Disney Questions.. We are going in 7 wks. with a 3 yr. old and 11 mo. old.. Help

[gsmartin]

I have so many questions, we are going to be going to Disney World in 7 wks. (We just decided today) and I have a few questions If anyone can help me out I would really appreciate it! There will be 4 of us, my husband, myself, our 3 yr. old, and our 11 mo. old.

We are looking into the All Stars Movies Resort, how do you get the cheapest rate there?

Is this resort within walking distance of any of the parks?

Would you recommend a disney resort, or a regular hotel? Which ones are the best?

We are going to go to the parks 2 days. Should we go to the Magic Kingdom both days, or fit MGM in there too?

I am looking for any suggestions or advice that you have to offer! Thanks so much, I am soooo excited. We haven't been since our honeymoon 5 yrs. ago and I am so excited to bring the kids!

Shelly

 

[gary4jenn]

I would suggest All stars (we prefer the Movies).
I asked for the AAA discount so I am paying $69/night inc. tax. That is 20% off the $77/night value season rate.

No- none of the parks are within walking distance.

I would suggest the magic kingdom and MGM.

Keep checking these boards for more tips!
Have fun!

 

[kapica3]

Make sure you ar a member of AAA you may have to show your card at check in, if asking for this rate. Call asap. You may have a hard time getting into a value Disney resort at this short notice using that code. You may be able to get a room at the All Star Music, Movies, Sports or the Pop Century without a code. If not try some of the recommendations of mousesavers.com and wdwig.com both have good suggestions. Good luck.

If you are a Disney Resort guest you are entitle to Extra Magic Hour in which you are let into one particular park per day - one hour before the general non-Disney resort public. Take advantage of this if it is available for Magic Kingdom on the day you will be there. Duing that first "Extra" hour head straight for Fantasy Land and do all the Kiddie rides asap before the crowds hit. On your other day I would spend just a few hours in MGM (only if you have park-hopping privliges) just to do "Little Mermaid" and "Bear in the Big Blue House" and possibly "Honey I shrunk the kids" playground - good picture taking opportunity. If you don't have park hopper tickets - don't "waste" an entire day in MGM - in that case do 2 days MK. Enjoy your trip!

 

[gsmartin]

I just want to Thank you all for your wonderful advice.. We booked a room at the All Star Movies Resort for 79 a night. We already have park hopper tickets, so we're going to go to Magic Kingdom 1 1/2, maybe 2 days and try to get to MGM for a few hrs.

Thanks again! If anyone else has any more advice to make our trip go a bit more smootly, I'll gladly take any advice!!

Shelly

 

[HeatherC]

Hi - Just wanted to chirp in here. We have gone three times with 3 kids. The first time they were 4, 2 and 10 months. We had a wonderful time and keep going back.

My suggestion....not sure if you are definitely sold on staying at the All Stars, but we have stayed offsite in 2 beroom villas for around the same amount of money. They have been huge....1400 square feet. (Grande VIsta, ORange Lake and Vistana Villages). The master is huge with a large jacuzzi tub and you get a full kitchen which is awesome to give the kids breakfast and saves you time and money in the morning. (We just stop at Publix on the way to the resort).
Plus they have their own bedroom with tv as well as a huge living room to run around in. I know people love onsite, but just being able to put the little ones to bed and hang out is nice. THey have room to move around, the pools are usally awesome and most of these resorts are extremely close to Disney. IN SOME CASES IT IS QUICKER TO DRIVE THAN WAIT FOR A SHUTTLE THAT MAY BE SHARED BETWEEN RESORTS>
Plus...you get a washer/dryer so you can bring much less. I know WIndsor Palms is around $69 and night and is a very very nice place. If you rent a car at the airport, you are not tied in to the shuttle buses.

I just know when my kids want to leave and are tired and cranky, it was nice to just be able to go and not have to wait for a bus. The money you can save on meals alone are terrific. I love Disney, but little kids get tired and burned out much quicker than we do. The villas are a nice way to relax for grownups as much as kids.

Just wanted to mention it because I know how much fun we had this way and wanted to pass it along. I'm sure no matter where you stay you will have a wonderful time.

 

[jlcbshaw]

If you are going to WDW in seven weeks, looks like Spring Break time, plan on extra crowds. We are also planning a trip during the same time, March 13-20, I would drive to the parks, waiting on a bus can be long and with younger children every minute counts. When we stay on site we use the bus system about 50/50, but our children are older, 15, 11, & 7.

As far as your hotel choices, stay Disney if at all possible. We have done both and staying on site just gives you that extra magical touch.

Enjoy your stay!

Any more questions?

Oh yea, don't forget about Downtown Disney.

CBS