Trip Planning to WDW

[christyca]

I was hoping there was a section on TRIP PLANNING to WDW, as I am in need of any information pertainging to my 1st expirience going there. We would like to go in May 2004 solo w/o children but want the full Disney Magic staying at one of the All Star Resorts. Is there any type of specials they run? We plan on being there for 5 days and opted not to get a rental car since our main focus is on WDW. Ive been reading *The Un-Official Guide To WDW* and it seem pretty helpful but I prefer communication with 1st hand expiriences. Are the waterparks cold during May? Any feedback would be great such as web addresses to visit regarding travel arrangements. Thanks

[getbak]

In addition to the official site, disneyworld.com (which was recently re-designed), here are three of the best sites for WDW trip planning:

http://www.mousesavers.com -- The best place if you want to find out the latest discount codes. If there's a way to save money on your WDW trip, you'll find it here first. Also, sign up for the newsletter and you'll occassionally get special discount info that you won't find anywhere else e-mailed to you.


http://allearsnet.com -- Formerly the Walt Disney World Information Guide. One of the oldest Disney fans sites on the net, with information about everything that you can find on Disney's Florida property. Also, sign up for their newletter to get some discount info and weekly planning tips.


http://www.disboards.com -- A message board dedicated to travelling to WDW. If you have any questions, ask them here, and you'll get a knowledgable response. The "Budget Board" is a good source for finding info on money-saving tips, and the "Disney for Adults and Solo Travelers" would also be a good place for information on travelling the World without kids.



Since you aren't going with kids, you should try to go at a time when most kids are still in school. I think a lot schools in the southeast start getting out in the middle of May (which means the crowds get bigger and the discounts get harder to find). If you go sometime after Easter (which is in late April this year) but before the middle of May, you should be able to find some nice discounts. If you can find out when the "Peak Season" begins, that indicates when Disney raises their resort prices because they are expecting an increased demand - book your trip before Peak Season begins and the crowds should be smaller.

You will probably be able to find a great rate for a room at one of the Value level resorts (All Stars or Pop Century) because Pop Century just opened last week and has greatly increased the number of Value rooms available. For example, right now, they're offering a deal for stays between January 1 and just before President's Day weekend (when they get an attendance spike) where you can get a Value room for $55 a night -- a very good deal.

I wouldn't be surprised if they offer a similar rate after Easter. School districts have various schedules for Spring Break - anywhere from the middle of March to the week after Easter - as a result, travel increases, and the discounts aren't as good during this time period. After Easter but before Memorial Day, the discounts should come out again (probably announced a month or two before).

If you don't want to wait until the discounts are announced, you can book your room now, and just watch for the discounts when they're offered and call back to get the discount added to your reservation.


Even though you are planning to spend all your time on Disney property, you should still consider renting a car. Parking is free at all of the parks if you're staying on-site. With a car, you can come and go as you please and don't have to wait for a bus. You also don't have to stand on a crowded bus full of cranky kids when you want to get back to your resort after the fireworks at night. Also, you can leave the property if you want to - which lets you eat off property a couple of times, you can go to one of the Disney Outlet Stores where you can buy park souveniers for a lot less than you can buy them in the parks. You can also go to a store and stock up on bottled water and other items that will cost a lot more when you're on property.

Also, just like you can save on your resort room because there are fewer travellers, you might be able to get a deep discount on a rental car. Taking a shuttle to and from the airport will be $28 per person round trip ($56 total) and you're at the mercy of their schedule and how ever many other people they need to drop off before you or pick up after you. A taxi or town car gives you a straight trip to and from the airport, but will probably cost $100-120 for a round trip. If you can find the right discount code, you can probably get a rental for under $150 for a week plus gas (last September, I got a mid-size for $149 including tax for a one-week rental). It is more expensive up front, but keep in mind the other savings (both money and time) that you can get by having a car.


One final thought...Five days can be a very short trip if you want to see all four parks and at least one water park - especially in a non-peak season when the parks close early. I hope the five days don't include your travel days because you'll really be hard-pressed to do it all in only 3 full days and two partial days. If you can, I'd try to extend the trip to a full week (arrive on a Saturday, leave on a Sunday - if possible), and even try to squeeze in a day at Universal's Islands of Adventure...I'd say it was my third favourite park in Orlando, behind the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom.


Most importantly: Have a great trip.

[PiratesDude24]

I would like to recommend www.wdwmagic.com, they're a really good site and informative members can help you with your trip planning to WDW.

May is not a bad month to go, nor is it the best. You'll find all 4 parks moderately crowded, but it wont' be "75 minute wait for Splash Mountain" crowded. I suggest the first week of May.

I suggest staying at the Pop Century Resort instead of the All-Stars. Both offer the same prices for rooms, but Pop Century opened a week ago and will be a lot better. I also doubt that they'll be running any special offers like the $55 a night they are running in January, since summer is beginning for many and they'll all be wanting to go to WDW.

The water parks will be fine in May, it will not be cold at all.

