Newbie from SD

[sdckb]

Hello all - I have been given the go ahead to start the "pre-planning" for a Disney World trip this fall! Only thing is, I have no idea where to start. DH and I have been to Disney World and Disney Land several times - although 10+ years ago and before children! I'm sure it is all very different now!

I would like to go around Thanksgiving break to minimize time missed from school. DS#1 would be 4th grade and 9 1/2, DS#2 would be 1st grade and almost 7, DD would be 3 1/2. I would like to stay on property at Animal Kingdom and do all the stuff there, and go to Magic Kingdom one day of course, maybe a day at Epcot, and hopefully a waterpark.

I'm wondering especially about accomadations and dining - AK was not yet open the last time we were thereso I am not familiar with anything there. I have seen other posters on other boards mention 2 things: Can we do one room, or would we be made to book 2 rooms? What properties in AK let 5 be in a room (one person being 3yr)? Also, somebody had also mentioned that "3 and under" or is it "under 3" ate free at some buffets? Is this true, and if so, any in AK? Do they ask for a birthdate or something so they know? (she eats like a bird anyway

Thank you if you made it this far! I'd appreciate any tips and advice!

Christine

 

[pennymom]

to the DIS!

I am not at all familiar with AK, so someone else will have to answer those questions. As to the age thing, it is children under three who can eat off your plate at no charge or eat from any buffet, and also enter the parks without a ticket. Once they are three, they fall into the 3-9 "child" age group, and need a ticket, etc. If you do the DDP, they will all have their own CS or TS credits.

Where in SD are you from? I was born at Ellsworth AFB outside Rapid City!

 

[sdckb]

I'm in Sioux Falls. Did you live in Box Elder or on base? Been out that way MANY times!

 

[pennymom]

We lived on base '71 - '73 or '74, but I was much too young to remember much...just the snow We went out to visit for a month when I was a teenager, just so I could see all of the places I've always heard my parents talk about.

 

[Metro West]

 

[darrylgonzalez46]

Welcome to community

 

[jimmalru80]

Hello and welcome to the DIS!!

 

[magicaldisney]

We have visited WDW during the time you mentioned for five years now, before that we visited in October. LOVE LOVE LOVE visiting the end of November, beginning of December.

You don't mention how many days you are thinking of staying, but it doesn't sound like very much. If you are planning on being there for Thanksgiving itself.....OUCH!! It is extremely busy in the parks and lines for rides are very long. If you are planning on eating Thanksgiving dinner at WDW, plan ahead and be reading to call at the 90 day window to make reservations. The popular places can fill up the first day. The days leading up to Thanksgiving get increasingly busy. Crowds are still an issue on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving and start to decrease on Sunday. The week after Thanksgiving is heaven.

There are many things going on during that time.....Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, The Osborne Lights at Hollywood Studios, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, the resorts have wonderful decorations (must sees at some of the deluxe resorts).

One question...when you refer to AK are you referring to the park or the resort. That will help us answer more questions for you.

 

[sassysasha]

 

[pepe of ohio]

I agree on picking the busy time, suggest you send for the video and start from there. More time on property makes the touring better, during a busy time, 4-5 nights are tough. We stay away from the holidays and book value season only, any resort 2 different times 2 different prices, times your length of stay is alot of extra money for the same thing, but if you must..........

 

[starwood]

 

[Disneydonnam]

Welcome to the Disboards.

 

[MarkinNM]

to the boards!!​

 

[MelanieC]

to the DIS!