OT So who's done the Disney World thing?
- Thread starter msuJD164
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You can typically find packages for about $1500+ for a family of four. We've done Disney several times. Any secrets or pointers? There literally are books written on the subject. Do some research. AllEars is a good site about all things Disney.
My best advice (and it really depends on the age of your kids....)
1. Stay on-site. Value, Moderate or Really17ingExpensive
2. If you like to eat - get a dining plan. If you want to save money/pack your lunch, don't.
3. Plan your days. Seriously. Schedule around the extra magic hours.
4. Take a break mid-day each day.
My best advice (and it really depends on the age of your kids....)
1. Stay on-site. Value, Moderate or Really17ingExpensive
2. If you like to eat - get a dining plan. If you want to save money/pack your lunch, don't.
3. Plan your days. Seriously. Schedule around the extra magic hours.
4. Take a break mid-day each day.
not trying to be a Debbie-Downer but Disney just isn't either the deal or appealing the way it was 10-20 years ago ... I've been so many times that I have seen the decline right before me .... still, the kids won't realize this so it's still the place to go with children, I just doubt that you and your wife would ever return on your own ... however, Orlando is a really cool place with so much to do ...... be sure to spend an evening @ City-walk ... oh yeah, although almost as crowded is Universal studios but Universal is more "ride" oriented now than the magic kingdom
My wife handled everything on both of our trips with the kids, so I can't give you details. She can plan a vacation better than anyone I've ever met. I just nod my head and go along and everything is like clockwork. I will say this:
1. Use a travel agent. Fly and then stay on the property. Disney handles everything. They pick you up at the airport in a bus, get your luggage, etc. You just get off the plane and head for the bus. They will get your bags to the room. I've stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and Port Orleans French Quarter and was pleased both times.
2. Another fun thing was the second time we went, we didn't tell our kids until about 1 hour before we left. We packed some the night before but told the kids they were going to spend a few days with the grandparents (who only live about 1 mile from us) so they wouldn't be suspicious. They freaked out the next morning when we told them we were really going to Disney.
3. We went in the off-season, so the dining plan was thrown-in. It was nice.
4. If you want to do character meals, book them early. They fill up months in advance.
Also, if you have a young daughter, I highly suggest the princess character breakfast in Epcot (I think it is at Norway). The breakfast was awesome (eggs, bacon, hams, etc.) and they had Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Little Mermaid (smoking hot), etc. They all come to the table and visit with you.
Best tip: Don't go during peak times (summer, spring break, Easter weekend, etc)
The place is so much more enjoyable when you're not standing in line for 45 minutes for a 2 minute ride. When we went in February you could walk on to just about any ride with no wait. It spoiled me so bad I'll never go back in the summer. Since you're going in Spring, sounds like you'll be okay. Just try and pick a time when everyone isn't out of school.
Cost will obviously go up depending on where you stay, how many days of tickets, and dining plan. You're not in your room that much, so I'd go lower on the room quality than anything else. Wilderness Lodge is the best Moderate resort in my opinion, and it has a boat ride directly to Magic Kingdom if you want to skip the shuttle ride. Like someone said, take advantage of the extra magic hours. It's a lot less crowded during these hours because it's only open to those staying somewhere on property. The Park Hopper option is worth it as well. As an estimate we did 5 days of tickets, at Wilderness Lodge, with a dining plan and it was about $2,700 for four of us (excluding plane tickets). Again, these were non-peak prices. Good luck.
The place is so much more enjoyable when you're not standing in line for 45 minutes for a 2 minute ride. When we went in February you could walk on to just about any ride with no wait. It spoiled me so bad I'll never go back in the summer. Since you're going in Spring, sounds like you'll be okay. Just try and pick a time when everyone isn't out of school.
Cost will obviously go up depending on where you stay, how many days of tickets, and dining plan. You're not in your room that much, so I'd go lower on the room quality than anything else. Wilderness Lodge is the best Moderate resort in my opinion, and it has a boat ride directly to Magic Kingdom if you want to skip the shuttle ride. Like someone said, take advantage of the extra magic hours. It's a lot less crowded during these hours because it's only open to those staying somewhere on property. The Park Hopper option is worth it as well. As an estimate we did 5 days of tickets, at Wilderness Lodge, with a dining plan and it was about $2,700 for four of us (excluding plane tickets). Again, these were non-peak prices. Good luck.
