Hello and need all the help i can get...

[knbkadel]

Hello everyone! I am planning my first ever trip to Disney World and shooting for March 2009. We are looking at going the first week in March. Has anyone ever been at this time? Are there usually any good deals at this time that anyone knows of?
We are a family of 5. Kids are (or will be ) 14, 11, 9. Where do I start? I was referred to this board and it seems that it will take forever to go through all the information here.

Any and all kinds of help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Cindeegyrl]

We are also going in March 2009 (15th - 20th). I have never been at this time of the year though, hopefully we won't get stuck w/ spring break crowds.

 

[Chellymouse]

Welcome to the Boards!!!
You will definitely be dealing with spring break crowds and it's definitely going to be busy! To maximize your time, you are better off staying on property (even though some will argue that off property is less expensive) so that you can take advantage of the EMH. Yes, EMH can be busy, but it's less busy than when everyone is at the parks.
Start your planning by setting a budget and go from there. Based on your budget, you can choose which resort best meets your needs and budget, you may also want to check out the DDP (dining plan) which can save a good deal of money on food/snacks. IMHO, park hopper tickets are a must, especially with older kids, teens. Park hoppers are great because you can catch early EMH at one park, leave when the crowds get big and then head back in the evening or go to the park that has evening EMH that night. You aren't stuck in one place all day. Some parks are busier than others so having the hopper is an advantage.
If you aren't planning on going to PI, a water park or DQ, skip the water park and more options. If you are planning on doing only one of these and only for one day, it is less expensive to purchase a single day ticket, however if these are in the plans more than once, it is less expensive to add the option onto your base ticket.
Contrary to popular belief...there is NO BAD PLACE ON PROPERTY!! Yes, people have their likes and dislikes but one person's experience doesn't mean that you will have the same experience. You may also want to check out the DVC rent/trade boards as you may find it less expensive to rent points from someone and stay in a larger villa (which have kitchens which can significantly reduce your food costs, and there is grocery delivery service) than a standard package from Disney or a TA.
I would also suggest you order the free planning video right away. There is a wealth of excellent information that will be helpful for planning your first trip.
Remember: it is NOT humanly possible to do it all in one trip. Finally, don't plan every detail down to the last minute. Have a loose daily plan in place and go with the flow!
Most of all---Have FUN planning and have a wonderful trip!

 

[Rylee]

Hello everyone! I am planning my first ever trip to Disney World and shooting for March 2009. We are looking at going the first week in March. Has anyone ever been at this time? Are there usually any good deals at this time that anyone knows of?
We are a family of 5. Kids are (or will be ) 14, 11, 9. Where do I start? I was referred to this board and it seems that it will take forever to go through all the information here.

Any and all kinds of help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi,

I strongly recommend staying on-site at a Disney Resort... lots of perks!

As a family of 5, your choices are a little more limited, as Disney is strict about room occupancy.

Resort options for 5, cheapest... going up in cost -

Port Orleans Riverside - 1 room
Value resorts - 2 rooms
All-Star Music - family suite
Fort Wilderness Cabin
Deluxe Resort - any room for 5
2 bedroom villa and a few family suites scattered at various resorts

Watch for discount codes to become avaiable, here and at the mousesavers site.

If you have AAA, you can usually get a discount on your room.

The weeks between Presidents day and Easter, are usually consider peak season at Disney, and rates are higher. If your dates are flexible, you can save some money.

Anyone 10 and over is considered a Disney Adult, for tickets and dining.

Disney offers a Dining Plan (DP)... (currently) $38 for adults and $10 for children, per night of your stay. For your family, cost would be about $162 times (X) the number of nights you stay. The DP includes, 1 snack, 1 Counter Service (CS) and 1 Table Service (TS) for each person, times (X) the length of your stay.

For some family's, the DP is a value, others will find they can do better out-of-pocket (oop). It's is a nice convenience to have meals paid for in advance.

To decide the best value for your family... read menus here or at the allears site.

Dp or not... if your family wants to experience/dine at any TS restaurants, you must make Advance Dining Reservations (ADR's). You can book ADR's 180 day in advance.

Tickets - Do not purchase any options you aren't sure you won't use... you can alway upgrade the tickets later or at the resort.

Have a plan and a list of must-see-and-do attractions. Try to check-off the list in the mornings, when parks are less crowded and then relax and discover the magic at you own pace!

Have fun planning.

 

[Metro West]

 

[PuNkEe1299]

I've previously gone in March a few times, and It worked out good. It all depends on when Easter is and when Spring break starts. We got lucky on our trips, didn't have too much of a crowd.

 

[LvTinkerbell]

Help Help I need some help. I not really new here but I have been away for awhile. I see all of these cute pictures and tags on people's posts and I am jealous. My DF and I are going on our Honeymoon to WDW in Sept. at the Poly and I want one of those tags that show the hotel like the one that Chellymouse has for Saratoga Springs on here. I also don't know why I can't post any pictures. Do you have to be a mousketeer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[magicaldisney]