[Paul S]

I'm new here, but I've really grown into a big fan of WDW over the last several years.

The last five years we've managed at least one WDW trip a year, and the last two years we've been twice a year. Our son was just born October 9th and I'm just wondering at what age it makes sense to do the first WDW experience for him? My mom says four. Our friends just got back with their newly turned three year old and said he had a blast. I need some more feedback and advice on the subject?

I'm also interested in any opinions about "Magical Gatherings" I just got the free DVD (major improvement over VHS and past planning materials) and we viewed it last weekend.

Finally, we stayed at Animal Kingdom the last time around and used "da bus" and you know- it was actually nice. We had low expectations for the bus service. We've always stayed at moderate resorts (well a moderate resort: French Quarter, Port Orleans) and had a rental car. I don't think we'll get a car again.
Anywhoo- back to the final question: What's everyone's opinion of the "monorail resorts"? Does it make a big difference? We're thinking of doing the Polynesian next time around. For the gathering we may do a home away from home.

[noahsark45331]

First of all, Welcome to DC!

1. What age? I think it will depend on your child. My oldest DS was 5 the first time we went. Well, wait, he was 6 months old the VERY first time. I wished we had gone back when he was 3. I think it would have been great for him.

2. Don't know anything about the Magical Gatherings.

3. I love the AKL. We have stayed at Dixie Landings (now PO Riverside) and loved it. We always use the bus service. Never had a problem. I don't know much about the Monorail resorts but would like to try the Poly sometime.

[Suzanne]

Hello to a fellow newbie! We have stayed at both monorail resorts as well as moderate resorts. From now on we will definately be staying at monorail resorts. We have had problems getting to early PS breakfasts due to the fact that the buses were not running that early. Being on the monorail has just been so much more convenient for us. I guess it also depends on where you plan to spend a lot of your time. We are not ones to use the water parks and things like that. We spend the most time at MK and Epcot (both acccessible by the monorail) and then we take the boat from Epcot to MGM. So as you can see the monorail resorts suit us best, but I guess it's just a matter of taste.

[MickeyMac]

I like Cyndy's format, so I'm borrowing...

1. Child is ready anytime YOU are. Remember, you are the one traveling with them, NOT your Mom. He's free now, so if you're wanting to go, why not? I found out kids are incredibly portable (and immensely more so than my 80yo dad whom I traveled with in August. LOL!)

2. The opportunites with Magical Gatherings are not available under any other program, so you should weigh out the program costs and decide if the 'extra perks' are worth it yourself. Are you traveling with a group of eight or more?

3. Bus service at AKL is great because unlike the moderates and values, there is only one bus stop at the location, so you're loaded and off you go (we love AKL too!! Dying to do concierge there) As for the monorail resorts and a baby - I don't think you could do Disney any better. When you're both exhausted, it's a hop and a skip away from a nap. I would love to stay at the Poly some teim. :love:

[ilvminnie]

Originally posted by Suzanne
We have had problems getting to early PS breakfasts due to the fact that the buses were not running that early.

There are usually "special" busses for early breakfast folks. Just ask at your resort...but ask a couple of people. We've gotten the wrong time before & that was a big mess.

Personally, we prefer staying at a boardwalk resort, our favorite being BWI. We love the convenience of being able to walk to EPCOT or MGM. And even if we're going to MK we'll tend to walk through EPCOT, stop along the way for a quick breakfast/latte, & then catch the monorail to MK. I love the GF which is a monorail resort, but to us the only thing more convenient with that is MK.

Our DD's first trip was within a couple of weeks of her turning 4. She STILL remembers it! I'd say 3 or 4 are good times...just remember to take that afternoon break back at the room for nap time. You will ALL appreciate it.

[LRTJS]

Hi! and a big welcome!! It seems as if you have found the right place to have all DW questions answered and chat with some great people.
The only thing I can offer advice on is your little one. We took our youngest when she was 18 mo. Of course she doesn't remember her first trip but she loved it and it holds a very special place in my heart. Her little eyes lit up and she just squealed with glee many times!! We have some great pictures too. Oh we did have one or two crying fits and she wanted to push the stroller instead of ride but it was great! If you think your family can handle the baby GO! How can you wait years before you go back?

