Hi,

Instead of my normal Disneyland summer trip, I am considering WDW.

I have some questions. First, we can only have 3 full days to play. Is it a joke to even go, if we can spend so little time? I figure we can see new stuff and not worry too much about duplicating. I'm mainly a thrill ride seeker, and that is mainly what I do, so I don't care about missing out on other stuff.

Next, are the moderate resorts like coronado springs and orleans ok, or no? Which of the moderate results would you recommend the most? Otherwise, I'll stay off site, but the moderate results seem like a good buy. I'm used to 3 star type hotel and Paradise pier at DL which is also 3 star type level. Are the moderate resorts about the same?

Finally, obviously lots of people go in the summer. Just how bad is it? Does it feel ok in the shade? I know the temps aren't much different from Disneyland, but the humidity is the factor that makes it so much worst than anaheim I guess? I'm also used to 100-110 degree heat, but not humid. I think when you're having fun though you get by and have an ice cream and drink. What is your opinion?

Oops, one more question. Do you recommend that Free coach service from airport to WDW? Are they really good about getting your bags? How long do you have to wait until the bus comes, not too long? Is it better to just get a car?


Many many thanks!!

While three days makes for a short trip, I would not turn it down. :) If you are a DLR regular, I would say concentrate on other parks such as Epcot and MGM. Maybe do MGM and AK as a 1/2 day each, Epcot one day, and MK one day.

As for moderate resorts, they are all pretty much comparable but many will say that they love POR and POFQ. Me? Im a POR fan myself. Its charming and has great pools.

If you want the whole Disney experience, dont consider staying offsite.

The summers are hot but if you pace yourself, keep hydrated, and take many small breaks, you will do just fine.

Yes, the DME is a great service and it has served many people very well. Personally, I dont usually get a rental car, but many do for the sake of avoiding the buses. You dont need to rent a car but you may want to consider it for the busy summer months.

I love Disney World, and I can't lie in saying that it may be my favorite place in the entire world. After all, it is the happiest place on Earth!

Three days will definitely mean some rushing and early hours, but it's so much fun that it's worth it.

As for hotels, my favorite moderate hotel is Port Orleans French Quarter. The pool is amazing. Even if you don't stay there, definitely stay on site. You not only get a rain pass on the Orlando area traffic, but you also get Extra Magic Hours, meaning you may have the park almost to yourself, which is a rarity.

Summer really isn't as bad as some people say it is. I can advise you of 3 things if you're going in summer months:
1. Wear tons of sunscreen. I got a sunburn last month, in April on our 10th trip
2. Use FASTPASSes wisely, since you may only get them for allotted time slots, and cannot get another until a later time.
3. Try using the Extra Magic Hours to your advantage to beat crowds.

My touring tips for a three day trip are to either split up 2 parks into one day or skip one park. If you are a thrill-seeker, you may want to bypass EPCOT. You have no idea how painful it is for someone like me to tell you that. I love EPCOT, but there aren't a lot of coasters there. You may want to split up MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom into one day, though, too. I know that it will be a tough and quickmoving day if you choose this option, but EPCOT and Magic Kingdom require at least a day each, so you can't really get out of that if you want to see EPCOT. Just decide what your top priorities are. Go to the Disney World website and check out the attractions section under parks to see what kind of thing you may love and what you might choose to bypass.

Have a great trip in my fave place ever!

I did an 'almost 3 full days in the park' trip with my sister and her family in April. It was tough, we didn't do the studios, and only hit the big stuff in Epcot. How far are you traveling to get there? That makes a big difference on 'is it enough'. I've done 2.5 days in parks myself, but I'm only a 2 hour plane ride away. My sister and her family live in SW Washington (state), but were tacking on a visit to our brother in Southern Coastal Georgia, so it's not like they flew all that way for just 3 days in the parks.

