This may be an unpopular question

[Chuck S]

Truthfully, if I were in the OPs situation, I'd be looking at other cost cuting measures rather than the child ticket thing. I would NOT buy the dining plan and room "package". Remember, if the son HAS to leave a park, restaurant, or other venue, at least one parent will also. Unused meal option are not credited back, and can wind up costing you $$$, more than the difference between a child and adult ticket.

Packages are not the best options for a lot of people. I would look all over for room only discount codes, figure that price plus park admission media and see if the differnce in cost really justifies the meal plan and increased rack room rate of the package.

 

[Brian Noble]

kdtwiss: I'm normally an offsite pool-home kind of guy. But, in your situation, I'd think more carefully about being onsite. That way, if two (or more) of you need to head back early, rest longer, etc. you can via disney transportation on site, no problem. If you are offsite, you'll want two rental cars (or you will need to be willing to eat the cost of a longish taxi ride) to do the same thing. So, I'd say for *you*, on site is better. Also, you can't get the dining package offsite, so if you want half your party to get the MYW dining package, you'll need to be onsite.

As for hoppers vs. plusses. This depends on when you are going and for how long. (The shorter you are there, or the busier the season, the more interesting hoppers seem to me.) But, given your son's fondness for waterparks, I would lean to plusses. The non-hopper tickets actually may enforce a slightly more leisurely pace, since you can only see one major park per day. In your case, that's probably a good thing, since it keeps things from getting too hectic.

I'll second the recommendation about *ignoring* evening EMHs. Mornings might be good though, as lighter crowds will let your son experience more attractions without long waits in line. However, you will want hoppers in this case, as EMH-morning parks can be crowded by mid-day, and it's best to hop away from that. But, as I said above, your main advantage of onsite is split-party transportation.

 

[kdtwiss]

ok, going through everything - I went to Small Worl Travel and on their website it had listed that 5 people can stay in one room at a couple differet places - one being POR and that my little one did not count in that #. That is not what it says on the WDW website though. As far as everyone telling me how crowded it will be - I know. BUt for three long years we lived in a 3 room apartment. Family bed works for us, we don't mind being crowded - if I am not going luxury (which I can't) I would rather be crowded in one hotel room that has a nice pool/slide than two rooms at an AS. Anyone know if Small World is correct - or should I post over at the resorts board? You all have been so helpful/knowledgeable!

Also - wondering if Sea Wold is worth the trip? We live in Boston and our aquarium type place is nice - but not on the Florida scale IYKWIM.
Also - as far as bying an AP to get the other discounts - anyone think that is worth it?
Thanks again!

 

[dreams4disney]

Someone posted that they seen a CM ask the child his/her age and that the folks had to go upgrade the ticket. That is so true. I have seen it happen too. I also had the CM ask my two older children thier ages they where 9 and 7 and the 7 year old looked the same age as the nine year old.same height and weight as well. On our next trip they will be 8 and 10. I will not be surprised if DS 8 would be asked his age again. He is now bigger than my 10 year old.

 

[Nik's Mom]

Hi Kdtwiss.
I have stayed at POR and loved it. You can ask for a trundle bed there, so that will make 2 full size and 1 twin bed. That hotel is beautiful. You can walk around the grounds to relax. And they offer a horse drawn carriage in the evenings. If you DS likes boats, you can take the boat to downtown disney. You will enjoy your stay there. If you want more info on this hotel, go on over to the resorts board and find the thread about POR. It has it's own thread with tons of info. It is very long, so be prepared to take lots of notes!
I've also stayed at the Deluxe resorts, but this time we are doing a moderate (Pofq). In terms of space, you will be fine. Don't worry.

 

[goofyandmore]

I agree with a lot of these posters. We need to be more understanding in our responses or think about not responding at all. I do have a child with disabilities and completely understand what this parent's concerns are. It is a question that many have as well as this parent. But I would go to the disability board because I have only read very understanding responses, whether it is the answer you are hoping for not. It is clearly the way people write that they should rethink.

 

[3Mousketeers]

In response to your question about Seaworld, I bet you'd find alot under the Orlando Attractions Forum. But, I can say my kids love it there and are sad we don't have time to fit it in on our next trip. They were 4 and almost 6 on our last trip & I have to admit it was a nice change of pace for a day. We love Boston Aquarium but Seaworld is alot more. My kids LOVED feeding the sea otters (I think thats what you could feed) and feeling the stingrays. The Shamu show was awesome too. There were a few other shows we didn't even have time for. There is also a sandy play area that was great for a break. I think it was sponsored by Little Tikes b/c they had tons of sand toys, cars, trucks etc. There was also a water play area that we didn't have time for. There are a couple thrill rides we didn't do (Kraken for one is a rollercoaster). I would think Seaworld would be a great experience for your son b/c it is alot more laid back but there is alot to do. I think you can also find discounts (not huges ones though) - maybe AAA.

