First trip to Disney-HELP!!!

[Selkirk8]

This is our first trip to Disney and I need some advice on accomodations.
There will be five of us travelling this year (Oct or Nov 05): myself, DH, DS (7), DD (3), and my mom.

First question: should we stay at the BW, BC or the Poly?
Second question: is the meal plan worth purchasing?
Third question: what are the best things to book in advance for a 3 and 7 year old (character meal,etc)?
and lastly what week would there be less crowds Oct 22-29 or Nov 12-19?

Thanks in advance to all! I need all the help I can get on this trip.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi! My family has stayed at the Poly and loved it there. We have 2 sons, who were 1 and 4 at the time of the trip. The monorail transportation to MK and EPCOT can't be beat! The volcano pool is loads of fun for the kids. You can watch the electrical water pageant from the beach, as well as the MK fireworks. You also have monorail access to GF and Contemporary for dining options. My vote is for the Poly.
As for dining options, I have heard great things about Chef Mickeys. It's definitely on our list of restaurants for our next trip. My sons love Donalds breakfast in AK. Crystal Palace is also nice. We usually try to go the Cinderella's Royal table. My boys love eating with the Princesses. They have a crush on Cinderella. Go over to the Restaurant boards for tips on obtaining a Cindy's ressie.
Have a great trip!

 

[J and R's mom]

Welcome to the DIS!

How exciting to be going to WDW for the first time.

Here are my opinions on your questions:

Resort--I'd pick the Poly, too, even though I've never stayed there (as long as you like the tropical theme...we don't, that's why we haven't stayed there yet). The reason I'd pick it, though, is the monorail. The monorail will really thrill your kids, plus it sure makes getting around MUCH easier. If you stay at Poly, though, be sure to at least go visit the Boardwalk area. It's worth the visit.

Meal Plan: I've never purchased it so I can't say. Sorry.

Things to book for kids: I went to the Hoop-Dee-Doo-Music-Review (HDDMR) when I was 11 and enjoyed it. It might be something to look into. Chef Mickeys character breakfast at Contempory is fun, too, and if you're staying at Poly, you can just take the monorail over there. There's also some sort of Pirate Cruise for kids based out of the GF but I don't know much about it. Honestly, though, you're kids' favorite part will most likely be the pool (at whichever resort you choose).

Slowest time: I tend to think that mid November will probably be slower and COOLER, so long as you're out of there by the time Thanksgiving weeks rolls around.

Have fun planning (it's almost as fun as the trip itself).

 

[DW mouser]

There's nothing like the first time to the world!!! You will get hooked so don't think it's a one time thing like I did!!!LOL!!

I recommend the Poly for 5 people. The rooms are a nice size and you'll be able to see the electric light parade on the lagoon at night. That is awesome!! I hope they still have it, I haven't seen anything about it on these boards for awhile. Also, the monorail is very handy. You are going to have so much fun!!!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I would go with the Poly since your kids are young. MK is so accessible - monorail and ferry. I think the dining plan is a good deal. Character meals are great to book in advance and your 7 year old might like the Pirate Cruise or Grand Adventures in cooking. Unfortunately your three year old would be too young.

 

[copper68]

thought i'd introduce you to www.mousesavers.com

they have codes that can save you some $$$$ when you book your reservation..

we are splitting our stay between the poly and the boardwalk in august.. we love doing one magic kingdom resort and one epcot resort.. so that's also an option unless you think you will spend most of your time at the magic kingdom..

the hoop dee doo is a lot of fun.. and we also enjoy chef mickey's.. the beach club has a decent character breakfast.. but mickey isn't at that one..

here's another website that should help you out.. www.allearsnet.com

any more questions, ask away..