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[AshRose26]

Hello everyone. I've got a ton of questions about planning our first family trip to Disney. This trip is going to happen next year from Dec 8-14th. Now the questions I've got start. Along with my hubby and two kids (boy 11 and girl 4), my parents are going and also my sister, her hubby, and daughter, 3yrs old. What resorts have two bedroom suites or is it better to choose individual rooms? I know we are staying for five days in the park with the park hopper option. Also, suggestions for the dining package? I see that right now there is a special being offered for this fall but do these normally happen next year too? Thanks so much for all the advice.

[knottmel1]

I am just planning my first trip now, so I have no advice to offer.
BUT I did want to say WELCOME!!!!!

[AshRose26]

Thanks so much for the welcome!!! I feel a little lost and overwhelmed but it looks like everyone on here is great. Good luck planning your trip.

[magicaldisney]

[Metro West]

Welcome!

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Originally Posted by AshRose26

Hello everyone. I've got a ton of questions about planning our first family trip to Disney. This trip is going to happen next year from Dec 8-14th. Now the questions I've got start. Along with my hubby and two kids (boy 11 and girl 4), my parents are going and also my sister, her hubby, and daughter, 3yrs old. What resorts have two bedroom suites or is it better to choose individual rooms? I know we are staying for five days in the park with the park hopper option. Also, suggestions for the dining package? I see that right now there is a special being offered for this fall but do these normally happen next year too? Thanks so much for all the advice.

That's a lot of people to fit in a suite. You may be better off booking separate rooms. Which one depends on a variety of factors, including your pricepoint and what you want to do.

Whether or not the DDP will be of value to you depends on how many sit down meals you think your family will eat. The DDP is a LOT of food, that said, it's really nice to not have to worry about the cost of a meal if it's all paid in advance (except for gratuity). Also, character meals can be a good way to get photos/autographs with the characters without standing in line (if this is something you want). That said, many families don't like being overly scheduled, and dining reservations often force this.

Just think about your family, their habits, and you budget. The biggest piece of advice I can offer, it to absolutely go to Disney with a plan, but be flexible. Don't let your schedule rule your vacation (also, wear comfortable shoes).

[NoOrdinaryPrincess]

Regarding free dining, it has been offered that week in year's previous, but it's not guaranteed, so you'll have to keep checking. Go ahead and book your ADRs (Advance Dining Reservations) at the earliest opportunity (Particularly with a group as large as yours) because although the parks are less crowded during FD, ADRs are hard to come by because everyone is on the DDP.