First Timers need help!

[Ontario]

I'm new to this board, so excuse my ignorance. We are a family of 5 from Ontario visiting Disney for the 1st time 3rd week of May. Have a tentative hold on Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista but am now considering staying on site at Disney. We picked the ES because of the space and the fridge etc. I'm wondering what the AP rates are that everyone is talking about (is that a USA thing?) Also, is the fairytale package available for 2004? Anyone have any advice for first timers I'd love to hear from you. We have 3 kids (14, 12 & 8) - we are thinking 1 day Disney, 1 day Epcot, 1 Day at MGM, 1 day at Waterpark and 2 days at Universal/IOA? No clue what I'm doing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[jaysue]

Welcome to the DIS, Ontario!

Originally posted by Ontario
I'm new to this board, so excuse my ignorance. We are a family of 5 from Ontario visiting Disney for the 1st time 3rd week of May. Have a tentative hold on Embassy Suites Lake Buena Vista but am now considering staying on site at Disney. We picked the ES because of the space and the fridge etc. I'm wondering what the AP rates are that everyone is talking about (is that a USA thing?)

AP rates are for anyone who is an Annual Passholder ticket holder - given your short stay below, you would not be a good candidate for buying an AP and they would not make sense for your stay. There are often room only discounts during the time of your stay - you will need to be patient and subscribe to an AP watch thread on this board and also check http://www.mousesavers.com


Also, is the fairytale package available for 2004? Anyone have any advice for first timers I'd love to hear from you. We have 3 kids (14, 12 & 8) - we are thinking 1 day Disney, 1 day Epcot, 1 Day at MGM, 1 day at Waterpark and 2 days at Universal/IOA? No clue what I'm doing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your split of days looks good - if you need help on Universal there is a separate Universal board that might be useful for you to check and post on. I assume your 1 day Disney means Magic Kingdom. I would skip the Waterpark day and go to Animal Kingdom which is a reall nice park. This would allow you to buy 4 day park hoppers for the crowd (allows 4 days of access to all 4 WDW major parks). Depending on your hotel selection, the pool might be nice enough/themed enough to compensate for the waterpark.


Feel free to ask away...

thanks
jaysue

 

[jaysue]

Here is the recent Fairytale Package thread:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=509558

 

[msteddom]

Hi Ontario,

Firstoff, Don't panic we are here to help!!! I think staying onsite at Disney is a great idea. I will try and answer your questions:

AP stands for Annual Pass, which can offer significant discounts on Disney Resort rooms, but research carefully before you decide to get one. AP codes may or may not be available for the period you wish to travel. NOTE: You do not have to possess an annual pass to book an AP rate, but you must present one at check-in.


The fairy tale package has not been released for 2004. There is currently a similar deal being offered to select new applicants for the Disney Visa card. There is also a package being offered by Disney called the Fairytale package, but it is virtually identical to the standard Dream Maker Package. Combine those two facts and it's no wonder people are so confused


As a family of 5 your options for a Disney resort are a bit narrow:


Value resorts: Only allow 4 to a room, so you'd have to book 2 connecting rooms.


Moderate Resorts: Only Port Orleans Riverside offers select rooms that can hold 5. They offer two double beds, one of which has a pull out trundle bed. But it looks like your kids are older, so I wouldn't recommend it. It would be a tight squeeze!


Deluxe Resorts: I belive all of them can accommodate 5 to a room.


So I hope this helps. Good luck and happy planning!!!


Melissa

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Hey, Ontario!!!

Welcome, I just thought I would share a couple of great websites to research your trip. Mousesavers.com has general money-saving information on tickets, resorts, etc. I know everybody around here is waiting for those discount codes to appear for your timeframe!!

Allearsnet.com has wonderful descriptions of the resorts, as well as excellent info on all types of passes, dining, theme park attractions, etc. Check out these two sites before deciding on anything!!!

Once you narrow down your choice of resorts, there are individual Resort FAQ's at the top of this board.

Good luck, and have fun planning your trip!!