Help me Plan my First WDW trip... I think its really happening this time...three's a charm.

[Centauri Space Station]

I was just thinking isn’t there a chance that Splash Mountain at WDW doesn’t close until after the 50th ends? Did they close it this past winter for refurb during the 50th? If they don’t close it until mid March that would give me a chance to ride it. It would still give them a year and half for the Retheme.

It did get a refurb but it reopened on Feb 12

 

[mickEblu]

It did get a refurb but it reopened on Feb 12

So maybe it just doesn’t get a refurb and runs through the end of the 50th since it’ll be going down for a long “refurb” anyway.

 

[Th3 DUd3]

Thanks for the response! I don’t think we’ll be able to do Victoria and Alberts with all the young ones.

Any chance they announce Magical Express is coming back since the train isn’t happening anymore?

No. Mears has an expensive option and I think some side companies have started too. Like a black car. I’d do a little research to find the best for the best deal.

Also, unless you plan on going to a bunch of places elsewhere outside of the resorts, renting a car means parking fees at the resorts. Yes, even on Disney property.

 

[No Name]

Orlando has the world’s largest McDonald’s, named Epic McD, which also has the largest menu. They serve brick oven pizza, Belgian waffles, cheesesteaks, cake, etc. If you can’t make it to Universal, this is a decent alternative!

 

[PiratesMansion]

I don't get the sense that arguing about the relative worth of BLT is helping MickEblu plan his vacation.

 

[LAKid53]

Every 1 bedroom and larger DVC villa has a kitchen.

A 2 bedroom at Kidani has a 3rd bathroom, which is much larger than the one at BLT. You only get a 2nd pullout sofa if you rent a 2 bedroom lockoff, i.e., a connecting 1 bedroom and studio.

And BLT isn't DVC's flagship resort - that would be the Villas at Grand Floridian, one of my 4 home resorts.

 

[LAKid53]

After a few failed attempts to get out to Disney World the past few years I think we're actually doing it this time. We're planning well in advance, we're not in a Pandemic and the kids are a little older. We also have another family going with us which was a MUST as I didn't intend on solo riding my way though WDW the first time. We want to go early next year. Right now we're looking at late February, early March or mid/late April after Spring Break. Ive been googling 'Best time to go to Disney World 2023" and Ive been seeing some discrepancies for best timeframes during these months when comparing different articles/sources. From a few days to even a couple weeks.

Our biggest two deciding factors are weather and crowds but moreso weather. From what I've gathered the crowds won't be too bad during any of those timeframes I mentioned... if I pick the right week that is. With that said, between holidays, festivals, marathons, and Spring Break finding that little gap between crowded days seems difficult. Don't get me wrong, I usually go to Disneyland on Saturdays so I'm prepared for crowds. Just trying to maximize our trip. From what I understand, I won't have to deal with any nasty heat/humidity from Feb to April. We're planning on staying in Orlando for about 10 days. 7-8 at Disney World and 2-3 at USO. We want to have some down days and for it to actually feel like a vacation. Between both families, we'll have a 7 year old, 4 year old and 2 year old with us. We're not too too worried about crowds considering the length of our stay and time of year we're choosing.

We haven't decided where we're staying yet but right now the price for the Polynesian is $750 per night for the days we're looking at. Yikes. In a few months they'll send out the 25% to 35% off deals but still pricey considering the the length of our stay. Also, not sure I want to stay at Poly for those prices while cranes and construction are going on for the new tower. We're leaning toward a Deluxe hotel or at least a Moderate only because we plan to spend some recovery time at the hotel and want to stay somewhere nice. If we go Deluxe we were thinking Polynesian, Beach Club, or Contemporary. For Moderate we're thinking one of the Orleans hotels.

I'm a little bummed that Splash will most likely be closed for the PatF conversion and that Tron may not be open either. Neither one is dealbreaker for me though.


Here are my questions... if you would be so kind

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish?
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general.
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best?
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group?
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year?

All advice is appreciated. Please let me know if there is anything important that I’m not considering.

Thank you in advance!

Couple of things:

1. The Princess Half Marathon weekend is February 23rd to 26th. Crowds will increase by 25K (at least) with all the runners, their families and friends. Both MK & Epcot will be super crowded that weekend. In addition, roads will be closed in the early mornings both Saturday and Sunday. A portion of the Epcot parking lots will be closed off Friday, Saturday and until Sunday early afternoon as the races are staged at Epcot, including the finish lines.
2. Ditto for April 13th - 16th for the Springtime Surprise race weekend.
3. Weather in February, March and April can swing dramatically between cold and 80°. I've frozen my rear off in February, only to roast the same time the following year. I'd plan on it be warmer, rather than cooler in February.
4. With regards to a place to stay, which is more important - your travel party staying together or convenience to a park(s)?

