Hi, Betty! Thanks so much for stopping by the Disney Parks Moms Panel. You've asked some great questions!
Although my kids are now teens and tweens, we started making our yEARly pilgrimages to "The House of the Mouse" when they were precisely the same ages as your Mouseketeers. I remember purchasing Tickets with a Park Hopper Option for our very first trip, and I had grand plans to see and do everything while we were there. In reality, my kids needed time to go back to our room in the early afternoon to nap, and we were often tuckered out after dinner in the evening. My advice would be to purchase the base tickets, known as the "
1 Park Per Day Ticket" on the Walt Disney World website (remember, you are always able to leave the Park for a break and return to the same Park later in the day, even without the Park Hopper Option). Now that my kiddos are older, we've become park-hopping ninjas!
Going back to your Walt Disney World Resort Hotel for a mid-day break is one of my favorite Moms Panel tips! Even though it seems like a no-brainer, getting back to your resort is sometimes easier said than done, so selecting a convenient location can be the key to a successful vacation. You've narrowed your selection down to two great choices, and they are both two of our family's favorites!
We stayed at
Disney's Wilderness Lodge this summer, and I have to say that this hotel has probably worked its way into my number one spot. I truly love the tranquility of the resort's grounds, and the majestic lobby makes you feel as though you've escaped to the Pacific Northwest. There's always a roaring fire crackling in the 82-foot fireplace (yes, it was even lit when we were there in June), and the Cast Members have set rocking chairs in front of it, perfect for relaxing. This resort has top-notch dining, including
Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White which is a popular character meal.
As a wide-eyed kid in the 1980's, I always wanted to stay at
Disney's Contemporary Resort, which reminded me of something I would see in my favorite TV show at the time, the Jetsons. I jumped at the opportunity to book a room here for my Mouseketeers' first trip, and we've returned many times since. The location of this resort can't be beat; I've always appreciated that ten-minute walk to Magic Kingdom Park. Being on the
monorail line also makes it super convenient to get to Epcot or any of the other monorail resorts for dinner. And as if you needed any more reasons to stay here,
Chef Mickey's is about as quintessential Disney as you can get. I love looking back on those photos of my kids swinging their napkins in the air with Mickey and his pals. For these reasons, I would give a slight edge to Disney's Contemporary Resort, but either way, I know you won't be disappointed.
Betty, please let us know if there's anything else you need help with. See ya' real soon!
Eean