Disney in 2019

[Drea2500]

I'm currently in nursing school and I graduate next year in May. One thing I've always wanted to do is go to the Epcot food and wine festival. So I am planning on going anywhere from September to November of next year for a celebration trip. I have been to Disney on three occasions: my first being my honeymoon, then my 1 year anniversary, then later that same year (2015). So needless to say I'm really excited to be planning my next trip. But I need some help with some decisions like hotel and air.

The people going on this trip will be myself, my husband, my mom, and our two children (at the time of the trip they will be 2 and 11ish months [I'm pregnant now]). So that is 5 people total. A couple of friends from nursing school showed an interest in going but they would be staying in their own rooms anyways. Which resort would be the best for a family of five? I would prefer to stay on site and also not break the bank. I was looking at art of animation or all star music because of the cheaper suites but I'm not sure which would be better.

Also, airfare. I know it would be cheaper to drive but I don't think I could stand being in a car for 20 hours with a toddler and an 11 month old. Which airline would be the best to fly on? We've always flown southwest but they don't have a children's ticket option at least on their website. But I like how two bags fly free. I would be getting 5 seats total and that can be a bit pricey.

Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!


Edit: Also, get to and from the airport, should we do magical express or get a cab/van to our hotel?

 

[KeepCalmAndCarryOn]

I am not sure where you'd be coming from, but we just drove from Maine with our twins (15 months today!) and it went surprisingly well. We planned the drive down to align with dinner and bed (left at 3pm, stopped for dinner close to 6pm, changed them into pjs) and they slept for the bulk of the drive. We met up with my family, but my mother drove with my husband and I. I sat with the kids and my mom and husband handled the driving (knowing they could tag me in when needed). Even the next day the kids took an amazing amount of car naps... we made it to Florida by 3pm the next day. Even the drive home went well, though we did stop for the night. I think if possible aligning with their sleep schedule can make the drive doable, if cost of flying is a factor. With that said, we are planning to fly next time

 

[sponica]

If you're going to buy a seat for the 11 month old, just purchase at the adult prices on SW. Children's airfare on southwest is a refundable fare so might actually be more expensive than the wanna get away airfare/other adult airfares. Call before you purchase the adult fares to confirm the price, as the fare is only available over the phone.

The room rates should be published sometime over the summer for next year, but AoA suites aren't exactly value prices.

Things to keep in mind, Star Wars is rumored to open sometime in Oct/November 2019. So I'd aim to be down in September to avoid that mess.