Planning a Disney trip - basic questions

[Anonymous]

I'm the PP who came up with the Contemporary plan. I was focusing on OP not knowing whether it's a $4K or $10K trip. And I perhaps erroneously assumed that OP had made a few concessions, like having 2 rooms. Contemporary can be under $500/night if you book mindfully -- rent DVC points for Bay Lake, go with Garden Wing, sign up for discount codes, get Disney Visa, etc. I agree with a PP who said you get to choose 2 out of 3 requirements. Sharing a room with little kids is sucky indeed but if you're staying on property there's little choice but to do that unless willing to pay for 2 overpriced rooms or overpriced suite at rack rate. Convenience may trump comfort in OP's scenario, IMO.

[Anonymous]

planning Disney IS overwhelming - it's one of those trips where you get out of it what you put into it. If the disboards are too much, get a tourist book and digest it at your own pace. Then hit the boards & forums to finesse plans for your specific interest areas.

If you don't have the time/concentration etc for the project, then you either pay someone who has put in the hours (like using the travel agents recommended), or accept that you will be "outmaneuvered" by people who have either done the research, or used a paid researcher. For some people, that's totally fine - it just depends on the experience you want to have and the amount of time, dollars and effort you're willing to throw at it

Start with a comfortable budget number for YOU. Then back into what that will get you - if you're happy with that, you're done! If you're not, then start making compromises - transportation, lodging, number of days, etc.

[Anonymous]

We just came back from WDW. This trip we did 4 parks in 4 days. MK, HS, AK in the AM, EP in the PM and MK again. We stayed on property this time at Art of Animation. Its a pretty resort but DH & I agree we are going to take a longer trip next time and stay at the Wyndham Bonnet Creek. We had a car and never used the buses. We also befitted from DH being military and qualified for the Armed Forces Salute tickets and hotel discounts. It is pretty easy to use the ap to book 4th FP at MK, the other parks not so much. Get there at rope drop with a solid touring plan and your 3 rebooked Fps ready to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can save a ton of cash by renting a house off property. Look around the area of Celebration. It has grocery stores, restaurants and easy access to Disney. You can save yourself a boatload by eating a real meal at the house, instead of $15 chicken nuggets.

This 3 bedroom is $87 per night:
https://www.vrbo.com/193887

There isn't a lot of traffic. The only thing that I don't like about staying off property is paying $20/day for parking. Car rentals at the airport are cheap too. I got a car for $15/day last time I was there.

It's all about the type of vacation you want. Yes, this may save money but I'd never do this because this doesn't sound fun to me. I rather wait a year or two and save up some more money so we could have the ease of staying on property, enjoying a Disney hotel and the convenience and perks and not having to cook!

Being held captive by the mouse seems like a bad vacation, but to each their own. There are real restaurants nearby. Some might want a break from Mickey's overpriced fast food.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

I am amazed people spend $1000 a night just for hotel for Disney. You can easily get a decent hotel room for $125-200, if not less. Once she goes, she'll realize it is so spread out that you still need transportation and basing your hotel off the theme park transportation is not worthwhile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can save a ton of cash by renting a house off property. Look around the area of Celebration. It has grocery stores, restaurants and easy access to Disney. You can save yourself a boatload by eating a real meal at the house, instead of $15 chicken nuggets.

This 3 bedroom is $87 per night:
https://www.vrbo.com/193887

There isn't a lot of traffic. The only thing that I don't like about staying off property is paying $20/day for parking. Car rentals at the airport are cheap too. I got a car for $15/day last time I was there.

It's all about the type of vacation you want. Yes, this may save money but I'd never do this because this doesn't sound fun to me. I rather wait a year or two and save up some more money so we could have the ease of staying on property, enjoying a Disney hotel and the convenience and perks and not having to cook!

Being held captive by the mouse seems like a bad vacation, but to each their own. There are real restaurants nearby. Some might want a break from Mickey's overpriced fast food.

You can stay in a value hotel for $100-150 and be on property. We'll never stay on property again as we prefer the nearby restaurants. I get the first time you want to stay on property but then you learn real quickly that even the McDonalds on property (even being vegetarian and never eating there) is far better than the Disney food..

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

I am amazed people spend $1000 a night just for hotel for Disney. You can easily get a decent hotel room for $125-200, if not less. Once she goes, she'll realize it is so spread out that you still need transportation and basing your hotel off the theme park transportation is not worthwhile.

The thing about the Disney hotels though, is that the ones with the park walkabilty/monorail, etc. also have other desirable amenities not found at the moderate and value hotels. Things like multiple on site restuarants, indoor hallways (instead of the motel-like set up with outdoor walkways), fitness centers, etc.
I agree though that I can't spend that much per night on a room!

[Anonymous]

It's easy to fall prey to the fuzzy Disney math on the value of on-property hotels. Yes, you're paying $500/night (for deluxe resorts) for a room worth $200, but somehow it starts to matter less once you get sucked in.

