WDW still amazing?

nighneve

nighneve

Member
Hi I've been lurking on this forum forever and am starting to get a little concerned over the 'vibe', so I just wanted to ask - is WDW still worth visiting?

I'm a 34 year old mother and wife from Sydney, Australia and I've been obsessing over an amazing "once-in-a-lifetime" family trip to the world with my family in Sep/Oct 2016.
Our kids will be 8 and 5 at the time of the trip and our plan was going to be 7 nights @ AoA (with the first 2 days set aside for visiting Universal), then 7 nights at POFQ. Over the two weeks we want to attend MNSSHP (my daughter is crazy for halloween, which is only mildly observed here in Aus), visit the waterparks, a full day of fun at Fort Wilderness (inc HHDR), and as much time in the 4 parks as we can handle, then on the way back home stay 4 nights at the Paradise Pier hotel, spending 3 days in the DLR.

This is a dream family holiday for me. My husband and I got married in Las Vegas 10 years ago, and I've been dreaming of going back to the U.S and taking the kids, and I don't know - with all the changes and refurbs etc, do you think it will be work the $25K and 20+ hours flying (with kids!)? Bearing in mind I've never been before and have no nostalgia or anything to compare it to.

Thanks in advance for your opinions :)
 
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copcarguyp71

copcarguyp71

Well-Known Member
For a first timer it will be absolute bliss....do not miss it just because naysayers (myself included) are down on Disney. It took 9 trips for the pixie dust to wear off. Do it at least once and I honestly do not think you could be disappointed!
 
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Animaniac93-98

Animaniac93-98

Well-Known Member
A 2 week vacation to WDW (with Universal) and a week in DLR sounds like an amazing trip. Since you're going for the first time and will be covering most of America's top theme parks, I'd say go for it!
 
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DManRightHere

DManRightHere

Well-Known Member
nighneve said:
Hi I've been lurking on this forum forever and am starting to get a little concerned over the 'vibe', so I just wanted to ask - is WDW still worth visiting?

I'm a 34 year old mother and wife from Sydney, Australia and I've been obsessing over an amazing "once-in-a-lifetime" family trip to the world with my family in Sep/Oct 2016.
Our kids will be 8 and 5 at the time of the trip and our plan was going to be 7 nights @ AoA (with the first 2 days set aside for visiting Universal), then 7 nights at POFQ. Over the two weeks we want to attend MNSSHP (my daughter is crazy for halloween, which is only mildly observed here in Aus), visit the waterparks, a full day of fun at Fort Wilderness (inc HHDR), and as much time in the 4 parks as we can handle, then on the way back home stay 4 nights at the Paradise Pier hotel, spending 3 days in the DLR.

This is a dream family holiday for me. My husband and I got married in Las Vegas 10 years ago, and I've been dreaming of going back to the U.S and taking the kids, and I don't know - with all the changes and refurbs etc, do you think it will be work the $25K and 20+ hours flying (with kids!)? Bearing in mind I've never been before and have no nostalgia or anything to compare it to.

Thanks in advance for your opinions :)
Click to expand...
If you've never been before don't worry about the refurbs. It will be a great vacation. You may have time to visit sea world or bush gardens if you like more thrills too.
 
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CAPTAIN HOOK

CAPTAIN HOOK

Well-Known Member
There is NEVER a wrong time to visit WDW. First time visitors will have a memorable time and there is loads to see and do (but being a long time lurker you'll already know this).
Go ahead - plan your dream trip - you won't regret it
 
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fireman17

fireman17

Well-Known Member
Yes, of course take your family but, go with realistic expectations. What I mean is, go with knowing that WDW is not going to hand you everything as you see some of the naysayers complaining about. Go with the excitement of knowing how the look on your children's faces will be when they first walk into The Magic Kingdom. Talk to the cast members like they're family they are there to help you enjoy your trip. And finally when you're not expecting it WDW has a way of spreading pixie dust your way for a wonderful first trip..
 
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BrerJon

BrerJon

Well-Known Member
:)
nighneve said:
Hi I've been lurking on this forum forever and am starting to get a little concerned over the 'vibe', so I just wanted to ask - is WDW still worth visiting?
Click to expand...

Things aren't as good at WDW as they used to be, and for many repeat visitors it's questionable whether it's worth the money, but that's starting from an *amazing* base, so even if things are less good than they were, that's still head and shoulders above almost everything else (although Universal is just as good, and better in many way).

Your plan sounds very well thought out and sensible for someone who has never been. That's just the right length, with enough flexibility built in.

My advice would be research the hell out of the trip before you leave, but once you get there don't let an itinerary run the vacation as your kids will want to just spontaenously enjoy everything without having to rush, so don't worry too much about sticking to ADR and Fastpass reservations.

