UUGGGH!!! I have no idea where to start

[familyfirsttimer]

MY DH, DD6 and DD3 went to the World for the 1st time May 20-27. WE LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am now hooked on these boards and read them several times a day. I thought I would try to start planning our next trip but now I have no idea where to start. We had a deal from Orbitz before for the room and they included our park passes and N/C( I know-a great deal-that's why we did it!!) For our next trip, I need your help. Here are my questions.

What resort do you recommend? We had no problem in a value but it would have been nice to use some of the other resorts ammenities. It would just depend on the price

What is the best way to get the best package? I see all these AP and DDE postings but I don't know what that would do for me and even how it works! Sorry for my ignorance.

What about the kids clubs they have-where are they? How do they work? Is there a cost if you are a resort guest? IT would be nice for 1 or 2 times to have dinner just my DH and I.

Thank you so much for all your help. I cannot wait to get there again and I think starting to plan for next year would help me!

 

[brentalex]

will try to answer some of your questions.
The AP - annual pass - is good for one year from when it is activated. You get some other perks with it, one being the possibilty of getting reduced rates at the resorts. The AP is not cheap and can be a good deal, especially if you plan on visiting more than once in a 12 month periiod, or if you can get a good enough price at the resorts. The DDE is a dining card thatcan get you reduced prices at the restaurants.
As far as a resort goes, that really depends on what you can afford and need. My kids are older and need their own beds. So, we have stayed at the AKL with bunk beds, will be staying at the CR, my DD will sleep on the day bed. But these are not especially inexpensive resorts and we tend to go at expensive times of the year. Personally I like the amenities at the deluxe resorts and can afford them, so we stay there. But the main reason for your visit it not usually the resort, and so staying elsewhere is really your decision, based on your needs.
The kids clubs do cost money, not sure of the cost, but they are not free.
Hope this helps some.

 

[grumpyandbashful]

A good resource is mousesavers.com for all the good resort and other discounts. Also, another good board to research a trip is wdwig.com.
We have been to WDW many times - the first trip was a learning experience, and it took me a few times to get savvy about how to save money, etc. - so at least you're trying early on!

 

[zipDdoodah]

We generally try to take advantage of one of the package deals Disney offers, like the free dining package going on right now for the fall. We usually only get to go about once a year, so this usually works out pretty well for us. Last year we did 7 nights for the price of 5. We've never gotten APs but may do it in the future.

For our next trip coming up in July we rented DVC points at SSR, which we actually found on Ebay. This ended up being a good deal for us, as the room is considerably cheaper for the week than what Disney charges.

So, you have many options and many ways to save money. These are just a few of the things we do. You can go to allearsnet.com to find out about the childcare centers. I think they are around $10/hour per child, but Deb's site tells all about it.

Hope this helps!

 

[snowmouse]

I would start by subscribing to mousesaver's monthly newsletter. In addition to that site, sometimes they offer additional discounts to subscribers.

Read, read, read. Everything on the sites that have been mentioned and look at the photos at wdwinfo.com or allearsnet.com. It might also be helful to go to disney's site and order the vacation planning video and pick up a resort brochure from a local travel agent. Each resort has such a unique personality, so you will really need to familiarize yourself and find a few that match your families' likes. Once you narrow it down and choose a time of year, then you should post some of your choices and get opinions and ideas on deals and activities. Good luck!!

 

[familyfirsttimer]

Thank you so much to all of your advice so far...keep it coming in you have any other comments. This is why I love these boards, most people are willing to share their opinions and help you. I have been trying to read and snwer things I know about know since I got back because it was so great.
Thanks again

 

[reeeoga]

Start with a budget
Rooms - how much per night, how many nights?
Tickets - how many?
Food - Food, Food, Food?

Once you know how much you want to spend, and how much you can spend , this may narrow your choices down.

Ask everyone in the family to pick there top 3:
resorts to stay at
Ride to ride
Food or eatery to eat at
Non-park activity.
And when to go.


Or just decide what you want to do and make them go with you