Planning a trip and have questions

[awywias]

Hi, everyone! My oldest daughter turns 5 in October and we are planning a trip as a birthday present for her. I have a few questions and thought I would ask the experts!

1. February vs April: I'm thinking either Feb 13-19 (Park days would be Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) or April 24-30 (Park days Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri); the only thing I'm worried about with February is the Texas weather when we leave. We're going to drive and it can either be sunny and 80 degrees or 20 and snowing lol. How is the weather in April? Looks like average temps are in the 80s. I get heat migraines, so just hoping it's not super hot and humid. Is one month better than the other?

2. Strollers- my youngest will be under 2, so I know we'll need a stroller for her. Thoughts on needing a stroller for the 5 yr old? Should I rent a double stroller? Are they hard to get around with in the parks? And I'm worried about her being too big. She's very tall for her age.

3. Magicbands- I haven't been to WDW since 2007, so I know nothing about them. Are they worth having for everyone?

4. Floridays vs Sheraton Vistana- we decided to stay off property because, with our party size, a 2-3 bedroom villa is more economical and we like having a full kitchen. Is one better than the other? They both look great to me.

5. Backpack vs fanny pack (do they still call them that?! )- I need suggestions for a little bag to take on rides for my wallet, etc when we have to leave the stroller parked. I've been trying to talk myself into a Kylo Ren Loungefly pre-order and this might just be my best excuse to get it! Lol. Or would y'all suggest something different.

5. Chef Mickey's vs Hollywood and Vine breakfast- I wanted to do a character dining meal. Is there one y'all like better than the other? Both my kids love Mickey and my oldest is always watching Disney Jr. I'm leaning more towards Chef Mickey's because we would get to ride the monorail and I haven't seen great reviews lately for the Disney Jr breakfast.

Thanks, guys!

 

[glocon]

I’ll try and answer some of those questions.
1- can’t opine on that one as have never been in February, but the one time we went in at the end of April there was a heatwave and the temps were in the 90s. You just never know.
2- I would get the double stroller. It’s a lot of walking. If DD5 doesn’t want to ride you can store your backpack there, but better to have and not need than to need and not have.
3- We love magicbands- they are fun! Not too expensive when looking at the total cost of a Disney trip and it’s such fun to get them in the mail!
4- Can’t opine as haven’t been to either.
5- I like a fanny pack. Nothing hanging off one shoulder like a purse and hands free. It keeps your money/credit cards/ID close, as well as a few other things if needed. Back pack, don’t normally bring, but others may jump in on that.
6- never tried either of those, sorry.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[FCDub]

Strollers for both kids, yes!

 

[itsdisneytime]

1. I would do February if I personally had to choose if I were worried about Migraines ... but February has been known to get warm too believe it or not- just not hot.

2. Definitely a double stroller. Definitely

3. I love my magic band and I guess the kids don't have to have them but you'll have show tickets for their entry as opposed to tapping the magic band and If fast passes come back before then & you plan to utilize your available passes ..you'd find its easier for everyone who is riding to have a magic band to Tap to show the fast pass

4. I've done Vistsna which is gorgeous but I found out about Orange Lakes Resort and once I stayed there, I've never gone anywhere else - it's magnificent there on the River Island Pool Buildings

6. I prefer a book bag but I just carry the drawstring type (i think maybe they are called stadium bags)

7. Chef Mickey

 

[awywias]

Thank for all the input! I really appreciate it. I was born and raised in Texas, so I can handle some heat, I just don't do well in the heat of the summer. I haven't heard of Orange Lakes, I am going to look into that resort also! I definitely think I'm going to rent a double stroller and go for the Magicbands. Thanks, again, everyone!

 

[CarolynFH]

I don’t know anything about Floridays, but Vistana is nice and so is Orange Lake. Were you looking at Sheraton Vistana Resort or Vistana Villages? The Resort is closer to WDW than the Villages, and I think the Resort is a little bit quicker drive to WDW property than Orange Lake is, but not by much. You can get more information on all these resorts on the Orlando Hotels & Attractions forum.

 

[rysjourney]

Hi, everyone! My oldest daughter turns 5 in October and we are planning a trip as a birthday present for her. I have a few questions and thought I would ask the experts!

