So what would you recommend to a WDW first timer?

[ivanova]

I was talking with a co-worker today and he mentioned that he, his wife and two kids (DS6 and DS8) were thinking of doing a 1 week vacation at WDW this year .. he knows that I've been a few times so was asking a lot of questions.

I can give LOTS of information about what to do in the parks, etc. but I'm "resort deficient" (we've always stayed at the Coronado) .. so I'll tell him what I can about the Coronado, but was wondering what would you guys recommend?

Basically they want to go with moderate probably .. so what are the pros/cons of some of the moderate WDW resorts?

Thanks!!

 

[goofy4tink]

We love POR. The pool area is really nice, the playground is fun. The bus service is good and the landscaping/theming is beautiful. There is a good-sized game/video room. Bikes for the family...nice path over to POFQ. You can use the pool over there too!!
The boat to DTD is fun. Nice trip especially after dark.

 

[Destination Disney]

Wow, I thought I was up early 2:04am!

The first thing I would recommend would be giving them this web address! Get him on the DIS boards!

secondly,

If they are staying for a week they may want to look at room rates vs. renting DVC points. That alone may save them money and get them in a nicer resort. (Not that the mods are not nice.)

 

[3lilprincesses]

i would also tell him to check out allearsnet.com for the photos and review. they have some really, really great pictures of all the resorts. the more resources they use to pick their resort, the better they may feel about their choice.

not that they can go wrong. it is DW after all!!

 

[ivanova]

If they are staying for a week they may want to look at room rates vs. renting DVC points.

How do you go about "renting" DVC points?

 

[PedsTherapist]

I went the point renting route recently and really found it to be a great experience! You really need to have your friend do some research here on the DIS first though so they can make a very informed decision. To rent points I just went to the DVC rent/trade board and posted a "classified add" that I was interested in renting and stated how many points. You can figure that out by using the points chart and calculator in the DVC forum. The wonderful people who rent seem to have very reasonable rates too. It seems like the average point goes for about $10 on a Sun-Thurs. night stay (Fri and Sat are more expensive and not really worth renting points for). That can really save you some serious $$$. The only thing is, if you rent points you kind of have to be your own travel agent. I believe that your friend will have to get tickets/transportation all on their own instead of a package through the disney website or travel agent. Some people like the convenience of having a "vacation package" all done for them. There are also some rules and guidelines to follow for "renters" and "rentees" those would be helpful to know about too, since it is all a leap of faith that everyone involved in the agreement will hold up their end of the bargain. If your friend does want to "rent" they need to be very careful who they do business with, just as the people renting out their points are very careful (and should be by all means). Good luck to your friend.

 

[juliesue]

I think the other posters gave some good advice for doing additional research. I will put in a plug for CBR. If they are looking for a "Florida" or carribbean experience, this resort's theme is very true to that image. It's very laid back and friendly.

As far as renting DVC points, I don't think I would recommend that for a first timer. There is so much to learn and think about, I think this more complicated process is going to stress them out. As a DVC member, I will say the rooms are much nicer, but the process of renting and the level of trust involved in getting a transaction done is probably too overwhelming for a new family who will already be overwhelmed by all of the choices.

Best advice of all - get them on this website and hold their hands through the process!!

 

[fam4jc]

Hi. How fun for them! Perfect ages for a first trip to WDW! I would also suggest the unofficial guide book. That is a great place to start to read about the parks, resorts, rides, etc.

Choosing the resort is the hardest part for me. I guess you should ask them what types of vacations have they been on? Are they all healthy enough for long walks? Do they mind public transportation? Are they impatient? Does view from their room make a big difference? Do they need a balcony? If you get some more information about the every day needs you will be able to steer them to the right resort. I am on a quest to stay at all 22! I always wonder if I've made the right choice for our next trip. But you know what? Disney never dissapoints me. Whichever resort they choose, I am sure they will love it! And love you for helping them!

 

[ivanova]

Y'all have some great tips/advice!! Thanks!!

They seem to be a bit overwhelmed as it is right now .. I'm afraid if I turn them loose on the disboards they might get more flustered.

I'm going to ask them if why they're focusing on moderate resorts, and if cost ends up being an issue, I might suggest a value resort. If cost isn't an issue, or if they want to do a bit of hotel hoppin, I might suggest a couple nights at AKL.

And the more I think about it, the more I might suggest doing what we did - get a rental car. Forego the transfers from the airport to the resort, and forego the bus system. They'll be there the week before Labor Day, I imagine it'll be a ZOO with everyone trying to get in some WDW before returning to school. So I assume the busses will be BUSY, and a rental car might be just the ticket to saving their sanity (especially at the end of the day when they're exhausted and just want to get back to their room, without waiting for umpteen busses).

 

[thumpersfriend]

I would convince them to stay onsite. I talk to so many people that won't stay onsite because of the money. I feel funny trying to tell them that it really is worth it and Disney is expensive and that is why you save for it. Most people who did not stay onsite just don't like Disney as much and can't figure out why I am so crazy about it.

 

[Lizzybee]

I'd like to add another vote for POR, I can't compare it to others because we've only stayed at POR but from my 65 yr old dad to my 7 yr old daughter, everyone in the family loves it there. It's peaceful theming hits the spot after a long busy day at the park, the restaurant is wonderful, the pools (yes you can use the pool at POFQ pool and there are several quiet pools at POR as well) are tons of fun, the boat to DTD is great, and Bob Jackson the piano man in the River Roost Lounge is great family fun for all ages. We have nothing but wonderful things to say about POR.

 

[Briarmom]

Y'all have some great tips/advice!! Thanks!!

They seem to be a bit overwhelmed as it is right now .. I'm afraid if I turn them loose on the disboards they might get more flustered.

I'm going to ask them if why they're focusing on moderate resorts, and if cost ends up being an issue, I might suggest a value resort. If cost isn't an issue, or if they want to do a bit of hotel hoppin, I might suggest a couple nights at AKL.

And the more I think about it, the more I might suggest doing what we did - get a rental car. Forego the transfers from the airport to the resort, and forego the bus system. They'll be there the week before Labor Day, I imagine it'll be a ZOO with everyone trying to get in some WDW before returning to school. So I assume the busses will be BUSY, and a rental car might be just the ticket to saving their sanity (especially at the end of the day when they're exhausted and just want to get back to their room, without waiting for umpteen busses).

Just wanted to add that you may want to suggest the Unofficial Guide so they can get an idea of what they are in for. Since you said they are going Labor Day time, they may really need a 'plan of attack'. And I totally agree with you when you say that they may be overwhelmed if you suggest the DIS!!

 

[CaipiraBob]

My buddy at work asked me what to plan for a first time visit to Disney for his family a few weeks ago. I recommended a Deluxe resort, AKL for their first major trip. It's the "WOW" factor and all that. His family was coming from overseas and he wanted to impress them. So anyway, they checked in late in the evening for a standard pool view. AKL was booked and they had no more rooms! The CM said, "Oh, we'll work something out" and they escorted my pal and his family to a pool view CONCIERGE ROOM!

So needless to say they had a blast. They had also attempted to make several restaurant reservations before they went, but since they were so late in planning they couldn't get the key ones. The concierge desk said "No problem" and got them into every restaurant.

So yesterday he walks into my office to tell me all about it and thank me. This guy has a smile that can blind you. My eyes are still hurting from it.

Anyway, I'd recommend AKL...