1) Book off season, Sept or Oct.
2) If you or the wife are runners, enter into one of the 5ks or whatever and youll get a BIG discount on your room and tickets
3) Get the dining plan (middle of the road one) and start booking reservations NOW. Le Cellier in epcot (Canada) is a must if you love steak.
4) I took my 3 year old daughter for her birthday last Sept. She wanted to be a princess so I booked a bippity boppity boutique package... If you choose this, book it as far in advanced as you can.
5) Downtown Disney... Its fun if you have a day to just walk around. Disney Quest is also fun.
Ive stayed at the Carribean Beach Resort and will be staying at the Polynesian resort this year. The Polynesian has monorail access... Big plus to me.
Edit: If you get the mean plan... Make sure to order the most expensive thing on the menue EVERY meal to get the most out of the plan. The middle plan is a good deal if you do this... If your wife eats like a rabbit and your kid just picks at her food, then skip the plan.
2) If you or the wife are runners, enter into one of the 5ks or whatever and youll get a BIG discount on your room and tickets
3) Get the dining plan (middle of the road one) and start booking reservations NOW. Le Cellier in epcot (Canada) is a must if you love steak.
4) I took my 3 year old daughter for her birthday last Sept. She wanted to be a princess so I booked a bippity boppity boutique package... If you choose this, book it as far in advanced as you can.
5) Downtown Disney... Its fun if you have a day to just walk around. Disney Quest is also fun.
Ive stayed at the Carribean Beach Resort and will be staying at the Polynesian resort this year. The Polynesian has monorail access... Big plus to me.
Edit: If you get the mean plan... Make sure to order the most expensive thing on the menue EVERY meal to get the most out of the plan. The middle plan is a good deal if you do this... If your wife eats like a rabbit and your kid just picks at her food, then skip the plan.
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The only reason to stay at a Disney owned resort, in my opinion, is if you want to get the meal plan or you're willing to pay extra for "the magic" 24/7.
We usually stay at the Swan or Dolphin, which are owned by Starwood (Starpoints!) but use the Disney transportation system. You can stay off property if you like, but being on the Disney transport system is really great and, to me, worth it. These hotels are kind of like convention resorts. There's a really nice pool and the rooms are nice but bland compared to the Disney places.
You can spend a bundle on accommodations, but consider what a small part of the vacation that will be... how much time will you be spending awake in the room? There's a ton of junk to spend money on at Disney, so decide on your priorities and spend accordingly.
Some places I would recommend to eat:
O'hana at the Polynesian Resort, kind of like a Texas de Brazil or other Churascarria. They have some entertainment for kids and the food is good. It will be difficult to get a reservation less than 5-6 months out but you can keep trying.
I agree that planning is key. Have a plan of attack, one park each day, or half a day here and half a day there. EPCOT is fun in the evening, and there are lots of options there for dining (and drinking).
We usually stay at the Swan or Dolphin, which are owned by Starwood (Starpoints!) but use the Disney transportation system. You can stay off property if you like, but being on the Disney transport system is really great and, to me, worth it. These hotels are kind of like convention resorts. There's a really nice pool and the rooms are nice but bland compared to the Disney places.
You can spend a bundle on accommodations, but consider what a small part of the vacation that will be... how much time will you be spending awake in the room? There's a ton of junk to spend money on at Disney, so decide on your priorities and spend accordingly.
Some places I would recommend to eat:
O'hana at the Polynesian Resort, kind of like a Texas de Brazil or other Churascarria. They have some entertainment for kids and the food is good. It will be difficult to get a reservation less than 5-6 months out but you can keep trying.
I agree that planning is key. Have a plan of attack, one park each day, or half a day here and half a day there. EPCOT is fun in the evening, and there are lots of options there for dining (and drinking).
I have been twice. First time you go, it is a very very good time. Both times, I shelled out about $2,000. For 5 days in a moderate Disney hotel with meal plans and park hopper. We drove down there.
I recommend getting a package through Disney and staying on property. After all the shopping I did, I found their package was just as cheap as piecing something together myself. Also, staying on property is good because the buses run more often and take you directly to the park gates. Also, the meal plan is worth it because it is convenient. The food isn't great but it will do. Also, staying on property means getting in on Magic Hours. My kids and I shut down Magic Kingdom a couple of nights. There is 1/3 the crowd at midnight to 2am also. We rode some rides over and over with no wait. Get the park hopper too. We ended up back at Magic Kingdom about every night.