1. February vs April: I'm thinking either Feb 13-19 (Park days would be Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) or April 24-30 (Park days Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri); the only thing I'm worried about with February is the Texas weather when we leave. We're going to drive and it can either be sunny and 80 degrees or 20 and snowing lol. How is the weather in April? Looks like average temps are in the 80s. I get heat migraines, so just hoping it's not super hot and humid. Is one month better than the other?

2. Strollers- my youngest will be under 2, so I know we'll need a stroller for her. Thoughts on needing a stroller for the 5 yr old? Should I rent a double stroller? Are they hard to get around with in the parks? And I'm worried about her being too big. She's very tall for her age.

3. Magicbands- I haven't been to WDW since 2007, so I know nothing about them. Are they worth having for everyone?

4. Floridays vs Sheraton Vistana- we decided to stay off property because, with our party size, a 2-3 bedroom villa is more economical and we like having a full kitchen. Is one better than the other? They both look great to me.

5. Backpack vs fanny pack (do they still call them that?! )- I need suggestions for a little bag to take on rides for my wallet, etc when we have to leave the stroller parked. I've been trying to talk myself into a Kylo Ren Loungefly pre-order and this might just be my best excuse to get it! Lol. Or would y'all suggest something different.

5. Chef Mickey's vs Hollywood and Vine breakfast- I wanted to do a character dining meal. Is there one y'all like better than the other? Both my kids love Mickey and my oldest is always watching Disney Jr. I'm leaning more towards Chef Mickey's because we would get to ride the monorail and I haven't seen great reviews lately for the Disney Jr breakfast.

Thanks, guys!

I have never been in February but the last time I was there close to the end of April the weather was beautiful, low humidity. I have also been in early May and the weather was the same. Also, when we went in April the crowds were pretty low. Not sure about next year with the 50th anniversary though.

Definitely get the double stroller, there is a ton of walking.

Magicbands are a must, they are so convenient compared to using our smart phones, just touch it to the door if you are staying at WDW, which I highly recommend-so much more convenient. Also. just touch it to the sensor when getting in the parks. And the least expensive ones are $5. Tip: if you have an umbrella when going through the metal detectors hold it as far in front of you as you can so it doesn't set off the alarm.

I am not familiar with either of those hotels, I stay in WDW, which I recommend.

Backpack is so much easier, doesn't get in the way. If you have a stroller you can hang it on that. I use a small cross-strap purse for my phone, ID, health care cards and cash. I used to use the fanny pack and it was always in the way. I have been to WDW many, many times.

Of those two I would do Chef Mickey, I've been to the other one, not during character meal, and was not impressed.

 

[rysjourney]

Strollers for both kids, yes!

Hi, everyone! My oldest daughter turns 5 in October and we are planning a trip as a birthday present for her. I have a few questions and thought I would ask the experts!

1. February vs April: I'm thinking either Feb 13-19 (Park days would be Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) or April 24-30 (Park days Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri); the only thing I'm worried about with February is the Texas weather when we leave. We're going to drive and it can either be sunny and 80 degrees or 20 and snowing lol. How is the weather in April? Looks like average temps are in the 80s. I get heat migraines, so just hoping it's not super hot and humid. Is one month better than the other?

2. Strollers- my youngest will be under 2, so I know we'll need a stroller for her. Thoughts on needing a stroller for the 5 yr old? Should I rent a double stroller? Are they hard to get around with in the parks? And I'm worried about her being too big. She's very tall for her age.

3. Magicbands- I haven't been to WDW since 2007, so I know nothing about them. Are they worth having for everyone?

4. Floridays vs Sheraton Vistana- we decided to stay off property because, with our party size, a 2-3 bedroom villa is more economical and we like having a full kitchen. Is one better than the other? They both look great to me.

5. Backpack vs fanny pack (do they still call them that?! )- I need suggestions for a little bag to take on rides for my wallet, etc when we have to leave the stroller parked. I've been trying to talk myself into a Kylo Ren Loungefly pre-order and this might just be my best excuse to get it! Lol. Or would y'all suggest something different.

5. Chef Mickey's vs Hollywood and Vine breakfast- I wanted to do a character dining meal. Is there one y'all like better than the other? Both my kids love Mickey and my oldest is always watching Disney Jr. I'm leaning more towards Chef Mickey's because we would get to ride the monorail and I haven't seen great reviews lately for the Disney Jr breakfast.

Thanks, guys!

I have not been there in February, but April was beautiful when we were there, 80s during the day, lower humidity. First week in May was the same. Also the crowds were less, not sure how it will be for the 50th though.

