Questions about Disney World

guidancegirl

I'm planning a trip to Disney World this summer and would like some guidance (I've never been before). The biggest must- see is Cinderella's castle. My 3.5 y/o loves everything princess related.

Does it make sense to stay at a Disney hotel? If so, which one?

Does it make sense to buy a plan plan? We'll stay there for about 5 days.

Should I rent a car or just use the shuttles?

I'm not sure how many parks we'll go to. Probably just two (Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom).

Any tips or suggestions you have will be GREATLY appreciated! Thanks ladies!

Marce921

I've never stayed in the Disney hotels, so I can't tell you anything about that. But, if you're only going to two parks, what are you going to do the other 3 days you're there? If you're planning on doing other things, but staying on the Disney property, I'd probably rent a car. Also, we've never done the meal plan, but I know a lot of people who have and said it's great. We really didn't eat anything there but the fast food type things, but if you want a sit down meal with the Characters make sure you make a reservation NOW! Those things fill up quick!

j-w

This will be our second year going.  I would definitely stay at a Disney hotel...the shuttles are free and are super convenient.  I would hate to pay for parking everyday and have to worry about moving a car.  I would choose a hotel based on what you want to pay.  You can change around everything and see the pricing on the Disney website.  Last year, we stayed at the least expensive level of hotel and it was fine.  When you are at Disney, they really do a good job with everything.  Plus, you really only sleep at the hotel!  This year, we upgraded because we wanted to be closer to the parks.

We also do the meal plan because  it makes sense for us.  We do the one that has one quick service, one table service, and one snack per night of your trip.  The table service meals can be redeemed for character meals, which, IMO, is the best way to meet characters.  Our very favorite was the Princess lunch at Epcot.  It is in Norway, at the Akershus.  Now, it does have Norwegian fare, but I do think the menu still has mass appeal.  ALL of the princesses are there and they come around to your table.  So, it's a lot nicer than having to wait in line for upwards of an hour!

I think adding the park hopper pass is definitely worth it.  For example, we started one day at Magic Kingdom, then went to Epcot for lunch, then back  to Magic Kingdom for the parade/fireworks, etc.  I think it is pretty negligable to upgrade to the park hopper, since the park passes become less expensive/day, the more days you buy.  

 I planned our trips on waltdisneyworld.com.

It was really easy to use.  I would recommend booking asap, as they book character meals, and regular reservations 180 days out.  So, if you are going this summer, you are definitely below the 180 days and things will be booked up.

oparcm

I go every year.  DD has been 3 times and will be on her 4th trip in August.  She is 4 y.o.   We stay on property and have stayed at the Coronado (before dd) Carribean Beach (with DD) and now we stay at the deluxe level Wilderness Lodge.  I like the Deluxe for the close proximity but the moderate levels are really nice too.  I've never stayed value but I hear those are nice.  I have a hip replacement so staying at a resort that requires less walking allows me more time at the parks to walk around.  We do get the dining plan and we go to a character meal every day.  For us it works as something to do mid-day instead of being in the August heat.  We go out early in the AM and then hit the meals at lunch.  Swim after that for a bit and then when the sun is going down some, we head back to the park for a bit.  We were always in by 8:30ish for dd though.  We love it but I really would love to visit when it isn't as hot.  I teach and this is the only time of year I can really go. 

Mrs.Saxy

if you stay on a disney resort you do not need your own vehicle.  if you fly you can take the magical express from the airport to the hotel and from hotel to park and hotel to hotel they have free bus service.

We had the meal plan the last few times but lots of people have said it's not worth it, so next time we'll price it out and see if it is or not.

 If you bring a stroller, put something that you can easily identify it.  When we went into country bear jamboree, the attendant insisted on parking our stroller and it took us a while to find it.  Maybe put some fluorescent or neon fabric to make it stick out.