New and need help, please :)

[shelemm]

The best news is that your kids are the perfect age to enjoy all that WDW has to offer, so to some extent you really can't go wrong.

Given the limitations you have told us, it seems that you will be going at a very busy time no matter what.

I strongly disagree that you need to spend a lot of time there on a first visit, but of course if you want to, then I think going in the summer will give you the most time. Sure it'll be hotter, but you will have more opportunity to pace yourself.

No matter when you decide, the key will be taking maximum advantage of Fastpass and getting to a park before rope drop if you plan on getting a lot done that day.

Don't feel like you have to do and see everything. It's not possible. There is NO SUCH THING as a can't miss experience or attraction. One person's can't miss is someone else's definite miss. There are tons of families who don't go on the big rides or stay up late to see the big fireworks, so don't feel like you have to knock yourselves out.

 

[Mickey_for_President]

LOL, yes I took the advice and came to the disboards! We are driving so the airport thing not important, but we are staying onsite, just makes the most sense you know. We are definitely going to stay more then 3 days now that we have heard we need more time and yes it does not cost more as far as park tickets it is the room really but even that not a big deal. When I get it all planned out, who knows when that will be..ha, can't I book and if a discount comes out get it deducted and swap or whatever?

Well, technically, you cannot "swap" or get it deducted. You will have to cancel your old reservation and make a new one. I had to do this for our spring break '09 trip. I had previously reserved a room, then the 7 for 4 deal came out.... and so I cancelled THAT room in the same phone call that I reserved a new room. I had the previous room paid in full and had to wait for them to credit my debit account a few days later... then paid in full for the new room. Hassle? Yes. Saved me a couple hundred though. BONUS!

Consider the dining plan. It will give you peace of mind and the ability to see some dinner shows. Our all-inclusive trips have been some of the best. We ate well... had some fantastic ressies... and didn't worry about the dining bill.

 

[momimouse27]

I haven't gotten to read all of the posts above, but read most and have a few things to add.

My family has been several times in May and have also experienced a quick trip in early April as well as July. May is really good, especially early May because most kids are just coming off Spring Break so there aren't any school crowds.

April was fairly heavy, but nothing like July which was unbearably hot and way way too crowded.

I didn't see it mentioned but I'd think twice about going in early June. It is Gay Days in Orlando the first week of June. The crowds will be massive, so lines will be long and crowds big.

If it were me, I'd definitely do early May. Good time to go.

 

[Mickey_for_President]

It is Gay Days in Orlando the first week of June.

Good point. We typically go RIGHT BEFORE Gay Days starts.

 

[Planogirl]

Offsite is fine since there are so many wonderful hotels in the area but with limited time and being a first-timer (if I read it right) you might want to shoot for onsite. I also suggest driving to the parks if you will have a car because this can also save you time and aggravation.

Anyway, you've had lots of good advice already. I'll just say welcome to the DIS!

 

[starbox]

I didn't see it mentioned but I'd think twice about going in early June. It is Gay Days in Orlando the first week of June. The crowds will be massive, so lines will be long and crowds big.

Been there for every single Gay Days since 2003! Not a problem with crowds. The only park-of-the-day that was significantly crowded was MK on Saturday and that was ONLY from about noon-around 6 - there are SO MANY off property parties and events.

 

[mmtska]

I agree with some of the PP. Early summer is not bad at all. The only day we had any crowd issues was at the AK. Every other day just rocked. We used Fastpasses and got to the parks every day before Rope drop. Yes it was hot, but I live in Okinawa at the present so I was pretty much used to it. We had a blast!

As for resorts, I've only stayed at the All Star Music for the values. I loved it when I was in high school, so I'd say that age would be happy with the All Stars.