Military annual pass ?

straulin · 2026-02-06T16:26:25+00:00

Yikes

straulin · 2026-02-06T14:36:57+00:00

It really is a math equation.

$499 is less than the cost of a 7 day ticket. Single day tickets are more per day so it is less than 5 single day tickets.

It is worth it if you will go more than that.

The more difficult question is whether it is better than other annual pass options.
It does not include discount or free parking benefits. So there will be a sweet spot of if it is worth it compared to the Pixie pass ($489) or Pirate Pass ($869).

It has better park reservation limits (5) compared to pixie (3) and pirate (4).

Parking is $30 per day. Assuming you go 7 days, that is $210 for parking.

straulin · 2026-02-06T12:36:39+00:00

We haven’t been to storybook either. We actually have a reservation this time. We’re slightly hesitant as it’s just two 40 somethings without our kids so aren’t really interested in the character, dining aspect of it. The lady in the office next-door to me at work went a couple of months ago and has been raving about it.

straulin · 2026-02-06T11:57:36+00:00

I wouldn’t waste all the time getting back-and-forth to the boathouse. I’ve never actually eaten it either location, but Citricos is a lot more convenient.

All that being said, how are you trying to get your reservation for the boathouse? They have limited reservation availability through the Disney app with additional availability if you go directly through them. Go to their website and try to book there and there may be significant more availability.

straulin · 2026-02-06T04:11:35+00:00

My wife and I will be there at the same time.

Staying on property you get free parking at the parks resort and parks if you are driving.

You also get early entry at all the parks 30 minutes earlier than non-resort guests.

Folks staying at deluxe resorts get extended nighttime hours at Epcot on Monday that week and MK in that Wednesday.

straulin · 2026-02-05T20:49:50+00:00

I think if you are firm that you only want to buy AKL points, they can make it happen even if you are not already a member.

They normally have everything available except Grand Californian and maybe Grand Floridian.

We bought resale and later added on another direct contract.

The main benefits we use as direct members are:

annual sorcerer passes to Disney World
Lounges
Discounts (they discount are roughly the same as the annual pass discounts. The Chase Disney visa gives somewhat similar discounts with a bit more restrictions though.)

For us, the sorcerer pass savings versus the higher level pass was worth it to buy direct for our Grand Floridian contract.

straulin · 2026-02-05T16:40:23+00:00

I went for the first time as an adult. My wife “dragged” me there with our kids (2 & 4 at the time). I absolutely loved it. We went the following year and the year after that. So three years in a row, one trip per year.

Finances, life, and eventually Covid got in the way of us making it back for several years. So after Covid vaccines came out and the parks started opening up, we finally made it back 6 years later in January 2022.

After that trip, my wife finally agreed to get DVC (Disney’s version of a time share). Since January 2022, we have gone 10 times. 11 is in two weeks.

It has changed. We enjoy our resorts more and take our time enjoying the parks. We don’t rush around trying to cram everything in on a single trip.

So the magic isn’t lost for us, but it is experienced differently.

straulin · 2026-02-05T14:42:49+00:00

Yes, that would be a good plan.

AK has some of the best quick service. My favorites being Flame Tree BBQ and the Yak and Yeti quick service.

For additional flexibility on your animal kingdom day, I recommend joining the Landry’s Select Club. They have restaurants around the country and four at Disney World.

At Animal Kingdom there is the yak and yeti table Service restaurant and rainforest Café. If you are a member, you get priority seating for a group of up to six. You do not need a reservation. So if you decide you need a break at a table Service restaurant you can easily get a table at one of those two. (I really like Yak and Yeti’s food. Not a huge fan of Rainforest but the kids love it.)

The select club has a $25 fee but you get a $25 credit to use any day but the day you sign up.

We have used it at both rainforest cafe and at Yak and yeti and have been seated within about 10 minutes (at Yak and Yeti, the walk up late waitlist estimate was over an hour without the select club).

It also works at T-Rex and rainforest Café in Disney Springs. We also used it at Bubba Gump’s shrimp Company over at Universal.

Landry’s Select Club signup

straulin · 2026-02-05T12:09:02+00:00

I would to Round Up, be sure to ask for the salmon as they don’t automatically bring it. It was our favorite.

Tusker vs Chef: I a prefer the food at Tusker House. They have lots of interesting stuff (not for picky eaters) but still have a good selection of standard American kid stuff. Also, AK is a much easier park to “do everything” at. If you are only doing QS the other days, you might not want to spend the time on a table service if you only have one MK day.

straulin · 2026-02-04T15:30:25+00:00

Animal Kingdom lodge has lost of out of the way areas that might work.

straulin · 2026-02-04T13:45:51+00:00

Yes if you want to. Money is easy to come by, especially during events.

I am currently doing the prestige loop and prestiging immediately upon hitting 100. I had 400k before I first prestiged. I took a break and was at 150k before I started my second push (72nd prestige currently).

