NOLE, how you doin pal? happy birthday to your little one. just got back from laguna beach with the wife. hit disneyland, loved it. want to take daughter son in law and two grandkids ( 5 and 2 ) to disneyworld next march. gotta get your e-mail sometime, need info about my trip. thanks in advance.
ATTN: NEED HELP WITH DISNEY WORLD QUESTIONS??
- Thread starter Jamaica1997
- Start date
Best advice I can give you Jamaica... now that you know when you want to go to disney... go find a AAA office near you, or call them on the phone or go thru their website.
In person is the best.
It is well and widely known that AAA offers the best disney packages pricewise of any booking agency.. including disney.
You might have to cough up 50 bucks to get a AAA membership, but you will recoup it instantly when booking a package thru them.
If you are going to be staying on disney, get the dining plan. I questioned whether I wanted the dining plan.. so I took a look at the menus for some restaurants on disney grounds.. holycrap that stuff is expensive!!!!!!
well worth it!
7 days/6 nights, dining plan, 7 day park pass.. no park hopper though (kids are still too little to waste time dragging them between parks during the day), lodging at Wilderness Lodge.
with the AAA card I got like 15% knocked off the price.
AAA gives you all the deals and discounts disney does.. they work in cooperation with each other. AAA is the biggest "travel agent" for disneyworld properties.
also, check this board for stuff... I pulled gobs of info from it... ended up creating a spreadsheet of a daily schedule for each day there.. where to eat meals, big events to go do etc etc.
http://www.disboards.com/
In person is the best.
It is well and widely known that AAA offers the best disney packages pricewise of any booking agency.. including disney.
You might have to cough up 50 bucks to get a AAA membership, but you will recoup it instantly when booking a package thru them.
If you are going to be staying on disney, get the dining plan. I questioned whether I wanted the dining plan.. so I took a look at the menus for some restaurants on disney grounds.. holycrap that stuff is expensive!!!!!!
well worth it!
7 days/6 nights, dining plan, 7 day park pass.. no park hopper though (kids are still too little to waste time dragging them between parks during the day), lodging at Wilderness Lodge.
with the AAA card I got like 15% knocked off the price.
AAA gives you all the deals and discounts disney does.. they work in cooperation with each other. AAA is the biggest "travel agent" for disneyworld properties.
also, check this board for stuff... I pulled gobs of info from it... ended up creating a spreadsheet of a daily schedule for each day there.. where to eat meals, big events to go do etc etc.
http://www.disboards.com/
10-4 Rip and thanks. He's 9 going on 16, you know how it works.
Glad Cali treated you well. Never get down that far south when there with the wife. San Fran, Carmel and Monterey is our fav places to go.
Yes, we need to exchange e-mails. I'll be glad to chat about Disney. I could go on for hours.
I know Jack is busy but I'll drop him a line and get yours when he gets a minute.
Look forward to it.
Take care my friend.
nole
Problem is, that you have to stay at one of the Value Resorts.
I have priced the stay now. At the value Resort buy 4 get 3 free it is $1800 roughly for 7 nights. At the Beach Club Resort for 7 nights is roughly $5000. So I am thinking Beach Club from the responses here but the pocketbook is saying Value Resorts.
I am thinking that this is a once every 7-8 years thing, so the nicer Resort is the way to go.
thanks for starting the thread; I was actually going to this morning. We're going in March.
I've been told that the dining plan is a must, and my kids are old enough that we're going to do the park hopper passes as well.
I'm pretty thrifty, so we're staying at a "value resort", but I don't remember my wife getting that good a deal that Jamaica posted. Will have to check on it.
Thanks for the AAA info as well. Might as well use it for something other than getting my beater towed 2 times a year. :142smilie
I've been told that the dining plan is a must, and my kids are old enough that we're going to do the park hopper passes as well.
I'm pretty thrifty, so we're staying at a "value resort", but I don't remember my wife getting that good a deal that Jamaica posted. Will have to check on it.
Thanks for the AAA info as well. Might as well use it for something other than getting my beater towed 2 times a year. :142smilie
Yep, you're right. I was at home and was trying to remember the promotion.
Pop Century I think is your best option between the 4 if you go value resort. Better location as well.
Thats' a bunch of money between the 2. Good luck trying to figure it out.
nole
March dates should work. Promo is through Dec 20th. Also, March stays you get a $200 gift card.
GL
nole
If money is an issue just take the value deal it's just a place to sleep you won't be there that much.
We stayed at the POP when it first opened it's not as bad as you think. The rooms are smaller & it's a little nosier.
You are still on a Disney property & the money you save will pay for your food.:shrug:
We have been to Disney many times and there is nothing wrong with the value resorts. We went in Feb. and stayed at the Pop Century. We leave early in the morning and come back late at night so all the hotel is for is sleeping. A couple of years ago we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort and it was very nice, but it was really a waste of money for us because mostly we just slept there. It has 7 pools and we didn't use 1 of them...
