Disney or Non-Disney

[mjhokie]

This will be our first time to WDW and we are going with MIL, FIL and 2 children (1&4). We are planning our trip the end of Nov/beginning of Dec for 8 days. We would like some advice on whether to go the Disney package deal (at ASMo or Port Orleans) or stay at the Dolphin for $129 and do the Hopper passes ourselves. Please let me know what you think.

Thank you in advance.
Melissa

 

[goofy4tink]

Hi and welcome Melissa. The first time we went to WDW I didn't know any better and used a package. When we went down a year ago, I booked room only and got my own park hoppers. With 2 little ones, I would suggest using 2 rooms at one of the AllStars. You, dh and two kids in one room and the in-laws in the other. You can get connecting rooms. Then decide how many days you will want to spend actually in the parks. The parks will close early at that time of year, but the crowds will be non-existent. You might want to go to one park in the morning, go back to your rooms for a nap/lunch and return mid-afternoon to a different park. Just be aware that if you get a package, it very possibley will cost you more in the long run. And, the park pass you get with a package expires at midnight on your departure day. If you buy your own park hopper passes, the unused days on them don't expire. We are using leftover days this Aug from our trip in 2001. Have fun planning. These boards are a terrific place to find info.

 

[vbfamily]

IMHO.

Always stay on-site, if you can. Just more convenient and magical.

Unless you get a great deal you are better off booking room and buying tickets seperately. Packages aren't known for saving money.

Watch mousesavers.com for discount codes.

 

[csmommy]

Hi Melissa, welcome to disboards!

First off, how many days are you going? If you can swing this I would do a split stay. In May we are going for 3 nights at AKL, & 3 nights at the Swan. This way we get to see 2 hotels we have never been to before. The hotel will transfer your belongings over for you.

HTH

 

[Gillian]

If you were planning to get 2 rooms at the Dolphin, the $129 rate is a great deal!! I wouldn't try to fit all of you in one room though. The location is excellent, and the hotel is probably nicer than the all stars (haven't stayed there so I can't say for sure). There should be a swan/dolphin FAQ at the top of the board somewhere. If I could get that rate myself, I'd stay there!

The Dolphin gives you use of all the Disney transportation, the same as if you were staying at the All stars or PO. The main thing you lose out on is charging stuff to your room.

A package is often not really worth it with small children. If MIL & FIL are planning to take it easy at all, they will probably be better off with park hoppers as well.

 

[eeyore0062]

Personally I NEVER do package deals... I don't think they work out in the guests' favor.

That being said, I would book Port Orleans and do the hoppers yourself. You don't have to do a package to stay in Disney owned resorts!