Planning my first WDW trip.

[pinkertonfloyd]

I'm planning my first trip to WDW...

Right now my travel agent (AAA) is recommending April 18th-25th (Give take a day or two, looking for cheap airfare and the weekends from Sacramento are insane ($650/RT/Person), and staying at the Port Orleans-Riverside, 7 Day Magic your way with hopper, and pushing the pre-paid meals.

Soooooo....

I'm fairly flexible, so I'm wondering about crowd/hotel location/ticket pros and cons.

I'll be going with 3 adults only (no kids), if that helps.

[aimster]

Crowds shouldn't be too bad. Most of the spring breaks crowds are gone by then so it's the "lull" between then and the start of the summer season.

[herb2linda]

Well as far as the room rates go you are ok. Rates went down 4-15. Out of five seasons you get 2nd cheapest.

[WDW1974]

Time of year is perfect for a trip. Weather is usually great. Flower and Garden Fest will be going on at Epcot.

Riverside is a nice place to stay as far as the grounds, landscaping etc ... Rooms are OK ... were renovated a few years ago and some may be wearing better than others. The have great burgers at the food court and the best breakfast at WDW at Boatwright's (also a good place for dinner).

Location is pretty much in the middle of everything ... close to DD and Typhoon Lagoon ... not that far from the parks.

[WDW1974]

Also, I would NOT buy the dining package unless you are really into eating a LOT of food and think you'd spend $37 a day per person ... I don't think it's a value except when they give it for free in August and September.

[devkxl]

Riverside also has carriage rides in the evening. There is also a boat that takes you to downtown disney from the resort.

If your interested in doing a dinner show such as the Hoop-de-do Revue, Spirit of Aloha or Backyard BBQ talk to your agent or call disneyworld direct for pricing.

Does your park tickets include hopping between parks and going to water parks at all?

The entertainment listing for the Flower & Garden show will probably be up soon.

[pinkertonfloyd]

Riverside also has carriage rides in the evening. There is also a boat that takes you to downtown disney from the resort.

If your interested in doing a dinner show such as the Hoop-de-do Revue, Spirit of Aloha or Backyard BBQ talk to your agent or call disneyworld direct for pricing.

Does your park tickets include hopping between parks and going to water parks at all?

The entertainment listing for the Flower & Garden show will probably be up soon.

Haven't purchased the tickets, I just got a quote/draft plan from AAA Travel. Wasn't planning on the Water Parks... But figured Hopping was probably worthwhile. I'm reading the "Unofficial Guide 2007" right now, they seem to think it's worth it.

[pinkertonfloyd]

I found out that the last two weekends in April are "Grad Nights", is this something I should be worried about? Looks like they close the Magic Kingdom early on the weekend for this. So I'm figuring just visit the other parks on those days... Or does it effect the whole park... 17 YO's running wild in the hotel's... having parties all night in their rooms?

[eeyore'snumber1fan]

If you are looking at Grad Night at an issues. Go visit mgm or epcots night things. MG closes like 5ish for the kids and thier is a lot of bus trifice but they wont be at your hotel. Its more of the local schools that go. Also watch out for field trips on thus and fri. Its the bigging season for them. (ps I have bad sp) sorry. You will have fun.

[Virtual_PirateGirl]

I hope you have a fun and safe trip!

[elly]

grad night in april?? that's weird

[danyoung]

Wasn't planning on the Water Parks... But figured Hopping was probably worthwhile.

Park hopping is most definitely worthwhile. You'll have nights where the MK closes at 6, but Epcot is open till 9. Also it's nice to visit one park in the morning, go back to your hotel for a swim or a nap, and then hit another park for the evening. I don't look at it as an option - park hopping is a must!

[pinkertonfloyd]

grad night in april?? that's weird

I thought the same thing...


BTW: I work for a High School District.

(Sorta the reason having High Schoolers around me in mass quanities wasn't looking good.)


Well, Follow up... I got a quote from Small World Vacations, they can get me into the French Quarter (I hear French Quarter is slightly better than the Riverside). The cost is about the same as AAA, but it's a Room + Tickets, not a package (easy cancel policy).

[Parisi]

Eat at Ohana's

Get park hopper passes with no expiration.

[pinkertonfloyd]

Well, I'm set... Booked Airfare Today... will get the deposit over the Small world... and have the fun old time of waiting, waiting, waiting for April 18th!