Honeymoon with my Honey in Jan/Feb 2012

[adelphotes]

Hey Everyone,

I'm new to the boards, but not new to Disney. In short my fiancee and I are planning to get married early 2012 (Jan/Feb depending on the venue) and then we've decided to honeymoon at Disneyworld!

Was wondering if we could get some veteran help here in planning for this trip as I haven't been to D-World in over 15 years and she has never been in her life.

Notables:

- Looking to travel 2nd half Jan/1st half of Feb
- Budget of 5k for 10-14 day trip

Here are a few questions:

1. What is the weather like in Orlando in 2nd half of January/1st half of February?
2. Recommendations on places to stay? Right now we're deciding between staying at a Disney Hotel vs. a nearby location.
3. Any past honeymooners have any special tips on discounts/upgrades we can get as newlyweds?
4. Any MUST DO's at the park? We're definitely veterans of Disneyland, but itching to see what's out there.

All in all, given our constraints how would YOU plain your honeymoon? : )

Thanks for your input I'm sure I"ll have a lot more questions as the time draws near!

 

[lilbrimomma]

I'm gettin married 2/29/12 and disneymooning at disney world ALSO!! this will be both of our first times to disney!! So I need this info TOO goodluck

 

[librarygeek]

First of all, congratulations!

I think January/February is a good time of year to travel. It can still be chilly even though it's Florida, so you'll want to have some sweatshirts on hand. I can't say for certain but I would guess that it ranges anywhere from about 50 degrees to 70. It's a good time of year though because it also shouldn't be very crowded.

I would definitely stay on Disney property. The Disney resorts are so magical, and they make it really convenient. You have easy access to the parks and all of that, as well as other advantages such as extra magic hours and dining plans. There are lots of lovely resorts, and not all of them are super expensive - there are some pretty nice ones that fall under the "moderate" category.

Disney probably won't give any discounts or upgrades for being newlyweds, but if you note that it's your honeymoon on your reservation you may be able to get some extra pixie dust sometimes - little things like a card or signed photo from characters, a free dessert, etc. If you're looking for discounts, my best advice is to check these boards and the Disney website frequently for promotions such as free dining or room discounts.

There are all sorts of other things you can include to make the trip a little more "special" - tours, dining with an Imagineer, etc. All in all, if I had your situation I would probably stay at either a moderate or deluxe resort, go on the dining plan, and plan a certain number of days in the parks, as well as some "days off" for relaxing and doing other interesting things like visiting downtown Disney or one of the water parks.

hope that helps!

 

[adelphotes]

I'm gettin married 2/29/12 and disneymooning at disney world ALSO!! this will be both of our first times to disney!! So I need this info TOO goodluck

Congrats to you as well!

 

[adelphotes]

All in all, if I had your situation I would probably stay at either a moderate or deluxe resort, go on the dining plan, and plan a certain number of days in the parks, as well as some "days off" for relaxing and doing other interesting things like visiting downtown Disney or one of the water parks.

Thanks so much for your input librarygeek, it's definitely appreciated! A few follow up questions for ya:

1. How many days do you think it would take us to cover the parks? I know that at Disneyland when we went in the off-season on a weekday, we really were able to cover both CA Adventure and Disneyland in a full day. I know D-World is wayyyyyyy bigger, but how many days would you suggest? I was thinking of 6 days planned in the parks.

2. Do you think it'd be too cold for the water parks? Weather permitting are they worth the extra $$?

 

[lilbrimomma]

Congrats to you as well!

we will be driving and im thinking we will arrive on march 2nd and just use that day as maybe a boardwalk day since the driving will be tiring, and then we will leave the 9th so park days will be 3rd through the 8th 6 days Also no idea about a dining plan yet but we do know we want some kind of one and no idea about a room either!! something cheap but extra nice for a honeymoon!! UGHHHHHH so stressful and hard!!

 

[leonix8238]

Congratulations!

One of the top recommendations is renting Disney Vacation Club points. That way you get to stay on Disney property for far less than you would pay for a general reservation. You can find more information on the DVC boards or via google.