On the subject of rental car, unless you are most sure that you will not head off-site and plan on staying around WDW the entire time, I too suggest the car. It's easier to get around and you won't have to wait for the buses.

I too would also like to note that 5 days won't be enough, especially if it's your first time. A week at least is my recommendation. I am guessing that you plan on going to a park each day plus a water park. A week can give you more time to experience the parks, and also the allowance to spend some time at Downtown Disney, maybe even DisneyQuest, which I also recommend. Also you should try visiting an area attraction such as Universal Studios Florida, since a new thrill ride, Revenge of the Mummy, will have just opened and there's also the new Shrek 4D and Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast, or Islands of Adventure, USF's sister park. Remember-this is Disney. You shouldn't be rushing things now. Relax. Sit by the pool. Don't try cramming everything into a short time, unless this is the only time you have.

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask or PM me, I am a WDW Annual Passholder and visit every month. Have a great time on your trip!

[ratoncita]

I went at Easter time last year and had a great time. We ended up renting a car because we got tired of waiting for the buses. It was more humid than I expected. If you can get one of those hand-held pocket sized fans I recommend bringing one. Also bring a rain poncho because it can start pouring and at WDW they sell them for more than the 2 for a dollar price of the dollar store. If you want to buy souvenirs I recommend the chartacter warehouses that are in the outlet mall in Orlando. I got some great deals there!

[Jennifer]

Christy,

I too have to suggest renting a car. Michael and I have gone to WDW twice. The first time, we did not rent a car. We wasted a lot of time waiting for buses...etc. I also felt very unsafe standing up on the bus crowded full of people. I felt like if the bus got into even a small accident, I could have been badly injured.

The second time we went, we decided to rent a car. It was so much better. We actually got the car for $110 dollars for the week! It was Dodge Neon...big enough for the two of us. It saved us a lot of time and comfort. It is well worth the few extra bucks it might cost.

I have never been the the resort in May. I did go in April once during spring break and the weather was wonderful. Even though it was Spring Break, I could deal with the crowds. The parks are very open (like DCA) which makes it easier to get around. I just had to deal with the long lines. Michael and I went in February once and for the week of New Year's last year. Both were not too bad, but February was better because there were no lines.

After you make your trip final, be sure to start calling for reservations as soon as you are allowed to do so. I suggest making reservations to at least one restaurant each day. You do not HAVE to go to the reservation, but it sure beats waiting up to an hour for a meal. There are so many GREAT restaurants to try in WDW. I can give you more information on what I suggest if you wish.

Michael and I stayed at the All-Star resort once and then at Port Orleans Riverside the second time we went. Port Orleans was by far more relaxing, but the All-Star resort was a nice place to sleep. I would suggest doing research on the different buildings. Some of them are a lot louder. We ended up in the Fantasia building in a nice corner that was wooded. There was a not a lot of food traffic because we were at the end of the walkway. You also want a building semi-close to the pool, food court, bus stop...etc. It helps when you are going out for a late night snack.

If you choose to stay at the All-Star resort, I suggest Movies. They are the newest buildings and have a wonderful food court. I would try to get the Pop-century resort though, it is brand new.

If you have specific questions please let me know. I would be happy to help you plan a trip of a lifetime!

[christyca]

I want to thank everyone for their insight as well as help. I didnt realize how much effort and research goes into planning a trip.

But there has been a last minute change of plans. It was suppose to be my husband and I going, but he cant stand to be away from our 3 and 5 year old. So it will be my daughter and I,she turns 10 April 20th,so it can be like a birthday present to her.

So now I need help to re-arrange a trip for a 10 and 29 year old. What is a "must do" as far as eating and attractions? I will rent a car only because I dont like the feeling of being stranded. I can't wait to go

[Jennifer]

Cristy,

This should be a great trip for you and your daughter! With her turning 10, it is the perfect age for her to fully enjoy the parks!

As far as places to eat. You are going to be overwhelmed with the options at WDW. There is so much to choose from. Let me know what some of your favorite types of food are and I can head you in the right direction. With that said, make reservations for Chef Mickey's! You can get a reservation before parks open for breakfast. Ther buffet is HUGE and the food wonderful. I think you and your daughter will love it.

Other than that, let me know what you guys are interested in.

[MattO]

Ther buffet is HUGE and the food wonderful. I think you and your daughter will love it.

Not compared to Ponderosa.

[christyca]

I love buffet style,even though I've been told that *Im not buffet worthy*I like more of some things than others.Is it benneficial going off property to eat? Ashley and I love BBQ food and getting messy (lol)

She is a little worried about flying. We'll just bring our gameboys to keep us occupied. Im more scared getting lost leaving the airport and trying to find the hotel ! Im used to having another adult around but I have to look at this as an independance issue.

I'd like to take her horseback riding and I wonder where to go and how much it is

We'd like to go to Medieval Times and Sea World,is everything pretty much spaced apart?

[JRob2k1]

Seaworld is 10 mins away from WDW. Medieval Times is about 15 or 20 mins away.

-JRob