nelsonian

Yes I realise this is two years away but as part of my son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren's Christmas present we started a Disney World trip bank account so we could all do this trip together. Our grandson will be 9, grand-daughter will be 7.

I will spend the next two years doing research but would appreciate ideas from anyone who has been. How long would be optimum for Disney, Harry Potter World, etc. Any tips for keeping costs down. We probably won't have a car, unless my DD decides to come and then she can drive as she is used to in the US.

We would like to spend Christmas in NYC with our DD. This is an expensive time of year I know.

All ideas appreciated.

rizzo0904

Without a car you will need to rent a car service or taxi to get you to Harry Potter which is at Universal and not part of Disney.

Www.disboards.com for all things Disney.

rncheryl

For your grandchildren, Disney would be wonderful. Keep checking to monitor prices. If you have no car, remember that Disney properties (hotels) have bus transportation to the parks. Do your homework: Disney World has several venues: The Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, Disney Studios. See what would work for your family. Having Granddaughters in your age range, its all Magic Kingdom.

Be aware that many folks book hotels, restaurants and entry times WAY in advance. I don't like it, but there it is.

As far as Universal (Harry POtter) is concerned: It is a great adventure, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the best rides I have been on, if your grandkids are not super fans, maybe your $$$ would be spent elsewhere.

Be sure to check multiple day admission tickets to the Disney properties, could save you a few bucks.

Don't hesitate to ask for more tips.

Agree that you should check www.disboards.com

starrs

For transportation around Orlando, Mears Transportation will take you almost anywhere you want to go - from the airport to your hotel, from your hotel to Universal, etc.
http://www.mearstransportation.com/

starrs

For lodging in Orlando I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you stay at a Disney resort - especially if you don't have a rental car.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts/

There are resorts at all price points and they all provide free transportation within the park. PRICELESS!

Sign up to receive emails and you'll start getting all sort of offers.

starrs

My favorite inexpensive (for Manhattan) hotel in NYC is the LaQuinta Manhattan.
http://www.laquintamanhattanny.com/

It was a nice, basic hotel but they have recently renovated. There's a rooftop bar with a view of the Empire State Building. There's a subway on the corner. It's in the middle of Koreatown and the kids will love the shops between the corner and the hotel. It's just a great option, especially for a winter trip. Jump on the subway to go wherever you want to go in the city. Book something soon and keep updating/changing if you see rates drop.

starrs

For attraction tickets, you'll be paying full price. The multi-day tickets are a better deal but don't look for "discount" tickets somewhere else. There aren't any.

It will be a busy time and you may consider moving from a Disney resort after a few days to an Universal resort for the Harry Potter part of the trip. The Hard Rock will probably be the less expensive (although I love the Portofino). That will give you early entrance into Universal which is a BIG DEAL over the Christmas holidays. You'll be in there early with all of the other Universal resort guests, but that's a small % of all the holiday folks there.

Finally, enjoy.
It really is the happiest place on earth. I was there the first spring they were open and went last year. It's easy to be cynical and talk about the expense. Disney REALLY does things right. The parks are immaculate, the "cast members" are unfailingly polite and its a magical place.

starrs

"Make the most of your vacation when you stay at any of the deluxe on-site hotel: Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel® and Loews Royal Pacific Resort and enjoy exclusive theme park benefits including Early Park Admission† to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and more!
•SKIP THE REGULAR LINES for FREE with Universal Express SM Unlimited ride access* in both theme parks all day - a value of up to $89 per person, per day** (valid theme park admission required).
•Take the complimentary water taxis along picturesque waterways directly to both theme parks and Universal CityWalk ®.
•Priority seating at select restaurants throughout the resort

