Where to start??

[lisamarie12]

I apologize in advance, this is long and kind of all over the place.
We are taking our first real trip to WDW in May. DH and I actually went for 2 days in 2009, but that was a very short trip, we stayed off site and that was before DD (4). (DD just turned 4 on Saturday so it pains me to say that. )

We had originally planned the trip for July because that is when our baby sitter (and back up) are out of town and we were taking off anyway. Well now DH decided he does not mind using 2 weeks vacation, so we are taking a week off in May. It happens to be the week of Mother's Day, our 10 year anniversary and my 40th birthday. So that week just makes sense to be our Disney trip. Plus it is about $800 cheaper than July. And we are hoping a little less crowded, since it is just before school lets out (May 10-15).

BUT, now that our trip is in Mid May, I am kind of behind the game as far as reservations and all...

I still have not booked and can't for probably 1-2 weeks. This is because we applied for a Southwest credit card to get free points for airfare. In order to do that, we have to put a certain amount on the card, which was going to be the cost of the rest of the vacation. So I have to wait until we get the physical card to book. That is stressing me out as it is.

So I know that I can book ADRs now even without a reservation because I have some for July (which I need to cancel). Hopefully there are still some good ones left.

But as far as Fast Pass+, I am not really sure how that all works, but I guess I have to be booked right?

Since I have my dates set but not booked yet, where should I start? I guess I can start with dining reservations.

I think we are going to do the dining plan, because I want to do a few character meals. And I don't want to be ordering soup for dinner when I would rather have a steak because I want to save the money. But I don't really want to be too tied down though. But I am afraid if I don't book something, there will be nothing? Is it possible to get same day or walk up seating at any table service places. I know if its something very popular (like CRT), then probably not, but are there at least some places that take walk ins (besides Quick Service)?

Also, we are debating whether we want to do an adults only dinner on our anniversary, or a fun dinner with DD. DH is kind of cheap and does not really want to spend the extra for child care, but he might. But if we do, then we will need to go somewhere nice that accepts the dining plan, because we will not want to pay extra, on top of paying for child care. Suggestions- either for DH and I only or for a family meal that will be suitable for our anniversary but still okay for DD too?

We are trying to decide where to stay. We originally were planning on Art of Animation, but the price has gone up on that. Then we were thinking one of the All Stars or Pop, but now that we have moved to May and its quite a bit cheaper, Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans are in play, as they are not that much more. Caribbean Beach seems to be the best value, but it does not seem very "Disney" (i.e. cutesy, kind of over the top). It reminds me of a resort in Mexico. But it looks nice than some of the other places. Will it be too grown up for DD. The Port Orleans resorts are a little higher, are they a lot better?

I have a million more questions, but I won't ask them all now. This is long enough as it is.

 

[KatBarnard]

Hi Lisa Marie!
First of all- don't worry! You are not that far behind in making plans and reservations! You only make your Fastpass+ selections 60 days before your trip, so you still have plenty of time! I just did a quick check on some dining availability for mid May and there are still plenty of reservations available, so you will be able to find some great character meals and a romantic place for your anniversary no problem!
As far as Caribbean Beach, we stayed there in November with our 3 year old daughter and LOVED it! The rooms were recently redone so they were so nice and clean, and new beds which is always a nice treat . The children's pool area there is really awesome too! They have a great little play area with a kids water slide that our daughter really enjoyed.
We also did the dining plan this last trip and thought it was great. I know people have varying opinions on whether it is cost-effective, but since we did a character meal every day we thought it was a good deal for us and also we liked not having to stress about what we chose to eat and just enjoy ourselves.

The most important thing to remember is- it's Disney world, you are surrounded by the people you love, and you are celebrating some very special occasions- it's going to be amazing! Try to relax, it is going to be great no matter what!!!
If it would be easier for you to have help with bookings, making your dining reservations, Fastpasses etc., you can also use a travel planner specializing in Disney vacations to do all of those things for you for FREE! It is no additional cost to you at all and can help a lot to relieve some of the stress and pressure so that you can just focus on having a great time .

 

[nicolispicoli]

If it helps your stress at all, your Southwest card should come pretty quickly. I have one and my husband has one and they both came quicker than I expected they would. I too was waiting on it to use so that I could get the miles for the trip I used to book it with. The miles are what take longer to show up...

 

[ToddyLu]

You may not be quite the planner we all are but I always start with park hours which are posted for May on WDWinfo.com and EasyWDW.com. Easy WDW has some great calendars and park touring plans to help stat your planning to see which parks have Extra Magic Hours, Etc.

You should be fine with your ADRs and FP+. We loved Pop since it had a dedicated bus service. All Stars share buses at times. Pop is right next door to Art of Animation so you guys could walk over there for a meal. I think you will be happy with any resort and at that age your little princess will love just being someplace new.

Maybe a nice meal at one of the resorts. If you are interested in Animal Kingdom Lodge, you have a choice of two signature restaurants Jiko at Jambo House and Sanaa at Kidani Village. After a nice dinner you can use night vision goggles available to see the animals on the savanna or perhaps hear a story around the campfire at Jambo. Some of the CMs are from Africa and give little talks about their homeland in the evenings. There is also a drum cafe where the kids can play drums with some of the cast members. Just some different ideas for you to ponder...

Have a wonderful time!