Looking for advice on our trip

[kcoop35]

Ok so here is the story. We are going to Disney for the first time as adults.

It is: Mother in law, my wife and I and our 3 kids 2, 7 , 9.

In a perfect world we would stay at the Contemporary with the Monorail since we have young kids and it would be fun and easy. I hear people say that if you are going to stay there make sure you get this view or that view.

Our budget for the entire trip is around $9,000. My MIL is playing $5,000 and we are paying $4,000. This is food, plane, souvieners and all that other stuff. So we are trying to make sure we get the best for our money.

We would love to rent a suite but I just don't think it is possible on our budget.

Here are my questions:

If we are talking about staying IN park at one of the resorts are the prices going to be pretty much set or can you save some money buy booking through AAA or NEA or whatever travel agent.

The next question I have is: If we aren't staying on the monorail is there much of a difference from riding a bus from say the value or mod resorts vs. a hotel just outside the park where we could rent a suite.

We want to stay close so that the kids can come home and rest at noon and then go back out at night.

thanks!

 

[marksor]

Go AAA to save some money for sure. I do not recommend using a travel agent- you can get your own affordable package on your own or with AAA. I think you can have a great on-property trip for six people with $9K as long as you are within a decent airfare distance from Orlando. Good luck.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Thats alot of $$$ to plan with, may I suggest Wilderness lodge, still a boat ride from the MK, and CR. Alot cheaper, though either way you will need 2 rooms. Two rooms at the Lodge would be cheaper, great pool, hot and cool tubs, fantastic food, but just a suggestion. We've stayed at both places and a tower rooms is nice but to pricey for the view. Ita like AKL, stayed there once, look out the window at the few animals and ..............rather take the bucks and stay nicely but not extragant. the lodge has all the features but room size is smaller, but 2 rooms makes up the difference. Give it a thought, look up the numbers, even one AP could bring down the room price, even AAA discount to put some of them bucks towards another trip.

 

[onelugnut]

can i suggest to pick the time you want to go around, then get the airfair first,
then pick a resort that meets your needs.

with that kind of money you should not have a problem.

 

[jenseib]

Time of year will make a difference too. Summer will be very busy. Fall is less busy and the rates go down. Yo ucan sometimes find deals too. I suggest you sign up on Disney's sites as they sometimes send out mail or email with a discount.
Also it depends on how many days you want to spend as well, but that will be a good amount of money, so you should be able to enjoy your trip. Anotehr thought is wether you want to add the dining plan. I think food at Diseny is expensive. Even jsut basic counter service. With the plan you get 1 snack, 1 counter service meal and 1 table service meal per night per person. The 2 year old can just share off of you. If you plan to do any table service be sure to make reservations before hand too.
I have never stayed onsite yet,( I am going to this March) but I have heard that some hotels are easier than others to get around. But you still can get around with any of them. I think the Wilderness lodge that was suggested looks beautiful. I would love to stay there too someday.


We got the best deal with AAA. We didn't even have a membership, but bought one and still saved. But like I said, it depends on what time of year you go too. We are going at "peak" season, so the hotel rates are higher to begin with. We could've taken this trip last Oct for about 500 less. But my DH couldn't get time away then.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

I would suggest a 2 bedroom villa at the WL......

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!!! Have a great vacation.

 

[Boncho]

If you live far enough away that you cannot get any of the super cheap airfare, I would suggest you get either two rooms a Pop Century or a family suite at the value resort that has them (I'm not sure which one it is). My son and I always stay at Pop Century and just love it - every day we go back to the resort for a midday swim which is very easy to do since Pop Century buses don't stop at any other resorts. Have a great trip!

 

[ppiew]

Here is my 2 cents worth: Pick an 'off' season first - November or May are great, low crowds, nice weather. For airfar, fly Tues - Thurs for the best deals. With 6 people I would ck out one of the Home Away from Home (DVC) resorts - 2 br, 2 baths, full kitchen, LR. That way you will have 2 bathrooms (which WILL be needed) plus laundry facilities. OKW is the largest with large, super balconies/porches) others are VWL, BC, BW, SSR.
Another option would be the cabins at WL. They have one BR with bunk beds, and a double bed, and the LR has a pull down Murphy bed - sleeps 2 more). They also have a full kitchen but only 1 bath.
As you will spend much time at the parks, the view will not be of primary importance. Good planning to take the 2 yr old back to resort in PM for a nap! You will all enjoy yourselves more. All the resorts have playgrounds, pools, easy access busses to the theme parks, and a small deli type store. (Good spot to pick up breakfast food and save the $$$)
Personally, I would decided the dates wanted, make a ressie SOMEWHERE, ask them to send you the video on trip planning and other promotional materials. Steve Birnbaum has an excellent book about WDW. You can always call to change to a different resort if you find something you like better. ONE CAVEAT HERE: when you call the reservation line, be AWARE, that if they answer 'Disney Travel Company' the cancellation/change policy is different than that of CRO. They require a 45 day cancellation while the main CRO people require 5 days!