Got major questions about WDW.....first timer, obviously...sm

[susaninMS]

We want to go to WDW next late Sept and first week of Oct. My girls will be 6 and 5 at that time; based on the description of each park, the only one I think they would truly enjoy is Magic Kindom. My DH nor I are "into" true thrill rides, so this is fine with us. We would, however, enjoy the water parks; which a Hopper PLus would cover, including all the other parks. Here's my dilemma.

1. When you call to do the character breakfast, do you get to specify which one; cuz are there some at all the parks? Is this price included in a package, or do I pay when I order or what?
2. When I read the different perks about the Hopper Plus, it always says, "Plus More." Just what is Plus More?
3. Do you suggest purchasing the package deal--or would it be more feasible to make my own package. I think if I purchase the Hopper plus--versus the tickets to Magic Kindom and tickets to a water park--the dollar amount is very close....

We plan on staying at one of the All-Star resorts.....but don't have a clue where to start!!!! Do I make my room reservations first and then buy tickets? Do you buy tickets beforehand or just wait to pay at the gate?

HELP HELP HELP

 

[cinlee3]

I will let some of the experts here answer your specific questions but I wanted to say welcome to the DIS. You have definitely made a step in the right direction by coming here. These boards helped me save a lot $$ for our trip.

Happy planning

 

[f7prez]

By the time you leave for your trip in September you will have had some of the most knowledgable people provide first hand information you will find extremely helpful.

The best thing about WDW is that it was made for kids of all ages. I think your young children will enjoy far more than only the Magic Kingdom. The Animal Kingdom is also a wonderful park for very young kids. Here, the kids can see so much with very little waiting in line. The time of year you are going is great, the lines will be very small. You also mentioned the water parks which are a definite Do Not Miss.

Try to stay away from packages. Price everything out and see what the average will be and then you can see whether or not a particular package is a good deal or not. By checking in on these boards on a regular basis you will find various other sites that will help you find the best deals on all things Disney. One of my personal favorites that has helped us save a significant amount of money is http://www.mousesavers.com/.

Welcome aboard and have fun.

 

[dgaston]

You will want to familiarize yourself with another great site www.mousesavers.com Mary has a lot of great info on how to save a lot of money over package prices. You almost always save money with doing it on your own over the packages.

Another good site is Deb Wills' www.wdwig.com

I also have to say that I think your girls might enjoy AK and many parts of MGM. The Muppet Movie and The Little Mermaid Show are wonderful for younger kids.

You can make your own PS (reservation) at any character breakfast when you call. I've been lucky enough to get Cinderella's, and also have had great times at Donald's Breakfastasaurus and Chef Mickey's I use Connections to buy vouchers for the adults (info also at mousesavers)

Plus more is probably use of Disney transportation

Make the room reservations now and apply discounts as available. You will want to read about codes on mousesavers as well as the Disney Club discount to see if that works for you.

Hope this gets you started.

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[crazelion]

1. When you call to do the character breakfast, do you get to specify which one; cuz are there some at all the parks? Is this price included in a package, or do I pay when I order or what?

First take a deep breath and let out. The first thing I would is probably the character breakfest first. Decide which one to do at the Hotel or at parks. I would recommend getting The Birnbaum's Walt Disney World offical guide. It's a really simple book to follow. I know there's other but this is the simplistic I have seen.

2. When I read the different perks about the Hopper Plus, it always says, "Plus More." Just what is Plus More?

I don't know the answer to that one. I let the experience people tell about that one.

3. Do you suggest purchasing the package deal--or would it be more feasible to make my own package. I think if I purchase the Hopper plus--versus the tickets to Magic Kindom and tickets to a water park--the dollar amount is very close....

I would book everything separateling. Because a package is alot more. I'm saying that to be know all either. I'm this because. I like flexiable in my vactaions plans. I didn't even know they had package's for Disney until went my AAA Branch.

the only one I think they would truly enjoy is Magic Kindom. My DH nor I are "into" true thrill rides, so this is fine with us.

I will say Disney's have plenty to do for none thrill rides people. I know this for a fact because mom does not like thrill rides and love Disney. She loves Majic Kingdom. I swear that's only place I know she ride more then 10 rides at. Also I know would Disney MGM Studios and Epcot. That are both good places. There all shows to enjoy and few rides. I would do two days at Majic kinddom. One day at Epcot and MGm Studios. Also and you and DH like Animals I would do Animal Kingdom.

We plan on staying at one of the All-Star resorts.....but don't have a clue where to start!!!!

I know might get leach for this I loved the All-stars Just pick which theme you and your family like best. Sports, Movies which hard to get reastions for, Music. Make sure specify which building you like on revstions when call they can't gurrette a request be they can what they can. Also The All-Star Resorts got to preferred rooms that 10.00 extra for just be close to food court and pool and bus stop. Also some people say the All-Star rooms are small To me it's a regular room size. Also all resorts have the 10.00 refillable mug and free or almost free refills. But the All-Star refillable mugs is free refills. The only thing can't get is milk and juice.

Some people will only stay at moderates and deluxe resorts that just them. If hardly in the hotel room I going for cheapest room onsite. Which is the All-Star Resort. It just have a Food court put serve real American food. Which I like. I do not care anything else put simple food.

Also watch this board and check out mousesavers.com to check for codes to. You my be able to afford one the morderates resorts.
Do I make my room reservations first and then buy tickets? Do you buy tickets beforehand or just wait to pay at the gate?

Do you buy tickets beforehand or just wait to pay at the gate?

I would pay tickets though the Disney website just get the small disconts. Also I know AAA has disconts to. Also can to the Disney Store and pay them but don't the disconts

Also I heard good things about ticketmania.com. Also there is others. If like me I only go with legimately places. Other people tell more about this.

But I would for sure puy the Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2003 offical guide. Also in that book it tell how use fast pass, which resturarts you have make prioity seating for and which don't. Also some tell it's faster to drive to take the bus. Well that may be true. If drive a longway I don't won't drive to the parks. But that just my opionion.

Also do try to see everything in the park. Make a list about 10 things you won't see for sure. Try do those things. But take time to smell the roses. I know people try do to much won't see everything. But realize that it's a vacation and relexing took your time.


My girls will be 6 and 5 at that time.

You may won't check with your girls school to see if ok take out school first. I know where I live kids start kidergation at 5. Also late August is good time to go to.

Boy that got long wind. Let me know if have anymore ?

 

[buzz2400]

When you refer to the Park Hopper Tickets are you meaning the dream maker package where you get ultimate park hopper tickets. Ultimate park hopper and hopper plus tickets are different. If you are referring to the dream maker package: the ultimate tickets are unlimited admission from the morning you check in to midnight of the day you check out to the four major parks, two water parks, disney quest, pleasure island the the sports complex. The "free" things are 2 pins and lanyards per room and your choice of a free round of miniature golf, a storytelling experience at epcot or two images on the leave a legacy at epcot. The park hopper plus tickets don't give you any freebies. They are good for the days that you purchase, i.e. if you purchase a 7 day park hopper plus ticket it is good for 7 days of admission to the four major parks and 4 days (plus) to the water parks or pleasure island. Unused days are good forever as opposed to the ultimate where they are only good for the time you are at the resort. In my opinion it is cheaper to purchase the hopper plus tickets separately because if you book using the ultimate hopper ticket and you don't arrive until say 3 p.m. that day, you have already wasted a day of your ticket.

It is always best to price it both ways but I feel that hopper plus ticket is a better value.

 

[merryweather's twin]

Hi!
Well I will try to cover a few things! First off I bet your girls would love all the parks...You could order the free video from 1-407-WDISNEY. They could see it all even the water parks and you could decide which would be fun for everyone! You can choose any charactor meal you want and you can see them all and get menus at www.wdwig.com and you will want to call 1-407-WDW-DINE for a PS for the day you want to eat at each place. ( the PS caculator will tell you when to call!) I allways start with the hotel and week-weeks, set a this day this park calander with park times and parades and shows and our dinner plans, get my PS,and then get my plane tickets and park passes. I do not want to wait in line at the parks for passes so I use the web at www.disney.com . If you need transport to your hotel we have had good luck with your ride or the green rabbit square on this site. As for park passes we only get AP's so I am not sure. If you have any more things to ask fire away! Have a great day!

 

[MinnieGi]

Hi and welcome to the Dis!! You've come to the right place for lots of great info! Just keep reading and asking questions and by Sept. you'll be an expert! You certainly have already been given some great info above.

I just wanted to also tell you not to write off the other three parks. Each park has great attractions for all ages. Each park has a mix of thrill rides and family oriented rides. We have a 2yo who has been twice so far and we always do all the parks and she enjoys things about each one.

I do not suggest buying a package deal if you can research the different components of the trip yourself ie. plane, hotel, tickets, etc. I always research everything myself and save loads of money over a package.