Second time we went. We stayed off site (went with a cheer team) and it was a pain getting in the gates at Magic Kingdom and getting anywhere. The bus did not run near as often and it dropped off at the Monrail station. So, then after waiting and waiting on a bus, we still had to ride the Monrail to get to the front gate. You don't want to drive to the parks. They gouge you on parking.
First time, I went during July. I promise it did not seem as hot there as MS in July. It wasn't as humid. There is plenty of shade too. July/August crowds are smallest during summer. Second time, we went over spring break and the crowd was ridiculous. Long lines for everything, everywhere. Also, I have friends that go during November.....very small crowds then.
I recommend getting a package through Disney and staying on property. After all the shopping I did, I found their package was just as cheap as piecing something together myself. Also, staying on property is good because the buses run more often and take you directly to the park gates. Also, the meal plan is worth it because it is convenient. The food isn't great but it will do. Also, staying on property means getting in on Magic Hours. My kids and I shut down Magic Kingdom a couple of nights. There is 1/3 the crowd at midnight to 2am also. We rode some rides over and over with no wait. Get the park hopper too. We ended up back at Magic Kingdom about every night.
Second time we went. We stayed off site (went with a cheer team) and it was a pain getting in the gates at Magic Kingdom and getting anywhere. The bus did not run near as often and it dropped off at the Monrail station. So, then after waiting and waiting on a bus, we still had to ride the Monrail to get to the front gate. You don't want to drive to the parks. They gouge you on parking.
First time, I went during July. I promise it did not seem as hot there as MS in July. It wasn't as humid. There is plenty of shade too. July/August crowds are smallest during summer. Second time, we went over spring break and the crowd was ridiculous. Long lines for everything, everywhere. Also, I have friends that go during November.....very small crowds then.
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Le Cellier is good. Bistro de Paris is good but overpriced. Jiko at Animal Kingdom Lodge was excellent but probably not "kid food". The Brown Derby in Hollywood Studios is also good and you can do lunch there. I would also highly recommend Raglan Road at Downtown Disney. Good food, good drinks, and live Irish entertainment in the evening. Disney Quest is awesome, basically a giant arcade where all the machines are free. It can be included on your ticket or not, if not you'll have to pay admission to get it.
This. order directly off their site, and pay for whatever the ride pass thing is. No standing in lines. Get the meal plan. Much easier.
How much will you shell out? Family of 4 with air from MS?
$6,000. Give or take. We researched it to the point my wife wouldn't even come in my office if she saw I had Disney stuff up.
Stay on the property, Moderate unless you just have to have something nicer. (Though, being closer to the parks is preferable and more expensive). We were in our room literally to sleep and bathe. Kids turned on the tv and it never left the disney park channel.
Do the meal plan.
Do park hopper.
Don't do a water park if there's any way around it.
Plan your evening meals well in advance. Visit a couple of the high-end resorts for dinner. There's a reason they take two meal credits.
Breakfast in Cinderella's Castle and with Belle in the new Fantasyland book 180 days out on the nose and you've got to pay at the time of booking. (Bout $250). But the food is actually good and if you have a daughter it's worth the money.
Do the Electric Parade one night at Magic Kingdom.
Do Fantasmic one night at Hollywood Studios. Absolutely don't miss this.
Don't miss some of the older stuff in Magic Kingdom... My kids still talk about the 3-D Mickey and Donald theatre.
Animal Kingdom can get incredibly congested and there's a river raft ride you'll be sorry you stood in line to do 3 hours later when your shoes are still soaked, but the Lion King show is worth the wait.
A 6 year old will be terrified watching the Rocking Roller Coaster shoot off into the darkness knowing they're about to have to get on it, but don't let them puss out.
Buy the most comfortable pair of running/tennis shoes you've ever owned. Wear them on the plane. Pack no other shoes.
Buy colored ponchos before you leave and take them in your backpack in the park. When it rains everybody else will be wearing disney ponchos and you can tell your kids apart because they're in UT orange or UK blue.
All restaurants that take 1 meal credit suck. You asked for this financial raping. Deal with it.
