Big family woes

[tina_la]

For a family your size sounds like a pretty good rate overall.I personally would want to be on site because you can take your little ones back to the hotel for easy naps and swimming. I would rent 2 value rooms too though. Reason being you have a large bed but the rest are pull outs which usually aren't the best. Also I think only one bathroom with the family suite. I ran some numbers for my own family and for 8 nights in Sept we actually could save $200 by renting 2 rooms at a value instead of a family suite. (hopefully I did it right) And have 2 bathrooms that way. You should have ajoining so you can leave the door open if you like because of your kids ages. February is a good time to go. I also went one year in March and was VERY slow but with Easter falling at that time this year I wouldn't. Hope this helps some. I do like DDP personally and with your size family I think it is a good thing. For a first time trip we did not do park hoppers and had no problems (also had a little one) but did get it this year because of places we decided to eat. So I see your point on that but make sure you really do need it for your ressies or I would drop it. As you can see from the other post it does not make or break your trip.

I am sure you will have a great vacation! Have fun!

 

[brymolmom]

I struggled with the park hopper option too, but in the end I wanted the ultimate in flexibility. With the fact that I need to make ADR's 6 months out, I felt that it was better to have the hopper. I was talking to a friend of mine who goes to Disney a lot and she remarked that if we want to truly enjoy the vacation try to just let go as much as possible. When it came down to it, we decided if we need to use it, we have it. If we find out that it was unnecessary, then next vacation, we don't have to worry. I would feel horrible if we went and regretted not adding it. ... I don't know.. we really are still on the fence on that one.. lol

We're actually coming from the Reading area in PA, About an hour northwest of Philly.

FYI - If you're truly not sure that you'll even use it - don't put it on your tickets up front. Instead, wait till you get there and if you decide you want to hop - you can upgrade your tickets to hoppers and pay the $$ then. That way - you're not 'out' on the cash even if you don't use it. And while I would agree with a friend and wanting to be 'flexible'....that kind of flexibility just isn't usually very possible with a few/several young kids. It is not a quick thing to scoot over to a different park - it is walking a long way, getting on a tram, folding up strollers, belting in kids, and then going thru security again....getting back IN the strollers.....well - you get what I mean - you do this every day!

 

[Kenenitz]

I have to agree about value season, whether it is August or beginning of Feb. We went end of Jan/beg of Feb, and the weather is fantastic and the crowds are very low. If you can take the kids out of school, I'd go with Feb. If you can't and you can tolerate the heat, try late August. Value season is just an easy way to save money if you can travel during those times.


Have a great trip!

Thanks! about the value season, well my husband rarely wears a coat in the winter and wishes the summer would be 70 all year. LOL I can't see him enjoying the heat. Plus one of my kids is the whitest little boy you could ever meet. I have to slather him with spf 50 and he still burns and doesn't tolerate the heat well at all.. so I feel August is out for us, and later in the fall, DH will be back in school for an express program, he just can't afford to miss a week of school. So that would make us push the vacation to Oct. '10 .. ( too long a wait for me! LOL )

I wanted the second week of April, till I saw it was Easter week. Dh is starting school the second week of May '09 - Sept '10 no breaks other than Christmas/New Year and July 4th.. ( and that is def out of the budget)

So, we were debating the last week of April, or the second week of February. I worry about it being cold though.. will it be too cold to really enjoy the vacation. I mean even at 50-60 we are going to feel warmer since we are coming from a PA February.. notorious for bitter cold and snow and ice. But, can we enjoy the pools and such? Is it worth it to wait, because we most likely won't go back for at least two years, when the babies are a little older.

Like I said we have one month and then we plan to book.. If i make one more pros and cons list, my dh might kill me!!! LOL I'm honestly not trying to be a pessimist or a control freak.

 

[Kenenitz]

FYI - If you're truly not sure that you'll even use it - don't put it on your tickets up front. Instead, wait till you get there and if you decide you want to hop - you can upgrade your tickets to hoppers and pay the $$ then.

Yeah I didn't even know that was an option! That would be fantastic. If on the second day I wanted to make them park hoppers do I simply pay the difference for the rest of the week?

