I need help! (newbie here!)

[CAdreamin]

I've always enjoyed coming here at random to read tips about WDW in case I ever made my way there.. and well, now it seems like I'll be going in less two weeks! Last minute thought... really.

Here's the rundown of my situation.

It will be me, and my two kids, (3 & 4). I'm a FL resident so I've looked at prices and it will be about 180 for a one day pass to Magic Kingdom. I know there are lots of other parks, but the longer this trip is, the more $$ it will be and I don't want it to be TOO much in the end. Besides, I feel one day will be plenty and I'm okay with that. I can't wait to be bombarded with my favorite combination - Disney and Christmas!

My plan is to drive on a Sunday, which will be about an 8 hour drive. Get a hotel for the night, go all day Monday, crash that night and then head out on Tuesday back home.

So here is where the questions come in!

Is it better to stay at a hotel ON the resort or will it be okay staying off the property but at a hotel that offers shuttle service?

Should I buy my tickets now and online? What is the best way to go about doing that.. will they be sent to me or will it be something I need to print out?

Stroller rental.. Everywhere at home my kids always walk, but I cannot expect them to last all day so instead of buying a side-by-side stroller just for this trip, what are my options for renting?

Gosh, I thought I would have had a lot more questions but my mind is drawing a blank! If anyone has anything else for me that I might need to know it would all be greatly appreciated!

TIA!

 

[floridalaurie]

I would say, given the ages of your kids, staying at a Disney resort would be your best bet. The shuttles off site run very limited hours and with young kids, you never know when you need to make a quick exit. You can rent a stroller at the park. Even though your kids walk everywhere at home, there is a LOT of walking in the parks and little legs get tired. I would get your tickets at the resort since you will be going soon. You can order online and pick them up at different locations in Disney World. Your plan of driving 1 day, park the next day and then drive home the 3rd day sounds like a good plan given the kids ages. Have fun and enjoy.