First WDW trip in April any suggestions?

[mamo-4-wdw]

This will be our first trip to WDW for my DS(age 14) and me. I need some suggestions and tips for our trip.
We will be staying from April 10 thru 15th. Is this "Spring Break"?Have I already messed up?
We will be flying as it is a 13 hour drive for me. I would like to stay at Wilderness lodge (honeymoon suite has a juccuzi) Or Poly Consierge(great place to watch fireworks,etc) Or Allstars(cheaper, leaves more money for souviners or as my dad would put it junk. Please help me decide.
My DS is already packed and could leave right this minute.What would you suggest I pack( I' m well known for over packing)? I have budgeted $100 a day for our food and souivners,is this enough? I don't want my DS to "starve" while we are there.We only want one sweat shirt,one hat and one cup (the refillable kind) for our stay. Plus he has $50 disney dollars from helping our neighbors mow grass.
Thank You so much!

Ce & Sean

 

[mitros]

You should be getting a lot of good advice shortly from a lot of helpfull folks. One thing I have to tell you, not only is it during spring break, but it is Easter week, which is an extremely busy time of year. If you have not already made your reservations, you should try to change it to sometime the last week in April through till about the middle of May. That's when Florida schools get out for summer vacation. Rather then All Stars, [inexpensive} or Wilderness Lodge {expensive} how about something moderate, like Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans? You will get folks on these boards that will say not to worry about crowds, but believe me, if you want to see a lot, don't go when it is busy.

 

[mommystieg]

Here's some packing help:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/forgot.htm

 

[Kate-n-sam]

Don't mean to scare you, just want to give you some input.....The week you have chosen may very well be the second most crowded after Christmas week. You could not pay me to go this week, this is just my opinion of course, others thrive on the crowds and excitment of it all. The hours will be longer of course and with a 14 year old, late nights shouldn't be much of a problem. I would say if you still plan on this week, you need to get on the phone asap to get those rooms you are interested in on-site. Again, I'm just speculating, but I'm not sure there will be any rooms left on-site at this point for your dates and if there are, I'm not sure you would have your choice of where you want to stay. If this is your first ever trip, you will have a much better time by delaying until the last week of April, early May. Just my .02, good luck and have fun whatever you decide!

 

[EpcotLover]

I feel your pain...some of us have vacations that are dictated to us rather than being able to choose when we would like to go. Our family usually makes the big trip during Spring Break as well....as long as you have your itineraries before hand, you should be golden.

Have your 14 year old pick the "must do's" and then try to do one of them each day. Whatever park you decide to go to, go in and immediately get a Fast Pass for the big attraction you want to do. During this busy time, those boogers go fast and sometimes are all gone by late morning. If you don't know what a Fast Pass is....go to disney's website and request a free video which kind of lays everything out for you.

It's hot....pack sandals that won't give you blisters and cotton shirts that dry easily if they get wet.

See the firework show at Epcot and MGM for sure....and take your teen to Downtown Disney if the weather gets bad and go to DisneyQuest....very fun.

Have a blast! and if you didn't see it this time....you can catch it next time!

 

[TRAPPED-PARENT]

We'll be leaving WDW as you get there!

Agree with the other people ... if you can change your dates, do it. Otherwise -- get your hotel room ASAP. I also would steer clear of the values and don't think you'll get your money from a deluxe as it's your first visit and you'll be on the go all the time.

Having said that .... Decide the day before what park you will start at (preferably one with EE) and be there when the gates open. Head for the "must do" attractions ... get a guide to WDW ... I like the "Unofficial Guide", study up and know which attractions are the most popular and do those first. Be knowledgeabout about the Fast Passes and USE THEM.

When you get tired, find an attraction that you can sit down in A/C or take a break by getting something to eat.

If there are longer park hours, take 1-2 hr early afternoon to take a nap at your resort and then go back out.

Don't be afraid to take a day off from the parks and enjoy your resort or spend the day at the waterparks (be there when the gates open and grab chairs ... they'll go fast ... then head for the biggest slides because the lines will get long later).

Make sure you keep it fun. It's no fun trying to see EVERYTHING when the crowds are bad. Plan on another visit to see the things you missed.

 

[capegirl]

Stayed at the Contemporary with my teen son last April during Easter week. The parks were busy, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Staying at a monorail resort is a definite plus during peak times of the year. Also,your teen will really enjoy the "watermice". My son loved the freedom of being out on the lake, and the staff makes water safety a top priority.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Do you have airline tickets? I am looking and it is very expensive. If disney is booked, you could also try the swan and dolphin, onsite, but not owned by disney. You could look at the menus and decide where you would want to eat any sit down meals. Make priority seatings as soon as possible.

 

[mitros]

Go to www.allearsnet.com they have all the restaurant menus there.

 

[mamo-4-wdw]

Thank You all for your replys. I sincerly feel you have made this a better vacation for us.
Mitros-thank you,I had planed this using my work calendar(no holidays listed)
mommystieg- LOVE that website, we spent a whole afternoon checking it out,I think I can even pack light!
Kate-n-sam-Thank you for your.02 worth. It really made me think!
Epcot-Lover-sent for the free video and had DS pick out some must dos.That was so much fun to see him light up telling me about Disney Quest and Tower of Terror
trapped-parent- Was able to change the dates Now going May1 thru8 also got "unoffical Guide"
capegirl- We were able to get a room at the contemerary. Can't wait for the monorail to come by while we are dining
luvmarypoppins-Thank You so much!
Thank You all again,You have made two new friends for life!!!!


CE Sean