soboyle

First time to Disneyworld since the 1970's, to bring our 5 year old daughter, looking for recommendation on the best way to stay in the park but keep it as cheap as possible. I had heard that January is one of the less busy months, so was thinking of late January for one week. Any secret tricks to finding the best deals? I have heard of the hard core Disney vacationers who get great deals on packages, any tips on how to tap into these?

spirobulldog

The best way to stay at Disney is at one of the three hotels on the monorail. I would even sacrifice a day to be able to do enjoy the conveinence. Really all of the Disney properties are good. I think a week is plenty. I think you would be ok with 5 days. It all starts to run together after a little bit. Check out the waterparks that Disney operates even in January if they are heated. The waterparks are our favorite thing at Disneyworld. It has drastically changed since the 70's. You should allow a day in each park. Your 5 year old will enjoy the Magic Kingdom the best. If you want to dine in Cinderella's Castle you should make reservations for that right away. Generally those are full several months in advance. The parades, fantasmic, fireworks, are really awesome at Disney. Try to see a lot of those. Most of the parks have one or two parades per day. If you haven't got a Disney travel book, do so now and start reading. The more planning you do the better off you will be. I think you are going at an ideal time as far as crowds are concerned. You might check AAA packages, sometimes they are ok. Look in your local Sunday paper's travel section as well.

Annabel

I think I know what you are looking for....discount codes which can be found here www.mousesavers.com You use these codes when making your reservations and the discount will be applied to your reservation. Another great place for info is www.disboards.com....you will find everything WDW there - including info about discounts, specials and when the codes will come out.

No doubt the monorail resorts are wonderful, but are also the most expensive. Many people with young children absolutely LOVE the Wilderness Lodge. It is a deluxe resort, but does not have the deluxe price. All WDW resorts have transportation to the parks, however some are better than others. ALso the deluxe resorts have more dining options within the hotel, something to consider with a 5 year old. The above 2 websites are the best and only you will need to plan your trip and save money. Have a great time.

Annabel

OOOps! I left too many dots. The website is www.disboards.com

soboyle

I wonder if the more expensive resorts are worth the money, it seems most of the time will be spent in the various parks, or out eating and seeing the sights, so is it worth the extra money for a better room if only to sleep in it? I suppose that if we take a day or 2 off from the parks and want to relax we would have better pools to hang around. Are the pools at the budget resorts adequate? Can you pay to use pools at the other resorts? Are the water parks worth a full day and could they replace a mediocre budget resort pool?

Annabel

Pool hopping is not permitted in WDW resorts so the resort in which you are a guest in is your pool. I would check the rehab schedule to amke sure the any of the water parks are not being refurbished. January is cool in Orlando and they take advantage of this time to spruce up the waterparks. Also the days are very short and it will be dark by 4:30 or so. I would not plan your trip around pools. The best resort pool is at the beach club resort.
JMHO, I would stay in the best resort you can afford. Since you have a 5 year old I am assuming you will be spending most of your time at the Magic kingdom. Yes the monorail resorts are worth the money, since you can get back and forth from the Magic Kingdom and Epcot from the monorail (Epcot needs a transfer) to your room without waiting for the busses. There are three monorail resorts - the Grand Floridian, The Contemporary and the Polynisian. The Wilderness Lodge is a Deluxe resort as well but not on the monorail system...a direct boat and busses. I have been to WDW in December and honestly it is quite cool, I would not count on using the pool. I have seen a few people in the pools for the most part they are deserted.
As far as rooms, the deluxe rooms are bigger and have more conveniences like sit down restaurants on premisis and room service. The other resorts have snack bar type of food. So, for example if you are staying at the Contemporary, you just jump on the monorail and you can have dinner at O'hanas at the Polynisian resort....it's very convenient. The monorail runs all day till late at night in 1 big circle and stops at all resorts and the Magic Kingdom. It's also so nice to see the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your resort if you are too tired. You will be in your room more than you think. The other resorts are by Epcot, which are also great. It is a big long schlep to the value and moderate resorts which are out of the way and the busses are shared.

Do some research on your own and decide where you would like to stay and work from there. But yes the deluxe resorts are worth the money. You can opt for a "garden view" over a magic kingdom or lagoon view and save a lot on money in the deluxe resorts.

shelbyjosh

Also, check into renting points from a DVC member. These points can get you a studio (2 queens, bathroom, fridge, micro, toaster) for a decent price. Also, you would have pool hopping capability to all resorts EXCEPT The Beach Club and Animal Kingdom Lodge. We have been members since 2000. Depending on where you want to stay, availability shouldn't be a problem in January. If you don't want to go the points route, I would suggest Carribean Beach Resort. It offers a nice tropical feel and it is moderately priced. As mentioned before, be sure to check out mousesavers and the DISboards. Both can offer a wealth of info, and possibly discounts.

GoTravel

Firstly, stay onsite. Nothing like the Disney magic!

Secondly, stalk www.Mousesavers.com for hotel deals.

I've stayed everywhere from the Grand Floridian to the All Stars (value resorts) and while I love the pampering and amenities at the upper end, the value resorts have a lot going on.

Don't think motel six type. The All Stars and Pop Century are Disney hotels with great pools and great Disney themes.

rfbk50

We went to Disney in mid-January with our family including 2 grandsons, 4 and 7. We stayed at the All star movies and had a great time. We practically had the park to ourselves. It was warm enough one day to swim for an hour but, really, we spent all of our time in the park. We did get park-hopper tickets and added the meal plan. The meal plan worked for us, but not necessary. We did like the extra cost of having a park hopper ticket. Check out the mentioned websites, but a good travel agency can advise you (if they have a Disney specialist) if you have a lot of questions. Also, get a good book such as Fodors Disney with Kids. It describes the rides and attractions. Have fun.

soboyle

Thanks for all the helpful tips, I appreciate it. I am a AAA member, so will see about a discount, I have spent quite a lot of time on mousesaver and while there is a great wealth of information, I haven't really found any real money savings there, it seems that the AAA savings may be as good as I can do? And I think we will have to go with the value hotels, for budget reasons.
Is it really practical to "park hop"? It seems time better spent to stay at one park for the entire day.

GoTravel

No, it is much better to park hop.

Reason being is that the mornings are the best time to see the Animals at Animal Kingdom, the fireworks are the best at The Magic Kingdom, you can get a beer at Epcot, one day might be in the 80s and you may want to go to one of the water parks, The Magic Kingdom may have E-Ticket night on the day you want to spend at MGM, you may want to repete a dinner in a park you've already visited, etc.

The Park Hopper is the best option.

escargot

and with a toddler you definitely want the park hopper.

As GoT said, perhaps in the early part of the day you will be at Animal Kingdom - and maybe even want to take a break say after lunch and enjoy whichever hotel/pool/nap/just put your feet up and rest and take off at 5 for Magic K to enjoy some things and dinner before the fireworks - it's a long time for a 5 yr old to go from early morning to end of fireworks or Epcot illumination, a break in the day can make it work, park hopper lets you do that.

we went in January last yr with our college plus age kids and had a ball - we stayed at Boardwalk Inn this time, we stayed on monorail when they were younger. You can make either work -

spirobulldog

I personally like to stay in one park for the entire day or see one park in the morning and one in the evening. You don't want to spend all your time on a shuttle bus. It is best if you get to the parks early. This is when they are least croweded. The first two hours is the least crowded. I suspect at the time you are going you are going to be pleased with the crowds anyway, so this may not be that much of an issue. A lot of Disney Value Hotels do have very nice swimming areas. Disney does most things right. Even if you are not staying at a Deluxe resort, you are bound to have a great time. The biggest draw for me on the deluxe resort is that it is easier to park hop or go to your room for a nap. Other than that, I think a bed is pretty much a bed. Since you have a 5 year I would rank Disney parks in this order for her. Do eat a meal in Cinderella's Castle if possible. I think the character breakfast at Animal Kingdom is a good one also. Chef Mickey's @ the Contemporary is hard to beat as well.

1. Magic Kingdom
2. Animal Kingdom
3. Waterpark (if warm enough)
Typhoon Lagoon is open last week
in Jan.
4. MGM
5. Epcot

Maybe you could have dinner one night in Epcot and spend some time there. My personal opinion is that you do not need a car when going to Disney.

socialworker

HI---did not read all the posts...sorry, but just wanted to share that we have gone in January 3X and have had weather ranging from lovely to awful, so be prepared, which means layers, hats and a pair of gloves for all. Those little stretchy ones are great as they take up no room but sure come in handy when needed!

