Disney Planning for Dining and Parks

If any of you Disney experts would like to share information it would be much appreciated!

We are thinking of going to Disney the first or second week of March 2013 with our DD who will be almost 2 at the time we go. We are planning on using our Timeshare which is not a Disney Resort but is on Disney Property. The reviews say you can see the Fireworks and Epcot from the resort.

Here are my questions:

-Is March a good time of year to go? I know the weather will be fine but I am wondering about crowds and lines.

-We will be going for 7 days but realistically would only use the parks for 5 days. Should we get a 5 day Park hopper pass or just a 5 day pass

-Since our lodging will have a full kitchen, should we get a meal plan and if so which would you suggest. We will probably eat one meal at the hotel per day (breakfast or lunch)

-Since we are going with a Toddler and she still naps (she is currently napping 2x a day but I think it will be 1x a day by then) should we make a detailed schedule of each day we will be there or just wing it? I have not been to WDW since 1998 and when I was there we just winged it because we only went to MK.

-What attractions are a must see with a Toddler and which ones shouldn't be too high on the priority list?

I should probably sit down with a WDW travel expert but I thought I would start with LIF first.

TIA!

Message edited 8/8/2012 12:08:02 PM.

Re: Disney Planning for Dining and Parks

March can be challenging for crowds. The end of March will be busier than the beginning of March. It depends on Easter breaks (I believe Easter is the first week of April in 2013) and college spring breaks. With the exception of Easter, it won't be close the parks crowded, but it will definitely be more crowded than say the last week of February.

Parkhopper passes depend on your style of touring the parks. If you plan on doing just one park a day, it's not worth the money at all. If you plan on spending the morning in one park and maybe having dinner in a different park, then it's worth it.

You cannot get a Disney Dining Plan unless you are staying at a Disney Resort. If you are staying on your timeshare and want to still have the benefit of a full kitchen but do the meal plan, maybe you can swap your timeshare points for a DVC stay.

We never really go with a schedule (except for some dinner resssies) but we don't travel with children so I can't answer any of your other questions.

Re: Disney Planning for Dining and Parks

first week in march should be good. after that, crowd level will be very high because of spring break season.
Get The Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids (they should be coming out with 2013 version in Sept/Oct) - this is the only thing you need! It will tell you everything about the parks, rides, restaurants, etc. that you will need to know to go with you LO.