Advice for Planning 1st Trip to DW

[dnamertz]

I'm starting to think about possibly planning our 1st trip to Disney World, but it probably won't be at least until 2016. I've lived over 40 years and have never made it to DW (we live in the Pacific NW and have family in southern California, so Disneyland has always been an easier destination for us).

I'd like to hear from DW experts, especially those who were Disneyland experts before ever making their 1st trip to DW, about everything I need to know about planning a 1st trip to DW. I know the basics differences between DL and DW...DW is much larger with more parks, meals should be planned in advance, and park-hopping takes more time, and the FP+ system...but I would like more specifics on how to start planning a trip. Especially regarding the following:

1. When is a good time to go to get low-to-moderate crowds (meaning, I don't want to go during peak summer or holiday periods), and also decent weather? I've never experienced Florida weather, but I want fairly low chance of rain and warm tmps but not too hot (no higher than low 80's most days).

2. Where is a good on-site resort to stay? Looking for something in the value to moderate price range. Something with good transportation to the parks, and has a pool and themeing that our DD would enjoy (she would be around 9 at the time).

3. How many days should we stay? Our last trip to DL had us going to the parks for 5 days (and that only because they no longer sell tickets longer than 5 days). So, I'm imagining we will need much more than 5 days to see DW (I will probably take longer than one week off work). This is our 1st trip, and maybe our only trip (since DW is farther away from us than DL, and I'm guessing more expensive), so I'd like to see and do as much as possible aside from those rides that are similar to the DL version, and maybe even do some rides more than once. But with the amount of attractions at DW and the distance between parks, I don't know how many days we'll need.

I know I spent many months planning/researching our last trip to DL, and that is for a place I've been to dozens of times. I know exactly where every attraction is and how long it takes to get from point A to point B.

I don't know any of that for DW, so I feel like a lot of planning is needed (which is part of the fun). Any adivce or tips to get me started would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ColoradoMickeyFan]

Hello! Fellow DL vet who now goes to the World! Here are my suggestions: There is no longer a real slow/low attendance period at DW with great weather. Based on what you said I would suggest October (great weather and moderate crowds), May ( good weather, but can be hot, moderate crowds), or January (lowest crowds, weather can be iffy). Definitely stay on property at DW. Can't stress this enough. It is not like DL where everything is walking distance. I have never stayed at a value, so I'm not much help there. I would pick the theme that best suits your preferences and go with that. The rooms are pretty much all the same layout, just different themes. For a Moderate, my first recommendation would be a Royal room at POR. Your daughter would love it! Second, would be CBR. Both are large resorts, but very pretty to walk around. As for transportation, this is hit or miss at any of the resorts so I would not base my decision on the transportation. As for length of stay, a minimum of 8 days would be my recommendation, but if you can swing more, stay as long as you can! There is so much to see and do. I stayed 2 weeks my first time to DW Also, keep in mind that the parks close much earlier than DL so you don't have as many hours in the day to get stuff done. Don't skip all of the rides that are the same/similar to DL. They actually are somewhat different. Kind of fun to experience the differences. Do research on recommended park days as these are pretty accurate. It is not real easy to park hop so for a first time visit, you should save the money and not get the PH option. At least that's my 2 cents. I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other specific questions.

 

[Disney4nonah]

YAY, glad you are taking the plunge, you won't regret it.
I too am from the PAC NW and I've been to WDW in the Heat(May) and in the best weather possible Jan!!! you got a Jan fan here. May was just too hot and muggy, like jungle muggy you wallk around with an all day sheen of sweat on you. I like to have a beer but all I wanted was water, i was so hot. It takes it out of you!
I guess 2008 & 2014 were really cold in Orlando, but the years we went were amazing, 60-65 and a slight breeze. A lightweight jacket/sweatshirt is needed in the morning and evening, but the other times it's comfortable.
It is low crowds (lower then average), so much so that i wouldn't go any other time of year. We get there right after MLK day and crowds get lower and lower throughout the week.
I'd say go for 7 days, any less will leave you wanting more.
Our favorite Moderate is POFQ, we will be staying at POR in 2015 though!
I'm excited.
Also around 10/1 Disney comes out with their Discount that covers January so you can do the math and see what works for you financially.

