First Disney trip

[Stacey2grls]

Hi, I am planning a trip for april or may. This is the first trip for my whole family. My two DD's are 4 and 6. I really need some help with the perfect place to stay, which month to pick, which places to eat at. And just some general information that might be helpful. This site is incredible, and I know you all with be very helpful. Thank you, Stacey2grls.

 

[Octoberbeauty]

Welcome to the Dis Stacey2grls.

You'll find everyone here really friendly and the Dis a great place to find all the info you never knew you needed to know. lol

Come over to the community board and say "hello" some time.

Sherry

 

[Cobra B.]

I'm a little partial on the places to stay because I am DVC.

But if I didn't stay at one those places like before the DVC days I would say Contemporary because of monorail. Beach Club for the best pool. Coronodo, second best pool. And Polynesian (well that one's personal).

To eat, Chef Mickey's is a must with the kids. Cinderella's Breakfast because they're girls (DD likes it better than the Princess at Norway). And Sci-Fi and Prime Time at MGM for the family fun.

Whatever you choose, plan ahead. If you choose Cindy's B-Fast be on the phone reserving at 7am 90 days before or you won't get it.

Enjoy your planning. That's half the fun.

 

[bethzfl]

Early December is a fantastic time to go. Cool weather and low crowds.

If its your first trip.. why not try a value resort? (unless you have a lot of funds then by all means stay at the deluxe resorts). Value resorts have great theming! Kids love it. And they don't know it's "value"

Character meals are a must such as Crystal Palace. And of course, Cinderella's breakfast would be great for your kids.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

I would choose the Polynesian for the theme and the location. Close to Magic Kingdom and the monorail is great with young ones in strollers.

I think I would choose the end of April or beggining of May. May has the Flower and Garden festival. It's very pretty.

Choose your hotel (resorts board) and dates first. Then head over to the restaurants board for some great restaurant advice!

 

[jann1033]

Originally posted by Stacey2grls
Hi, I am planning a trip for april or may. This is the first trip for my whole family. My two DD's are 4 and 6. I really need some help with the perfect place to stay, which month to pick, which places to eat at. And just some general information that might be helpful. This site is incredible, and I know you all with be very helpful. Thank you, Stacey2grls.

a lot depends on your interests and finances...we were at pop last Jan and the pool was cute with little flower sprinklers and a very cute water play yard all the little ones seemed to love...and it's cheap!( well with an ap or good code at least) it seemed like a great place for young families on a budget..enough "disney" to please anyone.

if money is no object i'd say either AKL or BC for the animals and pool respectively( although unless your's are good swimmers it might be a little over their skills ,not sure)

we loved the campground when our kids were little ( actually still love it) as there is so much to do.. campfire, hddr, petting zoo, trails, bikes,fishing,boats, horseback riding, hayride, normal pools( nothing fancy). trail's end is a great family place especially for picky eaters if that applies. if camping isn't your style the cabins would be great, allow you to eat at least that money guzzler breakfast in and have a little privacy from the kiddies to boot. we also enjoy the laid back calm /peace after the more frantic park atmosphere

 

[LoriMistress]

First, I think it's best to stay on property. You can take the bus transportation so it will be easier to drag your kids to and from the parks. Plus, not deal with driving back to the hotel when you're tired from a long day.

Second of all, I think it all depends on how much you want to spend. If you want to save more money on food and other expensese, then I would suggest staying at either Pop Culture, or one of the All Star Resorts. My DH and I stayed at the All Star Music Resort for our honeymoon and it was just great. The food court was hopen until 11pm, and it was Disney themed. Personally, I can't picture us spending so much money on a hotel when we're barely in the room to begin with.

Third, a great way to cut back on some of the expenses is to bring food with you. DH and I brought a giant pack of bottled waters and food for our trip on the airplane, and though it was heavy, it was worth it. We saved so much money instread of buying $3 a pop for water when we paid $4 for twenty-four bottled waters. You can bring food with you into the parks. So bringing a snack for the kids will hold up the kids until lunch or dinner. Plus, just eat a quick breakfest at the hotel. While the adults get ready, just give the kids some cereal, and they'll watch the Disney cartoons. And save your money for a breakfest or two at a character breakfest.

Personally, I would think having your vacation planned at May is probably best. Don't plan your trip near end of April (SPRING BREAK)!!!! It's very very crowded.

Just check out several webpages and they will be abel to help you out on ways to save money and tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

Hope I've been helpful.

 

[tiggerrifficheidi]

I think staying near the Magic Kingdom is great for convienience. When I was a kid, we stayed at Ft. Wilderness. Twice we brought our RV, but once we stayed at the Cabins. They are reasonably priced for the space and full kitchen you get.

Plus, get you and your little ones up and around early, hit the parks before it gets too hot or crowded, eat a character lunch in the park, then when they're pooped, head back to FW and take a nap, swim in one of the pools, or do one of the MILLION things there are to do at FW. Then eat a quick dinner you cook yourself in your cabin, and head back for another go around. It's easy to get to MK (by motor launch...which kids LOVE!) or Epcot (take bus to TTC, or take the motor launch to contemporary, monorail to TTC, then the other monorail to Epcot) There are also buses that run to AK and MGM (of course).

This allows you to make the most of the parks without wearing the kids out (or you!), and you take advantage of all the other cool things to do in WDW...also the kids will LOVE the nightly Campfire/Movie at FW! And you will love that you only have to walk back to your camp site once it's over to put the kids in bed!

Also, I agree that May is the time to go. We went once to WDW AS SOON as school let out and beat much of the summer rush. It was warm, but not ridiculously crowded.

Best of Luck!