Help me plan a quick trip!

[gottago]

Is it possible to plan a trip now for April/May. We were thinking of going after Easter to avoid the crowds. In a Disney brochure it states that some of the resort rates drop from highest priced to middle priced at the end of March. Is this a good time? Will it be hot and/or crowded? We will have a 2 and 3-year old who keep asking us if they have grown big enough to go to Disneyworld!
With such a short time to plan, can I do this w/out spending a fortune? My husband wants to stay onsite. I've looked into renting the DVC points, but I can't get the calculator to work. I know I'm asking a lot of questions, but this will be our first trip and I need help! I just found this site last week and I think it is wonderful!

 

[gottago]

I'm not getting responses. Does that mean this may be impossible to plan. I really need some advice.

 

[Pembo]

Hi gottago! The boards don't all get as much traffic on the weekend so hang in there, others will reply this week!

Now to answer your questions: IMHO YES you can plan a trip for a couple months from now! I could plan a whole trip in an afternoon. Late April/early May are good times to go. We've stayed at All Star Movies(the value resorts) and they are wonderful. Great prices, nice food courts and wonderful bus service.

I don't know anything about renting DVC points so hopefully someone else will answer or post on the DVC rent/trade board!

Keep your eyes on the boards and you will learn alot and don't be afraid to ask questions, LOTS OF QUESTIONS! You'll learn alot!

Happy Planning!

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[ellenec]

Gottago- You can do it , you have plenty of time. I just planned a trip to go on in three weeks! First decide how much you are willing to pay for hotel. If you have the money stay at a monorail resort.( great with kids) If not try a moderate I will be staying at Dixie Landings during Feb. That is a great time to go. Weather in Apr. is great- even better without the crowds!! Anymore questions I would be happy to help- Ellen

 

[gottago]

Thanks so much! I was getting discouraged with no replies. I got off the computer and onto the phone. I got a rate at Dixie Landings for 129/night. Is that good? This was not my choice of resorts, but it sounded like a good deal. Am I right? Does it compare to your rate for DL? Can I get some feedback on this resort?

I'm waiting and watching for replies!

 

[ceopa]

I planned a trip for our family in 3 weeks last year for DH and myself, and our 3 children under 5 (4, 3 and almost 2). We were in WDW the last week in March/first week in April 2000. Very crowded time of year due to Spring Break - but the weather was lovely! I would imagine that since Easter is April 13th this year, that the end of April into early May shouldn't be too crowded. We are going for two weeks this year in May between mother's day and Memorial Day.

Here are a few of my suggestions:

1) Rooms - yes - renting DVC points would be a very good choice. For your family, a studio at Old Key West or the Boardwald would be ideal. Be aware that points for weekend nights (Sat & Sun) are substantially higher than weekday nights. I am not sure if you got the point calculator working yet - but just in case you didn't - here's how it shakes out:

for the last week in April:

OKW studio 11/night weekday

 

[ceopa]

I planned a trip for our family in 3 weeks last year for DH and myself, and our 3 children under 5 (4, 3 and almost 2). We were in WDW the last week in March/first week in April 2000. Very crowded time of year due to Spring Break - but the weather was lovely! I would imagine that since Easter is April 15th this year, that the end of April into early May shouldn't be too crowded. We are going for two weeks this year in May between mother's day and Memorial Day.

Here are a few of my suggestions:

1) Rooms - yes - renting DVC points would be a very good choice. For your family, a studio at Old Key West or the Boardwald would be ideal. Be aware that points for weekend nights (Sat & Sun) are substantially higher than weekday nights. I am not sure if you got the point calculator working yet - but just in case you didn't - here's how it shakes out:

for the last week in April:

OKW studio 11/night weekday
27/night weekend

There are two views at the BWV
standard view room

BWV studio 11/night weekday
28/night weekend

preferred view room

BWV studio 14/night weekday
32/night weekend


for first few weeks in May:

OKW studio 10/night weekday
24/night weekend

standard view room BWV

BWV studio 11/night weekday
26/night weekend

preferred view room BWV

BWV studio 13/night weekday
29/night weekend

I believe points rent for $10 and up per point. Standard view rooms at the BWV book quickly, so a preferred view may be all that is available. The rental cost includes tax.