 

[twooley2]

I would drop the hoppers and consider staying at windsor Hills condos. That is what we are doing. We have stayed onsite twice before and although nice with the meal plan. I can do the same and have some flexibility in where to eat. I think the cost comes out the same as buying the dining plan or paying cash for your meals. Although you save on the accomodations side. It looks like lots of room too. We also spend sinfully on souviners in the past. We love Disney magic but I remember being able to get away from by going to a hotel the last day offsite at the end of the trip. We actually added one day to Universal as a relax day. Imagine that. The meal plan says you have to use 2 meal credits for certain meals and some counter service meals always get thrown away. We also found problems finding a snack that we wanted. One time we found ice cream but it had to be from a certain place and when your hot and want an ice type treat vs milk well it all is about convenience for us.

 

[Kenenitz]

I would also like to say drop the hoppers option. Last year we went with 3 kids and didn't feel the need to hop at all. I also wanted to say hello from frackville

wow! hello! you're really close! we're in Lake Wynonah

 

[Kenenitz]

With kids those ages there is no way I'd want to do a sit-down meal every day anyway - sometimes they take a long time and if any one of the kids is cranky....well that's a LONG time to wait for food, etc.



Bringing stroller(s) for your family will definitely save over renting them there.

Bring some pre-purchased less expensive souveniers from home and hide them from the kids. Suprise them either in the car or when you get there - they'll feel like they have a couple new things and likely won't mind getting less when you're there.

Especially if you have a car - don't miss the fort wilderness campfire and outdoor movie - it's a ton of fun!

Thanks! I heard the fort wilderness campfire is awesome!

I already have some things from the Disney store I purchased for the trip! LOL We also were at a discount store and I got these plate, bowl, cup gift boxes. They had Disney princesses, and the others were cars the movie and Toy story. I have those for breakfast and snacks at the room!

For those who need to rent strollers, I found a great place called a baby's best friend. ( abbf.com ) They have everything you could want to rent there. seems like it might be a good deal considering the cost to rent a stroller in the park.. I never used them, but I thought I would pass on the info for anyone interested!!!

 

[maxiesmom]

For a family your size sounds like a pretty good rate overall.I personally would want to be on site because you can take your little ones back to the hotel for easy naps and swimming. I would rent 2 value rooms too though. Reason being you have a large bed but the rest are pull outs which usually aren't the best. Also I think only one bathroom with the family suite. I ran some numbers for my own family and for 8 nights in Sept we actually could save $200 by renting 2 rooms at a value instead of a family suite. (hopefully I did it right) And have 2 bathrooms that way. You should have ajoining so you can leave the door open if you like because of your kids ages. February is a good time to go. I also went one year in March and was VERY slow but with Easter falling at that time this year I wouldn't. Hope this helps some. I do like DDP personally and with your size family I think it is a good thing. For a first time trip we did not do park hoppers and had no problems (also had a little one) but did get it this year because of places we decided to eat. So I see your point on that but make sure you really do need it for your ressies or I would drop it. As you can see from the other post it does not make or break your trip.

I am sure you will have a great vacation! Have fun!

We stayed in a Family Suite in May, and I can attest to the fact that they do indeed have 2 whole bathrooms. Which is wonderful! Plus, the pull-outs are pretty comfy, I slept on one! There is not a bar across your back like in typical pull-outs. These ones were designed especially for Disney, and are much better than the other kind. Plus you get a fridge, which is an extra cost for the Value resort regular rooms.

By the way, if you decide to go with 2 seperate rooms, you need to ask for connecting, not adjoining. Connecting rooms have the inside door, adjoining rooms do not. Not a mistake you want to make with little kids.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Thanks so much for responding, I think we really are going to drive down, I just feel overwhelmed at the thought of flying out of Philly with all the kids and stroller and luggage.. It's just to have everything in arms reach if I need it. When you go, Do you take I- 95 straight down ? we were thinking I-81 might be a little less congested.

I should have mentioned that dh really wants the dining plan, we spent hours on all ears, checking the menus and such and when you total up most of the places he wants to try out , we're saving money with the DP. Plus I cook breakfast and dinner every single day.. on the weekends, lunch too. I just don't want to be bothered with cooking. This is my fault, but I cook everything from scratch and my kids as a result are a little pickier... meaning they aren't fans of jar spaghetti sauce or box macaroni.. so if I actually want them to eat and not pick and then cry they are hungry an hour later, I'm gonna have to actually cook a meal and of course clean up afterwards..

