Lots of Advice needed

[Daddyman]

My wife and I are planning on taking our 2 daughters (9 and7) to WDW for the first time. Our dates are 10/29 - 11/02/04. We actually will be driving in late on the 28th.

We're planning on staying on-site in one of the economy level hotels. We are only interested in Disney properties and our kids are adventurous and high energy.

What is the best package for us to pursue and what should we definitely not miss? What's overrated and can wait ntil next time?

Is this a good time of year to go? and what days are best for which parks?

Thanks for all the help.

 

[Duckfan]

Okay, I am a not package deal kind of person, I find it cheaper to book the room separately and then buy the type of tickets I want. I can't help you there.

We loved the All star Movies because of the over sized Dalmations and just the general themes. It has a good food court and even if the rooms are smaller, we don't spend a lot of time there and since your trip is short you probably won't either.

Okay, some highlights:
MK Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear, Pooh, Big thunder mountain

Epcot: Maelstrom in Norway, get the girls passports in world showcase and have them signed by castmembers at the kidcot stations, Test Track, Cranium Command, Honey I Shrunk the Audience,

AK: Festival of the Lion King, Tough to be a Bug, Safari,

get comfortable shoes, yes this is a good time of year to go.

 

[Desnik]

I am also not the package type! I book the resort myself calling CRO(central reservations office) Check this site for more info:www.mousesavers.com
It definately is cheaper to book the resort and then buy hopper passes for the parks. Check here for more ticket info: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/tickets.htm
I would suggest the All star Movies resort. Here are some pics:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_asm.htm

I have gone at the same time before and it is hot. It was in the 90's and we would go to the Early entry park, then take a break to swim at the resort, then to a different park.
I would say that the night time shows are not to be missed. WISHES at MK, Illuminations at Epcot, and Fantasmic at MGM. I would skip AK, save it for another trip, you will go back, LOL!!

For all other info my advice to you would be to read, read, read these boards. Ask all the questions you want and check all the boards, like the tips board, resort board, etc. Also it wouldn't hurt to buy a guide book. My personal favs are the Birnbaums guide and the passporter:www.passporter.com

 

[Kate-n-sam]

Originally posted by Desnik
I would skip AK, save it for another trip, you will go back, LOL!!

LOL, I would say skip MGM, AK is a must do for us. We never do MGM. That's what I love about these boards....everyone has such differing opinions. Most people think I'm nuts for not liking MGM, but we just aren't 'movie' people and don't really do thrill rides. We do like the relaxing atmosphere of AK, it's kind of a down day for us....

Back to the original topic
I would definately try to book yourself. You are going at a relatively quiet time, so your family ought to be able to get lots done each day. Here's my tip, avoid the MK like the plague on Saturday

Happy planning!

 

[my3princes]

I have boys 6 and 8. I asked them what they would want to do if we went on a short trip. There must do parks were MK, DS and Epcot. They are not too enthused by the world showcase so to save time we would skip it on the short trip and do it another time. They like AK, but it is their least favorite of the 4 parks. They are both thrill ride junkies just like their parents so their choices make sense. Also Blizzard Beach is very high on their list.

 

[720L]

Depending on how fast you like to walk and do things, you could do all parks in that time. Just do the major attractions for each park. How fun to be there on Halloween! I think I saw a thread somewhere on what happens on Halloween in the parks. We have stayed at All Star Movie and loved it. I'd also not do a package deal.

 

[my3princes]

I hadn't noticed that you will be there for halloween. You will probably all want to dress up and do mnsshp. I just read a thread about it today and it sounds like fun.

 

[firecracker]

Our girls are also very active, and our first trip was a quickie as well...each year they're getting longer!

My advice:

1. buy TourGuideMIKE and read, read, read. He was a CM and tour guide at WDW for like 10 years and knows his stuff. His advice has gotten us ressies at Cindy's on our last 2 vacations! Follow his advice to the T for early entry days.

2. stay at AS movies for sure! If the parks are your priority, stay in the Buzz side of the Toy Story wings. It's closest to the bus stops...so nice after a long day at the parks!

3. book room and buy tickets separately UNLESS you've got a Disney VISA. If you've got a DV, wait for a good deal. We are going in June with the kids stay and play free deal and we saved $500 and got better park passes. Go to Mousesavers.com to watch for discount codes...be sure to sign up for her newsletter. Always saves me tons of $$.

4. be prepared to get up early and get to the park...it is SO worth it!

5. re: the parks...for such a quick trip, I would skip both AK and MGM. Our girls LOVE the MK and some of Epcot. You could squeeze in a little time at MGM for TOT and RNRC, but I would skip AK.

6. Follow TGMike's advice for Cinderella's breakfast and enjoy the look of WONDER on your girls' faces...it's priceless! BUT, don't let them rush you out of there! They did that to us last time, but this year we're taking our sweet time!

I guess that's it! I'm excited for you...taking the girls is SO MUCH FUN!

Carmen

P.S.--sorry so long!

 

[momstheword12]

IMHO you will be able to do all that you want in the 5 days you will be there. A few years ago I took my 5 and 3 year olds for 3 days before we did the cruise. I used The Unofficial Guide to WDW. It gives acurate guides to what the rides entail, how fast they load, etc. It makes a big difference between a long line at the Dumbo ride - slow loading, and the Haunted Mansion - continuous loading.
2 Tips:
1. Check the height restrictions before you go - they are on the website or in the book. If you have a child missing the cut off by only an inch or so - go buy them the thick soled tennis shoes. My son always called them his tall shoes. As mom I am only 5ft tall and I hated having to wait to ride things until years after my friends could. I don't advocate altering their height more than an inch tho because you want the restraints to be in the right spot.

2. Go to Wal-mart and buy one of those shoe holders that hang on the back of a door. It is a great way to maximize sink space in small hotel rooms. Take toothbrushes, hair supplies, make-up, sunscreen - whatever. Everything has it's own little pocket. At the end you can just roll it up and keep it in a small duffle or case, ready with supplies for you next trip.

Hope this helps in some way. Follow your kids lead - they usually know how much they can handle.

Enjoy your trip