1st time going to Disney World :goodvibes

[phoenix6911]

After 30 years finally, probably, going to Disney World.

2nd week of April is when we booked time off. Going with my boyfriends and teenage sister. A little overwhelmed with the prospect since I've never had to plan a real vacation before. So I have some questions and need some advice. I'll try to keep things organized.

1. Booked the week off knowing that Easter would be a busy time but not realizing that all of April is considered peek-time so it seems we won't qualify for the free dining plan.
a) Any chance based on past years that there will be some promos coming up for April?
b) Is it worth to pay extra to add the Dining Plan, the lower one, not the one with sit down meals? Me and my sister are not big eaters but I also don't want to be lugging around food for the whole day.

2. My plan is I want to spend a day at each major resort but I also want to check out a least one water park and Downtown Disney.
a) Is it worth it to add the Waterpark/Downtown Disney thing upgrade (sorry, can't remember the exact naming of it off the top of my head) or is it cheaper to pay for a separate day at the water park?
b) How's the weather down there in April? How heated are the water parks? If I do upgrade my ticket and get there and find it's too cold it would not be good.

3. I've always just clicked on the Canadian Disney World site to figure out prices and costs. We'd be flying down there and staying on site at one of the value resorts.
a) Is there a cheaper way then through the Disney site?
b) Is it worth it to look into a Travel Agent? I don't even know how they get paid so would I be shopping around for one that's cheaper or do they get paid by referalls?

4. Speaking of flying it's be easier for us to fly out from Detroit then Buffulo but I always read about the Buffulo airport.
a) Would Buffulo be better or does it even matter?
b) Anything I should be aware of flying out of Detroit?
c) I just read about a stay and park hotel in Buffulo that would mean not having to pay for airport parking. Anything similar in Detroit?

5.) When should I be booking this? Now, later? When do we look into getting a good deal on flights for April?

6.) I know American's have these throw a way cells that are really cheap to buy. Seems like they would be easier to use the walkie-talkies.
a) Has anyone ever bought these cells and just used them for texting while there to keep track of everyone?
b) Can I buy these phones in a Wal-mart in Michigan and activate and use them in Florida so I won't incur any roaming charges or such?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

 

[Sue M]

After 30 years finally, probably, going to Disney World.

2nd week of April is when we booked time off. Going with my boyfriends and teenage sister. A little overwhelmed with the prospect since I've never had to plan a real vacation before. So I have some questions and need some advice. I'll try to keep things organized.

1. Booked the week off knowing that Easter would be a busy time but not realizing that all of April is considered peek-time so it seems we won't qualify for the free dining plan.
a) Any chance based on past years that there will be some promos coming up for April?
b) Is it worth to pay extra to add the Dining Plan, the lower one, not the one with sit down meals? Me and my sister are not big eaters but I also don't want to be lugging around food for the whole day.

2. My plan is I want to spend a day at each major resort but I also want to check out a least one water park and Downtown Disney.
a) Is it worth it to add the Waterpark/Downtown Disney thing upgrade (sorry, can't remember the exact naming of it off the top of my head) or is it cheaper to pay for a separate day at the water park?
b) How's the weather down there in April? How heated are the water parks? If I do upgrade my ticket and get there and find it's too cold it would not be good.

3. I've always just clicked on the Canadian Disney World site to figure out prices and costs. We'd be flying down there and staying on site at one of the value resorts.
a) Is there a cheaper way then through the Disney site?
b) Is it worth it to look into a Travel Agent? I don't even know how they get paid so would I be shopping around for one that's cheaper or do they get paid by referalls?

4. Speaking of flying it's be easier for us to fly out from Detroit then Buffulo but I always read about the Buffulo airport.
a) Would Buffulo be better or does it even matter?
b) Anything I should be aware of flying out of Detroit?
c) I just read about a stay and park hotel in Buffulo that would mean not having to pay for airport parking. Anything similar in Detroit?

5.) When should I be booking this? Now, later? When do we look into getting a good deal on flights for April?

6.) I know American's have these throw a way cells that are really cheap to buy. Seems like they would be easier to use the walkie-talkies.
a) Has anyone ever bought these cells and just used them for texting while there to keep track of everyone?
b) Can I buy these phones in a Wal-mart in Michigan and activate and use them in Florida so I won't incur any roaming charges or such?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

1. http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html#2010 You can look at this chart to see when Disney has offered discounts in the past
For you, I wouldn't do the quick service dining plan, since you're not big eaters, you may even share meals and save some money. There are counter service places like Cosmic Rays that offer a chicken & rib platter that will feed 2.

