Money Best way to book a Disney World vacation? - Page 4

**The Bad Guy** · 05-16-2016, 07:33 PM

I'm in the very early stages of trying to plan a trip for our family to go to Disney World in late September/early October.

I've never been to Disney as an adult - my last time was in 1993 and it was god damn miserable, but I'd like to plan a great trip for my 6 year old.

We'd like to stay on property. Is there any tips, sites to utilize, to get the best deals? I'm sure we will get the fast pass and all that because we are only going for 3-4 days.

Thanks for any advice/help.

DJJasonp · 05-17-2016, 08:43 AM

As others have said - if you plan on going to any non-fast food restaurants on the property - book them in advance!

BTW - I just got a promotional brochure from DW recently that was promoting a new perk of staying on the property - getting fast passes for rides in ADVANCE of arriving!

How amazing is that? Plan out your day in advance instead of walking 100 miles back and forth, criss-crossing the park all day!

The details:

FastPass+ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q.

How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation?
A.

Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability).

Use the First 3, Then Get More
Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time).

If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections.

With Tickets, Plan 30 Days in Advance
With theme park tickets, you can make FastPass+ selections up to 30 days prior to the day you’ll use them.

With a Resort Hotel Reservation Plus Tickets, Plan 60 Days in Advance
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and also have theme park tickets, you’ll be able to start making your FastPass+ selections as early as 60 days prior to your check-in date for the entire length of your stay.

To change or cancel your selections, view the FastPass+ page online or via the mobile app. You can also get assistance from the Lobby Concierge at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel or at a FastPass+ kiosk in any of the parks. Note that kiosks allow FastPass+ selections and updates only for the park where the kiosk is located.

Note that kiosks allow FastPass+ selections only for the park where the kiosk is located, but you can view and cancel any of your FastPass+ selections, regardless of location.

For a greater range of choices, we recommend you make FastPass+ selections early. But if you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you’re free to decide as you go.

WhawhaWhat · 05-17-2016, 08:50 AM

I went to DisneyWorld in March and I bought tickets at Undercover Tourist which saved a little bit of money and any little bit saved when you're at Disney is great.

Anytime something goes bad and you have to speak with someone that works at a desk, ask for complimentary fast passes. I went with my whole family (10 people total) and we got 2 or 3 free fast passes basically every day because either our room wasn't cleaned properly, the Magic bands didn't work somewhere, etc. and they would comp the fast passes. Fast passes let you basically walk on any ride instead of waiting in those hour or 2 hour lines.

Steron · 05-17-2016, 08:54 AM

My parents took us in 2012. Both boys were under 10 at the time. Best advice I can give is go in February. No lines for anything and it was not nuts-sticking-to-your-thigh hot. We wore shorts and t-shirts the entire time. I think we had one day where shorts and a sweatshirt were appropriate.

Amnorix · 05-17-2016, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steron

My parents took us in 2012. Both boys were under 10 at the time. Best advice I can give is go in February. No lines for anything and it was not nuts-sticking-to-your-thigh hot. We wore shorts and t-shirts the entire time. I think we had one day where shorts and a sweatshirt were appropriate.

Good advice, though probably not for the week that includes President's Day, when I assume the place is insane due to public school vacation week.

O.city · 05-17-2016, 09:18 AM

Yeah, we went in july. Not ideal.

It's gonna be busy whenever you go, but I'd plan accordingly and not go in july.

Amnorix · 05-17-2016, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Yeah, we went in july. Not ideal.

It's gonna be busy whenever you go, but I'd plan accordingly and not go in july.

I would fear Florida in July...

O.city · 05-17-2016, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I would fear Florida in July...

Yeah, it was hot.

No beuno.

O.city · 05-17-2016, 09:24 AM

Get in your dinner reservations if uou wanna eat in the park.

We are in downtown Disney a few times, it's pretty cool.

The beauty and the beast dinner was fun, save for my 2 year old informing everyone it wasn't the real beast because he turned into a prince, but, yeah.

BlackHelicopters · 05-17-2016, 09:24 AM

Go somewhere else.

**DaneMcCloud** · 05-17-2016, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

PS. Park hoppers are not worth the expense and are generally a waste of park touring time.

Really? Personally, I like EPCOT (and out here, California Adventure) more than Disney but that's probably because I've been to Disney dozens and dozens of times.

**The Franchise** · 05-17-2016, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Get in your dinner reservations if uou wanna eat in the park.

We are in downtown Disney a few times, it's pretty cool.

The beauty and the beast dinner was fun, save for my 2 year old informing everyone it wasn't the real beast because he turned into a prince, but, yeah.

So he's condescending just like his father.

teedubya · 05-17-2016, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guru

www.disneyworld.com

Its the best way and you are in complete control of your planning. Trust me you don't want to leave it in the hands of another boards travel agent. Deal directly with disney. They won't steer you wrong.

I have five trips under my belt now so if you have any questions at all just ask.

Start on their current deals page first.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

This.

This is a good deal. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/sp...ether-package/

O.city · 05-17-2016, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pestilence

So he's condescending just like his father.

Little bit

O.city · 05-17-2016, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Really? Personally, I like EPCOT (and out here, California Adventure) more than Disney but that's probably because I've been to Disney dozens and dozens of times.

I enjoyed epcot. We went one year during the world fair or whatever, it was really cool.

Hydrae · 05-17-2016, 10:05 AM

Only time I have been to DW was in October in 1990. Good time to go as there are few lines but you have to keep in mind that it will probably rain for an hour or two every afternoon. It certainly did the few days we were there and I expect it is just normal weather that time of year there.

