First Family Trip Planners Thread for WDW Newbies!

[WishnDreamer]

Do you have any plans to visit Downtown Disney, Boardwalk, either waterpark, or minigolf?

We are planning to go to Downtown Disney on our break day midweek for some souvenir shopping & lunch. I had tried to squeeze Boardwalk in somehow. Then I realized I was squeezing & quit. We don't have to & can't see everything in 1 trip. Sounds like there's still some nice things out there but some of the cool stuff is gone too and my family will have NO clue we missed something soooo, we're not going.

No waterparks either. I didn't want to pay extra for the tickets. My daughter & husband would've loved it but my son would've taken forever to warm up to it and not done a lot. My mother would never do it and the pool is enough for me. I am toying with the idea that IF the 3 of them want to go to 1 for a few hours on our break day, they surely could. Heaven knows my husband had me save enough extra $ for spending.

Minigolf-Break day plan in Boma breakfast ADR at 9:30 (we are at AKL). Then swim or do whatever til we feel like heading to Downtown Disney for shopping & lunch. I am really hoping my husband will take the kiddos to Winter Summerland for minigolf and my mom & I can stay for some dinner and then we can meet back up at the resort. I guess they could also do a waterpark. Whatever...it's a break day...trying not to "plan" it. That gets hard when you're in super planning mode already.

On a side note, I am secretly hoping we have a bunch of that spending $ my husband had me save left over to start saving for a second vaca but I'm guessing the likelihood of that happening is slim to none.

I am also REALLY secretly hoping my kids will beg dad to bring them back and he will say yes so I can start planning a Christmas trip for a few years from now to see all the cool stuff GroomerGal's gonna see! I hope it works!

 

[WishnDreamer]

Ok lots of questions so here you go

Welcome Legendteri! Thanks for taking the time to answer all the questions. There have been a lot of them!

I read about WorldQuest when I was looking into offsite places. Had a lot of amenities. Let us know how you like it. Your trip is soon. Overlaps mine by a couple days.
We are currently watching Swiss Family Robinson over & over at my house. DS7 loves it & kids can't wait to go thru the treehouse. I remember watching it over & over at my Gran's when I was little too.
I love your idea about the scavenger hunt right before you go & while you're down there. I bet the kids will love it.

 

[salann]

We will only probably be doing DTD. With a first trip and trying to get everything in in 6 days I had to cut the Water Parks out. Maybe next trip...if I can ever talk the hubby into letting me plan another Disney vacation!!

 

[nene0182]

Do you have any plans to visit Downtown Disney, Boardwalk, either waterpark, or minigolf?

We are planning on DTD on our rest day and to play mini golf the day before we leave since our plane doesnt leave until almost 5pm

 

[HalloweenNut]

Just one evening for us at DTD. We'll take in the 6pm showing of Cirque du Soleil and then a bit of shopping.

 

[andieb0602]

We're doing DTD the night we get there. If we're up early enough on our departure day we might go back - maybe even eat breakfast there instead of going to Pepper Market. I think we'llow early everyone is up and ready to go. I don't want to be pushing it time-wise for making it back to the resort.

No waterparks for us. I didn't want to spend the extra money and DS and I in a waterpark is a recipe for sunburned disaster. Plus we live near a Great Wolf Lodge and usually take the kids there for their birthdays vs. having a party with their friends so it's not like they won't be going to a waterpark this year. Both kids have already said they want to go there and it's SO nice because then Mommy doesn't have to plan a party!

DH and DD may do some minigolf. She's obsessed with it but it also depends on how the buses are. I never understood how people could take a 14 day vacation at Disney. Now I know! I really don't want to push too much and try to get things done since we know we'll be back but it's SO tough not to want to do it all this time!

 

[mom2ohc]

1.Who are you going to Disney with? When are you going and how did you choose your dates?
We are planning our first trip for our family of 5. mom.dad. DD10 DD8 and DD5

2. Has anyone made ADR's yet? Did you get what you wanted? What did you pick?

We have made reservations :
8/8 1900 Park Fare 5:05
8/9 Tusker House 8:20
8/10 Ohana 5:15
8/11 Akershush 5:00
8/12 Hollywood and Vine
8/13 Yak and Yetti 3:00 ( not sure why this time lol)
8/14 Chef Mickey 8:20

Am I missing a good place?
3. What resort or hotel are you staying at?

