FIRST TIMERS - Need advice!!!

[SplashMom]

Wow. That last post seemed a bit expensive. We did our first "once in a lifetime" trip four years ago and just returned from our fifth trip--now starting to plan our sixth. We have always stayed on site. We fly out of Halifax and we have gotten the dining plan a few times. Our last trip (just returned on Saturday), we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and we really liked it. We didn't have five people but you can because of the trundle bed. We had a package including dining and it was only for 10 days but it was only $4800 and that was for four adults (including park hoppers/water parks and more). Our flights were another $2000. If you fly from the US, it would be considerably cheaper and when you purchase the package including dining, the only other expense is souvenirs. You can use Disney's Magical Express from the airport and use Disney transportation the entire time you are there. The dining plan is worth it for us because we really enjoy a nice dinner but I can certainly understand not wanting to purchase it for your first visit. The tickets would likely be the same because you can take a break from the parks a few days and just visit water parks and Downtown Disney. We have found ten day tickets to be plenty for our two week visits.

Don't be too quick to stay off site--it really is worth it to be immersed in Disney!

 

[Debbie]

I have to agree with trivial about the lack of reasonable lodging for the bigger family.

Check out the Orlando board for other opinions about on/offsite.

Many, many people stay offsite and still have a magical trip because the magic is being with those you love.

 

[kelsue4]

we went to disney in September 2007 (also from NB ). We drove to MAnchester New Hampshire and saved $$$. Four of us flew for under $500.00 (for all of us!) It was definately worth the drive. We stayed at Wilderness Lodge and opted for the dining plan...loved both the lodge and the dining plan. If this is your lifetime trip stay onsite!