Fast Pass seems complicated. When you get there it's so simple you feel like an imbecile for not understanding earlier. (They've just started a new wristband/fast pass system. You can even book rides before you arrive on your "vacation".)
Don't under estimate how much fun finding the characters and getting autographs is. Buy each child an autograph book from Amazon before you go. Or wait and pay triple in the park. Also, take extra pens in your pack.
Every store in every park will allow you to purchase something and have it magically appear in your room when you return that evening and you never even know the bill total until you settle up at the end. That's a damned dangerous perk. It's like getting off a cruise ship and signing for the bar tab you drank over the last week.
Use the hell out of the photo pass system. Get a picture taken everywhere even though you're taking your own. Resign yourself that they're going to soak you for $165 when you get home when you order your disc of photos.
$6,000. Give or take. We researched it to the point my wife wouldn't even come in my office if she saw I had Disney stuff up.
Stay on the property, Moderate unless you just have to have something nicer. (Though, being closer to the parks is preferable and more expensive). We were in our room literally to sleep and bathe. Kids turned on the tv and it never left the disney park channel.
Do the meal plan.
Do park hopper.
Don't do a water park if there's any way around it.
Plan your evening meals well in advance. Visit a couple of the high-end resorts for dinner. There's a reason they take two meal credits.
Breakfast in Cinderella's Castle and with Belle in the new Fantasyland book 180 days out on the nose and you've got to pay at the time of booking. (Bout $250). But the food is actually good and if you have a daughter it's worth the money.
Do the Electric Parade one night at Magic Kingdom.
Do Fantasmic one night at Hollywood Studios. Absolutely don't miss this.
Don't miss some of the older stuff in Magic Kingdom... My kids still talk about the 3-D Mickey and Donald theatre.
Animal Kingdom can get incredibly congested and there's a river raft ride you'll be sorry you stood in line to do 3 hours later when your shoes are still soaked, but the Lion King show is worth the wait.
A 6 year old will be terrified watching the Rocking Roller Coaster shoot off into the darkness knowing they're about to have to get on it, but don't let them puss out.
Buy the most comfortable pair of running/tennis shoes you've ever owned. Wear them on the plane. Pack no other shoes.
Buy colored ponchos before you leave and take them in your backpack in the park. When it rains everybody else will be wearing disney ponchos and you can tell your kids apart because they're in UT orange or UK blue.
All restaurants that take 1 meal credit suck. You asked for this financial raping. Deal with it.
Fast Pass seems complicated. When you get there it's so simple you feel like an imbecile for not understanding earlier. (They've just started a new wristband/fast pass system. You can even book rides before you arrive on your "vacation".)
Don't under estimate how much fun finding the characters and getting autographs is. Buy each child an autograph book from Amazon before you go. Or wait and pay triple in the park. Also, take extra pens in your pack.
Every store in every park will allow you to purchase something and have it magically appear in your room when you return that evening and you never even know the bill total until you settle up at the end. That's a damned dangerous perk. It's like getting off a cruise ship and signing for the bar tab you drank over the last week.
Use the hell out of the photo pass system. Get a picture taken everywhere even though you're taking your own. Resign yourself that they're going to soak you for $165 when you get home when you order your disc of photos.
Go off season, if you can...there may be some times in Spring.
Use a Disney Travel agent (I use [email protected]).
I'd stay in Disney world value resort...either PopCentury or Art Of Animation (you're never in your room).
Get the quick dinning plan (this is free several times a year).
HAVE FUN and be a kid.
Use a Disney Travel agent (I use [email protected]).
I'd stay in Disney world value resort...either PopCentury or Art Of Animation (you're never in your room).
Get the quick dinning plan (this is free several times a year).
HAVE FUN and be a kid.
Yeah, don't forget the have fun part.
I've seen some adults there that look like they'd rather be sun bathing on Mercury. You're at Disney World. Have fun, dammit.
I've seen some adults there that look like they'd rather be sun bathing on Mercury. You're at Disney World. Have fun, dammit.
Pretty much THIS^^^^
Best post in the thread. I will add one thing though... Stay at a resort with monorail access. The bus rides are great, but if you do go off season, then the number of busses they run drop. I learned this last Sept. Check the Polynesian out.
