Newb here, in need of some advice

[hffmn090806]

Hey there! I've been lurking for a few days, trying to read and gather as much info as I can, and reading so many great trip reports. Thanks to those who share. What a GREAT board this is--there's so much info, but I almost don't know where to start.

Here is where I could use some help...

I've been promising DD we would go to Disney in November. Well, our time is coming up in a few weeks, and I don't have anything set in stone. Money is tight, but I've managed to put enough aside for us to have a weekend in Orlando (we'll be driving up from south FL). I'm thinking a day in the MK, and maybe a partial day in downtown Disney? Any tips, tricks for saving money? Anything we MUST do while we are there? I want to make this experience as magical as possible for my munchkins. I know our time is limited (one day in WDW, half a day to do something else) so any thoughts or suggestions, really would be appreciated!

Hopefully, we can make this a longer annual trip, but this year we'll have to make do with a day and a half.

BTW, it would be me, DH, DS (2.5) and DD (almost 4).

Thanks for any thoughts you can give!!

 

[Mrs D]

to the Dis! There us a good bit of info for your budget- you won't need a park ticket for your DS since he's under 3! So your budget will need to include tickets for 2 adults and 1 child.
Since you are driving you can bring food in with you. You may bring in a soft sided cooler with sandwiches, snacks and drinks. If you'd like you can rent a locker (they're right inside the gates) to store the cooler.
For your second day I would recommend visiting some if the resorts versus spending the day at DTD. while DTD is neat, it's just an outdoor shopping area. Especially if the Christmas decorations are up when you visit, I'd go to the Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, and/or head over to the Boardwalk.
If you are looking at stating onsite on a budget I recommend Pop Century. It's a fun resort with a great food court and excellent transportation.
Hope this is a helpful start!

 

[pkondz]

The previous poster had some good advice. Here's my number one tip for first timers. Go to your nearest bookstore and buy a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disneyworld. If your budget is too tight, you might luck out and find a recent copy at your local library. Read it. It has a wealth of information delivered in a logical and easy to read style. One area where I might disagree with the PP though. DTD is fun for the kids too. Off the top of my head there's the Lego store, World of Disney (largest Disney store in the world, I believe), Ghiradelli's Ice Cream & Chocolate, Goofy's Candy Co., Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique (to "princessify" your DD4), Once Upon a Toy and Earl of Sandwich or Wolfgang Puck Express for lunch. Good Luck!

 

[Metro West]

 

[hffmn090806]

Mrs D, Pkondz,

Thanks for the tips! Visiting the resorts to check out the Christmas decorations is a neat idea. I think I may incorporate that into our half day. I'll definitely be on the look out for the Unofficial Guide to Disney World.

Would love to hear anything anyone else can suggest.

 

[ThreeKMom]

You should check the park calendar to see the hours of the MK - if it's a MVMCP night it will close early (7:00)! If it does close early try heading over to the Poly, you can watch the Holiday fireworks from the beach there, they even have the music!

The boardwalk area is fun, you could check out the holiday decorations then head over to the boardwalk. They have entertainers and some games and some places for a quick bite to eat. You should also make sure to see the chocolate carosel at the Beach Club.