Many questions!

[money4mickey]

This is my first time posting and first time planning a WDW as "THE MOM!"
We are planning a trip with DH, DS (will be 5 at time of trip) and myself. DD will be staying at home as she will only be 18 months old at the time and quite frankly we can't afford for someone that young to go! I'm sure she will never let us live it down! Trip will be March 13-17, want to stay onsite.

So, here go the questions:
1. Where can I find a list of hotels that have kids clubs....DS loves those things and figure it will give DH and I a night out.

2. Southwest has a nonstop flight from Austin (where we live) so I wanted to join their frequent flyer program but it seems to be difficult to earn points...true or no?

3. I have the Disney Visa but would I be better off getting the SW card and earning flight points that way?

There are many more ?s but I will stop here for now!

TIA!
Kelli

 

[Desnik]

Welcome to the DIS!!!!
You will find a ton of info on these boards. May I suggest you post your questions about frequent flyer programs on the trasportation board too. You may get more info there.

As far as kids clubs here's a list:

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Simba's Cubhouse
(407) 938-4785

Contemporary
Mouseketeer Clubhouse
Special Info: Closed indefinitely as of October 1, 2004. See Grand Floridian Mouseketeer Club below.

Grand Floridian
Mouseketeer Clubhouse
(407) 824-1666

Polynesian
Never Land Club
(407) WDW-DINE
(407) 824-2000, ext. 2184
Special Info: Noon to 4 p.m. open to Polynesian resort guests at no charge for activities.

Wilderness Lodge
Cub's Den
(407) 824-1083

Yacht and Beach Club
Sandcastle Club
(407) 934-7000, ext. 6191

Also on Disney property, although not a Disney-operated resort:

Swan and Dolphin Resorts
Camp Dolphin
(407) 934-4000, ext. 4241
Age: Childcare is provided for children over age 4 who are potty-trained, through age 12.
Hours: 5:30 p.m. - midnight
Price: $10 per hour, per child
Activities: Dinner party, as well as arts and crafts, video games, a visit to the Dolphin game arcade and Disney movies.
Reservations: Accepted by calling 1-407-WDW-DINE, plus a limited number of walk-ins will be available on a first-come first-served basis.

Also, FYI an 18 month old is free every where! They get into the parks free, no extra charge at the resorts, and can eat off your plate at restaurants and for free at buffets. Only charge would be plane ticket. We've been taking both kids since they were 9 months old, every year since! It is so magical having a baby there and seeing their reactions to things! If you change your mind, there is a ton of info and tips on the Family board.

Let us know what other questions you have!

 

[baggypants]

I think you are right NOT to take the baby. I have seen so many people take babies on vacation and no one enjoys it. Not the parents or the babies. That is why God gave them Grandpaprents! Five years old is perfect for a first visit. It almost killed me to wait till DGD was five, but it was so nice when we did go. She could ride everything she wanted to and really appreciated the parks. AND - she still remembers it! When the baby gets five, then take them both!

 

[money4mickey]

Actually, Baggypants said something that I should have said in the original post....DD will be staying with grandparents...BIG TREAT!! I'm sure she would have fun...but even an extra plane ticket would put us over our budget (i'm a graduate student!!! money is tight!). Plus DD was very sick at birth and spent a long time in NICU...big brother was wonderful during this time and often ignored....seeing mickey mouse is his special little treat!!

Thanks for all the info on the kids clubs!! VERY COOL!!!

 

[Desnik]

What a nice treat for the big brother!!! I also had a very sick baby, my little guy, now 2yo! You are very lucky to have the ability to leave your child with grandparents! I'm not so lucky LOL!! Hope you have a great time! Again, any other questions just ask.

baggypants
I couldn't disagree with you more!LOL To each his own! For us, we all enjoy our family time together. We are fortunate enough to vacation alot, and go to WDW every year. It isn't important if they remember the early trips. We do, and we have the best video and pics of our great times. Also, when we go we go at their pace. We don't go from park opening to closing! I think that is one of the main reasons you see so many unhappy kids and parents at the parks. The parents just push the kids too much.
Sorry to the OP for getting off topic!

 

[TNKBELL]

What a nice treat for the big brother!!! I also had a very sick baby, my little guy, now 2yo! You are very lucky to have the ability to leave your child with grandparents! I'm not so lucky LOL!! Hope you have a great time! Again, any other questions just ask.

baggypants
I couldn't disagree with you more!LOL To each his own! For us, we all enjoy our family time together. We are fortunate enough to vacation alot, and go to WDW every year. It isn't important if they remember the early trips. We do, and we have the best video and pics of our great times. Also, when we go we go at their pace. We don't go from park opening to closing! I think that is one of the main reasons you see so many unhappy kids and parents at the parks. The parents just push the kids too much.
Sorry to the OP for getting off topic!

I agree about taking babies!! Last year my baby was 11 months old and he absolutely loved it! I've never seen a happier person than he! This year he will be 23 months old and I know he will have a great time! To Dh and I life through the eyes of a child is priceless!! Have a great time with your family!

 

[kerry34]

I can't answer any of your questions but just wanted to say that I hope you have a wonderful time with your five yr old son. That will be your special time. Your 18 month old will be getting spoiled by her grandparents and that is great too.

 

[HayGan]

Actually, Baggypants said something that I should have said in the original post....DD will be staying with grandparents...BIG TREAT!! I'm sure she would have fun...but even an extra plane ticket would put us over our budget (i'm a graduate student!!! money is tight!). Plus DD was very sick at birth and spent a long time in NICU...big brother was wonderful during this time and often ignored....seeing mickey mouse is his special little treat!!

Thanks for all the info on the kids clubs!! VERY COOL!!!

If you wanted to take DD most airlines allow a child under the age of 2 to fly for free when not occupying a seat (sitting on one parten's lap.) It sounds like she will have a great time with the grandparents, but there really would be no extra cost in taking her along.

 

[sanibelover]

Leave the baby with her Grandparents!! We did when our youngest son was 2 and never regretted it. We had a much more relaxed and spontaneous trip than we would have if we had to do the diaper, stroller, nap, etc. thing.


Now that he is almost five, I do get the questions "How come I'm, not in that picture?" "Why did I have to stay with Grandma and Grandpa?" He also says "We have to go back to Disney so I can be in the pictures." Just one more reason to go back!!!

Have fun!