2. The water parks are fun, the pools are heated, but depends on the lenght of your stay. For a first visit, I'd spend 2 days at MK, 2 days at Epcot, 1 day at DHS and ! day at AK. If you want to spend a day at a water park, it's cheaper to buy a 1 day ticket. Water park + DTD option is worth it if you are using 2+ options. If you're just going for 6 or 7 days and a first visit, I don't think you'll have time. WDW is huge.

3. Your best deal will be booking thru Disney. I wouldn't go thru Travelocity, etc. A travel agent is great! But only a Disney Specialized one. There are many out there, internet based. I've used Ears to You, and they were great.
They know when WDW puts out the promos, and will automatically apply it to your res. I book my own flights.
If you're not doing the DDP, it may be cheaper for you just to book a room only, and buy your park tickets thru Undercover Tourist.com

4/5. Can't help with airports, I fly from Seattle! I look on Kayak.com for flights, when you find a fare you can live with book it.

6. Yes I've heard about phones in Walmart. Seems to be a good buy, you must activate them in the states. Net 10.

I would recommend getting WDW- The Unofficial Guide- tons of info.

Have fun planning!

 

[tone.def]

After 30 years finally, probably, going to Disney World.

2nd week of April is when we booked time off. Going with my boyfriends and teenage sister. A little overwhelmed with the prospect since I've never had to plan a real vacation before. So I have some questions and need some advice. I'll try to keep things organized.

1. Booked the week off knowing that Easter would be a busy time but not realizing that all of April is considered peek-time so it seems we won't qualify for the free dining plan.
a) Any chance based on past years that there will be some promos coming up for April?
b) Is it worth to pay extra to add the Dining Plan, the lower one, not the one with sit down meals? Me and my sister are not big eaters but I also don't want to be lugging around food for the whole day.

There is a chance closer to the date that Disney *may* discount further - but it is very subject to availability - meaning they will do so if they feel they need to fill more rooms.

I personally don't go without the Dining Plan, but that's because faster/counter service food all the time is definitely NOT for me and the savings is approximately 35% over paying out of pocket.

2. My plan is I want to spend a day at each major resort but I also want to check out a least one water park and Downtown Disney.
a) Is it worth it to add the Waterpark/Downtown Disney thing upgrade (sorry, can't remember the exact naming of it off the top of my head) or is it cheaper to pay for a separate day at the water park?
b) How's the weather down there in April? How heated are the water parks? If I do upgrade my ticket and get there and find it's too cold it would not be good.

It is cheaper to pay at the Water Park gate if you just want one day.

Weather varies - March is normally nice and warm, but this past March was the coldest on record - EVER. Can't promise you tropical weather, sorry! Pools are supposed to be heated to 80. I only find that to be true at Deluxe level resorts.

3. I've always just clicked on the Canadian Disney World site to figure out prices and costs. We'd be flying down there and staying on site at one of the value resorts.
a) Is there a cheaper way then through the Disney site?
b) Is it worth it to look into a Travel Agent? I don't even know how they get paid so would I be shopping around for one that's cheaper or do they get paid by referalls?

No - if you go through a wholesaler, once you break it down, you'll find you paid more. Disney direct is the best deal going.
If you were to go through a travel agent, you have to find one who is:
a.) Canadian because let's spend out dollars here please
b.) an actual Disney Vacation Specialist who does go to Disney and didn't just pass a written test from answers you can find online.
c.) If you are indeed dealing with a Disney Vacation Specialist, they deal directly with Disney and your credit card will be charged by Disney and the travel agent is paid a commission from Disney - no fees for you. Since you are overwhelmed, perhaps this is a good option for you. The folks at Fairy tale Dreams & Destination are great! They have an actual office you can pop into. I like online and phones and all, but I'm sick of it and now want to go back to the old ways of the personal touch.

4. Speaking of flying it's be easier for us to fly out from Detroit then Buffulo but I always read about the Buffulo airport.
a) Would Buffulo be better or does it even matter?
b) Anything I should be aware of flying out of Detroit?
c) I just read about a stay and park hotel in Buffulo that would mean not having to pay for airport parking. Anything similar in Detroit?