 

[tmfranlk]

Because your DS loves water so much, SeaWorld may very well be worth it. I live in the Boston area too and SW is NOTHING like the NE Aquarium. Have you been to the one display on the top floor where you can touch the hermit crabs and star fish? Think that times SOOO much more at SW.

My only hold back is usually the cost. While I think SW itself is worth the price, when I am at WDW, I have a hard time justifying an extra $50/person when that extra day on the Disney pass is so small (just a couple of $$ now). My other recommendation for you would be what if your DS needs to leave early. At WDW, your hotel will be just a short drive away, but if you are at SW, then you have to drive back across town if he needs to get away.

Good luck on your decisions. I would definitely recommend splitting the ressie as has been discussed. ChuckS captured the main point I had thought of...if DS has to leave, so does one adult so you are losing not only 2 people's tickets, but 2 people's meals. I think that 4 meals plans will easily feed all 6 of you, just order with the idea of sharing and add a salad or appetizer as needed.

Good luck on your trip!

 

[bytheblood]

This will be an unpopular answer since you said: I don't mind doing this at all - but I really need to be able to buy a child's ticket for my son to make this affordable/justifiable.

If the difference between a child ticket and adult ticket will make it unaffordable you should stay home. If you cannot justify the expense don't go. Don't you think the majority of people would like to have cheaper ticket prices???? But they are what they are. Its your choice whether to cheat or not. If you can justify cheating then why are you here asking the question?

Kidd's Kids would HATE you. Gee, wonder why.

 

[bytheblood]

Unreal. I cannot believe you would respond like this. Some of you on these boards need to take a check before posting and think about how you sound. One day you may be in the same situation with a loved one or yourself. I have a sick wife and a response in this manner would be offensive.
Why do so many on here have to accuse everyone of "cheating" or being "inconsiderate" when simply asking a question that could be answered politely.
just as you responded with this answer. I will say "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all".
A response such as this would have been better off kept to yourself. It's just rude!

Amen civileng68. I have come to learn that some people are just so miserable that they cannot help having their hate come seething through their every word. I thank God every day that I am happy instead of miserable.

 

[3Mousketeers]

I just quickly checked for you and noticed there is a whole forum on the DisBoards I never noticed before called Universal/SeaWorld. I just read quickly that there is a deal where you get a second day admission free. I haven't been able to read all the posts here so I don't know what kind of WDW tickets you're getting. But, one thought that came to my mind is if your son isn't having a great day at Seaworld you can try again another day (I think you have to use the second day with 7-10 days). We have Annual Passes, though, so missing a day at WDW wasn't a big deal. Of course, it did mean having to spend the price of admission at another park.

 

[bytheblood]

Truthfully, if I were in the OPs situation, I'd be looking at other cost cuting measures rather than the child ticket thing. I would NOT buy the dining plan and room "package". Remember, if the son HAS to leave a park, restaurant, or other venue, at least one parent will also. Unused meal option are not credited back, and can wind up costing you $$$, more than the difference between a child and adult ticket.

Packages are not the best options for a lot of people. I would look all over for room only discount codes, figure that price plus park admission media and see if the differnce in cost really justifies the meal plan and increased rack room rate of the package.

Good suggestion Chuck and I agree. You can go for the entire cost-cutting experience. A lot do anyway. Discount code for the room, budget your meals, purchase park tickets without the hopper option and get the best deal you can on airfare. Fromour experience, the earlier you purchase your ticket, the better.

 

[my3kids]

I purchased 5 day hoppers recently and the difference in price was about $50 between the child and adult. I wouldn't get the meal plan. You can probably eat more cheaply by chosing places as you go.

Good luck!

 

[3Mousketeers]

I had another thought - you mentioned the idea of purchasing an AP. Please lets not start another battle about purchasing APs solely for the the room discount though!
Anyway, you can just purchase one AP to book rooms with an AP rate for your whole party. Whether the math makes sense would depend on what season you're traveling & obviously whether rooms are even available with an AP discount. For argument sake, Fort Wilderness during value season this year was $144 with AP. You have the boat launch to MK and the ability to park one car directly next to your cabin. And, you have a separate bedroom, full kitchen & Murphy bed in the living room. I'm not sure what POR AP rate was. POR definitely has the better pool.
Sorry to add more to think about!