We stayed at the All-Star Music last year. It was a little crowded for a family of 5, but for 4 it would probably be great. I think the best rate for April/May is $99 + 11% room tax. Maybe a AAA or Disney club discount would get you 10 % off (not sure about this).

There may be some opportunities for annual pass rates at the deluxes or moderates, but they have not been announced yet beyond mid-Feb. You only need 1 annual pass to get the rate - so you could get one for your 3 yo (the least expensive option). If you were lucky - you may be able to get a Contemporary wing room for around 170 -180/night.

For our trip this year - we are splitting our stay between on and off-site. I have never stayed off-site b/4, but the prices for suite rooms w/ full breakfasts are amazing. We are staying in a Fort Wilderness cabin for 6 nights and at a suite hotel in LBV for 6 nights. The off-site suite hotel is $79 + tax/night. Off-site can definitely safe you some $$.

2) Getting there: We drove to WDW last year, and will drive again this year. We drove through the night, and the kids slept 8/10 hours - amazing. This is not an option for everyone - but it saves a family of 5 lots of money.

3) Buy the right tickets! I am not sure of the length of your vacation - but for your kids ages - a 5 day park hopper would be ideal. If you go to 6 days you have to get the park hopper plus tickets. At the age of your kiddos - they will be just as happy at the hotel pool as a water park - so opting out of the plus options can save you some bucks. I think joining the Disney Club pays for itself to get the discount for the tickets. Your 2 yo is free too! That is the best!

My kids (probably under my influence!) love WDW! They remember so much!! Anyway, I have always had a serious Disney addiction - and now that I have the kids hooked too - we are buying APs this year. I am hoping to get 3 trips in this year. Something to consider. Not a real budet type idea, but once you have the APs- you have a great excuse to plan a second trip!

4) Misc Tips:

Bring two inexpensive umbrella strollers - saves lots on renting in the park. Character meals were a big hit with our kids. Have breakfast and keep snacks in your room.

You will have a great trip! Enjoy your planning!
Hope this helps!

 

[TinkerTell]

As young as your kids are, you might see about requesting the Port Orleans section of Dxl to save quite of bit of walking! Have you picked up a good guide book yet? I highly recommend the Unofficial Guide to WDW - it really helped us plan on what was age-appropriate for our DS! Have a great trip!

 

[goofymom/pop]

Last year we decided in Feb to go in May...no problems at all. We stayed at the All Star Sports and loved it...$99 a night. Food court and refillable mugs were a huge hit with us. We love to be on property and our son loved the sports theme. We booked our airfare on line at 1800airfare.com and saved tons of money(also try travelocity.com) booked our car with LandM at the Orlando airport through travelocity.com great deal and no problems at all. Hmmm lets see what else, oh bought tix through Dis by phone. I really think May is the best time to go, its very warm already, crowds are low, best of all most schools arent out and its not spring break...this year we are off site at HIFS due to 5 in a room and DXL being 165 per night to accomadate us..we opted for 110 per night at HIFS with free breakfast buffet and kids eat free all day to save some bucks. You can do it....but surprise the kids....put Mickey in there easter baskets with dis dollars to spend at the park....or better yet don't tell them til your at the airport...what fun!!!

