Where to go next???

[WDWRook]

I need help deciding what to do for our next family vacation. Please give me your insight.

We just got back from 6 nights at the Poly as DVC members. Last year did the same in Septmember and did the MNSSHP and F&W. Year before was May at POR for F&G.

Kids are currently DS11 (5th grade) and DD7 (1st grade).

Considering the following options.

1. MVMCP for early next December; stay someplace new like BC, AKL, etc.
2. Aulani next year; not sure when exactly, maybe Jan 2019
3. 4 night DCL cruise with a couple days at SSR with no park tickets (or a couple nights at Vero Beach.)
4. Disneyland trip.

Likely will only do Aulani and a Cruise once. I'm trying to decide based upon age of kids and based upon the belief that we are running out of years where we can take them out of school for a week. We hope to eventually do all of these, but based on the ages, what do you think would be best for next year? Any thoughts on factors to consider?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Where do you live? Are you only planning Aulani for a week? If you live on the west coast, Aulani could be a possibility. We live on the east coast and did French Polynesia this past summer and it took at least 3 days to adjust to the time difference. The only way I would do Aulani is if we were going to Hawaii for at least 2 weeks otherwise the airfare, duration of flight and adjusting to the time change wouldn't be worth it.

You don't have this on your list, but I would consider a 7-night cruise. By DVL, are you referring to a Disney cruise? I'm not sure what DVL means (Is it a DVC cruise?). My DS10 has really enjoyed our cruises but has started to outgrown the kids' clubs. I think Disney cruises really hit the sweet spot for kids in the 6-9 year range. I know older kids enjoy them as well, but the kids club for the younger kids really blows all other cruise lines' kids clubs out of the water, so might as well take advantage of it.

Option 1 and 4 are good for kids of all ages, as is Aulani. I would do the cruise.

 

[WDWRook]

We live in Michigan so Aulani will be a hike. I understand the idea of two weeks, but I don't envision ever having two plus weeks I can take off for a trip. We did French Polynesia for our honeymoon 14 years ago for ten nights. I really like to go at least once and would have to make it work for less than two weeks.

DVL should say DCL- Disney Cruise Line. Wife gets a bit of motion sickness. Not terrible, but enough that our first cruise we want to stick to less days, thus the 4 nights at sea.

 

[FSU Girl]

Cruise! I love cruises and I love the Disney cruises even more. If you've never been on one it's definitely worth the experience.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you plan on using DVC points for early Dec next year, you need to book your home resort at 11 months out. Then see what might still be available at seven months out. You may be surprised that nothing might be available for that time period at seven months out.

 

[WDWRook]

Yes that would be an issue. Worst case we would be "stuck" at Poly. Real issue is we only have 60 points and currently have 10 2017 points to bank until 2018. Eventually we need to take a year off to let our points rebound, either next year or 2019. 2020 I want to go when Star Wars land is open.

I guess my dilemma is what ages are best for each event? Cruise, Aulani, MVMCP? The competing issue is I'm running out of years where we can go in December and take kids out of school. Although our 5th grader had minimal homework to catch up and seems to have not missed a beat.

 

[Gary M]

Early or middle December is our favorite time at WDW. You might check some photos of that time of year.

 

[Wild4Walt]

With your kids ages, I would recommend the cruise 1st and Disneyland as a close 2nd and Aulani 3rd. The cruise has so many kid friendly activities onboard, that I think as they get older, it won't be something they want to participate in.