Advice Needed, Never planned a trip there before...

[2sets1year]

Okay so here's the deal...

We have two sets of twins 11 months apart and want to take the girls to WDW in 2010. I know it is far off, but I want to start planning costs, etc. and see about setting up accounts that the Grandparents can start putting money in as well as us so that we can go and really experience it all.

The girls will be 5/6 and we plan on taking them out of school for the trip. I want to leave on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and then come back the following Saturday. I am thinking that this way we won't feel in a rush to get everything done. Total stay would be 10 nights/11 days.

So since I want to plan it myself, etc. I wanted to know what some good sites are for doing it so I can pull together costs. If I have a plan I will be more apt to save money for it. I did go back to old posts here and gathered some of the tips sites which have been helpful, but there was nothing about where to book the trip, costs, etc. Being a larger family we know we will need bigger then usual accomodations on top of it. However we will be bringing 2 sets of grandparents as well that will be paying their own way. We can also have the girls split up and keep 2 in our room and then 1 in each of the grandparents rooms.

So bottom line...Where can I "book" the trip to get an idea of costs? Should we rent a house or stay on grounds? What about off grounds in a hotel that shuttles there? What about meals? What is realistic time frame to get everything in for our big trip? Are we staying too long? Should we get a meal plan factored in or pack sandwhiches to eat there?

Also, I keep hearing mixed reviews about if the parks would be busy. When would be the best time to go? Should we do a hopper pass or just the regular ones?

Also, we aren't looking at getting a 10 day pass. We want to be able to take a break, enjoy other things in the area, etc.

I am leaning towards the house option, however I don't really want to rent a car (in our case small bus) to get around and then have to pay parking on top of it.

HELP! I don't even know where to start!
TIA!

 

[newtowdw1]

I don't think you're starting too early. I planned our first trip for 3 years. I honestly think with that many people you'll want a house. You'll have a pool (probably) and be able to unwind with the adults at the end of the day. Check out the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board; you'll find many great places there and get an idea of costs.

I also think your time frame of 10 days is good. I might suggest going before Thanksgiving. Many times, in elementary school, the teachers are not covering new material right before the break. However, when the kids get back afterwards the teachers may want to move quickly to get a unit covered before winter break. In high school we test that week, but not so much younger grades.

We did stay in Fort Wilderness cabins, and they were great. Transportation was a little frustrating though. Try to get a place with a kitchen. We did not this time, and restaurant prices were high. You can save tons on food if you're willing to make simple meals. A house will have a washer/dryer too, which is great for a longer stay.

Good luck! Have fun! Will any of the grands need an ECV? If they have any trouble with mobility, you'll need to consider it!

 

[MSSANDRA]

Welcome and happy planning. Just one thing to mention before you get too far it that Thanksgiving week is one of the MOST crowded weeks of the year. As a holiday week prices are higher and line waits are often very long. Don't know if you have any other options but that might be something to consider.

MsSandra

 

[2sets1year]

We were planning on spending most of the time in the park the week after Thanksgiving. When would be a better time to go if it wasn't an issue when we went?

 

[DVCLiz]

I think your timeframe is fine. Yes, Thanksgiving is a very busy week, but the week after is very quiet. If you plan to do a few things in and around Orlando during the Thanksgiving weekend, you'll have another whole week for the parks, when it's much more relaxed.

For your group, a Grand Villa at a DVC property would be the best bet for 10 people, but I think an off-site house might be the way to go. You'd have a full kitchen, pool, W/D, etc. Are your renting a car??? You might want to consider it if you stay off-site, as transportation is not convenient off-site unless you have your own car.

Have fun planning!!!!

 

[2sets1year]

If I rent a car what can I expect to pay for parking? Or do you do a package parking? I am really thinking of going the house rental route. Do you think a pool would be still okay to swim in (if heated) that week after Thanksgiving?

 

[MSSANDRA]

I too think you will be fine the week after thanksgiving. Crowds really drop after the week-end. We went the 2nd week after thanksgiving and it was really good. Our favorite time time to go is January. It used to be that the weeks between thanksgiving and Christmas were the least crowded but with all the Chirstmas activities going on, we find January less crowded. Of course you will get the advantage of the Chirstmas things the week after thanksgiving and that is awsome too.

Off site you will pay parking but just once a day. If you park hop you do not have to pay again. I have never heard of a package for parking but we have never stayed off site so it might be an option.

DS has swam in December and January in a heated pool. Cold on getting out but he did not seem to mind.

 

[mouseketeer_mom]

okay, so my opinion would be just a little different than others. In your post, you mentioned wanting to "experience it all". I think in order to do that, you should look at Disney resort options. Maybe two suites for your group, two cabins in Fort Wilderness, a DVC villa... anything that will allow you to stay on property but have enough room to accomodate everyone. I would look at the resorts and see which property might offer good "down time" activities for your children. Also, as a parent of children that age (a set of twins too!), my husband and I like a separate space for a little adult relaxation after they go to bed in the evening. We choose Fort Wilderness for a lot of reasons (lots of things to interest kids of that age) but one thing I really liked was the fact that they offer a "kids club" for babysitting. We can plan at least on evening meal without having to cut anyone's meat but our own.

no matter what you decide, I'm sure it will be a magical experience that your children will remember forever!

 

[twinspluscade]

Hi! I also have a set of twin girls--mine are 4. We also have a son 17 months younger. We just got back a few weeks ago from our first ever trip to WDW. Here's a few answers to your questions:

You can "fake" book on the Disney website (Disneyworld.com) to get an idea of how much it will cost. However, keep in mind that rates go up every year--so in 2010 it will cost more than "pretend" booking for 2007. But, it will give you a rough estimate of what to save.

