I'm planning my first trip to Disney and any advice would be just wonderful!

[teal]

Hi!

Someone just directed me to this site and it looks great!

Here's the brief info on our trip:

My friend and I are planning to take our kids to Disney World together.

Both of us have returned to univerity after seperations so funding it tight, but our boys are getting older and we don't want to wait a few years to take them.

It will be my son (10) and I.
And her, her son (8) and her daughter (4).



We were thinking if we drove down and camped it would make for a much cheaper trip.

Campsite for 5 days $250
Gas $700 (We are coming from Canada)

So about $500 for me since we are spliting it down the middle.

So :
Gas and camping - $500
Park pass for 5 days for 2 - $500
Plus food and misc for 2 - $500


Any and all opinions and advice welcome!!

We don't have a date set yet and are very open to different options!

I should also note that I have been to disney twice when I was younger, but no on else going on the trip has been there before. One of the times I was there we camped, I was 10 at the time.

Thanks!!!

 

[iluveeyore]

Welcome and happy planning!
Where in Canada are you coming from? We live near Buffalo, and fly from there for as little as $120 each round-trip, and right now there are deals at the All Star Resorts for $59-79 a night. So that would only be $995 for flight and room.
And what are you driving that costs $700 in gas
My Chevy Cobalt is figured to get to WDW and back on $200 - check the website www.fuelcostcalculator.com for your vehicle.
We've camped at WDW - it's not fun in the summer, let me tell you! Unless you've got a nice RV/trailer. But there are many deals to be had if you can fly (like the buy 4 get 3 free, free dining, etc.). Just a bit more specific details will help you get more opinions!

 

[teal]

Thank you for the response!!

We are coming from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

We are driving and camping becasue we thought it would be cheaper, and because the kids would love to camp.

However, to be honest I'm open to anything that would be cheaper. I would prefer to stay on at the park as I would prefer not to drive around much once we were there.
I don't imagine 5 people would be able to stay in a $59 room??But I really have no idea.

I don't know much about the trains in the States, but here it's usually just as expensive as flying. I'd love it if anyone had any more info on them!


I'm planning to take a van, it's an older model but not to old. I used the gas website to get the price and added about $100 because I'm sure with 3 kids we will need many stetch and pee breaks. lol

Also I have no idea WHEN we should go. (I might have to take make another post for this) During the University spring break would be the perfect time for us, but my # 1 priority is to go when it's not super busy. I have no idea when that would be. :lol:

 

[teal]

Also, how far in advance should camp sites be booked?

I'm assuming you can do it on line but I don't actually know for sure.

 

[Candy30]

I don't have much to add but I would like to welcome you. You will find tons of information here. I wanted to add that of your 5 days do you plan a relax day to do nothing? If so you could buy a 4 day park pass to cut down on price. We always eat breakfast before going to the parks (like muffins, cereal bars and juice ETC) You may want to check out the budget board on here too. I am sure they will have plenty of suggestions for you. Happy planning!!! That is 25% of the fun!!

 

[teal]

Thanks!!

We were planning to have breakfast and dinner at our camp site and pack snacks with use during the day.
I figure we'll have lunch somewhere at the park, but I'm not 100% sure.

I based the price on 5 days at the park but we may do a couple more depending on when we go. I haven't planned for a relax day with out tickets because I figure we'll use all 5 days and I don't expect to get much relaxing done on this vacation!

 

[iluveeyore]

Good to have more info! If you're coming from Halifax, definitely cheaper to drive, although I haven't checked flights from that location for you (I'm sure you have). Staying with five, you can get a suite at the All Star Movies that sleeps six, rooms at Port Orleans sleep five, then you're getting into more $$$ for villas that sleep 5. So I guess camping is your best bet. You can still use Disney buses and boats from Fort Wilderness, so you can park and not drive the whole time you're there. If you plan to stay over a night (or two) on your way down and home, your best bet is to stop at a Welcome Center and get a coupon book for nearby hotels. If you know in advance what state/city you might stay in, check roomsavers.com for current coupons to print out in advance. Like other posters have said, you will find soooo much info and advice on here, so keep reading!!!

 

[Metro West]

 

[YogiOh]

Haven't been able to figure out how to post a question....so found a spot here.

We are coming to WDW on 11/7 from Southern Calif., returning on 11/12. It's a business trip for my husband, but I will be taking our two grandsons ages 7 and 9 and we have already purchased 4-day hopper passes.

I will dig to find some tips on here, but having trouble.

