Newbie Planning Families First Disney World Trip

[MeeskaMooshka]

Hello!!

I am planning our first family trip to THE WORLD! My DH and 2 1/2 lil man have never been, I have been over 15 times just not recently (it's been about 9 years!!!!). Also, I have never plalnned my own trip.

I am hoping to get some ideas on where to stay and eat, etc.

I already posted once but thought I should come back and intro. myself.

We are currently in South Florida. Just moved from NY about 9 months ago.

Can't wait to start posting and getting to know you all!

 

[jenn22]

I decided it was time for my family, daughter (5), son (1) and my husband, to go to Disney. I have been several times with my parents but have never planned a trip on my own. I didn't realize how much thought and planning went into it all. Feeling a little overwhelmed but excited to plan a great vacation. I can't decide where to stay either. Is it worth the extra money to stay at a Disney Resort???????????? I guess that is the question I am trying to answer now!

 

[luckymom4]

I have been to DW several times, but the last was twelve years ago. I now have three children who have never been (and dd 15 who has been four times). DH and I are taking the younger ones to DW for MNSSHP this year on Halloween. We will be staying at the All Star Music Resort. We're also going to Hollywood Studios on the 30th. I have gotten some GREAT tips from DIS boards. We are all so excited! New questions arise every day, but usually if I bounce around on here I find that my question has already been asked and answered.

 

[MeeskaMooshka]

I decided it was time for my family, daughter (5), son (1) and my husband, to go to Disney. I have been several times with my parents but have never planned a trip on my own. I didn't realize how much thought and planning went into it all. Feeling a little overwhelmed but excited to plan a great vacation. I can't decide where to stay either. Is it worth the extra money to stay at a Disney Resort???????????? I guess that is the question I am trying to answer now!

If I knew my parents worked so hard to plan this, OMG!! It is crazy! It has become my new hobby, finding the perfect resort and deal etc. I defin. think it is better to stay at a Disney Resorts. The extra perks are worth it. Good luck! I know i need it!

 

[mooneyda]

Welcome you came to the right place to find info on planning I us ethis place all the time for planning example recoomendations for places to eat. I love it here

 

[Metro West]

 

[Aliceacc]

HI and welcome to both of you!

I spent a full year planning last year's trip-- our first in 19 years and our first with kids. (I know a year is a bit much, but it was a great escape from some medical issues.)

To answer your question, YES, I think it's well worth the money to stay on site. Aside from the fact that you don't have to rent a car, you also get some other perks-- like EMH priveledges. (In a nutshell: a different park opens early or late each day, for the use of the on-site guests.) Throw in Magical Express (free bus service to and from the airport) and the ability to have packages sent back to your resort free of charge, and I think it's a great deal. It also gives you access to the Meal Plan, which I absolutely adore!


OK, some basics:
- If you want to get it together RIGHT AWAY (As in, this week or so) you can still get in on the free dining promo. For dates from August 16- October 3, you can get the dining plan for free with a regular priced room. I'm guessing the less expensive rooms are already gone, and I think rooms need to be booked by the 24th, but it's still a great deal if you were thinking of this summer.

Aside from that, decide on a budget, and look at the accomodations fact sheets at www.allears.net . It will give you a good idea of the various resorts.

Next, consider time of year. Holiday times (CHristmas week, Easter/ Spring Break...) tend to be the busiest. As teachers, we go in the summer, no questions asked.

Why not start there, and then see where it leads you.

 

[MarkinNM]

 

[jenn22]

I know...this is my new hobby. My husband is a little sick of hearing about everything already, but he humors me. I think he is starting to get a little excited.

We decided to stay at the All Star Music in a family suite.

Super excited!

 

[MeeskaMooshka]

I know...this is my new hobby. My husband is a little sick of hearing about everything already, but he humors me. I think he is starting to get a little excited.

We decided to stay at the All Star Music in a family suite.

Super excited!

My husband is so sick of it! If i find a "window of disney" I take it! If he lets me talk about it for more than a minute with out rolling his eyes or changing the subject, i am unstopable! If he gives a disney inch, I take a mile! LOL

I am super excited too!!!

 

[kayd1966]

Our trip is finally booked...now I have to wait! The kids are super excited, I'm excited...I think my hubby is DREADING it!

 

[defendthehill]

We just came back from our first trip to Disney. We are a family of 5 with three girls ages 7,5,3. I am posting a link to my trip report. You can read how we conquered The World.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2201376

 

[disney*mom*82]

We love Disney and I take pride in always planning our trip. I LOVE planning, and as many fellow disers I may plan a little more than the typical person may think is necessary, but I can guarantee that my family always has a great time and we always have what we want and need and never miss anything that we wanted to see/do/eat/etc.

I am a SAHM and would be willing to offer anyone who needs it some tips/advice/help plan if ever needed. But, if you are new...you have found a world of information about Disney here, this place is great.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Take it from a Disney veteran, 42 trips and counting, nothing beats staying on property. As the others have said, being immersed in the magic, 24/7 makes you feel and believe in the Disney touch. Few tips of ours, go during value seasons, pursue discounts, AAA or Annual Pass, and make the trip as long as you can. We really enjoy Wilderness Lodge, get the free planning video and check out all the resorts, location, location and location to where you'll be spending the most time and WL is one of the cheapest deluxes on property and a boat ride from the MK. The longer you stay, the cheaper the tickets and the more leisurely your pace will be and above all, do some reading of some guide books and become familiar with the layout of the parks and resorts, knowing where you're going, where you're at it of utmost importance, we always like Birbaums for an over all view. Just remember, it's a vacation, not a challenge or race, enjoy the resort and take it easy and enjoy yourself.