Newbie Questions?

[Cynt]

I'm treating my 3 nieces (6, 12, and 14) and nephew (10) to a trip to WDW. They are clueless. I'm going to surprise them at Christmas. They had a tough 2005 and they deserve a vacation. Since I'm paying for everything, I'm trying to cut cost. I'm purchasing the package deal - Value resort, MYW tickets and dining. I've been to WDW once - 1997 SOG. Our vacation is planned for June 3-10, 2006. We’ll visit a park in the morning, hotel during the heat of the day to eat, swim and relax and then go back to the same park late afternoon/early evening. Visit 3 parks two days and one park once. Let the kids decide which parks they want to visit a second time. Since I’ve been before I know there’s no way possible to do and see everything.

DECISIONS
1. Upgrade to moderate hotel, CSR vs. purchasing park hopper and/or water parks & more
These hotels have nice pool areas and slides. They've never been to WDW so they don't know anything about all the things that are available like Quest and the water parks. I'm sure they might see the water parks but I can explain to them we'll visit them next time because our tickets don't include the water parks. As long as they have a pool they'll be fine. The main parks will be crowded so visiting them two days will allow us time to do mostly everything.

2. Adding 6 yr old to pkg vs. buying her a separate ticket to the parks. 6 yo eats like a bird. Dining would be a big waste for her. I plan to go to one character breakfast and we can use one of our meal tickets for her. If I purchase the package for 5 can I ask that they not put dining on the package for the 6 yo?

3. Can I get a room for 4 and purchase the 6yo a 7 day park ticket when I arrive at the park?

4. Is there a gatekeeper at the pool and water slides at CSR?

5. Has anyone brought an extra child and they were not included in your package? How did things work out? What did you do?

I've been lurking for about a month. I'm a big time cruiser and you guys/gals are as crazy about WDW as we are about cruises.

 

[webray]

Wow...you and 4 kids in a value resort..don't think that will work.

Double beds, ugh, spells nightmare to me. When our kids were that young (three of them), we used to reserve the cabins at fort wilderness, they are excellent..and a good price. The kids have their own bedroom. There, well back then anyway, was a double bed and a set of bunkbeds in the bedroom, and then the murphy bed couch in living room. Kids went to bed at night, no problem, you can have some privacy in the evenings to wind down as well. The cabins sleep six, so that fits the five of you. Although two of the kids would still have to share a bed..better than trying to fit all four of them and you into two beds.

Disney is very expensive, dining plan or not...a small cramped crowded room makes for a very long vacation, especially with kids.

 

[tone.def]

Welcome to the Dis!!!

First off, as there are 5 of you - you cannot be in a Value resort unless to get 2 rooms. I understand wanting to cut costs, but it is a Fire Safety issue and there are only 2 double beds per room - they do not have cots at the Value resorts. You will have to upgrade to the Port Orleans moderate resort to accommodate 5 in one room. The Coronado Springs cannot accommodate you either unless you went for a suite. You can be tossed from your resort if caught. You don't want to chance that do you?

When you purchase a package, everyone on one reservation must be on the same package - therefore you can't all have different tickets and packages. The child's dining plan is $10 per night (I think it goes up for 2006 to $12???)

To warn you - on the DIS, dishonesty at a resort (bringing an extra person) is a big hot issue and I recommend that you put on your flame suit if you intend on doing this.

 

[Cynt]

Thanks for the quick reply.

Basically, I don't know what to do.

I priced and was set for two connecting Value rooms but the more I thought about the 6 yo and how she doesn't eat, I thought it would be a BIG waste of money. What are your thoughts about her? Should I just get the 2 value rooms, MYW plus dining and forget about her not eating but have some peace of mind w/ two rooms?

Also, if I purchase two rooms how do you get them to be connected if you purchase online? Do I have to call WDW to purchase connecting rooms because I don't see anything on the website to connect the two reservations?

