Originally Posted By Hux Hi everyone, my name's Hux, and I just recently got engaged to a beautiful woman who loves Disney stuff. After we got engaged, she suggested that we got to Disney World for our honeymoon. Of course, I emphatically agreed. Now, she's only been to Disney World once, when she was about 10 or so. I've been 6 times, but the last time was a good ten years ago (Dad stopped paying for trip once I went to college). We're looking to ave money where we can, but we're not opposed to spending money on worthwhile experiences. So, what things at WDW are worth their cost? I've got my favorite stuff to go to, I know the park pretty well and have a good idea of what rides we'll be going on. But we could use some restaurant recommendations, and outside park stuff. I've never really been to anything other than the 4 main parks,and the originally three, now two, water parks. Is there anything worth going to at Pleasure Island, or Downtown Disney? Thank you all for your help in advance. We're very excited about this trip, and really want to make it special. P.S. We're planning on going in early June. Any idea what the weather and crowds will be like?
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Do you want your trip to be busy in the parks all the time, or a little more laid back? If you're planning on being in the parks all day, I would recommend staying at a Value or off property (with a rental car), as that will save you quite a bit of money right there. If you want to just hang out and relax more, it might be worth it to go for a moderate or deluxe hotel. For Pleasure Island, there's really nothing left. The last of the clubs closed down about two years ago (has it been that long already?), so that area's pretty empty at night. Downtown Disney is still there with lots of great stuff, including several new places since your last trip. I don't have too much experience with restuarants (I'm sure others will chime in shortly), but you pretty much can't go wrong with any of the sitdown places in the World Showcase at Epcot. In the Studios, Mamma Melrose is good casual Italian, and the Primetime Cafe is just plain fun. I can't really recommend any places in the Magic Kingdom or Animal Kingdom (I've only done counterservice in those parks), but there are options there. If you want something outside of the parks, I've read great things about the Hoop-de-Doo Revue at Fort Wilderness and the luau at the Polynesian. There are also nice sitown restuarants at all of the Deluxe hotels and DVC resorts, with a huge variety across the property. What types of food do you guys tend to like? That might help point us in a general direction...
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 There are lots of wonderful restuarants. For myself, my HD and I had our 20th annver. dinner at Le Cellier, they gave us a wonderful dessert decorated with annver. things. They also gave us a card with all the cast signing it telling us were they were from in Canada. The resorts also have some wonderful places to go to eat that are special. Others I'm sure will chime in. Congrats on your engagment, you'll have a wonderful time.
Originally Posted By Manfried My partner and I would recommend the Polynesian as the place to stay for a honeymoon. We also know of several hetero couples, friends of ours, that stayed there and really liked it.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I recommend Port Orleans Riverside. Beautiful landscaping, fun pool and nice rooms. As nice as the deluxe resorts are, that's a lot of extra buck for what I am guessing isn't much added bang. I would not recommend a value for a honeymoon, romantic factor is zero there. If you need to save money, stay at a nice place off property instead. Unless you are Star Wars fans and hope to catch Star Wars Weekend, I would not recommend June. It is crowded and very hot and humid and all of that gets worse as the Summer wears on. I would either push your wedding back so you can be there in April (after the Spring Break crowds) or delay your trip until Fall when the temps are cooler and the kids are back in school. You might also get in on the Food and Wine Festival then. For romantic dining I have heard wonderful things about the California Grill.
Originally Posted By MPierce I'd be more than happy to give you a run down on where I would stay, and where I would dine. However everyone here at Lp needs a figure on what you intend to spend. Most everything hinges on that.
