[Xavier's Mom]

Ok, so now I know we are going to plan an early 2007 WDW trip and I have a few questions.
1. I remember Florida being warm all year long....warm enough for water sports. Did I remember correctly? Will it be warm enough in January or February to swim?
2. Which value or moderate Disney resort has the best pool for kids? I know this question is based on each individuals own opinion, but I value the TD members opinions, so fire away. My son will want to stay where the best pool is....a cool room is important too (he's the original home body and loves a good room as well as a good pool).
3. What are the 3 best attractions at each park? Excluding attractions that are too similar to the DL or DCA attractions. Since we have been to DL and DCA more times than I could ever count, and have been on all the attractions about a bizillion times, I want Xavier to see something new and exciting, not a copy of something from CA.

[dmand13]

I've never stayed at one of the value resorts so I can't tell you which has the best pool. I do know however, that at the All Star Music hotel they have a pool that is shaped like a guitar, which is cool. Growing up we always stayed at one of the resorts on the monorail and the Polynesian had a slide, so I liked that one the best. I have heard wonderful things about the Al Star resorts though.

Best attractions not too similar to DLR or DCA in each park:
Magic Kingdom: That's tough. 1. I would say POTC would be one. It's different from the one in DLR. I personally think the one in DLR is better, but the queue in WDW is AWESOME! 2. The haunted mansion is a bit different in WDW too. I like the one in WDW better. 3. The Carousel of Progress, which DLR doesn't have anymore. 4. Mickey's Philharmagic is also incredible. DLR doesn't have that either.
Epcot: 1. The whole world showcasew is one of my favorite parts of WDW
2. You must ride Spaceship Earth. It's great!
3. Test Track-it's a blast!
MGM: 1. The great movie ride 2. Eat at the 50's Prime Time Cafe 3. I would say walking along New York Street
The rides that MGM has that I love are in both DLR or DCA.
AK: 1. Expedition Everest looks like it will be great 2. Dinosaur-similar to Indiana Jones in DLR and worth the ride 3. The Safari-you're up close with the animals

[woohoo1440]

I like the Beach Club pool best, but isn't it considered deluxe? Well, of the other, I like All Stars Music. One pool has the three amigos shooting water out and the other is a piano pool that is very nice. As far as attractions (I'm not sure what all is a DL) I would say
MK- People Mover and Carousel of Progress
Epcot- TestTrack and Mission Space (if age appropriate)
Studios- Backlot Tour and Indiana Jones
AK- Bugs Life

[FirstTimer]

Well, we leave on Sunday and we are staying at the Coronado Springs Resort. That is a Moderate resort and has a pyramid in the pool! With all of the research I've done online, I found that to be one of the neatest pools there. It also has a water slide, swings nearby and a jungle gym there too.
I'll let you know just how it was when we get back.

TTFN!!

[Xavier's Mom]

Thanks so much for your input every one. I can't wait to get my vacation planning guide thingy in the mail. I'm so glad I have TDers to get first hand information from too. I'm sure the input I get from my pals at TD will help us make the most of our first WDW vacation.

We had such a good time on the West Coast Disney Cruise that I was thinking about doing one of those split deals, but then I decided I wanted more time at the parks. I figure we have been on the ship, we have been to the CA parks, so our time and $$ would be better spent on land. I doubt that we can see everything at WDW in a week anyway. So, first time out parks only. Maybe in a couple of years we can do cruise/park (I do want to see the island :-).

Appreciate your input, keep it coming and if you think of any little special tid bits of information I might enjoy, well let me know.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Hey there, just figured I'd throw my 2 cents in. 1. As a Florida native born and raised January and February are for the most part too cold for me to really want to swim heated pool or not. That being said it gets into the 70's and even low 80's sometimes and even when it's cooler people that are a little more cold tolerant do the water sports and pools that time of the year. Not for me but I understand the attraction.
2. Having stayed or visited all the moderates and values I'd have to say that my favorite combination of pool and room is Port Orleans French Quarter. They have a nice pool with a dragon water slide. Just my personal favorite, but if you prefer the way Port Orleans Riverside looks then you can always take the boat between the two. Caribbean Beach is a very nice pool area too. For the values I like both Pop Century and All Star Music, both have nice pools. It's all what you like the looks of and your taste and budget with choosing a resort.
3. As far as rides that are different in MK: Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Carousel of Progress and our version of Splash, oh and Mickey's Philharmagic. Most of Epcot is different so you can't go wrong but may I suggest Imagination Pavillion for the younger one. Disney Studios has a lot of similarities but Beauty and the Beast Show and our verdict of Fantasmic are cool. Animal Kingdom is also pretty original and the safari is awesome as well as Expedition Everest which will be up when you get there.

[galaga_girl]

The pools at All Star Movies are pretty good for a value resort. But the best pool IMO is at Animal Kingdom Lodge, but it is a deluxe resort.

Magic Kingdom: Probably Mickey's Philharmagic if you are looking for something that isn't in Disneyland. It is fantastic, I usually see it 5 - 10 times a visit, and I tear up everytime! I love it. Also the Carousel of Progress is great and I also really like the TTC.

Animal Kingdom: The Festival of the Lion King is awesome.

MGM: The Tower of Terror! But don't miss the Beauty and the Beast stage show, the costumes are amazing.

Epcot: Mission: Space! Hands down!!!

