First time to disney, have ?

[kmb34me]

we are so excited finnally we are able to go. I have not been since I was 11. we have 3 children 1,6,11, and are planning on going Aug 30- Sept 6 or 7. we really want the full experience for our first time.
luckily my mil is purchasing us all park hopper passes for our b-days this year, which is a big expense taken off our shoulders. we will be stay on disney at the movie resort, and our stay with airfare is est $1600. (plane tickets are about $220 each from Mass)
my ? are:

1. is there any way to find cheaper airfare tickets
2. when should I book our stay
3. I read the tip on the brita water sports bottle, great! can I pack snacks in my luggage to bring?
4. my son and I have meds we take everyday, do I need doctor's notes for these to board the plane (ds is Concerta)
5. We want the full experience but we dont want to go broke, we are budgeting around $4,000 for this. does this seem reasonable? also is there such a thing as disney dollars, IL want to give the children money for the trip also.
6. what about a stroller? we have a light weight one, should/can we bring it on the plane?
7. we are not going any were but disney, will I still need a carseat?
8. what about the Princess breakfast, how do I sign up for that?
9. Please any other little tips would be appreciated
10. how is the weather in early Sept

going to read some more posts

Thanks
Kristen

 

[figment95]

Hi! Welcome!

I can't answer all your questions but maybe I can point you in the right direction. The first place I would start is www.mousesavers.com. It's a great site and will give you information about discounts that may be available during your stay. I believe there's also a section about airfare.

The Disney Store sells Disney Dollars. I give them to my kids for doing extra jobs around the house. If you start buying them now a little at a time, you'd be suprised at how much you can save.

The princess breakfast can be difficult to get. If you go on the restaurant board I think you can find tips on how to better your chances of getting a reservation.

I hope this helps a little bit to get you started. Planning is half the fun!

 

[dandave]

I just found this non-stop flight on Orbitz.com for $175 per person:

$175 per person

Leave Monday, Aug 30 American Airlines 1871 Non-stop
Depart: 7:48am Boston, MA (BOS) Economy | 2hr 57min
Boeing Douglas MD-80
Arrive:
10:45am Orlando, FL (MCO)

Return Monday, Sep 6 American Airlines 1670 Non-stop
Depart: 7:14pm Orlando, FL (MCO) Economy | 2hr 55min
Boeing Douglas MD-8

 

[patsal]

Wow that's a whole lot of questions!
1. try expedia, and keep checking with the airlines.
2. Book your stay as soon as you know your dates, if a discount comes out you should be able to apply it.
3. The brita bottles are great and yes you can pack food in your luggage. I pack the food in a separate suitcase and have an empty on to bring back souvies in.
4.You won't need a Dr.'s not but keep everything in the original containers.
5. Sounds reasonable especially since your passes were a gift. Check out some of the wonderful budget tips on this board as well as on the restaurant boards. Disney dollars can be purchased at the Disney store and they are dollar for dollar and used as cash throughout the resort.
6.Bring your lightweight stroller and check it at the gate, that will allow you to push the youngest around at the airport, etc. You will leave it outside the plane before entering and they will bring it back there for you when you disembark the plane.
7. A carseat will be helpful if you are payingfor the youngest child to have a seat on the plane ( I always did, just couln't bear to put him/her on the floor if there were an emergency-JMHO). You will need transportation to and from the airport and depending on what you choose you may need a carseat.
8. As for the princess breakfast, figure out which one you want and get up early and with a little pixie dust on your side you may just get one! You book this 90 days prior to the date you wish to dine there--there's a whole thread on the restaurant board to help you prepare for this!
9. Plan a good mixture of fast food and sit down meals, try to pack breakfast items, it will save both time and money. Pre-plan your budget and try to stick with it, knowing the "real" cost of things will help. Have FUN!
10. Early September is a wonderful time to go to the parks, although the hours are shorter, the crowds are smaller. When park hours are released tweek your plans to get the most out of your vacation.