Originally Posted By Hux Thanks everyone. I had a felling this would be a helpful group. @ FerretAfros We were actually kind of planning on having both a crowded and a laid back trip. We have a little under two weeks there (about 12 days or so), and we were planning on doing a lot of the theme park stuff first, and then relaxing for the last 4 or 5 days. It's those last 4 or 5 day that we need help with, to do things maybe a bit more off the beaten path. In terms of restaurants, I have my list which is as follows: The French Pavillion The Chinese Pavilion The British one (love fish and chips) The two 50's places at MGM The Brown Derby The African lodge Restaurant Artist Point The microbrewery at the Boardwalk (I love beer) Beyond that, we're open to suggestions. And like I said, we'd like to save money and be as economical as possible (we'll probably do one character breakfast just for the fun of it, but the rest are going to be cereal in the hotel room) @DineyMom Thanks for the suggestion. I've never been to the Canadian restaurant. We'll be sure to check it out. @Manfried and Autopia Deb Thank you very much for the recommendations, but unfortunately we've already kind of decided our hotel. She wanted to do the Caribbean Beach, b ut since I've stayed there twice, she decidced to do someplace neither of us had been. So we're staying at the Coronado Springs (probably should have mentioned that in my initial post). Is it nice? And I think we'll probably visit the Luau at the Polynesian. We both love Tiki stuff (we actually got engaged after a dinner at Trader Vic's) Unfortunately, we probably won't be moving our date. Early June works out best for getting everyone together (we live in California, but I'm originally from New Hampshire, and most of the family is in Massachusetts). Happily, though, we are Star Wars fans (more me than her), and don't really mind hot weather. The crowds will be a pain though, but we kind of expected it going in. It's funny you should mention California Grille (and I hope thi story doesn't offend you as, it's not meant to). We got the vacation planning dvd and as we were watching, they mentioned California Grille. We both looked and each other and laughed a little. We said to each other "that restaurant looks really, really good, but we already live in California and get that kind of food all the time." But that must be how people from New Orleans feel when they see the Port Orleans adds. @MPierce I'd love to hear your recommendations. Particularly for more off the beaten path kidn of stuff. Except for golf. Neither one of us golfs. @standor That's what we're afraid of. @all Sorry for the length of this post, but I wanted to get to everyone. Thhank you all very much for your help and congratulations. We're very excited about this (I'm trying not to read too much of the "I'll never forgive wdw for..." thread, although I'd add Dinoland to that list)
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb I've read mixed reviews of Coranado Springs, some love it and some don't. The food court charges an extra gratuity that other FCs don't. I myself would put it at the bottom of my WDW resort wish list. Ironically because as a Californian myself the Spanish Colonial look isn't what I seek on a vacation, I can see that any given day in my own down town area. You see California Grill is appealing to me not for its California cusine (which I hear is fabulous) but because of the view. I've eaten at both Nine Dragons in EPCOT and Yak & Yeti in AK and while they are both quite good, but if you're only going to eat Asian food once I give the nod to Y&Y.
Originally Posted By MPierce I highly recommend an evening at Victoria, and Albert's. It is rather expensive, but I guarantee it will be an enjoyable, and romatic dinner that the two of you will remember for a lifetime. Also you might entertain the thought of a Horse- Drawn-Carriage ride at Port Orleans Riverside. Also a cheese, and wine cruise to watch RoE at Epcot. These are all a little pricey, but you only have one Honeymoon. For free explore all of the walking paths around Seven Seas Lagoon, and Bay Lake. Vist the deluxe resorts to plan your future stays at WDW. The Wilderness Lodge, and Animal Kingdom Lodge or a must see. Plan an evening at the Animal Kingdom Lodge viewing the animals. Then retire to an evening of dining at either Boma or Jiko. Boma is an excellent buffet, with an excellent assortment of African wine, and beer. While Jiko is quite pricey, it has excellent food also.
Originally Posted By demderedoseguys Stay at Yacht Club w/ a water view. Dinner at California Grill. Stroll around the Boardwalk after dinner. My wife and I have spent the last 15 or so years celebrating our anniversary in this fashion.
