Just Starting!

[MeganMM]

Hello all, I'm brand new here. Any advice where to even begin my planning? We're coming in May of 2024, so lots of time. Thanks.

 

[DisneyfanMA]

Thank you so much!
I visited Disney world but it was about 15 years ago, so I feel like this is new to me!
I guess I have started a little bit because I can answer some of those questions.

*There will be four adults and one young child. My husband and I will be in one bedroom and my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson would be in another one.

*I think one of my big questions is what do you all experts think is cheaper? On Disney property or off? (We don't want to be super cheap, just frugal while still comfortable.)

*We want to come in May, right before schools are out. Is that a good month to come?

*We will be flying, finding the cheapest flight.

*We would like to stay for 6 days, two of them being travel days.

So now that I have some of these things answered. I guess I will start with a basic calendar of events for my week. I'm not quite ready to refine the details, but this is a good start, thank you!

If you want two bedrooms and staying together at least consider off property. I'm staying in a "luxury" condo resort (Windsor Hills) 2 miles from property. Over 1000 sq feet 2 BR, 2 bath, Disney themed for kids room and bathroom. (there's other units with no theming as well). In unit Washer dryer, kitchen, dining table, living room, balcony, games and movies for kids, strollers etc. Complex has a huge pool and water slides splash pad, arcade and market store. ~$110/night.

The only catch is you'll need to rent a car and pay for parking at Disney.The pro is you can avoid bus lines etc especially at park close and be in your private vehicle. Car rentals looking like $50-100 a day and I think parking is $25?

You'll get lots of on property recommendations and rightfully so but if you need space and want to cut costs somewhere this is it.

 

[Eric Graham]

May can be a delightful time to go to Disney. Often lighter crowds than much of the year. Also, September and October can be a great time to go where you can Trick or Treat with the kids at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween event, We have truly enjoyed attending some of the festivals at Epcot like the Flower and Garden etc. At such festivals, you can eat around the world with small plates. There are so many things to do for people with families. Akeshus and the Crystal Palace can be fun character meals with you and the family. There are others too. May be a good idea to peruse the Disneyworld website for great advice. Some of Disney's partner hotels like the Wyndham Lake Buena can be wonderful places to stay. If you stay in a partner hotel, then you can book at 5 am 60 days before your arrival. I would definitely advise booking sooner than later. I was told that some wholesale stores you can become members of also offer Disney cards at a reduced rate. But, I am not certain of that. May be a good idea to check out your local bookstore and library and check out or buy a current book from Frommer's or another book from the travel section. We enjoy all the walking and the wonderful times that we'd experienced before at Disney. Hope you all have a great upcoming trip!

 

[Eric Graham]

Also, partner hotels offer you free transportation to the parks.

 

[buckeyegator]

i know this is way early, but if you stay on property be sure to get the refillable mugs, good for unlimited beverages for length of stay. also in the parks get the refillable popcorn bucket, popcorn is actually healthy and when me, my wife and daughter did it it took only 3 refills to break even, you can use it in all 4 parks for the length of stay also