 

[mad4themouse]

Hi, kmb34me, and welcome to the DISboards!

Originally posted by kmb34me
1. is there any way to find cheaper airfare tickets

Try downloading Sidestep. This program will compare airfare for your days and cities at several of the major travel sites (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, etc). You may also want to check on Wednesadys mornings after midnight. That's when most major airlines return cancellations to their data base. When you see a good airfare, do not hesitate because they disappear quickly.

2. when should I book our stay

Book your stay as soon as you are firm on your dates. If a better rate comes out in the meantime, you can always change it. Disney will require a deposit of one night's stay if you book room-only.

3. I read the tip on the brita water sports bottle, great! can I pack snacks in my luggage to bring?

Many airlines are discouraging passengers from packing food in their luggage. You might want to make a grocery stop once you get into Orlando instead and save yourself from lugging food around in your bags.

4. my son and I have meds we take everyday, do I need doctor's notes for these to board the plane (ds is Concerta)

It's best to check with your airline and airport to be sure but usually there is no probblem. Make sure that the meds are still in their original pharmacy containers.

5. We want the full experience but we dont want to go broke, we are budgeting around $4,000 for this. does this seem reasonable? also is there such a thing as disney dollars, IL want to give the children money for the trip also.

Yes, it can be done for $4,000 and you will have a great time. The fact that your ILs are paying for the park hoppers will take a tremendous burden off of your budget. You're going during Value Season, which makes the room rates lower. And feeding a 1YO will not be too expensive. As to the Disney Dollars, yes they do exist. They can be purchased at your local Disney Store in $1, $5 and $10 denominations. They're really cute and kids love them. It's a great way to give them some spending money for their trip.

6. what about a stroller? we have a light weight one, should/can we bring it on the plane?

Bringing a lightweight stroller is a good idea. You will need it in the parks for your little one. But ever more, you will need it in the airport and from the bus stop at ASMo to your room. If it cannot be taken onto the plane, you can have a flight attendant check it thru as baggage.

7. we are not going any were but disney, will I still need a carseat?

Will the 1 YO have its own seat on the plane? If so, you will need a carseat there. If you are renting a car or taking a towncar/limo to and from the airport, you will need a safe way to transport your child. Both car rentals and towncar services will rent carseats to you if needed. It would just depend on whether you would prefer to use your own or not.

8. what about the Princess breakfast, how do I sign up for that?

You need to call 1-407-WDW-DINE at 7AM EST exactly 90 days prior to the morning when you wish to have breakfast with the princesses. This is a very difficult PS to obtain and the more flexible you are with your days and the more people that you have calling, the better your chances of getting one will be. Don't make the mistake of thinking that you can wait until 7:05 am to call. They disappear within a matter of mintutes!

9. Please any other little tips would be appreciated

Get a good guidebook and go over it carefully. Have everyone pick 2 "must-see" attractions for each park you will be visiting. Make sure that you allow time to do those attractions.

10. how is the weather in early Sept

Still hot. Still humid. Still rains almost every afternoon for a brief time. The upside is that the parks are less crowded and the lines are much shorter for all attractions.

 

[kmb34me]

Thank you.
I heard there is a bus or something like that, that goes from the airport to disney. is this true? should I count on this
Plus I was not going to get the baby a seat on the plane. If It was a longer flight maybe, she will be 2 in Sept.

Kristen

Thanks for the airplane fare tip believe it or not im 30yr and never been on a plane. we took the train when i was a kid

 

[disneysteve]

I'll tackle a few of your questions. I'm sure others will join in too.

Originally posted by kmb34me
1. is there any way to find cheaper airfare tickets

Check travelocity, expedia, orbitz and the individual airlines' own websites. Consider flying from an alternate airport within a reasonable drive from your home. Just as an example, for an upcoming trip to Miami, I can fly Philly to Miami for $330 or Atlantic City to Ft. Lauderdale (30 miles from Miami) for $186 - big difference when we're buying 4 tickets.

