Info about WDW for trip Dec 20 2016- Jan 1 2017

[redheadtove]

Hello, I'm looking for any information you all can give me about WDW. There are 3 of us going on this trip, 17yr old Daughter, 12 yr old Daughter and me 40 yr old Mom. We have done 3 trips to Disneyland and 2 Disney Cruises and now it is time for a trip to WDW. Since we have never been there I'm looking for all sorts of information. I know we want to stay on resort, was thinking a Moderate level resort. I also know to get a dining plan but not to sure which one to get. Also looking for places to make reservations for diner for and attractions and things we MUST do while here.

Thank you in advance for all your info!!!

 

[Barbydoll8]

Warning - this is the most crowded time of year at WDW. That being said, it is also the most magical. I have DVC so I like the deluxe resorts I will always steer people towards them but prior to DVC though, Port Orleans was my first choice. It's probably the best and most beautiful moderate on property. You can also look into renting a DVC villa at the deluxe resorts if you like. There is a link at the top of this board that can help you if that's what you decide.
I can't comment on the dining plan. It's not worth it for us. Too much food and too restrictive. but you can do a search on the boards or go to the restaurant forum for info on the dining plan.
ADR's for this time of the year are a must and you can not book them until 180 days prior to your trip. Also, the restaurants in the hotels tend to be a bit better than in the parks but there is always a difference in opinion on dining. I have heard that food in general is better at DL than at WDW.
I would recommend at least one character meal. They are fun and usually a good value if you have the dining plan that allows for table service.
This site is your friend and usually has good information that you are looking for in a separate forum on the site for each topic. The search function is your friend.
Just remember to pack your patience during this time of the year. Use Fast Pass and book your ADR's for any place you'd like to eat as soon as you can.
Anyone else??

 

[siskaren]

I would highly recommend this guide book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...Code=as2&tag=ea03e-20&linkId=JR7YSN4TSMF7EI2N

 

[redheadtove]

Warning - this is the most crowded time of year at WDW. That being said, it is also the most magical. I have DVC so I like the deluxe resorts I will always steer people towards them but prior to DVC though, Port Orleans was my first choice. It's probably the best and most beautiful moderate on property. You can also look into renting a DVC villa at the deluxe resorts if you like. There is a link at the top of this board that can help you if that's what you decide.
I can't comment on the dining plan. It's not worth it for us. Too much food and too restrictive. but you can do a search on the boards or go to the restaurant forum for info on the dining plan.
ADR's for this time of the year are a must and you can not book them until 180 days prior to your trip. Also, the restaurants in the hotels tend to be a bit better than in the parks but there is always a difference in opinion on dining. I have heard that food in general is better at DL than at WDW.
I would recommend at least one character meal. They are fun and usually a good value if you have the dining plan that allows for table service.
This site is your friend and usually has good information that you are looking for in a separate forum on the site for each topic. The search function is your friend.
Just remember to pack your patience during this time of the year. Use Fast Pass and book your ADR's for any place you'd like to eat as soon as you can.
Anyone else??

Thank you so much for all your help.

 

[redheadtove]

I would highly recommend this guide book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/19...Code=as2&tag=ea03e-20&linkId=JR7YSN4TSMF7EI2N

Thank you. I will be purchasing this book right away. I like to be prepared !

 

[redheadtove]

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? The book will help but I was kinda hoping I could get some advice from people who have been to WDW. The best advice people can receive is from people who have experienced it. Would 10 days at WDW be to long? What are the rides that I NEED to get FP+ for? Is there a character meal that is a absolute must? Since we are planning to be there for Christmas Day is there a " you must see" that day? I'm just trying to figure it all out, budget money and plan.

Thank you again in advance for all and any suggestions.

 

[Barbydoll8]

10 days is probably enough but never enough. You'll be able to get most of what you want in during that time but remember to schedule down time or you'll burn out easy in 10 days.
FP is hard depending on what you want to do in each park but they are a must for rides like Seven Dwarves Mine Train or Test Track in Epcot.
Character meals are very subjective. If you want the one's in the parks, I would say look at Garden Grill in Epcot. It was one of the better one's I've been to and you can do lunch (cheaper) instead of dinner.
Chef Mickey's is very fun but the food isn't super stellar. Most people do breakfast there and it's fine.
In MK - Crystal Palace is Pooh and friends. I personally prefer their lunch/dinner options to their breakfast but others love their breakfast.
The only other meal I can suggest that's not character but really fun is Hoop Dee do Review. Very corny but very fun and decent BBQ fair.
I've never been brave enough to go to the parks on Christmas day but just being in the atmosphere for Christmas is fun.
Others who have been can help on that front.