Questions from a Newbie

[MsHershey]

Hi,
As my title states, I am a newbie with a few questions. If these have been asked a zillion times I apologize.

My 19 yo DD and I are planning on visiting WDW 26th - 31st of December, 2007. This is really the only time feasible for us with her college schedule and my work schedule. I have read that the crowds are horrendous at that time. Should we reconsider and not go or will we still have fun but just have to be in the mind set of dealing with the crowds?

I read on another thread something about a College plan. Is this something she can benefit from since she is in college? How do I find more info on this?

I plan to fly, the first time for both of us, so I am really nervous about the airport and check in and such. Any suggestions?

I plan to stay in one of the moderater resorts. Haven't decided which one yet but I have found several review threads. I will continue to read those. My question is since we will fly, how do you go about purchasing a few grocery items such as bottled water, which we drink a lot of, snacks and such? I think I read somewhere about a grocery that delivers. Can someone provide more info on that?

This will be her first trip to WDW and my second. I went with my parents in 1985. I'm sure a lot has changed since then. To say we are excited and anxious is an understatement.

Thanks for your help.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Hello! You are going to have a wonderful time! Yes, the Christmas season is busy, but it is also the most beautiful and festive time at WDW! As you said, plan on dealing with crowds and you'll be fine. Have an idea on what you want to see in which park on what day. Get there early and don't hesitate to park hop!

If you are not going to rent a car, and want to stop for groceries (an excellent idea) go with a company that has a good reputation, like Tiffany Towncars.

Be earlier to the airport than you think you need to be. That will allow you to take your time and not get stressed. Move through security as early as you can (knowing that you shouldn't come back through again) so you don't have to worry about making the flight. Call the airline a week or so before your flight to be sure that you know the current rules about what will be allowed in the cabin of the airplane and what must go in your checked luggage.

The moderates are all nice, for different reasons. Choose the one where the theming appeals to you most (I must admit, POR is incredible at Christmas!) and is in the location that you most desire.

Can't help you much with the college program. Your child will be able to check on that through the college she is attending.

Have a wonderful time planning! And welcome to the DIS.

 

[jdtopgun71]

I believe the grocer is gardengrocer.com but not positive. There are threads about them on here. As for whether or not to go, definitely go. You will have a good time regardless of the crowds in my opinion. We have only been during spring break because of kids school etc. and we have a blast. Make sure to plan your days out to be prepared and take the advice given by many on this board to take a midday break. It really does help! Have a great trip!

 

[Smooshdog]

GO!!!! Disney at Christmas is beautiful; the decorations are truly amazing. The crowds are large at that time, but not unbearable. I think you'll be glad you went after seeing the christmas decorations. Have fun!

 

[MsHershey]

Thanks for the responses.

I have a question about the Dining plan. I've reviewed it on the Disney web site and am a little confused. Does the plan provide three meals and a snack? The way I read it, it looks like two meals and a snack. Maybe I misinterpreted something.

Also, say in the Caribbean Resort I think all rooms come with a refrigerator. Are microwaves available?

 

[sherreis]

The DDP (dining plan) comes with a Table Service (TS) meal, a Counter Service (CS) meal and a snack for each night of your stay. You can use your TS/CS meals for any meal you choose. For example, you could have a TS breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Same for CS. If you want to eat 2 TS meals one day and 2 CS meals on another you can.

If you stay in a mod, you get a small fridge in your room and a coffeemaker. I believe that the food courts have microwaves.

As for breakfast, what we plan on doing, is bringing things to eat in our room - cereal, protein bars, other things I can buy pre-packaged. We'll have juice and milk in the fridge. Of course, I can't live without my coffee. We're eating breakfast for a TS meal once - on our last day for Ohana's.

A lot of people ship bottled water to the resort prior to their stay. We're driving so we'll having bottled water in our car. I'm also looking into some type of filtered water bottles for when we are in the parks. I would rather us drink water than lots of sodas.

About the college program - are you talking about the internship-type program that Disney offers?

 

[MsHershey]

Ohhh, the college internship must have been what they were talking about.

How do you handle carrying money. Do you use debit, credit or cash?

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!!! Have a great vacation.