Has anyone ever felt this way when planning?

[MinnieMommy07]

Its time again to plan! Right now I need some Dis-expertise. So far we're looking at the last week of May. I feel pressure to make this trip as great as the first which was awesome. It was our daughters 5th birthday. We spent 4 full days in Disney and stayed at the ASMovies resort. We only went to the Magic Kingdom- 3 times! And had a resort day in the middle of our stay. She'll be 7 this time and I am thinking of either staying at a value for longer 8-10 days or moving up to a moderate/DVC rental/Swan for 5-6 days. We had a blast at MK and the other parks don't really interest us like MK does. We were also thinking of renting a car and heading to a beach as well for a day- that's just a possibility. Or a waterpark?

We loved the AsMovies and the Disney feel. We had a great time relaxing here and we went home with really cool pictures! It was never too crowded and we had cheerleaders and high school seniors! It actually felt too quiet when they weren't there, LOL!

I think it would be hard to hit the nail on the head like last time..... and kind of fun to try something new (and have new pictures/memories to keep)! Should I book something else or go for something we know we liked- for longer?

We really enjoy "resort day" which consists of sleeping in a little, breakfast, walks, swimming,lunch, TV, and maybe this time we'all go out at night to explore something... maybe DTD, Boardwalk or the Monorail resorts?.....



This is crazy tough and need some advice. We want to feel relaxed planning it and while were their too!

 

[blackmamba10000]

That is a tough decision! Every Disney trip I take, I like to try at least one new resort, and one new restaurant. With that being said, I always seem to come back to the Poly as my favorite Resort, although I have stayed at Pop, WL, and have visited Boardwalk, Contemporary, the Grand Floridian, and AoA. This trip I am trying two new ones: Treetop Villas and Coronado Springs. If you are only interested in the Magic Kingdom Park, I'd suggest staying Deluxe and one of the Magic Kingdom Monorail Resorts: Polynesian, Contemporary, or Grand Floridian. These are in quick reach of MK and offer excellent theme park views. And nothing is more Magical than sitting on the beach watching Wish's fireworks and the electrical water pageant parade! These hotels offer some of the best swimming pools, onsite restaurants, and activities too. Perfect for your resort days!

If you do opt to stay at one of the Value resorts, you can always plan a day to go hotel hopping at the Deluxe resorts. Maybe Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary for breakfast, and O'Hana's at The Poly for dinner? Hope this helps!!! Good luck planning your vacation! Don't stress about making it better than the last trip! It'll be magical no matter what you choose!!

 

[DisLee]

I'd stay with value. Maybe try Pop Century, as it gets great reviews.

Also, would just go to a Disney water park instead of beach.

8-10 days gives you more time to enjoy and relax the way you want. Have fun.

 

[Shaden]

I'd go with the Value as well, either Pop or Movies !!!

Staying longer is always awesome, and she is still little enough I bet she would enjoy the value theming !

 

[Lisann]

I would stay at Wilderness Lodge. You are right across the waterway from the resort, and you can get to the Magic Kingdom in no time. There is plenty to do at the Lodge itself for your "resort day". It's not as costly as the other deluxes.

If I were staying at a moderate, I would go with Port Orleans (Riverside or French Quarter).

You could always go to one of the INCREDIBLE water parks at Disney, and I think your daughter would absolutely LOVE IT. Save the long drive to the beach for when she is a little older.

You could also stick with the Value resorts that you love and save some money.

Good luck!

 

[MrInfinity]

I agree w the Wilderness Lodge recommendation. If you are looking for the Deluxe location close to the MK but at a cheaper price it's the best value. Provide you fit in a room with a max occupancy of 4 (we don't)

There is a lot to do there, great shows at the Fort (BBQ or Hoop Dee Doo) and you're a boat ride to the MK each day.

Split your stay. Do 4 days offsite to go do the other Florida stuff. Then end with 4 days onsite, which can be 3 at the MK and one lounging. That way you aren't paying Disney prices to stay in the area when you aren't getting Disney benefits (like going to the beach or Sea World or LEGOLAND).

 

[whitney37354]

We planned a totally different trip for our second visit, compared to the first. Our third visit will be different as well. I figure this way no one is disappointed since everything is different each time.

1st trip: deluxe, club level with deluxe dining plan & park hoppers with water park option

2nd trip: camping in moderate Ft. Wilderness, no dining plan & park hoppers

3rd trip: (still planning): value with quick service dining plan, no park hoppers

 

[Robbi]

OP, just a heads up, you will never be able to replicate a trip. My best trip was when we took our son in December 1989. Since then, I've been to WDW probably 30 or more times. I would always leave disappointed because it was never quite as good as that trip. Eventually, I've learned that the 1989 trip was a once in a lifetime experience and I should enjoy my trips without expectations. The Disney gods or fairies had everything fall into place for some reason in 1989 but not since. That's not to say the trips have not been fun because, for the most part, they have. They've never been as magical though.
I would stay in a value if that allows you to extend your trip. It will be more relaxing.

 

[OatsZoo]

I would stay at a value for a longer stay for sure. Mods are big and sometimes require a lot of walking to the pools or main hall.

Don't discount the other parks, there is plenty of Disney kid friendly stuff at the other parks, Studios has Disney Junior and. Toy Story Mania, Animal Kingdom has Dinoland, Nemo, and lots of animals to see, Epcot is a bit more older but there are lots of Character spots and Turtle Talk with Crush and The Seas with Nemo.

Our last trip when our kids were 9 and 10, Epcot became there favorite. So you never know

 

[MaryPoppinz]

I'd recommend Art of Animation in a Little Mermaid Room - the theming at that resort is amazing! I would also recommend doing the passport and Kidcot stations in Epcot. My daughter did those when she was 7 and it was a highlight of our trip.

 

[Snoozan]

The other parks are also very kid friendly with lots to do! Do try them out, you might find a new favorite. It is Disney, which caters to kids in pretty much everything they do. The shows in all the parks are great entertainment for all ages and there are 'rides' in every park that would be perfect for a 7 year old, especially if she's on the 'brave' side(think Dinosour...).

 

[DisneyMomChristine]

I have to agree with Robbi that you will never be able to duplicate that first trip. Rather, look at each trip as a chance to try something new.
I would stick with MK, but dont rule out the princess meal at Akershus in EPCOT! Also, have you done Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique with your daughter?

You mention wanting to have pictures taken - you can you Disney Event Photography for about $150, or hire an Orlando-area photographer. We are booking an outside photographer for our May trip. A bit more expensive, but also better quality. Something to consider.

Just remember, no matter what you do, what parks you visit, meals you have, this trip will be magical, and your family will make life-long memories!

 

[dominiondad]

We tried taking a beach day last summer. We almost instantly regreted it. Between the drive and the heat, we didn't get the relaxing day we were looking for. No more beach trips for us, we'll just spend the day at the pool.

 

[redrosesix]

I think you can stay Value again -- maybe a preferred room so you don't have to walk as far on the longer trip? If you love Movies you probably always will, but I would change a couple of things each trip. Try another park -- if you don't want to stay all day and want to go to MK you can add the hopper option on your way. And def try the WDW water parks -- we almost like them more than the regular parks.

I get that you don't want to pay extra for stuff your DD isn't demanding yet, but there are some things she'd enjoy now that she wont' enjoy nearly as much later... like the Boneyard in AK. I mention AK because at that age it was my DDs favourite park and it's barely 5 minutes from Movies.

Or do it all the same, save your money and take her to Bibbity Bobbity boutique... once.