First disney trip

[slucas3]

Can someone tell me what are some key parks to go see for i have 3 children ages 13,11, and 7. This is there first trip to disney and i don't know what package to get and if i should add dining option or if thats just a money maker. I was told its cheaper to get a villa . What r ur thoughts? First

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Originally Posted by slucas3

Can someone tell me what are some key parks to go see for i have 3 children ages 13,11, and 7. This is there first trip to disney and i don't know what package to get and if i should add dining option or if thats just a money maker. I was told its cheaper to get a villa . What r ur thoughts? First

Is there 4 or 5 of you for this vacation? How much do you want to spend on a room ? Also what time of year ? (this is for the swimming option) IMO Dining plan doesn't work well unless you eat A LOT !

[MrShiny]

Well, you have a lot of research ahead of you! These are not easy questions and depend a lot on your preferences. The 7 year old will definitely want to do Magic Kingdom, so mae that a priority. New Fantasyland is opening. The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game might appeal to your older kids too.

Hollywood Studios has the most thrilling rides of WDW with Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, and also the great newly revamped Star Tours, great for thrill seekers or any Star Wars fan.

Animal lovers will of course love Animal Kingdom (we usually end up spending a day there - but if you are not the type that could spend all day at a zoo, a half day might be enough to do all the "non-zoo" things - also has a great coaster, Expedition Everest.

Epcot is one of our kid's favorites (now 14 and 18), but some find it less exciting for kids. It too though has the just about to be reopened Test Track and Mission Space for thrills. Also, Soarin' is one of the best rides at all the parks.

If you kids like Harry Potter, at least an afternoon/evening to Universal's Island's of Adventure is worth it.

When we do a long trip, we try for at least 2 days at MK and Epcot, and .5-1 day at AK, DHS and IoA.

The dining plan depends on how much you eat. If you like sit down meals, it does save money, but of course you need to manage it to make sure you aren't going over and that you are charged correctly (a frequent problem). We usually end up with a fridge full of desserts from counter service lunch back at the room.

At pretty much every time of year, the sit down restuarants get crowded, so best to make at least one reservation ("ADR") per day if you want a sit down meal. Character meals (especially Princess ones) and new restaurants (like Be Our Guest) can fill quickly, so booking at 180 days out is not at all extreme (that's the earliest you can book).

Villas are a good deal - especially if you rent points from a DVC member. Also, Art of Animation has family suites that give you a little more room at a great price.

[Deb & Bill]

Originally Posted by slucas3

Can someone tell me what are some key parks to go see for i have 3 children ages 13,11, and 7. This is there first trip to disney and i don't know what package to get and if i should add dining option or if thats just a money maker. I was told its cheaper to get a villa . What r ur thoughts? First

I would never rent a DVC reservation from a member for my first trip. Just like I would never get the dining plan on my very first trip. I think you need to experience WDW before you start getting outside the comfort zone.

Most first timers do not understand the need to book any table service restaurants ahead of time. And if you get the dining plan and don't understand the need to book ahead of time, you show up and can't use your dining credits.

Read the books, hit the websites find out as much as possible ahead of time and plan that you will probably go again in the future to do the other things.

[JeanfromBNA]

I recommend that you pick up The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, 2013, and read relevant sections before you buy anything, and certainly before you go.

[Jousey]

Originally Posted by JeanfromBNA

I recommend that you pick up The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, 2013, and read relevant sections before you buy anything, and certainly before you go.

Great Idea, maybe the hidden Mickey book as well it will give you some seek and find fun to do.

Originally Posted by Deb & Bill

Just like I would never get the dining plan on my very first trip. I think you need to experience WDW before you start getting outside the comfort zone.

Most first timers do not understand the need to book any table service restaurants ahead of time. And if you get the dining plan and don't understand the need to book ahead of time, you show up and can't use your dining credits.

Read the books, hit the websites find out as much as possible ahead of time and plan that you will probably go again in the future to do the other things.

I agree with the above, if you are new to Disney it can be a challedge to get understand the DDP and the complexities of the parks. YOu want to enjoy the visit not be running around stressed about where you can and can not eat on the DDP.

Originally Posted by MrShiny

Well, you have a lot of research ahead of you! These are not easy questions and depend a lot on your preferences. The 7 year old will definitely want to do Magic Kingdom, so mae that a priority. New Fantasyland is opening. The Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game might appeal to your older kids too.

Hollywood Studios has the most thrilling rides of WDW with Rock 'n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, and also the great newly revamped Star Tours, great for thrill seekers or any Star Wars fan.

Animal lovers will of course love Animal Kingdom (we usually end up spending a day there - but if you are not the type that could spend all day at a zoo, a half day might be enough to do all the "non-zoo" things - also has a great coaster, Expedition Everest.

Epcot is one of our kid's favorites (now 14 and 18), but some find it less exciting for kids. It too though has the just about to be reopened Test Track and Mission Space for thrills. Also, Soarin' is one of the best rides at all the parks.

If you kids like Harry Potter, at least an afternoon/evening to Universal's Island's of Adventure is worth it.

When we do a long trip, we try for at least 2 days at MK and Epcot, and .5-1 day at AK, DHS and IoA.

The dining plan depends on how much you eat. If you like sit down meals, it does save money, but of course you need to manage it to make sure you aren't going over and that you are charged correctly (a frequent problem). We usually end up with a fridge full of desserts from counter service lunch back at the room.

At pretty much every time of year, the sit down restuarants get crowded, so best to make at least one reservation ("ADR") per day if you want a sit down meal. Character meals (especially Princess ones) and new restaurants (like Be Our Guest) can fill quickly, so booking at 180 days out is not at all extreme (that's the earliest you can book).

Villas are a good deal - especially if you rent points from a DVC member. Also, Art of Animation has family suites that give you a little more room at a great price.

Some very good insite here and a good overview of the parks. i would agree MK is a must and a day or two at Epcot with atleast a Day at DHS is a good plan. AK, we do in a few hours maybe a half day.

I sujest you maybe talk to a Disney Travel Agent as well or if you have AAA talk to them, you dont have to necesarly book with them but the insight maybe helpful going forward. And they can help navigate some of the planning to help keep the stress level down.

[CarolMN]

Moved from DVC Forums.