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Old 10-26-2003, 02:19 AM   #1
theGoof05
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Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

We will be making our first visit to WDW this spring and have some questions.

1. Has anyone ever booked anything thru these websites:
KingdomMagicTravel.com
OrlandoFloridaReservations.com

2. Does anyone familiar with this hotel: Ramada Plaze Hotel & Inn. We are thinking of staying here for a few days before staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. or (see 3.)

3. We would like to find a hotel closer to Universal Studios. Something fairly inexpensive with a kids 12/under eat free program.

4. I've heard the transportation system at WDW isn't that great. We are wondering if it's best to rent a car.

DT
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Old 10-26-2003, 02:41 AM   #2
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Hi and welcome to the boards!

The only thing I can help you with is WDW transportation. We've never had a problem with it, we've always found it to be very efficient. However, we always get a car as well, as we like to go off property to go shopping and it's worth having a car just for that and for getting to other resorts for dinner at night.
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Old 10-26-2003, 08:45 AM   #3
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Hi DT and welcome to the boards!

I'm afraid the only question I can help you with is the one regarding WDW transportation. On both our recent trips we didn't bother with a car rental and found WDW transportation to be excellent and most efficient. The only reason I can see for renting a car would be if you're planning on off-property travel. If so, you might want to consider renting one for solely that time period and not worrying about it for your actual Disney stay.

Joy
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Old 10-26-2003, 03:10 PM   #4
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Welcome, deek05!

While I haven't used either one of the websites you have listed, there are many people here who have used Your Magical Journeys and have had great luck with incredible rates.

I stayed at CBR a few years ago and it is by far my favorite Moderate resort to stay at. The rooms are larger than the other moderates and the decor is wonderful - very light and cheerful. The food court was very yummy with many choices for even the pickiest of eaters.

Finally, WDW transportation is very good. The buses run at good intervals to each park and back so if you miss one there will be a bus following it in very little time. If you do stay off-site a rental car is a must. My cousins stayed at the Holiday Inn near the Ramada you have listed and were going to rely on the free hotel shuttle. They gave up after two days becuase they didn't like having to arrange their schdelue to meet the shuttle schedule.

You may want to ask your hotel questions again in the "Staying in Style" forum where more people will see it.

I hope I have helped a little here!
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Old 10-26-2003, 04:02 PM   #5
kecall
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

I second using Magical Journeys!!! I have worked with Jean and Nanci, and they are WONDERFUL!! I would NOT go to Disney without their input!!

The key to "enjoying" the transportation at DW is to not be in a hurry....if you allow, for example, 1/2 hour to get from AK to FW you will be frustrated. If you "go with the flow" and allow plenty of time to get from one place to another, then using the DW transportation is a relaxing break.

karen
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Old 10-26-2003, 09:05 PM   #6
statelady01
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Hello..

I wanted to let you know there is a Hampton Inn and Wellsley Inn close to Universal Studios on Kirkman Road- they usually have some excellent rates but I don't think they have any kids eat free programs but there are some very reasonable places to eat nearby. There is a Holiday Inn at the entrance to Universal Studios but I have never stayed there as I never got a quoted a rate under $140.

Hope this helps!!
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Old 10-27-2003, 01:45 PM   #7
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Congratulations on your first trip to WDW!!

Like the others, the only thing I can help answer is the WDW transportation. It's very very good. Buses going everywhere. Sometimes it seems like a very long wait, but not usually.

You'll find lots of helpers here!!!

Wendy
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Old 11-28-2003, 12:35 PM   #8
TheGoof
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

I think my DB used one of those websites for his last trip, I am forwarding this to him to comment on. He is working today, so it will be later today before he could possibly respond.
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Old 11-28-2003, 05:09 PM   #9
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Re: Questions and ideas for upcoming trip (first trip to WDW)...

Hi Goof05 and Welcome.
The only question I can help with is on WDW trans.
We love it! We've gone to WDW 4 times and only
rented a car one day to go to Kennedy Space Center.
They run constantly and if you plan with a little
time cushion you should be fine. I love not driving
in traffic or worrying about directions. Good Luck!
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