Q&A with Virgin Holidays - Ask your questions & share your tips on going to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida - 3x £100 vouchers to be won

[EllieMumsnet]

We're going to have the Virgin Holidays experts online on Monday 17th June from 1:30pm - 3:00pm to answer your questions on how to get the most out of a trip to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, from the great value Disney Dining Plans to what to take with you into the Disney Parks, best attractions for different ages or how the Disney FastPass+ service works. This Q&A will work a little like our Live Webchats if any of you have taken part in one before - just ask a question below for the experts at Virgin Holidays to answer!

Not only would we love you to ask your questions below for Virgin Holidays to answer but we’d also like you to share any top tips or helpful advice you may have for other MNers thinking of going to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Here’s what Virgin Holidays have to say: “Planning a dream family holiday to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida can seem a little daunting. What was once ‘just’ the amazing Magic Kingdom Park, is now four entertainment-filled theme parks, plus two water parks, covering a total area the size of San Francisco. And that’s before you add in Disney Springs — packed with shopping, restaurants and attractions in its own right.

Don’t leave the holiday of a lifetime to chance. Here at Virgin Holiday’s we’ve got a whole team of Disney experts to help you with the planning now so you can enjoy the Disney magic even more.”

Post your question for Virgin Holidays and they will be online to answer them on Monday 17th June . Everyone who posts a question or shares a tip will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will win a £100 voucher each of their choice (from a list).*

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply
Webchat guidelines - one question each (follow-ups allowed if there’s time)

*The Walt Disney Company Limited has no responsibility whatsoever with the running of this Prize Draw and shall not be liable for any losses, damages, or costs should a reader make any claim against the promoter as a result of the running of this Prize Draw.

My best tip is to take snacks and fruit for the parks. We always take a multipack of crisp in our suitcase they are handy while waiting in a long queue for rides in the parks, kids get hungry and bored it keeps you going in between meals. If you can freeze bottles of water it will slowly melt and stay cold during the day. Less expensive than buying in the parks. If you have a pram or buggy everything can go in the basket saves carrying it.

Is it possible to sort it all out well in advance and then forget about the trip for months - that's what I'd like to do!

@crosser62

WDW prep school have excellent crowd calendars which show when American school holidays/public holidays/events are on & the corresponding crowd levels.

How much better is the American one than the French one?

My tips would be to get to the parks early, all wear hats, keep hydrated and allow plenty of time. Push chairs are a good idea for young children due to how tiring it can be.

Hi @starray Well done for taking the first step, I completely understand that it can appear to be completely overwhelming, but, please don’t fear, it’s what we are here for! You’re spot on, we do have some incredible offers on at the moment! My top piece of advice would be to book an appointment with one of our in store Florida Experts, you can find this feature on our website under Store Locator, we have stores all over the country. They will be able to best look at your needs and top wants for your dream holiday, to make sure we get you a perfect match. One thing I would absolute recommend doing is staying onsite at one of the Disney Resort on site hotels. They have different hotels and resorts for all budgets, and the best offer we have at the moment for 2020 arrivals is the “Free Disney Dining” offer. It’s our number one offer and it can’t be beaten! If you son is into Star Wars, you might have seen that Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge is opening at the end of this summer, and it’s one not to be missed!

@starray

Just looked at your website and I'm overwhelmed by all the different offers (which look amazing by the way!) Where is the best place to start for a three person family with a 9 year old boy?

Hi @AndNoneForGretchenWieners Firstly, I love your handle, Mean Girls is one of my favourite films! Onto the matter in hand – our Disney Ultimate Ticket! You are spot on, the Ultimate Ticket does in-fact include a daily round of mini golf at either Disney’s Winter Summerland or Disney’s Fantasia Gardens miniature golf courses. Awesome!

@AndNoneForGretchenWieners

My question is, is the Disney mini golf included in the ultimate 14 day park ticket? I have never done anything other than the main parks, but this year we are going for the first time without my husband after he died, so are looking for new experiences. If it's not included, where can I find information about booking it? we are staying offsite at Lake Buena Vista.

Hi TrollTheRespawnJeremy! As the Number One Tour Operator to the Sunshine State, we absolutely do! We feature a whole array of different properties, whether it’s on site Disney properties, villas or other hotel chains, we’ve got you covered! When booking a package with Virgin Holidays, we can take care of absolutely everything, from your UK airport parking, to our exclusive Virgin Holiday’s lounges at Manchester and Gatwick, your flights with Virgin Atlantic, your car hire or transfers, all park tickets and your accommodation, we really are a one stop shop!

@TrollTheRespawnJeremy

Does Virgin book Disney property hotels as well? Is there any additional perks to booking through virgin rather than Disney direct?

Hi @sunshinefinally This is a very valid point, trips to Florida are trips of a life time, and that’s why we love making dreams become a reality for our guests! The great news is, we are currently on sale until April 2021! With regards to payment plans, I have even more great news! We offer a low deposit scheme and direct debit options, so that the costs can be spread out, right up until 12 weeks before you travel, alternatively, you can keep the money in your bank, and just do one payment on your balance due date, it is completely up to you. The great news is, we also have so many different ways to pay. You can pay over the phone, in store, online, or either on our brand spanking new travel app – It has a wicked countdown feature too! If you choose to stay in one of our gorgeous villas, you have the option to either choose a specific complex at time of booking, or go for one of our villas that is allocated upon arrival, it is completely up to you!

@sunshinefinally

As holidays to Florida are a trip of a life time to most people.... can virgin not offer a payment plan? Or release holidays maybe 2.5 years ahead of time so it helps people save up/pay off?

Also if staying in a villa do you find out before your going where it is/name of it before you go?

Thanks

Tip for Disney would just be to enjoy the magic, don't sweat the small stuff and leave behind petty arguments.

@EllieMumsnet were any mumsnetters selected as voucher winners from this sponsored Q and A please ? TIA

Make the most of the all you can eat breakfast so you only need a snack at lunch - then fill your boots again at an all can eat buffet at tea time!

Oh and I don't know if it's still true but when I first went over 20 years ago I was told to queue on the left as it tends to be quicker!???!

@EllieMumsnet Hi Ellie, have the winners of this sponsored Q and A been contacted ?

Hi @EllieMumsnet have the winners from this thread been notified please ?

Hi @blackleggingsandatshirt & @lillypopdaisyduke apologies for the massive delay on this, I have recently moved teams so unfortunately this slipped through the net, apologies again for this

The 3 winners have now been notified by email.

Plan before you go
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Decide early how to use your fast passes
Stay reasonably close to the parks
We found Uber a good way to get around
Go early if you can - particularly if you are there when it is very hot
Have a break day - do not try to go to the parks every day

How many rides could a 3 year old go on? Is it worth waiting a year or two?

Absolutely plan ahead... if you can book when the free dining offers are on, saves so much money! Always stayed in the Disney hotel too as there are lots of perks!

Visit downtown Kissimmee when they have the car shows on! A great night - treat yourself to a cocktail in a hollowed out pineapple whilst you’re there :)