One question I do have, what are the chances you can find nice t shirts and other souveniers outside of the park? I love buying t shirts for the boys, but know they will be an arm and a leg in the park. Does Walmart, for instance, offer any Disney wear or other goodies? And if so, where is the nearest one?

BTW, we are staying at the Hilton in the park.

Like many other people, we will be on a bit of a tight budget, also.

Super excited, as this will be our first time there. We have been to Disneyland in CA many, many times, but looking forward to all the new stuff in Orlando!

 

[teal]

Does anyone know anything about taking the train to orlando?

I see on the web site that there is a train that goes to Quebec, and a train that goes to Orlando, but when I type it in the fare finder it comes up as unable to process......

 

[pittsburghmarc]

On a five day trip you may feel the need to see everything. I would recommend not planning a commando style touring plan. The parks and excitement can be overwhelming for kids that age. If you take your time, more will set in rather than going home and thinking "what just happened"

The four-year old may need help keeping up with the older kids. Our DD4 hits the stroller by 7pm and that's with 2 hours back at the hotel each day.

Have fun, relax, and know going into it that you won't see it all this trip. Also gives you an excuse to come back to see what you missed!

 

[teal]

After talking to my friend last night we have decided we are going to try for (around) Jan 3 - Jan 10, 2010.

I know it's really soon but it's pretty much the best time of the year for us to go and it sounds like it's one of the cheapest/least busiest times to go.

EEEKKK. I'm not 100% sure that tiome will work out but I am so excited!!!

What's the weather usually like in Flordia that time of year?

 

[BeachClub1292]

That time of year can get cold but being from Canada I would guess you could handle it. Expect temps in the 40's at night days could be in the 60's to 70's for the most part. With little kids you might see if the camping spots have electricity I have never camped a WDW. If they do you can get an extension cord and a little electric heater or electric blanket and have it in the tent to keep you warm at night. Hope that helps and your plans work out, have fun on your trip

 

[Halbleib1]

Welcome!
1. Be sure to make dining reservations ahead of time and have a list of each park to go to on what day.

2. Make a list of must do attractions and do the more popular ones first thing in morning or later evening.

3. Use fastpass.

4. Consider taking a break in the afternoons.

5. Take time to take it all in as the first time it is very overwhelming. Disney is bigger than you might realize.

6. Use photopass-even if you do not think you will buy it give it a try just in case you change your mind.

7. Be sure to wear sunscreen. Even in Jan. Also pack some warmer clothes as it does get cool that time of year. We took half summer clothes half winter for our December trip and we live in PA. We also took a light jacket. Nights get cool by the water esp. We saw many people standing at bus stops freezing because they only had summer clothes with them. One family was from Alaska and thought the weather would be great compared to home so they only brought shorts and tanks etc. They were wishing for their winter coats. LOL

8. Check to see what will still be going on for Christmas. I know some things are still up for the first week of Jan.

9. Try not to overpack. I know this can be hard to do esp. on a first trip but it will make things so much easier at the airport if you are flying.

10. You can get free ice water at any counter service place-take note though that Disney water is gross tasting. Has a sulfer taste to it. So if you are not use to it you will not like it more than likely. Even koolaid packs did not take the taste away enough for me to drink it. The carts usually do not have this as they usually do not have sinks.

11. A good rule of thumb is if an attraction is longer than 20-30 mins either get a fastpass for it or come back to it at a less busy time.

12. Toystory mania get there early to get a fastpass than if the line is short enough get in the standby line as well.

Note: It does get cold enough in winter to need the heat on. I do not recommend tent camping (not sure if you had this in mind or not)at this time of year. Also if you do camp on site you get the same benefits as the other resorts such as extra magic hours and transportation as well as free parking. Also you might want to look into the 4/3 or 5/2 deal on disney's website. May be cheaper to stay at a value or moderate. You get either 2 or 3 days free includes: park tickets/hotel room. Does not include dining you would have to pay for the plan if you chose to take that. The quick service plan might be something you would want to check into though if you are not planning a lot of table service meals if you are than look into basic dining plan.

That is all I can think of right now I will post more as I think of them.

 

[Halbleib1]

Haven't been able to figure out how to post a question....so found a spot here.

We are coming to WDW on 11/7 from Southern Calif., returning on 11/12. It's a business trip for my husband, but I will be taking our two grandsons ages 7 and 9 and we have already purchased 4-day hopper passes.

I will dig to find some tips on here, but having trouble.

One question I do have, what are the chances you can find nice t shirts and other souveniers outside of the park? I love buying t shirts for the boys, but know they will be an arm and a leg in the park. Does Walmart, for instance, offer any Disney wear or other goodies? And if so, where is the nearest one?

