Planning First WDW Trip, any tips???

[Mark Dewd]

Bottom Line WDW Tips:

1. No matter how long you think it will take you to see and do everything you want, it will probably take longer. (WDW is big.)

2. No matter how much you think your WDW visit will cost, it will probably cost more. (WDW is expensive.)

Nonetheless, you will be impressed by the sheer scope and size of the WDW resort. There's nothing else like it on this planet. Enjoy!

[CinderelLaura]

1. No matter how long you think it will take you to see and do everything you want, it will probably take longer. (WDW is big.)

Ain't THAT the truth!

[CinderelLaura]

Wow if FP's run out that early the parks must be much busier than Disneyland. I have another question, I am looking for the best value. Anyone have any recommedations for a value or moderate hotel? Are there Non-Disney hotels that have easy access to the parks. I'm probably not going to go until January or February next year, but I want to get an early start.

I'm trying to balance price vs easy access to the parks.

I really like their All-Star Movies resort, it's cute and fun even if you're not a kid (we took four adults and loved it!)

Keep in mind if you want to stay off-property that you're going to have to pay daily for parking -- I think it's 10 or 11 dollars a day. So you might want to calculate that into your thought processes. But the Disney Economy hotels are really quite reasonably priced in my opinion, I'd go for it.

[Mouse princess]

You didn't mention when you are planning to go, but depending on whether you can take advantage of the Disney deals.
You can also find hotels right outside the maingate, approx 4 miles or even as close as 1 mile from WDW for like $30/$40 a night. Its usually like a Days Inn or something compatible. A lot of these maingate hotels also offer shuttle service to WDW. If you add in the cost of the parking fees (if you rent a car) of $12 + 40 = it might be cheaper to stay off property. But keep in mind these hotels may not be as nice as a value resort at WDW. I have stayed at a few during my poor college years and survived. But these are off season prices and pretty much just a bed to sleep in.

But if you can take advantage of the buy 4/get 3 free deal, you are better off staying on property, a valued resort would be your best bet.

[danyoung]

Also remember that off property hotel shuttles don't run with very good frequency. It can be frustrating to be ready to get back to your hotel and not have a bus coming for another 2 hours.

And you should be aware that once you pay for parking for a day, you can leave and return any time on the same parking ticket, even if you hop to another park.

[InspiredByWalt]

Hey Dan - does that parking thing apply to Downtown Disney as well? So if we pay for parking at Blizzard Beach, can we then head over to DtD for dinner and not have to pay?

Thanks brother!

[danyoung]

There is no charge for parking at Downtown Disney (or at the water parks if I remember right). Only at the parks.

[InspiredByWalt]

Good news! Thanks!