The Swan and Dolphin is also a lovely hotel to stay in and right next to the Boardwalk you can find more information here: http://www.swandolphin.com/

As for honeymoon activities I think watching one of the films shown outdoors at the Disney resorts is very romantic, especially when they have a camp fire going! See the following link for more info: http://www.buildabettermousetrip.com/activity-outdoormovie.php

Other ideas include:

• Going horseback riding
• Taking a carriage ride
• Having a meal at Narcoossee's or Califorina Grill and watching the fireworks from the restaurant.
• A romantic walk around the Grand Floridian/Polynesian or The Boardwalk
• Taking an illuminations cruise

Take a look at the following links for more:

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/tours-and-experiences/
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/
http://www.wdwinfo.com/tips_for_touring/romance.htm

As for the parks, you have to try everything at least once, though if I'm honest at that time of year you wouldn't see me jumping into the pool at Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach.

I'm sure you'll both have an amazing time, happy planning!

 

[Bippi]

Congratulations! I will be there getting married 1/14/12! Its a beautiful time of year. Average temps are low to mid 70s during the day with little to no humidity and breeze. It does get chilly at night so bring a sweatshirt or light jacket for after sunset. The parks are empty comparative just stay clear of Presidents/Valentines week when it does crowd up. Many florida & south states have year round school and that aside from a holiday is during their break.

I would say for the parks, 2 days for each Magic Kingdom and Epcot, 1 day for each Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. 6 days would be great. Hours tend to be shorter at that time of year so parks close by 8 usually. I like late dinners so it works out!

With your budget you can totally do a vacation package! Meal plan is a GREAT Value!!! Especially for 2 adults and if you like the sit down restaurants.

If you plan to stay longer than 10 days in the parks- look at a Annual pass because the price is about the same!

Resorts! On site is a definite! The buses/ferry/monorail beats a rent a car and taxi every day hands down! Plus it makes your reservation eligable for the vacation package to include meal plan. Moderates are my favorites! I will go all over the world to eat so I dont necessarily need all the bells and whistles of deluxe but like a small step up from the value. Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans or Coronado are my faves! Depending on the theming you prefer they are otherwise very similar!

Definitely note that you are honeymooning on your reservation. There are some extra pixie dust things that come your way. Dont hold your breath for a room upgrade but your timing is perfect. They will upgrade more willingly when the upgrades are empty vs when they will sell them at higher prices.

Some must dos! Have fun- be a kid! You know Disneyland so I am sure you will! Ride Peter Pan and enjoy fantasyland like the little ones. I love to hotel hop! Especially your first time at the 'World. Go visit some of the deluxe hotels! Plus it will give you an idea of where you want to stay next time!

Hope this helps! Congrats and have fun!

 

[herb102211]

Congrats on your upcoming wedding and Disneymoon! The early winter is a great time to visit Disney as it usually isn't as busy as other times of the year such as Christmas and the summer. I would pick February over January if you can, as I've noticed a lot of rides close during January for refurbishment.

I would definitely stay on Disney property! The resorts are so magical and so convenient. Transportation to and from the parks is available and buses, monorails and boats are constantly running (about every 15-20 minutes usually). If you can, try to get a deluxe hotel. IMO, The Boardwalk/Beach Club/Yacht Club have the best location. They are a 5 minute walk to Epcot, and a 15 minute boat ride to Hollywood Studios. If you have a park hopper pass, you can get to MK via monorail, by cutting through Epcot and taking the monorail to the TTC and transferring to MK. You can also walk along the Boardwalk for some night time fun. Just for those reasons, the prices are worth it at those resorts.

You probably won't get an discounts, but you will get a lot of congrats and some other possible goodies (desserts, cards, pins, etc).

I would plan for 2 days at MK and 2 days at Epcot, 1 day at Animal Kingdom, 1 day at Hollywood Studios and 1 day Blizzard Beach/Typhoon Lagoon. I'd also plan to go to Downtown Disney at night as most of the parks close between 8-9pm in the winter.

Have a great trip!