Need help with Disney World vacation...

[DC_Street]

What is the best package to get for going to DW for 4 days and staying at one of the resorts? right now I have a quote for $1,800 for 4 days and 4 nights. Check in would be November 28th to the hotel and then use the basic park pass with meals included for Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and then checking out of the hotel Wednesday and enjoying our last day there.

I don't even know where to start on what to do and how to get the best prices, I've never done this before . I've been to Disney World countless times but usually always stayed off of the park and did the timeshare or something to get free tickets. Now that my family is wanting to go there and stay on the resort I am lost as to what to do and if we should stay 5 days or not and what discounts are available. I saw somewhere you can get some hefty discounts with the Disney Visa, also having a annual pass is suppose to help but that thing is over $400

Thanks for any help

edit: btw it is for 4 adults
edit again: also what are the meal tickets good for? I heard they can be used for any dollar amount on the park.

[Grumpz]

Ok, we're talking Disney World in Florida. So my only advice is #1, don't buy anything at the gate.

And #2, which is most important. Don't make same mistake that almost everyone I know seems to make when going to Florida. Don't leave out Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. It's the top rate theme park in the world for a reason!

My family has done both with a demographic of a 5 yr old boy to 55 yr old grandparents.

Islands of Adventure is simply amazing. Disney had it's day...

[DC_Street]

I'm trying to book the vacation online for Disney World. I've been to Universal several times as well, last vacation we had down to Orlando we kind of kicked DW to the side and did more things at Universal. So this time we are just going to do a DW trip.

DW is the Orlando Disney.

[Grumpz]

Originally Posted by DC_Street

I'm trying to book the vacation online for Disney World. I've been to Universal several times as well, last vacation we had down to Orlando we kind of kicked DW to the side and did more things at Universal. So this time we are just going to do a DW trip.

DW is the Orlando Disney.

Ok, good stuff. At least you've already done Universal. Have you considered a travel agent?

[CaptainYoda]

4 days is pretty short for WDW. They have four parks and one day is not enough time to see some of them. If possible i would suggest trying to stretch it out a bit. Plus I agree with the Universal Islands of Adventure. You should do that too if it is economically feasible for you.

[DC_Street]

I did but also I really don't want to mess with the expenses involved with having one :\

Originally Posted by CaptainYoda

4 days is pretty short for WDW. They have four parks and one day is not enough time to see some of them. If possible i would suggest trying to stretch it out a bit. Plus I agree with the Universal Islands of Adventure. You should do that too if it is economically feasible for you.

We have done 90% of everything at all of the DW parks, stretching it out farther isn't needed and complicates things with work. Universal is awesome but we have done everything there...multiple times

edit: my family loves to travel

[Moefiz]

Well, a good way to start saving a little, change your dates that doesn't include weekends, maybe check in on Monday and check out on Friday..there are a few different meal plans that you can choose from, more expensive better restaurants you can eat at..

Also look at different resorts in Disney....

[phlydude]

Originally Posted by DC_Street

I did but also I really don't want to mess with the expenses involved with having one :\

What does this mean? Travel agents are paid commission by the company they book the trip through, not you.
It is in their best interest to make you happy so you keep coming back.

The fact of the matter is that if you book a Disney hotel, you have to book through Disney reservations (1-407-934-7639 (1-407-W-DISNEY)), a Disney certified travel agent (if you are a member of AAA you can use them) OR Disney's website. No others (Expedia may run room only deals but not packages).

Keep in mind Disney has multiple categories of resorts...
Value
Moderate
Deluxe
Ultra Deluxe (Monorail resorts)
Vacation Club

Tickets ofter include a Park Hopper and More option - park hopper allows you to go between parks on the same day, "and more" includes water parks, Downtown Disney arcade thing (if it is still open) and mini-golf. Also, the package system likes to give you park tickets for the number of days you will be there...you don't have to do it. If you have old tickets you want to use and don't want a meal plan, you can book a room-only reservation (and leave 1 night's deposit). If you want the tickets or the meal plan, you are only required to have a 1 day ticket for each person in the party (this involves paying the balance of the trip before you hit 45 days prior to arrival). Think whether you really want to be in a park each day or if you want to spend time and relax away from the parks.

Meal Plans - there are three variations:
Basic -
2 counter service meals per day and 1 snack
Standard-
1 counter service and 1 sit-down meal per day and 1 snack
Preferred -
includes all sit-down meals and 2 snacks

Disney will often give meal plans away as perks of booking during slower times of the year. Sign up for a Disney mailing list and they will send them to you when they come up. Usually late August through late September is a free dining period as is this year from after Thanksgiving to week before Christmas.

I'd suggest checking out sites like:
mousesavers.com for discounts
allearsnet.com for resort and dining information

[mikejet]

DC, this weeks Amazon wishlist contest is for a one week stay at Disney World!

[Musashi]

I haven't been to Disney World in Aeons. The family used to take me there every 3rd or sometimes every other year.

I may end up going next year in October; There's a food and wine festival at EPCOT, some of my friends may also be going to it, and best of all: I've a friend who works as a cook there, and reportedly he can get me a sweet employee discount.

DC: If you've time and are going when it's sufficiently warm, I'd recommend the water parks. Blizzard Beach is really fun.
Talking of which: how's the weather in Florida around mid October? I'd like to attend food and wine festival, but at the same time, I'd like to go during swimming weather.

[DC_Street]

Originally Posted by mikejet

DC, this weeks Amazon wishlist contest is for a one week stay at Disney World!

ha, too bad I can't redeem it in time if I win

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by DC_Street

ha, too bad I can't redeem it in time if I win

Well if you win the camera one from last week you can sell some of the gear and pay for your vacation!

[DC_Street]

this is true, but I won't be selling any of it if I win it

[mikejet]

Originally Posted by DC_Street

this is true, but I won't be selling any of it if I win it

I know you'll sell the 70-200 cause it's the F4 one.