OT-Disney World Questions

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MargaretB
MargaretB Member Posts: 1,305
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Ok, we're talking about taking the grandkids to Disney World during their break in October (they attend year round school) and I have some questions for those of you in the know. I have heard that Disneyland has it all over Disney World so I've been told I don't actually need to see Disney World so concentrate on the other areas. I think I have 5 days at a Westin or Hilton in the Disney area - should I stay on the property or is a hotel off site ok? Should we rent a car? How much do you think I will spend for a family of 4 for three or four days? Is that enough time? Any info/input you can provide is very much appreciated.

Margaret

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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited July 2007
    We stayed on site and when you're tired it makes a world of difference and besides, you can come back at night after a nap or dinner. Easier to get rides at night and lots of good stuff at night going on, too.
    I'd concentrate on the site, and forget the car unless you want to go off site to other things.
    Use the internet site to ck out all the info there, it will be really helpful in your planning.
    If you're going-- go for 4 days, more cost effective. You will see more in the long run.
    Plan on your big meal at lunch, it's cheaper. We had a later afternoon snack and a light supper and maybe a bedtime snack. Saves money. we did breakfast in the room, Juice boxes, granola bars, and the like. That way it's on your time and no rushing and cost effective.

    Google disney tips and ck out some sites about how to make the trip better.
  • MargaretB
    MargaretB Member Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2007
    Thanks Dottie, which resort did you stay at? I will keep the 4 days in mind - did you see the Magic Kingdom in addition to other themes there?

    Margaret
  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited July 2007
    The Magic Kingdom will take at least a couple of days, Kiddo! We're talking HOURS in line for rides. This is not the county fair.
    Please read up on these sites and ck out the recommendations, it'll blow ya mind!
    It's been years since we went, so I don't really remember where we stayed. We also took some games to play in the room and we played in the pool and went to the water park, too.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited July 2007

    Post deleted by Chemosabi1

  • ravdeb
    ravdeb Member Posts: 3,116
    edited July 2007
    When we took the kids we stayed inside Disney World and it was very much worth it. No driving around. There is transportation everywhere and it allows you to just go back to the room for a nap and then hop on the train and return for evening things, the fireworks, parades, etc.

    I agree with Dotti..we read the tips on line to learn how to plan the vacation.
  • kimf
    kimf Member Posts: 334
    edited July 2007
    Margaret,
    I'm a Disney World fanatic. I have 3 kids aged 11, 9 & 4, we've been to DW 3 times in 5 years. We've stayed on site all three times and I would never even think of staying offsite due to the tremendous opportunities you get onsite: free transportation, a selected park opens 1 hour early and closes several hours late just for people who stay on property, many of the large hotels have character breakfasts or dinners that are convenient if you are staying at that resort. It has just been great. The first time we went we stayed at the basic rate hotels to save money. It was very close quarters and my personal opinion is that is was too far from the parks. We have stayed at the Contemporary (oldest but I loved it) and the Beach Club (beautiful and convenient - upper scale - best pool). My kids aren't big fans of Epcot. They have 3 rides that they enjoy, and they like the nighttime light show. I'm not sure how old your grandkids are, but if they are young, plan to spend the most time at the Magic Kingdom, a day at MGM / Animal Kingdom, and if they are swimmers, don't miss Blizzard Beach. It is our favorite!

    Have the best time! For us, it truly is a magical experience!
    Kim
  • saluki
    saluki Member Posts: 2,287
    edited July 2007
    Guess I'm really spoiled my Florida friend- Works at Disney World for the Animal Kingdom, Before that Magic kingdom. So they are old timers and when we go--its how to defeat the crowds---
    means mapping it out and getting out at the crack of dawn---

    Get the kind of pass that gives you unlimited access.
    Come in buy one of the resorts like the Beach Club or Swan that lets you shortcut thru Epcot on the boats---Saves allot of walking. By the way, as I remember Yacht club had a nice Sunday brunch.

    Get to the water parks early---They close up when they get full and are quick to close and empty out at the first sign of lightening and thunder. That can mean 3:30 to 4:30 and you are out of there if not earlier.

    Get up at the crack of dawn and be ready to enter the park when it opens and go to the most popular rides in the park
    1st. It will save you hours of waiting in the heat.

    I loved it and did it for many years. Friend used to joke how much down time at disney I was responsible for. (Down time meaning when they can't get someone out of a ride) I would not get out of the space ship. LOL

    Now Epcot in the evening is about my speed. Mind you the English Pub is not badly priced and is quite pleasant.

    If you go, don't forget to have the specialty---Is it in Epcot ----The Smoked Turkey Leg!-----I'm overly fond of it but even if you don't like them it makes a memorable picture. It's also at a cart at Frontierland and on Sunset Blvd. at Disney-MGM ----Just don't let the food police catch you.---You're on vacation.

    Here is-- The Mouse For Less
    It may have some tips for you.

    http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/wdw.shtml


    You will have a great time and October is a really nice
    month weather wise in Orlando-

    Susie
  • MargaretB
    MargaretB Member Posts: 1,305
    edited July 2007
    Ladies, thanks for the tips. I think I will stay onsite even though I do have a free hotel room - was reading about the benefits. My grandkids turn 7 and 10 this week so it should be so much fun for them. We have a Magic Kingdom at Disneyland (we took them 1-1/2 years ago) so I think I'm going to pass on that and instead see the other resort areas and a water park or two. I think I even have a DVD for Disney World.

    Susie, I have checked out the mousesavers.com web site but not the one you recommended - I'll check that out.

    Thanks again ladies.

    Margaret

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