As to what time of year to go--we went Sept 10-14. Although from what I've read--on this site as well as guidebooks--it's one of the least crowded times to go, to this first-timer I still thought it was very crowded at times!! I think if you've never been there before it's just hard to imagine how packed it can get even off-season. Dh and I both said after our trip that we'd never go during summer or over a holiday; just too crowded for us--especially since we'll only get to go once every 3-5 years. Since this is your first trip--and I'm guessing it would be a while before you could make a return trip--I would recommend NOT going over Thanksgiving. I'd try for September (if you don't mind the heat) or January.

I would recommend staying on-site if possible.I thought it was just way easier with the kids. Unless you plan on doing lots of stuff off-site, I would then forgo the van rental altogether; and just use Disney transportation. You could always rent a mini-van for a day or two if you want to do things off-site. If you're like us and on a budget--the deluxe resorts just aren't an option (anywhere from $247/night up to $360/night during value season--which isn't over Thanksgiving). Especially for you guys needing two rooms in a deluxe, it would really add up. If I were you, I would book either the Family Suite at All stars Music, or get two rooms at any of the Values. The cabins at Fort Wilderness look like fun too, and sleep 6. They run about $230/night during off-season (so I'm guessing currently about $260 during Thanksgiving week?? Could be way off on that though).

Hope this helps, and have fun planning! For me that's almost as fun as going on the trip itself!!

Kelly

 

[pigget74]

When we had a large group go in 2004 we arrived the Sunday after Thanksgiving. We stayed at Old Key West in a 1 bedroom, and also had 3 studios as well. My brothers room was next to us, as well as my sisters, and my parents room was around the corner. We all had the same buildings. I originally got the 1 bedroom for my parents, but they did not want the room that everyone would be meeting in. This worked great because we had a washer and dryer, full kitchen, nice master bedroom. Each of the studios had 2 queens, kitchenette (microwave, dorm fridge, sink,) and a table with 2 chairs. It gave everyone there own space and we could be together when we wanted. You could rent DVC points here on the DIS. If you have any questions I will try to anser them. I would stay on property because that is a lot of commute for you guys. Good luck and keep asking questions.

 

[lisadisney2003]

I don't think it is crazy at all to start planning far in advance. Disney is a wonderful vacation destination but, an expensive one. It is best to plan and save in advance. That having been said, I have found 2 sites, in addition to this one, that have tons of information:

mousesavers.com
This is a great site to find everything you ever wanted to know about saving money as you plan your trip.

allearsnet.com
This site is a great information source for planning your trip. Including photos of the different Disney hotels, menus for the different restaurants, etc.

In planning for our trip, I find that I prepare several diffent budget scenarios based on information I gather from all sites. For example, I have a budget if we get free dining, and if that is not available, I have another budget for annual passholders, and a AAA discount budget, and so on. That way as time draws closer, I can track it and see which will be the best way to go.

Best wishes!!

 

[blessedby3]

I would also suggest staying on property too. There is so much to do at the resorts and everything is Disney all the time!! Especially if it is your first trip. I would look at getting a family suite and another connecting room at the All Stars. I am thinking you get a mini kitchen with the suite. I may be wrong and someone can correct me if I am. You could also look at the Ft. Wilderness cabins and you would have a full kitchen there.
I would also consider getting the longer passes because your rate only goes up a few dollars per ticket per day to extend them and you would have the option to go into a park for the evening only or a quick visit to a park anytime. If you didnt use them for a couple of days then you are only out a few bucks, but at least you have the option.
The time you are looking at is great- or at least the week after Thanksgiving. That is when we went last year and the crowds were nonexhistant! We also did the MVMCP and had a great time there and are going back again this Dec.
Sounds like you are making a great memory for the kiddos and the grandparents as well as you and DH. You will have a great time.

 

[mlraabe]

We have 4 children and took our first trip in 2004 the week after thanksgiving - we arrived the sat after thanksgiving. At the time our children were 9, 6, turned 3 there and 1. It was not at all crowded. The longest lines the entire week were at Dumbo and Pooh. Both about 20 minutes. Most rides had no lines and some rides they let us stay on for another ride since no one was in line! After talking to others who have gone at other times we were very lucky.

We stayed off site and loved it. We had my parents and another family of 4 with us plus a single friend. This worked out so well. The kids had their own pool and we could just go out the sliding door to get there. They had their own rooms. Once they went to bed we could enjoy the hot tub and a glass of wine. There was plenty of inside entertainment for everyone - TVs, DVDs, games, etc. We were close enough that many days we came back from the parks for a mid day break and then went back - it was no problem. Also, the cost was much cheaper than all of the rooms we would need on site.

In fact we are planing a return trip this year - same time same place - more people!!!!

 

[2sets1year]

We are now thinking of staying on grounds as I know that I can't stay with both sets of grandparents in one house for a week. Also, if grandparents can't go then we will go the cabin route.

My question is though what type of budget items should I include?

Right now I have:

Airline Travel est. at $250 PP: $1500
Room (moderate level) and Tickets w/ meal plan: $3700
A Character Breakfast and Dinner for 6: $250
Ground Transportation (Taxi's, etc.): $150
Tips: $100
Extra Meals/Food at Park: $1200
Entertainment, Rentals, Souveniers: $1000

What am I leaving out? Does this seem too steep?