Hi Leland
Just got back from a week at the Caribbean Beach in Disney with my wife and 9 & 6 year old girls. From your post it seams as if this is their first trip to Disney.
I'll be glad to help you out on any questions you might have.
How long are you planning to stay?
Are your kids used to sit down breakfast, lunch and dinners or can the eat on the go and anytime?
Are you pool people?
Do you mind riding buses to attractions or would you like to be close to the attractions?
Does room size matter?
Can the kids share a bed?
Are you renting a car or taking the Magical Express?
Phil
Last edited:
Thanks for responding Phil.
This will be their first trip and mine in forever, can't remember how long.
And now for the questions.............
I am planning on staying 6 or 7 nights
We can eat on the go, but would probably prefer to have a sit down breakfest and at least a good dinner.
Yes we are pool people, but would mostly be going to a park a day, but taking two days at the pool in between days.
We would prefer to be close to the attractions, but if we had to take a shuttle, like the tram that would be ok.
Room size does not really matter. I have heard that the walls are very thin in the value resorts.
Yes the kids can share a bed, so two queens are ok.
We would be taking the Express from the airport. No car rental here.
Thanks for responding and would love all the input you have.
According to the following website, the Stormalong Bay with be in refurbishmen t stage, so This resort might not work.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1858494
Thanks again
Leland
Leland
Don't want to get long winded here (I tend to when asked about Disney) so I'll give you some ideas and hints and if you want more info in certain areas just ask.
1. Go through Disney first and see what they are offering for airfare and lodging. Their package deals which include park hoppers and dining are a good starting point. Compare their airfare with what you can get and remember to make sure their flights are direct. Get as much info from them as possible and use it for when you call a travel agent or if you book online with a travel company.
1 AAA is a great idea brought up by someone earlier in the thread. It might be worth the $50 auto coverage in order to have them as a tarvel agent. You're going to get the same deal that Disney offers most of the time but they trow in some added perks like 10% off dining cards at some restaurants and disposable cameras for the kids, coupons for free stuff. Plus they are in direct contact with Disney and can get your questions answered pretty quickly.
2. Where to stay is personal preference. Your Deluxe resorts are closer to Epcot and Magic Kingdom and offer the monorail as transportation. If you had small kids that neede to nap or diaper changing or neede the "Disney Experience" of being right there, then I would stay at one of these. You'll pay about 4 to 5k for the week without air but that'll include everything but food.
Moderate Resorts about 2.5 to 4k and are a little father away from the MK and Epcot and rely on bus transportation which comes around every 20 minutes.
Value Resorts are all around 2.5 k and are a little farther away from the main areas. Remember that all these resorts are on Disney grounds and come with transportation, it just takes longer to get there.
I've stayed at the Polynesian and Contemporary, The Yacht Club and the Caribbean Beach and I'm going to tell you that for the price the Caribbean offers plenty of value. If you choose this ask for a preferred room and try to stay at the Martinique area. It's the 1st stop on the bus transportation. Your kids will be exhausted by the end of the day and if you need to carry them (you will if you're out after 9 or 10) this will seem like forever coming home. Location is the key but if you don't mind busing it, this is your best bet. If you want convenience of the monorail you'll pay for it.
The kids will be out cold in the room and you'll be able to have a decent conversation with the wife or watch TV without them stirring. Therir brains will be in overload mode.
3 The dining plan is a good idea if you like to have a scheduled breakfast and dinner. However I would recommend you make reservations at the restaurants that you might like as far in advance as you can because the get filled up fast. If not you will be left eating at the regular cafeteria style eateries and that can get old fast. I just got back from the Caribbean and went with another family with 2 girls that were on the dining plan and they made it pay off for them. They had character breakfasts and dinner experiences booked well in advance. It might be worth looking into if you don't mind eating at a certain time and having to stop what you are doing to go there.
We brought a soft cooler in our luggage and bought bread and PB and Jelly, breakfast cereal bowls at the resort general store and saved alot on our meals this way. The best bet was the mug for 12.00 at the general store with unlimited soda and coffee refills for the week, well worth it. Prices are consistent thruout Disney so a water at the general store costs the same at Magic Kingdom.
As for Dinners, be prepared to pay for the nicer places. We went to The Japanese Steakhouse in Epcot that was delicious. They don't kill you but they are a little pricey.
4 There are a couple of books at your local Borders or B&N that could help with what attractions you want to see at the parks. Grab one and set out a plan before hand that is flexible, depending on the weather and everyones mood, and try to keep with it. Pool or relaxation days are great ideas when you are there for the week. Magic Kingdom will take you 2 days to get thru everything you want and Epcot is a full day if you visit the World area. Hollywood Studios is an all dayer as is Animal Kigdom. If you add the Water Parks to your Hopper pass, they could be a good alternative to a relaxation day. Save the last day of your trip for anything you might have missed. Fast Pass is a great feature that lets you make a sort of reservation for a ride if there is a long line.
