Disneyworld (Florida) master thread [Archive]

rene'

08-05-2005, 08:43 AM

Hello ladies. My DH and I are planning a surprise trip to Disneyworld for our DD's. We aren't planning on going until next Thanksgiving, but I am really wanting to get a lot of help/recomendations for the trip. This will be our first "real" vacation, we are definately not experienced travelers or anything. Most of my questions have to do with which resort to stay at, did you just book a package through the Disneyworld website? Which one would you recommend? Is it worth having a rental car or do you really need one? I also want to take the DD's to Sea World and what other attractions non-Disneyworld do you recommend? Also, we picked Thanksgiving because I heard that is one of the best times to go. Have you heard anything different? Thanks for any and all help!

Rene'

lawyergirl25

08-05-2005, 09:46 AM

A really good person to talk to is udsweetpea. I believe she still works at Disney and she can answer any questions that the rest of us can't, I'm sure. I'll bump the thread for you. I haven't been to Disney in 8 years, so my information would be too outdated to help. :)

KrissyCat7

08-07-2005, 03:40 PM

We have season passes to Disney. I would suggest staying at one of the Disney resorts, especially since you have children. They would love it. If you plan on spending your whole trip at the Disney parks then you dont really need a rental car....but I too would suggest talking to Udsweetpea. She knows EVERYTHING about Disney.

Oh and it will beautiful in Florida in November. Im sure you will have great weather.

Have fun! :)

rene'

08-08-2005, 07:46 AM

Thanks for the replies, ladies. I found (thanks to lawyergirl) the thread that udsweetpea started for WDW questions. Hopefully, I will get everything I need from there.

Thanks again!
Rene'

MandyMaloo

08-09-2005, 03:35 PM

Hey there!

I used to live about an hour from Disney and have been there more times than I can count! I thought I could give you some great ideas from my own personal experiances :)

If you're going to have children along, I would suggest staying at the resort. I had a GREAT experiance at the Caribbean Beach Resort. It's got an amazing tropical feel so you and DH can go for a walk in the beautiful tropical gardens, and your Daughters can go for a dip in the theme pool. They also have some stores and a cafeteria on site in case you forgot something or want to get a bite to eat. It's labled as a moderate hotel, so it's not bad as far as price goes. Some of the less expensive hotels are the "All Star" hotels. I would personaly recommend spending the extra $$ to get something less cramped with more things for everyone in the family though...

Staying at the resort is a GREAT idea...mainly becuase transportation is taken care of! They'll come get you at the hotel, and they'll take you to all the parks. Also, when you purchase something at the parks and don't feel like hauling it around all day, they'll take it to your room for you! It's great!

Now, if you're planning to go off site, then you may want to consider renting a car. I don't think Disney trams will take you off the disney grounds. If you ARE going to be going out of the resort, I would highly recommend Sea World. I adored it when I was a kid! The Shamu show was my favorite. Sit in the first 5 rows or so--you'll get drenched! I had so much fun!!

Anyway- here's a bit more advice for you. As soon as you arrive at ther Magic Kingdom, start in the back of the park!! Start out withb the Haunted Mansion, Splash Mountain, etc. Most people get side tracked and head to Tomorrow Land first.

Have a wonderful time!! I know that place like the back of my hands...so if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask! Have a great time!!

Boopy

08-10-2005, 08:18 AM

This reply is a little late, but there's a message board with a format just like this one that's all about Disney. I think you will find the answers to any and every question you might possibly have there. It's http://www.disboards.com/?styleid=22.

rene'

08-10-2005, 08:32 AM

Thanks MandyMaloo! I need to check out that Caribbean Beach Resort. I was kind of starting to lean to the Beach Club Resort which is deluxe but has the sand bottom pools that I thought my DD's would love. I was also looking at the Port Orleans - Riverside resort, which is another moderate resort. There are just too many decisions to make. Since it could be a once in a lifetime thing, I want to make it memorable, but I don't want to spend the extra money on something if it isn't worth it. You know what I mean?

Boopy - I will check out that board. Thanks!

Sabrina

08-10-2005, 08:51 AM

Just wanted to add that there is a National Car Rental location on-site at WDW, so if you wanted a rental car for just a day or 2 you could do so without having to go all the way back to the airport.

MandyMaloo

08-10-2005, 09:13 AM

Hey rene!