We had originally thought about staying off site, or even booking through Universal's deals, but then the added cost of parking and gas to drive to the parks and food seemed like it would be about the same. To be honest, we can afford the trip as it is. It's something we were planning for and I expected to spend a bundle. I was just trying to figure out a few ways to minimize other costs, it would be nice if it was just a little cheaper.. I mean aren't we all looking to save money?

We are a family of 6 also. We always stay on-site and I just won't go any other way!!! lol! Not only just because of the magic, but I like the on-site perks of Free transportaion from your resort to the parks and between the parks, Extra Magic Hours, the Dining Plan, being able to charge purchases back to the room and free delivery of those purchases to your resort so you don't have to lug them around all day.

If you are going in April then you are paying peak season rates. Going at a different time would definitely save you money. We are going December 12 - 21 and are paying $164.00 per night at All-Star Movies for two connecting rooms. We always get two connecting rooms at a value and we have really liked it and it is the cheapest route for us. I know a lot of people talk about getting a 4 and 5 bedroom house off-site and about lots of room and private pools and plasma screen t.v.s, etc. But we spend all of our time in the parks and all I need is a room to sleep and shower in. All of those other things would be a waste for us.

The WDW Dining Plan IS the way to go. We love, love, love the dining plan, espcially when you have as many children as you and I do. It is very easy to use and will save us almost $400.00 on our trip in December. As far as people not liking the planning aspect and having their trip revolve around meals - well that's how my whole life is!!! lol!!! When you have many young children you pretty much have to have a meal schedule whether you are in WDW or not. I like having everything all planned out, it just makes everything easier.

We have driven and flown to Disney and we perfer to drive. Now, don't get me wrong, flying is fine and the free Magical Express was great, but it is just not as easy when you have a big family with small children. Driving will save you money and the hassle of having to deal with lines and waiting (and waiting and waiting) at the airport. We usually, just park our Suburban and don't see it the entire time we are at WDW. We like the Disney transportation and use it the entire time we are there. If you want to hop to another park you don't have to go to the parking lot, catch a tram or load the kids up - all you have to to is walk out the front gate of a park, walk to the bus stop and catch a bus to another park (very easy, no transferring). Or if you want to go back to the resort for naps, just catch the bus and go back for your nap and then catch the bus back to the park - very easy!!!

Hope this info helps and ya'll have a great trip!

 

[Kenenitz]

4) So you dont want to cook......I get it! However, DDP is a bit rough sometimes because you have to plan your whole freaking day/trip around your ADR (advanced dining reservations). Is this something that you guys really want to do? I would aleast pick up easy breakfast food like cereal and milk and bagels and cream cheese and various juices and let everyone grab a quick breakfast

Thats all from my end. Good luck!!

Thanks! I was actually completely dumbstruck at the whole ARD's 6 months out. It's one of the most stressful parts of planning the trip. I also wanted to skip the entire sit down experience other than a few buffets, but it's something that Dh is really excited about. To be honest we are both kinda foodies and since we rarely ever eat fast food, we are looking forward to a few really nice meals. With my kids being such big eaters at home, and being accustomed to big meals everyday.. we hardly ever have issues going to restaurants. They seem to enjoy it.

I will def be taking breakfast foods and snacks for the days, my kids are used to a big breakfast, but if I get the family suite and we have a microwave, I can at least make scrambled eggs and bacon! lots of fruit and such.

But back to my point.. planning these dining reservations in advance is almost torturous! How do people plan so far out????

 

[HelenePA]

But back to my point.. planning these dining reservations in advance is almost torturous! How do people plan so far out????

Actually its not that hard. Read all the menu's make a list of your top 10. Then call and see what you can get. Even at 6 months out some places are VERY hard to get (ie Le Cellier, Cindy's Royal Table) Also check out the review board, some places sound GREAT and are terrible.

I wanted to add my DH works with someone who lives in Lake Wynonah, can you hear it?? Its a small world after all

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Thanks! I was actually completely dumbstruck at the whole ARD's 6 months out. It's one of the most stressful parts of planning the trip. I also wanted to skip the entire sit down experience other than a few buffets, but it's something that Dh is really excited about. To be honest we are both kinda foodies and since we rarely ever eat fast food, we are looking forward to a few really nice meals. With my kids being such big eaters at home, and being accustomed to big meals everyday.. we hardly ever have issues going to restaurants. They seem to enjoy it.

