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We're in the early planning stages of a trip to Disney World in Orlando for next year. So, does anyone have advice on:

1. Where to stay?
Since we're taking ourselves, 3 kids, 3 grandparents, and 1 aunt, we were thinking renting a nearby house would be a better option than hotels. Thoughts on this? Good place to get one? Hotel still better? Which one? Anybody own or know of a house to rent or a good website that lists them? I found a couple, but there could certainly be better that don't appear in the first few pages of a google search.

2. Way to get cheap tickets to the park?
Any coupons or group deals that make it cheaper? There are 17 different ticket options that apply to like 7 different parks...anybody have experience on which tix are best?

3. Good places to eat in the park? Out of the park?

4. Must see/do for kids 3, 5, or 8 at Disney?

5. Other cool attractions in and around Orlando?

6. Anything I forgot?

7. Best times of year to go?

Any help/advice anyone could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

1. Houses to rent for the short term are difficult...you may be able to get a hotel/condo that would be large enough. I'll check with some contacts in Orlando (I'm in Clearwater, about 90 minutes away). You may want to consider staying 'on property' ie. one of the disney resorts...they aren't cheap, but have some bonuses that might make it worthwhile (transport to/from parks, early 'entry' times) etc. I would look at the package deals they have

2. Your best bet for TYPE of ticket is the multi day/multi park tickets. That way you can come and go as you please. AAA has discounts, as do a number of other reputable locations....watch the fine print!!

3. Do not EAT in park. Makes buying food at a ballpark look like a bargain. Here's the plan that seems to work well for folks traveling with young children...
Get up, have breakfast (in room if you have a suite with a kitchenette) hit the park early - bring juice/light snacks for the kiddies. Around 12 noon head out of the park, eat...naps or time at the pool for the kids...early supper - back to the a parks for another round (hit a different one every night becasue the fireworks/end of day shows are different.

4. Most of the Magic Kingdom is a complete must do for kids...Animal Kingdom is small, and not worth the admission price IMHO - but if you have the multiday/multipark by all means do it. Epcot is a little long in the tooth...the 3 year old will be bored. Adults must ride Test Track. No joke. Way cool. MGM is OK - enough for the kiddies - but some of the rides are intense (also applies to Universal Studios) Sea World is awesome.

5. Universal and Sea World are both in Orlando (and Universal Islands of Adeventure) there are also some water parks and a host of other smaller attractions...some of them (Cirque du Soleil La Nouba comes to mind -) would be more interesting to the adults than the kiddies.

6. The best weather in FL (not screaming hot) is April and October - October is the end of hurricane season which may or may not cause issues.

I'm sure I'll think of more stuff...pm me if you habe more questions, I'll be happy to help.

windsor gave great advice. I would change one thing regarding eating in the park. I know it's probably expensive, but I always wanted to eat at that restaurant that sits on the bayou in Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not sure if the kids would enjoy it, maybe I'm just living vicariously through you but I think that would be pretty sweet.

Miles wrote:windsor gave great advice. I would change one thing regarding eating in the park. I know it's probably expensive, but I always wanted to eat at that restaurant that sits on the bayou in Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not sure if the kids would enjoy it, maybe I'm just living vicariously through you but I think that would be pretty sweet.

There are some cool places to eat...Epcot has several in the countries...Norway stands out - as an aside most of the countries in Epcot are staffed by citizens (mostly college age kids) from that country...France also has a nice little cafe (Chefs de France maybe??)

A special event meal in the parks is great...but you'll break the bank if you eat there twice a day!

When you have an idea when you want to go check the park schedules for special events, parades, fireworks etc...people line up on the streets REALLY early for the parades..catch it once then use the parade time to sneak on to attractions while half the park is standing on the sidewalk (the parades do not change day to day)

Miles wrote:windsor gave great advice. I would change one thing regarding eating in the park. I know it's probably expensive, but I always wanted to eat at that restaurant that sits on the bayou in Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not sure if the kids would enjoy it, maybe I'm just living vicariously through you but I think that would be pretty sweet.

