I am sure this has already been asked

[collcass]

asked so please forgive me. I am so new to this and, quite frankly, very overwhelmed with the planining and the amount of info out there.

we are planning a 17 day trip in July (1st-17th). A few days at the end will be in Tampa, but the first 12 are in Orlando. We are staying offsite for a portion since we are meeting relatives and everyone wanted to be together.

Here's my newbie question and PLEASE tell me if this is just a stupid idea:

1.) I really had wanted to stay on site so would it be crazy to do our first two nights at a resort and our last two nights at another resort?

2.)We have a range of ages with our kids from 10 to 3 What resorts seems to be the most "fun" for kids. I have gone through all the resort sheets. The ones I love, of course, seem to be far too sophisticated for my kids to truly appreciate.

Again, I apologize if I am asking a question that's been answered a million times. I am too new to this - everytime I try to search I end up with a white screen

Thanks so much Colleen

 

[Deb & Bill]

How many in your party? If your youngest won't be three until after the trip starts, then he/she won't count toward occupancy and won't require a ticket.

What are your favorites and what is your budget?

 

[skipperkim]

I'm not sure how many are in you party, but how about POFQ? It's the smallest mod on property which will make returning from the parks great in the evening since it has its own bus stop at MK.

 

[collcass]

Sorry - see, Iforgot to put out the info.

Actually, we have four kids BUT our 10 year old will be with her grandparents the first two days (she actually turns 10 while we are at Disney. They gave her a day at DIscovery Cove for her bday). that leaves 5 of us Did that make any sense?

My favorite: I'm eyeing the Wilderness lodge, BoardWalk Inn and POFQ
The kids favs: All Star and Pop.

Budget for the four nights is (7/3&4 and 7/12&13) enough for any range hotel. Only possible because dh has been working w/o a contract for 8 months and will get his retro check. 1/2 will invest, 1/2 paying for the four nights :O)

 

[Deb & Bill]

So if your oldest won't be with you for the first stay, you can stay almost anywhere. But if she joins you for the last two nights and your youngest is now three, you will need a room that sleeps six.

Your options for five:
Polynesian
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
YC/BC
BWI
POR - Alligator Bayou with the trundle bed
Some rooms at the WL (deluxe rooms that sleep five; standard rooms only sleep 4)

Your options for six:
Fort Wilderness Cabins
All Star Family Suites
Suites at Coronado Springs

DVC Villas:
One bedroom sleeps four plus one under the age of three (AKV has some that sleep five plus one)
Two bedroom sleeps eight plus one under the age of three (AKV has some that sleep nine plus one)


Value and Moderate resorts have double beds.
Deluxe resorts have queen beds.

What you might want to do is get a copy of Birnbaum's For Children. Have the kids look at the resorts there. Or check out the resort photos on the DIS.

 

[collcass]

I realized after I typed it that the second weekend it would be all of us and since it would be his bday we would be six.

I will pick up that book. Think I will also p/u the Unofficial guide that many people recommend.

The kids really want to stay at either the Pop or Sports (forgive me I haven't gotten the abbreviations down yet) We could do two room there for the last weekend but will look at all the options with them and see which they like the best.

Thanks again for your help. This is all really overwhelming. I don't think I've ever put so much advanced thought into planning a trip!

 

[daisyduck123]

Please keep in mind that the Moderates & Deluxes have pool slides, some have waterfalls (not sure if they all do), etc. The pools are more fun!! That may be a consideration since you have 4 children.

 

[collcass]

Please keep in mind that the Moderates & Deluxes have pool slides, some have waterfalls (not sure if they all do), etc. The pools are more fun!! That may be a consideration since you have 4 children.

Hadn't thought of that. It is so hard trying to decide. If the kids had it their way we would be doing everything. We have a multi park pass for the Sea World (since the kids wanted Aquatica over the Disney waterparks) and also because we will be in tampa for three days and dh wanted to do BG.

AS we stand now, at this second , I think we are going to do All Star Sports for the first weekend. Altohugh we technically don't need two rooms since the little man will still be two, I think I am going to book two and trry to get connecting. The beds look awfully small and I think after being in the car two days it will be easier on everyone. The second weekend I booked two rooms at POP.

i want WL but am definitely outnumbered on this one. Even DH thinks the kids will be much happier there.

Is it strange to book just the beginning and the end? We don't have much of a choice for the middle since everyone wants to be together.

Now, off to the theme park forum to actually try and figure out where to go and when. We have 10 day passes but I've no idea how to split it up

again, I appreciate all the help. I must sound like such the rookie. I have been to Disney many times as a youngster, but never with my own family

 

[pickles]

I think your husband is wrong and looking at things wrong.

The kids will be happy anywhere you go.
The value resorts do not have the pool/slides like the other resorts
I personally wouldn't even give the kids the options of all resorts, just maybe of your 2-3 favorites

Vacation is for you and part of enjoying a vacation is enjoying the room you stay in. Listening to kids running down a hall and toilets flushing is not my idea of an enjoyable vacation
This is also time for you to enjoy being with your husband...I hope. If you can afford a villa or something that puts a door between you and the kids I would go for that. You need peace sometimes and adult time, you will have plenty of kid time during the day

I don't know anything about that other water park you mentioned, but in case you didn't realize Disney tickets get cheaper the more days you buy and if you get hopper plus water parks, it doesnt add much more. Guess what i am saying you may be able to save money by sticking with Disney parks/water parks. If you have never been to Disney and do the water parks, that can easily take 9 days in itself. It may be even worth your while to get Premium Annual pass, then you can come and go all you want to the different Disney parks the whole time you are in FL...so like spend a few hours in the am at a water park and then time with relatives etc..
I didn't see the ages of all your kids, but it's possible Busch Gardens may not be good for them all. been a long time since I was there so i forget

Anyways, just some things to consider as you plan. If you decide to do the cheaper resorts, do those first and then move up to a villa, otherwise you will be spoiled if you move from a villa to Pop/Value

 

[pickles]

bump

 

[Rylee]

Hadn't thought of that. It is so hard trying to decide. If the kids had it their way we would be doing everything. We have a multi park pass for the Sea World (since the kids wanted Aquatica over the Disney waterparks) and also because we will be in tampa for three days and dh wanted to do BG.

