Need help planning our next Disney trip

[LittleMermaid04]

Hello!
We visited Disney for the first time as a family last summer, and had a great time. However, we got stuck losing a day to "Hurricane Charley", and I wasn't too impressed with out hotel (Holiday Inn Family Suites). Also, being that it was our first time...I thought we were a little disorganized. Still, it was really a wonderful time..and so here I am, already thinking about our next trip. Here are my questions...
1. What is the best time to go if you want less crowds, and cooler weather?
2. What is the cheapest time to go?
3. Where can you get the best rates? Last time we booked through Expedia, adn I don't know if we got the best deal we could. Is it cheaper to do everything seperatly or as a package...
4. What is the best hotel to stay on within the resort? I was thinking we would go with the moderate resorts...and I thought the Caribbean Beach looked nice???
5. Is it WORTH it to stay at the Disney hotels? The HIFS was REALLY close to Disney, but I thought the place was just too "plain old hotel"...if that makes sense. There wasn't much that the kids liked there, and the pool was just "okay". I do like my hotel to be an "extension" of the Disney magic.

Thanks!! I hope to organize better this time around and get the most out of our trip!! Also, we were thinking 7 nights/8 days this time...think its enough?

 

[Okiemom]

You are very lucky to get to stay that many days, you will have a ball. I like staying onsite very much. The hotels do add to the experience in my opinion. They are themed and the grounds are always beautiful. We like using the WDW transportation and not having to worry about driving and parking cars. They helps us to make it more relaxed. The pools are nice on the WDW hotels too. I just think you should try it this trip and then you will know which you prefer.

 

[Pixiedusttravel]

1. What is the best time to go if you want less crowds, and cooler weather?
In my opinion, my family has always enjoyed going the first couple weeks in May and the first week in December.

2. What is the cheapest time to go?
Disney's Value Season is the cheapest time to go (January 1 - February 12; August 24 - October 1; November 2 - December 19)
3. Where can you get the best rates? Last time we booked through Expedia, adn I don't know if we got the best deal we could. Is it cheaper to do everything seperatly or as a package...
Right now you can get pretty good deals booking one of Disney's Packages, but it is cheaper to book your room seperate from your tickets. Just make sure to get your tickets in advance to get the discounted advance ticket prices. There really isn't any 'special' rates out there since the packages just came out and Disney is really trying to push these right now. Just make sure you book with a travel agent that knows Disney.

4. What is the best hotel to stay on within the resort? I was thinking we would go with the moderate resorts...and I thought the Caribbean Beach looked nice???
Caribbean Beach is beautiful! Of course, so is the Coronado Springs Resort!

5. Is it WORTH it to stay at the Disney hotels? The HIFS was REALLY close to Disney, but I thought the place was just too "plain old hotel"...if that makes sense. There wasn't much that the kids liked there, and the pool was just "okay". I do like my hotel to be an "extension" of the Disney magic.
Let me just say, my husband and I used to stay off-site to save some money when we first started going to Disney. One year we decided to stay at Disney's Campground (yes, even the campground is awesome) and we have stayed on-site ever since!

Hope this helps!!!

 

[Amirah95]

And also pick up an Unofficial Guide (at your nearest book store) or take some time to read http://www.allearsnet.com to get details to find out what time is best for you. You can also visit http://www.mousesavers.com because it is a good source for discounts and coupons for specifically WDW. Good Luck!