Planning a Trip to Disney World

M.,
We stayed at the Nickelodeon hotel in early Feb and it was amazing... we ended up saving money too because everyone enjoyed activities there. Also we seemed to have more fun at Disney's Animal Kingdom than Disney itself. And if you're staying in Orlando, you probably don't need to rent a car all hotels provide airport transport and shuttles to the theme parks. Hope this helps!
Have fun!

When wewent to Florida, I went onto the Orlando visitors web site. Then I found a website for "MAGIG CARD.COM" Magic card is a card you can print from your computer it will get you discounts on everything from meals to hotels. We saved $100.00 per night on our hotel. Also If you are a menber of Sams club they have a travel section where i was able to book everything myself at the club prices even the air fare.

We decided to stay off property and chose the Omni Championsgate hotel. It was absolutely a wonderful experience. They have a lazy river, zero entry pool, fountain play area, and even an adult pool. It was never crowded and the view from our room was beautiful. It was a great escape from the crowds of Disney. They have a Walgreens, Chilis, McDonalds, and Publix grocery store on the way in. I highly reccomend the hotel if you choose to stay off property.
The character breakfast at the Polynesian was awesome. The kids loved it. The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World is a great book for info on what rides to choose! Make sure to plan your days-it makes all the difference. The days we didn't plan were the ones that we didn't get to do much!! Get a Fast Pass, wait in line for a ride, and then come back to the fastpass ride. It worked everytime for us. We never waited more than 20 minutes to set foot on a ride. (The exception was Dumbo at the Magic Kingdom-50 minute line. All the loading and unloading takes forever!) Hope you have a great time. I am already planning to go back next year.
(We went with friends, 4 adults, 2 four year olds, a 10 month old, and a 10 week old in June

Hi M., my family and I have gone to Disney every year for the past 30 years. My biggest tip to you is don't try to do everything. We have two usual day plans; the first we go to a park or water park in the morning and then come back for a siesta or just to relax and the hit another park at night. The second is where we eat breakfast and swim at the hotel and then hit the parks around 1:00pm. I could go on and on about tips we have for each park! Also a great website is www.allearsnet.com. They have info about everything, times, parades, menus, character dining, you name it, they got it. Try to figure out where you want to eat (especially if you want to to do the character breakfast in the castle) and then book early. Also I suggest staying on property, they have hotels for every budget, and now offer a free shuttle to/from the airport. You also can enjoy early morning or extra magic hours at night. And if you can definately take a stroller for your young one or two. We dont rent a car as we are disney nuts and don't go off property. If you want to ask any specific questions once you start planning, feel free to email me at ____@____.com don't miss the nightly entertainment; at the Magic Kingdom, if there are two parades, opt for the second, not so crowded, that way during the first you can hit some rides. And at Epcot, you must see Illuminations at least once and then stroll slowly to the exit, you miss some of the rush!

Have fun planning!

C.

Stay at the Polynesian, if you can afford it, and ask for a remodeled room. Its a perfect resort for a family with children - close proximity to the parks, great pool, and there is an electrical water pageant at night with the fireworks. We loved it! (Our kids are 5 and 3.)

THE MEAL PLANS ARE WELL WORTH THE MONEY, YOU GET MORE FOOD THAN YOU COULD POSSIBLY ALL EAT! A WISE INVESTMENT!

checkout the website www.disdad.com for good info on dining there- reviews etc...

Best time to visit Orlando. If possible try to book a room at a resort, you will get a lot of it. If you are interested I can refer you to a website for deals.

Hi M.-
We are traveling to Disney in December. I love Disney! I received a lot of advice and information from the AOL Disney Travel boards along with WDW Parks board as well. Even if you do not have AOL, you can still access these boards through www.aol.com and visit the connecting section, I believe.

Good luck!

Start at the back of the park and work your way back - There is a book that is supposed to help with planning your way through the park - good luck!

We have done the D.W. trip on 3 different vacations.
I would definitely buy a multi day ticket, even if you dont' use it they can be
used years later, and sign up for the fast track, where you
put your ticket in at the most popular ride/attraction and
it prints out what time you come back and will be first in line. It amazes me that so many people don't know about
this.

If your 3 year old is not potty trained yet, send diapers to the hotel ahead of time. So much easier than having to pack them. We went this past December w/3 kids (8 mon, 23 mon & 5) It was great. I can think of anything to offer but if you have any questions feel free to email me.

There's a great website called disboards.com It's a message board for Dinseyworls and has a lot of great tips. Here are a few my friend gave me. Use snack size ziploc bags and place 2 quarters and a penny in each of them. That way, if your kids want to do a pressed penny, you're all set. Also, go to the dollar store and get some ponchos. They are 2 for a dollar. We went the beginning of June and were hit by the rains. It was nice just throwing the ponchos away in stead of having to fold up the wet ones and put them somewhere. Also, go to walmart or the dollar store for the spray/fan waterbottles. They are much cheaper than at the park. The food plans are great, just make sure you research which one you have. That was a difficult one for us, we weren't sure which one we had and some people had a hard time helping us. Have fun!!

Hi,
Well we are going there two weeks from today so after I get back I'll let you know any pointers.The one thing I already know is that we did the meal plan and after booking places to eat and then seeing how much they are I know that is well worth the money.We also went and bought a few books and the pass porter book is my favorite so far from the three that I bought.My boys are 12 and 4 so I'll be going on the adult and kid stuff.
C.

Hi.. oh you'll have a wonderful time!!
If you are staying at any of the resorts.. you def should take advantage of the fact that you can enter the park earlier.. and enjoy a little less hectic.. than when the crowds roll in.

USE the fast pass!! (have you purchased any of the books, regarding what to do at disney? and how.. go to the bookstore its a must!

at the main stage.. there will be a couple shows.. @10:30 or 11:15~Cinderellas special something... YOU have to see this.. soo many characters participate. very musical and action packed. Get there about a half an hour earlier..(with ice cream or treats.. ) dont sit right by the ropes..you'll be too close.. but somewhere near by.. so no BIG kids, sit in front ad ENJOY! and stay near by after the show.. they all come back out and you''ll get autographs and pictures.. so, stand in line and be patient! Its worth.. it!!!
the parade also is wonderful.. @3:15!!
(we've done this several times :)xo)
have a wonderful trip!!
S.