No problem--I know making the decisions can seem a little overwhelming.

I would say that the Port Orleans might be a little too adult for your children. They typically put honeymooning couples in there. The Beach Club sounds like fun though---they might really like that!

Good luck with your vacationing plans, and if you have anymore questions, feel free to ask! Have a good time!!

Bbbethie

08-10-2005, 02:40 PM

I second the recommendation for www.disboards.com. I used that site a lot when planning our trip this past April. I would also recommend purchasing the Unofficial Guide to Disney. That book was our bible during our visit. We followed the plans for touring the parks and we never waited more than 20 minutes for a ride. We had to do a little extra walking but even the kids thought it was well worth it.

Have fun planning!

rene'

08-10-2005, 05:45 PM

Bbbethie - Where can I purchase the guide?

MandyMaloo - Thanks so much for that info! That narrows it down to Beach Club or Caribbean Resort. I guess it boils down to how much we want to spend.

Sabrina - That's good to know, that way we can go somewhere off site if we want to and it's not going to be that inconvenient.

Thanks ladies!

Bbbethie

08-12-2005, 12:36 PM

I bought my copy of the Unofficial Guide at Barnes & Noble. I can't recommend it enough. This is what it looks like:
http://a1204.g.akamai.net/7/1204/1401/05072611011/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/9950000/9957799.jpg

rene'

08-12-2005, 02:21 PM

Great! I will be checking it out!

lawyergirl25

01-06-2006, 08:04 AM

DH, SS and I are planning a trip to WDW with my family for this June. There will be 6 of us - my parents, DH and me, and then SS (14) and my little brother (11). We're interested in renting a 3 BR villa or condo for the 10 days that we'll be there.

I found a website, www.orlandovillas.com, and they list some nice places - we've already found several possibilities. I thought I'd start a thread anyway and see if anyone has had a particularly good or bad experience with an owner, and if anyone has tips for us as we search for a place to stay.

Thanks!

neenbean

01-06-2006, 04:44 PM

I stayed at the Sheraton Vistana Villages, International Drive (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/search/hotel_detail.html?requestedChainCode=SI&requestedAffiliationCode=VO&goToRooms=yes&lengthOfStay=0&numberOfRooms=1&numberOfAdults=1&arrivalDate=2006-01-07&departureDate=2006-01-08&rpoi=&propertyID=5607&rcdi=&linkbrand=&fromSearch=22XX&sherlockRatePlanID=&sherlockMiniRate=&sherlockRoomType=&sherlockBedType=&iATANumber=&corporateAccountNumber=&propertyDistance=&propertyDistanceInUnits=&requestType=page&page=&ratePlanName=&roomOccupancyTotal=1) a few years ago and really liked it. There were 2 bedrooms, which I think is perfect for 4 people, but if you really love one another and no one will get grouchy, 6 will fit well, too.

Since then I have stayed on property, which I HIGHLY recommend if you are spending most of your days at WDW. We are Disney Vacation Club members, but I think anyone can stay at Saratoga Springs Resort (http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=SaratogaSpringsResortLandingPage&count=4) or any other condos (links can be found on that page). We were there last week and 5 of us were in a 2 bedroom condo- DH, DD (9 months old), my mom, my sister and I.

In both places we cooked breakfast everyday, had a W & D, jacuzzi tub, 3 TVs, a DVD player, etc. However, staying at Disney was even better because we never had to drive to any parks or to dinner as the resort provides transportation to everything on property.

I hope that helps, but I am more than happy to answer any specific questions for you.

ManteoChik

01-07-2006, 05:53 AM

I would have to agree...I think staying on property is the best way to go, IMO. It's so much more hassle-free that way. You can use WDW transportation to get to all the parks, you don't have to worry about parking your car and walking/taking a tram to the front gate. If the kids get tired or grumpy in the middle of the day you can go back to the room for a nap or to relax in the pool. All the resorts have restaurants in them, or you can order room service or cook yourself. We normally stay on property and get a two bedroom suite (our favorites are The Boardwalk Inn Villas andThe Villas at Wilderness Lodge).

