First time trip and very overwhelmed ...

[R and C's momma]

First let me say I am amazed at these boards and wish I had found them a lot earlier!! What a wealth of information you all have!

My DH and I are planning on our first ever family vacation, to WDW. We have not booked but are hoping to go at the end of June (23-30). I have looked at many of the links with what to pack, what to avoid, the "binder" thread -- but still feel overwhelmed and confused.

DH & I have 2 kids, DD "R" who is 11 and DS "C" who s 5.5. We are planning on meeting our family from another state for this vacation who also have 2 children but this is where I start to need help.

In my research I am pretty convinced I would like to stay at the Parc Soleil, with a vehicle plus buy 5 MYW with park hopper and water park add ons. We would be able to come/go with use of a car plus get our own groceries and make most of our own meals.

The family we are supposed to meet wants to stay at AKL, not booking through Disney so not getting the Dining plan. If we followed suit we would book the same, minus the vehicle. These two scenarios are very different from one another, in price and more.

I will be the one doing most of the research and presenting DH with the options as I have much more time to do the leg work. It's his family we're meeting; another big factor is we will be the 'early risers' while they tend to not get going until 10 or 11 AM.

So my dillemas are: go with off-site or bite the bullet and stay at AKL? Do I NEED to make reservations to eat out or is it feasible to NOT do any reservation dining while in WDW? How do I know what to plan what I want to see in advance (the other family lives 900 miles away and has already indicated they do not want to plan out things like we normally like to when they come to visit us). We are all thrill seekers, not scared of much, willing to try just about anything -- and anything Toy Story IS a must-do -- that much I do know.

Lastly, would you recommend avoiding meeting a family that is opposite and go on our own for our first visit?

Thank you all who have come this far and have ANY advice for this newbie. Without a doubt I will have many more questions ... after I get through the posts on this site

~Amy ... R and C's momma .. and can barely sleep from being so excited to finally go on a REAL vacation!!

 

[mjkacmom]

If you like to get to the parks early (and I HIGHLY recommend it), stay where you want, and plan to meet up at the parks. If you want to eat at any TS restaurants, you will need to make ADR's in advance (like now). I can't imagine only eating CS with the crowds and heat you are going to encounter. Plus, since this family is on a different schedule, maybe agree on some ADR's you can share.

 

[scrappingizlife]

I would say do what you want to do. This is YOUR family vacation. Yes you are sharing it with another family, but you want to feel comfortable the whole time and not be on someone else's schedule. If you want to be at rope drop, let them know which park you're going to be at and they can call you when they get there, or go elsewhere if they please. You don't have to be together all the time, and being family that doesn't see each other on a regular basis, I doubt you would want to be together 24/7. look into ADRs they fill up really quick, so if there is something you want to do, book it now. Let them know what you are planning, and if they want to join you, then they can make their Res. and ask for a table close to you, or something. You are obviously two very different families, and you shouldn't have to change the way you want things to make someone else happy. If they want to do everything on a whim, then let them do it. If it's something that makes you uncomfortable, plan away. Disney is supposed to fun and magical don't let them take that away from you......I wish I had found this board when we went for the first time in 08. I now know all that I missed, not planning, and just doing things on a whim. Have a great trip!!

 

[CapnJacksGirl]

Hi Amy! Welcome to posting on the DIS!! I'll throw out a few of my own thoughts on your planning and hope any of it helps!

First off, if you're planning to go at the end of June of this year, I would get your reservations made as soon as possible. You have only three months and it will be a busy time. Get a move on, girl!

