I have alot of questions so please bear with me. We are military and taking advantage of the military promotion. We would like to go when the Christmas stuff is up, we were thinking sometime between November 29 and Dec 12. We would like it not to be super busy as we have a 2 boys who will be 4 and 16months. Any suggestions on where to stay in the value resorts. I'm thinking about the All-Stars Movie Resort. What is the transit system like? Do you have to wait forever to get a ride? Is it worth upgrading to the "better" rooms? Will the rooms hold a pack and play and a toddler size air mattress? Will 5 days be enough time to enjoy everything that time of year? If we got waterslides added to our tickets, would the parks be open and are they good for ages 4 and 16 months? Would we have to use them in one of the 5 days that are on our park hopper ticket, or can we use them on a totally seperate day? Sorry so many questions, I'm kinda overwhelmed with everything. Any ideas or suggestions anyone has I would really appreciate them!
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First time to WDW for family of 4..lots of ??'s
- Thread starter DISmomma
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NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
Hello, Welcome to these Boards and Thankyou for serving!
You may want to consider staying at Shades of Green, it is owned by the Military (Armed Forces Recreation Centers) and is located close to the Magic Kingdom. You get all the benifits of staying at a Disney Resort to include EMH (Extra Magic Hours), Early park entry, and Transportation to all WDW Resort attractions.
SoG's rooms are very spacious and can accomodate up to 5 guests, so I will assume that you childrens beds will fit comfortably inside the room.
Rates on rooms at SoG are based on rank which can make your stay very affordable even compared to Disney's Value Resorts.
When you say you are takeing advantage of the Military offer do you mean "Disney's Armed Forces Salute". If so I will be able to help answer more of your Question's.
You may want to consider staying at Shades of Green, it is owned by the Military (Armed Forces Recreation Centers) and is located close to the Magic Kingdom. You get all the benifits of staying at a Disney Resort to include EMH (Extra Magic Hours), Early park entry, and Transportation to all WDW Resort attractions.
SoG's rooms are very spacious and can accomodate up to 5 guests, so I will assume that you childrens beds will fit comfortably inside the room.
Rates on rooms at SoG are based on rank which can make your stay very affordable even compared to Disney's Value Resorts.
When you say you are takeing advantage of the Military offer do you mean "Disney's Armed Forces Salute". If so I will be able to help answer more of your Question's.
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NewfieFan
Well-Known Member
Welcome Dismomma... you do have lots of questions (but that's ok)! If I may give some advice maybe you should try breaking up your questions and posting seperate threads. You may get more responses and better answers as people can focus on a few specific things for you!
I can try and answer some of your questions for you. I have traveled with a 14 mth and 3 yr old and then a 2 yr old and a 5 yr old. You will get lots of different opinions on some of the questions you have asked though!
As for your resort choice... I can't comment on that one but I have stayed at the All Star Music twice and I've loved it. I love the feel of this resort, the layout, the food court is alright (for what it is), and I like both of the pools.
I've never had a problem with the transportation. A lot of people don't like the All Star resorts b/c they all share a bus at times. As I have mentioned I have stayed there twice (June and Sept.) and I've hardly ever shared a bus with the other resorts (and when I did... it wasn't even an issue). If bus sharing is an issue or becomes one... keep in mind that the AS Movies is the last resort on the run so if you are sharing a bus you will be the last ones picked up and the last ones dropped off. Again, I've never had an issue but I've heard people complain!
It may be worth it for you to pay for preferred location... it's hard to say! If you decide not to, when you check in you can request the next closet building to the lobby (it may or may not be available). I've stayed in preferred and in standard. When I was in standard I was in the second building from the lobby - it was really close! Preferred at least guarantees that you will be close to the lobby! The AS are slightly smaller value resorts so even if you're in the farthest building you aren't that far from the lobby!
I will be back later to address some of your other questions!:wave:
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Yes I mean the Disney's Armed Forces Salute, my base seems a little clueless, so anything you know would help a lot. As for Shades of green it is quite expensive at my husbands rank. Thank you so much!
