I'm going to Disneyworld! [Archive] - Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum

shilala

01-11-2012, 02:24 PM

I usually buy park hopper tickets from someone I find in front of Unimart. It's way cheaper, they're flexible (they'll trust you to pay them later if you press the issue, and I do), and you can get access to just the parks you want without having to pay extra.
Shopping Downtown Disney is just about as much fun as the theme parks and it's free.
I've always wanted to see Cirque de Soleil while I was there, but still haven't done it.

We stayed in a condo in Davenport last time I went, it was far cheaper than staying at Disney and had four bedrooms, a full kitchen, orange grove out back, a game room, pool, you name it. It also had a great big jacuzzi the kids slopped around in for hours. They liked the condo more than Disney, literally.

If I could suggest a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can't say enough about, it's Discovery Cove. We all loved it. The kids swam with the dolphins, the food was exceptional, the facility was undercrowded and gorgeous, it's one of the nicest day trips I've ever been on and my kids still rave about it. We went about 8 years ago, I think.

I would absolutely love to take all my kids to Disney again, but there's no chance the two youngest will stop acting like idiots long enough to take them. They'd drive us mental. I'm hoping I can take all three in the next year or two. :tu

Sosa cigars is a major bummer, by the way. Don't get too excited. It's really not even worth your time, and that's sad.

Blak Smyth

01-11-2012, 02:29 PM

Sosa cigars is a major bummer, by the way. Don't get too excited. It's really not even worth your time, and that's sad.

Wow that is discouraging. I have never been there but was thinking that would sure make it more enjoyable. Is there a better place to smoke in Disney or is that it?

jluck

01-11-2012, 02:29 PM

Rent a car, leave the rats nest once to get hotel food,drink and souvenir's. That will save you more money than you can believe! When I was there it was 120.00 for a case of beer and 10.00 for a bowl of cereal.
We found 10 dollar all you can eat lobster dinner just outside the rats nest.

Taki

01-11-2012, 02:30 PM

Don't know brother but hope you have a Great trip!! :tu

jledou

01-11-2012, 03:31 PM

When you get in the parks turn left instead of right, use fast pass on the big rides, kids like the shows and they can sit down and rest during them, take snacks for the kids and bring a bottle of water along with flavor-mixing packets (our daughter drank more water when it was flavored), relax and have fun.

We took our oldest and only at the time when she was 4 and we all had a really good time. We are looking to go again in a couple years when my youngest daughter hits 4.

We stayed at one of the resorts which has downsides and upsides and we did the family meal plan which got us into a lot of the character dinners.

Go in knowing that you will be spending some money so plan ahead so it doesn't become a stress while you are there.

Hope all goes well!

68TriShield

01-11-2012, 03:37 PM

Lot's of differing opinions here as expected.

Patrick,I'm no expert but if you want to ring me up I'll share our experiences with you.
After all it is the happiest place on earth :)

colinb913

01-11-2012, 04:36 PM

Downtown Orlando. Place called corona cigar. Of you can get away for a few hours I highly recommend it.
Posted via Mobile Device

emopunker2004

01-11-2012, 04:38 PM

Downtown Orlando. Place called corona cigar. Of you can get away for a few hours I highly recommend it.
Posted via Mobile Device

Corona at Sand Lake is a good one too :tu

How many days will you be going down for?

Staying at a Disney hotel will be $$$. Hilton has a hotel on Disney property which is nice and cheaper than the Disney brand hotels. Fast passes rock.

Ogre

01-11-2012, 05:00 PM

Send a PM to Leigh (TheMadBaker) she knows all the Disney secrets. We will need to meet up when your here.

Remo

01-11-2012, 05:05 PM

We will need to meet up when your here.

Don't do it Patrick!!!!

emopunker2004

01-11-2012, 05:06 PM

Don't do it Patrick!!!!

:r:tf

forgop

01-11-2012, 05:06 PM

I'm a Disney guru. I'm a DVC member and had 4 trips the past 3 years.

Shows, restaurants, attractions...what do you want to know?

I highly recommend this though: http://www.touringplans.com
It's a good tool for planning your route through the parks in order to see the attractions first that encounter the longest waits otherwise and then seeing attractions later that won't have as long of a wait. It'll tell you what parks are the best on a particular day and which ones to avoid based upon typical crowds any given day of the year.

