First Trip to WDW

[D!sney4Us]

DS is currently 19 mos. This would be my first family trip to WDW.

I have many questions.

I want to go before he turns 2 to save money. Should I plan a last minute trip to go next month (week of Memorial Day) or beginning of September (week of Labor Day)? Also, would it be better to stay on Disney property and use the QSFD promo (for May) or stay off propery? What about renting a car?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[plutolovr]

Just so you know, you have until he turns 3 before he is no longer free.

 

[starsweeper]

Just so you know, you have until he turns 3 before he is no longer free.

Ditto, you can go until he turns 3. We took our kids at 2.5 years old, and it was a great age. They could enjoy most things at the parks.

 

[hsembrick]

I took our DD at 21 months and she had a blast!!! One of my favorite memories of that trip was her RUNNING up to Darby and giving her a big hug! Anyway......... as PP stated your child will get in free until the age of 3 but if you are wanting then to FLY for free then yes you need to go before they turn 2.

IMO, if you go next month it doesn't give you much time to plan (since this is your first trip) but the weather will be a lot nicer than if you wait and go in sept. ( we went last sept and it was HOT). I think it just depends on weather or not you feel like you will be prepared enough to go by the end of May. I would go in a heart beat but I have to wait til July!!

As far as staying on-site vs. off-site I think many people of the here will agree that staying on site is WONDERFUL!! The Magical Express will pick you up at the airport and take you to your resort you don't even have to wait for luggage they will handle it all for you. Disney has busses that take you around the "world" and so you really don't need a to rent a car. I hope this has answered some of your question, I am sure some others will chime in!! HAPPY PLANNING AND HAVE FUN!

 

[D!sney4Us]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I've actually done a decent amount of research and planning. In fact, I already have ADRs at Chef Mickey's and Crystal Palace and have ordered my customized maps (in case I do decide to go next month). You can say that I'm a bit obssessed. All I talk about is going to WDW. I've even started to ask my DS if he wants to see Mickey.

 

[D!sney4Us]

I took our DD at 21 months and she had a blast!!!

Sorry, more questions. What resort did you stay at? Did you add a DDP?

 

[hsembrick]

Sorry, more questions. What resort did you stay at? Did you add a DDP?

We stayed at Old Key West and it was wonderful! No we did not add the dinning plan mainly bc at most buffet they allow them to eat off your plate and for CS we would occasionally order her something but we usually just shared with her.

 

[GrumpyGoofy]

We took our son last summer. He was 17 months. He had a good time. We stayed at Saratoga and did do the dining plan. Most times he ate what grandma or DS(3) did not. Occasionally we would order him a quick service meal. He got tired though the days, but he made it. We used the child care centers for a heat break and to change his diaper. Overall, it went very well.

 

[D!sney4Us]

Thanks. I'm thinking about using my hotel points to stay off-site. We'll end up renting a car. Hopefully it won't be too much of a hassle parking at the parks.