2. when should I book our stay

Book now. If rates drop or specials turn up, you can always rebook at the lower rate.

3. can I pack snacks in my luggage to bring?

Absolutely.

4. my son and I have meds we take everyday, do I need doctor's notes for these to board the plane (ds is Concerta)

You shouldn't need a doctor's note as long as the meds are in their original prescription bottles with the labels intact. If you need any injectable meds - insulin, epi-pen, etc. - I would advise getting a dr. note so that you can bring the syringes with you since they can be considered weapons.

6. what about a stroller? we have a light weight one, should/can we bring it on the plane?

Absolutely. It will make things easier at the airport to keep the 1 yo in the stroller. You can wheel your stroller right up to the door of the plane. Then the flight crew will stow it and have it waiting for you when you deplane in Florida.

7. we are not going any were but disney, will I still need a carseat?

Absolutely. You will need it on the plane for the 1 yo and for the vehicle to get from the airport to your hotel.

10. how is the weather in early Sept

We've gone that time on several occasions. It is usually warm, sometimes hot but not as oppressive as during the summer.

Hope that helps.

Steve

 

[bevL]

You didn't say where in MA you are.

Don't forget to check other local airports (Providence RI, Hartford CT, or Manchester NH all of which have SouthWest to drive the costs down) that may be convinient to you.

Remember to add in the cost of getting to/from the airport to the cost of flying from it. Massport just recently upped some of its fees.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by kmb34me
Plus I was not going to get the baby a seat on the plane. If It was a longer flight maybe, she will be 2 in Sept.

This is an ongoing debate around here. Safety vs. Savings.

I'd vote for safety every time. If the plane hits turbulence, having a child on your lap can be dangerour to you, her and others.

Steve

 

[kmb34me]

interesting, like I said ive never flown, everyone here would probably know better than me. if the carseat/exta plane seat is what we need then we will do it. the more I think about it , what if we need it in a emergency or something.

 

[figment95]

As for transportation from the airport, Mears always ran a shuttle from the airport. I think they still do. With all the people you have, you may do better by booking a towncar to pick you up. Last time I took Mears it was $25 /person each way. It can take a long time if they have a lot of stops to make. A towncar will take only your family and they will make a grocery stop for you if you want.

 

[beglluvr]

I agree with figment95. For a family of 5, it would be cheaper to get a van from Tiffany Towncar than to take a Mears shuttle. It would probably cost $100 for the shuttle, but the van costs $95 roundtrip and they allow a free 30 minute grocery store stop. This would not only save you money, but space in your luggage as you can buy snacks at the grocery store after you arrive in Florida. The other bonus is that you won't be packed in a bus like sardines and have to make several other stops on the way. We have tried both Mears and Tiffany and believe me, we will never take Mears again.

We did this on our last trip and the driver was excellent - he stopped at a grocery store further from Disney than some, so the prices were cheaper.

Check out the website at www.tiffanytowncars.com and if you decide to use them, either print out the $5 coupon off the site or there is an $8 coupon in the Passporter (if you have one).

It looks like all your other questions have been answered, but I have one thing to add to the medication question: whether you put your meds in your carry on or your checked luggage, be prepared that that bag will probably be searched. As long as they are in their original bottles with the name and Rx info on them, there will not be a problem.

Good luck in your planning, and have a great trip!

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by beglluvr
whether you put your meds in your carry on or your checked luggage, be prepared that that bag will probably be searched.

You should never put your medication in your checked luggage. If the bag gets lost or delayed, you're stuck without your medication. Always carry it with you.

Steve

 

[onecoolmama]

I just wanted to add..you are doing a great start by doing a lot of research! Disney is a big place and if you go in not prepared..you will not accomplish everything you wanted to do. There are a few good guide books. The Unoffiial Guide to Disney, The Passporter are great books to get. Also, as others have said mousesavers.com is good and wdwig.com is a great website.

