First trip help picking a resort

[Tripscarcare]

Get a Disney Travel agent, give them your budget and family dynamics. And let them put together different resorts etc. Plus the perk of having a TA most have done a lot of bookings and been there themselves. And they can keep an eye on any promotions that come during the planning waiting process. Good Luck, your family will remember the trip forever.

 

[We’reAllMadHere]

Get a Disney Travel agent, give them your budget and family dynamics. And let them put together different resorts etc. Plus the perk of having a TA most have done a lot of bookings and been there themselves. And they can keep an eye on any promotions that come during the planning waiting process. Good Luck, your family will remember the trip forever.

A GOOD Disney TA, like the one who sponsors this forum. I’ve seen a lot of people advertise as Disney TAs and then give very poor or flat out wrong advice on their websites or socials.

 

[TPG0235]

It has probably been mentioned, but renting DVC point could be an option. I just did a quick apples to apples comparison for one week (5/17 - 5/24).

Port Orleans FQ garden view: $2,950
Saratoga Springs: standard studio - $1,900 / standard 1 bedroom - $3,840
Old Key West: studio - $1,600 / 1 bedroom - $3,260

I don't know if those DVC prices include tax, but for an extra $300 the one bedroom at Old Key West, a deluxe resort, beats out a moderate.

 

[theMoreDisneytheBetter]

It has probably been mentioned, but renting DVC point could be an option. I just did a quick apples to apples comparison for one week (5/17 - 5/24).

Port Orleans FQ garden view: $2,950
Saratoga Springs: standard studio - $1,900 / standard 1 bedroom - $3,840
Old Key West: studio - $1,600 / 1 bedroom - $3,260

I don't know if those DVC prices include tax, but for an extra $300 the one bedroom at Old Key West, a deluxe resort, beats out a moderate.

This is a very useful comparison. With 3 teenagers I totally agree that more space is better, especially if you can offset some of the cost with in-room snacks.

What price did you assume that you can rent DVC points for?

 

[TPG0235]

My family (including two teenage daughters) was typically a studio renter but last year I decided to get us a "big boy" room for the four of us, so we got a 1 bedroom at Saratoga Springs. What. A. DIFFERENCE!!!! Cost be damned, there is no way we will go back to a studio or regular room at a moderate!!! So much more comfortable with the extra room, sleeps five, full kitchen where we at breakfast every morning, did laundry... Everything was better in a 1 bedroom. But beware. There ain't no going back!!!

For pricing I used one of the many DVC rental sites, specifically the one that has a cost calculator (ask for "schmavid"). Hopefully this doesn't violate Disboards policy.

 

[JimmyBean42]

I would do the family suite for this simple reason - 2 full bathrooms. Especially with that many teenagers, the two full bathrooms is key. Seems like a nuanced point to make but it really is a difference maker. But other amenities clearly lean toward Port Orleans.

 

[NYCgrrl]

It has probably been mentioned, but renting DVC point could be an option. I just did a quick apples to apples comparison for one week (5/17 - 5/24).

Port Orleans FQ garden view: $2,950
Saratoga Springs: standard studio - $1,900 / standard 1 bedroom - $3,840
Old Key West: studio - $1,600 / 1 bedroom - $3,260

I don't know if those DVC prices include tax, but for an extra $300 the one bedroom at Old Key West, a deluxe resort, beats out a moderate.

Agreed wholeheartedly.
I saved so much money by renting a 1 bedroom over the December holidays. Didn’t have to go to war with teenager for hogging the bathroom either as we had two . We also saved money using the full kitchen. Two weeks of eating out is a big expense plus can be monotonous.

 

[NYCgrrl]

What price did you assume that you can rent DVC points for?

Just go to one of the DVC rental websites or the forum here for private rentals and compare prices.

 

[DanielW_91]

Art of Animation was great for our 1st trip. Skyliner, affordable, and great Disney theming

 

[Miffy]

OP, if you're still reading this . . . Although I've never used a TA for a WDW trip, there are innumerable positive comments about the TA who sponsors this board. That's the way I'd go if I were to use a TA.

As for renting DVC points--this is not something for the uninitiated. I advise against it. For one thing, you are locked in. If you have to change your plans, you could (and many people have) end up losing the entire cost of the room. Don't mess around with this.

I stay at POFQ all the time but it's just me and my sister. I think that the AS family suite might be a better choice for you just for the 2nd bathroom since there are 4 of you.

 

[DL1WDW2]

first post in February… would love to know the final chapter from Kia loves books… maybe still planning ?

 

[WWWD10]

@Kialovesbooks24 Hi Kia

First of all, congratulations! I am so excited you're taking your first trip, it sounds like it's going to be so special.

I understand why you might be looking into booking your trip with a travel agent, there is so much to keep track of, and so much to do!...but if you break it down into a few simple steps its not so bad to do yourself. Personally I like to be in control of every aspect of my trip to ensure I am getting what I want at the times I want.

In picking a hotel for groups I tend to always go with the more economical option. The 4 parks are so magical and you don't end up spending as much time in your resort as you might on a regular vacation. The "extra" money you don't spend here goes to the must haves: Lightning Lane passes, Dining experiences and souvenir shopping. Spending cash on a really nice hotel if you will only be visiting for 6 days or less and you're planning to go to all parks is just not worth it in my humble opinion. I personally like All Star Music family suites for groups (keep in mind that in your party 2 people will be sharing as there are only 3 queen beds).

When booking keep in mind flight prices (if you are flying in that is). Usually it will be cheaper to fly on a Monday, Tuesday or Saturday.

Once you have your hotel all booked up:
- 60 days before your trip you get to make your dining reservations 7am est
- 7 days before your LL reservations 7am est.
To get the dates you will need use this calculator: https://www.wdwmagic.com/reservation-calculator.htm

Enter these dates in your calendar and set an alarm! Things can book up quickly after your window so take advantage of the perk

Now for those discounts and deals, get in the habit of every morning taking a quick look at this page and seeing if anything might apply to you. I would just leave the tab open on your phone and refresh every morning leading up to your trip:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/2025-summer-offers/

If you find one of the deals applies to you call this number (Disney Hotel Reservations): 1-407-934-7639
Have them apply the deal to your reservation. You will need your reservation number when you call.

Hope this helps <3

 

[hardcorestitch]

Hi! i am trying to plan our first trip and it is a surprise for the kids and i need some help making the best decision for us.

I am trying to decide on a resort! We’re stuck between a garden room at Port Orleans French Quarter and a family suite at All Star Music. A little about our family.

it would be 1 adult and 3 teenagers, they will be 15, 16, 17 at the time of travel

I think the main difference for me is I know Port Orleans has a hot tub which will be beneficial after a day at the park but the extra space we would get from the family suite at ASM would be nice with three teenagers, i guess i am just looking for an outside input from those who have been before and are familiar with these resorts.

Any input is appreciated!

All Star Music has only 1 regular bed and everything else is a pull down bed from a couch, and it will fit your whole party since it fits up to 6.

Port Orleans' beds are all regular queen beds. There would be nothing to pull down unlike All Star Music. Also, you have reached the capacity of how many guests would be able to fit, since it sleeps 4.

In my opinion, I would certainly pick the Port Orleans French Quarter room if cost is not a factor for you. The accommodations here are much more comfortable than if the teens were in All Star Music. And yes, the hot tub is definitely a plus. I would pick a hotel that had a hot tub as well.