Best post in the thread. I will add one thing though... Stay at a resort with monorail access. The bus rides are great, but if you do go off season, then the number of busses they run drop. I learned this last Sept. Check the Polynesian out.
http://www.mousesavers.com huge help with both of my trips, both taken in October. Stayed on property both times.
How Old are your children? You will definitely want to rent a double stroller while there, if they are smaller than say... age 8.
Stayed at All-Star Sports in 2007, in the Contemporary Resort, With a Park View Tower room, in 2010. Going in October saved us 40% on our room, both times.
1st trip was done on the cheap. We wanted the convenience of staying on property, along with the meal plan. We skimped where we could. For example: Upon reservation, we said we needed a mini-fridge because we had medicine we needed to keep cold. One was furnished at no charge. We kept milk and juice in there, and had cereal every morning. Drove the Hybrid for about $100 round trip, from Gulfport. Entire 7 day trip (Tickets/Room/meal plan) cost us less than 2k. You can stay off property, and plan your own meals, and save even more!
2nd trip, we splurged on the Contemporary Resort, but played things pretty tight the rest of the way. With the regular meal plan, you got 3 meals a day. You get 1 Snack, 1 Counter Service, and 1 Table Service. We used our Counter Service at Wolfgang Puck's Express (in Downtown Disney) every chance we could. Think Newk's style ordering/service, but with table service food.
TIP: As far as avoiding lines/crowds, go to each park when it opens, go back to your room around 11:00. Rest, swim, whatever. Go back around 5:00 p.m. and stay until closing. Peak times are in the mid day, and your kids won't be as cranky for being led around the park all day.
Considering staying off property, this year... Good Luck!
How Old are your children? You will definitely want to rent a double stroller while there, if they are smaller than say... age 8.
Stayed at All-Star Sports in 2007, in the Contemporary Resort, With a Park View Tower room, in 2010. Going in October saved us 40% on our room, both times.
1st trip was done on the cheap. We wanted the convenience of staying on property, along with the meal plan. We skimped where we could. For example: Upon reservation, we said we needed a mini-fridge because we had medicine we needed to keep cold. One was furnished at no charge. We kept milk and juice in there, and had cereal every morning. Drove the Hybrid for about $100 round trip, from Gulfport. Entire 7 day trip (Tickets/Room/meal plan) cost us less than 2k. You can stay off property, and plan your own meals, and save even more!
2nd trip, we splurged on the Contemporary Resort, but played things pretty tight the rest of the way. With the regular meal plan, you got 3 meals a day. You get 1 Snack, 1 Counter Service, and 1 Table Service. We used our Counter Service at Wolfgang Puck's Express (in Downtown Disney) every chance we could. Think Newk's style ordering/service, but with table service food.
TIP: As far as avoiding lines/crowds, go to each park when it opens, go back to your room around 11:00. Rest, swim, whatever. Go back around 5:00 p.m. and stay until closing. Peak times are in the mid day, and your kids won't be as cranky for being led around the park all day.
Considering staying off property, this year... Good Luck!
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We went twice, but both times were about 25 years ago. We stayed off-site both times and had a great time. I can't remember how much it cost at the time but that would be almost irrelevant today. It's a great place to go and the kids will love it.
The first time we went was in June, and it was miserably hot ... probably well over 100 on the hot asphalt. The second time was in mid-March and temperatures were perfect. So keep that in mind when you go ... summers can be miserable in Orlando. And winter has cold weather very rarely.
The first time we went was in June, and it was miserably hot ... probably well over 100 on the hot asphalt. The second time was in mid-March and temperatures were perfect. So keep that in mind when you go ... summers can be miserable in Orlando. And winter has cold weather very rarely.
I've gone twice in the last couple years, once in April and once in October. October was far, far less crowded. My pointers: First, stay in one of the Disney hotels. If you're doing a family trip, I'd just use one of their economy hotels like Pop Century. It's nothing special but it's fairly cheap. If it was just you and the wife I'd say to upgrade to one of the moderate or stupidly ******* expensive ones, but for a trip with the kids it's not worth the added expense. The reason to stay in one of their own hotels is that you get a free shuttle to every park, the hotel itself has a food court and gift shop/drugstore, and you don't have to deal with traffic every day. Second, get the meal plan. You pretty much get one counter service meal (fast food type places all over the parks), one sit down restaurant meal, and a "snack" which could be anything from a bottle of water to candy to a bagel, per day. That cost the wife and I about $80ish bucks a day, but our dinner every night was easily over $100. Also, make dinner reservations ahead of time. Way ahead of time.
