Taking the Family to WDW!

[everylastbreath]

Hi everyone! I have not been on these boards for a very long time because we have been to Disney many times in the past and know a lot of the tricks and tips, but now it's been about 5 years since we have been and we are POST COVID which changes many things, lots has changed there and I need ADVICE!!

Planning on taking my whole family next August, consisting of Myself & My husband, my daughter (41) and her son (16), my Son (39) & Wife (34) and 2 kids (4 & 2YRS) - We want to stay on property - Disney snob with hotels - we like the deluxe/high moderates, Would like to make the most for our money with breaking the bank completely- would like to keep the accommodations to under $1500 a night staying in the best possible - not sure if my DIL will go for a condo type room with multiple bedrooms/baths, but if necessary we will do 2 sep. rooms but hoping for 1 of those to have more than 1 bath (because my husband/myself/daughter & grandson will be sharing 1 room) Suggestions??

Also need advice of park passes, is park hopper even an option anymore since you need to reserve the park you plan on visiting? How is the character interactions? Is there character breakfast/dinners anymore? How does the new "fast pass" system work (I know it is a paid option)

It will be my 2 little ones first time there so I want to make things as special as possible! Sprinkle so pixy dust on us and help me plan!

 

[katyjeka]

You are early enough that you should be able to rent DVC for a lot less than the standard disney rate. We've stayed at GF, Poly, and WL on extended trips and have enjoyed every trip. Our least favorite is Saratoga but would stay there again in a second. One suggestion is to let your son/daughter have a dinner alone and you take the grandkids for a couple hours. Happy planning!!

 

[sponica]

Aside from DVC, the only way I can think of getting 2 bathrooms would be to do a family suite.

Now if you break it up into 3 rooms, I think you can still manage a high end moderate with your price point or even a deluxe with discounts, but discounts have been few and far between.

Park hoppers are still a thing, but you don't need to make that decision now (unless that's how you plan).

Right now characters are still socially distanced, even at the character meals that have re-opened, but August is a lifetime away and anything could change between now and then.

I'd look at your price point, see if you can afford the risk of renting DVC points or what resorts you can get with your price point at rack rate. Beyond that I feel like so much can change between now and August (or even April when my trip is planned) that it's hard to pin anything concrete down.

As of today, dining reservations open 60 days out and we don't have the details on the paid FP. Just a reminder, the 2 year old doesn't need a ticket/park pass/etc but will need to be included in the head counts for any dining reservations you may make.