July 2012 BLT

[bigeasy]

Good morning everyone! Just thought I would ask the pros for some tips on our summer trip.

Not new to DVC nor WDW. But this time we are going in the heat and humidity. Two adults, two princesses ages 9 & 6, and the nephew age 11, he has no idea! Oh, we will be there for a week.

I think we will be early birds for the parks and poolside later.

Please give me any advice, I have done a search but fresh info would be great.

Also, thinking of not doing the dining plan for the first time. Yes, that old argument of DDP.

Thanks folks and thank you in advance!!!!

Obsessive compulsive trip planner

[sharonuk]

We went for the first time during the summer heat (August 2011) and it was HOT!!
However, not as bad as I was expecting....... We hit the parks in the morning, returned to room to shower and cool down in the afternoon; then returned in the evening. The parks stay open till really late, so you can go when its cooler, and the crowds are less.

The advantages of DVC during the summer months means you can keep returning to your room to cool down as often as you need....

We also did the DDP, although was probably a bit too much food for the summer months - but its an individual choice...

Hope that helps a bit....

[worldfanatic]

I loved our recent December trip...........but the pools felt so much better on our previous July trip!!!!!!
You'll have a blast!!!!!

[denlo]

I agree with your plan for early at the parks and R&R in the afternoons. In fact if the family starts to get tired of getting up in the mornings then take a morning and afternoon off and hit the parks in the evening. While you're at BLT be sure to read the activity schedule in your check in packet. The kids might enjoy some of the activities at the community hall in the afternoons.

[Mkeef]

We've always gone to park at opening and planned around magic hours. By getting there first thing in the morning it's cooler and not as busy. At around 1ish we go back to the hotel/play in the pool/relax/etc. We miss the high heat and the crazy busy times and get some sleep. We return to the parks around dinner (refreshed) if we have a ressie then do some more riding/touring till we are ready to leave. At this point sun is down and most of the families have brought the exhausted kiddies home so not quite as busy.

[goindowntofla]

I def agree with the "skip the afternoon" idea. We found 1 to 5 was the worst time for heat. Of course, there is always a movie at Downtown Disney, etc.

I just wanted to suggest the water parks. Some lines can be a bit brutal in the heat, but the promise of a cool down is always nearby.

We haven't done DDP yet, so we know it can be done : )

[bigeasy]

Thanks everyone for the great info and tips! Sounds like a good game plan and the kiddos will be happy.

I did the math on where and what we would be eating and it comes out slightly ahead if we do the DDP. Actually, with the mugs included that increases the value for us. This most probably will be the last time for the plan since the kids will be hitting adult prices.

Thank you all and happy planning!

[denlo]

The DDP is a good deal when taking the kids to some of the more expensive character meet and greets. Not so great of a bargain when the adult price kicks in though.

Enjoy your trip. Oh BTW, if the pool at BLT is too crowded, don't forget you can swim next door at CR or you might just want to check it out.

[r2d2]

We stay at BLT in August every year...it is hot but with a few tricks you can manage. Buy some small fans that have the water mister at home so you don't have to buy the Disney one's for $17 each! You will definitely need them! We have found that the DDP is a good deal for us. We use the table service for lunch so we can go into an air conditioned restaurant in the middle of the heat to get refreshed. We have a family of 4 and sometimes only use 2 QS meals for dinner and split them. With all the water that we are drinking and the heat, we aren't usually that hungry. By staying at BLT, you can easily take a break from MK or Epcot with a quick ride on the monorail (also air conditioned) back to the resort. We don't kill ourselves to get there at the opening of any of the parks unless you NEED that special fast pass...that way, we can sleep in a little and stay up later when it's not at peak sun and a little cooler. We also buy water and power aide from garden grocer to save money. We fill 1/2 of an empty bottle with power aide, put it the freezer overnight and then add some water in the morning and bring them into the park. We have a neoprene case in our backpack so they stay frozen for a few hours. Enjoy BLT...we do!

[bigeasy]

This site is the gift that keeps on giving!

Thanks for all the great info! Counting down our trip.