I am in the process of planning a first time trip to Disney World for my family. I have gotten some help from friends who have been multiple times. What website do I use to book tickets, resorts, etc. Any other helpful hints would be appreciated

TIA

Disney's own web site will be helpful if you want to just book rack rate, off the shelf stuff. to get a better idea about discounts and choices check out www.mousesavers.com this site will give you a great deal of general info about WDW, and there are some great experts (and of few who think they are;)) here. www.allearsnet.com has a fairly comprehensive list of food locations and menus.
Planning a trip to WDW can be both exciting and scary. just remember that Disney has spent many years working hard to make WDW more then a vacation. as such don't try and do everything, instead first figure out how much time you have to spend there, then read up on the world. decide what is a must do and plan around that. any questions about whats available, where to stay, how much time to give an event or attraction, or just is it worth it we should be able to help.

If this is your first trip, you may want to either call Disney directly or call a travel agent such as Small World Vacations to help answer any questions you might have during the booking process. There is just so much to choose from it can get overwhelming. Of course, you can always ask a question or two here. :)

Can you tell us a little about when you are going and who is a part of your traveling party? We may be able to give you some tips and pointers based upon that as well.

We will be going the end of March. I have a 5 year old and a 18 month old, but only the 5 year old will be making the trip, along with my wife. I have pretty much determined that we are only going to tackle WDW and Animal Kingdom. I think these are the placed that my daughter would get the most enjoyment. We will have 3 1/2 days to visit the parks.

Not to nit pick, but to educate -
It's ALL Walt Disney World - (the resorts, water parks, Downtown Disney, Transportation, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Animal Kingdom). I think you meant to say that you would be concentrating on the Magic Kingdom (MK) and Animal Kingdom (AK). (By the way, there's an FAQ with acronyms that you can find here (http://mousepad.mouseplanet.com/showthread.php?t=8117))

3.5 days in the parks, you might find yourself with a little extra time, in which case I'd recommend hitting Epcot, because that park can surprise people with how much their kids like it. I was at WDW with some nephews (and their parents) in April last year, and we did most of the day at MK, took a swim/nap, hit Epcot for one attraction and Illuminations, did Epcot the next day until the swim/nap then finished up the day at the MK, and then did AK the next day and finished with a swim/nap before they headed off to visit more family. We were able to hit most of the high points of MK and AK, and it sounds like you'll have an extra day. We also hit the headliners in Epcot.

Are you able to avoid the couple of weeks around Easter? It's really early this year (in March) and tends to really increase the crowds.

Well you have MousePlanet already but I have found www.allearsnet.com and www.disboards.com to be very informative as well.

1407 W Disney is the main line number.

Have fun planning! :cool:

If I were you I wouldn't rule out Epcot. My daughter was 5 when we were there last year and she absolutely loved it. The countries have KidCot stops where your child can get a stamp from a CM and add little paper cut outs to a mask that can be decorated. It was a great (free) keepsake that kept my daughter interested in seeing each country. We treated it as a treasure hunt trying to find each table and after getting stamped by each country, there is a prize at the end. The prize isn't so overwhelmingly impressive, but its the point that counts.

I personally like using Expedia (www.expedia.com) because the prices are much lower than rack rate. If you are set about using a travel agent, make sure you get one from Small World vacations or another travel agency specializing in Disney vacations. :)

If I were you I wouldn't rule out Epcot. My daughter was 5 when we were there last year and she absolutely loved it. The countries have KidCot stops where your child can get a stamp from a CM and add little paper cut outs to a mask that can be decorated. It was a great (free) keepsake that kept my daughter interested in seeing each country. We treated it as a treasure hunt trying to find each table and after getting stamped by each country, there is a prize at the end. The prize isn't so overwhelmingly impressive, but its the point that counts.
I agree with this post completely. our daughters favorite park is Epcot, and has been so since they were 3. but three 1/2 days will be very tough, if you can squeeze out a couple of more days it won't be for a loss, everyone will have the time of their lives.

Hi Always4Tide, yay for first trip!!

With only 3.5 days, could I recommend park hopper tickets? With a 5 year old, there's a chance there will be stuff in each park you'll want to skip, and maybe spend the rest of the day in another park. Also, I do recommend going back to your hotel (if convenient) for some downtime after lunch. Many others will say the same.

You could probably skip MGM on this trip, as you planned. Just wanted to point out that there is one thing there that appeals to little ones, especially if she she's a fan of the shows on the Disney Channel, like Jo Jo, etc. Playhouse Disney is at MGM, and is an interactive show with the characters and an opportunity for little people to dance along and sing. Floor seating only. Good use for the park hopper, go to MGM for Playhouse Disney, then leave for another park!