Otherwise I have nothing else to add but to hope you and your son have a great time! Six is a perfect age for this type of thing.

05-16-2016, 07:33 PM
The Bad Guy Scott Pioli Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: The Copacobana Casino cash: $9373645	Best way to book a Disney World vacation? I'm in the very early stages of trying to plan a trip for our family to go to Disney World in late September/early October. I've never been to Disney as an adult - my last time was in 1993 and it was god damn miserable, but I'd like to plan a great trip for my 6 year old. We'd like to stay on property. Is there any tips, sites to utilize, to get the best deals? I'm sure we will get the fast pass and all that because we are only going for 3-4 days. Thanks for any advice/help.
Posts: 23,212

05-17-2016, 08:43 AM	#46
DJJasonp My work speaks for itself!!! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $1725200	As others have said - if you plan on going to any non-fast food restaurants on the property - book them in advance! BTW - I just got a promotional brochure from DW recently that was promoting a new perk of staying on the property - getting fast passes for rides in ADVANCE of arriving! How amazing is that? Plan out your day in advance instead of walking 100 miles back and forth, criss-crossing the park all day! The details: FastPass+ – Frequently Asked Questions Q. How many FastPass+ selections can I make for each day of my vacation? A. Before you arrive, for each day of valid theme park admission, you can make up to 3 FastPass+ selections for a single park per day (depending on availability). Use the First 3, Then Get More Once you redeem your initial set of FastPass+ selections (or the last arrival window has passed), you can make another FastPass+ selection for the same day at an in-park kiosk or using your mobile device, up to park closing. After you redeem the additional FastPass+ pick, you can return to a kiosk to make more selections (one at a time). If your ticket includes a Park Hopper Option, after you use your initial FastPass+ selections at the first park, you’ll be able to make additional FastPass+ selections (one at a time) at the second park you visit that day, up to park closing. Just visit a kiosk or using your mobile device to make the additional selections. With Tickets, Plan 30 Days in Advance With theme park tickets, you can make FastPass+ selections up to 30 days prior to the day you’ll use them. With a Resort Hotel Reservation Plus Tickets, Plan 60 Days in Advance If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and also have theme park tickets, you’ll be able to start making your FastPass+ selections as early as 60 days prior to your check-in date for the entire length of your stay. To change or cancel your selections, view the FastPass+ page online or via the mobile app. You can also get assistance from the Lobby Concierge at your Walt Disney World Resort hotel or at a FastPass+ kiosk in any of the parks. Note that kiosks allow FastPass+ selections and updates only for the park where the kiosk is located. Note that kiosks allow FastPass+ selections only for the park where the kiosk is located, but you can view and cancel any of your FastPass+ selections, regardless of location. For a greater range of choices, we recommend you make FastPass+ selections early. But if you prefer to be spontaneous, all attractions and Character Greetings provide standby entrances so you’re free to decide as you go. __________________ Its easier to fool a man, than to convince a man he's been fooled.
Posts: 12,073

05-17-2016, 08:50 AM	#47
WhawhaWhat MVP Join Date: Feb 2013 Casino cash: $1321116	I went to DisneyWorld in March and I bought tickets at Undercover Tourist which saved a little bit of money and any little bit saved when you're at Disney is great. Anytime something goes bad and you have to speak with someone that works at a desk, ask for complimentary fast passes. I went with my whole family (10 people total) and we got 2 or 3 free fast passes basically every day because either our room wasn't cleaned properly, the Magic bands didn't work somewhere, etc. and they would comp the fast passes. Fast passes let you basically walk on any ride instead of waiting in those hour or 2 hour lines. Last edited by WhawhaWhat; 05-17-2016 at 09:05 AM..
Posts: 17,346

05-17-2016, 08:54 AM	#48
Steron Texting Ms. Dobbs Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Virginia Casino cash: $9418246	My parents took us in 2012. Both boys were under 10 at the time. Best advice I can give is go in February. No lines for anything and it was not nuts-sticking-to-your-thigh hot. We wore shorts and t-shirts the entire time. I think we had one day where shorts and a sweatshirt were appropriate.
Posts: 1,673

05-17-2016, 09:18 AM	#50
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2504064	Yeah, we went in july. Not ideal. It's gonna be busy whenever you go, but I'd plan accordingly and not go in july.
Posts: 81,434

05-17-2016, 09:24 AM	#53
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2504064	Get in your dinner reservations if uou wanna eat in the park. We are in downtown Disney a few times, it's pretty cool. The beauty and the beast dinner was fun, save for my 2 year old informing everyone it wasn't the real beast because he turned into a prince, but, yeah.
Posts: 81,434

05-17-2016, 09:24 AM	#54
BlackHelicopters Spiraling down the Drain Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Dante's Ninth Circle Casino cash: $2470588	Go somewhere else. __________________ "We're both part of the same hypocrisy, Senator, but never think it applies to my family." "Fredo. You are my brother, and I love you. But never take sides against the Family again. Ever." 2019 Adopt a Chief - Travis Kelce #87
Posts: 31,716

05-17-2016, 10:05 AM	#60
Hydrae Sandbox: Leander Lasercats Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Austin, Tx Casino cash: $2067000	Only time I have been to DW was in October in 1990. Good time to go as there are few lines but you have to keep in mind that it will probably rain for an hour or two every afternoon. It certainly did the few days we were there and I expect it is just normal weather that time of year there. Otherwise I have nothing else to add but to hope you and your son have a great time! Six is a perfect age for this type of thing.
Posts: 14,695