Ellie..you asked about Disney info...

[jloewe]

Here are a couple of great websites for trip planning..

www.intercot.com

www.allearsnet.com

I use both of these for the very latest updates on what might be closed while we're there, that sort of thing.

Since you'll be traveling with children, I'm probably not the person to give you the best advice, since it's just DW and I when we go, but I'll certainly try to answer any questions you might have. I love talking Disney.

 

[elliemom]

Thanks Jerry,

I'm planning on taking the boys in June. I thought I should start researching now so I know what I'm doing. I haven't been in 20 years.
And I am really looking forward to it!!
ellie

 

[jloewe]

Thanks Jerry,

I'm planning on taking the boys in June. I thought I should start researching now so I know what I'm doing. I haven't been in 20 years.
And I am really looking forward to it!!
ellie

You can never plan too early...that's part of the fun of it!!! One other suggestion, if I may...invest in a guidebook, especially since you haven't been in a good while.

The best one, IMHO..is Birnbaum's Official Guide to WDW. One other suggestion...if at all possible....stay on Disney property, it does add to the magic of the vacation.

 

[cab0899]

Another huge Disney fan here! I use the 2 websites Jerry posted. I also like www.mousesavers.com and spend way too much on the discussion forums on www.disboards.com
My favourite book is The Unoffical Guide To WDW, I buy a new copy every year. I like to be able to log into their website to check out the crowd calendar to plan which days to go.

We love staying on site as well! I was just talking with the family this morning about our Dec. 2009 trip and which hotel we should try next! What's your favourite hotel Jerry??
39 days till our Disney cruise!!!!!!!!
Kim

 

[jloewe]

Another huge Disney fan here! I use the 2 websites Jerry posted. I also like www.mousesavers.com and spend way too much on the discussion forums on www.disboards.com
My favourite book is The Unoffical Guide To WDW, I buy a new copy every year. I like to be able to log into their website to check out the crowd calendar to plan which days to go.

We love staying on site as well! I was just talking with the family this morning about our Dec. 2009 trip and which hotel we should try next! What's your favourite hotel Jerry??
39 days till our Disney cruise!!!!!!!!
Kim

Kim,

Our favorite resort is Port Orleans Riverside, everything from the ambiance of the grounds to the boat to Downtown Disney is just great..the place feels like it is miles away from the parks, even though it's not.

 

[cab0899]

We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter last time and really liked it. Have you tried the Carribean Beach Resort??

 

[jloewe]

We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter last time and really liked it. Have you tried the Carribean Beach Resort??

No, we have not tried Carribean Beach, it would take a lot to pry us from Riverside, it has everything we want..we did try the Beach Club one time for a few nights tacked on to the end of our main trip, and loved the location, but the room was nothing to sneeze at, especially at deluxe prices.

We have stayed at French Quarter a few times, especially our first few years there in the mid-90s...what sets Riverside apart, for us, is the fact that they have sevreal pools on site to choose from.

 

[1gruntgal]

We stayed at Riverside last year when we were there. It was really nice! Next time I go, I'd like to splurge on the resort at the Animal Kingdom!

 

[Pearlstrand]

Ellie...

My two cents on going to Disney...

We're Disney Vacation Club members, so we go every year. My favorite resource is The Unofficial Guide to Disney, which is updated annually. It has loads of information about absolutely every aspect of your trip, and also provides suggested touring plans for different types of travelers. Very useful for going with children because that can be a nightmare if you aren't prepared.

The Unofficial Guide (as you can tell by its name) is not a Disney publication, so you see the good, the bad, and the ugly. After going 9 years in a row (!), I still rely on it for information and tips. Let me know if you'd like more details suggestions and I can PM you. I have two kids, ages 8 and 10, but have been going for almost their whole lives so I've had them there at every age!

Disney can be loads of fun or a huge nightmare, and I really believe that being informed and prepared makes all the difference!

 

[elliemom]

Pearlstrand

Thank You!!! I will PM you soon. I really need some info regarding what's best for the boys (4 and 7). I looked at some sights and was soooo oerwhelmed by everything. The Boardwalk looked cool, but we have a place at the shore so they do that every summer. Plus I wanted to either stay IN the park or as close to the things for them as possible.

hanks so much
ellie