Not sure if you were replying to me because I'm on my tablet, but this is what I was referring to.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/fast-pass/
I think he's talking about the paying-extra thing. There is no additional cost for fast passes. And you will still stand in line, just not as long.
Pretty much everything has been covered but i'll reiterate a couple things;
1) Plan, plan plan everything....not just getting there and getting back
2) be prepared to spend a lot. It is worth it in my opinion, although I agree the disney magic has deminished over the last 10 years
3) regardless how much you plan, you'll not see everything. Be prepared for sensory overload
4) you can tell on your way home from the trip if it was for you because you'll be thinking about your next visit during the trip home
5) hidden mickeys....your kids will enjoy this
6) pin trading, depending on the age of your kids
1) Plan, plan plan everything....not just getting there and getting back
2) be prepared to spend a lot. It is worth it in my opinion, although I agree the disney magic has deminished over the last 10 years
3) regardless how much you plan, you'll not see everything. Be prepared for sensory overload
4) you can tell on your way home from the trip if it was for you because you'll be thinking about your next visit during the trip home
5) hidden mickeys....your kids will enjoy this
6) pin trading, depending on the age of your kids
Agree on Swan/Dolphin.
Kids loved the pools.
Had dinner with Goofy & Pluto and maybe 4 other families in one of the Swan restaurants.
Walking/Boating to Epcot and Hollywood studios is a big big plus especially after the park closing shows.
Elevators in the Swan were freakishly quiet years ago.
Doors close, doors open and you're on a different floor but you didn't feel yourself move.
Kids loved the pools.
Had dinner with Goofy & Pluto and maybe 4 other families in one of the Swan restaurants.
Walking/Boating to Epcot and Hollywood studios is a big big plus especially after the park closing shows.
Elevators in the Swan were freakishly quiet years ago.
Doors close, doors open and you're on a different floor but you didn't feel yourself move.
I have been several times, and have done it many different ways. For the first time, I would definitely stay on the grounds. Go for as long as possible because you can not do it all. The best investements we have ever made were for 10 day hopper passes with no expiration. I still have 3 days left on my last one. Now adays we will pick up a nice 4 star offsite hotel for $65 on priceline, use flyer miles along with a priceline car rental, and you can really do it nice for a good price. There is a lot more to do in Orlando than just Disney. We spend more time at Islands of Adventure now.
To save money stay at the moderate priced resorts. The rooms are small, but you are only there to sleep. These resorts are very well kept. Since it is Disney everything is clean. Not like comparing a motel 6 to Embassy Suites or the Ritz.
Use the Disney transport system to check out some of the other resort hotels for future visits. Definitely check out the Animal Kingdom resort hotel.
To save money stay at the moderate priced resorts. The rooms are small, but you are only there to sleep. These resorts are very well kept. Since it is Disney everything is clean. Not like comparing a motel 6 to Embassy Suites or the Ritz.
Use the Disney transport system to check out some of the other resort hotels for future visits. Definitely check out the Animal Kingdom resort hotel.
Did it twice....
A day-trip in 1985 with my college girlfriend in August. It was hot, nasty, and foreigners have no concept of hygeine.
The next time was in 2006 with my family. We went on a package deal from a condo that included 3 days for the price of two. We went to Disney World 2 days, Typhoon Lagoon 1 day, and I had free tickets to Sea World so we went there one day.
The second trip was MUCH better. It was in late September, so it was out of season. It was warm but not horribly hot. Was getting updates on the MSU-LSU game from some LSU fans walking around (I think we were down 35-0 at half). Also, in late September it appeared that the British military spent that part of the year on leave. Had a bunch of military and their dependents there (and they had the stereotypically bad teeth...I got my son laughing his *** off after listening to a couple of the kids then reciting lines from Mary Poppins we'd watched the night before).
A day-trip in 1985 with my college girlfriend in August. It was hot, nasty, and foreigners have no concept of hygeine.
The next time was in 2006 with my family. We went on a package deal from a condo that included 3 days for the price of two. We went to Disney World 2 days, Typhoon Lagoon 1 day, and I had free tickets to Sea World so we went there one day.