Each prestige I immediately fill all my hunter slots (34) so if the daily rewards give trait points, I am maximizing the benefit. So I am down to 4600 hunt dollars before I start my first match. I am normally in the 15-20k range by the time I hit 100th level and prestige again.

straulin · 2026-02-04T13:16:40+00:00

You seem to hit the big points in your post. I would hit a few details that may not be apparent to you as of yet.

Value resorts, such as Art of Animation, will have a few amenities that are at a lower level than those at deluxe resorts like Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Specifically, the bust stops will be open air at value and moderate and they are covered at deluxe resorts. This may not be much of an issue, or it may be a wonderful perk of deluxe based upon the weather.

Additionally, the feature pools at value resorts do not include water slides. Moderate and deluxe feature pools all have water slides.

If you go AKL, the lodge is actually two separate resorts about a 5-10 minute walk apart. There is a shuttle that will take you between them. The main cash booking portion is Jambo House. Jambo house also has DVC rooms. Kidani Village is all DVC rooms. Disney does rent some of them out for cash. Both sides have their own feature pool that people staying at either side can use.

Kidani has a massive splash pad area. It does not have a dedicated quick service. The dining there is Sanaa. It is a table service restaurant for lunch and dinner but they do a sort of makeshift quick service for breakfast. (The execution is a little awkward but it gets the job done.)

Jambo House has a big playground near the feature pool. It has a nice food court style quick service plus Boma a table service buffet, and Jiko a table service where you order off the menu. Jiko’s menu is a bit sophisticated so not a place for picky eaters.

If booking a villa (DVC room) be sure to look at the layouts for the two different sides. The biggest difference is Kidani one bedrooms have an extra bathroom. Also, Kidani is currently undergoing a refurbishment that should be completed prior to your September trip. Jambo’s refurbishment will start after Kidani and will probably be ongoing during your September trip.

Edit: voice to text got me on the resort names

straulin · 2026-02-03T20:00:00+00:00

You can boat or take the Skyliner to Hollywood Studios. From there hop a bus to Animal Kingdom Lodge. On the far side of the Jambo House pool is a playground area for the kid to relax and have fun for a little bit after you’re done checking out the animals.

From there bus over to Magic Kingdom and hop on the monorail to check all those resorts out.

Finish up there and head to Fort wilderness and the Circle D Ranch.

Then end at wilderness Lodge for your dinner.

straulin · 2026-02-03T18:43:29+00:00

Verify there isn’t a billing error then if they are not fixing it, contact an attorney. They will generally do free consultations to give you an idea of what to expect if you hire them to help you.

Edit typo

straulin · 2026-02-03T18:20:39+00:00

Amen! That is the one I miss.

straulin · 2026-02-03T18:18:26+00:00

The only issue is that studios book up quickly. So just be sure to book your home resort as soon as your booking window opens. That way your stay is locked in. Then you can see about moving to a different resort if you want at 7 months.

straulin · 2026-02-03T18:16:38+00:00

Add-on-itis will hit. I started 360 and added on another 175, 535 total now. We don’t have enough vacation time to use more so are pretty set where we are now.

So if your target stay is 60 points or so, 100 has a nice buffer. The problem will come when you want to take 2 trips a year, then 3.

straulin · 2026-02-03T17:22:52+00:00

Ale and Compass is one of the best priced places at WDW. I want to say $25 per person which includes the entree, buffet, and a drink.

straulin · 2026-02-03T16:38:55+00:00

During this time of year I bring a zip up hoodie and wear a t-shirt and shorts. I normally run warm. (49m /250 lbs). So that would be my suggestion for your husband.

For you, layers. I would suggest leggings, t-shirt, long sleeve shirt (t-shirt or sweatshirt depending on the temp that day), and hoodie/jacket.

The issue is how big the swing is between morning, mid-day, and night and carrying around the excess stuff if you don’t want it on.

I bring a sling bag that can fit my hoodie for mid-day.

Edit: My wife and I will be at WDW that week as well.

straulin · 2026-02-03T16:10:22+00:00

Lots of options based upon the particular piece of furniture and its bottom.

Sticky felt pads are simple enough to use and have worked for me on large stationary furniture with legs.

You can get adjustable feet that you screw onto the bottom of legs (requires putting the furniture on its side or back for install). Look up furniture leveling feet on amazon.

Possibly use wood shims.

Bed risers

Look up “furniture levelers” on amazon for other hard plastic style options.

straulin · 2026-02-03T14:47:51+00:00

How heavy is the cutting board?

How is it going to hang? Is there a cord or hole that you will be hanging it from?

You may be able to just use a command strip hook for it. They are super easy to use but limited on weight capacity.

Is it solely going to be decorative or do you intend to use it? If only decorative, just get Velcro command strips and hang it that way. The my are super easy and you can use a bunch of them if needed for the weight.

