Another Disney Post

I am planning a trip to Disney in early fall 2014 (September/October). This will be our first trip as a family. DH and I went back in 2001, but we haven't been there since.

When we go we will have 3 kids- ages 4.5yrs, almost 3 and 1.

Right now I'm thinking 1 week on a budget of around $5000 including airfare, park tickets, hotel and food. Any extras/souvenirs would be on top of that.

I've found some great advice on blogs and have been in touch with Jennifer from Mousetales Travel (I think that's the name lol). But I'm looking for some advice from people who have gone with children around the same ages.

I was planning 2 days Magic Kingdom, 1 day Epcot, 1 day AK, 1 day Hollywood Studios. DH thinks we should skip Epcot (I disagree).

My top choice of resort is the Polynesian because of the monorail access- but I'm not sure that will fit into the budget. I really love the theming of the Value resorts, but I've read such poor reviews on the bus service and, traveling with 3 small children, I don't want to stress about much before even reaching the actual park.

I'm not sure we will use a dining plan- but I would really like to do 3 different character meals (1 with Mickey and friends, 1 with princesses, 1 Disney jr characters). Do you think 3 is too much??

Originally I was thinking we may take 1 day and go to Sea World, but now I'm thinking we will take a day midweek and just hang out by the pool and wander Downtown Disney.

I would appreciate any and all input on my thoughts

Thank you!!!!!!

Message edited 5/14/2013 10:10:17 PM.

Another Disney Post

I get mixed reviews about Epcot. SOme say to skip it and some say their young kids loved it! When we go next year my kids will be 4 1/2 and 2 1/2. I think we will go probably for a half day.

My top choice was polynesian too at first. But It was waaaayyyy to expensive and I read a lot of reviews that the rooms werent great. My travel agent suggested the Wilderness Lodge and I fell in love with it! It's a short boat ride to MK and is the cheapest of the top resorts.

I love Downtown Disney! Last time I went to Sea World - I wasnt overally happy with itfor the $$ it was.

I love the dining plan bc I love not having to worry about money and pulling out cash every meal. I also like that I have time to pay it off (so to speak) bc I am paying the travel agent for the whole package a little every month.

Re: Another Disney Post

We just returned from our third trip. Ds 1 is 5 and ds2(his first trip) turned 2 in magic kingdom.

We only stayed 4 nights this time bc we did the disney cruise after and the 3 days of parks was just an add on. Anyway, the 2 best things I did this trip were rent a stroller from Apple, it was a smooth transaction and gave me a second stroller for my older ds without having to lug it through the airport. The second and #1best thing we did was stay off site at Sheraton Vista's villages. We did this bc ds2 needs naps so it was wonderful to have a bedroom to close the door on him and we could still relax with older son. Also having a kitchen was great for bottles, and making breakfast (just microwave pancakes type stuff) and making it so that we didn't have to have a sit down meal 2-3x a day with a wild 2yo. We rented a car for a good price, and it too about 20 mins to get from our door to the parks. it's also 2 mins from sea world, which I have been hearing great things about. In the past we stayed at boardwalk and Caribbean beach. Staying at the Sheraton cost us less than it would have been to stay at the pop century. We booked through costco.

I would think that poly might exceed your budget but I am not 100% sure. If you plan on doing park hoppers, consider boardwalk or each club, they have larger rooms to accommodate 5 and you can easily walk to epcot. It takes you in the back but you can walk to the monorail.

We all enjoy epcot and it has the most dining choices. We did the princess lunch at Norway in 2010 and really enjoyed it and it's less $$ that crt. Try Ohana at poly for breakfast. I think you are fine doing 3 character meals over a week, assuming your kids are ok with the characters and not afraid.

We didn't love hs. It has some fun stuff but we felt it was too many shows and too much waiting and coordinating, what time does the stunt show start, what time is little mermaids, etc. It was just too much with the young group we were with (in 201 with 4 kids under 10)

Eta, the negatives of staying off site are no extra magic hours, and no dining plan. I do love the dining plan but we saved money not doing it this time around. And having to rent a car of course, but we always do that no matter where we stay.

Message edited 5/15/2013 10:25:40 AM.

Re: Another Disney Post

Thank you both so much!!! You've given me more to consider/think about

Another Disney Post

I went when my DDs were 2.5 and almost 1. Staying on a hotel with monorail access is truly the way to go. We stayed at the Contemporary and loved it but next time I want to stay at the Poly. We had a half day at Epcot and we loved it. Next time I will be going for a full day. My kids loved loved the character dining so I def don't think 3 is a lot. I also did the dining plan and it was great and will do it again. Def do Ohana for breakfast. It was amazing! Also try to get reservations for Chef Mickey's. The food might not be the best since it is buffet style but the interaction with the characters alone was worth it. Make sure to bring your autograph books and have fun!!