Caribbean Beach 91
Off site 92
Off site Caribe Royale 97
All Sports 00
HIFS 5/01

 

[Disneydenise]

I noticed you gat a great rate at DXL I think you will like it. Our children loved the PO when they were younger. They have changed the food court since then so you may want to inquire of someone who has been there recently. Both resorts are beautifully themed. PO is a bit smaller and the side is smaller too. It still may be too much for your children swimming abilities. They both have a cute baby pool but the PO has these goofy alligators that squirt water and as I recall that was a ton of fun for Danny and Chesney. I have never been to the All Stars but in May alot of High Schools from NJ have there Senior class go there and even my daughter who is 17 said she wouldn't want to have her little children around a bunch of rowdy graduates. I think that Disney should let people know about the senior class trips. That price sounds good until 3 18 YO boys happy with life and being away from home come walking past your room at 11PM and wake your 3YO up

 

[Mperry]

I definitely recommend renting the DVC points at BWV. The accommodations would completely spoil you. The studio will give you a fridge and a microwave which would cost extra at any other hotel. (It's always nice to have a fridge to keep the little one's milk cold and the microwave comes in handy for leftovers when you order a pizza from the strip.) The pool at the Yacht & Beach Club is incredible for young children (and old, too!) Also, it is FREE and a three minute boat ride across the water. From BW, you can walk/take a boat to Epcot & MGM which is much easier to do with a stroller than riding a bus.
I have lots more info to share (my kids are 2 & 4 years old and we are DVC members so we have definitely done our share of disney at a discount ) If you have any more questions, let 'em rip!!

 

[gottago]

Thanks to each of your replies! You're helping me get my wheels in motion! I did get reservations at Dxl for 129. Does that mean I have an option to stay at Port Orleans? I'm confused by a previous reply. It sounded like that was an option.

Also, I've found some DVC points to rent at OKW during this time. Would that be a better place to stay? It will actually be cheaper than Dxl. If this is a better resort, should I grab the offer? I really need help on this one. It is for a studio (at OKW)and from a floorplan I saw, it looks like it may be smaller than a standard room. Also, give me some comparisons on OKW and the other DVC resort. (Is it the Boardwalk?)

 

[Desnik]

If I was you I would definately rent points at OKW if you had an offer. The rooms are larger than the standard moderate disney hotel. You would save money, not have to pay extra for the much needed micro and refridg! You will also be staying in a deluxe resort which, no offense, a moderate resort can't even compete! Port orleans and Dixie landins are sister resorts they are considered one resort now, they were not in the past. Just different themeing, PO is themed after New Orleans and DXL is themed after the south("plantation type homes") They are both beautiful, but with 2 little ones you will be greatful for extra room, and more amenities, not to mention saving money! And to answer your question, OKW is not the boardwalk. OKW is alot more relaxed atmosphere. If you like to be in the middle of the action then look into renting pts. at BWV. You can walk to Epcot, and MGM and you have restaurants and so many activities at your door step!! Good luck in whatever you decide. Lucky you, your going to WDW!!! <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

 

[ellenec]

Hi again gottago-
If you have a chance to stay at OKW do it! You will have more room and it is a more relaxed feel. The more space the better. Would you be staying in a studio or one bedroom( I have stayed in both, they are great) The only drawback I feel is it takes longer to catch a disney bus.(minor drawback) I think you should go for it.Ellen

 

[gottago]

I was leaning towards the studio, just to keep the expense down. Do you feel this is a wise choice?

 

[Mperry]

The difference between a studio and a one bedroom is incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I know that's a lot of exclamation points, but I wanted you to get my point. A studio at OKW is a little bigger than a regular hotel room with the Micro and fridge. The one bedroom is an apartment for a royal family!! It is complete with washer/dryer, full size dishwasher, stove, and fridge, dishes and utensils, and the real kicker is the jacuzzi!!!
If you can swing the cost difference YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. It is literally 4 times the size of a regular room. Also having the full kitchen can cut back on the cost of in park meals by quite a bit. We usually spend about $60-75 at a nearby grocery store and only eat one meal a day out. That lasts us 8-10 days. Serious savings as you could spend the same amount on 2 or 3 meals in Disney in just one day!

Just something else to think about as if there isn't enough already!

 

[ellenec]

Hey gottago-
Bigger is better! I borrowed a friend's DVC points in Oct. and went down with my friend and her two sons(both under the age of 3!) We stayed in a studio in OKW. Much bigger than a regular room and added conveniences. I have stayed there before in both studio and one bedroom. If it is a choice between Dixie and OKW (at same price) take OKW. Ellen