Heidisean - Disney question

Rebekah1021

DH and I have decided to go to disney in the spring with DD. We want to do it right and do all the big stuff. This is my first trip there too. I don't want to overwhelm her, and us. What are the must to-do's there. I already know I'm going to get her done at Bibidi (sp?) boutique.

Also, lay to me straight - how much she should we anticipate to spend? Our friends differ on what's average.

Thanks!

oparcm

We go every year with dd.  She's 4 and has been 4x.  We have never done the boutique because we go in August and at 1,000 degrees it seems pointless.  But we do a character meal everyday at lunch because it is a break from the walking but still entertaining.  If you get the dining plan, that helps.  We spend/budget about 75-a day but we have the dining plan.  Without it, I'd say about 175.00 

boosma

I'm not Heidi, but we are leaving for Disney in 3 weeks, and I can give you a few hints based on my research.

I took the advice of friends and used a travel agent who works exclusively booking Disney trips (name of the company is Magical Travel, but there are plenty out there -- this was just who our friend highly recommended).  These people can tell you the in's and out's of the Disney experience, and my particular agent is a mom who goes to Disney regularly and she has been extremely helpful.  She has given me advice on literally every single component of our Disney experience... and has kept me updated about discounts that Disney is offering (she got us a $400 discount on our hotel room, AFTER we had already booked stuff).  The travel agency is FREE -- they are paid by Disney !

I would definitely do the dining plan -- everyone I know recommends it and says it saves money in the end.  I would reserve your character meals ASAP -- they start filling up 6 months in advance I think.  We were lucky and booked my DD at Bippity Boppity Boutique at 11:30, and then we walk right across the way to Cinderella's Royal Table for lunch with the princesses...

There is a grocery delivery service that you can order stuff ahead of time online, and they will come deliver it to your hotel room (will put it in your room fridge even if you're not there)... think it's called "Garden Grocer" ?  My travel agent says it's "grocery store prices, and they don't jack the prices up" and they charge a $12 delivery fee.  We're going to keep sandwich stuff, cereal/milk, oatmeal, granola bars, etc.. in the room for snacks.  Will also eat most breakfasts quickly in the hotel room as well -- we're not big breakfast people and I want to hit the parks first thing in the a.m.

My travel agent recommended AGAINST spending the extra money to get Park Hopper passes.... doesn't think that young children need them since it's difficult to drag young kids from park to park, and they won't be out late at night like teens/adults might be.  So we skipped it and didn't spend that money. The only thing that gets a bit hairy about being "locked into" one park per day is when you go to book the character meals... you have to be mindful of what park the restaurant may be located in and plan to only be at that particular park that day.  Luckily, some of the restaurants are in HOTELS, and not actually inside a park.  We're doing Chef Mickey's, Crystal Palace, Cinderella's Royal Table, Tusker House (breakfast at Animall Kingdom --supposed to be really good !), and 1900 Park Fare....

Ok, dear God.... I've rattled & prattled on enough to probably make your eyes bleed !   Sorry.... just get so excited talking about our trip !

Rebekah1021

Thanks for the info!