Planning trip for gran - need help plz!

[Princess*kerri]

Hi all,

I'm sorry if a similiar subject has been approached on these boards but I have searched around and haven't found something that answers my questions.
I'm 18yrs old and on a 'gap' year although it consists of me training a lot (i'm a performer) and working. I have promised my gran for as long as I can remember that I would take her for a trip to Disney.
This is probably the last and only chance I'm going to get to take her. I worked out that if I get the job that I've been promised and save all my money from it till christmas then I'll be able to take us both to Disney for a week in about Marc however I have some questions.

- Is march a good time for temperature? She's in her eighties and although likes to travel I don't want it to be too much for her.
- Is this the cheapest or is either side maybe better as far as you're aware? I was going to try and avoid the holidays
- I'd love to stay in Disney hotels and maybe I'd be able to afford the pop century etc...but whatever I do I'd like as lovely a hotel as possible but one with easiest transport links preferably straight to the parks (well transportation centre).
- I'm guessing we'd roughly be at the parks for about 4days max. as I think anything else would be too much for her, was thinking Magic Kingdom defos, Animal Kingdom and Epcot she'd love. Was planning to buy a hopper of some kind, might mean that I could always go back for a while later in day if she has had enough and happy to rest at the hotel. But would it be best to book these seperate or do some places offer them as part of a package?
- Anyone know the best place for value to book this as a package if poss to save hassle? I know this has so many answers but I'm trying to do as much of it in surprise as poss (my parents will be happy but I know they'll say not to spend my money) and its getting a bit much. I get mousesavers newsletter which is fantastic help and I know of Smallworld travel...i think thats what its called that maybe could help me arrange something more special nearer the time but I just need a little push in the right direction.

Thank you so much for even the smallest bit of help anyone can give me! I'm sorry to ask so many questions but I just want to do this so badly for my gran. Thank you again

Kerri xx

 

[wilma-bride]

Hi Kerri

Firstly, can I just say that I hope if I'm ever a gran I have a granddaughter as lovely as you - what a considerate thing to do

OK, to try and answer some of your questions, I am by no means an expert (there are loads more people here with a wealth of knowledge so I am sure you will get loads of good ideas).

Regarding the time of year, I would say March is probably quite a good time to go - not too hot, not too cold. Just as long as you avoid Easter or Spring Break, it shouldn't be too crowded or too expensive then either (not sure when Spring Break is but someone else probably knows).

If you are looking for a lovely hotel, I would say that Pop probably isn't the way to go - although it's a perfectly nice hotel, I wouldn't call it 'lovely', although staying on-site would certainly be more convenient for getting around and would mean you could go back to your room for a rest in the afternoon if granny gets too tired. Your gran may well like it - it all depends on her taste - but again if it was me I would be grateful for being taken to Disney anyhow, regardless of what the room was like.

If you book your accommodation directly with Disney (www.disneyworld.co.uk), you can buy tickets as part of the package. The 7 day ultimate/premium would probably be your best bet.

That way, all you would have to do is book a flight/transport with a tour operator. Being only 18, I guess you won't/can't drive so you might be better off booking with Virgin or someone like that, who offer transfers to your resort. Whatever you do, though, I wouldn't recommend buying your tickets from tour operators as they do generally tend to be more expensive (you are paying for the convenience of booking everything at once). Try www.ticketmania.com for cheap tickets (discounted rates). Alternatively, www.mapleleaftickets.com do the ultimate ticket (available to UK residents).

Like I say I'm no expert - I do think if you've never been before, it can be confusing as there is so much to choose from. Do feel free to PM me if you have any other questions - or ask away on here.

Good luck.
Joh

 

[Princess*kerri]

Joh,

First of all thanks for your quick reply and kind words. I just know that when I hopefully go to Uni next year I'll be there for a good 3yrs and it'll be full on, so I just want to take this opportunity whilst I can.
I have been to Disney twice before, once when I was 9 and again when 14 or 15...however my parents booked it both these times and it was in the holidays. I do remember being around easter hols tho which must have been in March and didn't think temp was too bad but good to hear my memory didn't fail me there!
Although I'm sure they're great - I wouldn't necessarily want to go for the value resorts just because I think she might prefer something a bit...tamer lol and with a full service restaurant etc just incase she wants to spend the day around the hotel. I'm also keeping an eye on non-disney hotels but within the Downtown Disney area so as we could get frequent buses rather than have to wait for scheduled ones like at some hotels. My dad does have Hilton points I think, however I'd rather use those as a last resort and let him keep those for holidays when his expensive daughter is off at uni costing him more again! hehe
Will look at those sites tho! Thanks for your help!!

Kerri

P.S enjoy your own holiday!

 

[Hilary]

Hi Kerri and welcome to the DIS!

Having had quite a few family trips to WDW with my DH and two DDs, I went with my Mum a couple of years ago, when she was in her late 70s.

She was (and still is ) pretty fit and active, so we spent every day of our week there in the parks, but going at a much slower pace than I was used to with my family. Out of our trips to MK, AK, MGM, Epcot, SeaWorld and Kennedy, her favourites were Kennedy, SeaWorld, AK and World Showcase in Epcot. I don't know how typical she is of the 'older visitor' , but it became clear the more sedate side of theme parks held more appeal to her!

She loved Port Orleans Riverside Resort, but I'm sure she would have been happy at any of the on-site resorts for the amount of time we spent there!

We booked Mears trips to Kennedy and SeaWorld and relied on WDW transport the rest of the time.

Good luck with the planning

 

[Princess*kerri]

Hi Hilary, thank you for the welcome! I was a lurker for a good while, then disappeared to do exams etc but now back and having fun on here hehe. If I can't be in Disney I can at least be here hearing about it! Thanks for the reccomendations. I know that as much as my gran would love to do things she will be restricted in her movements. I think she'd love Epcot though as a friend of hers went and they had a convo on it, then Animal Kingdom for the animals etc and Magic Kingdom for fireworks maybe. Ideally I'd love to take her to Animal Kingdom Lodge but think I'm being a bit ambitious there!
Thanks again for your help!

 

[patsy13]

Hi Kerri what a lovely thing to do for your gran i am sure you will both have a great time i think March would be a good time to go as the weather won't be too hot but should be nice and warm as for staying at the pop century i think it may be a bit noisy get some prices for Port Orleans or maybe stay off site near downtown Disney we came back in June we travelled with Virgin and stayed at the Wyndham Palace Resort and Spa we didn't have a car so we booked with virgin for transfers which were great the hotel was wonderful and is right opposite downtown Disney you can walk there in five minutes also the hotel has free travel to all the theme parks .I hope this may give you some other options have a great time.

Pat

 

[jen_uk]

Hi Kerri,
if you want to stay onsite but need to keep the price down then All Star Music might be a good option, its quieter with less kids there than the Movies or Sports ones and the theming isnt just aimed at kids.

Jen

 

[Princess*kerri]

I was looking at Port Orleans as I think she'd like the feel of it, tho I might prefer some others. But will keep those others mentioned in mind esp if they include transfers! Always handy. Thanks also for the recommendation on All Star Music tho!
When it comes to budget I might be able to get a non on-site property for similiar price and go for it because of what she might like but the idea of being in the magic all the time has just always appealed to me so will remember that!
Kerri x