I am of the thinking that there is no way to not have a good time at WDW. That being said, I am also a big proponent of staying on-site. Total immersion in the Disney experience and a lot less hassle getting around. I also like the idea of a dollar saved in one area is a dollar I can spend on yummies or souveneirs in the parks. If you're on-site, you won't need to rent a car; just use the Disney transportation which I have always found to be awesome. We stayed at AKL a couple of years ago and found the buses to be very efficient from there. That resort doesn't share a bus with any other resort, so there are no extra stops. Some people think AKL is "far away" from everything, but we never felt that to be true. The buses got us to the parks each day very quickly and we were very happy with it. Plus, the resort is absolutely to-die-for gorgeous! You feel like you are totally in a different world, and watching the animals is fantastic. I would highly recommend doing that, if it's in your budget.

As for meeting your extended family, my question is whether you are planning to do absolutely everything together or if you might consider meeting up throughout the day? I too am an early riser, and I would go stark raving mad if I had to wait until 10 or 11 each day to get going. Plus, you said that anything Toy Story is a must and at the end of June, you may not even be able to get a FP for Toy Story Mania by 11, let alone be able to ride it without standing in line for a couple of hours. My suggestion would be to see if your other family is agreeable to just meeting up with you when they get up and about. That way, you can get to the park at rope drop and get SO MUCH done before their feet even hit the floor! I know lots of people think that it's vacation and should be restful, and that's fine....just not for everyone. Personally, I'd rather go to bed early a few nights before I leave and after I get home, so I can go, go, go at WDW!

Also, planning is pretty important, especially at busy times like June. I am not a regimented scheduler that makes everyone go from this attraction to that one, but we kind of have an idea of where we want to see and do and how we want to proceed when we go each day. If we want to do something different as we go along, so be it, but you'll waste a lot of valuable time (especially if your other family isn't getting there until 11) if you're wandering aimlessly. As for dinner reservations, they are vitally important, especially for any of the biggies like character meals, LeCellier, etc. You may already be on the outside of that since people going at the end of June could have started making ADRs at the end of December. If you think you want to do TS meals, you will need to figure that out and get some ADRs made, if they are still available. Otherwise, if you're going to do CS only, try to plan to eat at times that aren't the norm (i.e. not at noon and 5:30) so you don't waste a bunch of time standing in line for food.

Even if your other family doesn't want to plan everything out, I think you can still have a basic plan and ease them in that direction, especially when they see the crowds and get that "where do I go now" look on their faces. At the very least, develop a day-to-day plan of which parks you want to go to. Start with that, then decide if you want to do TS meals. If so, call 407-WDW-DINE and see what you can set up. Have a few options in mind for restaurants as well as times when you call, so you can get something booked. If you really want something that's booked up, keep trying. There are always cancellations; you just have to call at the right time to be the lucky one that picks it up! After you have your day-to-day plan set, make a list of what attractions you think your family will be interested in. You can have a pseudo-touring plan in your head and take the lead without making everyone march like soldiers to the next stop on the plan. Just kind of say "I think starting in Tomorrowland so we can do Buzz Lightyear first would be a good idea" (for example) then casually lead everyone around MK to the other key stops on your list.

You can do it! You've got the first requirement down already...you're excited! That's the key to good planning, motivation! Feel free to post questions if you can't find the answers you're looking for. Everyone is willing to help! Good luck and happy planning!

 

[Big_Disney_Fan]

sounds like there might be conflict with getting up in the morning. I would recomend just hooking up with them when they get up. You will need dining reservations if you do not want to spend half the day waiting for a table. You might also want to consider looking at staying on property (but not with the other family) the cost of eating at the parks can get very $$$. It might be cheaper in the long run to stay at a moderate or value (moderate will be more relaxing) and get the dining plan. Look at the prices of some of the places you would eat at, you might be surprised how much food will cost

 

[budbeerlady]

Here is a link to the menus: http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm Maybe meet up with them for a few meals, maybe every other day? Disney food is NOT cheap but if you book a value, the youngest would love Pop, you can get the dining plan. Also if you are only doing Disney the magical express can pick you up from the airport, use disney buses and no rental car. That would save you a little. You do NOT have to stay at AKL with them, stay where ever your family would like, even if it is offsite.


