Amy Imblum

We're planning on doing Disney World next year (our kids will be 7 and 9), and right now I'm going thru brochures, reading Birnbaum's, etc. I think I've narrowed the resort down to either Port Orleans or Coronado Springs; anybody have anything good or bad to say about either one? Also, the AAA package includes our choice of one: round of golf at Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf, Disney Resort or Character Breakfast, or Gardens of the World Tour at Epcot; Hidden treasures of World Showcase Tour at Epcot, the mystery family tour at Magic Kingdom or a themed Disney-MGM Studios Tour. This is our first trip, so I don't know which to choose. Has anyone done any of these things? Any opinions are welcome. Thanks!
Amy

pen

I can recommend the character breakfast at the Contemporary Resort (I don't remember the name of the restaurant). My kids were 7 and 9 when we went in 1995 and they thought it was great. It was an all-you-can-eat buffet with a lot of food choices. The characters wander around and ham it up with all the guests. If your kids are shy, you might want to do this at the end of your stay after they've gotten used to the characters in the parks. We went on the last day of our visit, slept late, and turned the breakfast into brunch. Be sure and get reservations early.

greg

I believe the Birnbaum is the "Official guide." Recommend getting hold of the "Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World" which helps you save much time and energy. Recommend you have some understanding of "Disney" market value of the "freebie." We had a character breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids and the price was over $80 (so it gave us hint on how much tip to leave.) I doubt that the package we got gave us discount on this, most likely a mark up. There are activities requiring reservations months before the arrival (that is too late once you get there.) The "Unofficial Guide" was invaluable in sorting these things out during the planning time.

ilisa

My husband and I recently stayed at Port Orleans. We enjoyed it very much. It is one of the smaller resorts, meaning you didn't have to walk very far to get to the main building and front desk, and there was only one shuttle stop. I can't really offer you advice on the freebies, since the character breakfast is the only one I would be interested in. The breakfast at the Contemporary that was mentioned is "Chef Mickey's". It's quite fun. I've been to Disney 17 times, so if you have any questions about dining, attractions, etc., please don't hesitate to email me.

Mari

The Coranado Springs is a convention hotel and is huge. It is also the newest of the Disney Resorts, so it is very clean and neat (I think all their properties are). The Port Orleans is much smaller and more intimate (if 700 rooms can be considered intimate). I think the breakfast would be your best deal on the freebie. Crystal Palace in the MK has a wonderful buffet with Pooh and friends. Also, Cinderellas Castle is great -especially for girls.
Check out www.disneyinfo.com for the most informative boards on WDW on the entire web.
Have a great trip!

l.martin

Having been to WDW the last 2 years with children ages 7-13, I can recommend the character breakfast in your choice of things to do. The first year we did a character breakfast where we were staying (the Grand Floridian) and it was buffet style with many characters and it was great because the youngest was a picky eater and could find ANYTHING to eat! This year we opted for the DisneyQuest for our freebie since the kids were older and loved it!!! Yet, the kids STILL wanted a character breakfast IN THE CASTLE! So 3 of us went and spent a lot of money for a not very good breakfast (eggs,waffles,bacon,fruit) but the kids loved being in the castle. The characters were limited (Cinderella, Belle,etc) but they were happy they got to go to the castle! Have fun--I'd do a buffet personally--even Animal Kingdom has a buffet breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe, I believe--might be fun....

chris

Hey Amy... looking into the Disney Resorts myself so I'll point you to my source of reference: http://www.flamingo-travel.com where they list the resorts, pictures, accommodations, descriptions and prices.

Your kids are older than mine so they probably wouldn't enjoy the Character Breakfast ... as for the others, I'm not familiar.

Hope it helps... now if I can only decide on one as well

Amy

Thanks for all the responses. I'm seeing the travel agent next week to make our reservations - I've decided on Port Orleans. The "Unofficial" Guide is the best thing around!! So glad I took the suggestion and bought it. WDW, here we come!
Amy

Amy

Hey Chris - I forgot to give you a WONDERFUL web site I found. You can find all kinds of info here: http://www.wdn.com/dwills/contents.htm
Check it out! Happy planning!
Amy