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slappy magoo
Well-Known Member
Going there a few days after Thanksgiving weekend will probably be the best bet in terms of crowds, though there are never any guarantees. Shades of Green will afford you bigger rooms, possibly at a cheaper price than any of the Values (depending on rank and pay grade). While that time of year is often not busy, there are often high school groups, or football/cheerleading competitions, stuff like that, and when they're there, they usually stay in the All-Stars, so if you must stay in a Value, consider Pop Century instead. Supposedly the bus system at Pop Century is better than the All-Stars is better, too.
One of the water parks will probably be closed for upkeep during that time, so adding the water park option will probably only get you in one of them. Besides, it won't be prime all-day-in-water weather; most often, if you go to the resort pool, your kids might not stay in more than a short time. There will be miniature pools for the little one, but really, he's probably be just as happy in a kiddie pool or a big pool in the shallow end with mommy and/or daddy (in other words, if I had a 16 month old and a 4 year old, I'd probably skip the water parks unless the 4 year old REALLY wanted to go, though I'm sure other people on the board would disagree with me). So unless you think you'd be spending some time in DisneyQuest as well as whichever water park is open, save your money. But if you DO use the waterpark/DisneyQuest option, they are extra options, and won't count towards your theme park entrances. You can use them on a separate day, or spend the morning in the water park or DisneyQuest, and skip the parks, OR go in to a theme park later in the day (even if they're not park hoppers).
I think the rooms all have Pak n' Plays, at least they're available if requested. I'm honestly not sure about toddler air mattresses.
The forum is for questions and answers...and mocking people who think Universal Studios is part of WDW. Ask whatever you want to ask. Welcome to the boards.
One of the water parks will probably be closed for upkeep during that time, so adding the water park option will probably only get you in one of them. Besides, it won't be prime all-day-in-water weather; most often, if you go to the resort pool, your kids might not stay in more than a short time. There will be miniature pools for the little one, but really, he's probably be just as happy in a kiddie pool or a big pool in the shallow end with mommy and/or daddy (in other words, if I had a 16 month old and a 4 year old, I'd probably skip the water parks unless the 4 year old REALLY wanted to go, though I'm sure other people on the board would disagree with me). So unless you think you'd be spending some time in DisneyQuest as well as whichever water park is open, save your money. But if you DO use the waterpark/DisneyQuest option, they are extra options, and won't count towards your theme park entrances. You can use them on a separate day, or spend the morning in the water park or DisneyQuest, and skip the parks, OR go in to a theme park later in the day (even if they're not park hoppers).
I think the rooms all have Pak n' Plays, at least they're available if requested. I'm honestly not sure about toddler air mattresses.
The forum is for questions and answers...and mocking people who think Universal Studios is part of WDW. Ask whatever you want to ask. Welcome to the boards.
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NewfieFan
Well-Known Member
Back again for a sec.
The rooms will not hold a Pack 'n Play and a toddler mattress! Your 4 year old can sleep in the other double bed and if you're worried about him rolling out then request bed rails when you make your reservation. I always ask for two bed rails as both my children sleep in the bed together (I've never used their Pack 'n Plays). And if you want a Pack 'n Play you need to request that as well when making your reservation!
The rooms will not hold a Pack 'n Play and a toddler mattress! Your 4 year old can sleep in the other double bed and if you're worried about him rolling out then request bed rails when you make your reservation. I always ask for two bed rails as both my children sleep in the bed together (I've never used their Pack 'n Plays). And if you want a Pack 'n Play you need to request that as well when making your reservation!
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NiarrNDisney
Well-Known Member
Ok! So the "Disney Armed Forces Salute" intitles your Husband to 1 complimentary 5-day park hopper, and Water park fun & more ticket.
This ticket and those purchased at the special rate for the rest of your family will allow you and your family 5 days inside any of the WDW theme parks + you also get 5 visits to either of the Water Parks, and Disney Quest. Remember the extra tickets purchased for Friends & Family in order to get the Park Hopper and Waterpark fun & more option added to them will be an additional $25 per ticket per option.