There is another website that some people like and others don't
It is called www.tourguidemike.com and I personally think you can get some valuable information out of it..especially if this is your first time there.

I hope you have a great time planning your trip..I think that is a fun part of the whole expierence!

 

[kmb34me]

this is probably the stupidest question but is your purse or if I had a diaper bag is that considered carry on?
good point about our meds, I have a huge list going ladies thank you so much. you'd think I was going next week and not 7 months from now

Kristen

 

[bevL]

Originally posted by kmb34me
this is probably the stupidest question but is your purse or if I had a diaper bag is that considered carry on?
good point about our meds, I have a huge list going ladies thank you so much. you'd think I was going next week and not 7 months from now

Kristen

Check with the airline when you book to be sure, but most domestic flights allow one carryon and one "personal item" (like a purse, brief case, diaper bag ...) per passenger.

A car seat for an infant or toddler doesn't count.

Getting extra carryons is a plus of buying a seat for an infant (that and being able to use all their legroom for your stuff).

Another thing to remember when traveling with children is that you can gate check strollers.
That just means that you keep your stroller with you at the airport until the second before you get on the plane, when the attendents will take it from you. Very convenient if you have stroller kids.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by kmb34me
this is probably the stupidest question but is your purse or if I had a diaper bag is that considered carry on?
good point about our meds, I have a huge list going ladies thank you so much. you'd think I was going next week and not 7 months from now

No stupid questions here - just stupid answers
And we're not all ladies by the way.

As long as your purse or diaper bag is not exceptionally large, it will not be counted as a carry-on.

If you were asking all these questions a week before your trip, that would be bad. What's great is that you are taking the time to do your homework well in advance.

Steve

 

[ceecee]

Another vote for Tiffany.....ask them for a carseat. We took ours once and what a nightmare! Too much to carry and we used it one time. I had a large Lands End diaper bag I used as my carry on. DD's necessities as well as my own fit nicely. We have traveled a lot since DD was weeks old, I was really picky about having her infant seat but the rental companies and shuttle services can usually provide one, just ask when you make your reservations. I bought a lightweight stroller with a basket which worked wonderfully! I don't advise trying to struggle with the big heavy types like so many people do, it's so much easier with the umbrella type to board the buses.

 

[sdamico71]

You didn't mention where you were planning to stay. In a Value room, the 5 of you may be swished. You may want to consider renting points from a Disney Vacation club member and get a studio. When you rent points from a DVC member, you typically pay $10 per point. (you can find the points for cheaper on occasion) But that is it, you won't have to pay taxes for your hotel stay. In a DVC property, you will have a kitchenette or a kitchen depending on the size of the room. Studios have the kitchenette. If you wanted the 1 BD, you have a full oven as well as a laundry area.

 

[2angelsinheaven]

If your going for 7 or 8 nights you may want to consider having your IL's buy one Year's Pass for one of you... because even during value season the savings would be worth it...

7 nights * $77.00 a night value in value season= $539.00
7 nights * 49.00 a night w/ pass in value season= $343.00
That's a savings off almost $200.00...

Or use the pass to purchase a room at a passholder discount rate at a moderate resort for the same price you would pay rack for a room at the values without a pass, around $79.00 a night.

The annual pass is $392.00 regular adult
or $520.00 for the Premium that includes the water parks...

A 7 day PH is $350.00
a 6 day is $318.00

So if this is confusing, so even if your IL's bought one years pass for you... you would save minimum $120 and a max of $150...

IE:
6 day hopper= $318
6 nights at Value at Rack Rate=539.00
Is $857.00

or

Annual Pass= $392.00
6 nights at Value w/discount=$343.00
Total is $735.00

A savings of $122.00

Also you will have free parking if that at all matters, discounts at DTD restraunts and at EPCOT during the week for Lunch... merchandise discounts at DTD, etc. I think it would be wise for them to purchase one of the passes as AP or you could upgrade when you get there and reserve the room at the AP rate and show the AP when you get it....