I think you will love it! and keep going back!
PS Splash is usually closed for refurb, but you've been on it in DL, it's not a big thing for us....

 

[dnamertz]

YAY, glad you are taking the plunge, you won't regret it.
I too am from the PAC NW and I've been to WDW in the Heat(May) and in the best weather possible Jan!!! you got a Jan fan here. May was just too hot and muggy, like jungle muggy you wallk around with an all day sheen of sweat on you. I like to have a beer but all I wanted was water, i was so hot. It takes it out of you!
I guess 2008 & 2014 were really cold in Orlando, but the years we went were amazing, 60-65 and a slight breeze. A lightweight jacket/sweatshirt is needed in the morning and evening, but the other times it's comfortable.
It is low crowds (lower then average), so much so that i wouldn't go any other time of year. We get there right after MLK day and crowds get lower and lower throughout the week.
I'd say go for 7 days, any less will leave you wanting more.
Our favorite Moderate is POFQ, we will be staying at POR in 2015 though!
I'm excited.
Also around 10/1 Disney comes out with their Discount that covers January so you can do the math and see what works for you financially.

I think you will love it! and keep going back!
PS Splash is usually closed for refurb, but you've been on it in DL, it's not a big thing for us....

Is it true that most of the ride closures occur in January or February...or are they scattered throughout most of the year during non-peak seasons, like at DL? Is there a calendar that shows what's closed for refurbishment over the next couple months? Are there any rides closed right now?

One time period I'm considering going is mid-April. If we went in 2016 it should be after most Spring Breaks (Easter is late-March that year). How is the weather mid-April? Would there likely be ride closures during that time? What about shows? At DL, Fantasmic is only on weekends during non-peak times...is that true for shows at DW or are they daily for the most part?

 

[dnamertz]

Also, keep in mind that the parks close much earlier than DL so you don't have as many hours in the day to get stuff done.

How early is "early"? Since we usually avoid DL during the busy seasons, we're used to shorter hours (10am-8pm or 9am to 9pm).

 

[dnamertz]

Because of my career in accounting, I can't take vacations in January (and I can't take long vacations right around the end of/beginning of any month). I basicaly have about a two and-a-half week window during any month except January. Right now, mid-April 2016 is looking good from what I'm reading.

More questions:

1. How many days (at a minimum) are needed for each park?

2. What is Animal Kingdom like? Is it like a big zoo? How much of a Disney vibe does it have? Same question for the water parks? How do they compare to water parks I can find accross the country?

 

[MarineVet]

I've never been to DL but plan to go someday. I did want to give my opinion on two things-

1. Time of year - I have heard September has really low crowds. My job does not allow me any time off from late July through Early October so I have not gotten to go during that time. I hear it can be hot though. We have been in mid October and early November and they were both pretty good for crowds and weather.

2. Check out the Art of Animation resort. The theming is beautiful and if you get a family suite, you have a lot of room to spread out.

Enjoy your planning and your trip!

 

[tinkerbesh]

How many days you need for each park depends on crowds and your pace. I highly recommend visiting Josh's site and studying his recommendations: www.easywdw.com

It has a crowd calendar plus weather and cost levels for every day of the year. You won't be able to search more than 6 months ahead, but you could look over whatever 12 months are posted and get a lot of good info for planning. Good luck!

 

[JosieMouse]

I'm planning my first trip. I'm going to share what I have learned after 3 years of planning. You might was to rethink April, because that's Spring Break time. May, September, October, and November are traditional low crowd times with nice weather (Sept. and Oct. can be humid from what I have been told). If I were staying on site and wanted to do a value I would do AoA. The Nemo pool has sound under the water. The have Little Mermaid rooms, Your DD may really love that. A lot of people also love Pop. Depending on your budget and if you plan on returning one day in each park is okay, but you will need at least 2 for MK. Just look into the attractions at each park and make a must do list. Then see how many days you think it would take to do all those things. Down load the MDE app and check on wait time at the times of year you considering, because that will give you a better estimate as to how much you can get done in a day.

