Planning 2004 WDW Trip

[Lisacope]

Hi All,

We are planning our first WDW trip and I was hoping y'all could help me with choices!

First off, it will be me, my DH, my 4 yr old, my 11 yr old, and my mom. We are thinking of going around June 20th for 7 nights. Is this a good time of year to go? Will the parks be horribly crowded?

I would like to choose from one of the deluxe resorts, and am leaning towards AKL (DH's first choice), the poly (My 1st choice), the WL (but we already live in the Pac NW!!) and the Contemporary Resort. We would like to have a suite type room or two adjoining rooms (the deluxe room at the WL looks interesting.) What would be the best choice?

Also, are the "packages" a good idea? Of course we would want tickets for every day but are the add-ons of the gold and silver packages a good value? We don't have any golfers!

 

[AZKathy]

Welcome to the DIS!!!!

We have gone in June for three years. We have found the crowds increasing a lot at that time period because all the schools are out at the time. Seems that from Father's Day and beyond, the crowds are heavier. Take advantage of Fast Pass and enights to do the big stuff at MK, breaks by the pools in the heat of the afternoon, and get there when the parks open, you could do fine. You could do Extra Magic Hour especially at MK to do Fantasyland for your 4 year old before the crowds get too much.

I can't say from personal staying at the hotels you are interested in, but from visiting all of them during our stays, I prefer the Poly, myself. I like the idea of being on the monorail for convenience to MK and Epcot. I also love the atmosphere at the Poly.

Don't forget to include some character meals for you 4 year old to have good interactions with the characters; she would probably love one of the Princess breakfasts!!!!

 

[yecats]

Hi and welcome to the Dis!

I never go to WDW in June due (mostly because the kids are out of school and the heat and humidity). However, as you have very few choices because of the kids, I think that June is the better of the months to go. July and August are the hottest of all the months there and not to mention (more rain falls during those months and you are more likely to have tropical storms and hurricanes the closer you go to August).

As for the packages, I really can't give any advice as I have never done the package add ons. However, from reading these boards this year, the Fairytale Package seemed to be a big crowd go getter and made the parks a bit more crowded. If you go in June, definately wait to see what type of packages will be released next year and if another FTP comes out, grab it as it was really a great deal this year.

I also have not been fortunate enough to stay at one of the more expensive deluxes but have toured all of them more than once. My two faves are AKL and Poly (both of which may have the 5th daybed in them if you request and are willing to pay more for the room). I love WL but understand why you don't want to stay there ( I live in New Orleans and work in the French Quarter all day and will never stay at Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter for the same reason). Drawback to AKL is that it is only close to AK. It is a beautiful resort though, huge pool and play area for your kids and of course viewing the animals at any hour. If you can afford it, stay at the Poly. It is convenient to both MK and Epcot (no busses needed only the monorail for those parks) and the kids will love that pool area as well.

Just one last thought, you may want to look into renting a 2 bedroom villa from a DVC owner. It is cheaper to stay in them from Sun through Thursday. You can check out on the last few days of your trip (or vice versa if arriving the first weekend) and stay at a different hotel for your last night or two. With a 2 br villa, you would get your own room, your mom can have her own room and the kids could sleep on the couch/bed in the living room. Additionally, you would have a kitchen (eat breakfast, snacks and drinks in refrigerator )and a washer and dryer (lot less packing - throw those clothes in and do a load every 3 days).
Just providing a few more options. Have fun planning.

 

[jordanyosh]

Choosing a resort is really a matter of personal preference. Everyone has their personal favorite and they can always make a good case for their favorite.

Hopefully, folks will give you their opinions and you will be able to blend that with what your family is looking for and make a decision. There are so many WDW websites that have in depth profiles/pics of all the WDW onsite resorts that you should be able to get some good info on each resort.....this site and www.wdwig.com are two of the best for resort info, as well as the official WDW site, www.disneyworld.com.

My personal favorite is the Boardwalk resort. Mostly for it's proximity to Epcot and MGM, both within walking distance or short trip by boat. The resort has several restaurants and many more to choose from at the Swan/Dolphin or Yacht/Beach Club. Luna Park pool is fun for both adults and kids with a nice waterslide. The Boardwalk has sidewalk entertainment Fri/Sat nights and there are different activities for all members of your family to enjoy.

If you must go in June, then by all means have a great time. Just to a little planning before you go. In the coming months, continue to do your homework and ask questions here and you should have a great (and even a bit relaxing) vacation even if it is crowded.

Buying either the Gold/Silver Package is supposed to create that all inclusive feel where you pay up front and then don't have to worry about anything when you get to WDW. What happens though is that you end up trying to decide how to use your wishes with the Silver Package or try and get your money's worth with the Gold Package. Not that much different than planning your own budget and fitting activities/meals to fit your budget--and do it for less than a package. If you were to take full advantage of everything offered in the Gold Package, you would more than recover the costs you paid up front. It would be very hard to do that. Again, this is my opinion. I am sure folks have had great success with packages....

Welcome to this site.

 

[Alexandra]

Hi there Lisacope,

My husband and 91/2 year old son will be going the last week of May 2004. We have been 2 times before, when I was 5 months pregnant and then with our 5 yr old son. Our 1st trip we stayed off site and our 2nd was with family and we stayed at shades of green which was very nice. This trip we are staying at All Star Movies 5 nights and our last a splurge for us will be at AKL and we are very excited. When David was 5 we did the character breakfast at the Poly and he loved it and so did we, I would highly recommend this for your 4 old daughter. I don't know if you can go in May but it has been nice, low crowds and nice weather. Our son will just be finishing 3rd grade and we will be pulling him out of school his last week to go, the way we look at it it is only 3rd grade and they don't really do anything the last week anyway. I don't like crowds and I don't like heat and cranky kids myself included with the cranky kids. As long as I can swing it we will always go in May. It will be interesting to see how the crowds are this last week compared to the 1st 2 weeks when we have gone in the past.