I love credit cards so much!

[wendow]

These look great! I would do Crystal Palace on the first day. Less schlepping around for them to go right into MK for dinner, there's a good variety of food, and the Pooh characters are sweet. I would also keep BOG; seeing the inside of that castle is worth the CS credit, imo. On the last day, I would do Chef Mickey's for the convenience of staying in their own hotel on departure day. It's also iconic and fun for the kids.

Speaking of Disney trips, this morning my 5-year-old pulled out her Mickey light up spinner she got at Disneyland this summer and now both kids want to go back to Disney. I asked my 9-year-old if she'd rather go to Disney World than London next summer and she said yes! We've created two little Disney monsters.

Yes, less schlepping around is key here! Not only is it so time consuming but with a group this size, they may not even be able to get on the same bus or boat, etc. I think less moving around is definitely best.

Your schedule makes sense altho b/c it's 16 people I'd give the MOST amount of time I could set up for people to get where they need to be, so arrival day I'd do the later dinner(5:10) for safety- and departure day I'd do 1900 PF only bc I like the food there better than the other choices lol- the other days make perfect sense. I'd book it all and then just let it go (lol) -Your DHS plans are about right by 2:30 you should be ready to eat and leave that park(it took us all about 3 hours and we were done)
...ETA..... As far as touring plans- I'm assuming you already did FP times? or not yet? When I did my big group(you couldn't pay me enough to be a dis TA and do this all the time) We didn't focus on meals, we focused on our 3FP together. I learned a few things about big groups,FP and timing from this. So I wouldn't recommend trying to plan an entire day together, just the FP plans and a meal at best.

FP booking will be early Jan. The mom who is paying for all to go only asked that everyone sit down together for dinner each evening. The kids can be split (hence, the 8/8) but she wants everyone at the same place for dinner. They do have PH'ers though I think a couple of the families aren't really planning to hop. They wanted the convenience of having them for those who do want to hop. So, I'm planning to book their FP's at the park they begin at (as well as their dinner). The one dd I work with said that it will be the responsibility of those hopping to work their hopping around the main plans. And yes, this is a lot of work. I have spent so much time and energy on this.

 

[DisneyMandC]

Yes, less schlepping around is key here! Not only is it so time consuming but with a group this size, they may not even be able to get on the same bus or boat, etc. I think less moving around is definitely best.



FP booking will be early Jan. The mom who is paying for all to go only asked that everyone sit down together for dinner each evening. The kids can be split (hence, the 8/8) but she wants everyone at the same place for dinner. They do have PH'ers though I think a couple of the families aren't really planning to hop. They wanted the convenience of having them for those who do want to hop. So, I'm planning to book their FP's at the park they begin at (as well as their dinner). The one dd I work with said that it will be the responsibility of those hopping to work their hopping around the main plans. And yes, this is a lot of work. I have spent so much time and energy on this.

I think it sounds like you're doing a great job! All of your restaurant choices sound great to me and you've gotten some good suggestions from others. I just want to say that we are all used to MEGA SUPER INSANE Disney planning and knowledge here on these boards, and it's probably a good bet that these people are NOT on these boards, otherwise they wouldn't be using a TA to this level. I'm sure if you have them at restaurants that flow cohesively with their parks and FPs, they're going to be happy with their experience.

 

[miztressuz]

I have no idea what kind of people they are. I've only talked to one of the dd's. She is nice but 'business like'. Everything I tell her about or describe the type of restaurant it is, she says, "oh that sounds great. That sounds like fun". So it seems she is fairly 'go-with-the-flow' and easy to please but will they get into the antics at 50's PT?? Idk. We've only been to 50's once and I found the food great but I didn't love the server. She just came across so rude to me. And I love the antics at Whispering Canyon. The problem at DHS is I cannot find anywhere else I can get them in that will seat a party that large. Hollywood is the only other place and I do not think the Disney Jr characters are their cup of tea at all, nor do they want park day character meals.

That sounds good enough for me. As long as someone understands the theme of the restaurant you're probably safe. It's one of those places I'd hate to recommend and then they're all flabbergasted and shocked at the treatment ("well I never!" type reaction keeps coming to mind ) but if someone understands going in and agrees then out of my hands DHS is kinda hard for a TS meal so I think that's probably the best option currently for a big party (that wants to stay a big party) and personally I'd take it over characters in the middle of the day too (just so much time on character meals).

 

[wendow]

I think it sounds like you're doing a great job! All of your restaurant choices sound great to me and you've gotten some good suggestions from others. I just want to say that we are all used to MEGA SUPER INSANE Disney planning and knowledge here on these boards, and it's probably a good bet that these people are NOT on these boards, otherwise they wouldn't be using a TA to this level. I'm sure if you have them at restaurants that flow cohesively with their parks and FPs, they're going to be happy with their experience.

