Help newbie planning first trip!

[postal1110]

Help I need all the advice I can get!
We just decided to take our 4 year old to Disney in Oct. We have the last three week to choose from and are planning on staying 5 days onsite.(dolphin or Swan) DH is a letter carrier...gets federal employee discount. I have teaching cert so I get teacher discount...are they the same or which is better?

Does anyonehave advice on which week would be better?

Is it better to pay for room seperate or with passes to the park?

Any thoughts on what area of hotel to request? This is my dh first time in Disney ...I haven't been in 25 years...basically a rookie
We want to make this a great time but don't want to pay for the rest of our lives!

Any advice ...sites to visit, places to make purchases ect is greatly appreciated!!

THANKS!!!

 

[johnpaulsw]

Read through these discussion boards and definitely visit mousesavers.com and their respective links. You'll learn alot. Have fun!

John

 

[crazelion]

The government and teacher discont is the same all need do is decide when to go.

If need anymore help keep read the boards we will glad to answers questions.

 

[mom2of2]

I'm postal too, but when I asked my TA if I got a discount she said no. Double check that.

 

[maciec]

mom2of2: Every time I call and let them know that I am a government employee they give me the rate of $129 plus tax. Bummer was that I called for a room in May and they are all sold out of the government rate rooms. You're travel agent is misinformed. Have them check it again. It is a BIG savings!

 

[mom23guys2]

Check out the Swan/Dolphin thread on the Disney Resort board for more info on the hotel. You should definitely go to the Starwood.com site and sign up for the Starwood Preferred Guest card. It costs nothing and it sometimes can get you better views on check-in. It's worth having. If you have DC you can get a discount at Tubbis at the Swan. I'm not sure if this is still in effect but last year we saved 20% on food purchases. A great deal. Take the kids to the AKL for an early dinner at Mara and then visit with the animals. There are viewing areas all over the resort. The kids love to look at the giraffe and antelope. Ride the monrail. Go to DTD. There are usually entertainers of some kind for free. Enjoy your "first"time.

 

[Pat_Elliott]

Originally posted by postal1110
Does anyonehave advice on which week would be better?

To Postal1110,

One question you asked that hasn't been answered, avoid the dates of October 23-26 like the plague. Disney hosts the Funai Classic, a PGA golf tourney. And Tiger Woods will probably compete this year, making it a total madhouse.