First time trip!

[lolobug]

Hi there!
This will be my family's very first trip to WDW. We are in the planning phase, we have narrowed down a season but haven't committed to a date yet. We are considering a 7 night vacation during the first 2 weeks of December or Jan 21-29.
My daughter's are 2 and 4. (My oldest will be turning 5 at the end of January).
Should we try to visit during her birthday or Christmas time? Thanks!

 

[lolobug]

Bump, edited

 

[dmurch1]

Just a few quick thoughts off of the top of my head. Because your family's touring style is not to stay for extended lengths of time:

- You'll want to invest in a rental car if you don't already have your own car there because you drove (vs. flying). This will be helpful regardless of if you are staying on-site or off-site.

- You'll want to consider getting the park hopper option with your park tickets. It adds to the cost, but it also allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day. Without this option, you tickets will be limited to 1 park per day, and that may not work as well for your family's touring style.

 

[cfriend416]

I highly suggest checking out **************.net. It ranks all weeks, both 2013 and 2014, in order based on crowds, prices, etc. The first two weeks of December are actually the best time to go, based on that site, I think. And all the Christmas decorations will be up! Also, consider staying onsite. The value resorts are really affordable (especially in early December) and the Disney magic continues after you leave the park. However, I'd only suggest Pop Century or Art of Animation. The All-stars are kind of tacky and less convenient, IMO.

Another random tip, don't do the dining plan unless you're going to Disney for the food or unless you get free dining. It's really too much food and you can spend far less on food than what the dining plan costs. When I did the dining plan, I filled up on meals and did not have room to enjoy all the great snacks at Disney! Plus, without the dining plan, adults can order kids meals, which saves both money and room for snacks.

 

[plutospalforever]

Congrats on your first! I'm so excited for you. I too, always recommend the above mentioned website as well as dadsguidetowdw.com and the book Passporter's Guide to Walt Disney World (there website too). Book is cheaper on Amazon.

We have stayed at all the Values (our upcoming trip will be first time at AoA), and our kids love the theming of the All-Stars. The theming is geared more towards the young ones. They are colorful, over-the-top, with all the Disney characters that really draws them in and brings out there excitement. And FYI, All-Star Sports is getting a brand new food court and will be completed at end of Dec. Definitely recommend staying on site. Disney transportation runs all the time, where as neighboring hotels may only offer 1 an hour. Also many of the offsite hotels charge daily parking/resort fees, etc. Read the fine print. Plus, there is just something more magical about staying on site. I have heard MANY people say they will never stay off site again, but I have never heard anyone say they would never stay on site again! Good luck! : )

 

[MichaelH]

I would go the first two weeks of December. We have done that before kids started school. It is a great time to go, since it will not be hot and crowds are low. The Christmas decorations will be up also and our kids loved it. You can also visit each country in EPCOT and hear how they celebreate Christmas.

I have never stayed at Bonnet Creek. I would stay on site. You get the Disney transportation to your resort. The off-site resorts usually run one bus and you have to wait a good while for them to arrive.

If you want to come and go, you will need the park hopper passes. They are great. We like to take our time at the parks. We may start the day at MK and finish at EPCOT or wherever. Really makes it nice seeing the parks with a Hopper.

 

[lolobug]

Bump, edited

 

[lolobug]

Help... December or January (birthday)

December- $3013 room
January- $2328 same room

 

[darthbrazen]

Just my 2 cents, but for a 5 year old , nothing would be better than to surprise her. You can find a host of ways to do this, surprising them on Christmas Day with Tickets, to waiting down the the minute you arrive at the Airport. Nothing .. and I mean nothing beats the look on your childs face when they are surprised with a Disney Trip.

My daughter was 8 on her first trip, and magically, Mickey and his friends began weekly package drops (filled with things she would need on her trip such as rain ponchos, chapstick, a camera, sunglasses, etc) They magically began to arrive about 6 weeks prior to the trip along with a Disney enchanted poem from Mickey or one of his friends. On the day we left, she thought she was going to take me to the airport for a business trip, but once again found a magic letter awaiting her at the breakfast table that morning informing her that her bags were packed, and we were leaving immediately for the Mouse's House.

A friend of mine waited till they got to the airport, and had her son help her get her luggage out of the car, where he found his suitcase.. and boom surprise...

There are tons of these options on the internet; do a search on a Disney surprise trip and you can find lots of ideas, or simply make one up of your own like I did. Its a must for any child at least once. You will never forget the look on their faces when they are surprised.

 

[lolobug]

Just my 2 cents, but for a 5 year old , nothing would be better than to surprise her. You can find a host of ways to do this, surprising them on Christmas Day with Tickets, to waiting down the the minute you arrive at the Airport. Nothing .. and I mean nothing beats the look on your childs face when they are surprised with a Disney Trip.

My daughter was 8 on her first trip, and magically, Mickey and his friends began weekly package drops (filled with things she would need on her trip such as rain ponchos, chapstick, a camera, sunglasses, etc) They magically began to arrive about 6 weeks prior to the trip along with a Disney enchanted poem from Mickey or one of his friends. On the day we left, she thought she was going to take me to the airport for a business trip, but once again found a magic letter awaiting her at the breakfast table that morning informing her that her bags were packed, and we were leaving immediately for the Mouse's House.

A friend of mine waited till they got to the airport, and had her son help her get her luggage out of the car, where he found his suitcase.. and boom surprise...

There are tons of these options on the internet; do a search on a Disney surprise trip and you can find lots of ideas, or simply make one up of your own like I did. Its a must for any child at least once. You will never forget the look on their faces when they are surprised.

That is amazing! I most definitely will!!

 

[Princess Jemma]

You might want to check out the peak times calendar. I think the months you've chosen are good. Depending on your needs, like if you want to go to other parks or shopping elsewhere,etc, you wouldn't need to rent a car if you stay on site. All transportation is provided to and from parks.

 

[Princess Jemma]

Either time would be good. Parks are decorated for Christmas, so that's a plus. But if you go for a birthday, there are perks you can take advantage of.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Help... December or January (birthday)

December- $3013 room
January- $2328 same room

January definitely in my opinion. Less crowds, less money, and you can have lots of fun with the birthday.

 

[Dannek]

The first two weeks of December will find low prices and low crowds compared to the busier times of the year. Also you will have the Christmas decorations and lights up as well as Micky's Christmas Party.

January will bring the lowest (resort) rates offered all year, as well as (from what I've read) the lowest crowds all year at the parks. Either way the weather can be variable, with some days getting to 70 degrees plus, and some days in the 50's...

 

[Anri]

I would suggest December. From what I have read, usually a lot of ride closures and maintenance is scheduled for January and February because those are the lowest crowd times. If this is your first time to Disney World you will want to experience Disney at its best! The Christmas lights/shows will be spectacular and you will have better weather in December then you would at the end of January! Hope this helps and congratulations on your first trip!