 

[karly05]

I'm going to put in a good word for February - 3 years in a row now I've gone around the 2nd week, getting out just before the prices (and crowds) go up for Presidents Day weekend. I had 2 COLD mornings in 2012 and 2 days this year that dripped rain off and on, but most days were beautiful, with temps in the 70s/low 80s and no precip. The "value season" rates when I've gone have been about the lowest of the year, I think.

The biggest reason I'm considering mid-late April next year is because Splash Mountain is nearly always closed in February (it was open in 2012 only because BTMRR was down for a long refurb at the time). But if Splash is not a priority for you, that may not matter. Other than Splash, I've not been aware of any other concentration of closed rides during my trips.

If you want to splurge on a Deluxe resort, I love the Beach Club, especially for the easy access to Epcot and DHS. But the past 2 trips I've stayed at POFQ and really enjoyed that; it's the smallest of the mods, pretty and compact.

Do not skip Animal Kingdom - it is more than just a "zoo." "Finding Nemo-the Musical" is one of my favorite things in all of WDW, the Lion King show is reopening in a new theatre this year and will presumably be as excellent as before, Flights of Wonder is a really neat bird show. I've never braved Expedition Everest, but it's a very popular coaster, and the Safari is always worth doing, as are the walking trails (love the tigers at Maharajah!). Plus, my heroes Dug and Russell hang out there.

You'll get a lot of votes both ways on Park Hoppers, but I always get them because I love to eat at Epcot. Plus, it's nice to have the flexibility if you want to change your plans because of crowds or weather.

 

[dnamertz]

I'm planning my first trip. I'm going to share what I have learned after 3 years of planning. You might was to rethink April, because that's Spring Break time.

Polls I've seen in previous years show most Spring Break's are over by mid-April unless Easter is later like it was this year. There is a chart on **************.com that shows the weeks ending Apr 18 and Apr 25 as "Low-Plus" crowds in 2015 (when Easter is Apr 5), and if we went in 2016 when Easter is Mar 27, it seems like those weeks in Apr shouldn't be too affected by Spring Break. I will keep an eye on the crowds next April to see how they are.

 

[dnamertz]

I'm going to put in a good word for February - 3 years in a row now I've gone around the 2nd week, getting out just before the prices (and crowds) go up for Presidents Day weekend. I had 2 COLD mornings in 2012 and 2 days this year that dripped rain off and on, but most days were beautiful, with temps in the 70s/low 80s and no precip. The "value season" rates when I've gone have been about the lowest of the year, I think.

The biggest reason I'm considering mid-late April next year is because Splash Mountain is nearly always closed in February (it was open in 2012 only because BTMRR was down for a long refurb at the time). But if Splash is not a priority for you, that may not matter. Other than Splash, I've not been aware of any other concentration of closed rides during my trips.

If you want to splurge on a Deluxe resort, I love the Beach Club, especially for the easy access to Epcot and DHS. But the past 2 trips I've stayed at POFQ and really enjoyed that; it's the smallest of the mods, pretty and compact.

Do not skip Animal Kingdom - it is more than just a "zoo." "Finding Nemo-the Musical" is one of my favorite things in all of WDW, the Lion King show is reopening in a new theatre this year and will presumably be as excellent as before, Flights of Wonder is a really neat bird show. I've never braved Expedition Everest, but it's a very popular coaster, and the Safari is always worth doing, as are the walking trails (love the tigers at Maharajah!). Plus, my heroes Dug and Russell hang out there.

You'll get a lot of votes both ways on Park Hoppers, but I always get them because I love to eat at Epcot. Plus, it's nice to have the flexibility if you want to change your plans because of crowds or weather.

I've considered February because of the weather and crowds, but I just want to make sure there are not too many ride closures. Splash Mt is actually my favorite ride at DL. I've heard many people say it's even better at DW, but since I've ridden the DL version many times I don't know if it would be a must-do at DW...but I would like to ride it if possible.

We always get park hoppers at DL because of the flexibility and being able to see shows/parades at the other park. I know hopping is different at DW but since I have no idea how long it would take us to do everything we would want to do in each park, it might be better to have that option. I'd hate to be half-way through a day and realize we've done everything we want to do in that park and would rather spend the rest of the day in another park.