 

[Cynt]

ToneDef, I don't want to be dishonest or anything like that. I was just trying to save money on the 6 yo not eating and wasting her dining tickets. If nothing else I'm sure the other kids will eat up her dining tickets. LOL!!!

OK, but what do you think about not including the water park and upgrading hotels? Two rooms at CSR or CBR?

 

[byoung]

Check into renting Dvc points and staying at OKW. POR will allow 5 in a room.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Last time I checked, if you're on a package, everyone in the same room has to be on the same package. If she doesn't eat much, pay out of pocket for her meals and use her credits for yourself or for the other kids, or use them to do a dinner show. As far as the resort goes, I think I would do POR since you can fit 5 in the room, and not have to worry about getting connecting rooms, although if they kids are under a certain age they guarantee the rooms connecting. To me it would be a hassle to deal with the package thing and two rooms. Hope you guys have a great time, you're a really nice aunt!

 

[rockin_rep]

First off, as there are 5 of you - you cannot be in a Value resort unless to get 2 rooms. I understand wanting to cut costs, but it is a Fire Safety issue and there are only 2 double beds per room - they do not have cots at the Value resorts.

Well.... All Star Movies had cots in '03!

We arrived to find a cot in our room! We had NOT requested it (we're a family of four). So i called to tell them it was there and they said they'd send someone up to remove it. We went to the park, came back, it was still there. So DS used it! It was very tight but fit in the angled window well area and in front of the door.

Next morning we called again. (we liked it but didn't really need it, we only have FOUR in our family --- AND we didn't want to pay for it!) Again, they said they'd remove it. Came back from the park, cot still there!

So DS used it again! We were only there five nights that year, used it all five nights, weren't charged a penny!

It was certainly a nice *fluke* for us (our two love having their own beds!) and apparently they ARE available.

To the original poster, how very wonderful of you to do this for your nieces and nephew! If you don't want to check into a cot at the values, then i would check out Port Orleans; the trundle bed would be perfect for the 6 y/o. Not as much Disney *magic* IMO but its just a room to sleep in since you'll be at the parks the majority of the time. Great pool slide, tho!

Hope you have the best time!!!

 

[Laurin612]

Wow, Cynt! I wish I had an aunt like you!

My husband, 7 year old daughter, 3 year old son and I are going to the CBR in December and booked the dining plan. You really can't beat $10 a day, considering that a Mickey Mouse ice cream bar at the parks costs $2.79!

We booked several character meals (which are either family style or buffet), so there would be lots of different kid-friendly food items to choose from. There are lots of great reviews here. And don't forget to check the "Dining" section.

Plus, in my experience, even the pickiest "eat like a bird" kids get FAMISHED after walking 5+ miles in a day at a theme park! My now 7 year old astounded me the last time we went to WDW with how much she could eat after walking around all day! And she was only 4 1/2 then!

I have a feeling you will be really glad you paid the extra $10 a day for a meal plan for your niece! Have a great time planning your trip!

 

[JennyDrake]

This is none-of-my-business and PLEASE do not take offense!!

I would encourage you to reconsider surprising the kids, espeically if they have never been to WDW. We took nieces and nephew 3 years ago ages 14, 16 & 18 and "surprised" them. It was a DISASTER. If you want teh full TR, let me know.

The kids were TOTALLY overwhelmed and had NO idea what they wanted to do. They were as enthused about staying in the hotel room and watching TV as in touring the parks. And no, these were a far cry from spoiled brats.

At the end of the day, we would have gotten the same results from the Local Motel 6 with a pool and a McDonald's across the road.

Had the kids been able to look at a guidebook or DVD in advance, they would have been very excited and looking forward toit, as well as having SOME idea as to what they wanted to do. All in all, while it was a great idea, it really wasn't fair to the kids......

 

[valandemmy]

if you think about the 10 or 12/day you would be paying even if the child doesnt eat alot, is still cheaper than you would pay for them eating inside the park. 2.50 snack, 6 or 8 bucks for a burger and fries (if not more) for your counter service, and 6 or 8 bucks for dinner more than covers the cost of the meal plan per day.