AS we stand now, at this second , I think we are going to do All Star Sports for the first weekend. Altohugh we technically don't need two rooms since the little man will still be two, I think I am going to book two and trry to get connecting. The beds look awfully small and I think after being in the car two days it will be easier on everyone. The second weekend I booked two rooms at POP.

i want WL but am definitely outnumbered on this one. Even DH thinks the kids will be much happier there.

Is it strange to book just the beginning and the end? We don't have much of a choice for the middle since everyone wants to be together.

Now, off to the theme park forum to actually try and figure out where to go and when. We have 10 day passes but I've no idea how to split it up

again, I appreciate all the help. I must sound like such the rookie. I have been to Disney many times as a youngster, but never with my own family

I would book at a Deluxe (queen beds, larger room) for the first stay... when you would only need one room and at the ASMusic Suite, for you 2nd stay, when your entire family will be there and will all count towards occupancy.

 

[LSchrow]

kids tend to find fun where we least expect it
both my kids plus my 2 nephews love the BWVs the most, & they've been to almost all the mods & deluxes (YC was 2nd place); even BC/YC's pool, SAB, didn't "wow" them. the only other that came close was the FW cabins ~ which is definately different & fun
honestly, most of the resorts are wonderful (we've never stayed at the values), as well as a "little something special" exclusive to that resort: theming, sandy beaches, romantic, wild animals, fireworks views, quiet, great pool, lots of activities, superior restaurants, etc ~ the list goes on & on.........
the pictures, descriptions, & reviews in guide books, as well as wdwig.com & here can help you narrow down what would suit you & your family

 

[collcass]

I think your husband is wrong and looking at things wrong.

The kids will be happy anywhere you go.
The value resorts do not have the pool/slides like the other resorts
I personally wouldn't even give the kids the options of all resorts, just maybe of your 2-3 favorites

Vacation is for you and part of enjoying a vacation is enjoying the room you stay in. Listening to kids running down a hall and toilets flushing is not my idea of an enjoyable vacation
This is also time for you to enjoy being with your husband...I hope. If you can afford a villa or something that puts a door between you and the kids I would go for that. You need peace sometimes and adult time, you will have plenty of kid time during the day

I don't know anything about that other water park you mentioned, but in case you didn't realize Disney tickets get cheaper the more days you buy and if you get hopper plus water parks, it doesnt add much more. Guess what i am saying you may be able to save money by sticking with Disney parks/water parks. If you have never been to Disney and do the water parks, that can easily take 9 days in itself. It may be even worth your while to get Premium Annual pass, then you can come and go all you want to the different Disney parks the whole time you are in FL...so like spend a few hours in the am at a water park and then time with relatives etc..
I didn't see the ages of all your kids, but it's possible Busch Gardens may not be good for them all. been a long time since I was there so i forget

Anyways, just some things to consider as you plan. If you decide to do the cheaper resorts, do those first and then move up to a villa, otherwise you will be spoiled if you move from a villa to Pop/Value

Spent most of the day yesterday planning and figuring out before I actually called to book it. Yes, he probably is looking at it wrong, but, at the same time I'm the one who talked him into Disney. He does not like the heat at all and was looking forward to a trip to California thi summer. A couple of family members were visiting and we got talking and decided (over a few glasses of wine) to do Disney instead. We will have 21 hours in the car together so the further away the better after

Aquatica is Sea World's newest water park. it opens in March. It looks amazing

So.........here's what we finally chose and I am sure I will not appear totally certifiable but there was a bit of reasoning behind the decision. i have come to the conclusion thayt planning a DIsney trip can actually make you feel and feel like a .
1) First two nights: ASSR. My oldest son was just in love with this. He is a sports fanatic so it is perfect for him.
2)Following weekend: TWo nights at POP (the Family suites at ASMu weren't available) plus 3)we are adding a night at one of my choices. I have to sit down with dh and choose tonight. I'm torn between three of the deluxe.

We booked 10 day passes w.the park hopper +water park option. Will change later if we decide otherwise
Filled out the pre event form for Gifts of A Lifetime (for DD's )

thinking about Tourguide Mike but not sure yet.


THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP these boards are so helpful.

 

[disnut8]

Don't forget that while you are staying at All Stars or Pop Century, you can always visit Wilderness Lodge or any other resort. The easiest way to see the Wilderness Lodge would be to book a lunch or dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe. Or, you could just take the boat over there from the Magic Kingdom without any dining reservations. That way, you would at least see the resort if not actually stay at it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Unless you get a specialized reservation, most of the deluxes only sleep five (the fifth being a day bed of sorts). So with six, you will have to get a suite or two rooms at a deluxe with your family of six if you add that night after the youngest turns three.