The second trip was MUCH better. It was in late September, so it was out of season. It was warm but not horribly hot. Was getting updates on the MSU-LSU game from some LSU fans walking around (I think we were down 35-0 at half). Also, in late September it appeared that the British military spent that part of the year on leave. Had a bunch of military and their dependents there (and they had the stereotypically bad teeth...I got my son laughing his *** off after listening to a couple of the kids then reciting lines from Mary Poppins we'd watched the night before).
I don't have too much to add but when you go, download a free Disney World Maps app for your phone. It gives your exact location in each park, along with updated wait times on rides. It helped a lot.
Only thing I can add - take plenty of hand sanitizer and wash your hands a lot. You're getting on & off the same rides as a bunch of sweaty, snotty nosed kids from all over the world.
It sucks to be sick at Disney. My wife had pink eye by the third day, and I was running a 103 temperature the next day. I almost never get sick like that... only about 5 times in the last 15 years.
Still one of the most fun weeks of my life. Started the week by watching MSU win the SEC basketball tournament in Tampa, then saw the space shuttle launch that evening (from Orlando, but still awesome).
It sucks to be sick at Disney. My wife had pink eye by the third day, and I was running a 103 temperature the next day. I almost never get sick like that... only about 5 times in the last 15 years.
Still one of the most fun weeks of my life. Started the week by watching MSU win the SEC basketball tournament in Tampa, then saw the space shuttle launch that evening (from Orlando, but still awesome).
Pretty much good advice aabove. I'll let you know my plan for attacking the rides. I used this method last April and we got to ride everything we wanted with minimal wait.
1. Download Disney app showing ride wait times.
2. Show up at park opening time and be ready to go.
3. Go to the number one (most popular) ride in the park with everyones I.D.'s and get fast pass. (everyone else will be getting in line for the ride)
4. Then have everyone meet you at the #2 ride in that park and get in line (line should still be short).
5. After you get through riding the #2 ride your fast pass time on #1 should be coming up.
6. Ride #1 ride then go immediatley and get fast pass for #3 ride.
7. Have everyone meet you at #4 ride and get in line and ride.
8. Fast pass on #3 should be ready.
9. etc.
Sounds complicated but you'll get the hang of it quickly. We spent very little time in line using this during spring break. Once you get through the 6-7 most popular rides wait times aren't bad unless it's between 11-3. Go back to the room in the middle of the day to avoid the crowd.
1. Download Disney app showing ride wait times.
2. Show up at park opening time and be ready to go.
3. Go to the number one (most popular) ride in the park with everyones I.D.'s and get fast pass. (everyone else will be getting in line for the ride)
4. Then have everyone meet you at the #2 ride in that park and get in line (line should still be short).
5. After you get through riding the #2 ride your fast pass time on #1 should be coming up.
6. Ride #1 ride then go immediatley and get fast pass for #3 ride.
7. Have everyone meet you at #4 ride and get in line and ride.
8. Fast pass on #3 should be ready.
9. etc.
Sounds complicated but you'll get the hang of it quickly. We spent very little time in line using this during spring break. Once you get through the 6-7 most popular rides wait times aren't bad unless it's between 11-3. Go back to the room in the middle of the day to avoid the crowd.
We went just before Christmas. We used a lady that booked everything for us. Tickets, rooms, dining reservations, character meals, and she had a daily itinerary based on our kids ages and likes. The iternary, or plan for the day, was very helpful. We did not have to wonder what ride next, when to get a fast pass, what time to leave to go to the park or leave for meals. I felt like I got more bang for my buck by having this. I think she charged like 50 or 100 bucks for the service. If you are interested pm me for her contact.
We drove down this time, and while there drove to every park except the Magic Kingdom. We felt it was quicker and easier than the buses, and we stayed onsite.
We drove down this time, and while there drove to every park except the Magic Kingdom. We felt it was quicker and easier than the buses, and we stayed onsite.
Take a backpack with your own bottled water. They allow you to bring that in.
As Xeno said, find the characters. One thing I will never forget as long as I live is my daughters reaction when we finally found Cinderella.
Also another option. Look into Disney cruise. They are really fun.
As Xeno said, find the characters. One thing I will never forget as long as I live is my daughters reaction when we finally found Cinderella.