Art of Animation - Nemo family Suite

4. If you are staying onsite, will you do online checkin?
Didn't know I could?
5. Are you keeping your trip a surprise?
No we told the girls two weeks ago

6. How will you get to Walt Disney World and how do you plan to get around once you're there?
Jet Blue & the Bus
7. What is your favorite classic & new Disney movie?
Classic - Snow White new Tangled
8. Do you have any little extras planned for your trip? Bippity Boppity? Pirates? etc? Not yet

Are you celebrating anything special while you are at Disney World?
our 14th Wedding Anniversary

9. Which character is each of your family members (including) yourself most excited to meet at Disney World? How long are willing to wait to meet them?
Rapunzel, Jasmine = pretty much any princess - no longer than an hour I hope!!

10. What websites or other resources have you found helpful during your planning?
This one!
11. What are the top 3 tips you've learned during planning so far?
Buy Trading pins before I go, relax and leave the phone down!

12. Are you planning to see Main Street Electrical Parade, Wishes, Illuminations, Fantasmic? I want to see all the shows, but not fantasmic, I think it will be too scary for my daughters

13. Are you planning to see Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, Move it Shake it parade, Dream Along with Mickey castle show, Pixar Pal's Countdown to Fun, or Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade? Yes

14. Arrival day plans - Dinner at 1900 park Fare

15. Which attractions are you looking most forward to at each park?
Not sure, need to research more! I was just reading about planning binders, I think we need to make one of those.

16. What are your plans for souvenir money? We have a big jar of change that the girls will split. We also have a nice gift card that our mortgage broker gave us, that will help! I don't want to spend more than 100 a day. We have a meal plan

17. What kind of bag, if any, are you taking to the parks? NOt sure, probably my Kate Spade bag.

18. What are you planning to take to the park each day? water bottles, bandaids, camera and $$

19. Are you purchasing any photopass products? How will you document your trip afterward? Yes we did

20. What counter service restaurant do you think you will eat at? Not sure, do I really need to plan each meal that much?

21. Are you visiting all 4 theme parks? How many days each? Order them by favorite for us (if you can). Yes, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios

22.Will you visit Downtown Disney? Yes, for one night

 

[ChristineOH]

Hi! I'm Karen and just joined.
I'm planning on hitting up WDW next March 2013 as a side trip from a family event in NC. We live in Oregon and neither of my kids have been to Disney or cross country for that matter. We aren't going to stay long, maybe 4 nights, so we won't do everything (obviously). I've probably been there about 7 times in my life, but not since 1993ish.
My kids will be 4 and 10.
I'm feeling overwhelmed because I'm a big bargain shopper and the prices are nuts. I don't even know where to start on a resort , etc.
I was thinking since it's only 4 days, it would be easier to be onsite and not rent a car. I've always had a car there, but I think that's just one less thing to worry about with the kids.
Where's a good place to start??

Thanks!!

I am no expert, having only been once as an adult, but if you're having sticker shock, I'd start out looking at a reservation the Pop. My family can't stay there because we have 5 people, but my friends who have families of 4 rave about that place. It is supposed to have the best transportation of the value resorts, and I hear the food court is fantastic.
It was so relaxing to not have to drive our whole trip. We didn't have to figure out how to get anywhere... just hop on the bus!
Hopefully your 4 year old will be 40 inches tall. That is the magic number for a lot of rides, so if he or she hits that, you will be able to go on almost everything together. My youngest was just turned 4 when we went and also just hit that height with shoes on. We were so thankful!

 

[WishnDreamer]

I'm currently planning my 2nd trip, but I have a little tip for you 1st timers...
Counter service restaurants give free cups of ice water! I'd still bring a bottle of water to start off, but instead of weighing your carrying bag down with several bottles of water, you can always get a free cup of ice water at any counter service restaurant in the theme parks.

Thanks for the tip!!

 

[WishnDreamer]

We will only probably be doing DTD. With a first trip and trying to get everything in in 6 days I had to cut the Water Parks out. Maybe next trip...if I can ever talk the hubby into letting me plan another Disney vacation!!

I hear ya on that. I will probably have grandkids by the time I'm planning our next one! Mine really isn't in to it. Hoping he'll have a change of heart when we get there and the kids can sucker him into another trip, but you didn't hear that from me!

 

[WishnDreamer]

We are planning on DTD on our rest day and to play mini golf the day before we leave since our plane doesnt leave until almost 5pm

Have you guys decided where to do minigolf? I read Winter Summerland was easier for the kiddos so I am leaning toward that. It looks nice but I thought Fantasia Gardens looked really cool.

