Disney virgin

[greenbean]

Can you believe there is a family who has NOT been to Disney before?

It is us...and we are planning our very first trip in May.

I think I have been a pretty good student so far...my Mickey ears are starting to sprout.

We have decided the following:

We are taking a direct flight to Orlando.

We are plan to visit WDW and Universal

No park hopping for us. I have medical problems and evenings are out for visiting or re-visiting the parks.

We are staying for 7 nights.


So far, here is what we need help with:

1. On site or Off site. We are super cheap and we are thinking it would be better on our check book to stay off site.

2. Food plan vs no food plan. We eat weird throughout the day. We are just not the sit down restaurant kind of people, and are thinking it would be cheaper to eat on our own.



I have not had time to investigate all of the DIS boards, but I have read everything on allears.net twice...so I feel that we are 'getting there'.

Any help would be appreciated!!

Mel

 

[NHMom4]

Do the math and check it out.
Staying on site includes shuttle to your hotel and then you can get the counter service meals at Disney which is a deal! Pay for a cab to go to Universal. (Maybe there is another way to get there.)

Staying off site, rent a car or take a cab to hotel. Then how do you get to the parks? If you rent a car you have to pay parking and gas. Some hotels have shuttles. $ for meals? You can go to a grocery store and buy some but you still have to eat out for some I imagine...

WELCOME TO DISNEY!!!!!

 

[kimkatmom]

Hi GreenBean: Welcome to our Disney Family. First the best advice I can give you is USE these DISboards! You will find out some amazing secrets on this site.

"We are taking a direct flight to Orlando."
Where are you flying from. You can save a lot of $$ if you don't take a non-stop because there are very few nonstops. You don't have any flexibility, hence the price.

"We are plan to visit WDW and Universal."
Check the towncar services for prices on transportation between WDW and Universal. Also check out a one day car rental. You can rent a car right on property.

We ALWAYS stay on property. The transportation can't be beat. You will have the Magical Express from the Airport to your resort. Watch for specials being announced here on the DISboards.

If you want to save money, I strongly suggest NOT getting the meal plan.

Let us know if you have any more questions,

Leslye

 

[Metro West]

 

[Rylee]

Hi,

I always recommend everyone stay on-site for the extra perks, convenience, magic, etc!

However, if you plan to visit other attractions in Orlando, you might be better off staying off-site.

One idea is to do a split-stay, on and off-site. We have done this before.

If you do choose to stay on-site for part of your vacation, you can use Disney's Magical Express, to or from the airport. (Really no need for your own car while on-site at Disney.)

If staying off-site for either, part or all of your vacation, you will definitely need a rental car. Some hotels offer shuttle service to and from the parks... if interested... DO YOUR HOMEWORK! I read horror stories that some of these shuttles stop at several other hotels, only offer 1 pick-up and drop-off time, or, when they're full - they're full, with no offer of compensation.

Watch for car rental specials. Check mousesavers and other sites for codes.

As for the Disney Dining Plans, they are only available to Disney hotel guest. We usually purchase the regular dining plan because I like one Table Service meal per day, but many visitors don't purchase any plan. Do whatever fits your budget and or vacationing style.

Also, check here, at mousesavers and the Disney site for any special offers for the time of year you're planning to visit.

 

[Disn3y]

Welcome to the DIS! Your family is going to have a great time getting a taste of the magic!

 

[bitohoney]

I suggest you go on the Disney World website and price your vacation and different resorts. Pop Century is a Disney value resort and I loved it! It may be more affordable then you think. There are some discounts and specials in May so check those out.