 

[lllovell]

I give Sea World a BIG thumbs up as a way to take a break from the Disney mayhem (that is wonderful but can be tiring for my 2 and 4 year olds). It is very open and peaceful. If your son has a problem dealing with the overstimulation of WDW, it would be a great alternative.

Also, I read through most of this and don't think it has been mentioned, but I know that the pool areas at the hotels are FANTASTIC! There are shallow pools and some have zero clearance pools (where the water gradually gets deeper). They really are special places to hang out and have fun and if your son loves water, these might be a much more inexpensive alternative (since they are included in your room price) than adding pluses to any tickets you buy. You are allowed to pool hop (with the exception of a couple of crowded pools, etc) so you could go to different ones and try them out for variety.

Good luck hun!

 

[Sunbeamblue2002]

Ok hello, First off I have read all the posts and I also have 2 children with special needs in the area's of MR/DD and PDD. That being said regardless. First off you said that you wanted the meal plan because of everthing being paid up front. However what happens when your kids esp your 11yr old dosen't want a sit down meal. I don't know him but I know how special needs people eat. They see the food they ingulf the food and they leave the table. I have also working in a nursing home and a group home so I understand this quite well. My fact becomes that you would have 4 counter service meals and 4 sit down meals per night stay and 4 snacks. It was pointed out on the rest board that someones husband got sick and she couldn't traide in a Full service meal for a counter service meal and it cost her money. Now I have yet to go to WDW and have planned for a long time. Just want you to think about the true eating habits of your kids and esp your 11yr. Because it may cost you more in the long run to have to still pay out of pocket to eat because your unable to use componets of the meal plan esp if staying at the all stars where they don't have a sit down rest. I by no means tell people what to do or how to think. but yes for your faimly at aprox 1000 thats alot to think about. Good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[GRUMPYMOMOF3]

do whatever you think is right for your situation.

 

[Luv2Roam]

I guess I am confused over this.
In the large scheme of things this is not an important issue.
But basically telling your kid to lie about their age (or anything) so they are still considered a child... It can be justified how ever way you want. A person doing that is still letting their child know that lying is fine when it gets them what they want. Not a good value to instill. It probably would come back to haunt them when their child finds how easy lying can be. (And you know -- us NON parents make the best parents. j/k of course. But common sense should take over for anyone.)
Would anyone reply, Do what you have to do if someone posted they "needed" to steal a toy from a store for their child because they could not afford it?
Personally it is none of my business. It's Disney's. The guest can do whatever. I just think it odd that others may see this as possibly "okay".
Just don't try to justify it. It's a very thin disguise that only fools themselves.
Small problem that could lead to much more important consequences in life. Esp when there are many other options.

I truly do hope you have a wonderful, magical vacation, whatever you decide.

 

[SueM in MN]

You are allowed to pool hop (with the exception of a couple of crowded pools, etc) so you could go to different ones and try them out for variety.

Good luck hun!

Although that was true many, many years ago, you are not allowed to pool hop, except in certain circumstances:

• If your resort has a sister resort, you are allowed to pool hop to the sister resort's pool. (All the All Stars are sisster resorts to each other and Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans New Orleans are sister resorts).
• Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Members who are staying on points are allowed to pool hop during non-peak time periods, if the pool they want to hop to is not busy.
• DVC members have black out periods (usually Christmas, New Years, Spring Break) when they are not allowed to pool hop at all. During other times they are to call the resort they want to go to and see how busy it is. If it becomes busy, they may be asked to leave.
• Pool hopping for DVC members is not allowed at SAB (at Beach Club) or at the AKL at any time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Also, I read through most of this and don't think it has been mentioned, but I know that the pool areas at the hotels are FANTASTIC! There are shallow pools and some have zero clearance pools (where the water gradually gets deeper). They really are special places to hang out and have fun and if your son loves water, these might be a much more inexpensive alternative (since they are included in your room price) than adding pluses to any tickets you buy. You are allowed to pool hop (with the exception of a couple of crowded pools, etc) so you could go to different ones and try them out for variety...

Are you saying the OP can hop around at the WDW resort pools or at another theme park hotel pool areas. Only DVC members, during approved times, can pool hop and only to certain pools. Regular WDW resort guests are not permitted to pool hop except to the sister pools of their own resort - All the All Star pools, PO-R/FQ pools.

Posted the same time as SueMN