I would plan on doing your own thing but meeting up for a couple of meals, maybe wishes, illuminations or fantasmic? We found it hard to do a large vacation with 2 families but oddly enough we are doing it again in December. We just plan on meeting up for meals.

 

[ajjollie23]

Hi Amy! Welcome to posting on the DIS!! I'll throw out a few of my own thoughts on your planning and hope any of it helps!

First off, if you're planning to go at the end of June of this year, I would get your reservations made as soon as possible. You have only three months and it will be a busy time. Get a move on, girl!

I am of the thinking that there is no way to not have a good time at WDW. That being said, I am also a big proponent of staying on-site. Total immersion in the Disney experience and a lot less hassle getting around. I also like the idea of a dollar saved in one area is a dollar I can spend on yummies or souveneirs in the parks. If you're on-site, you won't need to rent a car; just use the Disney transportation which I have always found to be awesome. We stayed at AKL a couple of years ago and found the buses to be very efficient from there. That resort doesn't share a bus with any other resort, so there are no extra stops. Some people think AKL is "far away" from everything, but we never felt that to be true. The buses got us to the parks each day very quickly and we were very happy with it. Plus, the resort is absolutely to-die-for gorgeous! You feel like you are totally in a different world, and watching the animals is fantastic. I would highly recommend doing that, if it's in your budget.

As for meeting your extended family, my question is whether you are planning to do absolutely everything together or if you might consider meeting up throughout the day? I too am an early riser, and I would go stark raving mad if I had to wait until 10 or 11 each day to get going. Plus, you said that anything Toy Story is a must and at the end of June, you may not even be able to get a FP for Toy Story Mania by 11, let alone be able to ride it without standing in line for a couple of hours. My suggestion would be to see if your other family is agreeable to just meeting up with you when they get up and about. That way, you can get to the park at rope drop and get SO MUCH done before their feet even hit the floor! I know lots of people think that it's vacation and should be restful, and that's fine....just not for everyone. Personally, I'd rather go to bed early a few nights before I leave and after I get home, so I can go, go, go at WDW!

Also, planning is pretty important, especially at busy times like June. I am not a regimented scheduler that makes everyone go from this attraction to that one, but we kind of have an idea of where we want to see and do and how we want to proceed when we go each day. If we want to do something different as we go along, so be it, but you'll waste a lot of valuable time (especially if your other family isn't getting there until 11) if you're wandering aimlessly. As for dinner reservations, they are vitally important, especially for any of the biggies like character meals, LeCellier, etc. You may already be on the outside of that since people going at the end of June could have started making ADRs at the end of December. If you think you want to do TS meals, you will need to figure that out and get some ADRs made, if they are still available. Otherwise, if you're going to do CS only, try to plan to eat at times that aren't the norm (i.e. not at noon and 5:30) so you don't waste a bunch of time standing in line for food.

Even if your other family doesn't want to plan everything out, I think you can still have a basic plan and ease them in that direction, especially when they see the crowds and get that "where do I go now" look on their faces. At the very least, develop a day-to-day plan of which parks you want to go to. Start with that, then decide if you want to do TS meals. If so, call 407-WDW-DINE and see what you can set up. Have a few options in mind for restaurants as well as times when you call, so you can get something booked. If you really want something that's booked up, keep trying. There are always cancellations; you just have to call at the right time to be the lucky one that picks it up! After you have your day-to-day plan set, make a list of what attractions you think your family will be interested in. You can have a pseudo-touring plan in your head and take the lead without making everyone march like soldiers to the next stop on the plan. Just kind of say "I think starting in Tomorrowland so we can do Buzz Lightyear first would be a good idea" (for example) then casually lead everyone around MK to the other key stops on your list.

You can do it! You've got the first requirement down already...you're excited! That's the key to good planning, motivation! Feel free to post questions if you can't find the answers you're looking for. Everyone is willing to help! Good luck and happy planning!