Thank you! That is encouraging I really want to make them happy and give them a good experience. They are spending a ton of money on this trip, and regularly use my aunt for their other very pricey vacations, so I want to make sure they don't come away disappointed.

 

[hsmamato2]

Yes, less schlepping around is key here! Not only is it so time consuming but with a group this size, they may not even be able to get on the same bus or boat, etc. I think less moving around is definitely best.



FP booking will be early Jan. The mom who is paying for all to go only asked that everyone sit down together for dinner each evening. The kids can be split (hence, the 8/8) but she wants everyone at the same place for dinner. They do have PH'ers though I think a couple of the families aren't really planning to hop. They wanted the convenience of having them for those who do want to hop. So, I'm planning to book their FP's at the park they begin at (as well as their dinner). The one dd I work with said that it will be the responsibility of those hopping to work their hopping around the main plans. And yes, this is a lot of work. I have spent so much time and energy on this.

that sounds do-able! plan the daily meal in the park of choice and let the hoppers hop whenever they want after that!BTW Boma and Biergarten are my two faves!

 

[WardFam]

I asked this on another board but now I'll ask you....how stringent is JB with the carryon luggage? My usual carryons are too tall according to the website details,b/c of the wheels. I always carry them on flying SWA but they're pretty relaxed about that. I don't check luggage, so looking for advice- I may need to spring for something new for this trip,or duffel bags. Is it overall suitcase dimensions,or the exact 21x14x9 I have to stick to? I haven't flown JB in many years.

We never check bags either and I've never had anyone ask to measure my carry-on. I just got out my tape measure and with the wheels mine are well over 21 inches!

 

[amalone1013]

Has anyone used Amazon Cash? I've never done it so I have an offer to get a $10 credit for loading $40 that way. I'm thinking, why not... it's like 20% off plus either pay with a card for MSR or with Chase Pay/Samsung Pay for Q4...

 

[palhockeymomof2]

There was a time that I was looking at DVC for the AP benefits. I believe you can put up to 6 people on the deed. At that time I would have added my daughter and mother to allow their households the discounts. This was just before Disney decided resale deeds would not get the benifits. The current owners were grandfathered in but resale deeds no longer got the AP savings.

We bought DVC in 2001, so my kids weren’t old enough to be on the deed....we have 2 contracts and have toyed with the idea of adding them each to one over the years...but the thing holding us back is if they got into financial difficulties or divorced...it’s considered their asset too.

 

[Oscar Madison]

I am currently 4/24 with 2 Chase cards, CFU and CIC, recently opened on the same day 8/21 (It was my first effort on the churning train and applying for 2 on the same day seemed like a good idea at the time). My P2, sitting at 1/24, opened a CF on 8/25.
We have met the MSR on all 3 of those.
My issue is we need a new Used car-yesterday.
A used car person that I trust said I could put some of the price down on a car.
My issue is I don't have a new card to use that I could apply that significant amount towards to meet a new MSR.
Am I too early to apply for the CSR or CSP right now?
Thank you for any advice.

 

[Oscar Madison]

You have a way to make chase pay instore work? Or do you have a diff phone, other than apple?

Yes, I used Walmart Pay in store. It is linked to my ChasePay. I do have an android.

 

[afan]

Departure day-March 16: Chef Mickey's 8:35 OR Ohana's 8:50 OR 1900 PF 9:35 (first flight out is at 1:30 and they are comfortable taking a taxi to MCO)

I'd go with Ohana because it means not having to get up from their table to get food, the characters are fun and it just seemed more laid back. I think Chef Mickey's would stress me out and not what I'd like on a travel day. But I also like Stitch and would have met most/all of the CM characters at that point and both breakfasts have Mickey.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

I am currently 4/24 with 2 Chase cards, CFU and CIC, recently opened on the same day 8/21 (It was my first effort on the churning train and applying for 2 on the same day seemed like a good idea at the time). My P2, sitting at 1/24, opened a CF on 8/25.
We have met the MSR on all 3 of those.
My issue is we need a new Used car-yesterday.
A used car person that I trust said I could put some of the price down on a car.
My issue is I don't have a new card to use that I could apply that significant amount towards to meet a new MSR.
Am I too early to apply for the CSR or CSP right now?
Thank you for any advice.

Your both almost 2 months from your last Chase card...I’d have P2 apply for the CRS or CSP...which ever fits in best with your plans

 

[wendow]

I'd go with Ohana because it means not having to get up from their table to get food, the characters are fun and it just seemed more laid back. I think Chef Mickey's would stress me out and not what I'd like on a travel day. But I also like Stitch and would have met most/all of the CM characters at that point and both breakfasts have Mickey.

