Planning First Trip as Family

[Dimples1973ca]

Exploring the option of August 2009. When should I book? I have been scouring the threads and notice Free Dining for the end of August. How can I find out if this will be a possibility for that time next year? We have a daughter that will be three by then. Is this a good age to take her? We talked about waiting until she was older but who can wait????? Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[canadaman]

I just got back from our first family trip. We had a 7 year old and a 5 year old. Although I think your 3 year old will love it there you will have to have lots of breaks. We thought our boys would be ok, but by the end of the second day they were pooped. We had to come home early from Epcot and put them to bed real early to get there energy back again.

Good luck, happy planning.

 

[Tootles]

Are you kidding??? Any age is a GOOD age to visit Walt Disney World!! We took our two boys for the first time last Nov/Dec. At the time my kids were 8 and the other turned 6 while we were there. They were pretty tuckered out each day by the end because we hardly took time to rest! My boys are enthralled with the Disney experience now! When their friends talk about going, they now know what they're missing! We are just in the early planning stages for a Halloween trip in 2010! We can't wait to return! It will be as magical for you as it is for your little one! Good luck planning! Read LOTS!

 

[canadaman]

Are you kidding??? Any age is a GOOD age to visit Walt Disney World!! We took our two boys for the first time last Nov/Dec. At the time my kids were 8 and the other turned 6 while we were there. They were pretty tuckered out each day by the end because we hardly took time to rest! My boys are enthralled with the Disney experience now! When their friends talk about going, they now know what they're missing! We are just in the early planning stages for a Halloween trip in 2010! We can't wait to return! It will be as magical for you as it is for your little one! Good luck planning! Read LOTS!

I truly do believe you that any age is a good age to take a kid. I just want to say to be sure to schedule lots of rest time for the kids. My 7 and 5 year old needed more rest then w had figured so I just assume a 3 year old will need a little more rest.

 

[Tootles]

I just assume a 3 year old will need a little more rest.

We even brought an umbrella stroller for my youngest, who was turning 6 and WAY too old for one at home! We had read that there was A LOT of walking to do. Even though we just knew we'd get some "looks" we wanted him to be happy and we didn't want to have to carry him! Well....he did use it, when he needed to, during the long afternoons and it was very convenient. However, usually BIG brother (almost 9!) was being pushed out in it, asleep, at park close! People would snicker and make funny comments, but were very nice about it. We really HAD overdone it at the parks everyday. BTW: We have some very funny asleep in the stroller pics that my now 9 year old doesn't appreciate very much!

 

[neverrest]

They announced 'Free dining' this year in April. In July they annouced room only discounts.

Check out mousesavers.com They have some good tips on discounts and planning.

Kids at any age will have a good time. You may want to work in more breaks but in August you would probably want that anyways. HOT HOT HOT!

 

[JackJack08]

Honestly, if you have to go in August, that is one thing. But, the two worst months, IMO, to go to Florida are July and August. Hot, is an understatement!!! I have never done free dining because for me spending the extra $800-1200 for meals in a cooler month (one that I can enjoy) is worth it. This is just my opinion.......

 

[boundfordisney]

we have been to wdw twice with free dining and went both times around the 20 th of september. The weather was fine hot but not to hot and the parks were not crowded at all , really no waits for rides. I really think its a great time to go! We are going this year at Christmas time, wanted to see wdw at the holidays but no free dining. The dining was a real bonus, most likely will book the trip for 2009 in September if the free dining is posted again.Staying at the Yacht club in December , stayed at the Caribbean beach last 2 trips and loved it there! First time for the Yacht club!

 

[Dimples1973ca]

I would prefer to go during our winter to make it a real vacation from a Maritime winter but DH is a teacher. Limits the times when we can have and extended vacation. Thanks for all the tips!

 

[MCFADDEN5]

I agree, any age is a great age. We started taking our daughter when she was 18 mths, and no maybe she doesnt remember that trip to well, but she sure had a great time while we were there. Two more kids later and 5 more trips and we're still having fun.
As far as I can tell they do the free dining for Aug and Sep every year. I'm not sure about the dining code, but we have booked ahead of time and then found codes later and disney has always let us apply the codes to an existing reservation. We usually go with our whole family (16 of us) so we like to book way in advance to make sure we can get a block of rooms together. That way we get the resort we want and the location we want and can adjust price with codes later.