disneyworld post-highschool
 

i'm from canada, and am currently in the stages of researching a trip to orlando (disneyworld) for summer of 2001 (a little early, i know) which will be the summer after highschool grad. there will be potentially four of us - we are looking to stay on-property (most likely at one of the budget resorts) for 6 or 7 nights, and to invest in some sort of package (resort magic plan???) we are looking for a fun vacation, relatively affordable (keep in mind, can $) has anyone stayed at the disney budget resorts (all-star music etc.) tried a package, stayed at disney as a student, or done anything else that might be remotely helpful for us? thanks for reading! <BR>

Your best online resource is Deb Wills unofficial guide at www.wdwig.com, lots of trip reports from all age groups, menus, hotel FAQs, pros & cons of on-or off site, & more. Definitely if you do not want hassle of dealing with a car, stay on-site. the rooms at the All-Stars are a bit on the small side, but will fit four and is the place to stay if saving money is a priority. The dressing table area is not that big, so limit the makeup & hair stuff you bring along. Besides, you won't be in the room that much! I went to WDW the first time at age 18 on my senior class trip, it was 50 of us, we chartered a bus and had a GREAT time - and that was when MK was all that was there!

I recently re-checked a "package" (resort magic) vs just booking room & passes separate (at Beach Club), the "packagage" was MORE expensive. Check carefully, don't assume it will be cheaper. <BR> <BR>biggest discount benefit (20-30%)often comes from a "Magic Kingdom Club" membership, this is often a free employee perk from many corporations ...have you any friends or family who may be entitled to it?

I am a devoted user of the Magic Kingdom Club card and highly recommend getting one before you book or purchase anything. It actually gets you a 10% discount on lodgings, park passes, shopping at Disney Marketplace, certain restaurants within the parks and at Disney stores. Here in the US, you can get it for free if you work at a business with 500 employees or more. If you do the same, then check with your Human Resources department to see if it is available to you. If not, Deb Wills' site at www.wdwig.com will tell you how to purchase a 2 year card for $65. We saved several hundred dollars on our last trip. On our last trip, we didn't use a package. I priced it out very carefully and found that I could save money by purchasing everything separately. That is because the park passes traditionally given with packages (length of stay passes) are slightly more expensive than the hopper passes you can buy (and get the same privileges with). We stayed at All-Star Movies in the Dalmatian building on the last trip and enjoyed it. It is a crowded resort with a lot of kids, but that never felt overwhelming or bothersome. You are going to have a great time. My senior class trip was to Disney and it was one of the best trips I have ever had there. Please email me if you have any questions.

<BR>GO TO : www.go2orlando.com~

Both my son and daughter did a post-graduation trip to DisneyWorld and had a great time. One stayed at the Carribbean Beach Resort and the other stayed at the Villas at Disney Institute. Call the Disney 800 number or check out their website. Some of the hotels have a limit of room occupants--but with only 4 in your group you should be okay anywhere. As I recall, there are several different kinds of package plans. Probably all you would need would be room, tickets and unlimited transportation. If you fly in, there is a shuttle from the airport that takes you directly to your hotel. Once inside the resort, you can use Disney's buses, monorails, etc. Don't miss Pleasure Island or the water parks (Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach). I think my son's group spent more time at Pleasure Island and the water parks then they did at the theme parks! I am sure you will have a wonderful time. Hope this was helpful. <BR> <BR>Joann

be advised that Pleasure Island requires kids under a certain age (16? 17?) to be accompanied by an adult after 7pm.

I've stayed at several Disney Resorts, and would strongly reccommend any of them. We've stayed at the All Star Sports, and enjoyed the stay. The only disadvantage are the small rooms. If you're going by yourself, or w. only one other person, you could probably deal with it OK, but a family of 4 is really tight in the room. <BR> <BR>Personally, I would suggest upgrading to the Caribbean Beach Resort. It is my favorite resort (besides the Beach Club - which is expensive). It has lots to do---pools, biking, all the recreation, etc. You'll enjoy this hotel if you decide to choose it. <BR>Out of the 4 hotels in this price bracket, the Caribbean is the best.