Stay in the Heart of the Excitement at ANY of our On-site Hotels, including our newest hotel, Universal Cabana Bay Beach Resort, now open
•Enjoy Early Park Admission† to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme park opens (valid theme park admission required).
•Complimentary shuttle busses to and from both theme parks and CityWalk®, plus walking paths to make getting around the resort fast and easy so you can make the most of your time
•Resort-wide charging privileges with your room key card
•Complimentary delivery of merchandise purchased throughout the resort to your hotel
•Complimentary scheduled transportation? to nearby Wet 'n Wild® water park, SeaWorld®, and Aquatica™
•Golf Universal Orlando® program, providing preferred tee times and complimentary transportation‡ to select area golf courses:
◦Windermere Country Club
◦Grand Cypress Golf Club
•Start your day with a wake-up call from one of your favorite Universal Orlando characters"

http://www.hardrockhotelorlando.com/...park_benefits/

nytraveler

For NYC if you are looking for a suite check out the Radio City Apartments, centrally located budget property. Reserving a year in advance for the holidays is not too far in advance. Or check the Beacon which has several family suites, is in a great mid/upscale neighborhood on the upper west side and is near the subway to easily get around the city. Again, a year in advance is not too far and you may have to contact them directly for suites.

starrs

soletraveler, it's good form to provide the link from which you cut and paste your post -
http://www.citypass.com/new-york/things-to-do-new-york

Pat_in_Mich

I too recommend disboards.com. The folks over there are total Disney fanatics and know everything there is to know about vacationing at Disney. The Christmas/New Years time is the busiest time at Disney World so having a plan is crucial. I also highly recommend The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.

nytraveler

For the NYC list above I would eliminate the Guggenheim (except the outside) and add the Met, MoMa and at least one broadway show.

Also - look for things associated with your special interests - we have something wonderful for every interest in NYC but advance planning is often necessary.

schmerl

Besides the disboards.com also check out mousesavers.com and you CAN sometimes find some discounts on park tickets.

doug_stallings

In terms of days, I'd make sure I have 4 full days at WDW so you don't have to rush (mostly because the parks are insanely crowded at this time of the year). Then you'll need 2 full days for Universal.

If you can do Christmas in NYC first, then go to Orlando, I think that would be ideal. Christmas week is actually quite nice in New York and not nearly as crowded as the weeks leading up. Maybe arrive in NYC on Christmas Eve and leave on New Year's Eve. Then the next week in Orlando. Two weeks should do it, and the Disney parks won't be nearly as crowded. Or come to NYC the week leading up to Christmas and then leave on the day after, spending the next week in Orlando, leaving there on New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Disney is insanely crowded on New Year's Eve night for the fireworks.

Most Disney discounts involve "free" days rather than discounted tickets. Don't expect to save more than 5% per ticket.

starrs

Doug's comments made me think of this - the week AFTER Christmas can be a lot cheaper in NYC than the rest of the month. Tickets to the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular can be a fraction of prices earlier in the month. All the decorations are up and it's still a great time to see the city. It's just less crowded with tourists. Hotel rates are better. Something to consider.

doug_stallings

Yes, if you are traveling to either NYC or Orlando, doing the trip from January 1 through 16 will be substantially cheaper and less crowded in both destinations than doing it for the last two weeks in December. Doing it from Christmas Even to the 16th would also be much cheaper than if you were here the week leading up to Christmas.

starrs

No, I was misunderstood. Not January. I have found that prices in NYC drop considerably after 12/25, compared to 12/1- 12/23. We used to go up "for Christmas" but would fly up on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Prices can spike for 12/31, but the week of 12/25 - 12/30 were great days (and less expensive) than the rest of December.

doug_stallings

Yes, that's absolutely true. There were rooms at the Marriott on Lexington for $99 a night the weekend after Christmas.

Pat_in_Mich

I use undercovertourist.com for Disney and Universal tickets. They offer a small discount and are a reputable provider.

nelsonian

That is the plan Doug and Starrs to be in NYC for Christmas day, to have Christmas with our DD (if she is still there then), spend the next few days after Christmas there, and then go to Disneyworld after New Year when hopefully it will be quieter.