If staying together is most important, you'll be looking at a 2 bedroom DVC villa. They aren't cheap. The only way to make it affordable is to rent DVC points from a company like Dave's. However, to do so will depend on what they've got in their inventory for the time period you decide. Just know that if you rent points, you can't cancel. Another alternative would be the Family Suite at All Star Music. It's much better than Art of Animation - a kitchenette with a full size fridge.

If staying off property is acceptable - someone will be renting a car - I'd suggest Bonnet Creek. It's very close to Disney Springs. 2 bedroom suites with a full kitchen. And cheaper than just about anything on property.

5. With regards to Universal, just know that the 4 year old and 2 year old won't be able to ride many of the attractions. The rides at Uni are more thrill rides. I'd check the height requirements for the rides you're interested in.

The discounts at WDW for your time frames won't come out until Fall, at the earliest.

 

[brifraz]

I really feel bad for @mickEblu His thread asking for some help in planning has devolved into some guy who doesn't realize that fact and opinion are two different things, despite numerous other folks pointing out to him that what he calls a FACT repeatedly is his opinion, which is fine for him to have, but might not be everybody else's (or the Disney company's) opinion.

 

[LAKid53]

I really feel bad for @mickEblu His thread asking for some help in planning has devolved into some guy who doesn't realize that fact and opinion are two different things, despite numerous other folks pointing out to him that what he calls a FACT repeatedly is his opinion, which is fine for him to have, but might not be everybody else's (or the Disney company's) opinion.

I did respond to the OP's request with cogent info. Not like I don't visit 5-7 times a year, right?

 

[LAKid53]

I've been there 6 times in the last 4 days...please

I own a house in Waterleigh. I'm 10 minutes from Western Way.

 

[nickys]

Facts dont lie

The size of rooms and amenities are facts. They can be confirmed by measurement and room inspections.
Best resort, premier resort, flagship resort - whatever you want to call it - can never be facts. They are subjective and therefore opinion. Otherwise there wouldn’t be this discussion.

And could you please stop calling people Bro? Especially @LAKid53 , who is not a “bro”.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

BLT connected by a foot bridge = same hotel = so it goes through it

Polynesian connected to Contemporary by monorail beam = same resort .

 

[Stevek]

I'm no expert but have been 5 times and latest visit was December 2021

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish? No, we've done 9 days twice. It's really just a matter of what you really want to do. I personally think spending all those days in the parks is overkill though but that's just me. I'd take a day to visit the other resorts, Disney Springs, etc. Gotta take time to rest the body. And if you are doing Uni, take a day for each park.
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general. This is my favorite planning resource https://www.disneytouristblog.com/when-to-visit-disney-world/
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best? while this is for 2022, it's should be a useful guide for 2023 https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-worst-crowds-disney-world/ They rank Feb the 7th best month, March the 8th best month and April the 11 best month (or second worst) due to Easter and Spring Break.
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though. There is still something special about staying onsite IMO, if you truly want to be continually immersed in Disney. Transportation is a big, big bonus still. Otherwise, you will likely be able to stay at a nicer hotel for far less money offsite. We've never done it and while I don't anticipate going back, I'd strongly consider offsite.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group? Sounds like money isn't as much of an issue if you are looking at Deluxe resorts. My two picks (in order of preference) would be Poly and Wilderness Lodge. The latter is stunning but I'm a sucker for a Tiki theme. For a moderate, DTB rates Riverside the best moderate resort on property https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-hotel-reviews/ https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-moderate-resorts-disney-world/ For me personally, I can't stomach spending the money on anything but a value resort given how little time we spent at the hotel. We've done Pop Century 3 times and would do it again. The Skyliner is a game changer and bumps this resort up considerably IMO.
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year? Unfortunately, I can't help you with this one. We've never planned around attractions refurbs...we've also never had one down for refurb during any of our visits.

 

[Jeff4272]

I'm no expert but have been 5 times and latest visit was December 2021

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish? No, we've done 9 days twice. It's really just a matter of what you really want to do. I personally think spending all those days in the parks is overkill though but that's just me. I'd take a day to visit the other resorts, Disney Springs, etc. Gotta take time to rest the body. And if you are doing Uni, take a day for each park.
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general. This is my favorite planning resource https://www.disneytouristblog.com/when-to-visit-disney-world/
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best? while this is for 2022, it's should be a useful guide for 2023 https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-worst-crowds-disney-world/ They rank Feb the 7th best month, March the 8th best month and April the 11 best month (or second worst) due to Easter and Spring Break.
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though. There is still something special about staying onsite IMO, if you truly want to be continually immersed in Disney. Transportation is a big, big bonus still. Otherwise, you will likely be able to stay at a nicer hotel for far less money offsite. We've never done it and while I don't anticipate going back, I'd strongly consider offsite.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group? Sounds like money isn't as much of an issue if you are looking at Deluxe resorts. My two picks (in order of preference) would be Poly and Wilderness Lodge. The latter is stunning but I'm a sucker for a Tiki theme. For a moderate, DTB rates Riverside the best moderate resort on property https://www.disneytouristblog.com/disney-world-hotel-reviews/ https://www.disneytouristblog.com/best-moderate-resorts-disney-world/ For me personally, I can't stomach spending the money on anything but a value resort given how little time we spent at the hotel. We've done Pop Century 3 times and would do it again. The Skyliner is a game changer and bumps this resort up considerably IMO.
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year? Unfortunately, I can't help you with this one. We've never planned around attractions refurbs...we've also never had one down for refurb during any of our visits.

