Newbie :)

[Butterfly_Princess88]

Hello!

My family and I are planning our first Disney vacation. It's probably a once in a life time thing for us, as my parents are a bit older (46 and 50) and all us kids range in ages between 21 to 27.
None of us have ever been outside of out home province before so this is a huge deal for us.

We're planning an early October trip, and I've been designated the trip planner, lol.

I found this site and decided to join up in hopes of getting tips from experienced Disney Goers and maximizing our bang for our buck, lol.

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!!!

Let's start with the basics: are you CAA members? They provide a discount that can save you some money. http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#AAA
Next, sign up for the free planning DVD-- you want to get your name into their computer, in the hopes that they'll send you one of the elusive PIN codes. (They're pretty random, but can save you big bucks.) Likewise, go to the reservations site and play with options without actually booking anything... just price things out. It can't hurt to let Disney know they have a potential new customer.

Second: How many of "all us kids" are you? It sounds like a family at least as big as mine. So some food for thought:
- look into the family suites at All Star Music.
- Port Orleans Riverside (a Moderate) does have trundle beds, but my 14 year old son is too tall for it. So I suspect it's not a good choice for your family, unless of course you want 2 rooms.
- If you are a family of 5, take a look at the Deluxe resorts. Many have a daybed-- it's sized as a regular Twin bed.

Take a look at the meal plan. We LOVE the regular meal plan: one counter service meal, one sit down meal, and one "snack" (translation: bagel in the morning) for about $48 per adult. We've had some wonderful meals at Disney, thanks to that meal plan!

Have fun!

 

[Metro West]

 

[Butterfly_Princess88]

We're quiet a big family, lol.
In total there's 7 of us going. We're a recently joined family, my Mom and Step Dad are getting married just before we go to Disney World.

So it's his three kids (plus his daughters boyfriend), and then me.

 

[Mrs. Sojourner]

Have fun planning! And, you will get very helpful tips and advice.

 

[Aliceacc]

We're quiet a big family, lol.
In total there's 7 of us going. We're a recently joined family, my Mom and Step Dad are getting married just before we go to Disney World.

So it's his three kids (plus his daughters boyfriend), and then me.

How wonderful!

OK, so you're looking at a couple of rooms. And it's likely that you're at least as interested in EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom as the Magic Kingdom.

Why not start by taking a look here: http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/propertymap.htm It will show you which resorts are closest to which parks. Once you have an idea of your budget, that should narrow down the search considerably.

Friends of ours stayed at Port Orleans Riverside a few years ago (a Moderate) and they loved it! Plus it strikes me as having a romantic atmosphere-- something the newlyweds might enjoy. Likewise, my brother in law and his family always stay at Carribean Beach-- another moderate--and love it.

 

[rocknspots]

WELCOME!

You can learn so much from the DIS. Sit back and enjoy the ride!