The biggest difference between the moderates and Paradise Pier is that the entrances to the rooms are outside, but other than that, I think they're comparable. If you are only going for 3 days, I HIGHLY recommend staying onsite. It's NOT like DL where you can walk from the Howard Johnson's to the park gates in no time flat. That's almost the walk from the bus stops to the gates at the MK (ok, slight exaggeration there!)

It's hot and humid in the summer. No two ways about it. It also doesn't cool down much at night. Our trip in early April hit a hot-spell, and I had no problem walkign out of the Magic Kingdom at midnight with just shorts and a t-shirt on. In late April at DL I was FREEZING as soon as the sun went down.

I really like Magical Express. You generally don't have to wait long for your bus.

If you're talking about this summer, make sure you make your dining ADRs as soon as you decide to go, if you plan on eating at any Table Service locations.

Three days is better than no days, BUT realize you'll just scratch the surface, it's that much bigger than DL. If you're into the thrill rides you could just plan your trip around those rides that really interest you (be sure you get park hoppers!). You'll just have to plan on coming back to see everything you'll miss this trip.

The only moderate we've stayed at is Port Orleans Riverside and we just love it. I think you should absolutely stay onsite, especially if you're only there for 3 days. I've only stayed at the DL hotel in CA, I like POR every bit as much.

It is hot in the summer, but air conditioning is never far away. I'm also from a dry climate, we generally go in the summer too, and I don't really like hot weather. The humidity takes some getting used to, but honestly, we're always just so excited to be there it's really not a problem for us at all. Shade helps some, but nothing like in a dry climate. The rains don't even really cool things off too much. BUT having said all that, it's still my favorite place to go. :D

See, here's where I disagree with Gusman; if you've never been to WDW before, I would spend at least a day (preferably extended evening hours day) at the Magic Kingdom, the crown jewel of the WDW resort. C'mon, you have to see the MK to compare it to DL, am I right?! Then enjoy a full day at Epcot, and then spend the morning at AK and the evening at MGM on the 3rd day. While I enjoy the latter two parks, there is less to do, less "classic Disney" fun. Just my opinion.

I certainly wouldn't turn down a 3 day trip to WDW if I had the chance.

Yes, it will be hot during the summer. I agree with what has been stated earlier....stay on property. The moderates are fine resorts, though with the short amount of time that you have, if you can I'd suggest staying at a monorail resort (especially the Polynesian) to take advantage of the monorail to get you to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Because of the heat, I'd take advantage of any EMH morning days so that you can get as much done as possible while it is cool.

With three days, I'd maybe try to focus on 2-3 parks. I would suggest 1-1.5 days in the Magic Kingdom, 1-1.5 days at Epcot and 1/2 day at either Animal Kingdom or Disney-MGM Studios.

Good luck.

See, here's where I disagree with Gusman; if you've never been to WDW before, I would spend at least a day... at the Magic Kingdom...
Thought I did recommend at least one day at MK.
Oh wait... I did.. :)
Maybe do MGM and AK as a 1/2 day each, Epcot one day, and MK one day.
I mentioned that specifically so that they can compare the two parks as well as enjoy the differences between them. For the items that are very, very similar, they can skip, if they wanted to and not really miss anything. At the same time, they can hit some of the classics and different attractions as well such as Mickey's Philharmagic.

To be honest, if it was not for Kilamanjaro Safari and Expedition:Everest, and maybe even the new Nemo show, might have said skip AK. But I agree with you - I think AK and Studios, with ending at Studios for Fantasmic! would make for a good, solid day.

Thanks everyone. You are all great!

Oh, how do I find out the hours of the special entry? All 4 parks have this?

I'll certainly visit Magic Kingdom for about a day. I have to see the slight differences in rides and stuff.

Overall, I think the suggestions that I'll end up doing a combined whole day at MK and Epcot and 1/2 days at Studios and A/K are accurate. Thanks for confirming that is the way I should probably go.

If I did get a car, is it better to drive between the parks than take the buses?

I might be able to change (not booked yet) my departure and get in an extra 4-5 hours too (fly out very late that night).