Definitely get the double stroller, there is a lot of walking, you can also put the backpack on the stroller.

I love and highly recommend magicbands because they are fun and convenient. So much more convenient than using your phone. If you stay in the parks you can use them to open your door, to pay for your meals and things you buy and to get in the parks. (FYI, they are doing away with the magicbands so we all need to contact Disney and tell them we want to keep them.) And they start at only $5.

Backpack is more convenient, you can put it on the stroller. We went in June and we put our rain coats and umbrella and snacks in it. I used to use a fanny pack but they always got in the way. I use a small cross-strap purse that carries my phone, ID, health insurance cards and cash.

I recommend Chef Mickey's.

Additional tip: If you have an umbrella when you go through the metal detectors hold it as far in front of you as you can so it will not set of the alarm.

 

[Disney Fool]

Orange Lakes is about 5 miles from Disney; Vistana RESORT is about 2.5 miles, located on 535. Vistana Villages is further away -- on International Drive.

 

[Maleficent_Hades]

Hi, everyone! My oldest daughter turns 5 in October and we are planning a trip as a birthday present for her. I have a few questions and thought I would ask the experts!

1. February vs April: I'm thinking either Feb 13-19 (Park days would be Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri) or April 24-30 (Park days Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri); the only thing I'm worried about with February is the Texas weather when we leave. We're going to drive and it can either be sunny and 80 degrees or 20 and snowing lol. How is the weather in April? Looks like average temps are in the 80s. I get heat migraines, so just hoping it's not super hot and humid. Is one month better than the other?

2. Strollers- my youngest will be under 2, so I know we'll need a stroller for her. Thoughts on needing a stroller for the 5 yr old? Should I rent a double stroller? Are they hard to get around with in the parks? And I'm worried about her being too big. She's very tall for her age.

3. Magicbands- I haven't been to WDW since 2007, so I know nothing about them. Are they worth having for everyone?

4. Floridays vs Sheraton Vistana- we decided to stay off property because, with our party size, a 2-3 bedroom villa is more economical and we like having a full kitchen. Is one better than the other? They both look great to me.

5. Backpack vs fanny pack (do they still call them that?! )- I need suggestions for a little bag to take on rides for my wallet, etc when we have to leave the stroller parked. I've been trying to talk myself into a Kylo Ren Loungefly pre-order and this might just be my best excuse to get it! Lol. Or would y'all suggest something different.

5. Chef Mickey's vs Hollywood and Vine breakfast- I wanted to do a character dining meal. Is there one y'all like better than the other? Both my kids love Mickey and my oldest is always watching Disney Jr. I'm leaning more towards Chef Mickey's because we would get to ride the monorail and I haven't seen great reviews lately for the Disney Jr breakfast.

Thanks, guys!

1) i've gone end of april and while its hot i don't think its too bad. i'm actually going april 26-may 3 next year.

2) i don't have kids but it'll probably be best to get the double stroller. its a lot of walking so it's better to be overly prepared just in case your 5 year old needs to use it.

3) i love magic bands, maybe no get one for your 2 year old but your 5 year old might like it. if fast pass comes back its easier imo to have the magic band to use for the FP.

4) i personally stay onsite and have only stayed offsite when i was younger and didn't have to pay for it myself lol. but have you considered renting DVC points? if you rent a 1 bedroom villa they have a full kitchen and a washer and dryer.

5) i've done a fanny pack the last time mainly because i stay onsite so i link my credit card, and park tickets to my magic band so i don't have to carry a wallet with me. only needed the fanny pack for my insulin and phone. but future trips i'm gonna have to do a back pack since my husband and i recently had weight loss surgery so i'll have to have more space for protein snacks, and to keep any food we get in disney that we can't finish to eat later.

6) i haven't done chef mickeys but have done hollywood and vine and i loved it!! i believe theres one more character there than at chef mickeys, plus depending on the season their costumes change. i also think for breakfast there its disney junior characters if your kids are into any of them

 

[shoegal9]

February's weather can also be all over the place. I've been there when it's in the upper 80s, and when it was in the low 60s. But generally, February will be a cooler month (with less rain).

As for magic bands- if you are staying off property then the only real use for them is your ticket (and fastpass if it comes back). You cannot use for charging privileges etc. and you won't be able to purchase at $5 and have them mailed to you- this is only for Disney resorts. You could buy them on ShopDisney or at a store when you arrive and link them. But they are much less useful for off site guests.