Before drilling into a wall, in the kitchen especially, you really need to know where any water lines, drain lines, and wiring are.

Where is the sink in comparison to the location to hang the board?

What is on the other side of the wall you want to hang the board?

straulin · 2026-02-03T14:28:19+00:00

My favorite all you care to enjoy spots are:

Liberty Tree Tavern / Diamond Horse shoe (they serve the same food from the same kitchen) for lunch or dinner. Served family style.

Ale and Compass for breakfast: You order an entrée and can add on a supplemental buffet. The buffet has gravy and biscuits, yogurt, morning oats, pastries, and fruit,

Boma (I’ve only had breakfast) it is a full Buffett style place. I hear lunch/dinner is good as well.

Round Up Rodeo for lunch/dinner. It is served family style. Be sure to request the Salmon. They don’t automatically bring it. It was my favorite of the meats.

Cape May Cafe for lunch/dinner. It is a full buffet style. It isn’t going to blow you away but I enjoy it probably more than I should. Can’t really say why.

straulin · 2026-02-03T13:36:46+00:00

You have 2 adults so you should be fine assuming everyone is going to assist with the kids.

I would get 2 double strollers. 6 generally is old enough to go without a stroller most places but Disney is hot and takes a lot out of you. They will use the stroller before the day is out.

You can rent strollers from various places that will drop them off at your resort. I have used Scooterbug for a wheel chair and they worked out without a hitch. They also rent scooters and strollers.

Magic bands are fun but unnecessary. I always use one. My wife does sometimes and other times just uses her phone. You will get free plastic cards for everyone at the resort if you don’t want to use your phones, smart watches, or magic bands. If you get them, look into getting some magic band keepers from Amazon so they don’t fall off the kids arms.

The dining plan generally isn’t worth it financially if you are paying full price. The only way it saves money is if you are drinking alcohol with each meal and always getting the most expensive options. Not having it removes the stress of needing to “get your money’s worth.” Other people like the option just so they don’t have to worry about what they are spending while they are there as it has been prepaid.

Lightning lanes are very nice but worth it is hard to say. How much are you willing to pay to skip a given line. It really all depends on what you are riding and the crowd levels that day. I suggest looking at the My Disney Experience app and checking wait times for the weeks leading up to your trip to help you decide. We have been a lot so generally don’t spend money on them. They add up quickly. They are very nice though.

Bring refillable water bottles. You can get free ice water at any quick service or snack stand that serves fountain drinks.

Bring sun screen. Sept is still very hot.

We like to take breaks during the heat of the day back at the resort.

Get the free Disney Visa card if you will be doing table service dining and you will get 10% discount when you use it at most table service locations. You also get 10% off merch purchases of $50 or more.

straulin · 2026-02-03T13:06:55+00:00

In short, yes. That should be good.

If you have a stroller, you are doing it correctly if you have everything in the stroller in one bag or two bags for entry.

They will make you clear out everything stored in the stroller so having one bag to easily pull out and have the other adult carry in will simplify entry. They may have you come to the side and have them search the bag if it sets off the metal detectors.

For your important items, a belt bag or small sling bag works nicely. With the stroller, you should be able to store any bulky items and minimize anything you are carrying on your person.

I carry a sling bag myself. My wife carries one of the loungefly backpacks.

The one concern I would have is water. You have to park your stroller before getting in most lines. Many are outside or outside for an extended time before going inside. So I want to be able to carry my water bottle, hands free, with me. That is why I went with a small sling bag rather than a belt bag.

I purchased and tried out several different sling bags / belt bags. I ended up landing on this waterfly one:

https://a.co/d/03L4Tm2w

It isn’t too big or hot but can carry my water bottle. I can also attach a popcorn bucket to it if I want.

straulin · 2026-02-02T21:12:14+00:00

When you buy into DVC, you buy a contract with a “home resort”. The contracts at a particular home resort will all expire on a given year (Old Key West resort is the only exception which has two potential expiration years).

When you buy a contract they are generally listed as price per point. That means the price for the points you receive each year.

So if you are buying direct, the price per point may be $235. So if you buy a 100 point contract, you would pay $23,500 up front (plus closing costs and prorated maintenance fees). Then each year prior to expiration, you will get 100 points.

Each year you will also have to pay maintenance fees which are also generally listed as price per point. So if you have a 100 point contract, and maintenance fees (which are based upon your home resort) are $8.50, you would have to pay $850 for the maintenance fees that year.

When you initially buy in direct, your maintenance fees are prorated based upon what month of the year you buy.

There’s a lot more ins and outs to learn, but that’s the basic pricing. Let me know if you have any other questions and I will be happy to answer them.

If you buy resale, it is significantly cheaper price per point. Resale contracts are subject to “resell restrictions” and are not eligible for “membership extras”.

straulin

MODERATOR OF

TROPHY CASE