Another Disney Newbie

[betsyray]

Hi all

We are starting to plan a Disney trip in November.  None of us have ever been (my parents are doing this as a family vacation for my 30th birthday) so I'm completely lost on where to start and was hoping to get some recs!

There will be five adults (my parents, my H, my sister and me) and three kids (my sons, will be ages 4.5, 3, and 4 months).  No budget.  Definitely want to do stuff for the kids but will make use of babysitting opportunities (both hotel and my parents) for the older two if necessary.

For sure want to do a day at Harry Potter with my sister (we are huge fans) and my H could stay with our kids.  Other than that, it's really about having a relaxing but fun trip.  My kids love Disney movies and characters so I think they will be so excited for this trip.

Any suggestions on where to start? 

[Amy]

Fun day here! I'm a Disney TA so if you'd like my email address let me know (my services are free and I help with the whole thing including universal)

Have you looked at any of the resorts yet? Any you like? That's where I'd start!

[betsyray]

Amy, I would love your email address, thanks!

I've been looking at the resorts but I honestly don't even know how to pick one. My kids still nap and we would probably want to take it easy at the hotel either in the morning or in the afternoon (pool maybe?) so I definitely want a kid friendly place. My parents will want their own room not in a suite with us (still in the same hotel though), but we do best when we have a kitchenette type situation so I have no idea if those two room types exist in the same place! They also don't like long travel times to our daily destinations so I need to consider that as well.

I would normally let my mom plan but she's busy so I said I would get this process started--I don't think anyone in my family has any idea how much planning goes into one of these trips I only do from lurking on MMM!

[ribollita]

For parks, I really think easywdw.com cheat sheets are best.

[ribollita]

I'd look into suites at Art of Animation.

[Amy]

Mar 22, 2016 18:12:42 GMT -5 betsyray said:

Amy, I would love your email address, thanks!

I've been looking at the resorts but I honestly don't even know how to pick one. My kids still nap and we would probably want to take it easy at the hotel either in the morning or in the afternoon (pool maybe?) so I definitely want a kid friendly place. My parents will want their own room not in a suite with us (still in the same hotel though), but we do best when we have a kitchenette type situation so I have no idea if those two room types exist in the same place! They also don't like long travel times to our daily destinations so I need to consider that as well.

I would normally let my mom plan but she's busy so I said I would get this process started--I don't think anyone in my family has any idea how much planning goes into one of these trips I only do from lurking on MMM!

If there is truly no budget you can do a lot of different things. I'll PM you my email

[Amy]

Lot of different things meaning options that make it easy to get back for naps and have the space/amenities you want

[Amy]

ok switched over to computer so i can type more - my first suggestion would to be 2 studios at The Polynesian or The Grand Floridian - you would be on the monorail line so naps from MK and EPCOT would be easy and you would have a kitchenette. To do it in a more budget friendly way, I would second the Family Suite at Art of Animation suggestion!

[lala]

I agree with the studios suggestions, we love them because they have a fridge, kitchen sink, microwave, toaster, coffeemaker & cabinets for food. We get grocery delivery for breakfast, snacks & wine/beer. There's always a balcony and many (all?) of them have a sofa bed - we use that for the kids and like that we can put of up for the day.

I'd suggest any of the monorail resorts or the boardwalk area ones. Then you have easy access to one or more parks (great for getting back to nap) and awesome pools.

[curbsideprophet]

I would also consider a two bedroom at Bay Lake Tower. Being able to walk to the MK is great. If you get a theme park view you can see Wishes from your room.

[Deleted]

We're going in November too! I am currently attempting to book a DVC rental at animal kingdom lodge through a rental company place. It's a 2 bedroom condo, has a full kitchen. The 4 of us and the ILs are all staying there. I like the idea so we don't have to go to bed when the kids do.

[betsyray]

When in November @lindy? We are looking at the week before thanksgiving week.

[Deleted]

Mar 22, 2016 19:28:10 GMT -5 betsyray said:

When in November @lindy? We are looking at the week before thanksgiving week.

12-20th. That might be the week before?

[tinkerbell]

Mar 22, 2016 18:54:06 GMT -5 curbsideprophet said:

I would also consider a two bedroom at Bay Lake Tower. Being able to walk to the MK is great. If you get a theme park view you can see Wishes from your room.

Having a 3rd bathroom with that many people is wonderful, so I would second staying at BLT if you can.

[wannabe]

I'm more of a DL girl, but I had to come in and tell you how much I adore your screen name.