I must say I completely agree... Plans are absolutely necessary, especially when going with a large group or during a busy time. If you want to do a TS def get a reservation, a lot of them do not take walk-ups anymore and if they do you wait a LONG time. getting to the parks EARLY is essential and make a beeline for the rides that are going to get crowded later on, we had trouble getting onto Toy Story in Sept. last year, and a lot of times all the fast passes were sold out by 10:30am.
I also am a BIG believer in staying at a Disney Resort. You have the magical express which gets you from the airport, and buses, monorail, boats for all Disney transportation. We like to save $ on food too so we tend to bring some essentials down in a suitcase. This year we are going to buy from a food delivery (not Disney) and they get everything on your list for you and have it waiting for you at the hotel. (www.gardengrocer.com)
Trust us, having a plan and getting to parks early will keep you sane...plus then you get stuff done and can go back to the hotel for a while to relax and then head out again when it cools down a little in the evening.
We have a big family and sometimes go with in-laws and others so we tend to use the cell phones and split up and then have planned meeting spots.
Most important, don't let it all get to you.. HAVE FUN it is the Happiest place on Earth. They pump the fresh popcorn smell when you walk into Magic Kingdom and you just can't help feeling good and smiling

 

[R and C's momma]

All of your responses have been very helpful!

That is one thing I forgot to ask, is if I can have the grocery delivery to AKL.

I will probably book through expedia, as I am finding quite a difference in price vs. booking on Disney's site -- which means I will not be able to buy the Dining Plan.

I'm still VERY on the fence about on-property vs. off. I like what on has to offer (close to the parks, shuttle service, package delivery) but frugal me says "what if" to stay off site (saving $ with accomodations and meals, what about going to other parks, etc.)...

I also think the Value would be a cost savings -- but I know the reviews are mixed. Can I also have groceries delivered to those (POP for example, which I DO think my kids would really like!).

Thank you again!!!

 

[budbeerlady]

You can have garden grocer or whomever you choose deliver to any resort! There is also milk, cereal, bread, basics at the resort stores if you just want a few items.

Check around there were discounts out to the general public at Disney. From mousesavers:January-August Savings of up to 45% Off

Stay dates: 1/1/10 to 6/3/10. Get a 25%-45% discount off regular "Rack" rates. Percent off varies by resort type and length of stay. Use code QNY. Some dates will be blocked out. Rates not available for all dates and resorts.

Save 25% at Disney Value Resorts when you stay 1-4 nights; save 30% when you stay 5 nights or longer
Save 30% at Disney Moderate Resorts when you stay 1-4 nights; save 35% when you stay 5 nights or longer
Save 35% at Disney Deluxe Resorts when you stay 1-4 nights; save 40% when you stay 5 nights or longer
Save 40% at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts when you stay 1-4 nights; save 45% when you stay 5 nights or longer
Stay dates: 6/4/10-8/14/10. Get a 25%-40% discount off regular "Rack" rates. Percent off varies by resort type. Use code QNY. Some dates will be blocked out. Rates not available for all dates and resorts.

Save 25% at Disney Value Resorts when you stay 1 or more nights
Save 30% at Disney Moderate Resorts when you stay 1 or more nights
Save 35% at Disney Deluxe Resorts when you stay 1 or more nights
Save 40% at Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts when you stay 1 or more nights
Note that you CAN add tickets and Dining Plan to this offer, effectively making this a vacation package. If you do this, your booking will probably fall under the vacation package rules. You must book room and tickets to get the dining package. Code for room + tickets + regular Dining Plan is QOX.

About Booking

You must book by 3/27/10.

 

[Rylee]

Hi,

We travel with others quite often, I'll tell you what works for us.

First, EVERYONE must agree - No one has enough time or money, to spend their vacation doing what others want to do. They are many different type of vacationing styles, what works for some may not interest others. We always agree up front... if there is something you want to do, go do it! No one takes it personally.

We have one person from each family involved in the planning.

