Please Help, Planning Surprise Vacation

[johnalex]

I am planning a surprise vacation for my family as a christmas present(I know, it's months away) I want to give it to them as a present and go Either April 19-26 2008 or August 20-27 2008. I am being told that April 19-26 is NOT peak time since most schools are in session at that time, but the one I work for is not. Also my brother is doing a Disney cruise with his family at that time , so we could hook up with them when they to MK. I am planning on Caribbean beach since I have stayed there before, Unfortunately the main pool will be closed Jan to June. Where else has a nice pool (moderate Price) since we will be a 7yr, 5yr and 1yr as well as me and my wife.
Also , what is the best way to book? I asked for a quote from SmallWorldVacations.com , but there are no packages yet. I was planning on the package with the park passes and meals(1 sit down, 1 counter and a snack). If we don't drive and stay a day before and after at my mothers in Myrtle Beach, I would try to arrange a flight out of Stewart Airport in Newburg NY.

So...........
What are the flaws and suggestions? I want this to go nice.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Have you thought of Port Orleans? The pool there is also very nice. Coronado has a cool themed pool, but I know not everyone likes that resort because of the convention center and the business travelers.

Not sure what to advise on the package deals for vacation. I used to do my research and find the cheapest prices on my own for everything (tickets, room, airfare, transportation) and then I would compare it to quotes I was able to get from several travel agents. For some reason I always got the best price doing things myself, however I have heard that the travel agents that now specialize in Disney can sometimes beat the prices you can do on your own.

 

[anty30]

Coronado is definately a "business hotel". I would go with Port Orleans if you want to stay in the moderate range. I would also definately do a meal package and fly, rather than drive. August will be "value season", and end of April should be "regular season", as opposed to "peak".

 

[Darcy03231]

April 19-26th is a big school vacation week in the Northeast. I've been during that time before and when we were there it was very busy. While it was hot, it wasn't as humid as it is in August.

 

[anty30]

April 19-26th is a big school vacation week in the Northeast. I've been during that time before and when we were there it was very busy. While it was hot, it wasn't as humid as it is in August.

Darcy is correct that it is a big school vacation week in the NE, however, because Easter is so early (March) in 2008, that week is considered "late" for spring break. When I moved my DCL cruise to the week of the 19th, the price went down $400.00 because it is "off-peak."

 

[johnalex]

Ok, so it looks like I'm going to go with April because it's not as Hot as August, and I just can't wait to go. I will be surprised if I can keep this a secret from my wife very long, I can't keep anything from her. I also will be booking at Port Orleans since the theme pool at Caribbean Beach will be closed. Was wondering if anyone could suggest , Riverside or French Quarter? I was leaning towards FC since it seems to have a nicer pool.

 

[kowalchicky]

We stayed at Port Orleans Riverside for our first trip to Disney. We enjoyed the pool there and they have a really good food court. We are DVC member's now at Saratoga Springs and we still take the ferry over to POR for a counterservice meal.

 

[katielou]

I would suggest Riverside. It will accomodate 5 people since there is a trundle bed. You can easily walk over to French Quarter if you want. We will be there at Thanksgiving and I can't wait.

Beth

 

[anty30]

I 2nd Riverside.

 

[johnalex]

Think Im going to stick with the French Quarter, Building 4 , ground level on the right side by building A. It is close to the pool,bus stop and playground as well as the main building.

 

[elan]

johnalex, the more room requests you make the more likely they won't (or can't) be filled. we spent time at fq's pool while staying at por it is nice. old man's island at por is pretty cool. check out the pictures-there's a ton of the dis, under the resort catagory above.

what a wonderful present and welcome to the dis.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I am planning a surprise vacation for my family as a christmas present(I know, it's months away) I want to give it to them as a present and go Either April 19-26 2008 or August 20-27 2008. I am being told that April 19-26 is NOT peak time since most schools are in session at that time, but the one I work for is not. Also my brother is doing a Disney cruise with his family at that time , so we could hook up with them when they to MK. I am planning on Caribbean beach since I have stayed there before, Unfortunately the main pool will be closed Jan to June. Where else has a nice pool (moderate Price) since we will be a 7yr, 5yr and 1yr as well as me and my wife.
Also , what is the best way to book? I asked for a quote from SmallWorldVacations.com , but there are no packages yet. I was planning on the package with the park passes and meals(1 sit down, 1 counter and a snack). If we don't drive and stay a day before and after at my mothers in Myrtle Beach, I would try to arrange a flight out of Stewart Airport in Newburg NY.

So...........
What are the flaws and suggestions? I want this to go nice.

Hi Didn't read all the posts, but here on LI/NY the kids ARE off 4/21-23/08.
POR is a WONDERFUL choice!!!
Whatever you choose and where ever you stay, have a wonderful Time!!

 

[Doc CW]

POR has a really nice pool as well as POFQ both of them have nice pools and they both are really nice hotels and centrally located in WDW.