[Paul S]

Thanks for all the great tips- and such quick service! You all must have picked that up someplace, huh? The monorail resorts just seem kinda cool to me. It's one more option for getting around. Like I said we're pleased as punch with the bus from AKL, but I've heard it ain't so great everywhere.

So are there any of us freaks from the Chicago area? I'm out in Naperville. I started a business networking group that's a lot of fun- but I'm thinking about starting another group like it of us Disney nuts. I don't really have a vision for it yet- other than it would be a hoot to take a whole contingent from Chicago down there as a group. Oh well, it's just a brainstorm- but think: We could wear matching shirts! :D

Paul

[Paul S]

OK- how do I get a cool Disney picture under my name, and one of those countdown clocks?

Paul

[BDavis932]

Welcome to DC!! Glad you found us!!!

We have taken our kids starting at early ages many times. Our DS who is 8, has been to WDW 6 times and our DD (who will be 4 next month) will be going on her fourth trip in March.

The youngest age that we've taken at was 9 months, and she loved it even then!! Like LRTJS said, even though she doesn't remember it...she LOVED it while she was there, and we hold the memories close in our hearts...

To get a picture, you can use one of the "avatars" that Mickey has already set up on this site by going to your control panel (at the top of your screen, and then to "edit options" choice. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and select avatar.

Here is a link on how to set up your countdown:

http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...?threadid=1363

[ajbdk5]

Originally posted by Paul S
Thanks for all the great tips- and such quick service! You all must have picked that up someplace, huh? The monorail resorts just seem kinda cool to me. It's one more option for getting around. Like I said we're pleased as punch with the bus from AKL, but I've heard it ain't so great everywhere.

So are there any of us freaks from the Chicago area? I'm out in Naperville. I started a business networking group that's a lot of fun- but I'm thinking about starting another group like it of us Disney nuts. I don't really have a vision for it yet- other than it would be a hoot to take a whole contingent from Chicago down there as a group. Oh well, it's just a brainstorm- but think: We could wear matching shirts! :D

Paul

WELCOME to DISNEY CENTRAL, Paul!:)

There are quite a few of us in IL. check it out....

http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...t=neighborhood



http://www.disneycentral.com/forum/s...light=illinois

[DisneyTeacher]

Originally posted by Paul S
So are there any of us freaks from the Chicago area?

Welcome to DC, you found the best Disney site on the web.

I am not from Chicago but down state a little, near Springfield, IL. Hi neighbor!!:)

[Suzanne]

Downtown Chicago here! Right by Navy Pier!

[Paul S]

Thanks for all the tips and tricks! BTW- isn't it time to take down the Christmas lights? I'd let it slide, but my neighbor still has stuff out so I'm sensitive to it right now :D

[disneyjenny]

Originally posted by Paul S

So are there any of us freaks from the Chicago area? I'm out in Naperville. I started a business networking group that's a lot of fun- but I'm thinking about starting another group like it of us Disney nuts. I don't really have a vision for it yet- other than it would be a hoot to take a whole contingent from Chicago down there as a group. Oh well, it's just a brainstorm- but think: We could wear matching shirts! :D

Paul

Hey Paul, I am about 30 to 40 miles east of Naperville!! I'm a straight shot down 88. I've gone into Naperville a few times for business but that is about it. I thought I might be transfered out there but I lucked out. I was out there one day and came home in rush hour traffic!! Not fun!! My nephew lives in Downers Grove but I'v never been to his place.

I'm glad to see more people who might be able to make it for our next "local" meet and greet. I didn't make the last one in Chicago, it was around the holidays and I was just too busy!

Welcome to DC your gonna love it here!!

Jennifer :)

[Jacki]

Originally posted by Paul S
[So are there any of us freaks from the Chicago area? I'm out in Naperville. I started a business networking group that's a lot of fun- but I'm thinking about starting another group like it of us Disney nuts. I don't really have a vision for it yet- other than it would be a hoot to take a whole contingent from Chicago down there as a group. Oh well, it's just a brainstorm- but think: We could wear matching shirts! :D

Paul [/b]

Hey Paul
Welcome to DisneyCentral, you will LOVE it here!! everyone is sooooooo nice and informative too!!
I am in the New Lenox area (just east of Joliet) so that is not too far from Naperville. We got together with a couple of DCer's in November at the rainforest cafe and had a blast!!:laugh We were talking about doing something this summer, so keep that in mind!!
again welcome to DC!!

TTFN, Jacki:)