[CFrance]

I want to make Disney reservations for my son and daughter-in-law for over Christmas. I want two nights (for them only) in a Disney property--probably moderate (say, Port Orleans Riverside) and two days of park hopper tickets. They would go over after dinner on Christmas Day, go to the parks the next two days and return to TV the end of the second day. I've already seen that there is availability through the Disney site.

Is this best set up through the Disney site, or can you get a better deal through a travel agent? If so, does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent?

I want to make this very easy for them, so want them to be on Disney property and not have to stand in line to pick up their tickets, or have to deal with parking.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Indy-Guy]

Perhaps the link below will help.

MouseSavers.com - Disney World Resort Discounts & Disney Hotel Codes

[aabuono]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I want to make Disney reservations for my son and daughter-in-law for over Christmas. I want two nights (for them only) in a Disney property--probably moderate (say, Port Orleans Riverside) and two days of park hopper tickets. They would go over after dinner on Christmas Day, go to the parks the next two days and return to TV the end of the second day. I've already seen that there is availability through the Disney site.

Is this best set up through the Disney site, or can you get a better deal through a travel agent? If so, does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent?

I want to make this very easy for them, so want them to be on Disney property and not have to stand in line to pick up their tickets, or have to deal with parking.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

If you are a member - try AAA - Then compare all the prices - make sure you are comparing the same choices - it can get confusing

Anne

[Ragman]

[QUOTE=CFrance;704443]I want to make Disney reservations for my son and daughter-in-law for over Christmas. I want two nights (for them only) in a Disney property--probably moderate (say, Port Orleans Riverside) and two days of park hopper tickets. They would go over after dinner on Christmas Day, go to the parks the next two days and return to TV the end of the second day. I've already seen that there is availability through the Disney site.

Have they been to Disney during Christmas week? It is an absolute madhouse; probably the busiest two days of the year!

Standing in line is going to be the order of the day. If they go they will need a well thought out Disney "battle plan"

Other posters are right on as far as tickets are concerned. Also check out touringplans.com and undercover tourist.

[CFrance]

Thanks for these suggestions. I tried to dissuade them, but they are really hot to go. Better them than us at that time of year.

We know little about Disney, having not been there since the '80s. What might you ean by battle plan, Ragman?

[janmcn]

My family stayed at The Wilderness Lodge last year and highly recommended it. They were able to park there and check in as soon as they arrived, around 10:00am on day one. Checking in probably depends on availabilty, but parking definitely is allowed.

Getting over to the Magic Kingdom was a ten minute boat ride, right from the hotel. They were also allowed to leave their car there until after the fireworks on day two.

The restaurants, rooms, and pool were very nice. Unfortunatly, I don't know how they booked it, but I would guess it was through the Disney website.

[Ragman]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Thanks for these suggestions. I tried to dissuade them, but they are really hot to go. Better them than us at that time of year.

We know little about Disney, having not been there since the '80s. What might you ean by battle plan, Ragman?

Know exactly what they want to do and don't just wander around aimlessly. Utilize fast-pass and get there at rope drop. Take a break in the middle of the day (parks will be open very late).

The sites I mentioned as well as others have very good guidance.

They won't get much value due to the crowds, but it will be an experience.

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by CFrance

I want to make Disney reservations for my son and daughter-in-law for over Christmas. I want two nights (for them only) in a Disney property--probably moderate (say, Port Orleans Riverside) and two days of park hopper tickets. They would go over after dinner on Christmas Day, go to the parks the next two days and return to TV the end of the second day. I've already seen that there is availability through the Disney site.

Is this best set up through the Disney site, or can you get a better deal through a travel agent? If so, does anyone have a recommendation for a travel agent?

I want to make this very easy for them, so want them to be on Disney property and not have to stand in line to pick up their tickets, or have to deal with parking.

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

They are smart to stay inside Disney World; the last time I went to WDW with one of my sisters and her daughters we stayed in a place about 10 miles away from WDW and depended on a twice a day shuttle back and forth from the hotel (we did not have a rental car ). This was all done so that my sister could save a couple of $. Never again.

[DougB]

Hope they have a Very Merry Christmas!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World ...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACbzr_lkIag]Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World Resort - YouTube[/ame]

[Schaumburger]

Originally Posted by DougB

Hope they have a Very Merry Christmas!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World ...

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World Resort - YouTube

DougB, Thank you for posting that clip. That looks like a lot of fun. Now I want to go see Mickey again! It's been 9 years since I went to the Magic Kingdom.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by DougB

Hope they have a Very Merry Christmas!

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World ...

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Walt Disney World Resort - YouTube

Doug, is this for Christmas 2013? I may have to rethink the dates to include that.

Schaumberger, I agree. It's too short a time and too much hassle to have them shuttling back and forth from outside the grounds.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by CFrance

Doug, is this for Christmas 2013? I may have to rethink the dates to include that.

Schaumberger, I agree. It's too short a time and too much hassle to have them shuttling back and forth from outside the grounds.

Oh, never mind. The party dates don't coincide with their visit.

[Gerald]

one very important thing is to book their meals ahead. some one should call the places they would like to eat at inside disney and book early a month ahead for that time of year would give you the best places to pick from. If they try to find a place to eat once they are in disney nothing will be available except fast food.

[YouNeverKnow]

Originally Posted by Gerald

one very important thing is to book their meals ahead. some one should call the places they would like to eat at inside disney and book early a month ahead for that time of year would give you the best places to pick from. If they try to find a place to eat once they are in disney nothing will be available except fast food.

We are planning on going in October to the Epcot Wine and Food Festival.
We will be staying at the Swan Resort and wondered where the best place near there is to make dinner reservations. (If we are not too full from the Wine and Food Festival.)

[Marigold]

All you can eat buffet at Cape May Cafe at Disney's Beach Club Resort. Check it out on Disney's website. Primarily seafood but has meats as well. One of our favorite dining places.