We usually stay at the same resort, (although it isn't necessary.) This way we can enjoy relaxing breaks or pool time together, etc., and the kids have each other to play with.

We plan to visit the same park on the same day. We go over calendars, park hours, Extra Magic Hours, (EMH) and any special events, then choose our days. We plan ahead and pick a time to start our day and meet at the buses. Those that make it... do, and those that don't... can meet us later when it's good for them.

At the parks, we stay together some of the time, and we split up some of the time. We might split up by family or by age or interest. Some like to stay in the parks all day, others like to take an afternoon break, for a swim or nap.

We usually plan one meal per day together, mostly for dinners. This is usually a Table Service meal, (TS).

After dinner, we normally stay together, and do the evening activities... evening show, fireworks, etc.

We each have a copy of the itinerary. Something simple like an index card, stating the park hours and EMH, and then -

Monday - MK
Meet @ bus @ 9:00
Dinner @ 6 at "Ohana.

Tues. - DHS
Meet for dinner at 6:30 @ Cape May.
Fantasmic @ 8:30.

I always recommend staying on-site at a Disney hotel. You can beat the convenience or the feeling of leaving the real world behind and being surrounded with Disney magic 24/7. Of course, you can stay where you want, off-site or even at a different Disney hotel. Disney has hotels for all different taste and budgets.

We always get the Dining Plan (DP)... it works for us. I don't want to cook on vacation and I don't want to eat Counter Service (CS) all week. Plus, the restaurants are a great break from the crowds and heat, and many of them are just plan fun. Even if you decide not to purchase a DP, but want to eat at some of the TS restaurants, you need to make Advance Dining Reservations. You kids would probably enjoy a character meal.

As for the parks... it is best to get there as early as possible. Make a list of some must-do-and-see for your family, and try to hit these first thing in the morning. Once you cross off a few attractions from the list, relax, and enjoy discovering the magic at you own pace.

*Learn about Fast Passes, and use them!

Disney is offering some good discounts, but you need to book soon! When using the Disney site, you must book through the link, or you won't get the discount! Read everything carefully, and uncheck any features you may not want... hoppers, trip insurance, etc., as sometimes, it is automatically added. When calling, be sure to ask for the code to be applied.

Any more questions, just ask. Have fun!

 

[Rylee]

All of your responses have been very helpful!

That is one thing I forgot to ask, is if I can have the grocery delivery to AKL.

I will probably book through expedia, as I am finding quite a difference in price vs. booking on Disney's site -- which means I will not be able to buy the Dining Plan.

I'm still VERY on the fence about on-property vs. off. I like what on has to offer (close to the parks, shuttle service, package delivery) but frugal me says "what if" to stay off site (saving $ with accomodations and meals, what about going to other parks, etc.)...

I also think the Value would be a cost savings -- but I know the reviews are mixed. Can I also have groceries delivered to those (POP for example, which I DO think my kids would really like!).

Thank you again!!!

If you are considering a Value Resort - consider All-Star Movies. You can request the Toy Story buildings.

At DHS, Toy Story Mania is very popular. You must get a Fast Pass as soon as you enter the park... not kidding... go straight there. We grab a FP for later use, and get in the stand-by line. The lines will only get longer, so this way, we get to ride twice.

Also, at DHS, there is a place to see the army guys and a location to meet, get autographs and pictures with the characters.

Wish they would do a Toy Story character meal!!!


Resort prices -
Perhaps you are getting the room only % off when pricing on Expedia. If the % off the room is the same through Disney, you can add the DP, if interested.

 

[iwrbnd]

Our first time we had no idea what we were doing and went with NO planning! That was in 1999 and we did everything wrong AND had a fabulous time!

Just remember you're in Disney so relax and have a great time!

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

We have done Disney with several different families. Since you know your families have very different styles, don't try to jam yourselves together.

