PLEASE HELP: Generic Planning for a trip in Aug/Sept 09 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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PLEASE HELP: Generic Planning for a trip in Aug/Sept 09
I had SO MUCH FUN on my recent trip to Disney, that I'd like to make plans to go again late next summer.
I know it is REALLY early to make plans, and I know that Disney 2009 pricing isn't even available (at least not on their website), but I am trying to get a sense of the BEST ways to save money.
My "tenative" plans:
Take only 2 (DD13 and DS11) of my 3 kids (DD15 is "unimpressed" and would likely not want to go--I'd certainly allow her to come if she wanted, but I am not holding my breath) and leave my DH at home. He is 100% fine with that (who am I kidding--he says he is 100% fine with it, but in reality he is probably only 90% fine with it--he says he does not understand why I want to go again so soon, and claims he does not want to go again)
Go from 8/29/09 thru 9/5/09 (I know, I know--hurricane season--yes I'd buy insurance)
Stay in a moderate--possibly CS (we have always stayed in the Beach Club in the past)
Take advantage of free dining (hoping they will offer again)--I do have a Disney Visa.
Spend 2 days in the waterparks (possibly going to a park at night) and 1 day at each of the 4 parks--no need to park hop.
What are everyone's best money saving tips? What potentially expensive blunders am I making? What is the cheapest way to book?
Please chime in an let me know the error of my ways!! I so appreciate the wealth of knowledge you are able to provide!!
Looks like you are pretty prepared already! You've got the Disney Visa, which can save you money and you already know about the possible free dining. Are you planning flying? Depending on where you are for airports, you can start monitoring flights when they open up. If you are planning to utilize Magical Express, you'll save yourself a car rental.
Create a savings jug where you throw your change & dollar bills for spending money. Start the kids with their banks so they have their own spending money too, that helps cut down on some of the "I want's".
You've visited WDW before, so you know the basics of the parks which will help you for this next trip. You know which things you can skip, or are MUST do's for you and your family. It seems like you've got a pretty decent handle on things so far, so relax and take things as they come with the planning. The 2009 rates should be released soon, and then you can see the exact cost of your package.
Happy planning!
__________________
Denise
Counting down to....
May 2017 - Poly (Grandma's 1st Trip to WDW)
Sept 2017 - DH's bday celebration
Aug 2018 - DCL Family cruise on the Dream
Last edited by wdwlovers; 07-24-2008 at 11:54 AM..
For me, I book out as far as I can and make payments on it each month as if it were a bill. Rates for 09 should be coming out in August so in theory you'd be able to book this vacation next month & thus start making payments on it.
I almost rarely have cash on me; when I do, all of the change (coin) I receive goes in a great big piggy bank. I don't take it to coinstar, I wrap it all up by hand and cash it in. I also try to take $20 from each paycheck and put in the jar and this is our spending money.
Anyone have any advice about whether I should go directly thru Disney, or one of the Authorized Disney Vacation Planner Websites? And when I should start the reservation process?
Sounds like you have some really great plans. The pricing should be in soon for 2009, but airfare doesn't go on sale until about 300-330 days before travel (if you need it). Usually the deposit to hold your trip is small, the wholesalers my travel agency uses usually require about $200 plus insurance if you opt for it, and then you can save up on your own and pay it in full 30-45 days before you leave or make monthly payments.
I of course would recommend using a travel agent (wink, wink,) that specializes in Disney & they can add promo's to your package as they become available over time.
Have a wonderful time planning...it is SOOO much fun.
Do you belong to AAA - if you do you might want to call a AAA TA and see hwat kind of discount you can get. You can book packages through them - the discount will only be on the room portion but you can get a nice savings....
It sounds like you are planning on not paying for the park hopper option, if that is so and you get free dining remember you will have to eat in that days park choice. Also check and see if paying for 2 one day waterpark tickets is more or less than adding the waterpark and more option. I believe the waterpark option is $50 per ticket.
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1988/89 - Offsite, 1998 - All Star Sports
2002 - Caribbean Beach, 2003 - Wilderness Lodge
2005 - Yacht Club, 2006 - Grand California & Polynesian, 2008 - Grand Floridan
April 2009 - Boardwalk , September 2009 - PO French Quarter, 2010 - Polynesian
April 2011 - 1st Cruise
September 2011 - Beach Club
I always use a Disney approved TA - they keep an eye out for discounts, and they also do all of my ADRs as soon as it is possible. Last summer I had all my ADRs done, and about 6 weeks before the trip I decided to surprise my DD (18) with breakfast at CRT - just the two of us. My TA was able to get me the table, used her magic, and I was able to pay for it the day of the breakfast (in most cases you have to give a charge card, and it is charged when the ressie is confirmed) so there are definitely advantages with an agent.
It's never too early to start planning and with the 2009 rates potentially coming out in the next few weeks you'll be able to book. You can put the deposit down and make payments as you have the money or wait until 45 days before the trip and pay the whole balance. You can also use the Disney Visa deal. Even if you book now a TA or yourself can watch for any discounts and see if they apply, same with free DDP if it is offered. TAs should also be able to make your ADRs for you.
Well this next trip I am going to go thru a travel agent. And she is somebody here who we all know and love!!! But I am not gonna mention her name without her permission!!! I am counting on her to tie up all the loose ends after I give her money and major plans!!!
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You've got the Disney Visa, which can save you money and you already know about the possible free dining. Are you planning flying? Depending on where you are for airports, you can start monitoring flights when they open up. If you are planning to utilize Magical Express, you'll save yourself a car rental. 
(wink, wink,) that specializes in Disney & they can add promo's to your package as they become available over time.
*Ginger*
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