Between Buffalo and Detroit - I choose Buffalo because I live in Toronto and I like the direct flights on Jet Blue and Southwest.
I don't bother with Hotels and Park and Fly, I just park at the airport, it costs about $70 for the week, half the price of Toronto, so that thrills me.

5.) When should I be booking this? Now, later? When do we look into getting a good deal on flights for April?

Book your Disney stuff now, you will be ensured your choice of dates and accomodations. Book your flights when you find fares you like and can live with, then never look again.

6.) I know American's have these throw a way cells that are really cheap to buy. Seems like they would be easier to use the walkie-talkies.
a) Has anyone ever bought these cells and just used them for texting while there to keep track of everyone?
b) Can I buy these phones in a Wal-mart in Michigan and activate and use them in Florida so I won't incur any roaming charges or such?

That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I borrowed a friend's phone last time I was there, they had a Virgin Mobile. If it wasn't something given to me to use, I wouldn't have worried about it. You're on vacation, who needs to worry?! Just meet the Sorcerer Mickey hat at noon ;o)

 

[tgropp]

After 30 years finally, probably, going to Disney World.

2nd week of April is when we booked time off. Going with my boyfriends and teenage sister. A little overwhelmed with the prospect since I've never had to plan a real vacation before. So I have some questions and need some advice. I'll try to keep things organized.

1. Booked the week off knowing that Easter would be a busy time but not realizing that all of April is considered peek-time so it seems we won't qualify for the free dining plan.
a) Any chance based on past years that there will be some promos coming up for April?
b) Is it worth to pay extra to add the Dining Plan, the lower one, not the one with sit down meals? Me and my sister are not big eaters but I also don't want to be lugging around food for the whole day.

Have you considered renting DVC points from a member or through rental agencies. Rates are quite good and you will be able to book the dining plan for the dates you want and not the entire stay


2. My plan is I want to spend a day at each major resort but I also want to check out a least one water park and Downtown Disney.
a) Is it worth it to add the Waterpark/Downtown Disney thing upgrade (sorry, can't remember the exact naming of it off the top of my head) or is it cheaper to pay for a separate day at the water park?
b) How's the weather down there in April? How heated are the water parks? If I do upgrade my ticket and get there and find it's too cold it would not be good.

April is usually quite nice. If you like water parks and they are both open, I would suggest getting the water park option


3. I've always just clicked on the Canadian Disney World site to figure out prices and costs. We'd be flying down there and staying on site at one of the value resorts.
a) Is there a cheaper way then through the Disney site?
b) Is it worth it to look into a Travel Agent? I don't even know how they get paid so would I be shopping around for one that's cheaper or do they get paid by referalls?

I have never got anyone to plan my vacations. I have searched all websites (allears, mousesavers etc) found the best discounts and booked them. We have travel agent friends and they are amazed at the deals that I get, right down to tickets through undercover tourist.



4. Speaking of flying it's be easier for us to fly out from Detroit then Buffulo but I always read about the Buffulo airport.
a) Would Buffulo be better or does it even matter?
b) Anything I should be aware of flying out of Detroit?
c) I just read about a stay and park hotel in Buffulo that would mean not having to pay for airport parking. Anything similar in Detroit?


We fly out of Detroit as it is more convenient for us. Search for a park and fly as they offer free parking , usually for up to 10 nights> Either Buffalo or Detroit is good. I suggest going to the closest airport


5.) When should I be booking this? Now, later? When do we look into getting a good deal on flights for April?

We always book early to get the best rates due to the time that we travel. That is the fun of travelling to Disney as the planning is so much fun


6.) I know American's have these throw a way cells that are really cheap to buy. Seems like they would be easier to use the walkie-talkies.
a) Has anyone ever bought these cells and just used them for texting while there to keep track of everyone?
b) Can I buy these phones in a Wal-mart in Michigan and activate and use them in Florida so I won't incur any roaming charges or such?

I have never did this but I sasked in a thread about this and the replies were Walmart was the best place to get them


That's all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

If this is your first time visiting WDW, it can be overwhelming. Try not to cram EVERYTHING into your vacation. Since you are staying onsite, try to get a rest or visit pool/waterpark and relax since wdw days are LONG days. We usually visit the parks in the mornings and the evenings as it seems that these times are the least busiest. Have fun!!!!

 

[phoenix6911]

Thanks everyone for your answers. You've really helped me alot