When we went in May, saved over 300.00 on the meal plan, with 3 of us.

I would go for 2 rooms and the meal plan, but thats just me.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I priced and was set for two connecting Value rooms but the more I thought about the 6 yo and how she doesn't eat, I thought it would be a BIG waste of money. What are your thoughts about her? Should I just get the 2 value rooms, MYW plus dining and forget about her not eating but have some peace of mind w/ two rooms?
Also, if I purchase two rooms how do you get them to be connected if you purchase online? Do I have to call WDW to purchase connecting rooms because I don't see anything on the website to connect the two reservations?

If it's just the five of you, i.e. no other adults, you can get connecting rooms guaranteed - and if you check in and are not given connecting room, first request then politely but firmly insist that you be assigned to such rooms.

As others have pointed out, each member of your party must be on the same plan - all on the Dining plan or none of you. AT THIS POINT, there is still no distinction between adult credits and child credits, so concievably you could do something like share each of your meals with her, then use the 'extra' table service credits for a signature (aka two-credit) dining experience. Although the dining plan IS just $10 per night for her.

Check into renting Dvc points and staying at OKW. POR will allow 5 in a room.

Good suggestion, but the problem is they'd need a two-bedroom DVC unit - both Studios and One-Bedrooms are restricted to four Guests each.


Cynt - after reading Jenny Drake's experience - do you mean this is going to be your Christmas present to your nieces and nephew? Or are you actually going to TAKE them then, with no warning? Maybe you could get them one or two Disney guidebooks as part of the gift you actually give on Christmas?

 

[bigmac5]

We just did two rooms at Values and I would do that again. Make sure you ask for connecting rooms. With your crew that will be guarrenteed. You will then get 4 beds and 2 bathrooms which will make your life much easier(did I mention 2 tv's?) If you do the two rooms bring double of your body wash, tooth paste etc--we didn't and we were running in between rooms looking for that stuff. I think it worked out to about $125 more(for the week) for two rooms over going to POR but you get a lot more room.

 

[MEK]

Cynt -

The very first thing I would do, if I were you, would be to get a second adult to go on the trip. Obviously, someone who is willing to pay for themselves. It is hard enough for a parent to take 2 children to WDW by themselves, let alone an aunt to take 4 kids. The 6 year may not want to do everything the older kids do and vice versa. I would try really hard to get one more adult to go with you.

If you can get a second adult - I would go with 2 rooms at a value resort. Even without a second adult, you will need 2 rooms at a value. If it is just you and the kids and you want to save the most money, go with the trundle bedrooms at POR (sleep 5). You will also have a fridge free of charge and a coffee maker (because you are going to need it). Bring your own coffee from home, because that is the only quiet time you will have. The other nice thing about the mod resort is that there is a changing curtain. There will be some privacy.

As far as the meal plan is concerned - I would add the 6 year old. You can use her credits for other meals (like breakfast). As someone else mentioned, you may also try a dinner show. 5 meals at lunch will be too much for all of you. You will probably only need 3 or 4 lunches. Save the extra credits for breakfast. Just get the meal plan since it will simplify things. Make PS for your table service resturants and pick places you think all the kids will like.

Again, to keep it simple I would do the one park a day option. I can't imagine supervising 4 kids at a water park. Don't do it. Stick with the parks. Plan your PS for the park you will be in that day. Go home in the afternoon for a swim and back to that park at dinner time. Try O'hana's as one of your PS. You can take the bus to MK and then the monorail to O'hanas. You can watch the fireworks from the beach.

It is probably best not to surprise the kids on the day of the trip. Surprise them in advance but give them time to prepare. Just remember that a 6 year old will not have the same stamina as the older kids. Her feet will get tired and she may not want to walk by the end of the day.

