First time on DCL & WDW this Xmas & New Year Holiday ~ questions about everything!

[MsPrettyFlower]

Hi! I'm a newbie here but not new to discussion boards ... this is a FUN board and love the helpful tips and suggestions. Okay, here's our story ... our son, Alec (13, 1 yr+ post tx), is a double-lung transplant patient (and doing wonderfully ), he submitted a wish with Make-a-Wish Foundation and they approved our Xmas holiday DCL on 12/22-12/29 '07 ... and since we're already on the east coast (we're from Sunny CA ) we thought it would be nice to spend a remaining week at WDW. However, we've never been there and I'll be honest with you ... I'm a bit overwhelmed by all the possibilities and options and I need some help/suggestions with which parks to visit and dining ~ goodness, I was reading a DDP thread that was rather heated and I became confused about the debate and all the ADR's and so forth ... typical newbie confusion .

Here's our clan: DH, myself, DS (21), DS (14) & DD (3) ... my DH is a USN Chief and we were advised to book a room at the Shades of Green (Military resort/hotel) that's offsite (I think) ... but I'd love to be in the park, but looking at the prices and getting sticker shock ... what are all of your thoughts? and what is the deal with the DDP? can you only get that if you're onsite? I'm confused ... which restaurants do you recommend?

Parks ~ as you can see, we have quite an age gap and what do you all suggest with these varied age groups ... I know Miss Bella will enjoy just about everything. I read a thread about ~ I can't recall the name of the boutique ~ where she gets make-up and hair done ... OMGoodness, I have to do that for her!

Sorry for all the ?'s but I forwarned you in my title that I had A Lot! TIA for any direction and help/suggestions!

Teresa

 

[njdisneyfreak]

Teresa -

My DH and I will be there when you and your family are there. We had a lot of questions, too. If it helps, check out my pre-trip report on the links below. They may give you some ideas for what to do during your trip. I've gone numerous times growing up and twice since marriage, so if you have any questions, I can try to help.

I think that the parks, all of them, have things of interest for all age groups. My DH and I don't have kids, but I've enjoyed the parks as a child, teen and adult. It's amazing how WDW just brings the kid out in everyone.

If you want to stay on-site, and are worried about cost, have you considered the POP Century Resort. In price, their equivalent to the affordable All-Star Resorts (we've stayed there before), but you don't have to share buses with anyone. They allow you to stay on property, for a relatively low cost, the food in their food court is quite tasty and the pools and scenery are quite nice.

As far as I know, you can only get the DDP if you stay on-site. They are well worth getting. We always calculate how much we'd spend in food OOP versus using the DDP, and it's always overwhelmingly the best choice to make.

From what I have heard and read, your daughter will absolutely love the boutique and getting made up, while the guys can all hang out and do some guy bonding. Maybe they can head to DisneyQuest, which is also in DT, while you ladies are at the boutique.

Feel free to ask any other questions either here or on my trip report. I love WDW so much and love helping people.

 

[caseywirth]

Shades of green is onsite across from the polynesian, and is considered a deluxe. It is wonderful and very nice and you get all the onsite amenities that disney resorts have (emh and packaged sent to resort). I highly recomend SOG and for the price, you can't beat it!!