We are Disney Vaction Club owners and enjoy the place. If you go on the trip and don't like waiting on lines, crying kids and pissed of adults, then this is not a vacation you want to take. If you are still a big kid at heart, you'll want to share this with the kids and give them great memories that they can look back on. The last link below is another option if you want to stay at a Vacation Club property in a studio or 1 bedroom villa. Prices are for lodging only but the site has links for the other goodies you'll need for your stay.
If there is anything else you want to know, little tips or hints about going there, get my email from Jack and I'll be happy to happy to help you.
Good links:
www.mousesaver.com
www.allears.net
www.dvcrequest.com
Have fun planning
Phil
(Thank God I wasn't long winded)
Don't want to get long winded here (I tend to when asked about Disney) so I'll give you some ideas and hints and if you want more info in certain areas just ask.
1. Go through Disney first and see what they are offering for airfare and lodging. Their package deals which include park hoppers and dining are a good starting point. Compare their airfare with what you can get and remember to make sure their flights are direct. Get as much info from them as possible and use it for when you call a travel agent or if you book online with a travel company.
1 AAA is a great idea brought up by someone earlier in the thread. It might be worth the $50 auto coverage in order to have them as a tarvel agent. You're going to get the same deal that Disney offers most of the time but they trow in some added perks like 10% off dining cards at some restaurants and disposable cameras for the kids, coupons for free stuff. Plus they are in direct contact with Disney and can get your questions answered pretty quickly.
2. Where to stay is personal preference. Your Deluxe resorts are closer to Epcot and Magic Kingdom and offer the monorail as transportation. If you had small kids that neede to nap or diaper changing or neede the "Disney Experience" of being right there, then I would stay at one of these. You'll pay about 4 to 5k for the week without air but that'll include everything but food.
Moderate Resorts about 2.5 to 4k and are a little father away from the MK and Epcot and rely on bus transportation which comes around every 20 minutes.
Value Resorts are all around 2.5 k and are a little farther away from the main areas. Remember that all these resorts are on Disney grounds and come with transportation, it just takes longer to get there.
I've stayed at the Polynesian and Contemporary, The Yacht Club and the Caribbean Beach and I'm going to tell you that for the price the Caribbean offers plenty of value. If you choose this ask for a preferred room and try to stay at the Martinique area. It's the 1st stop on the bus transportation. Your kids will be exhausted by the end of the day and if you need to carry them (you will if you're out after 9 or 10) this will seem like forever coming home. Location is the key but if you don't mind busing it, this is your best bet. If you want convenience of the monorail you'll pay for it.
The kids will be out cold in the room and you'll be able to have a decent conversation with the wife or watch TV without them stirring. Therir brains will be in overload mode.
3 The dining plan is a good idea if you like to have a scheduled breakfast and dinner. However I would recommend you make reservations at the restaurants that you might like as far in advance as you can because the get filled up fast. If not you will be left eating at the regular cafeteria style eateries and that can get old fast. I just got back from the Caribbean and went with another family with 2 girls that were on the dining plan and they made it pay off for them. They had character breakfasts and dinner experiences booked well in advance. It might be worth looking into if you don't mind eating at a certain time and having to stop what you are doing to go there.
We brought a soft cooler in our luggage and bought bread and PB and Jelly, breakfast cereal bowls at the resort general store and saved alot on our meals this way. The best bet was the mug for 12.00 at the general store with unlimited soda and coffee refills for the week, well worth it. Prices are consistent thruout Disney so a water at the general store costs the same at Magic Kingdom.
As for Dinners, be prepared to pay for the nicer places. We went to The Japanese Steakhouse in Epcot that was delicious. They don't kill you but they are a little pricey.
4 There are a couple of books at your local Borders or B&N that could help with what attractions you want to see at the parks. Grab one and set out a plan before hand that is flexible, depending on the weather and everyones mood, and try to keep with it. Pool or relaxation days are great ideas when you are there for the week. Magic Kingdom will take you 2 days to get thru everything you want and Epcot is a full day if you visit the World area. Hollywood Studios is an all dayer as is Animal Kigdom. If you add the Water Parks to your Hopper pass, they could be a good alternative to a relaxation day. Save the last day of your trip for anything you might have missed. Fast Pass is a great feature that lets you make a sort of reservation for a ride if there is a long line.
We are Disney Vaction Club owners and enjoy the place. If you go on the trip and don't like waiting on lines, crying kids and pissed of adults, then this is not a vacation you want to take. If you are still a big kid at heart, you'll want to share this with the kids and give them great memories that they can look back on. The last link below is another option if you want to stay at a Vacation Club property in a studio or 1 bedroom villa. Prices are for lodging only but the site has links for the other goodies you'll need for your stay.
If there is anything else you want to know, little tips or hints about going there, get my email from Jack and I'll be happy to happy to help you.
Good links:
www.mousesaver.com
www.allears.net
www.dvcrequest.com
Have fun planning
Phil
(Thank God I wasn't long winded)
That is funny. I just saw him the other night at Remington Park with Kathy.
:mj06:
