I'm about to start planning a Disney trip for our family (2 adults, 2 girls 6 and 10) in April. Everyone has told me to watch for lodging and meal plan specials. The Disney web site is so massive, I'm afraid I'd miss any speials even if I were looking for them. Any advice on where to find these specials and any advice on the meal plans? I've heard the Port Orleans is a good lodging choice.

I'm not sure if it matters or not, but we'll probably drive down vs fly. Its about a 9-10 hour trip from our home but the kids will be out for spring break, so we won't be too rushed. We could fly if there was a good package price.

Thanks

Hello kduncan65

These sites are very helpful for Disney planning:

mousesavers.com
allears.net
disboards.com

However, you mention you are going during spring break. Not sure how many specials they'll have at that time as that is one of their peak seasons.

Happy travels!

If you put your dates into the "plan your vacation" part of the website, they will offer packages and deals in a little window. Just keep in mind that the way Disney defines a "deal" isn't necessarily how the rest of us would. Also your dates are likely peak, so I don't know how good it will be.

Disney offers 3 types of meal plans. They have a brand new for 2009 counter meal plan, which entitles you to counter-service meals (I think two a day, although it might be 3, and a snack). They have the regular DDP, which gets you one counter service meal, one table service meal (entree and dessert), and one snack. They also offer a deluxe plan that entitle you to 3 table service meals per day (appetizer, entree, and dessert) and 2 snacks. None of these any longer include gratuity.

Last time we went we stayed at Port Orleans Riverside and had the regular meal plan (at that time it included gratuity and an appetizer and there was no deluxe), and were extremely happy with it, but would actually have liked a little more food (most people don't BTW-there are many complaints that it's more than anyone can reasonably eat). We'll probably go with the deluxe for our next trip, but since you are not travelling with a teen-age boy I don't see any reason why you should unless you tend to be VERY big eaters. Also table service meals are a big time commitment, so unless you really hate the idea of a quick bite, the flexibility of a regular DDP is probably desirable.

They will charge for your ten-year-old as an adult and everyone in a room must be on the same package (ticket and meal options). Your six-year-old will be charged as a junior and must order off of a children's menu in most restaurants

Our favorite family friendly restaraunt is Ohana at the Polynesian. Everything is family style, all-u-can-eat. Go when the fireworks are on and they shut the lights and broadcast the music, sit by the window for a great view!! My kids are 20 and 17 and still want to go back.

Thanks everyone. I'll check out these sites for sure.

When you go to MouseSavers.com, sign up for their deals emails. You'll get a message a month with all kinds of deals summarized. Additionally, you'll get a second email once a month with an additional ticket discount.

There currently is a great deal going on for January - June 2009. Mousesavers has the information posted http://www.mousesavers.com/packages.html#fairytale