We just decided to take our five year old son to Disney World possibly in July. We are also going to take my 13 year old brother. I have no idea what I am doing and I really don't want to spend alot of money. We are possibly planning a 4-5 night trip. I have looked at all kinds of websites and found a great deal but weary about whether it's legit. I feel so lost any help would be appreciated.

Get the Birnbaum's Official Disney Guide book. This tells you all the tips on how to save money and still have a great time.

Get the Birnbaum's Official Disney Guide book. This tells you all the tips on how to save money and still have a great time.

The best websites I have found regarding Disney are www.disneyinfo.com and wdn.com/dwills. The first website has excellent message boards, including a budget board. They are completely legit. The one thing you must decide is whether you want to stay on or off property. I personally find that on property is the best. You have access to Disney's transportation system, early entry, enights. It is the most convenient thing to do. Disney's All Star Resorts are the lest expensive ($64-$89 per night). If you have the Magic Kingdom Club card or AAA, you can get 10-20% off your accomodations and tickets. There is so much to tell you. I've been to WDW 17 times, and am currently planning an 18th visit. Please feel free to email me if you want more detailed information on accomodations, dining, tickets, ways to make it a budget trip, etc.

We took grandson two years ago and stayed at All Star Sports.It is cheapest room and adequate as long as you do not plan to spend much time in room.(Two double beds,small table, limited storage and sink outside bathroom) If you can swing it go up one notch to Dixie Landings or Port Orleans. New waterslide is nearby and transportation by bus if you don't rent a car. (We did and I am GLAD)Pool quite nice and snackbar type area on premises along with arcade. Wherever you decide to "sleep", Disney is fantastic and well worth the trip. Watch for packages in newspaper or call Disney direct. You can usually get good airfare if you book far enough in advance and have a Saturday night stayover. I have made 3 trips to Disney and will go again within a year. Enjoy everything. Split up duties if you have to where you have a 13 and 5 year old. MGM studios great for 5 year old and except for Tower of Terror the 13 year old may pass.

http://www.wdn.com/dwills/ is a very good "unofficial" Disney Web guide

If you have the budget for it, I would stay right on the property. You may be able to afford the Allstar sports or music resort. We have been a couple times and find there is a better feeling on site-all is so well taken care of, you feel very safe and, as corny as it may sound you feel part of the magic. You can pay 5.00 a night to have a frig in your room. Now, these rooms are smaller than the moderate properies. Look into the Coronado Springs or the Caribbean Beach if you wish to go a step above. If all of these properties are still too high for you, I would be tempted to stay right outside the property-I forget the name of the street-not the Kissimmee area but the neighbourhood passed the Hilton in the Walt Disney World Village. Email me for further info directly if you like. I can look up a few places. Annemarie

If you are going in July please remember how hot it is going to be. Try to go early to the park or go late as in the evening the ride lines are much smaller and the sun will not melt you. Take plenty of above 30 sunscreen as that Florida sun is crazy strong. A sunburn on a little one will ruin your day. A small umbrella might be handy to keep the sun off of you. I grew up in Florida and love the sun but the humidity and sun while standing in a hot line is not fun.

Must you go inJuly? The Summer heat is the South is unbearable. I would recommend staying at a Disney property. You’ll feel less stressed, safer and be closer to the parks. You will also spend a little more money. I feel its worth it. The unofficial websites do offer a more honest view of WDW. Good luck!

DITTO THE PREVIOUS MESSAGE....HOT-HOT-HOT !!!

We have been to WDW three times.

I would take the 13 yr. old out of school during the week in Nov. around Veterans' Day, or the first week in DEC. Quiet and no lines! Weather is still nice. Or - in October around Columbus Day.
I would never go to Disneyworld in the summer. You will be standing in lines for an hour with sweat dripping down your brow and the five yr. old will be miserable.

If you HAVE to go then..make sure to spend a week ONSITE (great reasonable suggestions above) ...and every other day, stay poolside. At least you can rest/gear up for the misery to come at the parks the next day!

Good luck!

Jackie, I would have to agree with Ruth.
We took our 3 children out of school in
November and spent a week at Port Orleans Resort. While the evenings were maybe too cool to swim in the pool, the days were absolutely perfect. The longest line the whole week was at Space Mountain on a Saturday morning, and it was only about a 10 minute wait. Several times we would get on an attraction and there would be empty seats on either side of us. Good luck, have fun and if it becomes too much of a job, then use a travel agent.

I agree that it is HOT, HOT, HOT, but still fun.We went 3 yrs ago in August, and we are planning to go again this year.We stayed on property at the Carribbean Beach Resort.I found it a little small for the money, but do suggest staying on property.I think we may do things a little differently this time.I think we will spend the hottest part of the day at the water parks and spend the evenings at Epcot or Magic Kingdom. If you want to take a day trip, Kennedy Space Center and Coco Beach are always nice places to visit. Universal Studios is a must.If possible, it might be worthwhile for the 13 yr. old to bring a friend to venture off to do different things from the 5 yr. old.

I agree with all the above posts. If possible try to stay on Disney property and take advantage of their Transportation System. With a young child, Go to the parks in early AM and at night, Afternoons at parks are the worst, Heat and unbelieveable crowds. Do the Pool(kids love it), Nap(you'll need it), and Picnic(save $$$) in afternoons. If your Budget can't handle Disney prices then Kissimmee has cheap rooms and some have a Bus shuttle service. If your coming by car then Kissimmee may be the budget choice. If by plane, then on Property is good. Invest in Birnbaums book, it's Good.