New DVC members and our first trip soon...

[thepeach80]

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I'm clueless. I haven't been to WDW in about 19 yrs and we're new DVC members and will be taking our 3 kids there for their first trip as well as meeting 4 adult family memebers there. We're staying at SSR and from what I'm reading on here, it was a good choice. We're doing the DDP (is that the right abbreviation?) and I have already made our reservations for our TS meals. I'm excited to keep reading to see if there's anything else I need to know, etc, and feel free to give me any info you think I might need w/ 3 kids, ages 4, 2.75, and 10 mos then. Transportation has me a little worried as I'm a carseat tech and I know the ME doesn't have seatbelts for carseats. I heard there's a boat too that goes from the SSR? I'm sure I'll learn it all from reading here, thanks for those of you who are experts for sharing your knowledge!

 

[Stitch#1]

"Welcome Home"
Congrats on becoming DVC members. We've had ours for 7 years now and my parents bought 15 years ago.
The only boat transportation from SSR is to the Downtown/Marketplace, but you can also walk there, to all the parks the transportation is the Disney busses.
We've never used ME from the airport so I can't comment about that.

 

[Lewanc]

Hi, I'm Jennifer and I'm clueless. I haven't been to WDW in about 19 yrs and we're new DVC members and will be taking our 3 kids there for their first trip as well as meeting 4 adult family memebers there. We're staying at SSR and from what I'm reading on here, it was a good choice. We're doing the DDP (is that the right abbreviation?) and I have already made our reservations for our TS meals. I'm excited to keep reading to see if there's anything else I need to know, etc, and feel free to give me any info you think I might need w/ 3 kids, ages 4, 2.75, and 10 mos then. Transportation has me a little worried as I'm a carseat tech and I know the ME doesn't have seatbelts for carseats. I heard there's a boat too that goes from the SSR? I'm sure I'll learn it all from reading here, thanks for those of you who are experts for sharing your knowledge!

Hello peach80 -- Congratulations on becoming a DVC member. You're not clueless, as you have already done what I believe to be the most important part of Disney vacation planning, getting the TS meal reservations . Saratoga Springs is a nice resort , close to Downtown Disney for shopping, dining and entertainment. Resort has a nice pool and in my opinion, relaxful setting. Transportation by boat is from Downtown Disney, which is within walking distance, and there is bus transportation to all the parks.

If you haven't been here in 19 years, you are in for a big surprise, as so many parks, resorts and rides have been added. I don't know too much about the needs for smaller children, but am sure you will get that information, as well as so much more from many others who will relate their experiences and give you their recommdations for visiting WDW.

Just wanted to give you a hello, and hope you have a wonderful vacation.

 

[byoung]

Welcome Home, have a great first vacation. You will be find with the Disney transportation.

 

[Donald is #1]

Welcome home! And also, welcome to the Dis!

I can't give you advice on the kids, but my advice is:

1) Have fun!
2) Remember that you will not be able to see everything!
3) Try to take some time to soak in the atmosphere of the parks (instead of running from attraction to attraction)
4) Learn how to use FP & use it often. My approach is when I first go into an "area" of a park (i.e. adventureland, asia, etc) I get my FP(s) for the attraction in that area that I really want to do, then I do the other attractions in that area while waiting for my FP time.
5) Have fun!

 

[BlakeNJ]

Welcome Home! The best part about being a DVC owner is knowing you'll be back! Take your time and enjoy your trip. There is so much to see--especially after almost a 20 year hiatus!

I have used ME and have never had a problem. I too am funny about traveling with the kids out of a car seat. I just grin and bear it for the 25 minute ride. There is a nice video so it's a little distracting for both parents and kids. I just hold on tight to them!

Have a great trip!

Blakely