I will def be taking breakfast foods and snacks for the days, my kids are used to a big breakfast, but if I get the family suite and we have a microwave, I can at least make scrambled eggs and bacon! lots of fruit and such.

But back to my point.. planning these dining reservations in advance is almost torturous! How do people plan so far out????

The dining plan is fantastic, you will love it!

The easist way for me to plan is by using touringplans.com, which is the companion website to The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. You can view their crowd/best days calender from today's date through the next year. I just look up the dates were are going to WDW and it tells me which parks to visit on which days for the least amount of crowds. Then, knowing which park I will be in on which day, I choose the restaurant I want to eat in at the park (or at a resort in the area of that park) and plan my ADRs from there. It is $7.95 to join the site and well worth it in my opinion.

 

[4forMe]

So, we were debating the last week of April, or the second week of February. I worry about it being cold though.. will it be too cold to really enjoy the vacation. I mean even at 50-60 we are going to feel warmer since we are coming from a PA February.. notorious for bitter cold and snow and ice. But, can we enjoy the pools and such? Is it worth it to wait, because we most likely won't go back for at least two years, when the babies are a little older.

Hi. I just wanted to share my opinion regarding time of year issue. I've been to WDW in both February and last week of April. I feel that the weather in February is too unpredictable. Also, traveling may be a problem due to snow in your area at the time. I would suggest going in April. The weather is dry and warm (in the 70's to 80's). Our first family trip was the last week in April. I had a 4 year old, 2 year old twins and a 6 month old at the time. The weather was perfect and the flowers at that time of year are absolutely gorgeous. Also, the crowds weren't too bad (way less than Easter week or spring break).

Good luck planning your trip!

 

[Kenenitz]

Hi. I just wanted to share my opinion regarding time of year issue. I've been to WDW in both February and last week of April. I feel that the weather in February is too unpredictable. Also, traveling may be a problem due to snow in your area at the time. I would suggest going in April.
Good luck planning your trip!

Thank you! I can't believe I could be so stupid as to not consider trying to fly out or even worse DRIVE in an ice storm!!! I am so wrapped up in everything there it never even crossed my mind!

 

[Desnik]

I have the answer to solve the issue with planning ADR's so far out in advance! You can't do it!LOL Well, Disney recently changed their ADR policy and if you are going after Jan 2009 then you can only make your ADR's 90 days in advance. Here is a link to the info:
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1878298
That should help you with having to plan so far in advance. Personally I loved booking at the 180 day window because I am a compulsive over planner!LOL

As for the hopping option, I am a big fan and would say do it especially with kids. In your case I would do what another poster suggested and don't buy the tickets with the hopper option until you are there for a day. You can always add the hopper option to your passes at any guest services location. You will just pay the difference.

Driving will save you money and I think with such young kids and all the stuff they require, being able to pack it all up in the car will be easier.

Stay onsite!! OK, as a DVC member I'm a little bias, but there is nothing like being immersed in the magic 24/7.

Normally I would say rent DVC points but not in your case. You are trying to save money and renting points for a DVC 2 bedroom(you would have to get this size because of the amount of people you have) would cost you in the $3-$4000 price range just for the room.(this is based on the end of April "magic season" for DVC'ers, and a 2 bed room at SSR for aprox. $10 per point)

I would say that the end of April is a good time to go as far as weather. It's not too hot yet but is swimming weather and hardly no rain. It is busy but not too crowded. Even though Easter is April 12th, the end of April is spring break for a lot of people.(you can find out others school vacations by doing a search on the DIS) So you will see some crowds but nothing too worrisome if you have a good plan. Use EMH in the morning!

Have fun planning!!

 

[piratemom07]

My family consist of four people (2 adults and 2 kids ages 18,13) so in some ways I cant imagine planing for a family of your size and ages. But we are going in August we usually go early June but this year we started planing late and needed the extra time. Where we live the heat will not be too bad it was 98 today but felt like 103 but I am not out in the heat much but we will be ok. We will be driving our trip will take us approx. 16 hours maybe less depending on how much we stop for potty breaks or gas, I pack a cooler so we eat meals in the car. We have flown in the past but flying would cost an extra 1000.00 and we were not prepared for that plus we have 3 people in the car who can drive so that will help out. We have some friends who have came in late Feb. and liked that time said it was nice weather might have been a little cooler at night but was not bad at all was a great time to go.

