Over the past few weeks, with my surge of Disney traffic I wanted to post a "frequently asked questions" blog. I felt it would sing to the Disney planning hearts of all the people who have never been to Disney. Or to the hearts of people planning who haven't been in years.
There is, after all, mucho info to know when it comes to a Disney vacation. Especially if you need to watch the dollar.
And who doesn't need to watch the dollar?
Before I begin, I will note that all of these questions came from the many emails I've received regarding planning Disney vacations. I truly love all of your emails and look forward to helping anyone who needs the assistance. As I told one lovely lady who was emailing, it takes me minutes to help and those minutes save you all hours.
If you need help, and have questions I haven't answered, don't hesitate to email me! I do my best to help with the information you give me.
Q: We really want to take our son/daughter to Disney. What is the best time of year to go?
A: Let me begin with the best times of year NOT to go. First would be the week between Christmas and New Year's. Prices are at an all time high. Disney rates this time of year under "holiday" rates. Yikes. I have also heard many a tales about people waiting two hours in line for just about anything worth riding.
Next "try to avoid time" would be Spring break. End of March into April is a very busy time of year. The dining plan and rooms will be more expensive, and the parks will be very crowded.
I would rate the best months to visit as September through November (weather is also phenomenal), February and May.
Q: Where do we get those "speed/fast passes" for the rides?
A: Once you purchase your park tickets, you will be able to get fast passes for the rides inside the parks. The most popular attractions offer "Fast Pass" right outside the entrance. There are booths set up, usually a few per ride. You enter your park ticket, and the booth spits out a "Fast Pass." You get one per park ticket.
The Fast Passes are FREE. They will give you a time frame, such a 10:05 and 11:05 am to come back and ride the attraction with a minimal wait time. This allows you to enjoy something nearby while you wait for your Fast Pass time. You can only have one Fast Pass at a time, so if you have a Fast Pass for 10:05-11:05, you can't get another Fast Pass until after 10:05.
Disney created this system to keep wait times as short as possible.
Q: Why do you say not to do a park hopper when you purchase tickets?
A: I advise anyone planning a trip on a budget against park hopping. This will save you money on your tickets, and you don't need to visit two parks in a day. If you have teenagers who will be taking advantage of late park hours, I would consider it. But young children tire quickly and one park a day is more than enough.
If you feel the need to go out at night go back to the park you visited that morning.
Q: We are very excited to take a trip to Disney, but our son/daughter is only one year old. Is this too young?
A: If you are looking for a trip they will remember, I would say wait to plan your trip until your children are at least 3. I personally think ages three to five is ideal for a first trip to Disney. Kids this age are over the moon excited about the characters and all the "magic" inside the parks.
If you have older kids, and are worried younger siblings will be too troublesome to take to Disney, I say plan your trip. My children sit very well in the stroller because there is so much to look at, and they all tire very fast with the walking.
I have to fish my nine and eleven year old out of the baby stroller every time we go! The trick with young kids is to start early, when the park are much less crowded. Get back to your resort after lunch and let them nap. Or let them nap in the stroller. If you get them their rest, you're guaranteed less tantrums!
As far as bathrooms, there are very clean bathrooms at every turn in Disney. No worried for kids who need to go "potty."
Q: I'm worried about the resorts. Why do you recommend the ones you recommend? I've been reading reviews on trip websites and I'm concerned about the value and moderate resorts.
A: I have traveled many places, and I can assure everyone who is planning to stay on site on Disney Property you will be pleased. These resorts will blow you away, unless you are accustomed to very high class accommodations.
If you like high class, top notch amenities and rooms you need to book a deluxe resort.
Very rarely have I had any trouble with cleanliness in the value or moderate resorts. And I've never had a problem with guest services. Ever. The only difference with value is that the rooms are definitely smaller. The pool areas are a little less elaborate as well. But still very fun for kids, and if you've never stayed in Disney, you will not know the difference.
Disney is by far and away the best in terms of customer service and the parks and resorts are amazingly clean. If you spill Cheerios, there is a kind man with a sweeper right behind you.
Mark my words.
Q: Where do I get the meal plan? Do I have to book through Disney to get it?
A: Yes, you need to book through Disney. When you make your room reservations, you can add on the meal plan. The meal plan is offered to guests staying in Disney resorts, it is not available to anyone staying outside of the parks.
More information on the meal plan can be found on my blog Disney Dining Plan: To Do or Not to Do?
As always, I am here for anyone planning a trip.
Jodie@allgoodinmommyhood.com
Happy Trails!
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