Newbie Here!

[RhylansMom]

Ahhh I don't even know where to start! This will be our 1st family trip to Disney World. I fill like my mind is about to exploded, and i don't even know where to start!
I thought about going to a travel agent so that i could plan a huge trip, and just be able to pay it off bit by bit. I wish that we had the money to pay all up front, but in this economy we just don't.
We have a 3yr old boy so we are wondering what park would be best for him, dinner, activities and what not. Even to what resort to stay on the park would be
Or we dont even know if the disney cruise would be better?
I know i have a lot of reading to do, but we all have to start somewhere!
Thanks again!

 

[Metro West]

 

[lovetoscrap]

I see you are from NC-- are you looking to go to Disneyland (in California) or Walt Disney World (in Florida)? They are distinctly different as is the planning needed for each one.


If you are interested in Disneyland then start with our Disneyland forums and our wdwinfo Disneyland information http://www.wdwinfo.com/disneyland/

If you are going to WDW then we have several forms here to help you-- start with the Resorts board, then take a look at your Dining options on the Restaurants board, and our Theme Parks and Tips board. Click on the link at the top of the page for wdwinfo.com and spend time reading all the information we have there-- it is the best way to really get yourself familiar with everything before you start asking questions.

We also have Disney Cruise Forums and wdwinfo information on the cruises. I will warn you that Disney Cruises are quite expensive--well worth the expense and a great experience but the parks are usually a better value.

A travel agent can be very helpful in making your decision and help lead you in the best direction-- just make sure you find one that specializes in Disney or has lots of Disney experience. Many travel agents will sell Disney, but really have no clue about all the little details that you need your travel agent to help you with.

Do some reading and ask some questions and let us know if there is anything we can help with!

 

[Flanigan]

I too was wondering Disney World, or Disneyland because of your location... It may seem petty at the moment, but as the previous poster said, it makes a big difference.

 

[Disneydonnam]

Welcome to the Disboards.

 

[Disn3y]

Welcome to the DIS! Enjoy your first family trip! Your son will love it..

 

[RhylansMom]

Sorry guys lol

I meant disney world :]

Thanks for the tips :]

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

Magic Kingdom is so much fun! Our entire family ( me, hubby, son age 12 and daughter age 6) LOVES it. THe 2nd favorite kid park is Hollywood Studios bc of all the Playhouse Disney stuff....perfect for a 3 yr old.

On our first trip, we planned a simple hotel b/c we knew our focus would be parks. We spent less on hotels and spend our $ on the dining plan. That was a great choice bc we could spend all day in the parks and not have to travel back to the room to eat. Its a big place and it takes a while to get around so lots of time would have been wanted on trips to the hotel. Plus character dining is included with dining plan so it was super fun to dine w. our fav. characters.

Also we bought park hoppers for the first trip but did not use them much. It takes a full day to do a park if you have never been before. If you are gong to be there over 4 days, you will have a chance to re-visit your fav. park anyway. Allow 2 day s for Magic Kingdom if you can.

A few more first time trip tips:

-pack some cheap rain ponchos. Mickey sells them for $8.50...ouch!

-fast passes may only be available until noon or 2 pm. some of the best rides run out of fast passes. once we park hopped to epcot to get FP for Soaring to discover they were all out

- make your dining reservations asap

-arriving at the park 20 mins b4 it opens is fun bc the characters do a skit / dance thing to open the park and then you get in first and beat the crowds. You can get more done from 9 am to 11 am than the rest of the day during busy seasons...this is especially true for morning magic hours.

-Look over your maps for each park just enough so you have an idea where things are so you dont get over whelmed Its a big place and b4 I went I had no idea....

 

[Ericandjenng]

Ahhh I don't even know where to start! This will be our 1st family trip to Disney World. I fill like my mind is about to exploded, and i don't even know where to start!
I thought about going to a travel agent so that i could plan a huge trip, and just be able to pay it off bit by bit. I wish that we had the money to pay all up front, but in this economy we just don't.
We have a 3yr old boy so we are wondering what park would be best for him, dinner, activities and what not. Even to what resort to stay on the park would be
Or we dont even know if the disney cruise would be better?
I know i have a lot of reading to do, but we all have to start somewhere!
Thanks again!

Actually if you book directly from Disney, how you pay depends on what you book. If you book a room only, you pay the first night's $ as your deposit and the remainder is due upon check-in. If you book a package (ie. room, tickets and dining or any combo), you pay a deposit and the remainder is due either 45 or 60 days before your arrival date...sorry I can't remember which exactly. But when you make your reservations, they will tell you then when final payment is due and also mail you a hard copy of your ressie with all your info.

My son is now 6 but on his 4th trip to Disney he celebrated his 3rd b-day. From the start, we have taken him to all 4 parks and to both water parks starting with his 2nd trip. Each park has lots for him (and the adults) to do.

Also check out the Dining section here on the DISBoards to get an idea about restaurants that are available and their pricing. Another good site for lots of info about dining and everything else is Allears.net. Do try and allow for at least one character meal whether it's at one of the parks (ie. Crystal Palace with the Pooh Characters or Tusker House for the Breakfast Safari) or at one of the resorts (ie. Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary). One of my son's favorites has been Hollywood and Vine (DHS) for lunch--it has Playhouse Disney characters (JoJo and Goliath and Leo & June (Little Einsteins))

Good luck in your planning and welcome to the DISBoards!

 

[jckson]

Hi Everyone!!
I am New person who is just join this community.I am very happy to be here and have all other members.I hope that we will have frankly discussion and current information sharing regarding to related topics.I hope for a nice time in future.
I hope somebody would welcome me and Just say HI !!
Thanks,

 

[Ericandjenng]

Hi Everyone!!
I am New person who is just join this community.I am very happy to be here and have all other members.I hope that we will have frankly discussion and current information sharing regarding to related topics.I hope for a nice time in future.
I hope somebody would welcome me and Just say HI !!
Thanks,

Welcome and HI.....Why does your signature say "who cares?"