NEW TO *EVERYTHING*

[deedubb]

Looking to start planning a trip and honestly don't know where to start.
-Booking a Disney resort vs off site,
-booking a studio vs room with a full kitchen,
-booking a car vs not (how easy is it to get around without one?)
-How easy is it to get groceries to either on or off site resorts?
Hoping to be eating our own breakfast in the room before heading out, have a 6 and 2 year old.

We used to stay off-site and for the life of me, I could never understand why people would pay the prices they do to stay in a tiny little hotel room, because we would stay in a 3 bdrm with full kitchen and in-suite laundry for a fraction of the price of staying on site. Then we tried Art of Animation one Christmas. I saw the attraction of staying on-site and using Disney transportation. It was nice getting picked up and being dropped off right at the park gates instead of having to drive and take a tram from the parking lot to the park. MK is worse, because you park at TTC, then take a tram, then have to take a ferry or the monorail to get to the park. It was fun to do it once, but the novelty wore off quickly. It is worse at the end of the day when everyone is tired. We then starting staying on the Boardwalk for the location. That was a game changer. 5 minute walk to EPCOT, 10-15 minute walk to DHS (or you can take a boat). Based on this, I would highly recommend staying on-site when you have little ones. Consider renting DVC points and staying at BLT (5 min walk to MK) or Boardwalk/Beach Club (walk to EPCOT and DHS). If you want to spend a bit more, rent a 1 bdrm which gives you a full kitchen and in-suite laundry. If you want kid theming, stay at Art of Animation or Pop Century. Both have Skyliner access to EPCOT and DHS.

Off-site...car is mandatory. On-site, skip it for sure. It's too bad they got rid of Disney Magical Express. It was truly special not having to pick up your luggage at the airport, just hopping on a bus, and getting a free ride right to your resort.

Very easy to get groceries. The most popular ones are Garden Grocer (one and done for us, very significant mark up on the groceries), Dizzy Dolphin, Walmart delivery, Amazon Prime, and Publix Instacart. We always use Instacart.

This board is a great resource for trip planning, and people are happy to answer questions if you can't find what you're looking for.

Good luck!