Character breakfasts: There are quite a few to choose from at the parks and hotels. There not even all breakfasts, some are lunches and dinners! As someone else suggested check out the menu's on Deb's site: www.wdwig.com

You might also enjoy reading a guide book to help plan your trip. Although all the information can be found online, I still enjoy a guide book to help plan.

If you already know the dates you want go ahead a make a room reservation and then keep checking in for codes for discounts to apply to your room.

As far as tickets you can buy them now or wait to purchase at the gate. We spread the cost out by buying the tickets ahead of time and one at a time that way its not so much cash out lay at one time.

Good luck and enjoy your planning!!
Gi

 

[jgates]

Yes, don't discount the other parks!

Things such as the masks the kids can make in World Showcase at Epcot the kids love!

Fantasmic, Little Mermaid, Beauty & Beast Show etc at MGM.

One thing you might want to do is spend a little time browsing the Trip Reports board and read how some others are spending their days!

 

[sheriff_john]

Congrats on finding this site in time to make your first trip a Great one.

With girls 4 and 5 you HAVE to get the princess breakfast at cinderellas castle. It is one you will have to get up early and call the day reservations open. (i think 6 months out) My girls 3 and 7 (even my boy 12) loved it and said it made the trip. Get with one of the other planning sites to verify when to call.

Tickets and vouchers - I highly recomend you use connections to get tickets and at least 2 casual vouchers. The tickets were cheapest ther and dinner at Beach's & Cream (With ther HUGE desserts) is a steal at $22. Don't do the connections thing until about 40 days out, you can always cancel and get their great discounts for only a buck.

While I don't doubt Magic Kingdom will be the favorite park you all will find things you love at each of the parks. With little ones I would split the days in half with couple hours downtime in between. You've got lot's of time to plan.

we did our first trip in 2001, went this summer and are planning a trip next Oct/Nov as well.

NOTE: I found this board about 60 days before our first trip and saved enough money to extend our trip from 5 to 7 days without increasing my budget.

 

[JulesMom]

There are things that kids will love at each park.

MGM--Beauty and the Beast show
Playhouse Disney show
Little Mermaid show
Muppets show
Great Movie Ride
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground
AK--Lion King show
Tree of Life
Kilimanjaro Safari
Pocahantas show
Flights of Wonder
The Boneyard Playground
Triceratops Spin
Primeval Whirl
Rafiki's Planet Watch


Have a great time. You'll get so much helpful info on these boards.

And Welcome!

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says................................Welcome, you are already 50% ahead of most travelers that go to WDW. I would book everything separate for two reasons. One, you will save money, as there is no package deal that I can't beat. That means the same for you! Second, by doing all that planning, you will get information to help improve your trip.
Tip. Get to MK early, and get ready for fantasyland at rope drop. You can do all the rides in less than an hour! Start with Dumbo, a slow loader, then Pooh and work your way clockwise.

 

[Kirby]

Welcome, you will find out so much on these boards! I found this web site after our 2000 Spring Break trip.

Be sure and check out some of the other boards, Theme Parks, Resorts, Restaurants, Tips, Trip Reports. You can get a lot of information from them also.

 

[npdman]

On our first trip to WDW my DD was 5. While she really enjoyed MK the MGM shows totally entralled her. She was singing the show tunes the rest of the trip. Also we had many more chance encounters with characters at MGM.

One thing we did was get an autograph book and a poloroid camara. At the end of each day we would paste the character's picture next to the autograph so she could immediately follow her day without waiting for picture developing.

 

[goofy4tink]

Welcome. You'll find more knowledge here than you would think possible!!! These people are terrific. So.....Yes, do a few character meals. The Crystal Palace (in MK) has Winnie the Pooh and friends. We liked that one. BTW, my dd turned 6 on her first visit to WDW. So these should apply to your kids too. Love Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary. The Castle is very cool. We did do the Cinderella breakfast there when dd was 8. She says 'now we've done it. don't have to do it again.' But there are other princess meals. If you can't get Cinderella's Breakfast in the castle(it books within minutes, 60 days before), then eat a late lunch in the castle. We did that our first visit and liked it a lot. You'll find a lot of info about the various character meals online.
As to the parks your girls will like...mine loved MGM. AK was nice but didn't take more than 1/2 a day to do. A lot of walking for little ones. Epcot/World Showcase she liked too.
Try not to stress out too much.(this coming from someone who can't make up her mind as to where to stay for 7 nights!!) You will never be able to see it all in one trip. That's the beauty of WDW. Take the time to 'smell the flowers' as they say. There have even been threads on these boards as to what your favorite smell is at WDW!!! Have fun planning. This is a vacation, in WDW. No matter what, you wil have a great time!!!