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Mom and daughter on Expedition Everest; Animal Kingdom
  • On Mar 2, 2013
    Michael Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello All! Dad here,not Mom....she trusts me to do the legwork. First Timers coming to WDW.....don't want to mess it up? Family of 3 travling with 6 year old. How do I decide on Resort? Is the meal pan for us? Please help on everything and all.

    Michael,

    Dad here too!

    FIRST: Resorts

    I suggest you look online at the resort descriptions, and pick one in each resort class (Deluxe, Moderate, and Value) that has a theme and amenities that match what you might like. I also give you some suggestions below. Then reach out to a no-fee Disney Authorized Vacation Planner, and ask them to price out the vacation at each level. At that point, let your budget be your guide.

    Resort Recommendations
    Deluxe: Polynesian or Grand Floridian
    With a 6-year old, monorail access to the Magic Kingdom is a big plus.
    Moderate: Port Orleans Riverside
    Boat access to Downtown Disney and slightly better amenities make this your best pick.
    Value: Art of Animation
    I don't think you need a Family suite, but even the standard rooms at the Art of Animation (Little Mermaid section) benefit from improved theming and just being newer and fresher. The walk from these rooms to the main hotel hall is fairly long, but you are get better quality amenities.

    HONORABLE MENTION: While technically Deluxe resorts, the Wilderness Lodge and the Animal Kingdom Lodge typically cost notably less than other Deluxe resorts. So price out the Wilderness Lodge as well, since it has boat access to the Magic Kingdom.

    SECOND: Dining plan

    I am a big fan of the plan, but with little girls that are 5 and 7 I don't find that it is a cost savings. Maybe when they are bigger. I would pass, for now.

    So write me back with other questions, and we can keep working on your vacation plans!

    Have a magical vacation!


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Meet the Panelist: Doug, Indiana

I am one of the Dads on the planDisney Panel, and I love to help parents plan their vacation, with a focus on showing them how it can be fun for them too. I am also here to help Dads plan some nice surprises for the Moms in their life (they deserve it!). Learn More About Doug

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Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

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