Helping Someone Plan a Trip

[PlutoTheDog89]

I've planned countless trips for my family. I even planned a trip for another family who joined us one year... but this one is a little different.

My cousin texted me that she'd like to do Thanksgiving at Disney next year. She, her husband and her two daughters (4 & 2 at the time of travel) really wanna do Disney. Of course, I'm not only down to plan everything, but my family will probably join them!

I actually talked her out of Thanksgiving. Sure, it's a great time, but it'll be crowded (coming from a Christmas traveler) and I think she'll get more value going during October. Her husband, like me, is a huge foodie and i think he'd really enjoy F&W. I think the kids would really enjoy MNSSHP. I'm sure Thanksgiving is great, but I wanna bring them when it's a bit less crowded.

My little cousin (the 4 yo) LOVES Ariel. I'm thinking of showing them AoA. I think she'd love it. Problem is, I'm not sure my cousin and her husband would be into the Values. They're not snobby or anything, but I do think they'd prefer Moderate or Deluxe. The nice thing is that while AoA is a Value, it has Moderate amenities.

Outside of this, I'll tell them about BBB, definitely book them for MNSSHP. Can you think of anything else?

When it comes to meals, I'll probably get them CRT, Ohana (because it's a classic) among others.

Oh, and also, looking into meal plans... While my family enjoys it, I think they should skip. It's not worth it for kids and the 4yo is NOT a big eater. Plus, with F&W, there just isn't value.

THoughts? I'm heading there next Sunday to discuss prices, etc.

 

[rg35]

Seems solid. I'd probably go into it with one or two other hotel alternatives, just to compare/contrast features, theming and pricing.

 

[bjscheel]

October has been more crowded this year, but the full week before Thanksgiving is usually great. But then no F&W or MNSSHP, so that's up to them. Who knows what next year will be like. Avoid F&W on the weekend, I hear.

When I help people I also mention the rides that their family would most enjoy and which ones need FP the most. I point out rope drop can help with lines and crowds. I review the ME process going each way and the bus transportation to parks. If you're going with/planning all, this can come as you go along, and doesn't need to be talked about right away.

We haven't done the dining plan in a long time, but if they do a lot of character meals, it might be worthwhile. Something to check out. We also don't like having lots of reservations to get to, but we're not foodies either. See how many TS they think they want.

Have fun planning!

 

[DVCkidsMOM]

If F&W is something they'll want to do, I would recommend the Beach Club or rent points for a Beach Club Villa. While Ariel is only a statue at the entrance to BCV, the sea theme may appeal to the Ariel lover and the more sophisticated parents. It's also walking distance to F&W for some to explore foodie items while others nap/relax at the resort.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you don't think they will like a value and would be more comfortable in a mod or deluxe, I would not sell them on AoA. While the 4 year old may love the theme at AoA, they then have to actually stay there and it is definitely not as comfortable or convenient as a deluxe or mod resort. Especially with young children. If they can afford it, convenience is key. I agree with the PP regarding the Beach Club recommendation. Ariel statue, sea theme and super convenient to F&W. If they are spending more time in MK, they may want to consider GF or Poly or WL (to save some money over the monorail resorts). If their budget is more in line with a mod, I would recommend a Royal Room at POR. The headboards and princess theme are so well done and the rooms and beds are more comfortable than AoA. Plus they will get the boat to DS which is really nice.

 

[kniquy]

I would ask if they would rather see Christmas decorations or Halloween. That maybe the deciding factor as to whether they go during food and wine or maybe the week after thanksgiving. Young kids that age might not be as into Halloween as they would be Christmas. Christmas time is so magical there if this is their first trip then i might lean more towards Christmas early December before it gets too crowded for the holidays.

If planning for someone else then just ask a lot of questions of budget, theme - maybe have them look at you tube videos of different resorts/rooms etc. they might like AKL with a savanna view or prefer to be on a monorail resort for easier afternoon naps. There are so many to choose from.

 

[PlutoTheDog89]

If you don't think they will like a value and would be more comfortable in a mod or deluxe, I would not sell them on AoA. While the 4 year old may love the theme at AoA, they then have to actually stay there and it is definitely not as comfortable or convenient as a deluxe or mod resort. Especially with young children. If they can afford it, convenience is key. I agree with the PP regarding the Beach Club recommendation. Ariel statue, sea theme and super convenient to F&W. If they are spending more time in MK, they may want to consider GF or Poly or WL (to save some money over the monorail resorts). If their budget is more in line with a mod, I would recommend a Royal Room at POR. The headboards and princess theme are so well done and the rooms and beds are more comfortable than AoA. Plus they will get the boat to DS which is really nice.

Thank you. Now that you put it that way, I agree. If I remember correctly, the walk to the Little Mermaid building is pretty far. I think they'd LOVE Beach Club and the pool. Another option would be Swan and Dolphin if we can't get DVC, but I'd rather them be fully immersed in Disney and the rooms at S&D really lack the disney flair.

We go every year during Christmas. They've seen photos, etc and my cuz gave a hard no to Christmas. Plus, her in-laws are off-the-boat Italians who take Christmas very serious. They own a restaurant and wouldn't be able to come, nor would they go for it. Trust me, I tried haha.

 

[JustCallMeMommy]

If you think they would like moderate or deluxe better, check out the Royal Rooms at Port Orleans Riverside. We thought they were lots of fun, and any princess-loving kid will enjoy the room.

 

[ArielSRL]

Another vote for a Royal room....though Beach Club would be very nice, as well.