[Xavier's Mom]

Thanks again guys, I'm keeping notes to look all of these suggestions up when I get my vacation guide. I would love to stay at Animal Kingdom, but I just don't want to spend the $$. Also, it looks like the dinning options are better for the young ones at the value resorts. My son could LIVE on Mickey Chicken Nuggets. Every single time we have eaten at the BB at DL my son gets the nuggets. If we choose a place that doesn't have them on the menu he's very disapointed.

I know my DH and I are going to want to check out Mission Space, but I think we will have to do it seperatly because I KNOW my son won't want to try it. I'm glad you are telling me about the shows, because that's a huge thing for me...I LOVE the shows and can't wait to check out the shows at WDW.

[Tinksmyid]

Xavier's Mom,

I don't know how old X is, but my guys were 4 yrs & 20 mos. when we went in December. We stayed at Pop Century and they LOVED it there. I don't know if all the pools have "Night Swimming" but my 4 year old was thrilled with the scandal of going out at night in the winter to swim; he is really annoyed that we won't take him night swimming here. (Hi - we live on the New England shore - take a guess why, junior -)

The hippy dippy pool was neat to look at, it has the lights and the shower-flowers and there is a kiddy fountain w/ a Goofy icon too, that is pretty cool. For a food court, Pop Century was great. Everything from Chicken parm to chicken nuggets to burgers to shrimp lo mein to nachos to fries to meatball subs to meatloaf - I was impressed with the selection and quality. Breakfasts were especially well received - really tasty. The quick-pick a la carte section is nice too - juice boxes, granola bars, yogurts, cups of fruit, WINE (well not for breakfast, but you know), danish, string cheese, etc.. My kids could be very happy living there.

Now as for the parks. Again, don't know X's age and I confess to supreme ignorance where Disneyland is concerned, but here you go:

MK -Pooh's Honeypot Ride, Splash Mountain, POTC (scared the jeepers out of my 4yo)
AK -Festival of the Lion King, Kilimanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids
MGM-Not that we got to DO any rides here last month, but - Indiana Jones, Rock & Rollercoaster, Playhouse Disney
EPCOT-Living Seas, World Showcase, Spaceship Earth

I'm curious as to what you're going to do! I confess, the pool at ASMu looks so cool w/ the 3 Caballeros... let us know!!! Good luck! Happy Planning!

[acapelad]

i was at the beach club in december. temps were in the 60's all week except one day was in the 70's. i'm a new england who likes the cold, but it was pretty chilly and not really swimming weather. i had a quick swim one day. my wife was freezing and wore a sweater all week. there seemed to be lots of kids swimming though.

[galaga_girl]

The hippy dippy pool was neat to look at, it has the lights and the shower-flowers and there is a kiddy fountain w/ a Goofy icon too, that is pretty cool. For a food court, Pop Century was great.

I totally agree, I don't have kids, but when I stayed at Pop Century I loved it and I thought that it was such a great resort for both kids and adults, it has everything and is my fav resort!

[Xavier's Mom]

I was checking out the Pop Century resort, and the All Star resort on line. I have to admit though, some of the moderate resorts look stunning and I'm thinking it might be worth the extra $$. I was thinking of the value resorts those two would be best suited for our whole family....but I can't get the idea out of my head that we might want to spend the extra and go for a moderate....And I was thinking too that I may want to wait until March or so to actually go. That would give me a few more months to save and Xavier would be VERY disapointed if it turned out to be too cold to swim.....he would love to go at night too. One time when we stayed at the DL resort he kept my DH and I in the Never Land Pool until 10:00 PM. But he loved it, so it was worth it. And he's 7 years old, he will be 8 when we go (almost 9 if I wait until spring 2007). Gosh, it seems so far away. When we took our Disney cruise we booked 1 year in advance and it seemed far away, but the year flew by, so I expect this will be the same way.
I'm so glad I will have TD to help me plan this...I know I said that before. I was thinking how much more we will get out of this vacation because of the fact that I have this connection, this sourse of information. This is just great. Thanks again every one.

[Piglet75]

For the moderates, I love Port Orleans French Quarter! It is much smaller than the other moderates and everything is centrally located. The food court was great and the pool is so cute, with the sea serpent slide. They also have a large hot tub for those cooler evenings. Another plus to POFQ is that you can take a water taxi to downtown disney, which is relaxing and fun. For the value resorts, my nephew really loved All Star Sports - we stayed in the "Surfs Up" building and it was really cute.

For the not to miss attractions:

MK - MIckey's Philharmagic!!!! Best 3D show ever! Your son may also like Stitch's Great Escape - my nephew loved it!

Epcot - Turtle Talk, and by the time you go the rumored new Nemo ride at the Living Seas should be open, Test Track - my favorite, and the Maelstrom in the Norway pavilion

Animal Kingdom - Festival of the Lion King is a MUST see - it is so good! I also LOVE Dinosaur, although it may be too scary - depends on your son. Primeval Whirl is a fun little coaster.

The Studios - I LOVE the SCI-FI Diner for the ambiance - I think a little boy would LOVE IT. I like the Great Movie Ride & I love Muppets 3D.

Also, I know you are planning on traveling in the Spring, but I think September is the best month at WDW. It isn't crowded, it's value season for prices, and it is still hot enough to enjoy swimming, day or night!

You are going to have a GREAT time!!! Enjoy your planning!

[KingdomHearts1]

hands down i think the best pool is Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club but my favorite hotel is Port Orleans Riverside