals a day, at moderate to
expensive restaurants, with desserts.  It's an ideal way to spend a
honeymoon if you like eating that well (and many people do), but if
your idea of a fun afternoon in the park includes a
quick sandwich and fries at one of the fast-food stands, you will probably find
it cheaper to go ala carte.  I'm less familiar with the package deals that
only include airfare and hotel without meals.

   Gary

    
       Disney here we come!!!!  Our timeshare booked us into the World
    Resort of Orlando for our honeymoon.....(april '92)
    
    	Now all we need to do is get the tickets settled..
    
    		Has anyone ever stayed at the World Resort?
    
    				Janna
    

    I can't wait.  I am getting married on October 25th and we will be
    spending our honeymoon at WDW.  Ron has never been to Florida but he
    loves to tell people where he is going on our honeymoon.  So WDW, he we
    come!!!
    

    What a GREAT place to have a Honeymoon!!! We were married on October
    25, 1992.  October is a perfect time to go to Florida.  Weather was in
    the 80's and hardly any rain or clouds.  WDW has not crowded at all. 
    We didn't wait on line for any ride.  As for fun, there is lots of it. 
    If you want to be romantic or just plain silly, WDW has it all.  If
    anyone was hesitating about spending their honeymoon at WDW.  Don't. 
    You won't be disappointed. 
    
    Rose 
    

    AWESOME!  What a great idea!  That would mean another trip in
    1998?  So now you're up to 95 - 97 AND 98!
    
    Not bad!
    
    Kathy
    

    Make that '97 and '99.
    
    Actually if I win Publisher's Clearing House you can make that '93-'33.
    
    Mike_who_could_use_10_million_dollars