I LOVED that restaurant when I was a kid! I forgot all about it until you just mentioned it. I'm sure it's changed since then, but we ate there when we went when I was like 10, which would have been like 1985-1986.

windsor wrote:1. Houses to rent for the short term are difficult...you may be able to get a hotel/condo that would be large enough. I'll check with some contacts in Orlando (I'm in Clearwater, about 90 minutes away). You may want to consider staying 'on property' ie. one of the disney resorts...they aren't cheap, but have some bonuses that might make it worthwhile (transport to/from parks, early 'entry' times) etc. I would look at the package deals they have

Why are they difficult? I googled it and found like twenty sites dedicated to vacation rental homes, a few of which specialize in houses in Orlando, and they rent anywhere from a day to a month and sleep up to 20 people. Maybe I'm missing something there, let me know. I figured that way we could even cook a few of our own meals and save on that. I would think we could at least save on breakfast. Like I said, maybe I'm missing something here. Thanks.

windsor wrote: 6. The best weather in FL (not screaming hot) is April and October - October is the end of hurricane season which may or may not cause issues.

Is it really rainy in April? I was thinking maybe my kids' spring break would be a good time. Since they go to Catholic school, they always get the week after Good Friday through the week after Easter, which would be April 21-May 1.

bjornolf wrote:

windsor wrote:1. Houses to rent for the short term are difficult...you may be able to get a hotel/condo that would be large enough. I'll check with some contacts in Orlando (I'm in Clearwater, about 90 minutes away). You may want to consider staying 'on property' ie. one of the disney resorts...they aren't cheap, but have some bonuses that might make it worthwhile (transport to/from parks, early 'entry' times) etc. I would look at the package deals they have

Why are they difficult? I googled it and found like twenty sites dedicated to vacation rental homes, a few of which specialize in houses in Orlando, and they rent anywhere from a day to a month and sleep up to 20 people. Maybe I'm missing something there, let me know. I figured that way we could even cook a few of our own meals and save on that. I would think we could at least save on breakfast. Like I said, maybe I'm missing something here. Thanks.

Check out VRBO.

bjornolf wrote:

windsor wrote: 6. The best weather in FL (not screaming hot) is April and October - October is the end of hurricane season which may or may not cause issues.

Is it really rainy in April? I was thinking maybe my kids' spring break would be a good time. Since they go to Catholic school, they always get the week after Good Friday through the week after Easter, which would be April 21-May 1.

No, it is not rainy in April (usually) the 'rainy season' is June through September - even then it is usually afternoon thundertorms - April tends to be dry, not too humid (by FL standards) and warm. In FL anytime of the year it is unusual to get a 'day that is all rain - generally storms blow through in a few hours and sun comes out...back in the day the St. Petersburg Times gave out free newspapers any day the sun didn't shine - and they didn't give out man. April is a great choice - but Easter week however is one of the busiest at all the parks. Book early. Very early.

As for rental houses - I forgot Orlando has different rules than Pinellas/Hillsborough counties - a LOT of the HOAs and condo assoc. here prohibt short term leases - the Orlando area doesn't have that restriction. My bad.

bjornolf wrote:

Miles wrote:windsor gave great advice. I would change one thing regarding eating in the park. I know it's probably expensive, but I always wanted to eat at that restaurant that sits on the bayou in Pirates of the Caribbean. I'm not sure if the kids would enjoy it, maybe I'm just living vicariously through you but I think that would be pretty sweet.

I LOVED that restaurant when I was a kid! I forgot all about it until you just mentioned it. I'm sure it's changed since then, but we ate there when we went when I was like 10, which would have been like 1985-1986.

Great. Thanks for making me feel old.

The last time I at at that restaurant was in 1988, so you would have been about 13--the current age of my youngest child.

It's been such a long time since I've been to Disney World. I can't give any specific recommendations for attractions or restaurants. I can recommend that you purchase those little autograph books for your kids at the Disney Store before you leave home or as soon as you enter the park. Make that a part of the fun--while you're walking to another attraction or event, have your kids keep their eyes peeled for Disney characters. They can collect autographs from the characters. Looking for characters becomes part of the game for your kids. The park publishes a schedule of where characters will be signing autographs, but there is no need to tell your kids that since the scavenger hunt for characters is part of the entertainment! Take pictures of the characters while they're signing the autographs, or posing with your kids. When you get home, you can print the pictures and paste them into the autograph book beside the character's autograph. Each kid will have an instant personalized souvenir from the Disney trip.

I have been to Disneyland a few times over the past 10 years and I recommend the Fast Passes, which I'm assuming that Disney World utilizes, too. Get them and use them!

Yes - Disney World uses fast passes as well...forgot about those!

windsor wrote:Yes - Disney World uses fast passes as well...forgot about those!

I've heard about those. How exactly do they work?

bjornolf wrote:

windsor wrote:Yes - Disney World uses fast passes as well...forgot about those!