Once the tickets have been purchased they are good for the whole year.
As for the Waterpark Fun & More option, since your planning your trip for that time of year I would remind you that it will be winter and does get chilly in Florida. The water parks are known for closing during this time due to weather. Disney Quest is Basically a really large Arcade so I don't think your children would enjoy it as much as say a teenager would but then again I could be wrong.
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happymom52003
Active Member
If it were me going for 5 days with kids that age, I would not do a waterpark. There are so many extra things to do and see at WDW during the Christmas season, you will probably find that you want to spend all of your time in the parks and enjoying the Christmas decorations at the resorts. I'd save the water parks for when the kids are older and can get more out of them.
Have fun!:wave:
Have fun!:wave:
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WDW_Emily
Well-Known Member
I haven't been to disney for christmas since i was 8 and we stayed for 6 days and were able to do everything and shop for a day at downtown disney. so i think 5 days will be enough although you might be busy which you said you didn't want :-/
the Trasportation system at all the All- Star resorts is pretty Good. Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Stuios you can get to pretty quick. Magic Kingdom does take a bit longer. If you do however notice crowds are big, you can take the Bus to Epcot then hop on the monorail to get to Magic Kingdom. This will save you about 15 minutes
the Trasportation system at all the All- Star resorts is pretty Good. Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Stuios you can get to pretty quick. Magic Kingdom does take a bit longer. If you do however notice crowds are big, you can take the Bus to Epcot then hop on the monorail to get to Magic Kingdom. This will save you about 15 minutes
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KC82271
Active Member
Dismomma --
We have gone the 2nd week of November the last two years. Both years were totally different weather wise. 2007 we needed pants and sweatshirts as the sun went down. This year, shorts all day and night. As for the wather parks, we are from NJ and neither year did we find it "swimming" weather any of the days we were able to do it. That is really going to be a "spur of the moment" thing to plan once you are down there and see the weather - especially if you are going 3-4 weeks later than we do. I have yet to take my daughter to the water parks and she is going to be 4 in June.
I have stayed in Movies and it was great. I had my 4 year old god-son with us. He loved it. It just became an issue when trying to get seats on the bus (and that only happened about 1/4 of the time!) but other than that, I also loved it.
We love the values. I have not stayed in anything but since they opened. You are in them so little that it's not worth paying more for the moderates.
I have traveled in the last 3 years with my daughter. She slept in the pak-n-play the first time at 10 months and by the following year - at 22 months, she was in the bed with me. She climbed out of the pack-n-play as soon as I put her in there.
Enjoy whatever you choose to do! You will have a great time!
We have gone the 2nd week of November the last two years. Both years were totally different weather wise. 2007 we needed pants and sweatshirts as the sun went down. This year, shorts all day and night. As for the wather parks, we are from NJ and neither year did we find it "swimming" weather any of the days we were able to do it. That is really going to be a "spur of the moment" thing to plan once you are down there and see the weather - especially if you are going 3-4 weeks later than we do. I have yet to take my daughter to the water parks and she is going to be 4 in June.
I have stayed in Movies and it was great. I had my 4 year old god-son with us. He loved it. It just became an issue when trying to get seats on the bus (and that only happened about 1/4 of the time!) but other than that, I also loved it.
We love the values. I have not stayed in anything but since they opened. You are in them so little that it's not worth paying more for the moderates.
I have traveled in the last 3 years with my daughter. She slept in the pak-n-play the first time at 10 months and by the following year - at 22 months, she was in the bed with me. She climbed out of the pack-n-play as soon as I put her in there.
Enjoy whatever you choose to do! You will have a great time!
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From Mom to Momma: You might want to take your own nice, big stroller for the parks or rent one of theirs. THere are miles and miles of walking at each of parks. The Moderate resorts are a little pricer but they have water slides at their pools, instead of getting the water park and more pass. The moderate resorts are Carribean Beach, Port Orleans or Coranado Springs.
Watch the 90 day window to make your dining reservations.
