T.F.
I don't know of any discounts. There were a couple of Disney posts a week or so ago. A few people did post some websites to check out. I think you can buy tickets at the Disney store....I am not sure...I have never done that.
We are going next week for Spring Break. I booked everything online (as I always do myself). You are expected to be paid in full well before your trip.... We prefer to stay at the Polynesian and when I booked the dates, I added the tickets to my package. Our tickets are good from the day you get there until midnight the day you checkout. We don't book any meal plans, etc. I book the restaurants or events I know we want to visit when I book my tickets.
We are going to the adult luau and a semi private safari at Animal Kingdom. My daughter is 14 and we will also have her best friend with us. They are looking forward to the water park swimming with sharks and thriller rides.
This will be our 6th trip to Disney. We started when daughter was 2 and went back at 4, 6, 8, 10 and now 14. We've always stayed at the Polynesion. I LOVE that place and could stay at the hotel alone and go no where else. The Grand Floridian is very classy and nice, more of a clubbish feel, the Contempory is the one the monorail goes through the hotel. These 3 hotels are the ones on the monorail line which s super easy access, especially great if you have a little one in tow.
For your kiddos, you don't say how many or ages....an autograph book and pen is a necessity for the characters. I would purchase this BEFORE I got to Disney and keep it with you for character signings. Our favorite character meals are Chef Mickey at the Contemporary, buffet style...kid friendly foods, Breakfast at O'Hana at the Polynesian, family style. Other good places are a breakfast inside MK that has Pooh characters, Cinderella
You might want to take a poncho with you in case of rain. We have a bunch of the disney ponchos left from our last visit that we will take with us. If we did not rent a stroller, we just bought a cheapee umbrella type stroller somewhere and then at the end of the trip just left it at the hotel for someone else.
No need to rent a car. We take a cab from the airport for a straight shot to the hotel and back to airport for about $70 each way. There are shuttles you can take but you may be on them a while because they usually make several stops and you might be the last drop off or first pick up :(
Don't miss the MK daily parades and fireworks. We enjoy going to all the parks. The safari ride at Animal Kingdom is fun. IF You stay at Animal Kingdom,there is an option to go on a semi private safari at 4am for the feedings, etc. The safari we are going on is for resort guests staying on Concierge levels and is extra charge.
Be ready to walk a lot and have a great time! If you have any other questions, feel free to email me. I am not a "pro", not an agent....just a mom who manages all the travel around here. My hubby is on the road a lot so I figure out deals, etc.
I book airfare through American. Direct flights.