Right, I like Ohana's too though we have only done that b-fast once. It was nice to be served at the table and I felt the atmosphere was very laid back. Granted we were a later breakfast time but it was also not loud really at all. We've done 1900 PF three times for b-fast, and I do think that is my fav of what we have done but the lady doesn't like the time on it and if I go to a later time, they will have trouble getting back in time for DME.

 

[Babbs0604]

I have been reading this board for sometime and have gotten a lot of good information. Thanks everyone for all your useful information. I'm a newbie and just starting out .. I recently got the CSP card met my $4000 spend Yeepee!!, and just order the Chase freedom which has the 5x rewards for wholesale clubs this quarter. Can I buy Disney gift cards at BJ's and have that go towards my 5X rewards? Going to Disney beginning of Nov and thought it would be a great way to meet my 500 spend. and also get 5x rewards.

 

[Oscar Madison]

I have been reading this board for sometime and have gotten a lot of good information. Thanks everyone for all your useful information. I'm a newbie and just starting out .. I recently got the CSP card met my $4000 spend Yeepee!!, and just order the Chase freedom which has the 5x rewards for wholesale clubs this quarter. Can I buy Disney gift cards at BJ's and have that go towards my 5X rewards? Going to Disney beginning of Nov and thought it would be a great way to meet my 500 spend. and also get 5x rewards.

Yes, definitely! Enjoy. There's a $1500 max spend in the 5% category per quarter for the CF.

 

[MrPTato]

I have been reading this board for sometime and have gotten a lot of good information. Thanks everyone for all your useful information. I'm a newbie and just starting out .. I recently got the CSP card met my $4000 spend Yeepee!!, and just order the Chase freedom which has the 5x rewards for wholesale clubs this quarter. Can I buy Disney gift cards at BJ's and have that go towards my 5X rewards? Going to Disney beginning of Nov and thought it would be a great way to meet my 500 spend. and also get 5x rewards.

For sure!

 

[disneybirds]

I've never been to Chef Mickeys but yes, the sounds coming from that restaurant sound so loud and obnoxious lol! I'd rather put them at Ohanas or 1900 PF for their departure b-fast. We normally do one of those two when staying on the monorail. However, the main lady who is kind of running the show (not paying for the trip...that is mom...this is one of her dd's I work with), she is really concerned about having to get going too early on departure morning, and already having everything packed up and them checked out super early. I definitely understand her thinking. The 1900 PF is 8:25, Ohanas 8:50 and CM 9:35 so the CM gives them more flexibility with their time all around.

One other thought ... Will this be the only time they can get a picture with Mickey? I know my girls won't stand in line to take a picture with Mickey and aren't willing to give up a FP. If there are girls, then Minnie may be a consideration as well and I think she is only at CM of these 3.

 

[Ngwira]

Well, our magic bands came last night. Can't wait!!!! Only 18 more days. All this talk about sports.... in my house we bleed black and gold!!!! Pittsburgh pirates, penguins and steelers. Oh and sorry southfayette, The Ohio State buckeyes.

Woah, we will be at WDW at the same time. We declined Magic bands since we have customized ones. DH has Captain America and DD has Tink.

 

[platamama]

Has anyone used Amazon Cash? I've never done it so I have an offer to get a $10 credit for loading $40 that way. I'm thinking, why not... it's like 20% off plus either pay with a card for MSR or with Chase Pay/Samsung Pay for Q4...

Yes, I did it in August:

This may be targeted, but on our Amazon account, we got an offer for $10 Amazon credit for loading $30+ using Amazon Cash. I printed out the barcode, took it to 7-11 and added $30 with my CF. Got 5xUR (shows up as Conoco-SEI), and there's a $10 credit in our Amazon account that expires 9/30. It doesn't show up under gift card balances, I found it in my messages subject line "Your Amazon Credit."

 

[wendow]

One other thought ... Will this be the only time they can get a picture with Mickey? I know my girls won't stand in line to take a picture with Mickey and aren't willing to give up a FP. If there are girls, then Minnie may be a consideration as well and I think she is only at CM of these 3.

Yes, they are not doing any character M&G's in the park from what I am being told now. However, we all know how things can change once they are in the parks and the kids see the characters! The lady who is my contact and main one running everything has two dd's, (13,7) and they are not into characters at all so she doesn't want that in the planning. So, this might very well be the only chance to get a pic with Mickey!!

I'm decorating the kid's MB's also and so I asked for each kid's fav character. Several gave more unique characters that you won't find meeting anywhere, much less at a meal...like Mushu, Mowgli and Dopey. BUT one kid chose Minnie, one chose Goofy and one chose pluto so if I put them at CM's, I could hit all those.

One girl chose Stitch so we'd get him at Ohana's. The other character chosen was Aurora.