Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmmm, personally, after staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge last time, I would never again go to WDW without a car. In the end, we started using cabs because the bus waits were terrible (45 minutes in some instances) and riding for 15+ minutes standing with children after a long day in the park was not magical. We had a much better time before when we had our own wheels, so I would totally rent a car. I am told the bus situation has improved however, and we had freakishly bad luck. Also, we have stayed at a number of WDW resorts, and overall, I would say the very best value would be the Port Orleans Riverside resort. It felt like a deluxe, but at a lower price point. As a DIsneylander, I loved staying in a "Haunted Mansion". By the same token, I thought French Quarter looked like a lightly themed motel. Different strokes. If I were watching my pennies however, I would opt for off site. To be honest, after our last trip, if we ever go to Florida again (well we probably will), I would be unlikely to stay on site (unless I got a killer deal at Boardwalk or the Polynesian). WDW is not convenient - it is about 15 times bigger than the DLR. So go based on theme that appeals and be prepared to commute. In our case, I would rather opt for a 2 bedroom Marriott Villa and go to the many different attractions of Orlando, making Epcot and Animal Kingdom two of our excursions. Though I say this having been a few times. I could totally see the appeal of staying on site for a first timer.
Originally Posted By u k fan I'm very much in the rent a car camp. It gives you so much more freedom. I've only ever stayed at the Values on-site. Coming from the UK a trip to WDW has already cost enough and is usually for 14 days so the values give us bed, bath and toilet and the Disney "magic" without breaking the bank. They aren't for everyone, and probably not for a family with 2 teens, but they are fine for what we want when we are there!!!
Originally Posted By Captain Jack Sparrow Thank you so much everyone for the advice. I have one more important question. Since we have only been to Disneyland I assume we should not spend as much time at the WDW Magic Kingdom. Is this the correct assumption? What parks at WDW do you think we will spend the most time at?? CJS
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Absolutely. For me, the MK is a half day to a 1 day deal. this allows for seeing Country Bear Jamboree, Liberty Square including the Hall of Presidens and the slight differences of the Haunted Mansion, Carousel of Progress, and the People Mover. Wishes is ok (the firework show). You may wish to try the Jungle Cruise for the short temple scene, Monsters Inc Laugh Floor, or Stitch Encounter, but to be honest, the other parks are where it is at. Epcot (happily spend 2-4 days here) and Animal Kingdom (we typically spend a day and a half to 2 days, some find it a half day park, but we love Animals and the shows) are the parks we love. DHS is worth part of a day to a whole day for a Disneylander to see the Great Movie Ride, One Man's Dream, Lights Motors Action, the Indy stunt show, Rock n Roller Coaster, and experience the differences of Tower of Terror. Also, you may like the tram tour, but if short on time, it is not the end of the world to skip it. Be sure to explore the deluxes - Boardwalk, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Grand Floridian, the Polynesian and the Contemporary. And the water parks are excellent. But if going to the East Coast, do not miss Kennedy SPace Center, and also the Universal Resort is worth checking out.
Originally Posted By MPierce Epcot is definitely my favorite. Since it's your first visit I think you should visit each of the parks to get a feel of what is best for your family. Make sure and get the Park Hopper option since it gives you so much more freedom to go from park to park.
Originally Posted By Captain Jack Sparrow Thank you Dave, that really is good information. We are looking at the Wilderness Lodge, the Swan and the Animal Kingdom. We are leaning towards the Wilderness Lodge but we change daily because everything looks good. Today we are talking about Port Orleans French Quarter because they have queen beds over Port Orleans Riverside. I should just sleep on the boat! CJS
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh so difficult. If money is an issue, and you feel you must stay on site, then I do recommend Port Orleans Riverside. It feels like a deluxe for a lesser price (your main sacrifice is lack of room service other than pizza, and no bell services/valet parking). The rooms have a double sink which is great when a number of you are getting dressed. There is a great piano player in the bar, and a waterslide at the pool. The boat to downtown Disney is great (often see gators that way too). Of the 3 you are opting for, they are good choices. The Swan will be the cheapest (and my least fav, but still good, with a central location, being convenient for the Studios and Epcot, as well as nights at Boardwalk). AKL is lovely, but to be honest, the commutes were so annoying and service subpar. Seeing giraffes stepping into view as fireworks exploded in the sky, while drinking a South African Riesling on the balcony was a memorable experience. But to be honest, unless you are animal mad, I think an evening visit to the hotel for dinner (their restaurants are some of the best on property) is sufficient for most. Of all your options, my favorite is WIlderness Lodge. Of course AKL and WL are the cousins of the Grand Californian (my fav Disney hotel on the planet). WL is located near the Magic Kingdom, but is also not too far from Epcot. It is beautiful, and feels most like a resort to me. It is beautful. The pool and geyser are great, you can explore the neighbouring campground with it's ranch, and taking a boat to the MK is a "I'm at WDW" experience the other resorts around the globe do not offer. But like I say, if money is an issue, then staying off site gives you so much more bang for your buck. If you do stay on site, be sure to make the most of the hotel you opt for. And enjoy!
