Questions- Please help

[ZPT1022]

We are looking to visit Disney World again in the spring. It will be myself, my husband and our daughter who will be two next July. Thanks to this wonderful site and all the helpful people here, we have realized that packages from AAA are not necessarily our best option so this time will be our first time doing it ourselves. I have a ton of questions and would appreciate any help or advice that anyone can give. We are looking to go in the spring, but we will try and plan around spring breaks so we won't be there during a peak traffic season. We will most likely be getting AP's or PAP's, since we would like to go for at least a week and we will probably try to go back around Thanksgiving. Has anyone gone with a toddler and do you have any advice about AP vs. PAP? Pleasure Island is something we most likely would not be taking her to, but we wonder how much a toddler will like the water parks? Anyone have any experience there? Second item, we would like to be able to stay at a deluxe, preferably concierge, since we realize that with a toddler in tow it will be a much different Disney experience, and we will probably spend a lot more time at the resort and by the pool then we normally would if it were just the two of us. We like the Polynesian a lot, but we are looking to make it affordable. Is this a resort that typically offers good AP discounts? Or should we be looking elsewhere? Also, on our recent stay at the Sheraton at the airport near us, we joined Starwood Preferred Guest program. We have 290 points banked from that stay. Should we look into staying at the Swan & Dolphin? Is 290 points even worth very much in that program? Also, should we be trying to book our reservation now or should we wait? Should we book through AAA like we normally do? Will they be able/willing to change our reservation for us when the AP rates come out? Or should we just book on our own? Should we be waiting to book until AP rates come out? Will we have a hard time changing to an AP rate if we book now? We are totally lost, I know, but we are determined to do this the smart way this time, and save some money. We appreciate any comments, advice or suggestions that anyone can offer. Thanks in advance.

Becky, Ryan & Kayleigh

 

[BCV23]

I would book right now through Disney and ask for the AAA discount or Disney Club if you have that. Then if AP discounts come out, you can just call back and get that rate.

We get APs not PAPs. Like you we aren't interested in PI and don't go to the water parks often enough to pay the huge difference in cost. They are fun but there's so much else to do at WDW that we just don't go often enough. I think toddler's can enjoy the water parks but will be just as happy at their resort with a lot less hassle...especially if you're at the Poly !

It's a great resort for little ones or any age for that matter. The beach is fun for sand play and romantic in the evenning. The Volcano pool has a zero entry which is great for toddlers. You can take a launch or monorail to MK or take the short walk to the TTC and catch the ferry to MK or direct monorail to Epcot. I would save my Starwood points for somewhere else if it were me.

Have a fantastic trip whatever you decide.