Planning WDW trip in 2017!

[Andy Stocker]

Hello everyone, new WDWMagic member here!

I am looking at taking my family to Disney World next Monday January 23- Friday 27th, for 5 full days in the park. My wife and I will be taking our 3 kids (16,14,12...they have never been, my wife and I have been seperately). I went back in August of 1993 with my mom and dad, and my dad passed away in December of 93 of a heart attack. I was 17 at the time, and I have dreamed about going back ever since. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited and probably won't really believe its real when I get back!
I can't even begin to pick out dates yet on Disneys calendar but I did want to ask a few quick questions for your PROS. I want to start paying on it after the initial down payment (probably pay 3k up front)...I want to schedule our trip ASAP for dinner reservations, ect. But what is the best advice for making sure I get the best deals for that week? I would assume that would be a "value" time at the resort, but I'm worried that making reservations 6 months could keep me from getting a discount that pops up, say in November (for that January week).
We are looking at renting a van (we live in Evansville Indiana, about 12 hours away) for the week and then staying at moderate resort, likely Carribean or Port Orleans....5 day hopper with the medium meal plan (1 full, 1 quick, 1 snack) and I'm hoping I can stay below 4,000 for the tickets and room. I have been perusing the site and love what I see but I figure I would post here and maybe make some new friends along the way.
As you can tell, one of my biggest goals is to avoid a huge crowd. I'm willing to take out my kids from school for 5 days for this "once in a lifetime event". However, if I could take my kids out for spring break (March 20-30th usually) then I would be willing to go 6 days. Thats my other question. Will we still be able to do much more in 5 days in late January than 6 days last week of March?

Thanks!

 

[Andy Stocker]

I guess another question I have is, being as its been 20 years since I've been and wasn't in control of making plans, do you guys think I would be better off letting a travel agent take care of my first trip back? I feel like I am internet savvy enough and open minded enough (but can weed out bad advice) to be able to make this trip just as awesome, and have the fun of planning it myself...thoughts?

 

[Figgy1]

Get a copy of the Unofficial Guide to Disney as so much has changed since you've been there. That will cover the basics. It's worth every penny and then some! If you decide to use a travel agent use a Disney specialist!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A good agent can make a good vacation great and the wrong agent can ruin even simple plans. I hear nothing but excellent things about Kingdom Konsultants, @wannabeBelle is a member here. happy planning

 

[jrogue]

If you book your trip early and a price adjustment comes up you should be able to call Disney and have them adjust the price accordingly for you. They are usually pretty great at accommodating people, but you have to make sure you call as early as possible because the rooms you want may fill up quickly. Just be diligent about keeping track of the promotions and when they appear, and see if they work for your family when they do appear.

For 5 people it might cost you a bit more than $4,000, so make sure you save at least $2000 more. For my family of 4 at a deluxe resort with park hopper and meal plan for a full week my parents always ended up spending close to $10,000. My sister and I are going and staying at a deluxe in June for 5 days with park hopper and meal plan and that is already at $3000. At a moderate resort and going during a slow time of the year you will probably get a better deal, but I'd say try and save at least $6000 (whatever you dont spend on room, tickets, and dining you can save for souvenirs or other stuff)

You should definitely be able to do a ton of things in 5 days vs the 6 if you plan ahead of time. Your trip doesn't need to be planned to the t, but make sure you have a general idea so you don't waste too much time park hopping or spending more time at an attraction than you need to. Like you said, the crowds will be smaller in late January and things might be easier to get on.

My family has never used a travel agent to book our Disney trips mostly because we love the fun and the magic of doing it ourselves. These forums are a wonderful tool if you have any questions or need any clarification on anything, and like you said, the internet is full of answers. You can even do a pre-trip report and have others give you suggestions, tips, and tricks for your plans like I have done. (mine is in my signature)

Welcome to the forums!!

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

Take a look at the historical discounts to see what kind of deals you can expect: http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

I was looking at the 2016 prices to help plan for a possible 2-week stay in 2017 at a moderate resort, at the exact same time of year you are looking at. For two people with park tickets it would cost $3300 to stay at Caribbean Beach, or $4900 with the dining package included. You're looking at more people, but a shorter stay, so I'd guess your $4000 goal is doable.

Use a travel agent for sure. It costs you nothing. A good one will let you know the moment a deal is released and make the change for you. On those days it can take hours to get through to Disney, from what I've heard, so let someone else deal with that hassle.

 

[Andy Stocker]

Thanks for the replies so far!! A couple of more questions I have......in an value time like end of January, would it be best to avoid Magic hours to spend the whole day at that park? Like instead, just going to magic hour parks during those hours?
Also, I've read that its better to get 2 value resort rooms vs. one room (for 5 people, everybody over 12) at Carribean/Port Orleans ect. Thoughts on this?
Thanks!

 

[Figgy1]

Thanks for the replies so far!! A couple of more questions I have......in an value time like end of January, would it be best to avoid Magic hours to spend the whole day at that park? Like instead, just going to magic hour parks during those hours?
Also, I've read that its better to get 2 value resort rooms vs. one room (for 5 people, everybody over 12) at Carribean/Port Orleans ect. Thoughts on this?
Thanks!

I would avoid EMH unless you have hoppers no matter what time of year

 

[Wendy Pleakley]

EMH can be hit or miss. I remember seeing about three busloads of people at Pop Century waiting for a bus to get to morning hours at AK. By this time, EMH had already started so they were pretty much wasting their time.

Evening hours are at least longer, but busy.

If you're going to take advantage of EMH I'd follow the common practice of park hopping shortly after EMH has ended.