Brides Helping Brides ™ - Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

curlysue Posted: Apr 23, 2004 08:37 AM

Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

I know I cant stay within Dinsey too expensive..so I'm looking for a hotel outside that is nice, decent and not too expensive. I also would like to know that there is a shuttle to and from Disney. Someone at work suggested to go to Universal Studios instead is that close to eachother?

wc0143 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 08:44 AM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

How much is too expensive? You can usually stay at some of the value resorts for $79/night.

BMD'sPeanut Posted: Apr 23, 2004 09:03 AM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

goodness, there are tons of deals to be had out there on travel arrangements!!!

are you a member of triple a? what about any kind of travel club?

try doing a little research on websites like:

Expedia

Travelocity

Hotels.com

ChristineC68 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 09:12 AM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

When are you going? Check Disney's site for high & value seasons - if you fall into a value season, the rates may be reasonable.

On Disney Property there are a bunch of hotels like Best Western that may be less expensive the some disney resorts. I know these hotels definitely have continuous shuttles running to the parks.

There are also tons of hotels outside the property and I am pretty sure they all have shuttle service to Disney and/or Universal.

Good luck planning! It will be a fantastic trip!!

Mandy77 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 12:28 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

If you go, you have to stay on Disney property!!! It's not the same if you don't!!! Their value resorts is where I usually stay, All Stars and they have a new one, Pop Century. You can get these for as low as $50 sometimes!!

These are the best websites to check:

MouseSavers

Disboards

Don't book a package...it is best if you book everything separately.

My FH and I went 2 years ago for 7 days and the entire trip cost about $1200 including airfare, hotel and park tickets.

Ophelia42 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 01:13 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

How long will you be staying? How much can you afford for a hotel?

When are you going? October is a great month - it's not too crowded, and the Food & Wine festival is going on at Epcot (which is SO much GOOD!) Just avoid Columbus day weekend.

Ophelia42 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 01:14 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Oh and when you go, don't miss Jellyrolls - it's a dueling Piano bar that is on the boardwalk. It is SOOOOOOO much fun (My favorite place to go in Disney world, hands down - I like it even more than the parks!)

KarenK122 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 01:34 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Just hunt around for prices. If you're going during a value season sometimes the Disney resorts are just as if not cheaper than off site hotels.

You can get a moderate resort for about $130 a night and value resorts even less. Last time we went in January we stayed at Pop Century for $49 a night. We loved it.

If its your first time going to Disney I would really try to stay onsite...it adds to the experience!!!

leahmarie Posted: Apr 23, 2004 01:49 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

My FH and I have been twice. Once staying on property another off, at a resort. I loved staying on property, but also loved the resort enviornment. We booked through www.Travel2Disney.com. I think we paid around $700 for 6 nights, which also included, 4 day hopper passes, Arabaian Nights Tickets, Sterling Cruise Tickets, and half price tickets to Al Capone's Dinner Theater. If you have any questions feel free to FM me. Good Luck!!!

lilmrs Posted: Apr 23, 2004 02:19 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

The hotels at universal are all about 159-209 per night. There are three to chose from which are the Royal Pacific, Hard Rock and the Portofino. I live in Orlando and have stayed in two of the three. The hotels are awesome but Disney is Universal's stiffest competition and they are not going to shuttle you there. You could take a cab but Universal is about 5 or 6 exits east of Disney on I-4. There are a ton of hotels that are right off of I-4 that you could get a great deal at and another choice would be to stay at a hotel located on I-Drive (International Drive) There is an entrance to Disney right on this road which takes you in near the marketplace and downtown disney. Further down on international drive is Wet-n-Wild so its close to two theme parks. I-Drive is def. very very busy and very touristy though so be prepared for that. But on the good side there are lots of places to eats and places to shop. If you have any questions about distances and such, feel free to ask me, I live right here in Orlando and would be more than happy to help.

Miro127 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 03:48 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

DH and i went on a trip to disney in june 2001 and stayed at the Fairlfield Inn (Marriott). It had a shuttle to both disney and universal parks at a variety of hours. it was great for being on a budget (i think we spent $99/night) and convenience!

eta: when you go, you must go to Islands of Adventure (a Universal theme park) -- it was our favorite of all the parks! (although disney and epcot have a magic of their own!)

lilmrs Posted: Apr 23, 2004 04:53 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Posted by Ophelia42

Oh and when you go, don't miss Jellyrolls - it's a dueling Piano bar that is on the boardwalk. It is SOOOOOOO much fun (My favorite place to go in Disney world, hands down - I like it even more than the parks!)