You will all be happiest with one scheduled event per day, such as fantasmic, Illuminations (at Epcot) or sit down dining event. You can

We have stayed at Deluxe resorts and we have stayed value, and guess what, we LOVE Pop. It has a great energy, the rooms are newly refurbished, new flat screen tvs, privacy curtain for the sink area, and dedicated buses.

Be at rope drop each day if you want to enjoy lots of rides and make sure you know how to fully use your fastpasses. Our family really loves Ridemax. It is a piece of software that helps you come up with a plan for your family based on what rides you want to experience, when you will arrive, how swiftly you walk. It also allows you to schedule your ADRs and I suggest you make reservations for several sit down meals.

 

[v.t.]

You have gotten such great advice so far, you are on the right track. We went last year in June with extended family. (They were also late sleepers.) We all had a great time.

I agree with everyone else to stay on site. Look into a value or mod and then get the dining plan. It was so nice not to look at prices when ordering. Also you can order groceries for breakfast and take snacks into the park. Our boys were responsible for taking their own snacks each day, thank goodness for cargo shorts! We would have a late lunch for our TS and then CS for dinner. We found the best way to meet up as a group was at our TS meal. It was so nice to have a long break in the middle of the day. You will need the air conditioning. We would have a great time talking with everyone and seeing where they had been and where they were going, sometimes we stayed together, sometimes we spilt up. With a large group it is hard to get reservations. You might look into dining at some of the hotels, like Cape May when at DHS or Epcot or at the Poly on your Mk day.

Make your plans, let them know your schedule and welcome them to join you but don't change your plans to fit their schedule. If they do not want to go to rope drop, don't worry about it. Go ahead and go, you will get so much done in that first hour when the crowds are smaller and it is cooler. If Toy Story is what you are after, I would head straight to it at rope drop, ride once in the stand by line and then get FP's when coming out so you can ride again. If you get an early enough time, you maybe able to ride 3 times in a day. We were able to on our first day at DHS but not the second day.
Have a great time!

 

[badblackpug]

We are on site people, too. We have stayed at value and at AKL and my kids actually enjoyed the values more. You can also try booking through Dreams Unlimited travel. www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com They will giveyou a free price quote, and will add any applicable discounts to your trip. They will also make ADRs for you.

 

[cadd10]

Eeyore's Wife,

We are staying at POP this year. I was going to bring our own curtain, but POP has installed privacy curtains? Do you have any pictures?

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

All of your responses have been very helpful!

That is one thing I forgot to ask, is if I can have the grocery delivery to AKL.

I will probably book through expedia, as I am finding quite a difference in price vs. booking on Disney's site -- which means I will not be able to buy the Dining Plan.

I'm still VERY on the fence about on-property vs. off. I like what on has to offer (close to the parks, shuttle service, package delivery) but frugal me says "what if" to stay off site (saving $ with accomodations and meals, what about going to other parks, etc.)...

I also think the Value would be a cost savings -- but I know the reviews are mixed. Can I also have groceries delivered to those (POP for example, which I DO think my kids would really like!).

Thank you again!!!

I just have to tell you that I am sure your kids will love Pop! Our dds were 10 and 6 when we stayed there last and they still talk about it. To save money and time in the morning, we always pack food in a suitcase (we'realso flying) and eat breakfast in the room. We also bring snacks to the Parks. It's helpful to have them while standing in lines and to keep up energy levels without spending a fortune. Have an awesome first trip!!

 

[ccgirl]

Just curious, what have you decided?

 

[mickeyfan2009]

Well we stayed last year (June 2009) and will be again this year. (June 2010).at All Stars Movies..We have a 5 and 3 year old. They loved all star movies..it was entertaining to them and perfect for their ages. We did the dining plan with the quick serve, knowing our children would want to go go go and not sit and stop what they were doing to go and eat and it worked out great. Most meals we left the parks and ate at Wolfgang Pucks in DTD..the food is amazing. By staying on site, you get the full disney experience, but by staying at the value..the price is reasonable!! Hope this helps!