If the times available fit in when you come to book then make the bookings, sure, but not feel beholden to keep to them, especially with kids. It's better to not use them and lose them if plans change than to force your plans to fit what some arbitrary computer has told you to do when, that's the quickest way for a WDW vacation to become a chore.

If you don't book any rides, there is always a standby line which for most things maxes at about 45 minutes, will usually be less for all but three or four headliners. If you don't book any restaurants WDW has some great themed quick service places you don't need ADRs for, so nobody will starve. With 7 nights you could easily do everything even just with today's standby lines (which are longer than they used to be).

So go for it, I think you'll have an amazing time, especially if you're going to Disneyland too. WDW isn't changing much in the next few years, and your kids are going to grow up fast, so there's no real reason to wait.
 
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networkpro

networkpro

Well-Known Member
In the Parks
Yes
As someone who has been going to Walt Disney World for over four decades as well as much of the globe I'd say it indeed would be worth it. Its different than most places you'd ever go as its literally a world apart, check your worries at the door, you can pick them up on your way out. As others have advised, you can make some plans, but be flexible and don't try to plan every moment just a core framework and leave your children some leeway to explore and enjoy.

If your family isn't familiar with a lot of Disney characters or features they would get more out of such a trip if they increased thier exposure as it has lots to do with how lots of the parks are themed.
 
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The Mom

The Mom

Moderator
Premium Member
Many people on this forum have made hundreds of trips, so, notice every little detail, and remember what used to be. A first time visitor will not have the time to notice a light bulb burned out, or remember a favorite that is gone or closed for refurbishment - or has been refurbished in a way they do not like.

As others have said, know that it is a huge resort, and it is difficult to see everything. Take time to just enjoy. October is wonderful, weatherwise. As long as a cold front doesn't come in bringing heavy rain, the days are warm but not oppressively hot and humid. Still warm enough to enjoy the water parks and pool. Not so warm that you're physically drained just walking around. It might get cool enough at night that you will need a light sweater, etc.

There will still be crowds and lines. Be sure to pack a great deal of patience, a sense of humor, and your inner child and you'll have a great trip.
 
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Roakor

Roakor

Well-Known Member
Most of the nay saying is coming from people who visit frequently. Some very frequently. For them the cost is exceeding the experience/expectations. Also since they visit so often little changes are more noticeable. For the person who only goes once in a lifetime, or someone like me who only goes once every 3 or 4 years, the changes have not really had an impact. I was last there a year ago and while I admit things didn't seem quite what they used too in years past it was still very much worth the money and I am planning my next visit in 2016. My only concerns are the increasing need to micro plan everything (fasspass+ and ADRs) and the trend of adding more up charges for events, preferred seating/viewing, etc. It gives the impression they are catering more to the wealthy and are just throwing the rest the scraps left over. However, WDW is still a very magical place and will undoubtedly create priceless memories for you and your family. The best thing I can say, and this goes pretty much for everything, is don't set your expectations so high its impossible for anything to meet them.
 
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BrianV

BrianV

Well-Known Member
You will have an amazing time. As someone who ahas been to disney maybe 20-30 times, going at least every few years now, I never see the issues most are complaining about. But you do have to plan some.

My only tidbit of advice is to stay in one of the three delux hotels at universal while you visit universal. You will get front of the line access for all but Harry potter. And you will find universal so much more enjoyable.
 
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JIMINYCR

JIMINYCR

Well-Known Member
YESSSS GO. You will have a wonderful trip and start your family Disney memories. Realize that as first timers you wont be able to do it all so first plan on doing the things you mostly want to do, list other things youd like to do if theres time, and when you get back list the things you want to do on a return trip. ( Yes, once you go youll want to return) If you are well prepared you can do a lot in the time you have and it will be memorable.
Be sure to visit multiple Disney sites to educate yourself in the many options you have, restaurants & menu items, EMH's, crowd calendars, and once you arrive relax & enjoy.
 
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JillC LI

JillC LI

Well-Known Member
I'm a huge Disney fan, and I say definitely go, but I also think that 2.5 weeks is a whole lot of Disney. We've never stayed at WDW more than 6 days. However, I do understand that coming from AUS you need to stay in the United States a long time to make that flight worthwhile (I did it myself in reverse from NY 20 years ago, but I travelled all throughout AUS and NZ during my 3 week trip). Maybe throw in Sea World or Cape Canaveral or a beach/pool day or something? In any case, I do think that Disney is worth a visit.

Regarding your plan to visit Uni for 2 days at the beginning, you might want to consider staying on Uni property for those days though because it will give you early park access and express passes for all the days of your stay.
 
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