One of the best Disney message boards: http://www.disboards.com

One other thing-there are several applications out there, but if you're an iPhone user, get an application that has good reviews that will provide updated wait times for the attractions. It'll tell you whether it's worthwhile walking across the park to hit up something without finding an actual board posting it in a couple of places.

PM if you like. Send a PM to jitzy (great BOTL)-he just moved to the area last summer-retired from NY, former cop or corrections officer. Can't remember which of the two. He likes going to Corona at Sand Lake.

Digs

01-11-2012, 05:17 PM

We go every year for the past 10, we fly out a local airport 10 minutes away.

1. always stay in Disney resort this the best, we fly out of a local airport that has charter flights (Boscov's Dept Store). We check our bags at the airport then we dont see them again till they show up in our room at the resort! We leave PA always around 8am get into Orlando Airport by 10am. You go to the first floor of the airport which is nothing but Disney, give them your bus charter pass for your resort and they take you right there. Once your in the Disney resort you dont need a car they have a many busses that go to every park evry 10 minutes. Whats funny is all the newer resort are the same layout and rooms just differnt decor - the all-star movies/all-star sports & pop centruy are they way to go $$ Why pay more just for aztec or spanish theme (I have stayed in every resort except of Grand Flordian)

If I had to go to Disney and stay off property and drive park I would never go again + plus for all the guest stating in the resorts you get extra magic hours were you are allowed hours before or after common guest must leave. :tu

Was there last year over 4ht of July, Magic Kingdom reached capcity and they turn away the cheap o s that stay off property while letting in resort guest. Trust me its never cheaper that way

Digs

01-11-2012, 05:21 PM

http://www.orlandowelcomecenter.com/sosa-cigars.htm

http://www.cigaraficionado.com/Cigar/CA_Features/CA_Feature_Basic_Template/0,2344,2007,00.html

http://www.orlandowelcomecenter.com/images/sosa-cigars.jpg

I go there every year, right across the was is the Cuban Cafe in Downtown Disney .

neoflex

01-11-2012, 06:05 PM

We just brought our daughter there this past Halloween. She had an awesome time. If you will only be there for 4 to 5 days good luck escaping to Coronas. I wanted to meet up with some guys from the board while we were there but the days just ran long but we also got late starts as our daughter is only one so she still naps twice a day and we made sure to at least let her get a solid nap in, in the morning. There are two Sosa's in Downtown Disney. A real small one and the one pictured. To my surprise the larger one had a decent selection and a lot better pricing than what I would expect for a shop in Disney.
My only advice is try to plan your days in advance and go with a game plan. Keeps you from wasting time walking around in circles. Fast Passes as mentioned earlier are the way to go and with a little one especially if you want to try and save some money pack your lunches providing were you will be staying has a fridge. Food on the property is expensive and by just packing lunch you will save yourself at least $25-$30 a day. Fortunately we have family who owns a house in Celebration so we were fortunate enough to stay there so going food shopping for lunch foods and keeping it refrigerated was not an issue.
Have a great time!

CigarNut

01-11-2012, 06:23 PM

We have been to WDW many times and love it. Along with all the other advice, I would make sure you pick up a map of each park as you enter; that way you can find all the smoking areas where you can have a cigar :ss

Sosa's is overpriced but the selection isn't bad and they actually made some nice sticks themselves. FWIW, I believe that Sosa and AF share a factory... Mostly I bring my own sticks, but I still like to browse and find something new to try.

Sosa also has a little cigar bar in what used to be "Pleasure Island", it is also expensive and has a much more limited selection of cigars, but it's a nice place to visit while your family is shopping.

We usually stay at WDW resorts. This can be more expensive on the surface, but Disney provides all the transportation and being closer to the parks you save some time and money that way too. It's all a matter of perspective.

As Scott said, make sure to get a parkhopper pass -- it's the only way to get the most bang for your buck in terms of tickets.

Do a little planning. Some rides are harder to get on than others. When you first get to a park go get a fast pass for the busy rides (Soarin' in Epcot, Toy Story Midway Mania at the Studios, etc.). Then go on some of the other less busy rides while waiting for your fastpass time.

There are a lot of resources out there to help you -- Internet Forums, smartphone apps and books. Use them...

Oh, and have fun!

Jasonw560

01-11-2012, 06:43 PM

If you stay at a resort, hope you like riding buses. They'll take you everywhere you want to go. My two favorites were Animal Kingdom and The Boardwalk. Giraffes and Zebras and other animals in the Animal Kingdom resort. The ferry takes you to Epcot from Boardwalk. Awesome clown pool, too.

Fastpasses are a MUST. We never waited more than 10 minutes for a ride. (They may say they're for a particular time, but they'll take them after.)

Also, go with a meal plan. You will have more food on it than you will ever eat. When we left, we had something like 36 snack credits left.

There's a deluxe plan-you have a choice of 'sit down" dining at fancy restaurants. The one in Wilderness Lodge was good, but the best meal I had personally was the steak house in the Canada section of Epcot.

We were some of the first people at Typhoon Lagoon, and some of the lifeguards came up and started talking to us before the gates opened. Right before the opening, they declared my twin boys "Big Kahunas", (family of the day) and we got the primo roped-off spot in the park for all day. They got to go around and see all the attractions before it opened, and all the staff gave them the "Hang 10" sign all day. They loved it.

(When you're at Epcot, catch Off-Kilter. Scottish rock band. There's a Beatles cover band that is great, as well)

Mr.Maduro

01-11-2012, 09:03 PM

CigarGuy88

01-11-2012, 09:23 PM

Patrick how long do you plan on staying?

forgop

01-11-2012, 10:04 PM

Thanks for all the info so far. My daughter will just be a few months shy of 4 when we go, so we are only going to be hitting Magic Kingdom on this trip. So a park-hopper pass wouldn't be good...I guess?

Magic Kingdom really isn't that big of a park. You could cover the whole park with a LOT of extras built in and plenty of downtime in 2 full days. I'd recommend exploring Hollywood Studios as well for a kid that age. Toy Story Mania, Fantasmic, Playhouse Disney, and The Little Mermaid are great attractions for your daughter.

One other thing-go here for the list of closed attractions while you're there: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/rehab.htm

If you have a 4th day, hit up Animal Kingdom. It's the smallest, but the safari, Festival of the Lion King and Finding Nemo shows, parade, and Flights of Wonder, and other animal exhibits provide for another good day for entertainment at that age.

Epcot will have the least amount of stuff to enjoy for a child that age.

shilala

01-12-2012, 08:29 AM

If you're just spending one day, Magic Kingdom is the standard. My kids enjoyed Animal Kingdom even better, and all the rest they simply tolerated. They're not very theme-park oriented. They like amusement parks a lot more because they like to go fast. There's not a lot of rides at Disney, there are lots of experiences at Disney.
Just go slow and chase your daughter. She'll tell you what she wants to see. :tu

On the park hopper pass...
If you hit up the girl in front of Unimart or at the stands, etc., they'll sell you park hopper passes that just have a day of Magic Kingdom left on them. The passes are just like store debit cards. They load them with x amount of days at x amount of parks. As they get used up, they just show what's left. You shouldn't have any trouble getting Park Hopper passes for just Magic Kingdom. You may have to use them and drop them back to whoever you get them from because there will be other passes still on the cards, that's happened to me before. I just used what we used, stopped back, gave the girl the cards and paid her. I was really surprised how much trust they're willing to put out there, but it's nice. :tu

Boz

01-12-2012, 08:46 AM

Thanks for all the info so far. My daughter will just be a few months shy of 4 when we go, so we are only going to be hitting Magic Kingdom on this trip. So a park-hopper pass wouldn't be good...I guess?

So this trip is more about her. I didnt read every reply but here's what I suggest. Skip any fancy hotels or resorts and stay somewhere like Disney's All-Star resorts (save your money for souvenirs). They arent fancy but how long really will you be staying in the room? The benefit of staying in a Disney resort is that they will pick you in a bus and take you right to the gate. If you drive, you will be fighting traffic as well as paying to park. Then you have to take a trolley or walk who knows how far to get to the gate. Another benefit of staying in a Disney resort is your room key will double as your park ticket, your Fast Pass, and if you want can be tied to your bank account so all you need is your room key to buy food, souvenirs, etc (they will set it all up for you at the desk when you check in). No need to take anything else or wait in line to buy your tickets. My wife and I have been to Disney at least twice a year for the last 7 years and have continued the tradition even with young kids (2.5 and 9 months). I love Disney :lr

shilala

01-12-2012, 08:54 AM

It's been awhile since I went to Disney, but I used to park in one of the lots at downtown Disney then hop on the Disney bus to go to the parks. That way I didn't have to pay for parking and didn't have to walk five miles to stand in line.
When we were done, we'd hop back on the bus, it'd take us to our car, then we'd go to dinner off-campus. The rental car let us go to Daytona and Cocoa Beach, Discovery Cove, and to lots of awesome restaurants.
What we saved on food alone paid for the car.