Our suits consist of:
-Master bedroom w/ king bed and private bath (has shower and seperate jacuzzi)
-Guest Bedroom w/ private bath (has two beds in guest bedroom)
-Pull out sofa in living room
-Living Room
-Full Kitchen: Pretty much everything you'd need while you are there.
---Blender
---Dinnerware
---Pots and pans
---Microwave
---Toaster
---Stove
---Refrigerator
---Dishwasher (includes detergent)
---Electric mixer (upon request)
-Full Size Washer and Dryer (includes detergent)
-Balcony

We love to say in the villas because it's quiet and we love the views from our balcony. Here is a picture of a villa suite at The Boardwalk Inn:
http://adisneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw/images2003/languagespecific/eng/nontheme/resorts/home/BV/images/centerColImgGrm01.jpg

All the layouts are the same, just decorated different. They also have three bedroom villas but I'd say save on the cost and get the two bedroom...there is plenty of room. You and DH can say in master, your parents in one bed of the guest room, SS (I assume that's step sister??) could have the other bed, and little brother on the pull out couch...just a suggestion.

bellaprincess

01-07-2006, 07:56 AM

Hi,
I live in Orlando, but back in October my BF and I took a a little weekend get away without leaving town and stayed in a 2br/2ba jacuzzi condo at the Fountains Resort on International Drive here in Orlando. The location of the resort was awesome. It was practically in Lake Buena Vista ( Disney was 5 minutes away) and 2 minutes away from the Orlando Premium Outlets, a Publix supermarket, and restaurants ( Outback, Bahama Breeze).

We paid $80/night and did not get the "sales talk." We booked through their website. They ask you when you check in if you would be interested in a free breakfast and gift bag to get you to come hear their pitch and we said no and were not bothered at all.
The resort has an indoor/outdoor pool that is really cool. The condo looked like it was new inside and everything was very clean. The master bedroom had a king bed and a jacuzzi tub en suite ( very romantic ;) ) plus a shower in the master bathroom and hair dryer on the wall near the vanity.
The second bedroom had 2 queen beds with a TV and a shower/tub combo in the bathroom.
The kitchen was really nice and modern and had a microwave, fridge, electric stove/oven, toaster, blender, dishwasher, pots/pans, silverware, plates, and a W/D. They provide you with trash bags, dishwasher soap, laundry soap in the unit. The living room had a nice large TV w/ DVD player and a sony stereo/CD system and a balcony overlooking a lake. There was a sofa bed in the living room (a double).
The only downside was that there was not a shuttle to Disney.

Here is a picture what the condo we stayed in looked like inside. I couldn't find a picture of the kitchen, but it is not the older one they show on the website. It is much nicer.
(Source: www.bluegreenrentals.com):
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7140/ftnbed0bk.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ftnbed0bk.jpg)

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/8798/ftnlivdin2jg.th.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ftnlivdin2jg.jpg)

Resort website:
http://www.bluegreenrentals.com/resortBook.aspx?ShowAvail=No&ResortID=14

Tripadvisor reviews:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g34515-d530682-r4325760-The_Fountains-Orlando_Florida.html

DisneyGirl

01-07-2006, 09:46 PM

When my DH, Myself and our 2 kids go we stay at the sheraton vistana resorts. We have stayed there many many many times and each times Is wonderfull. There are two bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and its only about 7 min from Disney and about 15 min for univeral. They ahve about 5 pools, tennis courts, places to each, a little store, pizza hut on site, a gates community, VERY VERY clean inside and out,kitchen, dinning room,living room with pull out couch, wash/dryer, maid service/housekepping ,shuttles to parks ect... I would higly recommend the palce if your not going to stay on Disney property.

Msbhvn

01-08-2006, 09:26 AM

We just went to Disney this summer and stayed at one of Disney's villas. We really like Disney's Old Key West Resort... The shuttles ran really quickly and it was a quite resort. They have one restrurant.. Olivia's, and even though it's the only one, it is ranked on of the best at Disney. Take care though it is a little pricey, but that's just Disney. They had a nice water slide, and play area for the kids. like a huge sandbox, tennis courts, and bikes you could rent. Oh.. they also have a nice sized snack bar close to the pool were you can get chicken strips, chicken wings, and basically anything else you desire "Ice cream"!. Hope you have a pleasant stay, we loved it!

lawyergirl25

01-08-2006, 04:14 PM

Thanks everyone for responding.

