Back to Your Answers
Mom and Daughter at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Room
  • On Feb 9, 2014
    Trier from IA 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.

    I've wanted to take my children (boys 4 and 7) to DW for a while now, but truthfully the planning can be overwhelming and intimidating. I'm looking for some good advice for a first timer. Tips on planning and saving for a trip next year. Thanks

    Hi Trier,

    First trips can be overwhelming so let me give you some key places to start and then you can go from there.

    So lets talk about when to go. If you want to save money, go when children are not in school. This means not visiting Easter week, mid-June to mid-August, Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks of December. Spring breaks vary so you may find pocket here that are less expensive. If you do need to go when your children are in school, avoid Thanksgiving and Christmas. The summer will be hot but there are extended hours and cool pools to help manage both. My favorite time-October.

    As to where to stay, mostly it is about budget and time. The faster you can get to a park, the more expensive the room. If you are willing to take longer rides to a park, you can save money. Also, look at family suites as they have two bathrooms and a kitchenette. While they are more expensive, you can off-set the cost by making use of the kitchenette. If you order from an online grocer, you can have breakfast in the room and bring lunch to the parks. You can also order drinks and snacks for the parks which can help offset the price of the food in the park. 

    Tickets is the easiest choice as you just need a base Magic Your Way ticket. I recommend first timers should just visit one park a day. Enjoy that park and then pick a new one the next day. Also, unless you are going to visit a water park more than once, skip the Water Park Fun & More option. Again, the Disney pools are great so you can skip a water park your first time if you want to save money.

    I think one big mistake first time guests make is trying to do it all. I have been over 30 times and have not done it all. Concentrate on the parks and select attractions to experience then build on those. 

    The rest can wait until you booked your trip and we will be here to help!

    Wishing you a magical vacation!
    Beth
thumbnail image for Beth

Meet the Panelist: Beth, New York

My name is Beth C. and I love Disney. Since I can remember Disney has been a part of my life including my first movie in the theater – "The Aristocats." Learn More About Beth

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.
x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome