MY DISNEY VACATION PACK IS HERE! AH MA GAD! Time is truly flying by and in just 40 days time I'll be checking into Disney's Port Orleans Resort! I've booked a two night stay ahead of my program to settle into the time zone, top-up my Disney magic-o'meter and relax a little before throwing myself in the deep end with the first few days of training. |
I booked my stay through the Walt Disney Travel Company and this is actually my first time booking a stay through them. Most times I've visited the resort, I've been a cast member. When you're a cast member you book over the phone or through 'the Hub' online to save yourself some pennies directly with Walt Disney World resort.
My experience with The Walt Disney Travel Company hasn't been too bad, but two things have wound me up; The first was that I would need to pay a £50.00 charge to change any names on the reservation. This has been free whenever I've booked directly with the Walt Disney World resort. The second being that the booking reference with TWDTC is different to the Walt Disney World resort. This is a royal pain when you call Walt Disney World to try to add a request or make a change to your reservation as you have to then get transferred to TWDTC. In my experience the TWDTC cast members aren't as savvy as those at the Walt Disney World resort call centre (but that's just my experience). I may have just got a mixed bag but a number of times I've had to explain to the cast member that what I'm asking is perfectly possible as I've done it a thousand times over (e.g. requesting a room that's close to a certain area of the resort).
My experience with The Walt Disney Travel Company hasn't been too bad, but two things have wound me up; The first was that I would need to pay a £50.00 charge to change any names on the reservation. This has been free whenever I've booked directly with the Walt Disney World resort. The second being that the booking reference with TWDTC is different to the Walt Disney World resort. This is a royal pain when you call Walt Disney World to try to add a request or make a change to your reservation as you have to then get transferred to TWDTC. In my experience the TWDTC cast members aren't as savvy as those at the Walt Disney World resort call centre (but that's just my experience). I may have just got a mixed bag but a number of times I've had to explain to the cast member that what I'm asking is perfectly possible as I've done it a thousand times over (e.g. requesting a room that's close to a certain area of the resort).
My pack includes a handy guide of the Walt Disney World resort, a pocket sized map of Walt Disney World and some adorable luggage tags! I actually miss the days of receiving your booking confirmations in paper form rather than via email so it's nice to receive something like this through the post shortly before your vacation's about to begin.
There's a lot going on the U.S. that's unsettled me but I'm doing my best to focus on the positives in the short-term. I'm continuing to watch other peoples' WDW vlogs in an effort to remind myself of everything I'm so excited about getting to experience for a whole year.
Today I've been watching Krispy Smore's vlogs and they sure know how to get me excited about returning! The great thing about their trips is they tend to stay off property and visit Universal as much as they visit Disney. As much as I love Walt Disney World, there's a lot of space reserved for my love of Universal and some of the amazing restaurants outside of the Walt Disney World resort.
I've managed to save enough money to consider buying the premium Universal Annual Pass when I arrive. On my first program I actually considered paying the extra money for said premium pass but I didn't really have the money back then and I had no idea how often I'd be able to visit. Turns out I managed to visit a lot on my last program and this time I'm sure will be no different!
I spoke previously on how I love going to Universal on my own for a day of 'me time.' The great thing about the premium pass is that it includes complimentary express pass access after 4.00pm, early entry to the Wizarding World, discounts on merchandise/food, a free ticket to Horror Nights (and discounts on additional nights) and free Valet Parking! With everything considered in how I used my annual pass last time, these perks far outweigh the initial extra hundred or so dollars. I'm even thinking of getting a car (if I can afford it) further into my program... That free valet parking might become something special! I'm only thinking about the above right now as I'm a little impulsive when it comes to purchases. I'm going to think about this calmly and maturely with a costing spreadsheet. *buys premium annual pass 10 minutes later* (JK! ...Or am I JK?)
I make no secret of my love for American food. It may not be healthy but who cares when it tastes sooooooooo goooooood! Mozzarella sticks are my life and I don't care who knows it! I'm already thinking about what I'm going to eat during my first few days in Disney (ya know, to satisfy the cravings I've been having for the past 9 months)! Some items include the Katsu Curry from the Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavillion, Dole Whip, the mozzarella sticks at AMC theatres (obvi) and basically everything in Earl of Sandwich!
Jeez, I'm actually salivating (horrible word) at the very thought of the food. For that very reason I'm going to get back to my vlog watching. Ta ta for now!
Have a magical day!
Adam
40 Days to Go!
There's a lot going on the U.S. that's unsettled me but I'm doing my best to focus on the positives in the short-term. I'm continuing to watch other peoples' WDW vlogs in an effort to remind myself of everything I'm so excited about getting to experience for a whole year.
Today I've been watching Krispy Smore's vlogs and they sure know how to get me excited about returning! The great thing about their trips is they tend to stay off property and visit Universal as much as they visit Disney. As much as I love Walt Disney World, there's a lot of space reserved for my love of Universal and some of the amazing restaurants outside of the Walt Disney World resort.
I've managed to save enough money to consider buying the premium Universal Annual Pass when I arrive. On my first program I actually considered paying the extra money for said premium pass but I didn't really have the money back then and I had no idea how often I'd be able to visit. Turns out I managed to visit a lot on my last program and this time I'm sure will be no different!
I spoke previously on how I love going to Universal on my own for a day of 'me time.' The great thing about the premium pass is that it includes complimentary express pass access after 4.00pm, early entry to the Wizarding World, discounts on merchandise/food, a free ticket to Horror Nights (and discounts on additional nights) and free Valet Parking! With everything considered in how I used my annual pass last time, these perks far outweigh the initial extra hundred or so dollars. I'm even thinking of getting a car (if I can afford it) further into my program... That free valet parking might become something special! I'm only thinking about the above right now as I'm a little impulsive when it comes to purchases. I'm going to think about this calmly and maturely with a costing spreadsheet. *buys premium annual pass 10 minutes later* (JK! ...Or am I JK?)
I make no secret of my love for American food. It may not be healthy but who cares when it tastes sooooooooo goooooood! Mozzarella sticks are my life and I don't care who knows it! I'm already thinking about what I'm going to eat during my first few days in Disney (ya know, to satisfy the cravings I've been having for the past 9 months)! Some items include the Katsu Curry from the Katsura Grill in the Japan Pavillion, Dole Whip, the mozzarella sticks at AMC theatres (obvi) and basically everything in Earl of Sandwich!
Jeez, I'm actually salivating (horrible word) at the very thought of the food. For that very reason I'm going to get back to my vlog watching. Ta ta for now!
Have a magical day!
Adam
40 Days to Go!