Where do I start?

[lolobug]

Hello!
My family is returning to WDW in March 2025 (myself, DH, DD (16), DD (13) and DS (4).
Info to help plan:
-We have rented DVC points for Boulder Ridge for 8 nights- I may consider a split stay with the Poly but that will cost an additional $600. I know that the WL pool will be awesome for my DS, worried the Poly slide may be too much for him and the kiddie area a little too young.
-DH is not the easiest of park goers- he will not be happy with having to wait in long lines (I realize there will be some lines, just implying the smoother this process can go, the better).
-We are not big eaters- we tend to grab a quick breakfast, QS lunch and a TS dinner (Ohana is a must for the trip).
- Except for Ohana character breakfast we will not be sitting down for a breakfast TS reservation.
- DS (4) loves Mickey Mouse and DD (13) loves Stitch, so I was thinking of maybe booking Ohana character breakfast.
- The kids and I will head out to the parks for rope drop, DH will join at his leisure. We are quality over quantity kind of park goers (we may leave a park and return later or we may stay until late afternoon and call it a day).
-DH will like some down time, too- I may schedule a complete pool day (or I might get tickets for every day of our trip and just hang by the pool when we feel like it)
- I am trying to keep my costs down, I do love a great deal! However, I would rather spend a little more money to have a smoother experience than save the money and have to wait around or miss out. (Considering buying Genie+ every day of our trip)

Looking for suggestions that you have to make our trip run smoothly. The last time we went to WDW we had fast pass and free magic bands- everything is an up charge now! I think one character meal will probably be enough for our family. My husband enjoys a good meal- does not have to be large quantities but good, healthy food. Thank you for your help, please list any tips, tricks or suggestions!

 

[WLWildlife]

My DH doesn't love Disney the way I do, so we don't go often. I always ask him what he would and wouldn't like to do and do my best to accommodate that, while keeping everyone else happy. I have found staying at his resort of choice, WL, and keeping him rested and fed go a long way in keeping him content. We are quality over quantity as well. I probably wouldn't do a split stay because of the hassle of packing and moving everything and not having a room available for part of the day. You could also use the money you save there on the G+ purchase so you don't spend as much time waiting in lines. I think you already have a solid plan. Have a great trip!

 

[tinkerjo]

My DH loves Disney but “his way” we stayed Copper Creek last time and he LOVED it! The vibe is really chill and we ate at Geyser point a few times just for the atmosphere. We usually rope drop till 2-3pm. We usually eat a good healthy breakfast in the morning in the room, eat QS in the park, and after we leave, I will take the kids swimming while DH cooks supper (he never cooks at home but thinks he is chef Ramsey on vacation) sometime I go back with the kids later, sometimes not. DH likes his evening TV time( I think it’s lame but whatever) I liked Genie plus and think it helps a lot to maximize your time in park. Ohana is our favorite character breakfast and it’s the only breakfast we do. DH also insists on going to the Hoop de doo. I find letting him make some of the food decisions helps keep him happy. We just use old magic bands. Happy husbands make happy Disney trips. You will love bolder ridge

 

[lolobug]

My DH loves Disney but “his way” we stayed Copper Creek last time and he LOVED it! The vibe is really chill and we ate at Geyser point a few times just for the atmosphere. We usually rope drop till 2-3pm. We usually eat a good healthy breakfast in the morning in the room, eat QS in the park, and after we leave, I will take the kids swimming while DH cooks supper (he never cooks at home but thinks he is chef Ramsey on vacation) sometime I go back with the kids later, sometimes not. DH likes his evening TV time( I think it’s lame but whatever) I liked Genie plus and think it helps a lot to maximize your time in park. Ohana is our favorite character breakfast and it’s the only breakfast we do. DH also insists on going to the Hoop de doo. I find letting him make some of the food decisions helps keep him happy. We just use old magic bands. Happy husbands make happy Disney trips. You will love bolder ridge

Thank you for the great advice!

 

[lolobug]

My DH doesn't love Disney the way I do, so we don't go often. I always ask him what he would and wouldn't like to do and do my best to accommodate that, while keeping everyone else happy. I have found staying at his resort of choice, WL, and keeping him rested and fed go a long way in keeping him content. We are quality over quantity as well. I probably wouldn't do a split stay because of the hassle of packing and moving everything and not having a room available for part of the day. You could also use the money you save there on the G+ purchase so you don't spend as much time waiting in lines. I think you already have a solid plan. Have a great trip!

Thank you so much, I think we may just stick with BRV.

 

[sponica]

I would just stay in one spot and skip the split stay. I moved rooms within a resort and even that was a pain.

Based on my 7 year old's in depth pool research over the years, she's happy as long as there is a slide. Heck if they let her into the splash pads she would still use those, so I wouldn't worry about any splash pad being "too kiddy" for a 4 year old.

As far as Genie+, it's worth it at MK because there are a lot of rides. I've found it works well at DHS and AK if you're going later to those parks, you can book, modify and stack. It's not worthwhile at Epcot, unless you want to treat it like a really expensive lightning lane. To knock out all the top level rides, early entry will be your friend and possibly the deluxe evening EMH.

 

[lolobug]

I would just stay in one spot and skip the split stay. I moved rooms within a resort and even that was a pain.

Based on my 7 year old's in depth pool research over the years, she's happy as long as there is a slide. Heck if they let her into the splash pads she would still use those, so I wouldn't worry about any splash pad being "too kiddy" for a 4 year old.

As far as Genie+, it's worth it at MK because there are a lot of rides. I've found it works well at DHS and AK if you're going later to those parks, you can book, modify and stack. It's not worthwhile at Epcot, unless you want to treat it like a really expensive lightning lane. To knock out all the top level rides, early entry will be your friend and possibly the deluxe evening EMH.

Thank you so much for your help!

 

[Theleecrew8]

You're off to a great start. At your hotel will you have a kitchen? Because getting groceries can be a great way to save money and have some solid food. My family of 8 went and brought a cooler bag with peanut butter and bagels along with fruit and snacks. We never did a sit down restaurant (because feeding 6 kids let alone 6 vegan kids is a bit insane....). We stay off site as our youngest needed the extra space. But having a kitchen was huge for making breakfasts and eating.

I'd say that Genie+ will still be worth it for you. You're going during a spring break season so it will be longer lines. The extra expense there is worth it. But then take breaks in AC indoors. Mix in shows as that also helps in between lightning lanes.

Having a resort day is a great to build in. You can always head to Disney Springs or resort hop as there's so much to do. Wilderness Lodge has a lot and is so beautiful. I love how it feels like an oasis from Disney, yet still has that magic Disney touch.