Convince me to take my next trip to Disney World

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

I have been to Disneyland 4 times and would like to take a trip to Disneyworld. I was wodering if any one would be willing to share any helpful tips and convince me to take my first trip to Disneyworld. We are looking to go in February of 2009. I would like to know about the crowds, weather, and about how much we need to save up, and how long do you think we need to be there to see everything. ANY information would be be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

 

[LOVEDISNEYLAND]

Anybody out there???

 

[fakereadhed]

Anybody out there???

I would suggest picking up a guidebook like the Unofficial Guide. You have a lot of general questions that are hard to answer in a post without more specifics. Crowds(what dates are you thinking?), Weather(when?), Cost(depends on hotel, length of stay,ticket options,etc)- see what I mean? As far as how long to stay and see everything, it would be impossible. That's why I always have to start another trip when I get back. But I think that my ideal trip would be 1 day MK, 2 days Epcot, 1 day MGM, 1 day Animal Kingdom. Take some time to see the resorts- they are attractions themselves. I would be sure to see the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, and Yacht and Beach Club. And also Downtown Disney.

 

[Dedejf]

I would suggest picking up a guidebook like the Unofficial Guide. You have a lot of general questions that are hard to answer in a post without more specifics. Crowds(what dates are you thinking?), Weather(when?), Cost(depends on hotel, length of stay,ticket options,etc)- see what I mean? As far as how long to stay and see everything, it would be impossible. That's why I always have to start another trip when I get back. But I think that my ideal trip would be 1 day MK, 2 days Epcot, 1 day MGM, 1 day Animal Kingdom. Take some time to see the resorts- they are attractions themselves. I would be sure to see the Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk, and Yacht and Beach Club. And also Downtown Disney.

I agree with the Fakereadhed's recommendations about picking up a good guide book like the Unofficial Guide to start out with. Be sure to get the latest 2008 version. After reading it, ask any specific questions that the guide didn't clear up. That's where I started back in 1987 and I found it soooooooooo enlightening.

 

[Brian_WDW74]

You might want to check out Hydroguy's excellent "An Introduction To WDW For DLR Vets" thread at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=16541636 for a good overview of what to plan for.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I recommend picking up a guidebook as well, though I like Pass Porter the best. I also would stay at least a week, and spend two days at MK, two days at Epcot, and one day each at AK and the Studios. I do tend to take longer trips then that though, and spend three days each at MK and Epcot, and two days each at AK and the Studios, but that's just me. I also always make sure to get a park hopper ticket, since I will spend the morning in one park, and the evening in another.

 

[Chellymouse]

I have been to Disneyland 4 times and would like to take a trip to Disneyworld. I was wodering if any one would be willing to share any helpful tips and convince me to take my first trip to Disneyworld. We are looking to go in February of 2009. I would like to know about the crowds, weather, and about how much we need to save up, and how long do you think we need to be there to see everything. ANY information would be be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

First and foremost, Feb. is going to be busy as peak season is from Feb-April. You may want to go the last week of Jan (although many popular rides/attractions shut down for maintenance around this time) or go the last week of April, first week of May if you are wanting to avoid huge crowds. the weather isn't too bad (Spring Break Daytona!) it's usually pretty warm (70's-80's) but cold snap may not be out of the question. May need light jackets at night. WDW is much bigger than DL and there is quite a bit more to see and do. I've been to DL 5 times (not since 98 though) and MK is close, but there are differences. Some of the rides are a little different (POTC, Space Mt and Splash mt.) I will say, you are WAY better off (No matter what anyone else says) to STAY ONSITE!! It's easier, more convenient (especially since you will be flying) and you will have EMH as well. I would suggest at least 5-6 days, although we usually go anywhere from 7-10 days depending on the time of year. 5-6 days will get you through all of the parks at least once and maybe leave a little bit of time to spend sightseeing at your resort or checking out DTD or PI. I would also suggest you order the free vacation planning video from the WDW website. It's a great help in planning especially if you're a DL vet. You may also want to check out the DDP (standard, deluxe is ALOT of food and unless you're big eaters, it's a waste of $$). The packages are pretty good and unless you plan to stay at a deluxe resort (waste of $$...stay at a mod, just as nice and better service) you should expect for accommodations, food, tickets (also ALL of your transportation is included to and from the airport and all around Disney property) for 5-6 days around $2500 (unless it's peak season, add another $1000) and for 7-10 days (non-peak season) around $3K. The nice thing about a package and staying on site is that everything will be paid for before you arrive and the only $$ you'll need is for tips and trinkets! POR-FQ is a wonderful resort and I highly recommend it. I've recommended this resort to several friends, they've stayed there and also loved it!
Good luck with your planning and have fun! It is definitely a different experience than DL!