 

[HydroGuy]

Because of my career in accounting, I can't take vacations in January (and I can't take long vacations right around the end of/beginning of any month). I basicaly have about a two and-a-half week window during any month except January. Right now, mid-April 2016 is looking good from what I'm reading.

More questions:

1. How many days (at a minimum) are needed for each park?

2. What is Animal Kingdom like? Is it like a big zoo? How much of a Disney vibe does it have? Same question for the water parks? How do they compare to water parks I can find accross the country?

The rule of thumb is that MK and Epcot both require two days. DHS and AK both require one. I have done quick 4 day trips to WDW as well as longer 10-11 day trips. For a first trip I would recommend at least 8 days if you can swing it. 10 days would be better.

Why take 10 days at WDW when it only takes 6 days to see the parks? Well, for a few reasons. First, if you hit a theme park at WDW every day you will burn out after a few days. I have taken advice from others and plan in off days from theme parks or 2-3 half days. On off days do something slower and during warmer months do things that are cooler - like resort swimming pool, the water parks, or maybe DisneyQuest. Go see a movie at DTD. Rent a watercraft. Lots of things to do.

The thing to grasp is that WDW has lots more going on outside the parks than does DLR. This is really a long list but includes lots of great restaurants at the Disney hotels (the list is very long but we always hit Beaches & Cream, often Whispering Canyon, and Boma's), watching Disney movies under the stars at Ft. Wilderness or the Beach Club, seeing dinner shows such as Hoop-Dee-Doo review (a hoot), etc.

I have not been to WDW as often as others but I really going in May. The weather is generally warm but not super warm yet, and it is not as crowded as other times of year.

Regarding your other question, AK is a neat park. Definitely has a strong Disney vibe. Much more than a zoo and does not feel like a zoo. We usually spend a whole day there and on longer trip a second half day coupled with a rest day.

The water parks are fun and top notch IMO. But can get really crowded. You need to go first thing in the AM or late afternoon to miss the worst of the crowds. We like to do 2-3 hours at a water park a few times as a way to cool off and relax a little.

If you click my tips link in my signature line I have a thread on WDW tips for DLR vets. This thread is dire need of an update and when I get some time I will do that. But it still can give you some pointers.

Good luck!

 

[Disney4nonah]

Is it true that most of the ride closures occur in January or February...or are they scattered throughout most of the year during non-peak seasons, like at DL? Is there a calendar that shows what's closed for refurbishment over the next couple months? Are there any rides closed right now?

One time period I'm considering going is mid-April. If we went in 2016 it should be after most Spring Breaks (Easter is late-March that year). How is the weather mid-April? Would there likely be ride closures during that time? What about shows? At DL, Fantasmic is only on weekends during non-peak times...is that true for shows at DW or are they daily for the most part?

They scatter rides for refurb throughout the year, they do close Slash all of Jan and part of Feb. And I'm ok with it been on it a 100 times, miss it but it doesn't kill me. Allears dot com has a updated list of rides being refurb as they get the info.
I do believe it starts getting warm mid-April. And as far as crowds spring break typically runs in march/april as schools & colleges across the US all have vacations as different times. Expect Crowds...I use easywdw dot com, they keep a current & historic crowd calendar.

Fantasmic runs a few days a week, sometimes they up that as crowds get bigger, Second Show is easier to get seats at. easywdw dot com lists the shows as well as the disneyworld website

 

[Disney4nonah]

How early is "early"? Since we usually avoid DL during the busy seasons, we're used to shorter hours (10am-8pm or 9am to 9pm).

as early as 5pm or extended hours 8 or 9pm.
But we get a lot done and having low crowds so early closure is a non-issue for us.

 

[Disney4nonah]

Because of my career in accounting, I can't take vacations in January (and I can't take long vacations right around the end of/beginning of any month). I basicaly have about a two and-a-half week window during any month except January. Right now, mid-April 2016 is looking good from what I'm reading.

More questions:

1. How many days (at a minimum) are needed for each park?

2. What is Animal Kingdom like? Is it like a big zoo? How much of a Disney vibe does it have? Same question for the water parks? How do they compare to water parks I can find accross the country?

