DisneyWorld Trip?

Re: DisneyWorld Trip?

• kh6292003@yahoo.com member

  June 2014

  I went over Halloween last year.  The crowds were pretty heavy at Magic Kingdom, especially on Halloween Day.  Animal Kingdom was not too bad.  Sea World was not worth the expense in my opinion.  My daughter was 19 months at the time.  We actually stayed in a time share that a friend had, about 5 minutes from Disney.  Driving around was not too bad, and I know that the cost of the rooms is better outside of Disney.  Paying for parking stinks, but we just set the money aside ahead of time. I liked the use of a kitchen and we all had our own bedrooms.  Weather was beautiful, low 80's the whole week.  I live in Florida and would never go at any point other than when school was in session if possible.  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• ashiscute member

  June 2014

  Have you considered speaking to a travel agent?  This is exactly what they are there for.

  
  

  Oct/Nov is a great time of year to go.  Crowds depend on when in October (fall breaks for school) but are definitely better than spring or summer.  In October they also do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween where you can dress your LO up for trick or treating.  It's not free but is very cute.  

  
  

  The buses are easy to use and run frequently but are not as convenient as the monorail.  This is a personal decision as to what's most important.  Deluxe resorts are the nicest and best location therefore the most expensive.  

  
  

  The Plus Dining Plan is a good deal if you plan to spend most of your time in the parks.  If you have a suite and are planning to eat in your room then I wouldn't worry about it.  

  Report0 Reply
• JENandJEH member

  June 2014

  Haven't been in October but we did stay at Art of Animation when we went with a then 4-year old and 11 month old and it was wonderful even without the monorail.  The buses were no problem and the space in the family suite was amazing.  I think Disney got it wrong when they decided AofA was a value resort because the rooms were so nice and spacious.  We never waited more than 10 minutes for a bus and were there during an off peak time and it was never all that crowded on the buses.  You do have to fold the stroller up but I would usually grab DS2 and DH folded the stroller but it was never an issue.  I guess it's just personal preference but we didn't mind not having the monorail.  

  
  

  We did the dining plan and I would do it again simply for convenience.  Our suite had a mini fridge and microwave but we didn't really leave the parks much around mealtime.  We occasionally went back to the room to rest and let DS2 nap.  

  Report0 Reply
• jdunack member

  June 2014

  i appreciate it!  thanks ladies for your help 

  Report0 Reply
• eyenigh member

  June 2014

  jdunack said:

  Hello Ladies -- 

  
  

  Was hoping someone could give me some help/insight into planning a trip to DisneyWorld.

  
  

  We're thinking of going in the fall (more likely end of October/beginning of November).  Has anyone been at around this time?  If you have, how were the crowds/wait times/etc?

  
  

  I'm beyond torn about where to stay.  My first thought is to stay at a resort that the monorail runs through for the convenience of traveling with toddlers, but they are insanely expensive! Other option is to stay at the Art of Animation which has the bus transportation to the parks, but unsure.

  
  

  Also, has anyone used the Disney Dining Plan? If you have, which have you used, and do you think it was worth it?

  
  

  ANY insight/thoughts/help anyone could give would be EXTREMELY appreciated!

  
  

  ** also posted on Parenting & Entertainment boards**

  We are doing exactly this in November, too (right down to staying at AoA). I liked the monorail idea but my son is at the age where a bus is sooo exciting so I figured we'd save the money and stay there. From what I read the dining plan saves you only pennies and it's a bit restrictive depending on what you pick so we ended up not opting for it.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• LSU628 member

  June 2014

  Just an FYI- there are a lot of times in October and November where Disney is doing the free dining plan if you stay on the property. I REALLY wanted to go back but DS is at the age where standing in line would not be a pleasant experience for anyone.
  

  
  
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• LSU628 member

  June 2014

  Here you go- not sure if any of these dates coincide with your trip
  Booking Dates: May 7 – August 8, 2014 Disney Visa Card Holders will be able to book beginning May 2, 2014*. Those in Value Resorts will get free Quick Service Dining, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts get free Plus Disney Dining. All plans can be upgraded from Basic to Plus and Plus to Deluxe. Numbers of rooms allocated for this discount are limited. To receive free dining you must be purchase a resort package with a minimum of 3 night stay and 2 day park ticket. Here are the travel arrival dates: August 31-October 3 October 26- November 1 November 9-November 20 December 12-December 23
  

  
  
  
  

  Report1 Reply
• dashofreality member

  June 2014

  We stayed at AoA and loved it. Absolute best part was having a separate room for the kids so we didn't have to tiptoe around sleeping kids at 730. I thought the bus was going to be a bigger deal with a toddler and a baby when we went, but it wasn't at all. We went with Orlando Strollers and got the city mini double, so it was a super quick fold.

  If you can go during free dining, I would definitely do that. If not, it is really a toss up. We got it because we were going with family that wanted to do it so it was easier. If you go to a lot of character dining meals and fancy meals you will definitely come out ahead. Problem is that you have to plan really well or you won't. My biggest problem with it is that it is sooo much food. You get a dessert with every lunch and dinner, plus snacks. I would never have dessert with every meal, but it is included so you feel like you should use it.

  DD Nov 2010 ~ DS June 2012

  Report0 Reply
• shannm member

  June 2014

  I understand how you feel.  Planning the trip to DW was so overwhelming.  I don't do well with so much information.

  
  

  For ease, we did decide to stay on the resort.  We chose a mid priced resort, Coronado Springs, which has the bus service.  Probably not as quick as the monorail but it worked for us.

  
  

  We did use the meal plan.  We enjoy sit down meals so we did the plan with a mix of quick service and table service.  I think it was worth it.  Just be sure to make the reservations at the places that you want WAY WAY in advance.  One of our favorites considering the kids was the Tusker house.  We met a lot of characters there and the buffet was really good and had things that all of us enjoyed.

  
  

  My other tip - there are several companies that do stroller rentals.  We didn't want to bring our stroller on the flight so we rented for the week.  It was less than 100 and it was a nicer stroller than our MacClaren at home.  It was also cloth and more versatile than the disney plastic rentals.  Easily delivered to the resort and it is waiting for you when you check in.  We would do it again.

  
  

  Have fun!

  Report0 Reply
• dancingmatilda member

  June 2014

  The monorail travels between the Grand Floridian, Polynesian, and Contemporary resorts and the Magic Kingdom. If you're planning to visit any of the other parks you'll have to drive or use the bus service, so I wouldn't let the monorail make your decision. These resorts also have free parking, so you can always park there and ride the monorail if you'd like. It's cheaper/quicker than parking at the Magic Kingdom, where you still have to ride the monorail to the gates. With young children I wouldn't spend the money on these resorts. The Contemporary is the most child friendly but the other two are really more for adults. Art of Animation would be awesome for kids. Definitely check out the vacation club rentals, you can get great deals. The first two weeks in November is one of the best times of year to go as far as crowds!
  

  Report0 Reply