Ok...so what's new since Sept 2004?!?!?!

[Tink78]

Hello,
I am starting to think about our next trip to WDW (the first time with our own kids ).
We are (hopefully) going back in Oct/Nov 2013, so just over 2 years time (we want to wait until DS is almost three - hence the looooong wait!).
Just wondering what's new since we were last there on our honeymoon, almost 7 years ago.
Not so much rides and restaurants etc. but need some info on ticket types that are available - Disney and Universal etc. (if they have changed), travelling to US (has anything changed?), and that kind of stuff.
Also, any tips on travelling with 2 boys (they will be almost 6 and almost 3)?
Good places to stay (we have always stayed on WDW before, but are considering a villa and car this time so we have more facilities for the kids.
Thanks

 

[k8Davies]

The FLE will be open by then which will be fantastic epecially for DS.

The major change is the ESTA, you need to make sure you have these done as they will no longer let you fill in a Visa Waiver on the plane.

Tickets have stayed relatively similar as I got a hopper pass on my last five trips and a Universal two day hopper pass also.

Villa's are great places to stay as you can load up the fridge with Drinks and Snacks for the Kids (and something a bit stronger for the adults). Also they are all detached so the kids can run about playing and shouting without you worrying about the people next door, or in a hotel below you

But you'll have loads to see and do, also half the fun is the planning

 

[Tink78]

What's the FLE?

 

[Tink78]

Anyone else got any tips for me?

 

[Lisa x]

FLE = Fantasyland Expansion! Have a little look at this video, explains what its all about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08W5Os-Wnj0

As mentioned above, the ESTA is a new thing since you were last there which you will need to purchase prior to your trip.

Tickets wise, when going for 2 weeks, we always opt for the 14 Day Disney Ultimate Ticket which you can use for all of the Disney parks and you can also hop as much as you like with it which is nice if you want to take a midday/ early afternoon break! For tickets, your best bet is to decide on the parks that you want to visit and whether you will be hopping etc and then post the details and you will probably get more specific ideas!

Villa....if you are wanting to be as close to Disney as possible, I like the 192 location, cant think of loads of names of villa sites but just to name a few good ones close to the parks; Emerald Isle, Formosa Gardens, Windsor Hills (Have only done villas 3 times so I am sure someone else will be along to help on that one!).......My favourite villa place has been Formosa Gardens, still within walking distance to restaurants/bars so dont always need the car and its that close to Disney that you can see the top of Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom from the entrance to the complex


Hope this helps so far.......

 

[Tink78]

Ooh...looks amazing. Thanks!
How much is an ESTA?
Formosa Gardens sounds like a great place to stay, will check it out.
Thanks.

 

[Lisa x]

This thread will tell you everything that you need to know about ESTA:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2282558

Emerald Isle is right opposite Formosa Gardens so is another good one! Windsor Hills, I havent stayed there but I did visit there when I was looking to buy a villa and absolutely loved this location too!

I agree, the new Fantasyland looks amazing....cant wait to visit when it is open!

 

[Tink78]

Thanks for the link regarding Esta's but it doesn't say how much they are. Anyone know?

 

[Lisa x]

I believe it is $14 per person! Thats what Martin Lewis the money saving expert said anyway!!

 

[Tink78]

Oh, that's ok. I was worried it was gonna be £50 each or something. Phew!

 

[Invisable89]

I haven't been since 2004 either!

I'm the other way though! I'm desperate to stay in WDW Hotel as i've always stayed off-site in villas.

I've stayed in Indian Creek (over the road to Formosa Gardens) & Sunset Lakes many times - both very close to WDW!

Have a look on this website if you haven't already, http://www.orlandovillas.com there's plenty of villas to choose from! Here on the same website is a map with the locations off all the villa estates, http://www.orlandovillas.com/Map.aspx

My party are planning on going back in 2013 when the new Fantasyland Expansion is completed!