I might wait until next year when I can have more time to choose the hotel I really want like one of the monorail ones, but it's still very possible I'll go this summer.

Thanks again for all the help. Hope all of you have an excellent trip as well.

I agree with everyone around here that suggested doing 1/2 day in AK and 1/2 at MGM. My ex and I were there for a week and did exactly that, unplanned of course. We were at AK at opening, and were done shortly after lunch. That was pre Expedition Everest, but how much longer could one ride add? We hit all the major attractions except for the Tarzan Rocks (now Nemo) and the raft ride.

I'm assuming you have three full days plus arrival and departure days. in that case you may try to book the earliest arrival time and the latest departure time. between the two you may get an extra full day. buy 5 day hoppers and upon arrival hit a park for a few hours before closing. then do the mentioned three day plan, taking advantage of EMH on both mornings and evenings, finally use the morning of the departure day to spend a few hours in the park you wish to see more of before heading home.

Well I live in California and there have been summer days at Disneyland that are as bad as summer days in WDW. The good thing is the parks are open later. You will be fine with the Florida heat.

Now I can’t imagine going to WDW for 3 full days even if I had been many times. I would never recommend going for less than a full week if it is your first time. I guess 3 days is better than nothing but you might be overwhelmed. Also unless you are staying on site you will use a lot of time just getting to things. The Moderate resorts are even better than Paradise Pier but if I were going for that short of time and wanted to minimize my travel time I would be staying at a monorail resort or and Epcot resort.

Ok, I have a couple more questions, sorry to be a bother.

I might stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge just because I like the features for a still cheaper than most price. I might also consider getting the concierge level for the Kilimanjaro Club. I love those rooms with drinks and snacks, and it isn't much more on the dates I tried out. For my dates, the monorail results seem too expensive.

I guess the bus takes a LONG time to Animal Kingdom Lodge? Where exactly do they take you to the entrance of all 4 parks? And that is where you get on for return? When you want to return to hotel, how do you know which bus to get on?

Finally, on my departure day if I fly out at like 8pm, will the hotel keep my bags until early afternoon, so I can visit the park a few hours?

I'm trying to find a major (one on their list) carrier cause then I see you can check in your bags right at the hotel? That seems quite nice.

Ok, I have a couple more questions, sorry to be a bother.

bus service is relatively easy, and really not to long once you get on the bus. they deliver you near the front of each park in special bus areas. each bus stop is numbered, and a sign indicates which stop goes where. in addition each bus will have a light up sign indicating it's route. finally just listen as half the people getting on the bus will ask the driver if that is where he is actually going:|. the longest trip by bus from AKL would be to the MK, and is about 10-15 min. from when your bus pulls out. the shortest is AK which is about 5min. epcot and MGM are in the 10 min. range as well. a monorail hotel is nice, but realize that it only goes to the MK and Epcot so a bus is still in your future. the bus stops are not infront of the entrance but off to the side just a couple of minutes walk away. on your return if you still aren't sure there are signs identifying which bus stop to head to.

as far as your departure day, whether you are flying on an express check in airline, or are planning on hitch hiking home bell services will store your luggage until you are ready to depart. they even have friges incase you have something that needs to be kept cool.

Sorry, Gusman, I guess when I read, "If you are a DLR regular, I would say concentrate on other parks such as Epcot and MGM," I must have glazed over and simply missed everything else you wrote :) Sorry. Great minds think alike though, no?

Hi fellow west coaster. We went for our first trip end of April the weather was between 85 & 90. I'm not sure what the humitity was. but it kicked our butts! everyone was saying how beautiful it was, and we were dying! Were used to dry Vegas. Next trip will be middle or end of Feb 2009. I'd rather have cooler temps with a little jacket.

Hi fellow west coaster. We went for our first trip end of April the weather was between 85 & 90. I'm not sure what the humitity was. but it kicked our butts! everyone was saying how beautiful it was, and we were dying! Were used to dry Vegas. Next trip will be middle or end of Feb 2009. I'd rather have cooler temps with a little jacket.

