1st real Disney Vacation... questions...

[WYKBYDB]

Hello! I think this is my first post here, but I've been reading along for months.

I'm a South Florida native, and single mom to an almost 7 year old. I've been to Magic Kingdom a hand full of times and Disneyland once. My daughter has been to the Magic Kingdom twice. We stayed at the POP resort last month after a day at Sea World and it was "magical". Since our Sea World pass is expiring I am going to get a Disney annual pass and allow some mini vacations here and there to make it worth-while. I figure this is the right age for it. Next month I am planning a Disney World vacation for the 2 of us. I am so excited to go to the other parks!

But... I have a few questions...

I was planning on staying at the Port Orleans Royal room for 3 nights just my daughter and I, Friday to Monday. Then my best friend will be bringing me her 19 month old daughter and I'll be watching her for the rest of the week. The 3 of us (me, DD, and BFFs DD) will be staying at the AoA Lion King suites for 2 nights, Monday to Wednesday. Then we will stay at my friends house in Orlando and our Disney vacation will be over.

Now, I've paid the first night for both resorts already, but I feel like I'm spending too much. Would it be crazy to stay at the Port Orleans RR Friday night (not planning to do a park Friday) then switch to an All Star resort for 2 nights? I am going to keep the family suite at AoA for 2 nights, because I think it will be easier for the baby to have a room to sleep.

So...
1. Switching to an All Star for 2 nights would save about $175. Is it worth it?
2. Would you recommend Music or Movies?
3. Can I get the refillable mug at my first resort and use it at the others?

And...
Please tell me I'm not a bad person for trying to be cheap at Disney.
DD and I are both small eaters... there is no way I can finish a hamburger on my own. If we do dinner somewhere are we allowed to share a meal? Do I tip a little extra, or is 20% good?

Really appreciate any help or advice! This will be *SO* special for DD!

 

[aaarcher86]

Hello! I think this is my first post here, but I've been reading along for months.

I'm a South Florida native, and single mom to an almost 7 year old. I've been to Magic Kingdom a hand full of times and Disneyland once. My daughter has been to the Magic Kingdom twice. We stayed at the POP resort last month after a day at Sea World and it was "magical". Since our Sea World pass is expiring I am going to get a Disney annual pass and allow some mini vacations here and there to make it worth-while. I figure this is the right age for it. Next month I am planning a Disney World vacation for the 2 of us. I am so excited to go to the other parks!

But... I have a few questions...

I was planning on staying at the Port Orleans Royal room for 3 nights just my daughter and I, Friday to Monday. Then my best friend will be bringing me her 19 month old daughter and I'll be watching her for the rest of the week. The 3 of us (me, DD, and BFFs DD) will be staying at the AoA Lion King suites for 2 nights, Monday to Wednesday. Then we will stay at my friends house in Orlando and our Disney vacation will be over.

Now, I've paid the first night for both resorts already, but I feel like I'm spending too much. Would it be crazy to stay at the Port Orleans RR Friday night (not planning to do a park Friday) then switch to an All Star resort for 2 nights? I am going to keep the family suite at AoA for 2 nights, because I think it will be easier for the baby to have a room to sleep.

So...
1. Switching to an All Star for 2 nights would save about $175. Is it worth it?
2. Would you recommend Music or Movies?
3. Can I get the refillable mug at my first resort and use it at the others?

And...
Please tell me I'm not a bad person for trying to be cheap at Disney.
DD and I are both small eaters... there is no way I can finish a hamburger on my own. If we do dinner somewhere are we allowed to share a meal? Do I tip a little extra, or is 20% good?

Really appreciate any help or advice! This will be *SO* special for DD!

1. That's up to you. For me personally, the hassle of moving that many times isn't worth it. If anything I'd go to the All Star for the full stay and avoid an entire resort change.

2. I love All Star Movies. Check out the threads on each or allears.net for pictures and see which theme you like best. That's really the only difference.

3. Maybe. If the RFID chipped mugs are out you may not be able to. If they aren't you'd be fine to use them at each one.

You can share meals wherever you like. Sprinkling in some extra tip because of that is up to you, but tipping talk has to be done in the tipping thread on the restaurant board.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[WYKBYDB]

Thanks for the reply!

I would be able to save $115 by staying Saturday and Sunday night at AoA little mermaid rooms. It would still be 3 rooms for 5 night stay, but then it will only be 2 resorts.

I know it sounds crazy, but I would rather put that money toward the photopass.

 

[kmb584]

I'm a single mom too! I've also been on numerous WDW vacations with a toddler and IMO, while saving $175 is a nice prospect, it just isn't worth it. Between Friday - Wednesday you'll have switched resorts 3 times (POR to AS to AoA). Checking in and out, having luggage moved, unpacking and organizing all take time; it's time that could be spent in a park, especially since you've only been to MK thus far.

I 100% agree with a suite as the extra bathroom and space are going to be fantastic with a 7-year-old and 19-month-old. There will also be plenty of room for the baby's pack 'n play (if he/she will be sleeping in one), stroller and baby necessities. The RR at POR are great for little girls (and adult princesses alike!) but my 2 cents would be to save it for another trip where a split stay isn't a thought.

Have you thought of booking a family suite for the entire stay? You could cut costs further by opting out of the Lion King suite at AoA and staying at in an ASMu suite. I plugged in random dates for the end of next month (23rd-28th) and a family suite at AoA is $300.37 whereas a comparable suite at ASMu is $250.86.

Just something to think about!

As far as the mugs go, if they aren't RFID enabled by then (and I highly doubt they will be) you'll have no issue using it at your 2nd or 3rd resort if you do chose to go the split stay route.