Newbie here planning first ever trip to WDW

[Melli2077]

Hello everyone. I'm new here and attempting to plan a first ever trip to WDW. Please bear with me, because I know very little about the lingo used for various things in the boards. A little background first.... My husband has been to WDW before, when he was two. I've never been at all. Heck until this past summer I had never even been to Florida, and I live in South Mississippi!!!! Anyway, we're planning on going to WDW in October 2004. We will be taking our 3 year old son, and possibly our 7 year old niece. We are planning to stay at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds in our RV (a truck camper, commonly known as "piggyback" camper). We're getting the 4 day parkhopper for all of us, and are opting for the basic dreammaker package. Any suggestions that anyone may have for us on anything will be welcome. The things I know I have questions about are....
*What are codes, where do you find them (I've read over a few forums and seen that Mousesavers.com has them), and how exactly are they used?
*I keep reading about prince and princess add ons for packages. What are these, what benifits do they give, and how much are they?
Really I'm looking for information in general. Thank you for your time.

Melissa

 

[nana2tots]

A WARM WELCOME!!!!!! Just my thoughts, but w/ this being your first trip, make sure you stay on site. that way you have free transportation to and from parks. it is nice not have to drive.There are plenty of wonderful people here to help you out w/ all your needs. Just wanted to say HI! and Welcome!!!!!!! disneykid

 

[edcrbnsoul]

Welcome to the boards first off, You have probably already found the Camping boards but here is a link just in case.

http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=24

The discounts codes can be used when you call Central Reservation Office(CRO) and are usually released a few months before the travel dates it becomes a waiting game on the boards and if you watch them you'll know when the next set is coming out. There are different types of codes some can be used by anyone, some only for Florida Residents,some for annual pass holders ect ect. Read through this web page:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/index.htm
mousesavers.com and allearsnet.com are just a few of the pages with good information!

 

[my3princes]

Fort Wilderness is the best campground that we have ever camped at and I have been camping for 30+ yrs. The transportation is easy and fairly reliable. Take the ferry from the Marina to get the the MK, quick and easy. Buses will take you everywhere else. The only promo code that would be available at this time for your dates would be AAA. You can lock into that rate now then watch these boards for other rates that may come available. You can change your codes for existing ressies. Check out the camping board and also www.disneycamping.com. If you camp on a regular basis you probably already have the equipment that you need. Bring your stoller for your 3 yr old. There is a lot of walking and waiting outside of the parks and holding a sleeping or tired child isn't fun. You don't even have to colapse the stroller on the monorail or ferry.

 

[my3princes]

sorry the web address is www.disneycampers.com.

 

[MELSMICE]

What does your package include? Before booking a package you may want to consider doing things ala carte. Ala carte can usually save you some money. How long will you be staying in WDW?

You will love FW. There is so much to do there. You can rent bikes, boats, there are playgrounds & loads of other things to do. The pools are not themed but are nice to relax at. There is also a petting zoo near Pioneer Hall.

Also - WELCOME TO THE BOARDS!!!

 

[sharon78]

Hi welcome to Dis

Try the 'Abbreviatons' First time visitors forum lots of tips there.

Also if you want a countdown go to technical support



Enjoy the planning it's all part of the fun

 

[Melli2077]

Hey y'all....

Just an update. I talked to WDW reservations to a WONDERFUL lady named Julia Renea... so if you can request a person to help you, I recommend her. She's so nice, and has really great ideas, and will happily answer any question no matter how silly it might be...she'll even track down the answer even if she doesn't know it. She doesn't rush you, she helps you figure out just the reservations you need, and she even called me back when we got disconnected. Anyway, she suggested even though we may not know exactly what we wanted (in terms of tickets and package add ons), that I go on and book the campground now, cause she said that time of year they book up quickly. So we got what I consider a good price, she's got the slot on hold for me right now... I'll be calling back in a few days after we lock down the dates we want to go to put down the deposit!!! I'll be getting my countdown then. I'M SO EXCITED!!!! BTW quick question. I want to get a good souviner (spelling?) for my nieces and nephew while I'm there... any ideas? I was thinking the Mickey and Minnie ear hats, I know there are a couple of different versions of them, but I don't know prices. I also read something about one type that can be personalized for free? Any info and prices on them that anyone has would be appreciated.

 

[MomE@Home]

Welcome !

The Chapeau on Main Street at the MK has all kinds of hats. I paid $6.36 (2002 price) for pink Minnie Mouse ears (infant size) for my DD. The name was included in the price(I don't remember if it was free or not).