Walt Disney World?

[Cajungaltx]

I just found out that we'll be getting a suprise visit from a certain digital camo wearing soldier in April for 15 days...

When I asked him what he wanted to do - he said 'Go to Disney'.... more importantly - take the GIRLS to Disney. He will be home for 2 of our four families birthday, and our anniversary (he scheduled it perfectly!) so I'm gonna plan a trip to Disney.

Disney is doing a Salute thing - $99/4 day ticket for military. So I've got a good price on a ticket. The last time I went, we stayed on Disney (Tori was 4, she's 12 now) and I thought it was a good thing to do.

But I'm not sure what's changed in 8 years.

So I thought I'd get some input - whose gone recently - and what did you enjoy, where did you stay, etc etc etc...

[BeccaJ]

we stayed at pop century resort - i thought it was a cool place! the buildings are brightly colored with lots of neat things to take photos of too. you just take a bus to the parks ever day. id definitely stay at a disney resort

[janikphoto]

We have several Disney World posts on our family blog. Here is an example:

JJ and the Boys: More Fun at Disney

and

http://janikfamily.blogspot.com/2009...ney-world.html

My in-laws have the Disney Vacation Club membership, so we go every year to 18 months. My wife is like the total authority on all things Disney World, and we did a birthday party this last visit. If you want, I know she can help you, or at least direct you to the "Disney Moms Forum" online. She is a regular there...

[Cajungaltx]

lol - Thanks!!!

[wclavey]

I was there last year and stayed at the Disney Beach Club, and a few years earlier and stayed at the Caribbean Beach resort. The Caribbean Beach resort was a blast with kids and we were able to spend a lot of time just at the resort doing things that didn't involve going to one of the theme parks.

[photonewb]

we never stay on site in Orlando as the wife has family in the area, but if it's been 8 years since you went, start with Animal Kingdom. They actually open the park an hour earlier than any of the others because of the animals, they also close earlier. There's some great things to do in AK, including the safari and Expedition Everest.

A lot of things will have changed in 8 years though. Speaking of which...we're getting a little due for another trip back...hmmm

[venchka]

Only been once. Terrible Horrible No Good Rained hard all Christmas Day. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

While waiting in the rain for a bus at the Magic Kingdom to take us to the Pop Century, I watched the boat leave the big white resort down the lake and pull up at the dock of the Magic Kingdom. I was totally jealous and vowed that if we ever go back, that's where we're staying. I know. It's obscenely expensive. I don't care. The short boat ride to/from the Magic Kingdom would be Heaven! I know. If you want to go anywhere else it's probably a long bus ride.

YMMV.

[Sonny]

I'm gonna throw a curve ball here. You should check out this site.
Vacation Rentals by Owner

[Cajungaltx]

HAHAHAHA - thanks Sonny - that's where we stayed over Thanksgiving.

I actually just found out about this program called Armed Services Resorts or something - $329/week for military.

[Sonny]

I'll be using VRBO next year when we go back to Disney World. The twins will be six and Morgan will be four. We can't wait!

[HotHolly]

There is a military promo going on right now. I think its 40% off resorts. The military resort is called Shades of Green. That is difficult to get into as it has special rates.

Im a total Disney nut. We were just there in Oct for 2 weeks. Ive stayed at most of the WDW Resorts. LOTS of stuff has changed since you were last there.

Check out DISBOARDS.com. its the mother of all things disney. :o)

Im planning my next trip. Ask anything you are wondering about.

We LOVE the Beach Club! The resorts in the Epcot resort area are usually better for families with older kids. You can walk to Epcot and MGM (hollywood studios). Plus there is stuff to do on the boardwalk at all hours. The pool at the beach club is insanely cool. Sand bottom pool, water slide, the pool area is like its own attraction. We LOVED it.

Pop is lots of fun. Very small. Boardwalk is by the beach club on the other side of the lake. Its fun. Walking distance is further to both epcot and MGM.

We love the Coronado. Its very resortie. One of my friends loves SOG, if you can get in. Disney used to have over flow rates if SOG was full. You can look that up on DIS and see if they still do it.

There are so many fun things to do there, if you dont get sucked into the giant weenies (the carosuel, castle, and other big sparkling objects etc).

[picman]

When we went a number of years ago we got a lot of good use from the book "Walt Disney World with Kids" They update it frequently.

[HotHolly]

Here is the code for the military resort promo: OUQ

40% off Rooms...most nights through 9/30/10. Active, retired, and active duty reservists. Book by 7/31/10. U can add the Dining Plan.

[toverman]

What I've heard is that even with discounts, such a trip is expensive so overbudget to pad the unexpecteds. And the price has only gone up in eight years!

[HotHolly]

Ah Todd! You fuddy duddy. There are very few bargain vacations where you wont get shot. The military deal Disney is doing is REALLY good. I wish I could get those tickets. :o) Donna, maybe you should "adopt" me. lol.