 

[TKDisneylover]

Missy,

I agree with just about everything the above poster said except for February being the start of peak season, it actually does not start until the third week of February. Value season continues through the first two weeks of February and we have gone the second week of February and enjoyed both the mild weather (started out drizzly & upper 60's and the week ended sunny & 80's) and low crowds (practically a walk on for every ride at the most a 20 minute wait for the more popular rides).

And also your total cost may be different than the totals the above poster figured depending on how you choose to book, ie. through Disney direct or using a travel agent such as AAA where you can get some room discounts. It also depends on the type of tickets you purchase, ie. standard park pass or hoppers. And of course your airfare. We have gotten airfare at different amounts, but in February paid $218 round trip and our most recent visit in December we paid $188.

As far as convincing you, just GO! You have four theme parks to visit and they are all large parks with lots to see. As others suggested get some guide books, personally I prefer Birnbaum's Guide to Walt Disney World. The first time we visited WDW I went to the library and got that guide. I most recently used Tour Guide Mike who is sponsored here on the Dis. There is so much to see so if you can visit for a full week, I would suggest 2 days for EPCOT so you can enjoy World Showcase which opens later (11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.). And maybe slide in a day of rest because you will be walking A LOT!

Hope this helps you out, if you have any more questions, just ask!

PS: Sorry for the loss of your furbaby.

 

[Donald's Fan in PHX!]

I have been to Disneyland 4 times and would like to take a trip to Disneyworld. I was wodering if any one would be willing to share any helpful tips and convince me to take my first trip to Disneyworld. We are looking to go in February of 2009. I would like to know about the crowds, weather, and about how much we need to save up, and how long do you think we need to be there to see everything. ANY information would be be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you!

I will always be partial to Disneyland myself, but that's because it's the original classic. With that said, YOU MUST DO A WDW TRIP! WDW has sooooo much more. Imagine this, Disneyland with almost unlimited room for growth and new ideas, and that's what WDW is now.

 

[Stacy's a freak]

Not only is WDW bigger, there are tons of non-park things to do as well. I just love touring the higher-end resorts, taking a liesurely boat ride to and fro a park, the array of specially themed dining options (i.e., Poly luau, Hoo Dee Doo, Coral Reef, etc.), water parks, golfing, Disney Quest ... the list goes on and on. So just do it - I can't say if you will love it more than DL - that's a personal preference. But I'm sure that you will still love it.

 

[zima-cheryl]

We are looking to go in February of 2009. I would like to know about the crowds, weather, and about how much we need to save up, and how long do you think we need to be there to see everything.

I know others have commented, but I want to add in our experience.
DH & I were there a few years back during the first week of February for his birthday. Crowds were non-existant. We did get a cold snap - 70's one day 50's the next, but we had checked before going & packed appropriately.

I would recommend that time of year. Personally we love Epcot. I'm a total foodie & totally enjoy eating & drinking my way around the world. And nothing beats Illuminations from Mexico w/a nice tall Dos Equis (sp?) to drink!

And as mentioned before, staying on site makes it so easy - they get you to/from anywhere & everywhere...from the airport to the parks, downtown Disney, other resorts, etc.

I also consider Animal Kingdom a must see! I love the shows and the 2 trails. Of course I love any nice zoo - so take that for what it is worth. Twice now during the "Flights of Wonder" show I've been selected to have the crow come take my dollar.

Really - no matter what you like, they are going to have something for you. And of course you can't beat that Disney magic 24/7.

What ever you decide have a wonderful trip!!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

February may be busier than January but overall it's not a busy time. Presidents Day weekend (and that week) can be crowded. But the crowds really only start to get big the second week of March which is when many universities begin to have their Spring Break weeks. From then until Easter it can be packed. Easter in 2009 is in April. But February should be a great time to visit.

Disneyland is nothing like Disney World.

BobK/Orlando