I would be careful of a February trip. This year it was more than a little jacket, it was frost on the grass in the morning, pants during the day and forget about swimming. Also this is a prime time for things to be down for rehab, not just rides but things at the hotels including pools and entire buildings at some resorts.

I would be careful of a February trip. This year it was more than a little jacket, it was frost on the grass in the morning, pants during the day and forget about swimming. Also this is a prime time for things to be down for rehab, not just rides but things at the hotels including pools and entire buildings at some resorts.

Wow. That sounds nice. I love colder weather. ha-ha. Unfortunately, I could never go in February.

Well, I'm trying to extend my trip to 4 full days, so that will be good. Thanks again to everyone for the help. You sure help put questions to rest.

One more though - The Disney Express. I might leave at like 5:30 in the morning. Would they take me at like 2:30 or 3am to the airport? Does it constantly run, or do you tell them when you want to go to the airport?

One more though - The Disney Express. I might leave at like 5:30 in the morning. Would they take me at like 2:30 or 3am to the airport? Does it constantly run, or do you tell them when you want to go to the airport?

Based on your flight time, DME will give you a 'pickup time' approximately 3 hours earlier. During the middle of the day, they are supposed to have a bus about every half hour, but that early in the morning I would NOT count on it. But they will give you a time and be there for you.

For an early-morning flight last July my sister was the only one being picked up at our resort, and there was one other person at another resort on our 'route', so DME put them in a towne car! My early morning experience at an All Stars at a different time was a big ole crowded bus, though.

I'm going to probably go ahead and book a hotel stay.

The website at the top says 45 days to cancel, but in the actual terms it says 5 days to get a refund on the first night that they charge immediately. Do you know which is right?

Is it 5 days as long as you don't buy tickets and stuff and get room only? Would putting in the disneyland express airport service invalidate that as no longer room only? I'm just scared something will come up. Thanks.

Room Only reservations include DME, so no worries about alone changing the terms and conditions.

The website at the top says 45 days to cancel, but in the actual terms it says 5 days to get a refund on the first night that they charge immediately. Do you know which is right?

Is it 5 days as long as you don't buy tickets and stuff and get room only?

A "Room Only" reservation is held with one night's room rate as deposit and balance is paid at check-in. If you cancel your reservation within 5 days of arrival, you lose your deposit.

A "Package" (including tickets) reservation is held with a $ 200 deposit until 45 days prior to travel, when the package must be paid in full. If you cancel a package at 6- 45 days before your check-in date, there is a cancellation fee of $ 100; if you were to cancel a package within 5 days of arrival, there's a cancel fee of $ 200.

As Drince says, Disney's Magical Express is available to you, whichever type of reservation you select.

I booked stay. Ended up getting AAA rates saving about 12 percent on the cheapest rate.

Now I have a couple questions though:

1 - I realized I don't have a AAA card myself, but the second guest listed on the room does, and we're family, so would they accept that, or should I get my own? Do they even ask for the AAA card at check in?

2 - I gave flight numbers to them for Disney Express, but when I check my reservation online they didn't put in the actual arrival/departure times of the flights, only the flight numbers, is that normal?

3 - How long until they send out the luggage tags for the DME?

Thanks again! Looking forward to WDW.

1 - Not sure. They didn't ask us for them, but I'd think having one person on the reservation matching the name on the AAA card would work.
2 - They don't put in the times because the airlines keep changing them - as long as the flight numbers are in there, you're in good shape.
3 - I think you get them about a month before your trip.

Thanks. I might send them an email about the AAA too, otherwise, I'll just join too.

New question - We might add a family member to the trip. Would we be allowed to do this and only pay the 1 extra person per night fee on the room only reservation? Isn't it like $20 per night? It won't ruin our rate?

Many thanks. WDW planning can be stressful, but it's fun too I guess. :)