We would like to take our kids to Disney World. They will be 8, 6, & 5. If I have to many choices I freeze up. We have our dates at end of May & will go for 1 week. We would like our first experience to be on property. So is it easier to use an Agent or plan it all myself ,ugh.
TIA
I would go through the Disney website, it has lots of helpful tools to plan your trip.
We went through AAA and got a GREAT deal. Free meal plan... nice hotel... good flights...
LBC
We've been at least 8 times. I have always done it myself. That said, I have been managing travel arrangements, etc for my hubby's travel for years and I am comfortable with dealing with airlines, hotels and Disney.
I deal directly with the airline and directly with Disney with all bookings. When we go on vacation, we shop well and we are not pinching pennies when we go..... If it will put you into debt, wait a year.
Disney is expensive and we've enjoyed each trip. We always stay at the Polynesian which is on the monorail line with Grand Floridian and Contemporary. I could stay at the Polynesian and have a great time without going to any park! The luau is great, Character breakfast at O'Hana, and the option of boat taxi or monorail to MK is great. You can hop on that boat and be back to the hotel in no time for naps, pick up something you forgot, etc.
We never made an option to stay anywhere else, our question was always in what area of Polynesion do we want to stay.... We've been at garden view (nice), MK view (nice) Concerige building (very nice, but pricey, food available 24/7, perks such as private safari available). LOVED the Conceirge. If you are at one of the 3 hotels on the monorail, there is 1 park that opens an hour earlier each day for the guests at those hotels. That was perfect for the Toon Town for us!
There are so many things to do. Check out the website, get a feel for it and see how you feel about it. I called Disney to prebook any character outings, safari rides etc... things get booked fast.
Don't stress, don't be so firm on plans that you can't change a few things here and there. Your family will have a wonderful time! Enjoy!
I planned my own trip. It's really not hard. Get the lay of the land on mousesavers.com. Get familiar with Disney in general then go from there. We loved staying on the property, very convenient. The only thing to keep in mind is food (I'd recommend the meal plan) and make sure you know the special events of each area while you're there. That might change your plans about what park to do on what day. Your kids are at the perfect age to do this! Have a wonderful time!!
1. Use an agent
2. Get the meal plan, I can't stress this enough.
3. Book restaurant reservations NOW! Yes, 7 months ahead of time!
4. If your budget allows, stay at a resort inside the park. Buses will get you everywhere.
5. Get 'park hopper' passes, worth every penny.
6. Don't spend money renting a car, refer to #4.
These are just my suggestions. Ya'll will have a blast.
