Disney Trip?

[mom2threeboys]

Hi all! I am new here and have really enjoyed all the info ! I have certainly learned a lot!
I have a some questions, as we will be making our first Diney trip with kiddos early in 2004. My boys will be 5, 2, and almost 1.
First of when should we go? We are looking at late January or February, is one better than the other? What about the weather?

Also any other advice with little ones that young? I have seen lots of stroller questions, but does anyone know if a double jogger will fit on the buses/monorail? Its what I normally use, do I need to buy an umbrella style?

One other question, I see that most of you buy tickets through the Disney store...do they give the AAA dicount? Is it cheaper to buy there or AAA?

Thanks so much for all the great advice!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We always get ours before leaving from AAA. You save a bit more than getting them at Disney Store.

You can also try www.ticketmania.com They have good ticket prices sometimes and some tickets not available anywhere else.


We have been once in March, and the weather was nice in the day but cold and windy in the evenings. I remember sitting in my Illuminations viewing spot saving seats for DW and DDs while they hovered inside one of the shops where it was warm until the show started. I would imagine January and February would be very similar in weather.

Stroller questions best be left for the experts. I think I've seen that joggers aren't allowed in the parks, but someone with younger offspring might have better advice in that category...

 

[crisi]

No crowds in January (but shorter hours, fewer special events, more closed attractions). More crowded by mid-Feb - the week before Presidents week and through Easter.

Weather is iffy both times. All Disney pools are heated, and you may get lucky and get an 85 degree day for the waterparks. But generally you are talking long pants and a jacket, at least in the mornings and evenings (and often all day).

I'd go for January with the crowd situation and not worry too much about the weather. Although the waterparks are great, you'll find plenty to do without them (and I don't know that I'd take three kids that little to a waterpark anyway).

We used to do a package deal (which was easy, but you can do it yourself cheaper if you take time) that would include tickets. This next trip we will use the DVC discount on UPHs. For regular PHs, I think I'd use a broker.

 

[onecoolmama]

We went last Jan the 16-20th. It was great we walked on to every ride..we waited maybe 3-5 minutes once and this was a holiday weekend. However, we are northeners..and we were looking forward to the warm south. It was 36 degrees..that was the high! So, while it was fine for my DH and I, with three boys it really is hit or miss with the weather. I would pack for both. I would also suggest that time though..the hours are shorter through early Feb and it tends to be slightly more crowded in early Feb. So late Jan is great!

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[laceemouse]

Whatever type of stroller you bring you MUST be able to fold it up to get it on the monorail and trams. Most joggers do not fold up that I have seen. I would bring a small lightweight for the youngest one, and rent strollers (a double) for the others. Hassling with a bunch of strollers on the transportation is no fun IMO!!!

 

[mom2threeboys]

Thanks for the help!
I will go ahead and buy my tickets with AAA. As for when we go, I am glad to see that Jan/Early Feb. will be good. We are headed south, so it won't be any colder there than it is here! I just want to avoid heat and crowds...
I am still unsure about the stroller. Thanks for the suggestions. I don't want to rent one, as I could buy one for that price that would be more comfy. Our double jogger does fold up, but now I read that they aren't allowed in the parks. I guess we will buy a double umbrella that reclines, and take the baby carrier for in line or if our 5 year old needs a little stroller time!

Also one more question...Will our 1 year old be allowed on the rides with us? I know there are several 2 passengers, could I take him and my two year old since they are both so small?

 

[BevS97]

yes, your 1 year old can ride on lots of things - more or less anything without a height restriction. We saw babies on Pooh Bear, Peter Pan, Pirates, Dumbo etc, there is lots he can do.

We never had to fold our stroller for the monorail, and we generally don't bother with the tram and just walk (especially in January when it won't be crowded), but there seem to be very mixed messages about jogging strollers and I would hate for you to get there and discover you couldn't use it.

Bev

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

Go to character meals. your 2 Y.O, will still be free. Sure beats waiting in line for autographs. This worked out great for us.


Also your 5 Y.O. will love kid swap. He will be able to ride with both parents.

My kids were the same ages (minus the 1 Y.O.). Some people thought my youngest was too young, but she had fun, and loves looking at the pictures. She remembers much more than even I thought she would.


Have a great time.

 

[mom2threeboys]

Thanks! Mady/Sophie mom, good to hear that those ages worked out! My 2y/o will actually be getting close to 3, so he'll be fine. He is a trooper and may outlast the 5 y/o!!
Also good to know that the baby will be able to ride most things we plan to go on. I took our oldest DS when he was 3 months, and we took him in the carrier on most things, but I wasn't sure if I could take an older baby.
I am am so excited about this trip!! We haven't told the kids yet...too long for them to wait! (Who am I kidding, waiting is hard for me!! )

 

[Mrs.A]

Hi momto3boys,

You can also get an AAA discount on your room only reservation. When making the reservation just ask for an AAA discount if available.

If you have already made your reservation, call CRO, or Disney Travel and ask to apply the AAA discount.

This saved us $72.00 a night for AKL Concierge. We leave in Aug.