We're not staying on Disney property for this vacation. We've each stayed on property before (not all together, obviously, this being our first joint vacation), and it was fun, but we're going to be spending just as much time doing non-Disney stuff as at WDW, so we're looking to save some money and find something off-site. I probably should have titled the thread "Orlando villas/condos." :)

We like the idea of staying at a privately-owned villa or condo because 1) they're more private - most have fenced-in backyards for privacy, and 2) they each have a private pool - no sharing. We're just a little nervous because we'd be dealing with private owners, not with a major hotel chain, so it's a little difficult to scout the properties and the reliability of the owners. I suppose we'll just have to ask for references and trust our guts!

I'll also take a look at the Sheraton Vistana and Fountains. That could be a good alternative for us.

bellaprincess

01-09-2006, 03:49 PM

Lawyergirl25: I forgot to add a link for a by owner vacation site that you could use to find a house/villa to rent in Orlando. My parents and their friends use this site to rent out their condos in South Florida and have always had good experiences with the rentors. Just be sure to ask to see additional pictures if they don't have them on the webpage and ask for the total cost including all taxes, cleaning fee, and deposit added in.
http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/central-disney-orlando#2586

You could also try vacationrentals.com and valuevacationrentals.com and do a search for Orlando rentals to see what is available.

Hope that helps! :)

DisneyGirl

01-24-2006, 01:21 PM

I starting to plan my next years Disney Vacation and would love to go when the Christmas Decoration are up..

Anyone have any idea from when to when the Christmas decoration are on display..Like at the magic Kingdom?

Also, does anyone know of any websites where you can get discount hopper passes?

Thanks ..I know I'm planning way in advance.

Marie

01-24-2006, 01:23 PM

I've always gone during the first 2 weeks in December and the decorations are up and the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is on limited dates at that time. I do however believe the Parade of Lights does not run at that time for maintenance.

And there are no crowds!:D

LauraPerg

01-24-2006, 01:27 PM

My understanding is the Christmas decorations go up the weekend after Thanksgiving and I don't believe they come down until after the new year. We went the second week of this past December (2005) and it was wonderful. Unfortunately, there was some cheerleading event being held down there, so it was a little more crowded than we expected but nothing like the middle of the summer. Be aware that Thanksgiving week and the week of Christmas are the two busiest weeks of the year for Disney, so if you don't like crowds I would avoid that time.

Otherwise have a wonderful time and be sure to take advantage of all the special Christmas events!

ETA: I don't know about the discount park hoppers, but I do know that you can buy the passes at a Disney store for a cheaper price than at the gate. Also, be sure to learn about the new magic your way tickets, they can save you a lot of money if you don't plan on going to Downtown Disney, waterparks, etc. A great reference web site is http://allearsnet.com.

DisneyGirl

01-24-2006, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the help!

Looks like i will be going the first two weeks in December since thats the only two weeks my time share had open.

I really don't mind the crowds since every yr we go in the summer and we sit in 2-3 hr lines. However this year I wanted to go and see Disney in the Christmas season and having my 2 kids roast in the summer is just plain silly since they are not In school and we can go anytime.

Thanks for that website..I'll look into it.

udsweetpea

01-24-2006, 07:09 PM

Actually, the first 2 weeks of December are 2 of the slowest weeks at Disney. You'll have a blast!

Smiley

01-24-2006, 07:27 PM

I went on my honeymoon over Christmas time and it was very magical, you'll love it!

ManteoChik

01-25-2006, 06:00 AM

I agree, we usually go the week before Christmas and have NEVER had a problem with crowds. In fact, that last time we went the week before Christmas, we never had to wait in a line for a ride and if we did it was only 5-10 min. MAX! It was a blast and the christmas decorations are great.

mamax2

02-21-2008, 01:41 PM

*bump*

I'm not putting this in the Disney-specific thread since my questions are related to OFF-Disney properties.

Anyone have reviews on:

Horizons by Marriott
Liki Tiki Village
Sheraton Vistana Villages (Disneygirl, I'll be PMing you on this one!)

We'll be going end of April with our 2 girls and possibly another couple w/their baby (in which case we'll get a lock-off unit w/an add'l bedroom or two).

We've narrowed it down to the three listed above because they have 2 BR units available in our timeframe to trade (timeshare) and seem particularly kid-friendly. We do NOT plan to be at the parks every day - definitely just some chilling out at the pool time, maybe a spa visit, that sort of stuff.