Honestly, that's what kind of sucked me into the Disney love, that they are so good at immersing you in the experience, making each interaction pleasant, making decisions for you that you don't feel like making. It's total escapism if done right! Why else would so many of us return year after year ... it's not the lines or rides.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can save a ton of cash by renting a house off property. Look around the area of Celebration. It has grocery stores, restaurants and easy access to Disney. You can save yourself a boatload by eating a real meal at the house, instead of $15 chicken nuggets.

This 3 bedroom is $87 per night:
https://www.vrbo.com/193887

There isn't a lot of traffic. The only thing that I don't like about staying off property is paying $20/day for parking. Car rentals at the airport are cheap too. I got a car for $15/day last time I was there.

It's all about the type of vacation you want. Yes, this may save money but I'd never do this because this doesn't sound fun to me. I rather wait a year or two and save up some more money so we could have the ease of staying on property, enjoying a Disney hotel and the convenience and perks and not having to cook!

Being held captive by the mouse seems like a bad vacation, but to each their own. There are real restaurants nearby. Some might want a break from Mickey's overpriced fast food.

Exactly, to each their own. I HATE leaving the Disney bubble. Ruins the trip for me. I choose not to be a hater. I'm not too cool for school. Yes, Disney food is expensive, but it would be too at any resort. Fast food? Never ate it there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

I am amazed people spend $1000 a night just for hotel for Disney. You can easily get a decent hotel room for $125-200, if not less. Once she goes, she'll realize it is so spread out that you still need transportation and basing your hotel off the theme park transportation is not worthwhile.

If you can afford it than why not. I can't, but my inlaws can and they often spend more money on a large expansive multi bedroom suite to have family be together.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can save a ton of cash by renting a house off property. Look around the area of Celebration. It has grocery stores, restaurants and easy access to Disney. You can save yourself a boatload by eating a real meal at the house, instead of $15 chicken nuggets.

This 3 bedroom is $87 per night:
https://www.vrbo.com/193887

There isn't a lot of traffic. The only thing that I don't like about staying off property is paying $20/day for parking. Car rentals at the airport are cheap too. I got a car for $15/day last time I was there.

It's all about the type of vacation you want. Yes, this may save money but I'd never do this because this doesn't sound fun to me. I rather wait a year or two and save up some more money so we could have the ease of staying on property, enjoying a Disney hotel and the convenience and perks and not having to cook!

Being held captive by the mouse seems like a bad vacation, but to each their own. There are real restaurants nearby. Some might want a break from Mickey's overpriced fast food.

You can stay in a value hotel for $100-150 and be on property. We'll never stay on property again as we prefer the nearby restaurants. I get the first time you want to stay on property but then you learn real quickly that even the McDonalds on property (even being vegetarian and never eating there) is far better than the Disney food..

Once again... WHERE ARE YOU EATING? Are you sure you are going to Disney World????

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

I am amazed people spend $1000 a night just for hotel for Disney. You can easily get a decent hotel room for $125-200, if not less. Once she goes, she'll realize it is so spread out that you still need transportation and basing your hotel off the theme park transportation is not worthwhile.

The thing about the Disney hotels though, is that the ones with the park walkabilty/monorail, etc. also have other desirable amenities not found at the moderate and value hotels. Things like multiple on site restuarants, indoor hallways (instead of the motel-like set up with outdoor walkways), fitness centers, etc.
I agree though that I can't spend that much per night on a room!

Not all the deluxe hotels cost as much as the contemporary. Check out the Wilderness Lodge. That is very close to the Magic Kingdom and SO much cheaper!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Basically it comes down to

A) Plenty of space (multiple rooms or large suite)

B) Location (resort is walking distance to parks like Contemporary/Magic Kingdom or Beach Club/Epcot OR has awesome views like the Savanna at Animal Kingdom)

C) Reasonable price (less than $1000/night)


OP gets to pick 2.
She has to decide which two are most important for HER family. That might not be what is most important to other posters' families.

Love this! So true.

I am amazed people spend $1000 a night just for hotel for Disney. You can easily get a decent hotel room for $125-200, if not less. Once she goes, she'll realize it is so spread out that you still need transportation and basing your hotel off the theme park transportation is not worthwhile.

The thing about the Disney hotels though, is that the ones with the park walkabilty/monorail, etc. also have other desirable amenities not found at the moderate and value hotels. Things like multiple on site restuarants, indoor hallways (instead of the motel-like set up with outdoor walkways), fitness centers, etc.
I agree though that I can't spend that much per night on a room!

Not all the deluxe hotels cost as much as the contemporary. Check out the Wilderness Lodge. That is very close to the Magic Kingdom and SO much cheaper!

Right, but it's not walking distance-you have to take a boat. And right now it's undergoing some MAJOR construction. I'm not sure if it still will be this summer when OP wants to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Exactly, to each their own. I HATE leaving the Disney bubble. Ruins the trip for me. I choose not to be a hater. I'm not too cool for school. Yes, Disney food is expensive, but it would be too at any resort. Fast food? Never ate it there.

Disney parks offer mostly fast food. Epcot is the rare gem. I've been to Disney literally hundreds of times. We used to live there, and had season passes. There are no more than 4 or 5 restaurants in the parks I've never experienced. Did you eat most of your food in the resorts?