Hello - need some advice for first trip!

[susanab]

I joined here about a year ago with hopes of planning my daughter's first trip to DW. Unfortunately, we haven't gotten there, so I'm looking to plan for 2011.

My first dilemma is when to go. My daughter will start Kindergarten this fall. I'd prefer to not go during the holidays/Spring Break/summer, so that leaves me with one other option - to take her out of school. I don't want to do that and not even sure if the school would allow it - anyone? Ideally, from the research I've done thus far, I would like to go at the beginning of May.

I have yet to decide if I'd want to stay onsite/offsite and what to visit (I know we'd definitely go to MK). We will drive from VA to FL.

Any and all advice in helping me make her first trip special is greatly appreciated. TIA!

 

[Happy Mom2]

I am planning our first trip to DW for later this year. We decided to take our DD out of school so we could go during a slower/cooler time of the year, but it's a personal choice. We are staying onsite so we can enjoy the whole Disney experience. You have to do what is best for your family.

 

[taragarza1]

So our first trip as a family we went the first week of June when the kids got out of school. Man was it hot and super busy. Didn't really know how busy it was until our second trip in Sept. We pulled the kids out of school and have the past 2 times. We are planning another trip in Dec and will pull the kids out then. We have kind,5th,6th and 8th grader. School works with us and the kids have lots of homework but we always get it done. To me it is worth it to pull the kids out and go on off season. Hope that helps! Also we have always stayed on site and LOVE it.

 

[The Big Sister]

definitely stay onsite it is much more convenient and you will save time and money on transportation. The amount you save between an offsite and onsite value resort does not make up the difference. I have been to disney at everytime of year. The slowest times are better because you wait less for food, rides, attractions. I do not have children so do not have the dilema of the school issue. My favorite time of year is fall or january.
Hope this helps

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Howdy neighbor. I'm from Va too!

I would highly suggest stayin onsite. It's soo much easier and the perks you get along with it.

We are going on our 3rd Disney trip this September. I have always pulled the kids out from school. But that choice is up to you.

Also, another thing to throw out to you b/c you really didn't mention if you will be driving/flying, etc, I would HIGHLY suggest taking the Amtrak autotrain. You will take your vehicle on the train with you. That way you will not have to rent one while you are there if you fly. And this is much easier on ya than driving that long distance.

Let me know if I can help you in any way.

 

[susanab]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and the help.

We will be driving from VA to FL - taking a train would be nice, I may have to look into that. Does it cost an arm and a leg to travel with the car, though?

I realize that when we go is ultimately my decision - just really don't like the idea of taking her out of school, however, if we're going to experience Disney for the first time I want everything to be just right. I'm leaning towards going sometime in May, well before Memorial Day.

Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[Metro West]

 

[tmoret]

welcome

 

[My2BabiesLexis&Dill]

Thanks everyone for the welcome and the help.

We will be driving from VA to FL - taking a train would be nice, I may have to look into that. Does it cost an arm and a leg to travel with the car, though?

I realize that when we go is ultimately my decision - just really don't like the idea of taking her out of school, however, if we're going to experience Disney for the first time I want everything to be just right. I'm leaning towards going sometime in May, well before Memorial Day.

Keep the suggestions coming!

For Amtrak, if you buy tix a year in advance you get the better price. For 3 of us this Sept it came out to 684.00. But I'm the only driver and this is soo much better for us b/c we don't have to drive strait or stop half way for a hotel. Plus the travel is mostly at night so you don't have to hear the kids say r we there yet. It is a nonstop trip so you don't pick up any other people once the train starts.

Have fun planning!!