Originally Posted By u k fan Regarding the parks, you definitely want to spend time in all 4 parks, but Epcot has a fantastic atmosphere and is such a cool place for people watching and just hanging out that we find we spend most time there. It's my favorite place to be in the evening. As a family we all love DHS and after our first trip many years ago we decided that it was our favorite in terms of having a high count of attractions we could experience together. Other than RnRC and TOT our party stayed together the whole time and we really appreciated that. I'm sure we visited the park more than once in our trip based on that fact. Animal Kingdom really can take as long as you want it to. You can ride the rides and be out quite quickly if you want with careful planning, but if you don't stop and smell the roses you're missing the point entirely. Without young kids you probably won't spend much time at Camp Minnie Mickey, but there are little discoveries to make all over. As for the MK, my only other point of reference is DLP, but it feels like the difference between a small independent store (DLP) and a big old Walmart (WDW). I hate to mention Walmart in the same sentence as MK as that analogy has been done to death, but what I mean is it feels like a place that has everything with a slight skew towards "pile it high, sell it cheap". It has some great attractions you won't find at your local park, but it loses a lot of it's charm in the process. For anyone acquainted with other Disney parks is a solid 1 day park. In terms of where you are looking to stay, I've never stayed at any of the 3 you mention, but I love the WL and the AKL. I think the WL edges it for me though!!!
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh what a surprise UKFAN, you and I agree on much here.....even the Walmart analogy ;-) I agree as someone coming from Europe, there is much to offer at the Studios (for us Muppets being a key one). But for a Disneylander with DCA and the better Fantasmic, it is a different experience. I always thought the Studios was WDW's weakest park, but in terms of doing things together, I found last trip it was actually the best one with toddlers in tow. I think the demographics make the most of it. For Californians with real studios for touring such as Universal and WB though, I would put it bottom of the pile for importance (though I do love the Great Movie Ride; Lights, Motors, Action; and One Man's Dream is a must for the serious Disney Fan (I spent well over an hour in there and could have spent longer if my family did not need me).
Originally Posted By u k fan Yeah, I agree that coming from the West coast there are less unique attractions at DHS, but we quite often find that on a longer trip if we have a spare day that DHS is often the park we attend because logistically it's easier to tour as a family. We then hop over to Epcot for some late night atmosphere!!!
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I think the resort I would recommend the most would be Port Orleans Riverside. It's more of an "all inclusive resort" than many or the others. Now don't get me wrong AKL and WL are both incredible resorts and not to be missed. But, I would think a visit and a meal in each the DAK and WL would do get get the feel of each resort. So, Captain Jack Sparrow, PROMISE us you will have one meal at AKL to either Boma or Jinko (I would recommend Boma), AND at least one meal at WL at either Whispering Canyon Cafe or Artist Pointe! Now with that out of the way lets get back to Port Orleans Riverside. As Dave pointed out POR has it's own vibe. There is lots to do during the day, at night and all the time inbetween! It's got a kewl pool (much better than the "kiddie" pool at it's sister property French Quarter). It's fun socializing in the hot tub or the pool. At night it's fun hanging out in the bar area listening to the old time piano music. There is constant boat access to Downtown Disney. I think the last boat leaves DTD at either 1 AM or 2 AM. While staying at this resort you never feel as if your "stranded" there because of the boat/ bus access. AKL only has bus access, so you feel kinda "stuck" on property. OK, enough on that. In terms of the parks. I would recommend getting the park hoppers. Best rule of thumb is to "try" out a park and see how the crowds are and your general impression of that park. If your at one park and bored you can always "hop" to another park. I often spend mornings at the MK (while the crowds are manageable) then jump on the monorail over to EPCOT, have lunch and spend the afternoon there, only to end up at either DSH, MK or EPCOT for the evening. Check the parks for various closing times! Many times I have enjoyed Illuminations then take the monorail over to MK to watch the closing parade and fireworks there. THEN taken a bus to DTD, enjoyed some great food or Ghirardelli, shopping (during the downtime while the parks are closed). Then jump on the boat back to POR. Unless your planning on shopping off property, eating off property or visiting other Orlando area attractions you are going to find using a car a burden. You will find the Disney bus transportation convient to anywhere in WDW. From POR you can easily get to any of the Disney parks or DTD. And suppose your at another Disney resort (say for a meal or for some shopping), you can easily take a bus to DTD and from DTD take either a bus or the boat back to POR. You will quickly learn that when using the Disney Transportation system there are two central hubs; the Ticket and Transportation Center and Downtown Disney. POR is directly linked by bus and boat to DTD. That means no matter where you are in WDW you will have the ability to get back to POR from anywhere at anytime and in multiple ways. The bus from POR to DTD is a 5-10 minute ride. The only resorts closer to DTD are going to be Key West and Saratoga Springs Resort (both walking distance to DTD).
Originally Posted By Captain Jack Sparrow Thanks UK Fan, davewasbaloo and Kennesaw Tom, I appreciate the info and the advice. CJS
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo One tip I disagree with the very knowledgeable Tom is going from resort to resort. In my experience, that can be a 90 minute journey (both our times at AKL and POR), so when going from resort to resort, and if you do not have a car, I recommend a cab to save on the time.
Originally Posted By standor Part of the fun is to ride Disney transportation just to see the guests and how they act. Some of our best memories were made by just sitting around and watching people make fools of themselves.
Originally Posted By dshyates My suggestion is to be sure to take one day and go to Islands of Adventure up at Universal Orlando. They have Spiderman and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey in the park and they are two of the best dark rides on the planet. Also Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges is one of the best raft rides, but you will get VERY wet.
Originally Posted By Captain Jack Sparrow We are absolutely going to Islands of Adventure. OK...here it is guys, we have it down to two hotels...The Wilderness Lodge or Animal Kingdom. We are also renting a car. Both hotels look so nice, this will be a tough one. CJS
Originally Posted By Disneymom443 I love them both for different reasons..But my fav is Wilderness Lodge.
Originally Posted By dshyates My vote us also for the Wilderness Lodge. If that is where you choose be sure on your first trip to the MK to take the boat over. It is sooo much more "Magical" than the busses.
