20 responses

  1. Jen
    April 7, 2014

    Hi Dave,

    Amazing site, I tell everyone that is planning a trip to check it out before they do anything!

    I am considering a second trip to WDW either the week after Thanksgiving 2014 or Jan 24-Feb 1 2015. Our first trip was after Thanksgiving so we have already seen the amazing decorations everywhere and the Christmas party.

    I am aware of the possible ride closures in our 2015 dates however the value season room rates are very appealing especially since I will have a 10 year old and will have to pay more in Jan for him then what I would in Nov when he is still 9. Plus no kid pressure to purchase the additional hard ticket for the Christmas party again.

    I am wondering if historically any dining offers are made in Jan/Feb. I know when we went last time in Nov we had it but it sounds like Disney might be going away from some of the free dining offers.

    This likely will be our last trip, I am very torn on going in Nov with all the Holiday magic again or in Jan which is easier on the wallet. Can you offer some words of wisdom?
    Thanks!

    Reply

    • Dave
      April 8, 2014

      Hi Jen and thanks!!

      First, it’s been several years since Disney had free dining in Jan/Feb, so I would not expect to see it again til the next recession.

      Second, the Jan dates will have not only lower prices but also lower crowds. There’s a bit of a compromise available, tho–a weekday trip in early January–e.g. arrive Jan 4. The formal xmas program will be largely over, but the decorations will mostly be up!

      Reply

  2. Becky
    March 16, 2014

    Planning a trip to DW mid August 2014. Is it likely that there will be free dining plans at this time of the year? Also, do you know if AARP is much of a discount on resorts?
    Thanks, Becky

    Reply

  3. Sandra
    February 18, 2014

    Hi! I am soooo happy we found your site! We are not first timers, but definitely “first timers” as this is our first trip in a long time with our own kids! We were planning on renting RV’s and staying at Fort Wilderness RV park, but it looks like you cant partake in the dining plan this way? We are going mid October 2015 which sounds like it might be a time frame when free dining is offered (usually)? We are also Active Duty so I don’t want to miss out on any further discounts the rooms might offer? My family of 9 (grandparents/sister joining us!) would more than likely need 2-3 rooms so we are trying to decide which option is the best! Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated! 🙂

    Reply

    • Dave
      February 18, 2014

      Sandra this is very complicated. First, I doubt free dining will happen in October this year (though I hope I’m wrong). Second, I don’t know if the military deals will be extended past September–tho the best sources (Steve of MiltaryDisneyTips.com) thinks they likely will be. Third, if both happen you cannot combine them. Moreover the ticket part of the Military deal is only four days, and can’t be extended.

      In your spot, if both cost and certainty are issues, I’d book Shades of Green. You can’t beat the price, rooms are huge, nice, and sleep 5…See this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/02/22/review-shades-of-green-resort-at-walt-disney-world/

      Reply

  4. Siobhan
    July 11, 2013

    Hi Dave,

    That’s great thanks, I think I was including MLk weekend in my search which was increasing the price! I’ll try some different dates now and see if I can get the price down!

    Thanks

    Siobhan

    Reply

    • Dave
      July 12, 2013

      Cool–good luck!

      Reply

  5. Siobhan
    July 10, 2013

    Hi Dave,
    I love your site it has so much useful information on! I’m actually planning a trip for February 2015 but I’ve been checking the prices for 2014 and I’ve noticed September through mid October and most of November seem to be cheaper than mid January and early February. I thought January and February were the value seasons? Is there any reason why in 2014 they aren’t the cheapest months to go?
    Thanks Siobhan

    Reply

    • Dave
      July 11, 2013

      Hi Siobhan and thanks!

      Fall season prices are anywhere from 10% to 15% higher than value season prices, depending on the resort class.

      If your search is showing you higher numbers in Jan/Feb, I suspect that you are including some of the bumped-price dates–the marathon weekend, MLK weekend, or the period beginning Feb 13 when prices are jacked up for President’s day!

      FOr the gory details, including the bumps, see this: https://yourfirstvisit.net/2013/07/11/walt-disney-world-2014-price-seasons/

      Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!

      Reply

  6. nancy hele
    June 28, 2013

    Hi dave love your ssite. Wheen do prices come out for dinning pa kages for january 2014 we are staying on site at all stars music this time last year were at all stars movies.we alreacy have a reservation but are interested in the dinning. Thanks nancy

    Reply

    • Dave
      June 29, 2013

      Hi Nancy, word is that 2014 prices will come out July 10!

      Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!

      Reply

  7. Stephanie
    February 14, 2013

    Hi! Love all the info on your site! I’m looking to plan our first Disney trip for my family, and I’m thinking Jan 26th 2014 would be the best time for us. Do you know what the estimated rate for a 4 night stay at Art of Animation (The Little Mermaid room) would be? Also, how does Disney do the deposit for a room only reservation? Thanks for your time and help 🙂

    Reply

    • Dave
      February 14, 2013

      Hi Stephanie! On the equivalent 2013 dates, those rooms went for $100 a night plus 12.5% tax. Add 5% to this and you’ve got a good estimate. (The real prices will come out this summer, if Disney follows past patterns.)

      On a room-only, you need to pay one night’s price as a deposit. This will come back to you if you cancel within Disney’s cancellation period…

      Follow yourfirstvisit.net on Facebook!

      Reply

  8. Nichole
    January 2, 2013

    First timers ( well not me but the 2 I’m traveling with). 2 adults and a 9 yr old. We obviously need to have a budget so we are trying to eliminate a rental car (need to obviously stay in park for shuttle). I have been on several sites ( including aaa cuz we are members) we would like to find a “package” that is exclusive of hotel, flight, dining, and possible park hopper…any insight and good saving tips would be helpful!!!!! Budget 2500-3000. Travel 8/10/13-8/16/13 (home on 16th flying from either Boston or providence 😉

    Reply

  9. Dina
    September 29, 2012

    Hi I have read so many things and I am so confused as to when the best time to go and get the most for our money. I have a nine yr old and a 7 yr old and I would love to stay at the Deluxe Hotels at moderate prices. I can go mid week and I would like to stay a week and go at the Value Season. What do you suggest?

    Reply

  10. Viv
    August 23, 2012

    Hi Dave:
    Your website is awesome. So much info to digest.

    I’m from Australia and planning to visit WDW during Apr 13 with 2c (ages: 10 & 12). It’s going to be our first visit to that part of US. We are leaning towards ‘Value Resorts’ within WDW, any recommendations for 1st timers?
    Regards
    Viv

    Reply

  11. Debbie
    September 17, 2010

    Dave’s site has much detail and that’s the part , I like even more He does a wonderful job , keep up with the good work . I didn’t know it exist until , I did research on disneyworld and because my 2 adult son and daughter , both in the military .
    I highly recommend this site for the general public , helpful.

    Thanks , Dave

    Reply

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