KristyK

02-21-2008, 08:35 PM

kate's mom

02-22-2008, 04:40 AM

I am not sure of your DD's ages, but if they are younger I highly recommend eating at Chef Mickey. You need to make reservations, but it is wonderful. We just got back on Wednesday from Disney and my 3 year old can not stop talking about it. My 16 month old also loved it.
Enjoy your trip!

mamax2

02-22-2008, 06:12 AM

JUst wanted to say......I've NEVER been able to book at the Sheraton Vistana as a timeshare, trade, whatever. They have never had availability......ever. :rolleyes: Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I tried for 3 years to trade into there and was never successful.

I know lots of people on here have stayed there, and I think as just a "hotel" it might be easier to book into? I don't know. Good luck!

Who is your timeshare through? We have 3 units between ILs, SIL and us (we bank them all together) in two different resorts. They're both 5-star, 3 bedroom/6 sleeper units so we have good trading 'power'. It might be that Vistana is a higher level than your home unit and that's why it's not showing availability? They have a bunch of units available for us. Now, Disney properties... don't get me started on those. Unless I want to stay in an efficiency (um, no thanks w/2 kids!) I will NEVER be able to trade in there. :(

So, I guess the people you know have liked it there? I read a bunch of reviews on TripAdvisor last night and we're down to Sheraton Vistana or Horizons by Marriott. We want to book by tonight though so we'll see!

KristyK

02-22-2008, 01:21 PM

Actually, we have a hawaii timeshare, top of the class, supposedly top of everything. Tradeable for 2 weeks on the mainland, even though we only have a week available in hawaii.

Crazy I know, but I tried again, through RCI and still can't book there. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.....or right? :D

Good luck and have fun!

mamax2

02-22-2008, 07:25 PM

KristyK ~ It must be that RCI doesn't have many units allotted at Sheraton. I'm with Interval. Hey, if you want the Vistana that bad, just let me know, I'll be happy to take your spot in Hawaii :p :D

Off to gather some more info on activities (thanks for the tip on Chef Mickey - we didn't do that last time!)

DisneyGirl

02-23-2008, 01:45 PM

Off to gather some more info on activities (thanks for the tip on Chef Mickey - we didn't do that last time!)

OH, Chef Mickey was soooo AWESOME!!

PinkMartini

02-23-2008, 03:12 PM

mamax2

02-23-2008, 04:50 PM

(X-posted in the other Disney thread)

Got a ? for you ladies...

DH & I have never been on a 'real vacation' before (didn't even have a honeymoon) and are interested in going to WDW in the near future (maybe next year?) and neither of us have ever been. Does anyone have any suggestions for like the cheapest place to stay? I checked a DW hotel for a year from now and the price for 10 days at the park with hotel stay were like $6,000. WAY too much for us. If it costs that much, I doubt we'll ever be able to go.....

Also, would a 26 month old and a 14 month old have a good time? (If we're able to go next year we'd go in December probably - and that's how old the babies would be). What's the youngest a child should be to 'enjoy' it?

Really? $6k??? What kind of place are you trying to stay at? I just found this:

6-night/7-day Value Resort Package
$1455*
6 Nights at a Disney Value Resort hotel
7-day Magic Your Way Base tickets
Just $52* a day per person!

Keep in mind that factors in 2 adults, one junior & one child. You'll only need park tickets for 2 adults and your kids are under 3 so free.

I think a package is probably a great way to go - whether you stay on Disney property or off - I'd do some more investigating though. $6 sounds really high. Also, with kids that young (we took my oldest when she was 26 months and will be going again in April when my youngest is 28 months), you really don't need to be at the parks every day - unless that's what you and your DH want. You could easily go for a 1 week vacation and only do 3 days of parks or something like that. A 10 day trip with park passes every day leaves you with a lot of options, but is probably a waste of money with kids that small. You could scale your trip waaaaay back and still have a really nice time for you and your family.

Just as an example, on our trip w/a 26 m.o., we spent one day at Magic Kingdom and 2 days at SeaWorld (same price as 1 day). We did 2 shows at SeaWorld as well.

This year, with a 4.5+ year old and a 28 month old, we're planning on 3-4 day park passes, 1-2 days at Seaworld and we have a villa with plenty of kiddie pools/slides/fountains, etc.

eta: You might also consider Disneyland - that could be cheaper, but I'm not sure of what flights run in your area.