SteveK.....I sent this to OP a handful of pages ago.........This is one of my favorite resources to pick weeks to go

yourfirstvisit.net - Exact Instructions for Your First Disney World Visit

Helping first-time visitors to Disney World make great planning decisions quickly! Recommended dates, budgets, hotels, itineraries and more...all free

yourfirstvisit.net

And Len Testa is BY FAR the best for Touring plans, lines, crowd calendars and everything else

Touring Plans | Disney World | Disneyland | Universal Orlando - Vacation Planning Tools

Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Orlando, and Disney Cruise Line Crowds, Wait Time Apps, and Touring Plans

touringplans.com

 

[HauntedPirate]

A nickel's worth of free advice:

12. Each user may only have one account. If duplicate accounts are discovered, the duplicates may be banned.

 

[jpinkc]

Here are my questions... if you would be so kind

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish?
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general.
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best?
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group?
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year?

1 No 10 Days is not to long. IOA and UO can be easily done in a day.
2 Yes you will want a rest day. Doesnt have to be pool, Disney Springs or City Walk, prefer DS over CW to me.
3 Early March to me if you can. Stay far away from Spring Break if you can. Agree about Feb, but it is nice to be cool in florida LOL
4 and 5 YES, Hard Rock or Portifino both are nice and better than most Disney (cheaper too!) If you want a Quasi on property that will give you some benefits to staying at Disney, Dont Forget SWAN and Dolphin!!! Not a true Disney experience hotel but very nice. Port Orleans if you want to save some money(kids might enjoy Yee Haw Bob). Yes its all Buses, but its calm and pretty. Might consider Wilderness Lodge if you like the looks can walk to Poly to catch the Monorail and Boat to MK is nice.
6 With Disneys track record of maintenance lately its a crap shoot. RoTR I am sure will have issues at HS. The best thing is to watch the weather forecast and try and plan accordingly as lots of rides get shutdown in the rain.

 

[Mr Ferret 75]

Here are my questions... if you would be so kind

1. Is 10 days in Orlando overkill considering our party and what we're trying to accomplish?
2. For a long 10 day trip where we plan on having some hotel/ down days would it make more sense to go in April for the better pool weather? Looks like the highs in Feb - early March are high 60's/ low 70's. Then again Im not really a pool guy and get bored after an hour. I may enjoy the cooler weather just for exploring the parks and hotels in general.
3. Of the 3 timeframes we're considering, which is the best?
4. Would anyone recommend staying offsite since they've eliminated almost all perks of staying onsite? I guess the transportation between parks and hotels is still a big one though.
5. What hotel would you recommend for our group?
6. Should I expect any major attractions, outside of Splash to be closed during that time of year?

All advice is appreciated. Please let me know if there is anything important that I’m not considering.

Thank you in advance!

Hi OP,
I can't advise on all your questions but,
1. As a UK traveller we have never done less than 14 nights in Florida and have never been bored. There is plenty to see and do so 10 days should be good.
4. I would probably recommend onsite as the convenience of going to and from the parks is a lot more flexible if the younguns need to take a break for part of the day.
Hope that helps somewhat and apologies for helping take your thread off the rails .

 

[LAKid53]

Housekeeping services are limited in DVC resorts. The type of service you receive depends on your length of stay. For example (and I may be wrong), if you're staying less than 8 days, you only get daily trash and towel services. A full clean comes past the 8th day, assuming you're not checking out.

You only get daily trash, towels on Day 4 and full clean at Day 8. But it's hit or miss sometimes.

 

[mickEblu]

No. Mears has an expensive option and I think some side companies have started too. Like a black car. I’d do a little research to find the best for the best deal.

Also, unless you plan on going to a bunch of places elsewhere outside of the resorts, renting a car means parking fees at the resorts. Yes, even on Disney property.

Thanks! Will do.

 

[mickEblu]

Orlando has the world’s largest McDonald’s, named Epic McD, which also has the largest menu. They serve brick oven pizza, Belgian waffles, cheesesteaks, cake, etc. If you can’t make it to Universal, this is a decent alternative!

Haha I may have to make it out there!