I've heard about those. How exactly do they work?

You use your ticket (to the park) and slide it into a kiosk for certain major attractions...you can a set time to be admitted to that ride...you show up at the appointed hour and follow the 'fast pass' signs...usually you 'cut' 99% of the line. There is a small wait...but not bad. The downside is you can spend just as much time standing around as you would in line...the old 'gee we don't have time to get over to adventure land and back, our space mountain time is 2:40---and its !:50 now....but hanging out near the attraction is easier than trying to keep little ones settled in line...even the magic always moving disney lines that never end....

windsor wrote:

bjornolf wrote:

windsor wrote:Yes - Disney World uses fast passes as well...forgot about those!

I've heard about those. How exactly do they work?

You use your ticket (to the park) and slide it into a kiosk for certain major attractions...you can a set time to be admitted to that ride...you show up at the appointed hour and follow the 'fast pass' signs...usually you 'cut' 99% of the line. There is a small wait...but not bad. The downside is you can spend just as much time standing around as you would in line...the old 'gee we don't have time to get over to adventure land and back, our space mountain time is 2:40---and its !:50 now....but hanging out near the attraction is easier than trying to keep little ones settled in line...even the magic always moving disney lines that never end....

Somebody told me that once your time passes, your fast pass is good for the rest of the day. That's not true?

Got this in an email today. Knock yourselves out and enjoy!

Walt Disney World customized maps allow you to map out your family's perfect vacation at all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.

It's easy!

Choose your desired Walt Disney World attractions and shows, either individually or by a category that best describes your family.

Review your maps and make any changes you might like.

Order your finished customized maps. We'll mail them right to your door!

Your full-color maps will be adorned with your name and your custom selections. They're great for planning, sharing and anticipating your dream vacation. You can also print out your maps at home. And imagine how fun they will be to use at the Theme Parks when you arrive!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/m ... age&bhcp=1

OZZIE4DUKE wrote:Got this in an email today. Knock yourselves out and enjoy!

Walt Disney World customized maps allow you to map out your family's perfect vacation at all four Walt Disney World® Theme Parks.

It's easy!

Choose your desired Walt Disney World attractions and shows, either individually or by a category that best describes your family.

Review your maps and make any changes you might like.

Order your finished customized maps. We'll mail them right to your door!

Your full-color maps will be adorned with your name and your custom selections. They're great for planning, sharing and anticipating your dream vacation. You can also print out your maps at home. And imagine how fun they will be to use at the Theme Parks when you arrive!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/m ... age&bhcp=1

I JUST saw this on their website and am in the process of making one. They look really cool. Thanks.

Due to budgetary concerns and my aunt's death, we decided to put off the trip until the boys' spring break, April 2012. The kids will be 4, 6, and 9 by then. I realize that doesn't really change things TOO much. So, we'll have eight people, five adults, three kids.

So, does anybody have any NEW advice that they've gleaned in the last year? Maybe somebody went who hadn't been before? Any more thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Don't go to Disney in June, July or August! Too hot and way too crowded. Best time to go is Oct, Nov and Dec. Temperature is great and there is always a parade, light show and fireworks.

Go to the Park, early in the morning. GO LEFT! Most people are right handed and head to their right. Let the kids do the RIDES in the EARLY AM, since the park starts filling in around 1030 am or so.

Best to get a hotel on the Disney campus/grounds and take the Bus/shuttle or their transportation into the park everyday. Leave your vehicle parked at the hotel, campground, etc.

Pack a cooler for your room, (use hotel ice) or refrigator in room, for your cold snacks. We took ceral, yogurt, bagels, cream cheese, sandwich fixings. We ate a light breakfast in the room and had snacks for lunch. Take snacks with you into the park. (Crackers, dried fruit, protein bars, PB&J sandwiches, etc. ).

Attend park 5 or 6 hours in the Early Am. Go back to your Hotel, room and take a nap. Have a early dinner, and resume back to the park for another 4 - 6 hours of Shows or exhibits. If you have children, that is probably a good schedule. Or otherwise, stay all day! But 10 hours - 12 hours of Disney a day, is enough! You will need your rest!

Take plenty of MONEY! Or your credit cards! Disney will engulf it all! Food and sundries in the park are expensive. They are everywhere as far as amusement parks and or stadiums go!

Why would anyone want to go to Disney? I got to go with Mrs. Turk a few years back (on someone else's dime, no less) and hated it. We're never going back. (sorry, that should be a Snark Thread post...)