Clueless & Overwhelmed

[sav4]

This is my first trip to disney and I am completely getting confused. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to go the end of September (family of 4) and want to stay at a Disney resort. I think I want passes that don't expire since we are going back the following summer- and that's about all I know...Please help!!

 

[WIDisneyFan]

First of welcome !!!!

and now for point number two - RELAX you are in good hands, I am sure you will be able to find far more information here than you could ever use.

One thing that would be helpful would be if you could share a bit more about the trip you are thinking of. Knowing how long, ages of the kids, general budget idea can all make getting the right information a bit easier. My comments to a family of 4 on a tight budget with 2 teenagers would be far different than what i would share with a family with 2 small kids that could comfortable afford to stay at one of the deluxe properties.

 

[Chellymouse]

Planning a trip to the world can be an experience in and of itself. Start with a budget and plan your trip around your budget. There are many wonderful places to stay on property (along with all of the perks of being on property) and there are varying ranges of resorts, amenities and costs. You may also want to consider the DDP (dining plan) standard, not deluxe (it's WAY too much food). Once you've got a budget, decide if you're going to stay on property or not, how you're going to eat and what kinds of tickets you are considering then it's time to plan the fun.

 

[sav4]

good idea... we have a 6 year old and 4 year old who love the princesses and kiddie rides (not quite the adventurous types). I'd say we are the middle of the road with our budget... we want to plan a memorable vacation without spending a ton of money... does this help?

 

[Neesy228]

A 6 and 4 year old, moderate budget, at the end of September...

First thing you need to know, is that the end of September is Free Dining. That means you get the Disney Dining Plan for free during the length of your stay if you purchase a package (tickets, hotel). That's a huge money saver for most people.

With two smaller kids, I would stay at one of the Value Resorts, depending on which theme is most appealing to you: Movies, Music, Sports or Pop Century. They will give you big bang for your buck with little kids and the rooms are small, but comfortable.

If you choose to go at the end of September, I would seriously consider booking your dining reservations quickly. I know many people are having a hard time getting what they want already. Go for things you may not have been able/willing to do otherwise: character meals, ethnic food, signature restaurants etc.

I would also recommend that you not get tickets to the park for every day of your stay. If you go for 8 days, get tickets for 6. Give yourself time to relax and see other things around Disney besides the parks, like Downtown Disney, Disney Boardwalk...

If you have more specific questions, I'd be happy to try to help you out. We're going the 20th to the 30th of September with free dining, we've got three kids: 7, 5 and 1. So, we're in a similar situation.

 

[hmdavid]

We have kids that are the same age with VERY similar interests! We were just there in March and did the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. If your girls are into princesses, they will love this! Afterwards, they can do a photoshoot that can be put on your Photopass. We also did the Pirate and Princess Party at MK. This will not be offered at the time you are there, but you can get in on the Halloween party. The big advantage of the after hours parties are the short line rides (if any) and great character interaction. We have the BEST photos from the party and video of our girls dancing in their princess dresses on the bridge next to the castle... with no one else on the bridge, just our family! It was sooooo worth the extra money for the party tickets!

PP mentioned free dining. If you check in by 9/20 you can participate in free dining. This could save LOTS of money, especially if you want to do a lot of sit down meals or character meals. If you go to the Disney website, click on Walt Disney World and then once on that page scroll down and click on the offer with Goofy. You can then put in your dates to find a resort that has rooms available for free dining. We have been looking at 9/20-9/27 and there are still plenty of rooms available for the promotion.

Akershus at Epcot offers princess meals and there is a Cinderella dinner at the Grand Floridian. Also, you can eat in the castle with princesses for breakfast and lunch, but it is a very hard ressie to get!

You will find lots of great info here and it will help you to be prepared once you get to the parks. Enjoy the planning, it is all part of the fun. Have a great time on your trip!!!

 

[hmdavid]

I forgot to mention that we were there for 8 days and took 2 days off from the parks. It was nice to have the pool time and time for the kids to rest and recharge!

 

[Aliceacc]

HI and welcome!

This should help you get started: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1715551

ANd most definitely look into the free dining promo that others have mentioned!!

 

[Rylee]

This is my first trip to disney and I am completely getting confused. Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to go the end of September (family of 4) and want to stay at a Disney resort. I think I want passes that don't expire since we are going back the following summer- and that's about all I know...Please help!!

If you check in by Sept. 20, you might be able to get the Free Dining Plan. To receive this discount, you must book by June 22, (the sooner, the better, as packages are limited) and you must ask for the discount, or follow the free dining links at the Disney site. (You do not automatically receive it just by travelling during those dates.)

For 2 adults and 2 children, this would be a savings equal to about $96, times (X) the number of nights you stay.

Also, you would need to call as soom as possible for Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's). Read menus at the allears site. Your children would probably enjoy a character meal.

Sept. is value season at Disney... resort rates start at $82 for the Value Resorts, $149 for the Moderates & $225 for the Deluxe Resorts. Come up with a budget, think about what your family needs/wants in a resort, and go from there. If you think you'll be spending most of your time in the parks, why pay more for a room... stay at a Value resort, (kids will love it, cool pools and themes, convenient food courts.) If Mom & Dad want to spend more time relaxing at the resort and are looking for some extra perks and finer dining options right at their resort, stay at a Deluxe.

Tickets... start with Magic Your Way (MYW) base tickets - the per day rate becomes cheaper, the longer you stay. Extras - Hoppers allow you to be able to visit more than one park per day, and are a one time rate of $45 per person. The Water Park and more option adds on admissions to the Water Parks, Disney Quest, etc., and is about $50 per person. Do not purchase any extra options you aren't sure you will use... you can always upgrade your tickets later or at the resort, if you find you want the extra options. (If you think you will visit a water park only once... it is cheaper to buy a 1 day admision at the gate.)

Honestly, for a first visit, a great Disney experience, and to save some money... I think staying at a Value resort, with MYW base tickets, will be fine. Then, the next trip, you'll know better if you want to change/add/upgrade anything.

Have fun planning... any other questions, just ask.

 

[sav4]

Thank you to all who shared your words of wisdom. We are booked at the Pop Century resort and got the park hopper passes. We unfortunately missed the free dining by 1 week . So now I will turn my attention to planning our meals/characters. Thanks a bunch!