Help!! Starting to plan my first trip!!! - Page 2 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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There are other changes as well.
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It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
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A first trip to Disney... SO EXCITING! (and your kids are such a great age for it too)
We love both October and November. It sort of depends if you want Halloween or Christmas. We have done both a few times. I like mid November slightly more than October, but mostly because Disney is even more magical with holiday decorations.
Before we were DVC members, we used a TA. I remember our first trip as a married couple.... We used a TA and they were awesome. Now, I can't imagine not doing it myself, but we do a lot of Disney. I think you could go either way on this one.
For my family, dining plan is the way to go. I suggest deciding where you might want to eat and getting a general idea of the cost. We do a lot of buffets and character meals and the dining plans always save us money. Your kids are still very cheap on the dining plan, so it will likely save you money. Plus, it is just so easy!
Thanks everybody for the help!! I think we have decided on October, to use a TA, and I think we will go with the DP. I like the idea of haveing everything paid for up front and only money I have to take is for my souvieners. I'm sooooooo excited!!! I have waited almost 30 years for this!!! Been a Disney lover all my life!!! Can't wait to look down Main Street and see the castle the first time, I may just cry...lol!!
Thanks everybody for the help!! I think we have decided on October, to use a TA, and I think we will go with the DP. I like the idea of haveing everything paid for up front and only money I have to take is for my souvieners. I'm sooooooo excited!!! I have waited almost 30 years for this!!! Been a Disney lover all my life!!! Can't wait to look down Main Street and see the castle the first time, I may just cry...lol!!
Congrats!
I agree on using a TA, esp. for your first trip. Disney puts out promos, and a Disney Specialized TA will know when they are out, and automatically apply it to your res, so you are getting the best price for you. Disney often puts out multiple discounts, for the same time frame, so having a TA doing the Disney Math is great!
They can also advise you on which is the best time to go- cost wise & least crowds.
We love the DDP! I like to have dinner in a restaurant. And Disney restaurants are amazing, and very much part of the whole WDW experience to me. You have to make your dining res 180 days before arrival, or you risk not being able to get into some restaurants. We loved 1900 Park Fare, dinner has Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the Wicked Step mother & sisters. They are a riot!
For dining, Allears.net has menus of all the WDW restaurants. And Passporter has them all listed and rated.
For a first trip esp, I'd get some books to help planning. I like The Passporter, and WDW-The Unofficial Guide.
Welcome to the boards and congratulations on planning your first trip to WDW!! How exciting!
1. October is one of my favorite months to visit WDW. Crowds are moderate, and the weather is still warm enough to really enjoy the pools and water parks. Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is also held on select nights throughout the month as well.
2. Well, I am a Travel Agent who only deals with Disney Destinations so obviously you know my answer to this question Having a TA benefits you in many, many ways. The first being time. You won't have to sit on the phone making reservations, dining plans, and changes, etc. We do that for you. We are advocates for our clients. If something happens, even while you are at WDW, we are available 24/7 for assistance. This could include problems with check-in, flight issues, needing additional dining reservations and more. Whatever you need, we are here to help!
3. I find with two young children the basic dining plan is a great savings!! You won't be able to feed a child on $11.99 a day which is what the plan costs per child. A snack alone will cost you about $4. The basic dining plan will give each of you one table service, one quick service, on snack per night of stay. These credits can be used in any way you want!
4. To insure your choice of resort, I would book now. I have clients booked into Dec 2011 already. This also gives you time to make payments on the trip if you want instead of paying it all at once at the end.
I hope I've helped!!
5. We probably won't see offers announced for this time of year until late summer. But, another reason to book with a TA is that we watch for these specials and automatically get the discounts applied for you immediately. Even if you are paid in full, if a discount comes out that you can take advantage of you will receive a refund in the savings difference.
Let me just add that Judi is a great TA, who I used for booking my next trip. She is very helpful, esp. if this is your first trip. I have been to WDW, 11 times and still appreciate the help of a great TA.
Let me just add that Judi is a great TA, who I used for booking my next trip. She is very helpful, esp. if this is your first trip. I have been to WDW, 11 times and still appreciate the help of a great TA.
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Having a TA benefits you in many, many ways. The first being time. You won't have to sit on the phone making reservations, dining plans, and changes, etc. We do that for you. We are advocates for our clients. If something happens, even while you are at WDW, we are available 24/7 for assistance. This could include problems with check-in, flight issues, needing additional dining reservations and more. Whatever you need, we are here to help! 
Lisa 
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