Originally Posted By NoChesterHester Ya'll will have a wonderful time. I would recommend you book LeCellier at the max 180 days out or you won't get in. It isn't a large restaurant and its reputation makes it quite popular. Just note that most of the best restaurants are in the resorts, not the parks. Luckily, most are fairly easy to get to. For example, the Boardwalk and Yacht Club restaurants can be reached by walking from Epcot. The Monorail will get you to all of the MK resort restaurants if you happen to be touring the Magic Kingdom. My favorite restaurants in the world are as follows: #1: California Grill (Contemporary Resort)- there is something about this place. Others may have become more 'hip,' but to me nothing beats the fresh menu, creative sushi, amazing atmosphere, and view of Magic Kingdom fireworks. Nothing on the menu is even mediocre. #2: Boma (AK Lodge) - Best for an afternoon off to explore this fabulous resort and enjoy really unique excellent food. #3: Chefs de France (Epcot) - I love Paris. This place takes me back there every time. The food is always consistently wonderful. #4: Artist Point (Wilderness Lodge) - My favorite change of pace. Excellent setting and wild game that isn't 'gamey.' #5: Kona Cafe (Polynesian) - Tasty. Yum. Better food than O'hana's and great for a nice evening. Breakfast is also to DIE for. #6: Yachtsman's Steakhouse (Yacht Club) - I am a sucker for a good steak and on property this is as good as it gets. The lobster bisque might be the greatest soup I've ever tried. #7: Flying Fish Cafe (Boardwalk) - It has been quite a few years since I've been here and I've read that it has fallen off a bit. Try the New York Strip Sauce Foyot and the Peeky Toe Crab Cakes. None of these restaurants will save you money. These are all special places and can run the dollars out of your account in a hurry. For a good fun meal that is very Disney (and not as expensive as the others listed above) do: 1: 50's Prime Time Cafe (Hollywood Studios) - Come with attitude and a good sense of humor. 2: Sci-fi Drive-in (Hollywood Studios) - Great environment. Food sucks though. 3: Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge) - One of my favorite lunch spots if I'm planning a lite dinner. Excellent food, with a loud crazy atmosphere. Ask for ketchup and be ready for hilarity. 4: Chef Mickey's (Contemporary) - Classic Disney. If it doesn't put a smile on your face you are dead. Before kids we got a couples massage at the Grand Floridian Spa. Worth the money to feel so pampered. As a change up I love an evening at Kona Cafe (Poly), then drinks by the beach to watch the Electrical Water Pagent and the Magic Kingdom Fireworks. Awesome romantic evening. Lots of info, sorry to ramble. Really enjoy yourself.
Originally Posted By MillerFamily12 Congratulations! My husband and I went to WDW 10 years ago today actually for our Honeymoon! (We are going back in May to celebrate 10 years) One thing I can say that will save you some heartache is to make sure you have a digital camera that you can see is working when your taking pictures. 10 years ago we had a 35mm and it seemed to be working fine. Although it was not working at all and when we returned home found that we had no pictures from our honeymoon. SO take heed and make sure your capturing those memories!
Originally Posted By FerretAfros Oh no! That's terrible. At least it sounds like you have the incredible memories (and a funny story) from that trip, even if you don't have any photos. Another tip for photos, especially since you will be alone, is to ask the Photo Pass cast members to take your picture for you. They will take the one with the fancy camera, scan it on to your card, and then do it with your camera too. They're taking the same types of pictures all the time, so the ones on your camera will come out great, and are way cheaper than the official Photo Pass ones! : )
Originally Posted By Mr X ***Do you want your trip to be busy in the parks all the time, or a little more laid back?*** Um...it's a Honeymoon dude. Talk about a silly question!! For my money, I'd say go for the best resort and plan to spend LOTS of time there!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Lol X. Sorry I am late to this party. My wife and I honeymooned at WDW and here are some of the awesome things we got up to (that are suitable for posting on LP): Bought the bride and groom Mickey ears, and were given VIP treatment and had lovely exchanges with other guests. Dinner at the California Grill when the fireworks were on at the Magic Kingdom The luau at the Poly - lovely, and we danced the newlywed dance their too. Artist Point at the Wilderness Lodge Dining in Epcot World Showcase A game of mini golf at Fantasia Gardens Dancing and drinking at Boardwalk We watched our pennies as we went on a Caribbean cruise after spending 2 weeks at WDW, but if we were just doing WDW, then I think Dinner and Victoria and Alberts are a must. Also a couples massage at one of the spas. AKL wasn't built when we honeymooned, but I would recommend Jiko, Boma or Saana. Also the Hollywood Brown Derby or 50's Prime Time or Whispering Canyon can be fun. We also loved Mythos at Islands of Adventure (be sure to get off Disney property). We rented a convertable as it was our honeymoon too. And Kennedy Space Centre was a must for us (where you can by a star for your beloved).
Originally Posted By A Happy Haunt <<And Kennedy Space Centre was a must for us (where you can by a star for your beloved).>> That's sweet!!