If you need more Disney info, order the Disney trip dvd from the Disney site or by phone, or another option, visit a travel agent, tell them you are thinking about going, and get booklets and info from them. I know AAA has a nice slick Disney booklet for free. We are members, but they had them at thier travel agencies stacked by the door and I have picked up numerous booklets for friends and have never been questioned.
The library should have a travel section and have Disney books also. Get familier with the maps for the parks so you'll know what you want to hit.
Take lots of memory cards for you camera...you'll want to catch every moment of you family at Disney.
Have a great time planning and come back with any other questions.
Watch the 90 day window to make your dining reservations.
If you need more Disney info, order the Disney trip dvd from the Disney site or by phone, or another option, visit a travel agent, tell them you are thinking about going, and get booklets and info from them. I know AAA has a nice slick Disney booklet for free. We are members, but they had them at thier travel agencies stacked by the door and I have picked up numerous booklets for friends and have never been questioned.
The library should have a travel section and have Disney books also. Get familier with the maps for the parks so you'll know what you want to hit.
Take lots of memory cards for you camera...you'll want to catch every moment of you family at Disney.
Have a great time planning and come back with any other questions.
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lilclerk
Well-Known Member
In regards to the hotel, I definitely recommend Pop Century. The bus system and food court are fantastic, and at that time of year you won't run into any tour groups there like you would at the All Stars.
I have many pictures of Pop in my 2008 & 2009 links in my signature
5 days won't be enough to see everything but you will definitely be able to get the major stuff in and won't feel like you missed out on anything. Just get to DHS early for Toy Story Mania! I never got my nephew out of the hotel early enough to get on last week, it was very sad for me.
I have many pictures of Pop in my 2008 & 2009 links in my signature
5 days won't be enough to see everything but you will definitely be able to get the major stuff in and won't feel like you missed out on anything. Just get to DHS early for Toy Story Mania! I never got my nephew out of the hotel early enough to get on last week, it was very sad for me.
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krankenstein
Well-Known Member
Since I'm a single guy who normally travels to WDW alone, I can't really comment on most of what you asked. However, I have stayed at every Value Resort and will gladly offer my opinion on them.
Movies is a nice resort, but I found it to be more spread out than the other Value resorts. My favorite of the Values is Sports. I love the layout of the place and the bus system runs fairly well. After Sports, I suggest Pop. It is newer, has a great layout and a better location than the All Stars. However, it has more rooms than the All Stars which can mean longer lines waiting for the buses. All that said, This is how I rank the Values:
1) Sports
2) Pop
3) Music
4) Movies
Another thing to keep in mind is that Pop is newer, Sports has recently had all its rooms refurbed and Music is currently having the rooms redone. Movies is still stuck in the 90's.
Anytime after Thanksgiving but before the week of Christmas will be a great time to go. Keep us informed and I look forward to reading your trip report! :wave:
Movies is a nice resort, but I found it to be more spread out than the other Value resorts. My favorite of the Values is Sports. I love the layout of the place and the bus system runs fairly well. After Sports, I suggest Pop. It is newer, has a great layout and a better location than the All Stars. However, it has more rooms than the All Stars which can mean longer lines waiting for the buses. All that said, This is how I rank the Values:
1) Sports
2) Pop
3) Music
4) Movies
Another thing to keep in mind is that Pop is newer, Sports has recently had all its rooms refurbed and Music is currently having the rooms redone. Movies is still stuck in the 90's.
Anytime after Thanksgiving but before the week of Christmas will be a great time to go. Keep us informed and I look forward to reading your trip report! :wave:
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mickey&me
Active Member
One thing to consider: Pop Warner Football will be going on about that time (1st wk of Dec). AS Sports and Pop Century will have lots of teams. AS Movies and Music will have some as well, as will Port Orleans (according to the discount deals).
Park crowds are still light (relatively speaking) and we enjoyed our time at Movies in 2007.
Park crowds are still light (relatively speaking) and we enjoyed our time at Movies in 2007.
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kstella
Member
Would you be eligible for a family suite at All Star Music? Might give you a little extra room with a separate sleep area for you and your husband.