We considered one year staying off property but we decided against it besides gas getting to and from paying for parking, and we liked using disney buses saved us from having to drive. We are staying at POP again we stayed here in 2006 and enjoyed it. Our room rate this year was 103.50 but we were charged 10.00 extra per night since our son is 18 he was considered an extra adult in the same room which i think is crazy but I guess you have to draw the line somewhere as my husband said.

We are doing the dining plan for the first time and we are excited we have all our TS meals planned out but we have been serveral times before so we know where we want to eat. With doing the dining plan I think this is a great time to eat several character meals when you might not do those if paying out of pocket.
We have planned to eat at
Grand Flordian- breakfast
Crystal Palace- lunch
Liberty Tree Tavern- supper
Tappon Edo- Japan- supper (first time for this place)
San Angel Inn- lunch
Ohano- Bk with Lilo and Stitch
Chef Mickeys- supper
DHS- 50's Primetime- supper

Just these meals alone with our the dining plan would cost my family over 650.00 not counting our lunch meal we are not big breakfast eaters plus we would rather close the park down than open it up so we sleep in a little and go later.

Mousesavers is a great we site go sign up for the newsletter you can get it each month and also I have found lost of helpful menu ideals on allears.net and well and this board. I am learning new things each day about Disney.

Have a great time and good luck with your planning

 

[wishtdream]

Ok, let's see.

I think if you drive down you will save a bundle. It's a do-able ride, i'm in NJ and it takes us about 12 hours straight through..

DH wants to know what rocket you were driving. You would have to cover about 86 mph over the highways. To do that you would need to have an average speed of about 105mph, with mo stop for dinner. lol

OP - We drove down last year from the jersey shore and it took us about 18 hours. We took a hour break for dinner and drove while the kids slept.

We will do this again this year.

IMHO - Drive down while the kids sleep, stay onsite with the dining plan and get park-hoppers. you will be thankful to have your own car to come and go as you please. Hoppers make it easier to go somewhere else when your first pick park is too crowded for your kids comfort.

I also recommend the family style sit down dinners - no trading kids to go get food at the buffet. You still get to eat right away and even your little one gets a plate. Plus we think the food is good too. These dinners also can have characters or other entertainment for the little ones.

 

[Kenenitz]

I also recommend the family style sit down dinners - no trading kids to go get food at the buffet. You still get to eat right away and even your little one gets a plate. Plus we think the food is good too. These dinners also can have characters or other entertainment for the little ones.

I can't seem to figure out what restarants are the buffet vs family style.. where do i find that? although buffet never bothers me.. dh always get the kids settled and i attack the buffet for the boys, by the time I am done, he goes up with our older daughter. That affords me the time to cut everything on the boys plates and then he comes back and i go for my own... LOL I guess with so many kids we are just accustomed to never really sitting down to eat together!

 

[bellebud]

I posted before, but forgot to add about the AAA rate another poster mentioned... I usually book room only, and I book directly with Disney (on the phone, not on-line), and have gotten the AAA rate for our room many times. You have to be a AAA member and just show your card at check in. And you have to ask the cast member to check for the special rate, they won't just offer it even if it's available. Maybe it isn't the same for packages... I'm not sure but I wanted to mention it. Getting a AAA membership isn't expensive at all, and if you're driving down, it's probably worth it for peace of mind anyway and for all year.

And about the hoppers again, since you're on the fence, I like the other posters ideas about adding it once you're there if you want to. With a little planning (which you're obviously doing), I think they're unnecessary, and I just don't think they add anything to your trip. So I'd definitely at least wait to add them there.

 

[4forMe]

I can't seem to figure out what restarants are the buffet vs family style.. where do i find that? although buffet never bothers me.. dh always get the kids settled and i attack the buffet for the boys, by the time I am done, he goes up with our older daughter. That affords me the time to cut everything on the boys plates and then he comes back and i go for my own... LOL I guess with so many kids we are just accustomed to never really sitting down to eat together!

Allears.net has a lot of useful information. The following thread has the restaurant information you're looking for:

http://www.allears.net/din/buffet.htm