Help me get started!

[angiejg]

Hi! I'm new here. We've never been to Disney and are hoping to go this fall. Can you give me advice on the best time to go (Sept/Oct/Nov). We want our first experience to be relaxing and enjoyable for our 6 year old and 2 year old. I plan on getting some info from the boards here, but to start, when should we go? When should we avoid? Are there better days of the week to arrive than others? Any tips to help me get started are appreciated!

Angie

 

[stinkerbelle]

well - my hubby and I went at the end of September 2003 and we had a great time! Not only is it still value-season then, but the parks were VERY managable. The weather was NOT unbearable at all for us...we had very few HOT days. In fact, I wore a light sweatshirt some mornings/evenings.

most people arrive sat/sun (or at least it seems)...those seem to be pretty big check in/out days.

when you get into October, the food and wine festivel starts up at EPCOT followed by Mickey's not so scary halloween party at Magic Kingdom...so the crowds get a bit heavier. Then in November around thanksgiving it gets busier still. (Of course in October you'll have the Halloween decorations up ...and I believe right after thanksgiving all the christmas stuff is up.)

Enjoy your first trip to Disney!

 

[ChairborneRangr]

I would definately suggest mid September. If this is your first Disney trip EVERYTHING will be new and exciting. I wouldn't worry about the special add-on parties etc. You'll be busy enough!

1st recommendation, buy the Unofficial Guide. It has tons of info. You don't have to "go commando", but it gives you a good idea of how to hit the parks to get the most out of your trip.

You didn't mention how long you planned on being there. If you have the time, plan for:
2 days at Magic Kingdom
1 day at EPCOT
1 day at Studios
1 day at Animal Kingdom
1 day at Typhoon Lagoon (optional)
BB is a toughie, it really depends on your kids

Set aside time for Downtown Disney. If your kids like Lego, go to the Lego store there. Our kids loved Cirque Du Soliel, but it depends...

Be sure to plan in resort/pool time. Kids in the age ranges you mentioned remember the pool and resorts as much or more than the parks...

There is a ton of info on this board. You'll have a great time! Check the links in my sig block. They should help. Feel free to PM or email me as well. I always have opinions

 

[msr709]

Welcome to these boards, you won't regret coming here, if you look hard enough you can ALWAYS find what you're looking for. You should get plenty of opinions on when to go and mine would be after Labor Day weekend, or mid Dec. (week before Xmas). I've gone at both these times and the difference is in the weather, because the crowds are very manageable at either time. First you should decide what kind of vacation you're looking for, to vacation in the summer with very high temperatures and humidity but you have all the summer fun which includes the water parks, swimming at the hotel, etc., or, winter with very pleasant weather (at least for me it was pleasant, 80-70 degrees during the day and 50s to 40s at night) and you get to see WDW all decorated for Xmas! But I did find it too chilly to swim. We enjoyed both our stays and I think mainly because the parks were not crowded at either time. Whatever you decide you will have a great time, how can you not, going to the Happiest Place on Earth? Just keep looking around these boards they are full of more information than you'll ever need. Good luck and have a wonderful time.

 

[Harambe]

We usually go Wednesday to Wednesday, making check-in easier, and airplane tickets cheaper.

Another peice of advice is to make sure, whatever your plans, that you have it easy getting back to your resort. For example, don't get a PS at another resort, only to find you have to take more than one bus to get back "home". No matter how wonderful your day is, this can be horrible with two little ones!

We have only been in mid Nov (out of your choices) and it was nice weather. Crowds picked up for New Jersey Week, while we were there, but it was very doable.

Pick up the Passporter for great info, and Birnbaum's guide for lots of pictures to get you excited!!!!!