all stars resort

[bobbrian]

first time disney visitor confused about lots of things, travelling August 2005 with wife and 2 children 8 and 6:

Can we use other disney resort swimming pools?

How to plan each day?

What to budget for food?

Do we need a buggy?

What's transportation like?

Will we have a hurricane!

Is the extra hour worth using?

Please tell us all your best tips

PS Discovery Cove - worth the money?

Thanks

 

[GoodFairies]

Can we use other disney resort swimming pools?

When staying at the All-Star Resort (Sports, Music, Movies) you may use any of the All-Star pools. You may not use any other resort's pool.

How to plan each day?

I would suggest buying a WDW guidebook to help you decide.

What to budget for food?

It depends on your normal eating habits. Take into account things like above average activity, heat (August in Florida is HOT HOT HOT) and review the menus at allearsnet for an estimate of pricing.

Do we need a buggy?

If you mean a car, then I would say no if you plan on remaining on WDW property for your entire trip.

What's transportation like?

I've found bus service at the All-Star Resorts to be very efficient.

Will we have a hurricane!

No one can predict that.

Is the extra hour worth using?

Again, depends on your park strategy.



I have never been to Discovery Cove but I hear it is worth a trip.

 

[ellyn2000]

The previous poster answered every question beautifully. My family loves the AllStars (Movies & Music especially) even after staying @Contemporary. We're also very pleased with the Disney transporation.

 

[oogieboogie]

Can we use other disney resort swimming pools?
Only All-Star pools. Other pools are not allowed

How to plan each day?
That's dependent on what you want to do. Get the Unofficial Guide to WDW or Birnbaum's Official Guide or the Passporter. These will give you a great guide on what to do and how to do it.
Do lots of research at allearsnet.com, wdwinfo.com, and for a UK perspective, wdisneyw.uk.
Ask lots of questions on the DIS to get the best tips

What to budget for food?
$50 per day per person on the conservative side

Do we need a buggy?
Not necessarily. If you do lots of resort hopping or if you wish to visit any other places outside of Disney, then yes.

What's transportation like?
Disney transportation is great. Lots of buses running every 20 minutes from before park opens to after park closes

Will we have a hurricane!
Don't know. Way to early to tell

Is the extra hour worth using?
Absolutely

Please tell us all your best tips
See above

PS Discovery Cove - worth the money?
Don't know. Never been

 

[bobbrian]

Thanks for your comments they area great help.

With regards the buggy I meant to say stroller for the kids one 8 and one 6 so wondered whether they would need one and also how many days of doing the parks we will be able to do before needing to rest up for a day.

We can't wait for next August!!!

Brian