Planning a Disney Vacation!!!

[Born2Star]

Been there several times.

1) Stay inside Disney properties, it's a must because :
a) you save a lot of time on transit and save a lot of money on parking
b) you can go in earlier and leave later than the public
c) if the park is full (yeah it happens !) you can still go in.

2) If this is your first time you'll be focusing on the theme parks, go to all of them.

3) If you go there a few more times you'll start spending time in their hotels (just to visit and dine) and each one of them is amazing.

4) If you have kids then you NEED to learn about character dining. There're some in the theme parks and there're more in the Disney hotels. Start with Crystal Palace or Cinderella Castle dining in Magic Kingdom, or Chef Mickey in Contemporary resorts. There're a lot more and remember you have to book MONTHS ahead for table.

5) Play golf.

Disney in Orlando is a lot more than just the theme parks.

 

[NorthernBear]

If you are staying at a hotel that is not located at Disney you will see offers in the lobby for free passes to various attractions.

Do NOT even speak to these people. The passes are in exchange for you attending a seminar trying to get you to purchase time sharing. The offers may seem intriguing but not while you are on vacation with the kids.

Medieval Times is nice, but we now have one in Toronto. If you want to see something comparable check out King Henry's Feast

For a total Disney experience and if money is not really an issue, look into booking a Disney Cruise. For that you have a four day visit to Disney World sandwiched around a 3-day cruise on the Disney ship which includes a visit to Disney's very own island in the Bahamas. Your travel agent can give you more details.

 

[Smash]

$1,400 pp? Including parks admission?

Yes air, moderate hotel, car (3 days), meal plan (2 meals a day) and park admis.
We had some discounts from Disney from other trips so that helped on the price.

 

[Anynym]

There are so many attractions within an hour or two drive of Disney World: if you have a chance, take a day or two away from the main resort to check out one or two.

 

[Petzel]

Tell the family that Darien Lake is far better, you'll save $5000 you can spend on whores. :thumb:

I've been to Darrien Lake. It's smaller than the CNE.

 

[Mr Bret]

One more thing.
Take a few minutes on your first day as soon as you get to the park of your choice and go to customer relations and ask them to explain everything about how the Fast Pass system works.
You'll save a pile of time and sometimes just because you asked, they may reward you with a few "open" bonus Fast Passes.

 

[Jaygcm]

There are many sites for Disney planning and questions. Check out the following, wdwmagic.com disboards.com and allears.net