Advice for planning first family trip to WDW

[MrsPinup]

I wouldn't count on being back to the hotel by campfire time on your HS day while the park is fairly small compared to the bigger parks the timing of it can definitely take most of the and I believe the campfire was fairly early in the day (5 or 6 pm), I'd plan that for your AK day just to not stress too much about it on the HS day if you decide to stay longer

When I went a couple of years ago, I was done with HS after a few hours.

 

[MandiC]

Oops, forgot you had already been, future trips I won't be there as long, there are certain shows that don't require a repeat

 

[disney-inspired]

I've been a grand total of two times but I do my research!

My first trip we did us 5 in Port Orleans Riverside. My parents, me (17), DSis (19) and DSis (6) so I know where you're coming from on needing a bigger room but not going deluxe. They do have sinks outside of the bathroom and that helped us get ready faster. I also loved the theming!

My second trip was solo in September. It's hot but I live in California, what else is new? And I found the lines to be short and it was a great time! I'd recommend an early start, break time around 1pm for a nap or swim (lifesaver!) and then back out to the parks around 4/5pm. I felt like I got so much done. It's different now though because of fast pass plus.

Now I'm planning for my sister, BIL, niece (who will be 1.5 too) and myself. Stakes are high as it's my BIL's first visit so I gotta wow him!

2015 package rates are being released on July 30th (less than 2 days!) and yup I've been following the news about the renewal for the military discount and 2015 rates. My BIL is army so we are getting a great deal on tickets and hotel.

I do think 10 & 12 might be too young since the parks are much bigger than Disneyland and they aren't familiar with them.

Hope that helps and have fun planning!

Check out pscalculator.com to find out all the important dates for your specific trip (180 days out, 60 days out etc) and allearsnet for the menus to find out your ADRs.

 

[QueenDoOver]

HI Jen!
Fun trip! We had a great time on our family trip in 2012. I think you could easily cut your boys lose for a ride or two in a specific area of a park, if they have their own phone and you have a specific meeting area. All of the parks are fairly easy layout, but you know them best, right? Happy Planning!

 

[MrsPinup]

Thank you! I was surprised that we were able to make reservations for next year, September, but I am happy I could! The bigger issue is saving up for airfare.

Military discount is great! It sure helps out a lot.