Disney World or Hawaii??

[mickey&arielsmom]

I'm looking for opinions on an upcoming trip.
My mom has frequent flier miles that will expire next March so she wants to take my family (dh, me, 2 kids), my sister, and my nephew on a trip to either Disney World or Hawaii. We've visited both places, but not recently. The last time I was in Disney World was in 1989. My sister was there in 1995. The last time we were in Hawaii was 1993.
We're looking at going in October 2009 or February 2010. We'll be taking 3 kids - ages 8, 5, and 2.
The Hawaii trip would be to Maui and Disney World would definitely be on property, most likely a moderate resort.
I know this is a Disney board, but Hawaii is fun too.
Considering the ages of the kids, which trip would most of you choose? I'll be doing most (ok all) of the trip planning so I'm also trying to figure out which one would be less expensive and less stressful!
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Perditamarie]

Well, I think Disney would be cheaper and less stressful. Here are some pros for WDW

* It would be difficult to include the 2 yo on most excursions in Hawaii.
* Food is also expensive in Hawaii, but you could harness those costs much more easier in WDW w/the dining plan.
* The flight will likely be looooonnnngg, even for adults
* You won't have to rent a car

All in all, it is a wonderful problem to have!

 

[Steve's Girl]

Our kids were ages 7, 5 and 3 on their first trip to Disney. I loved seeing their faces the first time they walked down Main Street. It was such a magical place for them. Although I would personally love to go to Hawaii, I think Disney might be more fun for the kids. They are only this age once.

 

[mom2travel]

Where are you traveling from? Would your kids be fine on the flight to HI or FL (whichever is further)?
Our family loved Hawaii!! But our kids were 13 & 8 1/2 when we took them last summer. They also have loved WDW since they were little. When they were young we always went to WDW because we love it so much, but also because we considered it an "easy" vacation - we knew everyone would have a great time, knew we didn't need to drive all week, etc. On HI, you will need to rent a car (or two since so many people), but you definitely also have tons of options for what to do each day.

We did lots of activities in Hawaii that would be difficult with a 2 year-old (or tours on which a 2-yo not allowed). Obviously you would gear your vacation to your family, and know how much he/she can handle. You also will have other adults with you so maybe you could split up some days so that the adults/older kids could do some additional things.

I honestly think that either WDW or HI would be fine, as long as you keep realistic expectations for the children (even the older ones can get worn out at WDW). WDW is a no-brainer IMO that you would all have fun. Maybe you should do some research about what you would like to do on Maui if you went and then decide how it would be with your children. The Hawaii forums on tripadvisor.com are very helpful - post any questions you have on the Maui forum. I know there was a trip report about travelling with toddlers probably last June or so because I think it was before we were there; if I'm remembering correctly it was on the Kauai board.

As far as costs, you can control them somewhat. You can choose where to stay and where to dine at WDW, and how many souvenirs to allow the kids . On Maui, there are definitely budget-friendly accomodations. If you rented a condo for your group you could even cook meals in to save $$.

One other thing to think about is: if this is your only chance to travel to either of these places, which would you be more upset to never visit (or never share with your kids)? If you plan on traveling to one of them at some other time, then do the other now.

Less expensive - could go either way
Less stressful - depends on which way you look at it: WDW is self-contained so no "getting from one place to another" stress; Maui more laid back and made for relaxing

 

[Sillyminny40]

Interesting! We have 3 boys and we went in Feb 2008.
We have done both (WDW several times)! We love both too. I agree that it depends on WHERE you are coming from: if it is the west coast you are right there, if the east add another 4 hours or more to your travel.
Maui is amazing. It is relaxing and a lot less work than WDW.

Food costs can be kept VERY LOW if you go to the Costco and stock right up. Never eat out (except for Cheeseburger In Paradise on road to Hana).

You can get a VRBO (vrbo.com) and spend hours at the beach, hiking, excursions. There is SO much to do and very nice. We loved Big Beach way down on South Kihei drive. We actually stayed at a lovely condo called Maui Hill on south Kihei drive and it was central to everything on the Island.
With a 2 yr old you will enjoy Maui so much. Are you planning to do another big trip again? I think the older kids are the more they enjoy theme parks (like my kids!)

Let us know more details. If mom has points it may be a challenge to get spots on plane if your freq flyer program is limited, then you are definitely booking to Orlando. Maui may be more limited.