I love that place!!! We did my 'bachelorette party' there. We had dinner at a place on the boardwalk (Spoodles) first and then we all drink our heads off at Jellyrolls. Whenever any friends or family is in town doing the disney thing and they want to meet up for dinner I always say..yeah lets go to Spoodles and the Jellyrolls.

ChristineC68 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 08:10 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Posted by DLWDLG

Posted by Ophelia42

Oh and when you go, don't miss Jellyrolls - it's a dueling Piano bar that is on the boardwalk. It is SOOOOOOO much fun (My favorite place to go in Disney world, hands down - I like it even more than the parks!)

I love that place!!! We did my 'bachelorette party' there. We had dinner at a place on the boardwalk (Spoodles) first and then we all drink our heads off at Jellyrolls. Whenever any friends or family is in town doing the disney thing and they want to meet up for dinner I always say..yeah lets go to Spoodles and the Jellyrolls.

This is good to know!! DH & I are going there next month. And how convenient that we are staying at the boardwalk

Ophelia42 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 08:48 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Just an FYI - Tuesdays are cast member nights (cast members get in free) so it will be crowded. Most other nights (at least the two I went when I was there last week), it's pretty quiet until 9 or 10. It's still fun, but it's a LOT more fun with a crowd there. (There is a $7 cover)

(I'd get there around 8:30 - 9 so I can get a good seat near the front, and then wait for the crowds to come!)

marymoon Posted: Apr 23, 2004 09:26 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Most outside hotels have shuttles but it's SO worth it to stay in the parks, and there are usualy deals. I stayed at all-star music for $55 a night last january and in june we're staying at port orleans for $74 a night! Universal is MUCH more $$! I'm a disney addict. How long are you staying for? somone already said it but mousesavers.com and wdwig.com. Also, I've used themagicforless.com as a travel agency. Also, Intercot.com has really useful message boards that have helped me a lot (I'm Dopeysgal).

Attractions not to miss:

Magic Kingdom:
ABsolute top priority:
Mickey's Philharmagic (AMAZING 3D SHow)
The Haunted Manion
Pirates of the Caribbean
Splash Mountain
I also like Snow White's Scary Adventures and Winnie the Pooh!
IT's a Small world is closing for rehab this summer
For something relaxing, I like the tomorrowland transit authority and I don't know why.
Also, Wishes Fireworks!

Best Sit Down Meal: Cinderella's Castle
Best Quick Meal: Cosmic Ray's Starlite Cafe

Skip if you don't have a lot of time: The Timekeeper, Jungle Cruise, Tiki Room, Magic Carpets of Aladdin

EPCOT:
Spaceship Earth
MISSION: SPACE
Test Track
Ice Station Cool (you can try international soft drinks and cool off in an igloo!)
Honey I shrunk the Audience
There's an aweosme band at the Canada pavillion called 'Off Kilter' I LOVE THEM

Can be missed: The Living Seas is really going downhill. The land probably won't be open, but it's not so great either. I actually think Innoventions is really a waste of time. They have video games and stuff that we have at home!

Food: It depends on what you're in the mood for. Everything we've had has been great. The dining in World Showcase is so varied!

Disney-MGM Studios:
Don't Miss:
FANTASMIC! (evening show!..worth your park admission all by itself!)
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Aerosmith Rock'n'Rollercoaster
Who Wants to be a Millionaire. Play it!
The Great Movie Ride
The Studio Backlot Tour.

Some people like Star Tours. It makes me motion sick, and I NEVER get motion sickness, even on mission:space.

The animation tour is ok, but particularly boring now b/c the studio is no longer used. I like learning how to draw the characters.

Best place to eat: So far I like the Prime Time 50's Cafe the best!

Animal Kingdom:
If you don't have at least 5 days, i'd leave AK out entirely. It cane be done in half a day though.

Don't miss:
The Safari! You get So close to the animals!
The nature trails are great in the morning!
Kali River Rapids
Dinosaur!
Primeval Whirl
Legend of the Lion King
(I've done all of the above before noon)

Other tips: There's a boat form EPCOT's World Showcase to MGM STudios! If you're staying for 7 days or more, consider an annual pass. They save you a LOT o f $$ on hotels!