Anybody else know where they're going for minigolf if they are?

 

[WishnDreamer]

Wishn, about your food issue....I would purchase something and bring with you to eat on the plane. That's a long time to go without. It may be more $then you want to spend regardless if you buy it at Disney or the airport...but it will be totally worth it so no one has a meltdown due to hunger. ( and I'm talking about me here....hunger and I do not mix)

Also....as far as Be Our Guest goes....we of course would LOVE to eat there!!! has it been decided yet if it's a table service place or just QS???? I thought I had read it was just QS.

I know you are TOTALLY right and we are going to adore being at WDW at Christmas time.....but I cannot help but be envious of all of you going soon.
Don't get me wrong.....I am just over the moon thrilled for all of you!!!! I cannot wait to hear all about your trios when you return!!!!!!
And don't forget us when your done!

I will not forget you. I will come back and tell you all about it. I hope to hear about everyone else's trips too and I would especially like to hear about yours with all the holiday things going on!

 

[WishnDreamer]

1.Who are you going to Disney with? When are you going and how did you choose your dates?
We are planning our first trip for our family of 5. mom.dad. DD10 DD8 and DD5

2. Has anyone made ADR's yet? Did you get what you wanted? What did you pick?

We have made reservations :
8/8 1900 Park Fare 5:05
8/9 Tusker House 8:20
8/10 Ohana 5:15
8/11 Akershush 5:00
8/12 Hollywood and Vine
8/13 Yak and Yetti 3:00 ( not sure why this time lol)
8/14 Chef Mickey 8:20

Am I missing a good place?
3. What resort or hotel are you staying at?

Art of Animation - Nemo family Suite

4. If you are staying onsite, will you do online checkin?
Didn't know I could?
5. Are you keeping your trip a surprise?
No we told the girls two weeks ago

6. How will you get to Walt Disney World and how do you plan to get around once you're there?
Jet Blue & the Bus
7. What is your favorite classic & new Disney movie?
Classic - Snow White new Tangled
8. Do you have any little extras planned for your trip? Bippity Boppity? Pirates? etc? Not yet

Are you celebrating anything special while you are at Disney World?
our 14th Wedding Anniversary

9. Which character is each of your family members (including) yourself most excited to meet at Disney World? How long are willing to wait to meet them?
Rapunzel, Jasmine = pretty much any princess - no longer than an hour I hope!!

10. What websites or other resources have you found helpful during your planning?
This one!
11. What are the top 3 tips you've learned during planning so far?
Buy Trading pins before I go, relax and leave the phone down!

12. Are you planning to see Main Street Electrical Parade, Wishes, Illuminations, Fantasmic? I want to see all the shows, but not fantasmic, I think it will be too scary for my daughters

13. Are you planning to see Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, Move it Shake it parade, Dream Along with Mickey castle show, Pixar Pal's Countdown to Fun, or Mickey's Jammin Jungle Parade? Yes

14. Arrival day plans - Dinner at 1900 park Fare

15. Which attractions are you looking most forward to at each park?
Not sure, need to research more! I was just reading about planning binders, I think we need to make one of those.

16. What are your plans for souvenir money? We have a big jar of change that the girls will split. We also have a nice gift card that our mortgage broker gave us, that will help! I don't want to spend more than 100 a day. We have a meal plan

17. What kind of bag, if any, are you taking to the parks? NOt sure, probably my Kate Spade bag.

18. What are you planning to take to the park each day? water bottles, bandaids, camera and $$

19. Are you purchasing any photopass products? How will you document your trip afterward? Yes we did

20. What counter service restaurant do you think you will eat at? Not sure, do I really need to plan each meal that much?

21. Are you visiting all 4 theme parks? How many days each? Order them by favorite for us (if you can). Yes, Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios

22.Will you visit Downtown Disney? Yes, for one night

Welcome! I usually say hi quicker than this but I am fighting off allergies, a cold, or something worse (which it better not be 3 weeks before we leave) plus the boards were down this morning...so hello & welcome! I think you will really like Art of Animation. I looked at that one but at the time I booked it was not looking like it was going to be ready when we went, the suites at least. After I booked, I quit paying attention but I recently saw something that they are ahead of schedule. Looks really nice. Let us know how you liked it.

