Starting to plam my first trip!!!!!!!

[NeverBeentoDisney]

Hey everyone. I finally got hubby to agree to going to WDW. We are gonna be driving. I want to stay at the value resorts. I really want to stay on property to be able to send stuff back to my room and charge things to my room.

We really want to go in March of next year but it says that is off peak time? Do you recommend a way of trying to get that great price of 55 a night at the resorts during that time. When I priced it out on WDW the price really went up during that time. I can probably move my trip up to February but I was kind of hoping not too. Just more feasible in March money wise.

Also as a first timer can I see the parks in 3 or 4 days?

Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

 

[swilshire]

For a first time visitor, I would suggest not going during a crowded season. You'll want to see it all and that will be next to impossible if you hit one of the Spring break periods. Hit the library and check out some of the Disney guidebooks (or spend time on-line) to determine the most crowded months. March is probably one of the worst. Next year, Easter is the 27th, I think. Avoid that time frame at all costs.

Sheila

 

[NeverBeentoDisney]

I was thinking more along the lines of the beginning of the month or the end of February.

I definately do not want to go when it is crowded so I am already trying to avoid that. Plus I want to get the best deal on a room too!

 

[Disney_1derland]

I would at least consider flying! We normally drive but this year it was cheaper to fly and we got really great airfare. At least look at that option periodically, cheap airfare does happen!

Also, the peak season starts early in 2005. Peak season begins Feb 17th and runs through mid-April. So, to avoid the high prices you would want to go before the 17th OR.....Call Disney asap and ask about code BDP. That has the $55 prices you're looking for in value season probably slightly more in peak season. Check Mousesavers.com regularly for discount info. Be flexible on your dates and you'll have better luck.

Good Luck!

 

[NeverBeentoDisney]

My DH does NOT fly at all. I would have to drug him to get him on a plane. I am lucky I am even getting to go considering that I want to go on a plane. He doesnt do alot of rides either so I know we will be seeing alot of shows.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

Go the 1st of February, before Presidents' Day weekend. The parks aren't open as long, but you can pretty much walk on to each ride w/o having to use a FastPass on weekedays. It is also Value Season.

Plus if you're coming all the way from MI, you'll love the warmer weather.

We went the week before Pres Day in 2003. DD was swimming Sat afternoon before we left. Whe we returned home to NC, it was 50 degrees cooler. Not too mention it started to sleet by daybreak Sun AM and school was closed most of the next week.

 

[Focusdude]

My family and I went last March (1st through 6th) and stayed at the All Stars; we were ahead of the crowds (I did not want to be anywhere near Spring Break!) and because we stayed in a value hotel, and bought passes separately (if you arrive late on a day - chances are you will not use that day - so why get a Lenghth of Stay pass?).

For a family of four - we spent under $2,500 (including airfare). We did not spend nearly as much money when we were there as I thought we would. We had breakfast in the room, carried Brita refillable water bottles and snacks, and told the kids they could each get one toy and one shirt.

For us the airfare is the most expensive part!

Hope this helps!!

 

[steen995]

Buy the 2005 Unofficial Guide. It's well worth it. I didn't even realize how much I had missed on previous trips until I read this.

 

[petchie]

Any other good guidebooks?

 

[Jasminesmommy]

PassPorter is the best. Its a guide book plus th back as pages for you to put you PS # and you planned day and then in the back you fill out about your day to remeber plus pockets for things. I loved it and will always get that. I have had all the books and passporter is my favorite by far.

 

[DizneyKaren]

If you think you and DH most will do the shows and some of the simpler rides, you could see most of the parks in 3-4 days at the time of year your going. Last time we went, we had 7 days and spent 4 at the Magic Kingdom because we liked it best. Animal Kingdom was nice but we got through it fast. If I was gonna skip one, that's the one I'd miss. It does have some good shows but it closes early so you could also do 2 parks in one day if you planned alot.

 

[petchie]

How about the Fromers Orlando book? yay or nay?

 

[mm6mm6]

For our first trip to WDW, we checked in for six nights.

Day 1 was at MK, 2 at AK, 3 at MGM, 4 at Epcot, 5 at Typhoon Lagoon, 6 back to MK, 7...sniff, time to check out.

It was crowded by we were at each park from opening to closing. And barely saw half of what we wanted to see!

So I predict you will do the same thing we did. Realize after the fact that we just had to go back the next year.

So we did another 6 nights/7 days and got to see everything we missed the first time.

I truly believe (even if it's not crowded) you need to spend a full day at each park. You just can't predict which park 'your' family will like the best. We just loved MGM.

Good luck!

 

[lc1965]

How terrific for you!!! Welcome to the CULT!

Plan, plan, plan -- but be flexible. Plan your preferences, plan your blister prevention, plan your transportation. Make ressies in advance. Budget carefully if money is an issue. But, again, be flexible -- most people don't realize how many things there are in WDW that you notice just strolling -- street performers, fountains, topiaries, etc.

You've come to a terrific place for planning help. We're a bit weird here, but nice!

HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME.