Planning my first Trip HELP Please

[LadyTremaine]

Hello, Im a new member, and this is my first post! (so I hope I am doing this right) I am planning my family's first trip to florida. We are going late January 2004, on a cruise out of Port Canaveral, and I thought it would be great to stop off to WDW for a a couple of days before the cruise. We are going to be staying at the Holiday Inn Family Suites, and we were planning to visit Animal Kingdom, and EPCOT(We live in CA, and I go to Disneyland about 3 times a year, so I figured I would try something DLand doesnt have to offer). Here is were I need some help! We are traveling as a group of 11( ages ranging from 12 to 68)......Ok here goes the questions,.... 1.Shuttle or limo, and a name a good company, 2. How is the Holiday Inn, they say they are close,and award winning, but I'll leave that opinion up to you guys who have been there. 3. Are there any discounts to those two parks, if not what should I expect to pay? I was hoping that I could get some suggestions or tips on some deals. Like I said before, this is my first post, I'm sorry if this was toooooo looooonnnggggg!
thanks

 

[zurgswife]

OK here's my advice....

Holiday Inn Family Suites....while I hear that they are ok I've read far better reviews of some of the other villa type resorts...Cypress Pointe and Wyndham Palm .....I'd check out Hotel kingdom for pricing then read on these boards for advice. My opion is you get larger accomodations for a better price most of the time at these other resorts.

I vote Limo/Van for getting from airport to hotel....but not sure if your question was regarding getting from hotel to theme park. If that is the transportation question....I'd look into renting a car and saving the extra time it takes from going to hotel to parks via shuttle...My friend did this back in March...he says if he stays off site again he would always rent a car.

Depending on the amount of days your allotting to your visit of WDW I would get a hopper pass and visit all the parks...while lots of MK is at Disneyland there are some parts that are not and it is a fun park...also MGM is a great park also....Think about trying to park hop for a few days....You might enjoy MK or MGM.. There are some on line places where you can still purchase a 3day hopper even if it isn't advertised on there site...you will need to call..

 

[prncess674]

considering the youngest person in your party is 12 years old I really don't think the HIFS is the right hotel for your group. This hotel is really geared to those with small children. I would check out some other accomodations. I have read alot about the Summerfield Suites - LBV. If you book a webrate you can get a two bed / two bath / with full kitchen for $97 a night.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/MCOLK/guestrooms/main.wnt

Will you have a car because most offsite hotels do offer some sort of transportation is pretty sporadic and not always very efficient. HIFS makes you book in advance and they run out of room on the bus. They only pick up and drop off at specific times.

 

[EthansMom]

Hi LadyTremaine,

Here are a couple of other sites that might help with your planning: www.mousesavers.com & www.wdwig.com. Mousesavers has info on many discounts including tickets and wdwig has tons of menus for the restaurants.

I'm currently planning my second trip to DisneyWorld! We just went to DisneyLand in March of this year.

Here are a few things I would suggest: If you stay off-property, think about renting a van to get to/from DisneyWorld because off-property buses aren't supposed to be the best or most reliable way to go. With a group this large and such a diversity in ages, you may want to stay at Disney World itself. That way it's easier for some of the group to head back to the hotel for a rest. Disney World has soooo much more land than Disney Land that it's really too much of a trip to go back to your hotel for an afternoon siesta and then head back to the parks later.

Even though Magic Kingdom in Disney World is very similar to DisneyLand, I also reccommend getting the Park Hopper passes and giving Magic Kingdom a chance -- try the Buzz Lightyear ride (a kiddie ride, but one of our faves and not available at Disney Land).

Enjoy your cruise! We also love to cruise -- so relaxing! Definitely wish I could go on a cruise and relax after a visit at Disney World. You will enjoy Disney World in January -- we went in Jan. 3 1/2 years ago and had a great time!

EthansMom

 

[Princess Michelle]

I just wanted to say welcome!

 

[LadyTremaine]

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!

 

[Cindy'sCastle]

The only question I can help you on is #2. We just got back from our honeymoon and stayed at HIFS. It was a beautiful hotel. Very clean and the service was wonderful. We got a free breakfast buffet every morning and I'm talking full breakfast, lots of food and all your beverages. I really enjoyed it and I hope you consider it.