Planning a trip to Disney

We're looking to plan our first Disney vacation. DD#1 talks about it constantly (she's 4 and really into Disney princess stuff)...DD#2 is 10 weeks and won't have a clue.

We want to go in May.

Any tips on how to get started planning the trip. I have never planned anything like this before.

Thanks!

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

www.allearsnet.com is a fantastic website to plan, especially if it is your first trip!

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

www.disboards.com

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

There's a great thread on the travel board for this!
Disney

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

I bought the 2009 book Unofficial Guide to Disney - great book for reviews on everything! If you stay on Disney property - it even tells you which rooms to request for the quiet and great views from your room.

To have food delivered to your room to save $$$
Garden Grocer

Mouse Savers

Disboards

WDW base tickets

AAA


wdwmagic

I may have some other sites at home to review.

Other than these, the women on LIF have given me great suggestions on dining as well.

I am shipping things down ahead of time - items that I won't be bringing back. The things on my list are a little bulky right now.

HTH


also, allears.net is a great site!

Message edited 10/16/2008 8:57:46 AM.

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

Hi,

I have planned several trips there for DH and I and our most recent trip (we just got back a little less than 2 weeks ago), I have also helped several friends plan their trip so you can feel free to FM if you have questions....

Just so you know under 3 they are free - so you don't pay for hotel or park tickets - only for meals IF you order then something at a sit down (buffets and family style they are free) otherwise they are free if you feed them off your plate.

All the parks have really nice baby centers with supplies if you need medicine, diapers, change of clothes, drinks, baby food, formula etc. They have nursing rooms, rooms for the kids to watch TV and play while you change another child.

I like The Unofficial Guide to disneyworld - I find that they give you TONS of information from rides, hotels, restaurants, packages etc. It is a great book - although not all the info is up to date which is why I mostly rely on these sites below but the book is really great!!

I find these sites to be the most helpful:

Mousesavers

Mousesavers is a great site - I would go there first - and give it a glance - the site covers all packages, etc and then tells you what is the best value. It will also give you ALL codes that are currently out there so you can try to get some money off your package - unfortunately there probably won't be any codes out this early but what many people do is go ahead and book then when a code is released they call immediately and have their package altered to the code.

The site also gives all the codes for rental cars etc. We just got a great deal for a 8 day rental for a mini van. (hint though prices get cheaper the closer to your departure).

Allearsnet

This site has a ton useful info too - from menus from every counter service and table service restaurant in WDW. You will also find info on all the hotels, pictures and what rides, hotels are undergoing rehabs or closures. They also have tips about traveling with children and break somethings down by age.

Disboards

This is a posting board all about disney - there are sections on the parks, hotels, restaurants, dining plan, budgeting, transportation etc. Also they have an area on non disney things like Universal Studios etc if you plan to go there too.

If your DD is into princess you might want to consider trying to get reservations at CT (dining in the castle) or a princess meal at Akursus. Both I think take a lot of planning as you have to book them well in advance and it is very hard to get ressies for breakfast or lunch at CT.

BTW we say tons of girls in the parks wearing their princess dresses and they got tons of attention from everyone.

Re: Planning a trip to Disney

Oh thank you everyone! This is so incredibly helpful!!!!!!! Thanks again!!!