Plan a trip on 5 weeks notice

Food & Wine definitely has an impact on crowds, especially on the weekends and Friday evening. If possible, plan your time to be in Epcot during the week, and visit the other parks over the weekend.

I haven't been there, but Wilderness Lodge is supposed to be nicely themed. Then again, the Yacht Club is so close to Epcot - you could walk in the back door to enjoy the Food & Wine festival. There are a lot of resort reviews on allears.net - that might help narrow down some of your choices. There are also some blogs about many of the resorts - with many pics and some even have videos.

Are you going to wear a costume to the Halloween party? I really hope to go to that one year.

How exciting! I'd be in hyper drive too with just 5 weeks to plan

I've always wanted to stay at the Yacht Club, there are some really fantastic views on the water side. My husband and I have spent a lot of time there just walking around and eating, it's one of my favorites even though I haven't stayed there yet. I think that all of the Deluxe Resorts really have amazing themes, and I've heard that Coronado Springs and Port Orleans have that immersive feel as well. It all depends on what themes you enjoy most.

I agree with Suz that F&W will impact the crowds a bit. I'd suggest doing Epcot earlier in the week rather than on the weekend to cut down on that traffic, or to make Epcot your morning stop and park hop elsewhere when the crowds start to bother you.

Here is a link that might help with crowd expectations. I've found Josh's info to be very accurate and he gives a ton of details that can help you decide between his recommended parks.

http://www.easywdw.com/category/calendar/october2011/

As for where to stay, I might consider what you are going to be doing as well as the theming. If you know that you want to hop over to Epcot daily to sample the F&W goodies, being walking distance would be a great time savings. That would be hugely important to me.

I can only vaguely comment on theming. We are park commandos, and don't spend that much time in our rooms. That said we've stayed in POFQ and POR. Both were beautiful and well themed, but the rooms themselves are a bit sparse on decor, especially compared with the pix I've seen in people's trip reports from Lux resorts. I love POFQ, and we are going back in Feb.

I did our first two trips like this, and it was an incredible long adrenaline rush of excitement. If weren't for the ADRs I'd do it
like this every time.

Good Luck and

I've heard that Wilderness Lodge is very nice like Animal Kingdom Lodge and simairly designed....they were designed by the same person

Helen - congrats! So exciting that you'll be back this way so soon!

I would definitely check out Wilderness Lodge. Also, if being close to Magic Kingdom interests you, we have some die hard fans of the Polynesian. And I really love the Grand Floridian, although it's not such a magical theme...just really, really pretty. Finally, I really liked the pirate rooms at Caribbean Beach Resort - they were adorable. But for ease of travel, and if your budget allows it, staying at an MK resort or an Epcot resort would be the way to go, imo. Here aer a couple of fansites that might have some helpful information. Good luck - I think you'll love the food and wine fest!

http://www.disneycaribbeanbeach.com/
http://www.wildernesslodgesite.com/

Not an Aussie, though I've always wanted to go, the plane trip is a serious deterrent.

I'm Brooklyn>Manhattan>California>NJ and I wonder where my next stop will be, though it will have to be near water, my big little guy has just started sailing.

looking forward to hearing what ADRs you got. Are you getting the dining plan? If so you can use the snack credits at the Food & Wine festival.

My Pleasure! Oh, I can't wait to hear all about your trip! It is just SO LOVELY here in the fall! Oct-Jan is hands down the best time to visit Central FL, imo! Good luck!

Absolutely Happy to help a fellow Disney fan, and last minute traveller.

You're going to have a blast! Perhaps you'll favor us with your thoughts on the trip.

Hi, Helen,

I'm in a very similar situation, only my trip is 7 weeks out. I had a trip in early September I had to plan for so I haven't had any time to think about my WDW trip, beyond booking airfare and 5 nights hotel at WDW. I still need to book 2 nights at or near Universal, and buy park tickets, and plan my time, including make ADRs if needed. Yikes! I'll pay attention to this thread for some good advice for sure!

What an awesome time! Since it's only 5 weeks out, how about going with a fairly non-planned trip. You've got some ADR's and your tix/room, just go with the flow when you get there. Since it's F&W & MNSHHP, you might find that you want to just wander rather than follow a plan.

I've heard OKW is really nice, but have never stayed there.

I don't see any character meals, if you want one of those be sure to do an advanced ADR, otherwise I think i'd just go with the flow.

Also, if you are on DDP, a friend told me you can use snack credits at F&W.

It would be my dream to plan a trip on such short notice!! You are going to have a fantastic time!

Have you ever eaten at Olivia's before? I really enjoyed eating there..there is a fantastic server there named John (apparently he's one of those guys that has been there forever). He was amazing..seriously the best server I've ever had.

We loved staying at OKW it was like staying in your own private condo with all the perks of Disney. We'd love to stay there again!

OMG, you're DONE already?!? You are GOOD, oh Planning Queen.

LoL... if you ask my DH about vacation he will tell you that it's my trip and he's just along for the ride. Which is sorta true, but I do try and plan a lot around things that I know he'll enjoy. I'm a little too worried that there are going to be to many meet -n-greets for him next week.

Helen - the trip looks great! You're going to have a blast!

It might have been me but I am not a huge key lime fan but I did have it and it was good! It was creamier than most..which I like because the really tart stuff makes me all stabby.

We stayed at the Yacht Club last year for our 15th wedding anniversary. Loved it! Makes you feel like you are in Nantucket circa 1890. The CM's are all helpful. Our room overlooked the tennis courts. We also had a quiet pool nearby but how can you not go to Storm Along Bay? BEST POOL EVER!!!!! The slide down the grounded pirate ship is unbelievable!

If you like the nautical feel with a touch of elegance, stay there.

Looking for a moderate, the BEST is Port Orleans Riverside. This is our favorite "Moderate" resort. We always stay in the mansion section. Love the whole "Old South" look. You feel transported back to the 1800's. Landscaping is beautiful.