First Timer here with a question :)

[Trish1978]

Hi everyone

I've been lurking the boards here for a couple of weeks doing some research on just where to start with planning our first family vacation!

So we are planning on going May 4-11 roughly (we are driving from Ontario and will be doing some sightseeing on the way, havent finalized a plan yet) So my first question is, do you think 6 days is long enough with a family of 6? I have 4 boys, ages 8, 6, 4 and almost 2 . My husband wants to go to each park

Also, if I wait to book until the end Feb/beginning of March, is that too late??

TIA for all your help

Trish.

 

[ms_missy66]

Six days is plenty and I definitely think you'll get each park in. Just know you may not see and do EVERYTHING. But seriously...you could be there for two weeks with four children and still not get it all done. No biggie. I'm quite sure you'll get in all the highlights and enjoy some magic.

If possible I would book as quickly as you can. You're chancing not having the resorts you'd like available if you hold off booking. Also, the longer you wait, the less likely you'll be able to make dining reservations.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[The Hendies]

For what it's worth... don't worry too much about planning every detail. Until you've been there once, it is nearly impossible to understand the 'Disney Concept'. You'll know within a few hours what your children like, what they don't like, and how to accommodate everyone's wants. Our first trip was with very minimal planning, and we liked it that way.

As a backup plan, as you drive through New York, you could pick me up and I'd be your personal guide through the parks. Huh? Any Chance? In any case, have a great vacation!

 

[Rylee]

Hi,

I would book as soon as possible.

Are you staying at a Disney Resort? Disney is offering some discounts right now... check the WDW site and mousesavers. (After all that driving, it might be nice to park the car and use Disney transportation.)

I would definitely spend a day in each park. With the ages of your children, I recommend 2 days in Magic Kingdom. We like to make MK the first park we visit, and go back on our last day, too.

Have fun!

 

[kohlby]

We've always just done 4 days at Disney World - one in each park and then some hopping if one park goes over better than another. 6 would be better! My kids actually like Epcot better than MK so I'd vote two days at Epcot, 2 at MK, 1 DHS, 1 AK if it were my group. I'd suggest doing one day at each park for the first 4 and then making up your mind which to go back to depending on how it goes. (Looking at DHS, I'm thinking that park might go over better this trip than last).


Is this 6 days in a row? If so, make sure you plan enough down time. We always plan a pool day in the middle. (We do Universal as well, so 6-7 park days total btwn the two parks).

 

[lovesdumbo]

Welcome to the Dis!

I'm booked for 5/5 to 5/12! I've been going for my birthday 5/6 for the last 4 years and it is a great time to go! Last year it was really HOT though. Actually hotter than my August trip.

I've gone for as long as 15 days and you really can't do it all in one trip. A 6 day trip is good. I prefer about 8 days but I think you could see a lot in 6 days.

Also, the longer you wait, the less likely you'll be able to make dining reservations.

You can make dining reservations without a resort reservation.

 

[Trish1978]

Thanks so much

Yes we are going to drive, hoping to make it from TO in 3 days or so and we are planning on staying on site with the current room discount promotion. I am so nervous about booking becasue then it's final and I really have my work cut out for me then!!

 

[dmank]

If you book, you can cancel without penalty I believe... You can always call Disney Travel and ask but I'm pretty sure you can cancel...

Also, if you book now and a better rate comes out you can call to see if you can get that better rate. If rooms are available, I think you can...

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

For what it's worth... don't worry too much about planning every detail. Until you've been there once, it is nearly impossible to understand the 'Disney Concept'. You'll know within a few hours what your children like, what they don't like, and how to accommodate everyone's wants. Our first trip was with very minimal planning, and we liked it that way.

As a backup plan, as you drive through New York, you could pick me up and I'd be your personal guide through the parks. Huh? Any Chance? In any case, have a great vacation!

And me if you need 2 tour guides!!!

We always drive straight down from Rochester and it takes us 21 driving hours, so 3 days will give you pleanty of extra time for sightseeing.

As for 6 days, that will be great and each park offers something special so you won't want to skip any if possible. I agree 2 days at MK is a must.

Also, if you need to change or cancel your trip, the policy is very good, so go ahead and book and if something changes Disney will work with you and unless it's really close you get your deposit back.

Have a great first trip, there truly is nothing like your first time!

 

[tzolkin]

If you book, you can cancel without penalty I believe... You can always call Disney Travel and ask but I'm pretty sure you can cancel...

Also, if you book now and a better rate comes out you can call to see if you can get that better rate. If rooms are available, I think you can...

I would definitely book now if you want a certain resort with a current deal.

Since you're a family of 6 (really 5 + infant) your options are different than a family of 4.

I can't remember the exact time frame, but it's a week or two out from your arrival date that you can cancel. (You can cancel right up to a day or two before, but you lose $100 or $200).

And, yes-- if a better deal comes out you can always call and see if it's available for your resort/dates. I switched our plans for last May several times to make the best use of the offers.


You will find a ton of great information here and I'm sure you're planning will go fine. May is wonderful. We decided to not go this year, but are planning next year for the same dates as you.

Have a great trip!