Speaking of food, you can get pre-paid park food passes too, Patrick. They're a super good deal if you're not going to have a car and you'll be staying at Disney. If you don't pre-buy, the food prices are incredible. I can remember paying $60 for lunch for two and that was 16 years ago. Last time we went we ate off the reservation most times, just had snacks at the park. I shudder to think what it costs to eat there now.

ade06

01-12-2012, 09:02 AM

Patrick, thanks for starting this thread! Thanks everyone for all of this great info. I'm in the middle of planning a March Disney trip too! I found the following web site http://www.mousesavers.com/ and it has a bunch of great info and be sure sign up for their e-mail list for coupons. I'll be there from 3/8 -3/11 for a golf trip with the guys and then from 3/12 to 3/17 my family (almost 3 year old son, wife, mom, etc.) will join me to enjoy WDW. We're going to stay at a timeshare. Thanks

ade06

01-12-2012, 09:04 AM

Oh, I've also been looking at the local deals from www.livingsocial.com, www.groupon.com and www.travelzoo.com to find discounts on local activties and dinning options.

Boz

01-12-2012, 09:13 AM

It's been awhile since I went to Disney, but I used to park in one of the lots at downtown Disney then hop on the Disney bus to go to the parks. That way I didn't have to pay for parking and didn't have to walk five miles to stand in line.
When we were done, we'd hop back on the bus, it'd take us to our car, then we'd go to dinner off-campus. The rental car let us go to Daytona and Cocoa Beach, Discovery Cove, and to lots of awesome restaurants.
What we saved on food alone paid for the car.

Thats not a bad idea :tu

Speaking of food, you can get pre-paid park food passes too, Patrick. They're a super good deal if you're not going to have a car and you'll be staying at Disney. If you don't pre-buy, the food prices are incredible. I can remember paying $60 for lunch for two and that was 16 years ago. Last time we went we ate off the reservation most times, just had snacks at the park. I shudder to think what it costs to eat there now.

I dont know that I've paid more than $35 for lunch for two, ever. Thats inside Magic Kingdom.

shilala

01-12-2012, 09:32 AM

I dont know that I've paid more than $35 for lunch for two, ever. Thats inside Magic Kingdom.
I'm thinking the place we stopped at might have been at Epcot, I really can't remember. It was a little shack off a walkway over the water.
I had clams and she had a broiled slab of fish and we had a couple soft drinks. It was actually a nice little restaurant, not a family snack bar type place. It may have even been near Pleasure Island? I just can't remember much except the bill. :r
I know sofaman took his kids last year and they got the feed passes. He told me he watched the prices and had he not done it, they'd have blown their budget on food alone because everything is still so pricey.
I'm sure it's all in what you eat, but they were just on a kid vacation.

ApexAZ

01-12-2012, 09:38 AM

I haven't been in like 5 or 6 years, so I'm not sure if this is still valid, but if it is...fast pass...Fast Pass...FAST PASS. Utilize them and enjoy more rides.

Have a great trip!

Black Coral

01-12-2012, 02:41 PM

You better tell Snkbyt and Myself with Ogre so we can all meet up.

Give me a pm when you know when coming.

john

SteelCityBoy

01-12-2012, 02:51 PM

No matter what just get to EPCOT! Only park that serves beer and wine! (Back in all the countries that is).

Absolutely love EPCOT!!!!

forgop

01-12-2012, 02:53 PM

No matter what just get to EPCOT! Only park that serves beer and wine! (Back in all the countries that is).

Absolutely love EPCOT!!!!

I love Epcot, but it's the least interesting of all the parks to a child not even 4 years old yet.

Jasonw560

01-12-2012, 07:44 PM

If you do Animal Kingdom, I think she'd like the Lion King show and A Bug's Life. Those were my favorites at that park.
I second Hollywood Studios, also.
If she can stay awake, stay for the fireworks at Magic Kingdom.

Coach Deg

01-12-2012, 08:34 PM

My 2 cents. Do a park hopper. Do fast passes when you can. Parks are least busy from 4-6(people go back to hotel for dinner but come back for night parade- disney, fantasma-Hollywood studios, fireworks- Epcot and Disney.

