WDW newbie ?'s

[Butterfly123]

If we are thinking about a first trip to WDW in December at Christmas in 2017, when would we need to make resort reservations? We are looking at 8 or 9 nights. We are a little limited in that we need a room for 5 adults and we would like to keep it under $300.

Another question...do people do packages with everything combined? Through Disney? Costco? Something else?

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, and I'm really not sure how resort location impacts the trip, either.

Thanks for any help!!

 

[DrunkJam]

We already booked for Christmas 2017. I know by a year out Christmas is starting to book up.

We get our package direct from our TA which saves a lot compared to rack rate, but, again not sure how that compares from place to place.

Depending on what you find most important in your vacation means different resorts are better or less good. We are staying at the Poly, which is expensive, but, it matters to us to be on the monorail, and thus able to escape to the room / resort quickly and easily, and we do spend longer at the resort than your average WDW guest.

Mind you, we stayed at Wilderness Lodge over christmas before and that was totally magical, the theming there is especially good at Christmas I think.

I know that's not too much help, but there are a lot of people here who know more than I do....

I hope you have a magical holiday... We're really looking forward to being there Christmas 17

 

[rwdavis2]

I would not recommend 5 adults in one room. It's too crowded. How about 2 value resort rooms? That may be your best bet for around $300. I would book as soon as you are reasonably sure you are going. There's no cancellation penalty until you get close to the trip, I believe.

You don't need to book a package. You can book the room and buy the tickets separately.

Resort location's effect is mainly how long it takes to get to a park. Google a map of WDW to see where everything is.

I recommend buying the latest (2017) edition of The Unofficial Guide To Walt Disney World. Easywdw.com also sells a first timer's guide as well.

 

[Shellyred8]

If we are thinking about a first trip to WDW in December at Christmas in 2017, when would we need to make resort reservations? We are looking at 8 or 9 nights. We are a little limited in that we need a room for 5 adults and we would like to keep it under $300.

Another question...do people do packages with everything combined? Through Disney? Costco? Something else?

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed, and I'm really not sure how resort location impacts the trip, either.

Thanks for any help!!

Check out a reputable Disney Travel Agent. They can help you get the best deal, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed (which is easy to do!). Also, some of them throw in some extra stuff to make your trip more magical (things like a Disney bag or small Disney plush or token things like that).

If you want to book on your own, you can usually get better pricing that way. You can also break up the expenses that way too. You can buy your tickets from a reputable discount ticket broker (I recently found a great deal at parksaversdotcom. UndercoverTouristdotcom is another one we use).

If you want the flexibility to be able to cancel if something changes, your best bet would be to book with Disney. If you want the Dining plan, you will have to book a package through Disney (if not using DVC).

For the rooms, check out Wilderness Lodge. Their room rates are a little lower right now because of all of the construction going on over there. We stayed there in December and the construction didn't bother us a bit.

 

[SharonZ]

I think 5 adults in one room for 8 or 9 nights, is too much. The moderate resorts that sleep 5 are meant for 4, plus a child, and you would still need to pay an extra fee per night because rates are based on two adults, so you would add $45 per night to the cost. During Christmas, you may have difficulty meeting your $300 limit. Check into two value rooms, or offsite accomodations.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

For our first trip we went through a travel agent. I think that's your best bet for your first time.
They'll be able to give you all the information you need and do all the work.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are going Christmas week, you really want to stay on site. Just getting to WDW during that week can be difficult with entrances to the parking lots backing up for miles. If you can, avoid that week and go earlier or later.

That is the busiest week of the year and lines to get onto the attractions maybe more than an hour long. In fact, an hour (60 minutes) might be a shorter line. That is a terrible week for a first time trip to WDW.

 

[Hopefully]

I agree with @Deb & Bill. Christmas week is a poor choice for first timers. It is overwhelming.
Good Luck

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

If you are going Christmas week, you really want to stay on site. Just getting to WDW during that week can be difficult with entrances to the parking lots backing up for miles. If you can, avoid that week and go earlier or later.

That is the busiest week of the year and lines to get onto the attractions maybe more than an hour long. In fact, an hour (60 minutes) might be a shorter line. That is a terrible week for a first time trip to WDW.

Have to agree with Deb & Bill, you are a brave person/s to make your first trip to WDW over Christmas. If this is the only time you all can make it at the same time, than I also agree to STAY ON-SITE. Parks can close to additional people on and off throughout the day/night due to capacity. And the sooner you make your reservations the better. Go to Dreams Unlimited Travel (sponsor of these boards) and get a no obligation quote. We have used them for all of our WDW and DCL vacation for too long for me to remember how far back it goes.

Good luck with your planing!

 

[yaya74]

Use a travel agent (DreamsUnlimited is awesome). no extra charge when you use a TA. TA will help you planning your trip better than doing it yourself.

 

[Butterfly123]

Thanks everyone. I am yet again rethinking our time frame. I appreciate all the input, it's really helpful.

 

[Lynne M]

Rethinking the time frame is a good idea. If you're wanting to see Christmas decorations, go to Christmas parties, etc, that's all going on well before Thanksgiving, and the crowds would be more manageable. It's hard to imagine a tougher week for first timers than Christmas week. Parks can and do hit capacity and close by mid-day in some cases, lines are long for rides, food and bathrooms. You'll get in a lot more rides and have an overall pleasanter experience at another time.

As for resorts, I'd start reading about the resorts, as much as you can. Start on our parent site, wdwinfo.com, and check out their resort pages:

Disney World Resorts

There are also good resort descriptions on allearsnet.com. Get a feel for which resort category will both suit your budget and give you the level of amenities you want.