You are really generous to plan this trip, but I can't emphasize enough how I would try to get more adult help.
Have a great time.

________________________________________________
Max is my favorite cat! aw:

 

[Cynt]

Thanks to everyone for your words of wisdom. I really appreciate it.

I'm working on getting another adult to go with me. No one has committed yet to going with us. That was my original plan but with no commitments as of today I'm getting ideas from you great folks on what I should do. I totally agree another adult would do a world of good.

I will either go w/ POR room for five or 2 value rooms. Thanks for your strong suggestions on this. LOL!! I hear you loud and clear. I will get meal plans for everyone and book everyone on the reservation. I don't want to get kicked out of WDW.

Clarification - I'm surprising the kids at Christmas 2005 by letting them know I've booked a vacation for them to go to WDW in June 2006. I have brochures and the DVD to show them. I'm sure the older kids will be on the internet trying to learn everything once I surprise them. I asked them a couple of weeks ago if they could go on vacation where would they go? My oldest(14) and youngest(6) niece said Disney World. My nephew said the Bahamas. My 12 yo niece didn't know. So WDW here we come. I thought they might say a cruise but when I asked them what about a cruise they all wanted to go to WDW. So yes, they will help me plan what they want to do each day. I thought I would let each one pick a park and for that day it's their day and we all have to do what they want to do for that day. I know WDW is huge and there's no way we can see and do everything. So we're going to take it one day at a time and try and enjoy the four main parks as well as relax and enjoy one another. This vacation isn't about going to every park and riding every ride. It's more about creating lasting memories that they'll never forget. I want them to experience being a kid. If they want to eat pizza all day and play in the pool and not go to the park, we'll pack the sunscreen, take our bag of snacks and I'll take a good book and we'll park it at the pool for the day.

I'm looking into the PS dining. I didn't know about this last time I went to WDW. So I'm trying to find maybe two or three we can attend. The other five nights we'll probably be in the parks. I'm still researching this and I want the kids to select which ones they would like to attend.

O, JennyDrake, I totally understand about Motel 6, pool and McDonalds. This would satisfy them as well. But they're such great kids, this is my gift to them for being such troopers during a difficult time.

Once again, I really appreciate your help. I am so excited. The hardest part is keeping it a secret from them until Christmas.

 

[bigmac5]

You are so wonderful. I know you will have a magical time.

 

[metsno1]

Just returned from All Star Movies for five nights. Our party had originally requested 3 rooms-2 adjoining, and one next door. When we got there, we had been assigned non-adjoining rooms, which wasn't OK for our party. Went to the front desk, and they offered to allow us to stay five in a room with a cot, eliminating one of the rooms we had booked. We told them that when we booked our reservation, we were told that wasn't allowed. She said that it is, in fact, allowed, and that she's constantly having trouble with Disney Travel giving people incorrect information on that, often forcing people into booking two rooms when all they needed was one. Oh well, saved us $500.

Just our personal, first hand experience...

But my opinion-go to POR. Movies was great, but I don't think I'd go back with more than two people in the party. Just too small and cramped.

Either way, have a great trip! Oh yeah, and don't throw out the idea of the water parks. With kids that age, you might find that they enjoy TL or BB as much or more than any of the other parks! My 8 year old said TL was her favorite place in WDW!!!

 

[bigmac5]

That is so confusing since the WDW website says max, 4 people in values. I thought it was a fire regulation or something like that.

 

[Barb D]

We're a family of five, and went back and forth between two rooms at the All Stars and one room at Port Orleans Riverside. DH finally made the decision to go with POR because for our stay (5 nights at Spring Break) it will save us $300. The pool is better there than at the All Stars, too.

There are refrigerators in the rooms, so we'll have breakfast there to save some money, and eat mostly counter service for lunch and dinner to save more.

 

[Nancyg56]

How nice of you! I know that you will have such a magical vacation as you enjoy your nieces and nephew enjoying their trip. Have a great time planning with them!