MouseBuzz.com - View Single Post - First time to WDW, and so many questions!

MitchInVA · 01-16-2004

First, I'm very glad I stumbled across this site. Searching the forum has been very informative, and has helped me with a few decisions already. I have also ordered the vacation planning package and DVD from Disney but have not yet received them.

My wife and I will be visiting WDW in May 2004 with our two daughters, ages 2 and 4.

We have narrowed the timing down to the 1st or 2nd week of May 2004, so it's time to start booking! We will be there for 5 days (4 nights.)

Regarding hotels, we have more-or-less decided on the Polynesian. The other top choice was Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my 4-year old is obsessed with Hawaii and we figured this would give her a little taste of the tropics. Also, the convenience of the monorail seems like a big plus for quick trips back to the hotel (e.g., for naptime - mine, if not the kids'!)

Question #1: To concierge or not?

With the packages we are considering, the cost of concierge-level service is about $90 extra per night. I know this gets us "comfy robes," continental breakfast and other food, and some other goodies. The ability to stuff pockets with bagels before heading off to the parks seems like a good thing, but what else? I know the rooms are no different, but are the views any better? Is there easier/better beach access? Also, I've heard people say the concierges helped with "PSs" - what's a PS and why might we need one?

Q#2: Transport to/from the airport?

Does WDW provide shuttle service to/from the airport, or do we need to use a private company? Also, for a family of four, would a shuttle be more affordable/convenient than a private car or cab? Does the concierge arrange this, or do we do it on our own?

Q#3: Is it really a beach?

OK, I know it's a man-made lagoon, but we've heard the beach is a nice feature. Do people swim in the lagoon, or is it more for sitting around and watching the nighttime light show? I assume the pool is more swimmer-friendly, but am not sure. And for early May travel, would one expect to have warm enough weather for swimming anyway? And if we get a lagoon-view room at the Polynesian, preferably one with a balcony, will we be able to watch the show from the comfort of our room?

Q#4: Wing it, or develop an itinerary?

We've been told by many people that planning every hour of the trip is essential. Do most people do this, or is winging it advisable with two young children? It seems that we will mostly be at shows and doing "kid stuff" rather than waiting in line for rides, so any thoughts would be appreciated.

Q#5 If we do go with a concierge-level room, does that increase our odds of getting breakfast with a princess?

Q#6 Park Hopper or not?

With two children, I expect we will spend most of our time in the Magic Kingdom and will likely visit the Animal Kingdom. I would also like to visit Epcot, but don't know about the others... does it make sense to get a Park Hopper ticket or would we be better off with something else?

Whew ... that's all I've got for now ... sorry that not all are strictly resort-related; I didn't see a "general questions" forum. Thanks in advance for any help!

01-16-2004	#1 (permalink)
MitchInVA Mouseketeer Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 46	First time to WDW, and so many questions! First, I'm very glad I stumbled across this site. Searching the forum has been very informative, and has helped me with a few decisions already. I have also ordered the vacation planning package and DVD from Disney but have not yet received them. My wife and I will be visiting WDW in May 2004 with our two daughters, ages 2 and 4. We have narrowed the timing down to the 1st or 2nd week of May 2004, so it's time to start booking! We will be there for 5 days (4 nights.) Regarding hotels, we have more-or-less decided on the Polynesian. The other top choice was Animal Kingdom Lodge, but my 4-year old is obsessed with Hawaii and we figured this would give her a little taste of the tropics. Also, the convenience of the monorail seems like a big plus for quick trips back to the hotel (e.g., for naptime - mine, if not the kids'!) Question #1: To concierge or not? With the packages we are considering, the cost of concierge-level service is about $90 extra per night. I know this gets us "comfy robes," continental breakfast and other food, and some other goodies. The ability to stuff pockets with bagels before heading off to the parks seems like a good thing, but what else? I know the rooms are no different, but are the views any better? Is there easier/better beach access? Also, I've heard people say the concierges helped with "PSs" - what's a PS and why might we need one? Q#2: Transport to/from the airport? Does WDW provide shuttle service to/from the airport, or do we need to use a private company? Also, for a family of four, would a shuttle be more affordable/convenient than a private car or cab? Does the concierge arrange this, or do we do it on our own? Q#3: Is it really a beach? OK, I know it's a man-made lagoon, but we've heard the beach is a nice feature. Do people swim in the lagoon, or is it more for sitting around and watching the nighttime light show? I assume the pool is more swimmer-friendly, but am not sure. And for early May travel, would one expect to have warm enough weather for swimming anyway? And if we get a lagoon-view room at the Polynesian, preferably one with a balcony, will we be able to watch the show from the comfort of our room? Q#4: Wing it, or develop an itinerary? We've been told by many people that planning every hour of the trip is essential. Do most people do this, or is winging it advisable with two young children? It seems that we will mostly be at shows and doing "kid stuff" rather than waiting in line for rides, so any thoughts would be appreciated. Q#5 If we do go with a concierge-level room, does that increase our odds of getting breakfast with a princess? Q#6 Park Hopper or not? With two children, I expect we will spend most of our time in the Magic Kingdom and will likely visit the Animal Kingdom. I would also like to visit Epcot, but don't know about the others... does it make sense to get a Park Hopper ticket or would we be better off with something else? Whew ... that's all I've got for now ... sorry that not all are strictly resort-related; I didn't see a "general questions" forum. Thanks in advance for any help!