New and planning first big vacation

[karibritt01]

We went the last week of June last year, and it was hot, but not terribly as it would be in August. Very humid and lots of rain - hour + on 5 of our 7 day trip. May or early June would be better. May is going to be the most crowded because of Memorial Day weekend, though. However... The last week in May still qualifies you for the free ticket upgrade offer they have out... free hopper and waterparks. Guess I'm not very helpful!

 

[pikaboo27]

Just thought I would add my thoughts on the dining plan. My husband and I used it when we went on our honeymoon. Because we went in value season, we got the plan for free, so that was really awesome, but we both agreed that we will pay for it on our next trip. We always plan where we are going to eat when we travel, because we love food, so we had all our ADRs before we left, which for Cinderella's Royal Table, required getting up at 4:00 am to call because we live on the west coast. One of the most memorable meals we had was at the Yahtsman Steakhouse. My husband ordered a caprise salad (stacked in a lovely tower), a HUGE porterhouse, and a chocolate dessert, and I ordered shimp cocktail (huge shrimp, so pretty), a filet mignon, and another decadent dessert. We were stuffed, but if it's one thing Disneyworld is great for, it's walking off calories. lol We also did Chef Mickey's during our trip, and Primetime. All in all, it saved us a ton of money(especially since it was free) and we ate like kings. Oh, word to the wise though, Fulton's at DD, does not accept the dining plan. The concierge at CR told us it did, and it didn't. After the monorail and bus rides, we weren't going to go somewhere else, but the staff at CR were great and credited us for the meal (which for the two of us was $100!).

Anyway, enjoy your trip! Be sure to do a trip report!

 

[mouseaddicts]

Hi & welcome to the newcomers!

I just popped on this thread out of curiosity & thought I would chime in .... For the two of you who are planning your upcoming trips & thinking about dining reservations (ADRs) .... most TS locations at WDW now accept "reservations" 180 days in advance ....... so, while you CAN call ahead & are certainly encouraged to do so, you CAN'T make ADRs for a 2008 trip now!

Don't worry about "asking stupid questions" or "hijacking" someone else's thread ......... We're all here for the same common goal ........ to gain & share Disney related information! Odds are, if you ask the question, there's someone else that is also looking for the answer!

As you can see, we've been a few times & have a *few* trips planned! Most of the people on these boards absolutely LOVE answering questions from new & old folks alike .... it's the spirit of the DIS!

You are all wise to plan ahead ....... those of us with OCD truly believe there is no such thing as over-planning your trip to the world!

 

[Iceguy]

My family and I are really all for the dining plan as well. Like someone stated before, it really is a lot of fun to plan the meals. We always have 7-10 people in our group and we all get together several times to look at all the menu's and get out hearts (and stomach's) pumping for our trip. We are booked to go this December 5-12 and we've already looked at the menu's 3 or 4 times. (Is it really still close to 10 months before we go?)

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that, at least or us, paying for the dining plan up front makes it seem like the trip costs less once we get there - it's a head game. (Stay with me here) Since it is paid for at least 45 days in advance with the rest of the package, we look at it as just being part of the package (make sense?). In other words, by the time we leave for our trip we have one less thing to worry about. We don't need to carry as much cash with us and we know we are going to have many great meals. We can sit at a nice restaurant during our first night and not have to worry about our budget for the rest of the trip.

I'm starting to ramble, but please rest assured that your trip is going to be wonderful and you're going to want to keep going back year after year.

 

[DisneyFreak490]

Thank you for all the advice I really do appreciate it. It says you can request a small fridge in your room? how much extra does this cost?

If we leave in may say from the 12th to the 18th when would be the best time to book a room? In jan or feb or march?

Does housekeeping regularily come? does it cost extra?

Thanks

 

[karibritt01]

Thank you for all the advice I really do appreciate it. It says you can request a small fridge in your room? how much extra does this cost?

If we leave in may say from the 12th to the 18th when would be the best time to book a room? In jan or feb or march?

Does housekeeping regularily come? does it cost extra?

Thanks

If you stay at a value resort, you can rent a fridge for $10/night. Let them know you want one when you make your reservation. Moderate and deluxe resorts incluse them for free. I would make your reservations now, so you are sure to get what you want. You can move them later if necessary. In Dec, you can call and schedule your dining. You will pay $200 now, then owe the balance at 45 days before check-in. Mousekeeping comes daily to all resorts except DVC.

 

[Unregistered]

Since you have time before your visit in 2008, one book which I would recommend heartily is "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." As you can see by its title, this book is not sanctioned by Disney or the theme parks, so they do not "pull any punches" in their words.

Granted, you do not need to read all of this thick paperback book, but it provides detailed descriptions of all Disney resorts and restaurants. It also provides details of each ride (e.g. how to get the best views in certain theaters).

Hope this helps.

 

[DizneyNutz]

Thanks to everyone who replied! DisneyNutz its says I have to have 6 posts before I can pm anyone so I will try to get those 6 posts. For some reason we didnt even think about the fast food option. But we have decided to use the meal plan because my sister says she wants real meals when she goes on vacation I would be fine either way. And about the car thing, we dont think we want to rent a car but we do want to be able to get to a store. hm.

Also I think we have decided on August 11 - 19 I think. Is that a good date?


How many months in advance should we make reservations?

thanks!

It will certainly be MUCH more convenient for all of you to eat onsite. We were travelling with older teens who could actually go to different parks than us if they desired. The map may still help you orient yourselves to the property layout if you want it for your NEXT trip. That's right, You'll be back I hope I didn't give you the impression that it is not WORTH dining onsite. We do quite a bit of this, but often mix it up some with the places I mentioned previously along with Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, KFC, delivery pizza, etc. It is more expensive to eat onsite, but much more convenient, especially without a rental car. If you have an opportunity, check out the Whispering Canyon at the WL. You will love it and the kids will have a great time. Be sure to ask for some Ketchup Anyway WELCOME TO DIS

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!!!


1. Should we rent a car? Is there a long way between disney land parks (like between animal kingdom and Epcot) Sorry if this is kind of stupid but we have just started researching and we have never done this before.

No Disney's transportation is part of the majic.

2. Is the meal plan really worth it? I heard someone else say that they didnt eat half of what was given to them. Is it worth it or should we just buy as we go?

The meal plan is a great deal, you will save with it.

Have a great vacation.

 

[karibritt01]

And about the car thing, we dont think we want to rent a car but we do want to be able to get to a store. hm.

If you just need groceries and water, you can purchase those at www.gardengrocer.com and they will deliver it to your resort on your check-in day. Other than that, it would be cheaper to get a taxi for a quick trip than to rent a car for a week.

 

[ransom]

If you just need groceries and water, you can purchase those at www.gardengrocer.com and they will deliver it to your resort on your check-in day. Other than that, it would be cheaper to get a taxi for a quick trip than to rent a car for a week.

ITA!

Another option is to hire one of the town car services to take you to and from the airport. Many of them will make a grocery stop for free if you schedule it in advance. That's what we did last time, and it worked out great. Still much, much cheaper than renting a car for our 8-night stay.

 

[2Pirates_1Princess]

You should make reservations as soon as possible. They let you make dinner reservations 180 days in advance. During the busy summer months places tend to fill up. If you want suggestions about good places to eat check out the Disney Restaurant Board. People there are always willing to give you an opinion. It can be difficult to decide so far in advance where to eat, but if you don't do something you might end up with nothing. Good Luck !!