Hello everyone,
Just thought I'd introduce myself...I recently found this board when researching for our first family Disney vacation. My family is me (31), wife (30), daughter(6), Son(4) and son (2 months). We're looking at taking our vacation some time either this fall/winter/spring. We're trying to find the best mix of mild weather with the least crowds, so we're willing to pull our daughter out of school (she'll be in 1st grade, so this is probably the last year we could get away with it).
Right now, the top contender is the week before thanksgiving - any thoughts on that? We're coming from Cincinnati, OH. I want to drive, but wife wants to fly. I guess it comes down to economics on that one
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Our last time at Disney was in '97. We were still in college (of course unmarried at that time), and I was on a 3-month co-op at the Animal Kingdom. I worked for Imagineering as a construction/civil engineering co-op on the construction of the park. I mostly worked in Africa/Asia, which was in the early phases of construction at that time. Africa was about 70% done and Asia was still early on. The water ride was still a dirt track and they were working on putting in all the concrete walls. Dino land and the main entrance were pretty much done. The only ride I got to see in advance was a walkthrough of the dinosaur ride, which didn't have any of the sounds or anything done yet.
By the end of my co-op they were bringing in animals - was walking along one of the walls of the elephant area when 2-3 of them started running past me blowing their horns - scared the **** out of me for a minute, wanting to make sure I was safe. Of course I was outside the exhibit, but for that split second, it just makes you double-think.
Anyways, the VP on the project let my wife (girlfriend at the time) in to the parks on his silver pass one day (he was the nicest guy - got up and drove to meet us at the entrance early one day just for that!), so we hit the major attractions at each of the parks, but that was about it.
Of course our priorities will be different this time with the kids. We want to make sure our daughter has that magical princess experience while she's still young enough to really enjoy it. Son loves pirates and many other disney movies, so we're sure he'll have a great time too. Son #2 - well at a year, let's just hope he can hang in there with us the whole time. This is really why I'd be looking to spend extra $$ on a DVC rental vs. a value/cheap moderate resort. I just want to be sure when we're back at the room we have the space and facilities needed to relax and take care of his needs.
Thank for any help and advice - I'm looking for it all, from best attractions, time of year for the trips, resort suggestions, etc.
Glad to be here!
Just thought I'd introduce myself...I recently found this board when researching for our first family Disney vacation. My family is me (31), wife (30), daughter(6), Son(4) and son (2 months). We're looking at taking our vacation some time either this fall/winter/spring. We're trying to find the best mix of mild weather with the least crowds, so we're willing to pull our daughter out of school (she'll be in 1st grade, so this is probably the last year we could get away with it).
Right now, the top contender is the week before thanksgiving - any thoughts on that? We're coming from Cincinnati, OH. I want to drive, but wife wants to fly. I guess it comes down to economics on that one
.Our last time at Disney was in '97. We were still in college (of course unmarried at that time), and I was on a 3-month co-op at the Animal Kingdom. I worked for Imagineering as a construction/civil engineering co-op on the construction of the park. I mostly worked in Africa/Asia, which was in the early phases of construction at that time. Africa was about 70% done and Asia was still early on. The water ride was still a dirt track and they were working on putting in all the concrete walls. Dino land and the main entrance were pretty much done. The only ride I got to see in advance was a walkthrough of the dinosaur ride, which didn't have any of the sounds or anything done yet.
By the end of my co-op they were bringing in animals - was walking along one of the walls of the elephant area when 2-3 of them started running past me blowing their horns - scared the **** out of me for a minute, wanting to make sure I was safe. Of course I was outside the exhibit, but for that split second, it just makes you double-think.
Anyways, the VP on the project let my wife (girlfriend at the time) in to the parks on his silver pass one day (he was the nicest guy - got up and drove to meet us at the entrance early one day just for that!), so we hit the major attractions at each of the parks, but that was about it.
Of course our priorities will be different this time with the kids. We want to make sure our daughter has that magical princess experience while she's still young enough to really enjoy it. Son loves pirates and many other disney movies, so we're sure he'll have a great time too. Son #2 - well at a year, let's just hope he can hang in there with us the whole time. This is really why I'd be looking to spend extra $$ on a DVC rental vs. a value/cheap moderate resort. I just want to be sure when we're back at the room we have the space and facilities needed to relax and take care of his needs.
Thank for any help and advice - I'm looking for it all, from best attractions, time of year for the trips, resort suggestions, etc.
Glad to be here!
to the boards!!! You will find tons of info here! I have been mid November and early December, found both to be low crowd times (well low for WDW). Don't sweat, taking DD out of school, I've been doing it for years, teachers have always been great about it. Sounds like you have a interesting connection to Disney and will really be surprised by AK now. There are many forums, the budget board, theme park, families, so check them out and you can find out what is available. Being a DVC member, I don't think I could give you a fair opinion about staying at a DVC resort versus staying moderate. Your reasons for wanting to stay at a DVC are good ones, we have been there when my DS was very young, don't worry the 
comes through and they love it. Good luck, have fun planning!!!
