Soooo confused!

[lezammer]

Help! Planning Nov trip w/ hubby, 2yo, and 9mo. Hoping to stay at GF or Poly, but I just can't justify spending that much $$$. Are CR, Poly, & GF the only ones closest to MK? Is the CR nice? It's not to dated is it? If I stayed at BC/YC or BW, would getting to MK be a headache (since they are closer to Epcot)? If it's not so bad, which of the three is the best place to go (BC/YC, or BW)? I've done BW when my 2yo was 13 mo. I think I'm just stressing out b/c now I'll have 2 little ones to take around with me. Although hubby is with me, it still translates into me doing it all (God I wish my mom was coming with us, then I know I'd actually get some help ). When I do figure it out, where is the best place to do so (Disney. com, Expedia, etc.)? Is the dining plan worth it? What about Magical Express? I've been reading that it takes soooooo long to get your luggage. I don't have that patience to wait 5+ hours for my luggage to get to me. Are there free hotel shuttles to/from the airport? If not, what's the cheapest way if I don't use DME? Dear Lord, I have sooo many questions!

 

[safetymom]

You might want to break your questions down. The ones about transportation post on the transportation board.

Hang around and you will get lots of information that will help you plan your trip.

Welcome to the DIS.

 

[Karel]

How much are you looking to spend a night? You could book something and then hang out over at Mousesavers to see if any discount codes come out.

With kids those ages, it would be easier to stay on the monorail but that will only help you out with MK and Epcot.

Bc/YC is great, but since your kids are still so little, the great pool will be too much for them. There is a nice little pool for them to play in though.

As far as the dining plan goes, I think it would be great for you but only if your little ones can handle a table service meal everyday.

The advantage of splurging a little now on room and food is that you're not paying for tickets and food for your kids. In a few years, you're going to want to spend less money on your hotel because the kids are going to cost more.

 

[kaceyisme]

BC/YC and BW are going to be just as high as the Poly probably, without the convenience of the monorail, which is a must with kids your age, I think. I would definitely stay at CR for the price and the convenience.

For transportation, we always use Tiffany Town Car. I was tempted to try Magical Express, but I also don't have the patience to wait for my luggage.

 

[rob'n]

Believe me...hang around these boards for a few weeks and you will be a pro! I have been doing this for about a year now and have learned so much!!

If it is in your budget, I would definitely do a MK resort...another option is WL. We stayed there last year with our 3DK...youngest was 2 so we could squeeze in one room. The boat over to MK was great and we found the buses to be no problem at all. The rates there are a bit cheaper than the monorail resorts. I wish we could stay there again...too expensive to do two rooms for us right now.

Dining...we have never done the package so I can't speak to that...but you will not have to pay for your little ones regradless...even at the character meals (I do believe this is correct if they are under 3)...I think it works that way for buffets... Chef Mickey's is a must and maybe CP with Pooh and friends.

Transportation...we are probably going to take a van into the World...we are a party of 9 and it will be easy to split the expense plus we get a grocery stop for water and breakfast stuff (bars, pop tarts, etc).

Hang in there and don't stress!! Planning is half the fun and you will be an expert in no time at all!!

 

[JodyLynC]

WL is a bit cheaper, but not on the monorail. They do have a ferry that goes from WL to MK.

 

[Magic2000]

With two little ones, it would probably be easier to be on the monorail, since you will probably spend most of your time at Magic Kingdom or Epcot. Both are easily accessible, and you wouldn't have to fold up the stroller and maybe wake up the baby - you can just push the stroller right on the monorail!

We've also stayed at the WL - it is really nice, and almost as easy to get around. It would probably be a little cheaper, if you're looking to save some money. We've stayed at the Contemporary and had a great trip! We were in the North Garden Wing, which is an easy walk to the MK! Then, coming back, you're first off the monorail! There is a TV (with Disney cartoons) and some lounge chairs right outside the game room, and my youngest DD loved sitting there watching TV - and I liked people watching!

I like to make my own reservations and PSs. You may want to check out wdwig.com for menus and prices of the Disney restaurants! We haven't tried the dining plan yet. Check out Mousesavers.com for discounts on rooms.

Although I haven't tried Magical Express, I would recommend a towncar service. What my family likes about the towncar service is that it is direct service for just your family - to your hotel and then back to the airport. You don't have to go to any other hotels to pick up/drop off any other guests. (Just something to think about with your little ones!) Towncar services usually cost about $80 or so, plus tip. (Some may be higher - check out the transportation board)

Have a great trip! I'm sure everything will fall right into place for you!!! By the way, my brother and his wife have two little girls, about the same ages as yours, and they are going in early Nov too! They are planning to stay at Coronado Springs though.

 

[maryliz]

I agree with WL ... I might be wrong but I don't think you have to fold up your stroller on the ferry either. And the bus service was awesome to this resort. If you're taking DME, you can just NOT put your tags on your luggage, and claim it from the carousel yourself. You can definitely take your luggage on the bus with you. There is quite a difference in people's experiences regarding how long it took them to get to their resort, and how long the luggage took to arrive. If this is something that you're really concerned about, and don't mind paying around $100 plus tips both ways, then a town car can't be beat. We've used Murray Hill Transportation and were very pleased. We even got a 30 minute grocery stop so DH stayed with the kids while I went in and got the things I needed for the room. Definitely a way to save $$$. And when you get to the resort, Bell Services will just load everything up on a cart for you and deliver to your room.

MaryLiz

 

[lezammer]

Great point about splurging now on hotel since kids are little (2yo and 9mo) and I don't have to pay for their tickets and food. I didn't think of that! Thanks! Now, what are Mousesavers? and how do I go about using the discount code? I just don't even know what that is? Thanks in advance for getting back to me.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

www.mousesavers.com is a website that keeps us all up to date with the latest discounts on Disney resorts, merchandise, tickets, etc. I agree with the other posters about the WL, it's our favorite resort, especially during the fall and winter. It's so cozy when it's cold outside. We're headed back there for our 3rd trip in a year! As far as the discount codes, whenever you call to make your reservations, just ask the cm to apply the code for you, and you'll get the discount if it's available. You might also check into AAA if you're not already a member, you can save 10-15% off room rates with room only, and also off the room portion of a package. Hope that helps, happy planning, and welcome to the DIS!