Hi from a WDW newbie!!

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Looks like we are officially going to start planning our trip for sometime in November (no official dates set yet!)! YAY!!!! I have no idea where to start as none of us (Me, DH, DD-6.5 or DS-5) have ever been there! I do plan on spending a few hours (or days!) browsing through here before I even make an attempt to start planning! I can't wait though!!!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Send for the free planning video and park maps....this gives you some idea how broad WDW actually is. Park maps will give you a general layout of the parks and where the attractions are located for planning routes in the different parks.

Disney has four classes of resorts to fit most everyones pocketbook and then all you have to figureis length of stay. We like going for at least 7 nights, the more the easier touring becomes and the cheaper the tickets become.

A lot of posters swear by the dining plans but we're not partial to them....meals are huge and can easily be shared, especially among children but the wife and I do it all the time and after a couple of days of restaurant food, I've had enough. We pick up sandwich fixing on our grocery srop in route or there are companies that will deliver groceries for a fee to your resort. We also don't like pre-scheduled dining times...never know where or what we want so we pick one or two musts and wing the rest.

Planning a trip to WDW can be fun, but be flexible and willing to change in a heart beat...there's too much to see and do and relaxing is what a vacation is about. Good luck and enjoy...

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Send for the free planning video and park maps....this gives you some idea how broad WDW actually is. Park maps will give you a general layout of the parks and where the attractions are located for planning routes in the different parks.

Disney has four classes of resorts to fit most everyones pocketbook and then all you have to figureis length of stay. We like going for at least 7 nights, the more the easier touring becomes and the cheaper the tickets become.

A lot of posters swear by the dining plans but we're not partial to them....meals are huge and can easily be shared, especially among children but the wife and I do it all the time and after a couple of days of restaurant food, I've had enough. We pick up sandwich fixing on our grocery srop in route or there are companies that will deliver groceries for a fee to your resort. We also don't like pre-scheduled dining times...never know where or what we want so we pick one or two musts and wing the rest.

Planning a trip to WDW can be fun, but be flexible and willing to change in a heart beat...there's too much to see and do and relaxing is what a vacation is about. Good luck and enjoy...

Thank you! Off to order the dvd!!

 

[Metro West]

 

[pkondz]

to the DIS! My number one suggestion for people who haven't gone, and even for those who have: get a copy of The Unofficial Guide to Disney World. You'll see it referred to on the boards as the UOG. Easy reading with tons of info. Good luck!

 

[disneychic2]

I want to add my to you and add that planning your trip is half the fun if you don't let yourself get overwhelmed. The Unofficial Guide is my first choice in reference books. Another great one is Idiots Guide to WDW, written by Doug of the "mom's" panel. Getting the maps is a must as well as the DVD--glad you already took care of that! In my opinion, your children are at a perfect age to have a great time. Just remember to plan rest breaks every day, maybe some pool time, nap time or just relax catching a show at one of the parks.

DH and I are two who love the dining plan. We get park hoppers so we can make our ressies anywhere and not be locked into only being at the park where we'll be eating. It works for us. Also, it's usually offered free for most of November, so that's a plus in my book.

You'll get great advise from the awesome people on these boards, so you've come to the right place. However, for everyone who loves the dining plan, there are that many more who hate it. For everyone who loves going Deluxe, there are that many more who want to spend as little as possible for their room since they don't plan to be in it except to sleep. You'll just have to sort out what works best for your family and your style. Also, check out the mom's panel on the Disney web site. Lots of good info there as well as allears.net. Have a wonderful time planning and a magical vacation!

 

[MelissaMonicaDrake]

Thank you everyone! I have read about getting the Unofficial Guide, I plan on ordering it from Amazon soon! That's great to hear about the November deals, we are going to be on a pretty strict budget, so that's good news! Can't wait to learn the ropes from you all!

 

[MinnieMouse880]

Welcome! Iam a WDW newbie too! Have fun planning your trip!!

 

[Mickman0_3]

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[magicaldisney]

 

[Disneydonnam]

Welcome