Hi!

[KimberlyJ]

Hi Everyone,

I thought I'd introduce myself before I run off and post a billion questions, lol!
I'm Kim, I am a SAHM to Hannah (8) and Megan (1). We are going to Disney World!

My husband went there like 15 years ago and hasn't been back though he's wanted to go, and my girls and I have never been.

We were planning a big trip there with family for next year, and will still be doing that, but my husband came home the other night and was like, hey, let's go to Disney World next month. I thought he was joking but he was completely serious! So...what do I do now, lol?

I thought for sure there'd be no way we could plan a vacation on such short notice (18 days!) but I called there today and the lady I spoke with was really nice and said that it will be no problem.

Well, I'm off to read this sea of information you all have here! Any advice anyone has to offer would be truly appreciated, I am completely lost! All I know is that we will probably stay at one of the moderate resorts, and that we're not too worried about food reservations since we will probably bring our own snacks and eat quick-service.

[Big_Disney_Fan]

Wow, you need to tell us how it goes.. First off make any advanced dining reservations right now if you plan to do a sit down meal (not fast food).
Check out the threads on dining they will help alot.

[KimberlyJ]

My DH doesn't want to make any reservations. He doesn't want to eat table service at all. We might go out the first day we arrive, but probably in Orlando where his brother lives. I wonder if I should see if I could make a few just in case? Do they get pissed if you cancel them?

[mdinme]

No they prefer it over just blowing them off. You might look into renting points from a dvc on the rent board but it might be tough on short notice. It may be cheaper than staying in a mod booking via disney rez.

[KimberlyJ]

I have no idea what you just said, lol, but I will go look for the rent board.

[magicaldisney]

Renting from a DVC member will be difficult at this late date but not impossible. Quite honestly, it will probably be less expensive to stay at a moderate. DVC usually pays off if you are planning at staying at a deluxe resort. Check it out though, you never know what you will find. Just keep in mind, the reservation belongs to the owner until you check in.

[Metro West]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/10.gif

[Big_Disney_Fan]

My DH doesn't want to make any reservations. He doesn't want to eat table service at all. We might go out the first day we arrive, but probably in Orlando where his brother lives. I wonder if I should see if I could make a few just in case? Do they get pissed if you cancel them?


If you are going to go without reservations, the following may not be too busy
Crockets Tavern (Ft Wilderness boat from Magic Kingdom)
Mama Melrose (Back Lot of Hollywood Studios)
If you eat before or after the lunch rush you might have less of a wait good luck. And above all else have fun

[KimberlyJ]

I checked out the rental board, it was pricier than a mod resort. I just booked! We're going to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter. I think my daughter will like the pool, and I think I will like not walking so much around the resort after a full day of walking at the park!

Oh, and we're not telling the kids! The baby won't know any diff, but the 8 year old is going to LOVE this surprise!

I'm so excited!

*Thanks for the advice, people!

[Disneydonnam]

Have a great vacation.

[PrincessBetsy]

Welcome to the DIS!! :goodvibes POFQ is a very nice resort - very relaxing and slow paced. I have never actually stayed there, but I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and I walked over to French Quarter to check it out. I think your daughter will absolutely love the pool! Were you able to use one of the discounts when you booked your reservation? Also, how many days are planning on staying for?

Some Tips:
1. Make sure you utilize fastpass and photopass.
2. You may want to think about bringing your own stroller.
3. You can order cups of water at any counter service for free - don't pay for bottled water.
4. If you aren't on the dining plan, sharing meals will save you quite a bit of money and adults can order kids meals.
5. Most importantly understand that you will not be able to do and see everything! Don't get frustrated if everything doesn't go according to plan. Just go with the flow and enjoy spending time with your family.

Good luck planning and have a magical vacation!! :wizard:

[mdinme]

Congrats. Kids will love it and so will you. Let the addiction begin.

[jimmalru80]

Hello and welcome to the DIS!! :woohoo:

[KimberlyJ]

Welcome to the DIS!! :goodvibes POFQ is a very nice resort - very relaxing and slow paced. I have never actually stayed there, but I have stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and I walked over to French Quarter to check it out. I think your daughter will absolutely love the pool! Were you able to use one of the discounts when you booked your reservation? Also, how many days are planning on staying for?

Some Tips:
1. Make sure you utilize fastpass and photopass.
2. You may want to think about bringing your own stroller.
3. You can order cups of water at any counter service for free - don't pay for bottled water.
4. If you aren't on the dining plan, sharing meals will save you quite a bit of money and adults can order kids meals.
5. Most importantly understand that you will not be able to do and see everything! Don't get frustrated if everything doesn't go according to plan. Just go with the flow and enjoy spending time with your family.

Good luck planning and have a magical vacation!! :wizard:

Yes, we used the 20% off resort discount, which was very nice, since we are staying 5 nights it was basically one night free. We're flying in on Saturday the 15th, will arrive about 10am. We're leaving Thursday morning. So we got 5 days of park passes.

Thanks for the tips!

[PrincessBetsy]

Yes, we used the 20% off resort discount, which was very nice, since we are staying 5 nights it was basically one night free. We're flying in on Saturday the 15th, will arrive about 10am. We're leaving Thursday morning. So we got 5 days of park passes.

Thanks for the tips!


Your welcome! I see you will be arriving tomorrow. That's so exciting!! Have a wonderful time!! :thumbsup2

[Happiest mommy]

:welcome::welcome:

[PrincessINTraining]

I just got back from Disney World on a school related venture and something that I thought I would never do but really enjoyed was a tour. There are so many amazing things about Disney that one would never know about adn the tour was phenomenal. Look into it!