**I'm showing on easywdw mid april crowds for the week are 8's or 9's, that's pretty crowded
1. I do Two Days at MK and Epcot and One for HS & AK
2. I love AK!!! The theming is great. It's not a zoo, although they do have two nice walks where you can see animals, very well done. People will disagree, but it's a full day park for us, Festival of the Lion King & Finding Nemo are both Broadway Quality Shows not to be missed! And the Safari, you have to do that!!! that and all the rides and we leave around closing.
*We do not go to the water parks, i'd rather be at the parks.

 

[kickash]

Because of my career in accounting, I can't take vacations in January (and I can't take long vacations right around the end of/beginning of any month). I basicaly have about a two and-a-half week window during any month except January. Right now, mid-April 2016 is looking good from what I'm reading. More questions: 1. How many days (at a minimum) are needed for each park? 2. What is Animal Kingdom like? Is it like a big zoo? How much of a Disney vibe does it have? Same question for the water parks? How do they compare to water parks I can find accross the country?

I'm going a bit against the consensus with my answers to these two questions. (I've been 8 times from February visits to 4th of July.)
1. I say 2 at MK, 1 at EPCOT, 1 at AK, and 1 1/2-2 at HS. We found that with all of the shows at HS plus our ADRs, we really needed a second day to hit shows we couldn't fit in during the first day, ride certain attractions again, etc.
2. AK is way more than a zoo! PPs summed it up very well with attractions, shows, rides, animals, etc. Lots to see and do!

As for the waterparks, we LOVE them. They are full day, must-dos for my family. The theming is incredible, lots of variety, and one of the best wave pools ever is at TL.

We are doing 10 days next summer with 3 at MK, 2 at HS, 1 each at EPCOT and AK, 1 for each waterpark, and 1 at Universal for WWoHP (it's incredible, esp if you like HP!)

 

[downtownbrown]

I've been at many different times of the year, including feb, apr, may, aug, oct, dec. If you plan on any water parks, or water rides in general you really should avoid feb or dec. Sure, you might get a week that is great weather but you're really rolling some dice there. I would highly recommend oct; by far and away my favorite time to go, the food and wine festival is an added bonus. Crowds aren't too bad and the weather is great. Also, not so scary halloween party is a bonus for your DD.

As for resorts, Art of animation looks great (haven't been but will be there in aug!). Love port orleans and Caribbean beach. You may also want to check out if you qualify for some of the awesome discounts available at swan and dolphin.

 

[rcklein5269]

I've been at many different times of the year, including feb, apr, may, aug, oct, dec. If you plan on any water parks, or water rides in general you really should avoid feb or dec. Sure, you might get a week that is great weather but you're really rolling some dice there. I would highly recommend oct; by far and away my favorite time to go, the food and wine festival is an added bonus. Crowds aren't too bad and the weather is great. Also, not so scary halloween party is a bonus for your DD. As for resorts, Art of animation looks great (haven't been but will be there in aug!). Love port orleans and Caribbean beach. You may also want to check out if you qualify for some of the awesome discounts available at swan and dolphin.

Will be at art of animation 8/20-8-29 never have been it looks awesome and can't wait

 

[Sparkly]

Park hours at WDW generally depend on the time of year and the park. AK is usually 9am-5pm (or sometimes 6-8pm in the summer or busy seasons), MK 9am-9pm or as late as 9am-10pm-1am depending on if it's busy or not. Epcot is pretty much always 9am-9pm with World Showcase opening at 11am. DHS..9am-7pm? And sometimes as late as 8-10pm? Not sure on this one as haven't spent much more then 1/2 a day here the last couple of trips.

Wishes fireworks and the Main Street Electrical Parade at MK are usually every night barring adverse weather. In September/October/November they and the electrical parade aren't shown on certain nights because of the separate cost Halloween/Christmas parties and MK closes at 7pm. Illuminations at Epcot is usually shown at 9pm every night.

And if you stay onsite, you can get into the parks 1 hour earlier in the morning or stay 2 hours later in the evening with EMH! In some times of the year you can stay at MK until 3am in the morning!