I'm New...How far in advance.

[DreaGirl]

Hello! I'm new to the board. In October (haven't nailed down the dates yet), my DH and our DD (who will be 17 months) are going for 6 days, 5 nights.

Our budget allows us to stay at one of the moderately priced resorts. Anyone have any suggestions out of the three?

Also, how far in advance would you book the trip?

I'm feeling very overwhelmed, and may just end up booking with a TA. Any advice would be great.

Thank you!!

 

[Desnik]

I know it's a ton of info but try not to get overwhelmed! I would tackle planning by just deciding on dates and then pick your resort. I would book now if you could. If you book the room only by calling Disney CRO, they will only ask for 1 nights deposit and you will be able to cancel up until 5 days before your trip with no penalties. I would suggest POR for a mod resort to stay at. There are actually 4 mods to choose from. POR has 2 seperat sections, French Quarter and Riverside, 2 different resorts, but you can use the pool and food court at either or both! Then there is CSR, and CBR. We personally didn't like CSR, but it is the newest out of the 4 and has some deluxe amenities, like sit down restaurant. If you choose to use a TA, then I would give Dreams Unlimited a try. There link is on these boards somewhere and they have gotten rave reviews. Good luck, and remember planning can be alot of fun!!!

 

[DreaGirl]

Thanks! I am leaning toward POR. I have been reading a lot and think that would work out well for us.

As far as booking. I'm not sure about a TA or not. I lean one way, and then go back to the other! DH just loves that!!

 

[TALB]

I would recommend PoFQ because it is smaller with an easier lay out for walking around, great pool, and the food court is less busy than POR, but you can still go there for a sit down dinner. However, we usually eat in the parks so the hotel resturants aren't that imortant to our family. Also the bus system was great and there was only one bus stop at POFQ which saves time. Book your room now so you are sure to get the resort you want, you can always change it if a code comes out.

 

[jmskinner]

We just did our first trip this past July. I used a TA just because I was so overwhelmed. My DMIL, DSD, and DBIL were all going to meet us from NC. The DMIL and DSD drove and the DBIL flew in a couple of days later so our reservation was crazy. Plus with two rooms and everything I was just freaked out. But, after leaving the TA, I realized I could have done it all because all she did was book my airline and then call Disney to book the room. I could have done that.

Stay calm and enjoy. We did POR. It was only about a 5 minute walk to the bus stop. The buses were crowded most of the time, but you are on the bus for no more than 15 minutes normally. Most people were very nice when they saw someone carrying a young child.

My DH wants to go back for 10 days next time so we will have time to enjoy POR more.

 

[karibritt01]

We did CSR, and loved it. The pool and CS were nice, and strolling around the lake was so relaxing! We found it had less kids, since it is a convention resort, so it was quiet and uncrowded. Also, they keep the rooms updated because of the conventions. CSR doesn't share a bus with anyone, so we never had a problem with getting seats - that was great with kids and a stroller in tow.

As for using a TA, I use AAA. We saved $275 on the room part of our package going through her. She made all reservations for me, including ADRs. It was worth it just to not have to sit on hold with Disney all day! As for specials such as ticket upgrades or DDP, I still qualify for that. If Disney releases a package that will save money, I can call and transfer my ressie to the new sale. Main plus is having someone to make reccommendations and answer questions.

Book now if you are going in October. You can make ADR at 180 days before your check-in day.

 

[DreaGirl]

Thanks! I am anxious to book. DH and I just had a sit-down and he asked why I wasn't considering WL! I told him it was out of our budget and he looked at me strange! So...it looks like I have some more research to do regarding hotels.

 

[byoung]

Go to POR or POFQ.

 

[TENIA66]

I highly recommend port orleans french quarter....we've stayed in both...we ran into housekeeping problems in riverside..

french quarter was wonderful!!! great food court, great kid atmosphere, loved it............

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would book tomorrow if you decided on dates of travel. I would consider CSR, there is a bus that runs only for CSR into each park so it might be easier for you child.
They have a lake, great pool, fountains and is the newest of the moderates and still looks shiny & new.
Ask for a room closest to the lobby and if you have a child that sleeps in late request a room on the 2nd or 3rd floor so you don't get so much noise passing your door in the early a.m.

Enjoy

 

[Enchanted Tiki Bird]

I personally cannot suggest a moderate for you to stay at but there's a whole lot of information and reviews of each on the Disney Resorts board.

 

[Unregistered]

Hello! I'm new to the board. In October (haven't nailed down the dates yet), my DH and our DD (who will be 17 months) are going for 6 days, 5 nights.

Our budget allows us to stay at one of the moderately priced resorts. Anyone have any suggestions out of the three?

Also, how far in advance would you book the trip?

I'm feeling very overwhelmed, and may just end up booking with a TA. Any advice would be great.

Thank you!!

We have stayed at POR, POFQ, and CSR. CSR was our favorite for a number of reasons (it was beautiful, better food court with more choices, better pool area) but we liked them all. I agree that you should look into booking now, as October can be a busy time with the Halloween parties and Food/Wine Fest etc.
You will have fun regardless- so enjoy the planning part. I have found that I prefer to plan myself so I know it is done the way I expect it to be (no control issues here :0)

Have fun!
Wendi