BTW, we are staying at the Hilton in the park.


Walmart has lots of tshirts and such. Definately go there for cheap souvies.
To get directions check out walmart.com store locator for the address of the closest one. Not sure of the zip so google lake buena vista florida.

Just a side not in case you do not know:
Since the Hilton is not a disney owned park I do not think you qualify for the resort benefits such as extra magic hours and free parking.

 

[Halbleib1]

That time of year can get cold but being from Canada I would guess you could handle it. Expect temps in the 40's at night days could be in the 60's to 70's for the most part. With little kids you might see if the camping spots have electricity I have never camped a WDW. If they do you can get an extension cord and a little electric heater or electric blanket and have it in the tent to keep you warm at night. Hope that helps and your plans work out, have fun on your trip

A heater would not be recommended in a tent as it is a safety hazard. Do not think Disney would approve of this. If that tent were to catch fire it would go up really really quick.

Also I would not recommend storing any food in the tent as the smell will attract unwanted animals. Store these items in your car if possible.

 

[Halbleib1]

Thank you for the response!!

We are coming from Halifax, Nova Scotia.

We are driving and camping becasue we thought it would be cheaper, and because the kids would love to camp.

However, to be honest I'm open to anything that would be cheaper. I would prefer to stay on at the park as I would prefer not to drive around much once we were there.
I don't imagine 5 people would be able to stay in a $59 room??But I really have no idea.

I don't know much about the trains in the States, but here it's usually just as expensive as flying. I'd love it if anyone had any more info on them!


I'm planning to take a van, it's an older model but not to old. I used the gas website to get the price and added about $100 because I'm sure with 3 kids we will need many stetch and pee breaks. lol

Also I have no idea WHEN we should go. (I might have to take make another post for this) During the University spring break would be the perfect time for us, but my # 1 priority is to go when it's not super busy. I have no idea when that would be. :lol:

$100 seems cheap for gas. What prices are they using per gallon? Our car gets about 30 miles per gallon and 100 us dollars would only cover us going down. Another 100 coming back depending on gas prices. We are in PA near the Maryland boarder. So not as far as you to travel. Sorry if I am missing something here. Gas prices have been going up here in the past couple of weeks so by Jan they will probably be pretty high again. So estimate high. We have two adults and a child in our family and flying is cheaper for us because you have to consider hotel rooms for the way down as well as food and such. But I am flying domestic. Run the numbers and see what comes out better if you can.

 

[Halbleib1]

Does anyone know anything about taking the train to orlando?

I see on the web site that there is a train that goes to Quebec, and a train that goes to Orlando, but when I type it in the fare finder it comes up as unable to process......

Trains here in the states are more expensive than flying. The only transport that can be cheaper than flying are buses. Even than flying is still usually cheaper today. Not sure about Canada but figured I would give you an idea what it is here.

 

[BeachClub1292]

A heater would not be recommended in a tent as it is a safety hazard. Do not think Disney would approve of this. If that tent were to catch fire it would go up really really quick.

Also I would not recommend storing any food in the tent as the smell will attract unwanted animals. Store these items in your car if possible.

No idea where your from were from the NW and we used them when we go camping because it gets cold at night in the mountains or woods where we go camping at night. Use common sense we use them when we have power and go camping and if we don't have power we use propane heaters which I could see if I said that but and an electric heater is not a safety hazard. I'm talking about a small electric completely enclosed heater no danger unless you throw something on it then it still probably wouldn't be a problem. But hey your opinion is your opinion.

 

[Halbleib1]

No idea where your from were from the NW and we used them when we go camping because it gets cold at night in the mountains or woods where we go camping at night. Use common sense we use them when we have power and go camping and if we don't have power we use propane heaters which I could see if I said that but and an electric heater is not a safety hazard. I'm talking about a small electric completely enclosed heater no danger unless you throw something on it then it still probably wouldn't be a problem. But hey your opinion is your opinion.

Some of the newer electric heaters might be ok but the old ones if they would get tipped over could cause a fire. Also many heaters that I have seen are not enclosed. I would think that disney would have some sort of policy against using these just because they would not know what their guests might bring and the liability involved. Lets face it not everyone has common sense.

Also electric heaters are not the safest with kids around. Esp. in a tent you would have no way to block the heater so that a kid can not accidentally touch or run into it. A little easier to do at home with more room to work with.

I live in PA where it does get cold and we do have mtns. I still would not use a heater. I would bring extra blankets or an electric blanket even. I also would not tent camp if it were going to be too cold out. Better safe than sorry.