Planning questions for February

[Disneynewbie]

Hi everyone. I am new to the boards! I am planning our family’s first visit to Disney World and am very excited. I have many questions I hope you all can help answer. I have learned so much already on the boards, which has been extremely helpful already!

We are going to Disney World in February – the week before Presidents Day weekend.

Q: We are staying at AKL. Do we need a rental car on property – how easy is it to get around from AKL to the parks – and to DTD?

Q: Will the weather (Feb 13-17) be warm enough for swimming – we heard the pools are heated?

Q: What on property restaurants would you recommend for “nice” dining for Valentine’s Day – but casual enough for a 5 year old (well behaved) boy?

Q: Can you get the dining plan (or a version of the dining plan) if you are using a discounted rate at the hotel (i.e. cast member discount or AAA discount - room only)?

Q: I have read that if you can get your tickets in advance you should because you get some discount for purchasing in advance – is this true, and if so, should we buy through Disney’s website or AAA (or other vendor?)

Q: This will be our first visit to Disney in years (and the first for our son). We plan for sure to spend at least 4 days in the parks…should we do a park hopper or given that it is our first time, do you think we would even need to hop between parks – seems like we would be busy enough going to one park a day?

Q: Do you recommend MGM studios or Universal Studios if we can only choose one of these parks?

Q: Will we be able to get info now on what the operating hours are for February, and which parks will be open (on which day) the extra Magic Hours? This would help us with planning with the priority reservations (especially if we decide not to do the Hopper pass).

I know that is a lot, but as it is our first time, I really want to maximize our time there and make “good” decisions and plans! If I should split up my questions and post on various boards, I can do so! I just wasn’t sure! Thanks in advance, everyone!

 

[Drizzo67]

As I am also in the process of planning a trip for the same time period (third trip, same time of year) I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability.

A: As for needing a car, unless you are planning a trip to that "other" theme park in Orlando we have never found a need for renting a car. Disneys transportation is rather good and the week before President's week is not too crowded so the wait for buses etc is not too long. As for traveling from AKL to the areas, I have not stayed there so I am not sure of travel times. You should do a search on the boards and you will probably find the answer.

A: The weather that time of year is rather tricky. Our first trip (2004) had days where the temperature reached in the 80's and we spent a whole day in the main pool at CBR. Last year was a little different. First day the temp never reached 70 but the rest of the days were beautiful. Mid 70's and up. Chilly AM's and Cool PM's and gorgeous in between. My kids swam last year too.

A: Valentine's dinner is kind of tricky. Last year we took the kids to Chef Mickey's at the Contemporary for Valentine's day. Was really crowded but a lot of fun. This year we are going to the Luau at the Polynesian.

A: This one I can't help you with. We have a AAA discount -room only rate but didn't even ask for dining as DH does not like to be restricted in any way shape or form when it comes to food.

A: I have never heard of an advanced purchase discount for Disney park tickets. We have always purchased them through the Website and your room key will also be your park ticket.

A: As adding the park hopper option becomes more economical the more park days you purchase this is really a dollars and "sense" choice for you to make. We just purchased 7 day park hoppers (an additional $35.00 for the park hopper option). Over the course of 7 days it adds up to $5.00 a day more than none park hopper. Over the course 4 days that option could be close to $9.00 a day. We buy the park hopper so that we can have dinner in Epcot every night if we choose to.

A: As this will be the first year we go to Universal I really can't answer that but I can tell you that my DH and I love MGM. We are huge movie fans and just love this park.

A: As for park operating hours, EMH, etc., that information is usually not posted until 60 days ahead. We never plan our meals or park use based on EMH any way. I know that makes no sense posting only 60 days ahead when ADRs need to be made 90 days ahead but that's how it goes.You should try locating last years hours just to get a general idea.

Hope you fine some of this useful and maybe we will see you there....Enjoy.

 

[Disney Dee]

hello, make sure you post all your questions on the Dis boards.

 

[ZippyDooDah]

We've been a few times in early Feb. so I'll try to fill in some of the blanks and let you know my opinions also:

A. No car unless planning a trip off property, it takes away from the "magic". We stayed at AKL in Feb 04. I don't remember the bus waits to be any longer than any other resort, but it will take a little longer to get to other parks simply b/c AKL is so far away.
A. I think all WDW pools are heated so swimming shouldn't be a prob. It's warm enough most days for shorts and maybe light jacket/pants at night. But you can never tell so be prepared.
A. We really like O'Hana at Poly resort. And if you're lucky (or plan well) you can get a table next to the window and see the castle and maybe fireworks. The atmosphere is not all that romantic, but you're taking a 5 yr old! Be sure to call asap to get ressies.
A. If you wait to purchase your tickets at the park, they are slightly more expensive. You should be able to purchase at your local Disney store or online if not doing a package. I always recommend a park hopper. Some parks usually are not "all day parks" and you never know what you'll feel like doing once you get there. Don't want to tie yourself down.
A. As one with "Disneyitis" I would only recommend MGM. But in fairness have not been to Universal since 98; I did hear it has more high thrill roller coasters. May be an issue for a 5 yr old. MGM is more shows with a couple thrill rides thrown in.
A. They do post hours at least a couple mths in advance but I'm not sure how far. Should be enough for you to plan.

I REALLY liked AKL the time we stayed there. Didn't have savannah room, but didn't really need it. There are many lookouts around resort for animals. Very awesome; one of my favorites. Enjoy!

 

[byoung]

Don't think you can get the dining plan with discounted rooms, but you can try. Have a great vacation.

 

[Skroops]

You won't need a car at all, the ME works great as well as the transportation around WDW. You would need a car to get you to Universal though...or a taxi...so I would totally go to MGM. There is loads of fun there.
Good luck with your choices!
Check out the Disney Restraunts board for lots of ideas for your romantic dinner. Lots of great choices!
Have a great time!

 

[3littleHalls]

Hey! We are going to end of Jan/Begin of Feb to AKL! We are driving though and will probably use our van for transport to most places. You won't need a rental unless you were maybe planning on doing some off property shopping/touring. We booked ours through AAA and you can use the AAA discount and Dining Plan only if you go through AAA travel agent. Otherwise if you were doing room only or room plus tix you can call Disney and use the AAA discount. We got the AAA room, Park Hopers, and Dining Plan for 6 days. The others are right on as far as hours, etc. Universal is good for the thrill rides and Barney. We like MGM for our kids ages(6,3,and 15mos) and Park hoppers work best for us b/c we usually go to park in am, go till lunch time, take naps, swim etc. then back in the late afternoon. Have a wonderful time!

 

[tubachick]

We love that week in Feb!!! The weather is very comfortable, and usually nice enough to swim. The crowds are light until the pres day weekend, and although we drive down, we don't use our car once we have checked in!!! Enjoy your trip!!!