Downtown Disney:
The shopping's great. Disney Quest is fun, but don't go on a weekend or f it's not included in your ticket.

Pleasure Island is AWESOME! I particularly liek Adventurer's Club and Comedy Warehouse!

nov2004bride Posted: Apr 23, 2004 11:41 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Here are two websites that I found very helpful when we went!
http://allearsnet.com/

http://www.wdwmagic.com/

june262004 Posted: Apr 23, 2004 11:58 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

We went to Disney a couple of years ago. We stayed in the Disney all star music. It was such a great hotel and honestly although it wasn't one of the best most beautiful upscale hotels. We had the best time. We drove down to florida to visit My brother and FMIL who both live in south Florida and on the way back we stoped in Disney. The hotel had a great theme it had 7 different buildings. All having to do with Music... Like we stayed in Rock and Roll they also had Broadway and Calypso ETC.. They had 2 pools one shaped like a pool and one shaped like a piano. Even though we drove we didnt drive our car once to the park. We got on the bus right in front of the building which dropped us off right in front of the disney gates. We got the passes and hotel as a package. So we got Ultimate park hopper. We could come and go to as many parks as we wanted as maney times a day as we wanted. It got us into Pleasure Island. We had so much fun. Every night at midnight its new years eve. They have a whole bunch of clubs. Each one plays different music. The package cost us I think 690.00 That inclued the hotel for 3 nights and 2 park hopper passes for 4 days. I would really consider staying there. The year before My best friend and I drove and stayed at a best western on international drive. We had to pay for parking every day and drive to the park. It came out to more money anyway. No matter where u stay You will have fun. And Enjoy.

We booked through
Disney.com

marymoon Posted: Apr 24, 2004 12:23 AM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Yeah definitely try a package. I stayed at All Star Music (in Calypso 10) twice and loved it both times! It's not a 4 star hotel, but it's extremely clean and a lot of fun! And htye have good packages out now! And if you put it on your disney visa, you pay no interest for 6 months

lilmrs Posted: Apr 24, 2004 09:22 AM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Warning about port orleans! I have a close friend at work who is currently involved in a lawsuit against this Disney Hotel. She is always doing volunteer stuff and this year in January she did the Epcot Marathon for Breast Cancer Research. Because runners had to be at epcot at 4AM her and a friend decided to stay at a hotel on Disney property so she wouldn't have to drive there and get up even earlier. The hotel she stayed at was port orleans. Her and her friend got ready for bed, turned out the lights and jumped in. My friend started itching and tossing and turning, then she heard her friend doing the same thing. They got out of bed and turned on the lights...the beds were COVERED in flea's and scabee's (sp?). They had gotten bitten so bad from the bugs that the sheets were now stained with thier blood and they had blood dripping down their legs. Because they were going to document their run, they got the good ole video camera out and started documenting their beds (I saw it, it was didgusting!!) They called the front desk and asked for a new room and they were told 'We are all sold out from the marathon, I am sorry but there is nothing that we can do to help you.' She asked, can we at least get new sheets? and was told, 'well, we'll try but it's pretty late and there is not much staff here.'
The next day they do the run and they don't do so well because they ended up not going back to sleep (new sheets never arrived).
They go home and each ends up going to the doctor because the bites COVERED their bodies. Gives me the creeps thinking about the whole thing. I know that this does not sound very Disney like but I promise you it is, I personally saw the video tape, I personally saw her body with the bites. I guess I just wanted to give you warning about that hotel, I am sure they have cleaned up their act there but I would be sure to double and triple check the bed (we learned the best way to check is to lift the fitted sheet and look in the seems of the mattress itself).

marymoon Posted: Apr 25, 2004 03:00 PM

Re: Need suggestions on trip to Disney (never been there before)

Wow. That's terrible. That is really unacceptable behavior. But it doesn't happen all the time. I've staye don Disney property twice and I've neve had a problem. I'm really shocked at that. I'm gald she's suing that. That's terirble.

ETA: I'm staying at Port Orleans in June, but not the one where your friends stayed (had to be riverside, french quarter was closed at the time.! I'll let you guys know how it goes!