Also another option. Look into Disney cruise. They are really fun.
Fast Pas and what the others said
stay on site, use monorail, take adv of night, have fun.
Realize it'll be crowded, noisy, and you'll wait to everything. Its worth it but at the end of the week you'll be ready to get out.
stay on site, use monorail, take adv of night, have fun.
Realize it'll be crowded, noisy, and you'll wait to everything. Its worth it but at the end of the week you'll be ready to get out.
I go to Disney about 3-4 times per year being a Florida resident. A good tip is NOT to go on the extra magic hour days. Every swinging dick that is staying on the resort will flock to the park with the extra hour. If you want less crowd don't go during these nights.
Another great thing to do is get the Disney app, but not the one that Disney creates. It shows ride times, etc.
Just went Thanksgiving.
Four adults, two children. Stayed in Tree House Villa because it let us all stay in one place. Not as convenient to attractions as other lodging, but in the park. If you're buying meals, don't buy more than the Quick Dining plan. From Wed-Saturday, we used the dining plan. Saturday afternoon realized there were 17 snacks and 20+ meals left on it for the six of us.
Being that the two children were girls, we spent all our time in the Magic Kingdom. They rode everything at least twice. We did have the park hopper option. Also, maybe since it was Thanksgiving weekend, didn't see much difference in the number of people when the park opened or closed for those staying at DW. Get a fast pass on every ride available.
Four adults, two children. Stayed in Tree House Villa because it let us all stay in one place. Not as convenient to attractions as other lodging, but in the park. If you're buying meals, don't buy more than the Quick Dining plan. From Wed-Saturday, we used the dining plan. Saturday afternoon realized there were 17 snacks and 20+ meals left on it for the six of us.
Being that the two children were girls, we spent all our time in the Magic Kingdom. They rode everything at least twice. We did have the park hopper option. Also, maybe since it was Thanksgiving weekend, didn't see much difference in the number of people when the park opened or closed for those staying at DW. Get a fast pass on every ride available.
This sums it up nicely. People either love it or hate it. I'd say most of the people who hate it didn't plan. Going in the off-season is really the single biggest tip I can give.
If you stay on grounds, take advantage of the Extra Magic Hours. October is a great time to go, and if you do go then, attend the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Well worth the cost of attending it.
One thing I would like to add is to check into renting Disney Vacation Club points from someone that owns DVC property. Depending on the time of year and what deals you get booking through Disney, you may be able to come out quite a bit cheaper and stay at a more convenient or nicer location. My fiancee and I rented points through dvcrequest.com after talking to some people that had done it before. We stayed at Animal Kingdom Lodge with the Deluxe Dining package and 8-day Parkhopper tickets for about $400 less than it would have cost for the same stuff staying at a moderate resort.
If eating well is something you enjoy on vacation then I recommend you get a dining plan that suits you. Most of the best places to eat cost 2 dining credits for dinner. You can make dining reservations up to 180 days out from the first day of your trip and I highly recommend doing that as soon as you possibly can. Depending on the time of year, the good places won't have availability if you don't book it early.
There is an app found by searching WDW Lines that shows crowd levels at each park and wait times for rides. It is user updated but with so many visitors everyday it is very accurate. Using this app and the Parkhopper option on your tickets can really help you maximize your time and fun in the parks.
Use the buses, some people prefer to drive to the parks themselves but it is completely not worth it if you are staying on property.
If you have any more specific requests, my fiancee is a wealth of knowledge and pointers when it comes to Disney World. Just ask here or in a pm.
If eating well is something you enjoy on vacation then I recommend you get a dining plan that suits you. Most of the best places to eat cost 2 dining credits for dinner. You can make dining reservations up to 180 days out from the first day of your trip and I highly recommend doing that as soon as you possibly can. Depending on the time of year, the good places won't have availability if you don't book it early.
There is an app found by searching WDW Lines that shows crowd levels at each park and wait times for rides. It is user updated but with so many visitors everyday it is very accurate. Using this app and the Parkhopper option on your tickets can really help you maximize your time and fun in the parks.
Use the buses, some people prefer to drive to the parks themselves but it is completely not worth it if you are staying on property.
If you have any more specific requests, my fiancee is a wealth of knowledge and pointers when it comes to Disney World. Just ask here or in a pm.