Our FIRST Family Trip to Disney!

[suntan]

So, where to stay?? We are 32yo and have a 18month old son. We want somewhere with nice pools that have something for my toddler to do. We also would like something a bit more upscale and we need a kitchen to do our own cooking since my toddler has multiple food allergies. Also, I would like it to have easy trasportation to or be close the AK and Downtown Disney.

Thanks!! I am new to this Board!!! So glad I found it.

 

[RMulieri]

Then you might want to check renting points from a DVC member on a 1br villa, at one of the DVC resorts.

 

[MainStreetFireman]

since you absolutely need a kitchen, it does sound like a "home away from home" is your best bet. For transportation, AK does have its own line of buses. So, you may want to investigate the AKV. Sounds like a good fit.

 

[ElizabethB]

I agree that a one-bedroom villa would fit your needs well. They feature a living room with sofa bed (a pretty comfortable one), full kitchen, washer/dryer, separate bedroom with king-size bed and a dual-style bathroom with vanity and jacuzzi tub in one area and shower, toilet and another sink in an adjacent area.

I agree Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas would fit your needs. It is the closest property to AK, but considerably farther away from Magic Kingdom. Note also that AKLV is not close enough to AK to walk. You must take a bus or drive.

Another possibility is Wilderness Lodge Villas. They have boat transportation to the Magic Kingdom, which would be convenient with your toddler. Also, Saratoga Springs Resort and Old Key West resorts are close to DownTown Disney and have boat transportation to and from there. There is no resort that is close to both Animal Kingdom and DownTown Disney -- they are pretty much at opposite ends of the WDW property, which is huge.

Finally, if you and your DH want good restaurant options, you might also consider the villa properties near Epcot -- Boardwalk Villas and Beach Club Villas. There are more restaurants within easy walking distance in the Boardwalk/Beach Club area than anywhere else -- considerably more options than at DownTown Disney.

You can rent points from a Disney Vacation Club member for a stay in a one-bedroom villa. Or you can book directly with Disney reservations. We book directly because if you stay on a point rental, you don't get daily maid service or turn down service (just every few days), the point requirements skyrocket on the weekends, we don't like turning a couple of thousand dollars over to a stranger, and stays booked with WDW reservations are much easier to cancel than a stay on rented points.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[suntan]

Thanks!! Off to do some planning!! Now where to start :/

 

[raider97]

When and if you decide to make reservations (ADR) at any of the TS resturants tell the CM you talk to all of your DC's allergies. We went last April and my DD has egg, milk, and peanut allergies. We told each CM we talked to when we were making our reservations and they noted on our reservation. They also gave us a number to call the resturant itself and talk to the chef themselves the day before and when we arrived at the resturant the chef came out and told us what was safe and what to avoid. Several times they also made us special items that weren't on the menu or buffet especially for my DD. They were very helpful and made dining a breeze. We were on the dining plan and had a TS once a day without any problems. HTH!!

 

[DisneyMim]

Everyone gave you great advice. I too think a DVC resort would work for you. I just love when I hear about people going for the first time with their kids!! You will all love it!! My family has been going forever and we started when our kids were little.

I hope you all have a wonderful time and this will be the first of many many Disney vacations!!!

 

[twinnersmama]

We are heading to WDW for the first time in April with my 4 y/o twins who also have food allergies. Contact this lady Brenda.bennett@disney.com --- she handles the special dietary needs. She can send you lists of places that you can get snacks or other foods that will be safe for your child. Also, the table service restaurants will help you determine what is safe for your child as well.