Nah, you don't have to plan out every meal. I just notice many people (and it happened to me too) get the planning bug once they start planning and tend to lean toward planning everything if they have that type of personality, which I do. Plus, I do have finicky eaters so I looked over the menus so we wouldn't wind up somewhere and need to hike somewhere else because no one liked the food there...I think you have some great ADRs though. I also have 1900 Park Fare, Akershus, & Chef Mickey's.
Thanks for joining us.

 

[WishnDreamer]

What's been your favorite part of planning?

I have to say after telling the kids at Christmas, going through everything again with my DD8 and planning days out with her. Looking at the rides, shows, & parades with her & DS7 to see what they wanted to do and figuring out when to do them. She really got into it and it's been really fun to do together. We try to read some little something about Disney World together every few days or so.

 

[Groomer Gal]

Wishn, I just wanted to take a minute to Thank You. You've been so sweet to get this thread up and going to help out the newbies.

I appreciate it.

 

[WishnDreamer]

Wishn, I just wanted to take a minute to Thank You. You've been so sweet to get this thread up and going to help out the newbies.

I appreciate it.

Oh, that's nice of you. I didn't really feel like I was being much help. I just thought it would be fun to plan our first trips together, and I'm glad if it has helped!

 

[jayce]

I really haven't caught up on this thread since I responded when it first opened. It has really taken off!

I'm also looking forward to the zebra domes. DH took a business trip to South Africa 2 years ago and he was given a bottle of Amarula - the liqueur used in the zebra domes. We loved it and drank the entire bottle in a little over a week. (It's really good in hot chocolate!)

I'm also looking forward to dole whips and school bread and pretzels and cinnamon rolls and...

When we first started planning there was some big time sticker shock. I think Disney deliberately makes the deposit small because, at least for us, once we became accustomed to having to pay $XXXX for the trip it wasn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things to upgrade our resort and dining plan. We thought "Oh, it's only $350 more to upgrade and we'll have queen beds! It's worth it!"

Now when I check my reservations online (like I do every day) it tells me that in 30 days I can do online check in. The wait is killing me!!! We went and bought a new carry-on suitcase over the weekend so it's slowly gettting closer. I'm running to the mailbox every day to see if I have Mickey mail even though I know it's really too early. Just my luck - the kids and I are heading to the beach to camp with parents for a couple of days and it will come then!

Oh! I case any of you are Disney Movie Rewards members they added some new rewards today. One of them is a womens' white bucket hat. I think it will be perfect for the parks! Hopefully mine comes before we leave!

I am so doing this right now. It is more than $350 to upgrade to where I want to go though! We booked Pop because a good friend told us it was good for our first visit. I didn't do a ton of research on lodging because I had his recommendation. Now, I have found the Wilderness Lodge. Yellowstone is one of my favorite places, along with Grand Teton NP, so I want to upgrade. My DH would flip if I spent that much on this vacation though. I still haven't told him how much it is to add the Pirates & Pals Voyage that we are going book! (He has a bit of the anti-Disney attitude, but with our son so excited, I see him changing slowly.) I am still considering upgrading to a moderate. Maybe CSR or POR. I like that they have ceiling fans and queen beds.

 

[WishnDreamer]

Anybody doing it? I wish they could've waited til AFTER our vacation to do this. We are really looking at this as our 1 & only trip so those ride & meal pictures would be nice. I feel like I shouldn't even be thinking about another $100 but then I think what's another $100! LOL! My kids always want the ride pics when we go to our local amusement park & my dh always wants to get them....pondering, pondering...

One of our meals comes with pictures and 3 more would with this plus the rides.

Anyone else thinking about it or decided yet?

 

[Groomer Gal]

We already prepurchased the Photopass with the photo book.

I wonder if we can upgrade???

Either way is fine.

 

[HalloweenNut]

Anybody doing it? I wish they could've waited til AFTER our vacation to do this. We are really looking at this as our 1 & only trip so those ride & meal pictures would be nice. I feel like I shouldn't even be thinking about another $100 but then I think what's another $100! LOL! My kids always want the ride pics when we go to our local amusement park & my dh always wants to get them....pondering, pondering...

One of our meals comes with pictures and 3 more would with this plus the rides.

Anyone else thinking about it or decided yet?

I pre-orderd the regular Photopass CD before the price jump. I've been following the Photopass+ discussions and unless they decide to add in The Pirate's League photos I'm going to take a pass on the upgrade. The meal and ride photos would be nice but not for $100 when I'd still have to shell out another $30 or so for TPL package.