I would absolutely skip the water park this time. Your kids are kind of young to appreciate it and with only five days you'll want to do as much park stuff as possible wihtout killing yourselves and your kids. If you need a park break, then walk around the grounds of whatever resort you pick and check out the decor. Last time I was at All Star Music, they had all kinds of activities every day at the pool. Don't forget swim diapers!
Going at that time of year should be perfect for you. Shouldn't be too hot during the day and the crowd levels should be low. It will get cool at night after the sun goes down, but pants and a light jacket should be good.
Hope you have a great time!:xmas:
I would absolutely skip the water park this time. Your kids are kind of young to appreciate it and with only five days you'll want to do as much park stuff as possible wihtout killing yourselves and your kids. If you need a park break, then walk around the grounds of whatever resort you pick and check out the decor. Last time I was at All Star Music, they had all kinds of activities every day at the pool. Don't forget swim diapers!
Going at that time of year should be perfect for you. Shouldn't be too hot during the day and the crowd levels should be low. It will get cool at night after the sun goes down, but pants and a light jacket should be good.
Hope you have a great time!:xmas:
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dragongirl
New Member
Yes, that time of year is when Pop Warner is there. It's not the best atmosphere for getting little ones to sleep with all the noise that can be heard through your door. There will be shouting, pounding footsteps and what sounds like furniture being thrown around all night long. The food courts will be jam packed. So try for one of the moderates where they aren't staying.
I just experienced the cheerleaders at Caribbean Beach and since we have a 3-year-old I was very glad to be in Trinidad South isolated from the rest of the resort and the raucous madness. And the cheerleaders are low-key in comparison to what I've experienced with Pop Warner.
I second the bed rails. It worked well with my daughter. It is the cheaper sort of bedrail that's held on mostly by weight. So it may move if you have the sort of wild sleeper who wakes in the morning in a position 90 to 180 degrees from the position they went to sleep in. But it should hold well enough.
I just experienced the cheerleaders at Caribbean Beach and since we have a 3-year-old I was very glad to be in Trinidad South isolated from the rest of the resort and the raucous madness. And the cheerleaders are low-key in comparison to what I've experienced with Pop Warner.
I second the bed rails. It worked well with my daughter. It is the cheaper sort of bedrail that's held on mostly by weight. So it may move if you have the sort of wild sleeper who wakes in the morning in a position 90 to 180 degrees from the position they went to sleep in.
But it should hold well enough.
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erstwo
Well-Known Member
You have lots of questions, so I don't know if I will answer them all. However, I did travel to WDW last March when my kids were 4 and 18 months, and again in early December when they were 5 and 2, so if you have any questions feel free to ask here or send me a message through the board!
As far as Value Resorts go - We stayed at All Star Music and loved it! If you are worried about other guests being too loud, I would advise bringing a small "air purifier" or other device for white noise to cover any outside noises. We had NO experiences with loud kids, or noises outside our room, but we are all light sleepers and it's better to be safe than sorry!
The buses were wonderful - ran right on time, we never had to wait, etc. I'll give it to you straight - folding up a stroller (or two!) and getting on the bus with the kids, the kids bags full of stuff and so on is no easy task, but that's just what traveling with little kids is like! :brick: Makes you appreciate the days when you no longer need a diaper bag I guess!
FINALLY - be sure to chose a date before December 23, 2009 when the special $99 Military park passes will expire.
As far as Value Resorts go - We stayed at All Star Music and loved it! If you are worried about other guests being too loud, I would advise bringing a small "air purifier" or other device for white noise to cover any outside noises. We had NO experiences with loud kids, or noises outside our room, but we are all light sleepers and it's better to be safe than sorry!
The buses were wonderful - ran right on time, we never had to wait, etc. I'll give it to you straight - folding up a stroller (or two!) and getting on the bus with the kids, the kids bags full of stuff and so on is no easy task, but that's just what traveling with little kids is like! :brick: Makes you appreciate the days when you no longer need a diaper bag I guess!
FINALLY - be sure to chose a date before December 23, 2009 when the special $99 Military park passes will expire.
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