If you want really cheap tickets do a time share tour.

As people have said:

Bring snacks and water
Get a room with fridge n stove
Disney resorts cost more, but you save on parking and transportation. If you stay off site make sure they offer free transportation.

My favorite to bring wife restaurant is Flying Fish, and people always have kids look it up.
my 2cents.

Also, walked through Sosa's, don't waste the time. If you have the time Corona.

Personally, spend every second with your daughter and when she goes to sleep have a stick on the balcony as you relive the look on her face in your mind!!! It's priceless and I will never forget taking my daughter! Corona and the cigars will always be there.

Wanger

01-13-2012, 07:23 AM

Corona at Sand Lake is a good one too :tu

:tpd:

Every time we go down there, it's a must stop for me...like a supermarket of cigars. Essentially everything you could want, and the prices are MUCH cheaper than what I pay here in MN. And, honestly, I like their house blend (Nicaraguan), too.

Sosa is "meh" to me, honestly, but Erin has picked me up a few nice fresh rolleds when she went to visit her family without me.

As for Disney, well, you're going to pay through the nose for food on property, too. Haven't read all the posts in the thread, so I don't know it that's been said. Try to find some places to go eat offsite, too. I'm sure some of the locals could give you some suggestions of good places. If you want to have some booze, I'd also suggest hitting up a Total Wine there, and having it in your room. :)

Park hopper passes would definitely be a suggestion, too. I can't specifically spend an entire day at one park alone. There's things at each one I like to go see and do.

Have a blast!

floydpink

01-13-2012, 07:39 AM

I've been working in Orlando tourism for 20 years and am based out of a concierge desk a couple miles from Disney.

That, with my 200 plus visits to the parks, puts me in an ok position to say I've seen a lot of Disney.

Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.

In my opinion, any cigar places on Disney property are overpriced and not nearly as good as Corona.

Mr.Maduro

02-25-2012, 05:36 PM

8 days away... the little one is getting super-excited. I am looking forward to the vacation (and herf) also...

icehog3

02-25-2012, 05:42 PM

Mickey's image may change after meeting Patrick.....

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/cigarmouse.jpg

Jasonw560

02-25-2012, 08:08 PM

My wife checked...fast passes must now be used at the times for which you got them. No more any time.

Anyone been to Fuego at Downwn Disney?

Mr.Maduro

02-26-2012, 05:54 PM

Mickey's image may change after meeting Patrick.....

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa73/icehog3/cigarmouse.jpg

Mickey can definitely have a cigar from me... One from the dark side!:fl

Neuromancer

02-27-2012, 10:07 AM

My wife and I are taking our daughter Alsna on her very first tip to Disneyworld in early March....

I was just there...you have my sympathy...:r

ucubed

02-27-2012, 12:43 PM

Animal Kingdom by far is my favorite of the Disney parks, it's always different because you can't force the animals to wake up from their naps or stop roaming... Last time our safari was stopped because a group of animals were slowly crossing the road.

Magic Kingdom is definitely a place for little ones. I say those two are musts to bring your daughter to. Sadly the Fantasyland expansion, which includes Beast's Castle (Beauty and the Beast) won't be open until late this year. They do have the fireworks which is nice and plenty of photo opportunities with Disney Princesses, you just need to check their schedule on the maps.

Epcot is more museum like to me, but it's has one of the iconic images of Disney. MGM is enjoyable, but for older kids because there are many kiddie coasters. Disney water parks are quite fun, but I'm not sure how old your daughter is, so it's not a must see. I've actually never been to the Cirque de Soleil show, however I really want to. Fast passes are a must of heavy traffic rides, unless you arrive early and head straight for them. It'll be in the high 70's and low 80's so light clothing, a hat, and sunblock! They'll check bags and strollers, but I do suggest bringing snacks and water as well. Park hoppers are useful if you are quick through the park, but if you plan on staying at one park for that one day then it's not necessary. I've actually never bought tickets at those kiosks and sketch stands that you'll see so I wouldn't know about that, just make sure what the ticket you are purchasing entails.

I'm not sure how much time you have either, but I would suggest checking out SeaWorld because of all the water animal shows they do which are fantastic for any age.

If you have any time to yourself any cigar property on Disney property is not worth it. Corona Cigars on Sand Lake is about 15 minutes from Disney Resorts.