FIRST visit! Need advice!

[kimgg]

Well after going on our first Disney cruise this past summer to get our feet wet, now our family is planning our first trip to WDW. It will be myself, husband, two sons who will be 8 and 10 (turning 11 during our stay), my stepdaughter, son-in-law, and their new baby who will at that time be 1. NONE of us have ever been to WDW! My stepdaughter and son-in-law are young and in college and while we will be helping pay for some of their expenses, with two rooms, I don't think we will be able to do a deluxe resort, and not sure whether we will do moderate or value. I would rather a moderate either POR FQ or CBR, but if we do value, maybe ASMusic? The quotes we have for that time of year show quite a big difference! I SO wish we could go one week sooner, SO much cheaper! But I don't think son-i-law can change his vacation dates, and our sons are in school and I'm chicken to take them out.

Anyway, my son in law can only go the week before or after Christmas 2010, so I am wondering if there is anyway to get discounts at this busy time of the month? Right now we are planning on doing the regular dining plan, but again this is all very new to me so not sure if we should do that or the basic dining plan w/o the table service included.

Decisions, decisions! Any advice on how to save is appreciated.

 

[marcielm]

Congrats on your newfound Disney love!

Your family would definitely fit in a family suite at ASMu, but you would have to know that 4 people (and possibly the baby) would all be piled into the living room. I would recommend 2 rooms at a value for a little bit less $$-wise, and that way you would have a little more privacy.

Discounts during that time of year are scarce, but this year there is a room only discount that I *believe* goes up to right before Christmas (like maybe Dec. 23rd). Another way to make sure you get the best value for your money is to use a Disney specialist TA. They would be on the lookout for good deals, and also help make dining reservations & resort recommendations for you.

Feel free to ask any other questions you might have. You will definitely gain a lot of information here at the Dis boards!

 

[DexLabDeeDee]

I'm glad that you are giving WDW a try!

You should check out the budget boards. Sometimes they have some insight into deals at Disney. I also agree with using a Disney TA (Dreams Unlimited really helped us!). They will help you get exactly what you need.

I love the moderate hotels but if it is going to strain your budget, then it isn't worth it. You'll be out and about most of the day that it shouldn't make that much difference. I personally prefer POP Century to ASMusic but I've stayed in POP and only visited ASMusic before. The bus system is really good for POP. Much better than when we stayed at POR. This might be a consideration since it's going to be really really busy when you're down there.

As for the dining plan, really take a look at the menus on this site (wdwinfo.com) and price out what you would eat at each restaurant, then take a look at how much the plan would cost you. I've often found that it's more expensive to take the dining plan. If you do find that it would be cheaper to do the dining plan, I would stick with just the counter (quick) service plan. I know a lot of people would disagree but I'm there to see the parks, not spend my time in a restaurant. However, we will usually do one table service while we are there if we can afford it. The counter service places are moving out from just the usual burgers and fries so you don't need to go to table service to get something different to eat.

Hope this helps. The best part is that whatever you decide, Disney is a great place to take a vacation.

I don't know if you've done this already, but I would subscribe to touringplans.com and get touring plans for the week of your stay. It'll be really busy and the plans will help you navigate the crowds!

 

[shandee1407]

You might also try one of the Wilderness Cabins over at Ft. Wilderness. They have a bedroom with a double bed and a set of bunk beds, then there's a murphy bed in the living area.

 

[sunshiner]

We are thinking of taking a cruise too. Any recommendations for that. What sort of stuff do you do on there?

 

[mousiemom]

Welcome to the world of disney! all of us dissers live and breathe disney world so you are looking at the right place! My family and i love the value resorts because all we do is just sleep there. (pop is our favorite, newer, and bigger). always look on the disboard for upcoming deals. the later part of december is very busy but you never know. for us, we love going during the free dining offers. they normally offer that during value seasons but this year offered it for aug-dec. 17th. I have planned so many disney trips for friends/family, i always try to book their trips during off season. it makes a world of difference with lines. plan, plan and make dinner ressies the 90 day mark. if you have any questions, feel free to ask away-i can talk wdw all day. dec. will be our 4th trip this year. we love it!!!