JulieAgain

socialworker, great advice. DH & I often winter in the WDW area in January & have many times worn winter coats, scarves, hats, gloves. Some days it was too cold for me to go out! Naturally, there are also January's that have been very pleasant.

soboyle - if you or your husband have been honorably discharged from the military, you can get great room prices at the Shades of Green (in Jan. only). On Disney property, but for military families. Of course, if you are active duty, you can lodge there anytime. Prices are great in Jan.

Also, I suggest signing up for the mousesavers.com emails. You should get some bargain emails for January. I'm waiting on mine! While you are waiting, you can still book your hotel & then cancel & rebook at your bargain rate.

I wouldn't plan my trip on swimming though. The weather may not be warm enough.

When we took our kids & grandkids, we found the WDW buses to & from the parks to sometimes be a real pain! It takes so long because of all of the stops. Then during the busy hours (as suggested, mornings are best), sometimes there was only standing room on the bus & then you always have the rude folks who crowd in line! So, if you can afford the monorail hotels, it is definitely worth it. If you can't afford the monorail spots, we liked Port Orleans (moderate priced), both locations. Their food courts were handy for the kids.

As a WDW hotel guest, you can enter the parks 1 hour before they open to the public.

Just my opinion, but I would not bother taking a 5 yo to Epcot, unless you don't mind the extra ticket cost. If the non-park hopper saves a good deal of money, I would go for it. With a 5yo, you don't want to spend extra time on buses anyway. And, you can get your hands stamped to come back later. That's what we did with small children. 2-3 hrs in the a.m., nap, swim (if not too cold), play in the playgrounds, then back for the parade or in the evening.

If you want a free parking, easy, & fun day, drive to the town of Celebration, not far from WDW off of Hwy 192. Relaxing for all. On foot or rent a bike, start on the wilderness trail behind the hotel. Goes into beautiful secluded areas with big old trees draped with Spanish moss, boardwalks over streams, etc. Then, sit in the rocking chairs at the lake. If the weather is warm, there's an ice cream shop - also a bakery. Have lunch at the cafe with sidewalk tables.

At Downtown Disney, be sure to take you DD to the Rain Forest Cafe. Great fun for that age when the wild life comes to "life" while you eat.

Have fun! WDW with a 5yo is so magical!

ajcolorado

I know that there is promotion for January room discounts and free upgrades on tioket. Disney is giving the park hopper & water park, fun & more upgrades for fee. But the promotion has to be booked by Dec. 15th.


Here's a link with information about January closures:
http://www.squidoo.com/WaltDisneyWor...ruaryMarch2008

scarboroughmom

Are you talking about Jan 2008 or 2009? It is actually sort of late for planning 2008. I have a trip scheduled for 1/31, and it is already hard to find decent reservation times at the Disney restaurants.

itsv

Other websites to check out are mouseplanet.com and allears.net. We find that we can stay at a much nicer place renting points from DVC club members. I think all the info for how to do that as well as postings by members offering their points can be found on disboards.com

We stayed at Boardwalk-great resort for a kid in a studio condo with a kitchenette for around $140 a night and that was in the peak of summer. Rates should be better now. The advantage of Boardwalk is that you can walk to Epcot and MGM.

I strongly suggest the reading of trip reports and other advice on those websites. They have saved me a lot of money as well as allowed me to plan a great experience for my children. Have fun!!

lamgray

Travel wise, the disney resorts are better to stay in b/c of easier transport and extended hours in the park. They offer a wide range of hotel prices.

Also, take advantage of the quickpass system. Just always get one for the more popular rides. Also, just ask. . if you want to sit up front, etc, ask an employee. . they generally fufill your wishes!

For the magic kingdom, if they are having any special parties in the evening (XMAS, Pirate, Princess). . .etc. . take advantage. The xmas party tickets were half as much. . we got all the good rides in (and we learned that you could get in at 4 pm instead of 7, so we still caught some of the rides that closed during the xmas party). It was a great way to cut down the cost!

lamgray

PS: Def park hop. . you can get a lot more in in fewer days and go back to your favorites!