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Old 09-21-2010, 08:35 PM   #1
krmgator
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Question Planning for December 2011--When to start planning?

My wife, 12 y/o son and I went on our first trip to WDW this past April. Magical doesnt' describe our week!

Now we want to plan a trip for the 1st or 2nd week of December in 2011 to experience Christmas Disney Magic.

Any tips for planning that time of year? How soon is too soon?

Some things we learned from our April trip and what we want to do different:
1) DDP but only the QS plan
2)No moderate this time (stayed at POR)--it will either be economy or deluxe accommodations
3)Went by train from VA; I hate to fly but will (if properly medicated)

I thought start in earnest after the holidays, but planning the trip is half the fun.

Any thoughts, tips, suggestions, etc are welcome.
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Old 09-21-2010, 08:48 PM   #2
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We'll be there at the same time of year, next year!! Maybe we'll meet!!

Yes, I am already planning our trip, even though it is 63 weeks away. I know who is going and what our travel dates are. We usually fly AirTran and take the 7am nonstop from Indy and will undoubtedly do so again. And although POFQ is my favorite resort, I decided this weekend that we will be staying at Coronado Springs, since we can get a rollaway bed (and we really need that 3rd bed).

So is it too early for you to start planning? Gosh, I hope not...I'd have to jump if I didn't have a trip to enjoy planning...

BTW, absolutely DO NOT MISS the Osborne Family lights...I don't care where you're from or where you've been - you've never seen a holiday display like this one!

Happy planning!!
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Old 09-22-2010, 01:50 AM   #3
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I don't think it's ever too early to start planning. : Although flights don't come out for us until 11 months beforehand (and I never book anything else, until we have those in place), I'm always planning, looking at dates we could go and thinking about restaurants we want to eat at.
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Old 09-22-2010, 09:22 AM   #4
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I don't think it is too early to start planning at all. We are going in June 2011 and although we go every year this will be our first stay on property. We have always rented a vacation home and drove down from Chicago. This trip we are going all out, flying and staying on property to snag the little extras that WDW has to offer. Although I had it all worked out on where to stay and when to go before I called to booked it, after talking to the CM in reservations we also went with CSR for 5 nights/6 days, park hopper which we have never had before and the DDP. The price was right in our budget. We are truly excited about staying on property and being at a moderate resort. The CM in reservations was so helpful and took her time explaining everything and after I told my expectations and budget she found the right package for me and my family.
So I say start planning get all the details worked out and enjoy the excitement and anticipation of your trip
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Old 09-22-2010, 09:25 AM   #5
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I have lots of clients that already have their winter 2011 trips booked - it's not too early at all! Also, this December booked very quickly due to numerous events and free dining so securing your reservation early would be a good thing.
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Old 09-22-2010, 11:00 AM   #6
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It's NEVER too early to start planning a trip!! We're thinking Nov 2011 and have already been throwing around ideas about where to eat. Planning is half the fun and the early you do it, the more elaxing the trip. Happy Planning
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Old 09-22-2010, 11:09 AM   #7
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Since it's a December trip I'd start planning. There's so much to do during Christmas and possibly some decisions might need to be made as to what is most important.

Flights at that time of year might book up quickly. I looked at SW Airlines when the dates opened up and two weeks later the flights I wanted to take were no longer available.
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Old 09-22-2010, 11:53 AM   #8
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Never too early to plan. I was planning our two trips for this year as soon as I got home from last year's trip and already thinking of when to go next year.
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Old 09-22-2010, 02:18 PM   #9
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I'm not planning a trip until Feb 2012, and I'm already here. It never hurts to be up to date on all the new info. Planning way ahead also allows me LOTS of opportunities to perfect my trip! Have fun and take your time, as planning the trip, to me, is almost as fun as the trip itself!
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Old 09-22-2010, 02:41 PM   #10
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It's never too early to start planning. You can always have differents things mapped out. I am planning a trip in August 2012. I have already mapped out the parks and resturants. I know that it willchange over the next year many times but I like to be prepared. Since you are going in December it is good to start early. It may be a busy time of year especially with the airlines. Have fun!!!
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Old 09-22-2010, 04:02 PM   #11
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My mil and I are planning to be there the first full week of Dec 2011, too! How exciting!! This will be our first trip with just us girls! I didn't think I would start planning till January, but I'm already nailing down dates and such! I've even priced it out and cleared all that with mil! We have decided to do Poly! I've done Value and Mods (POR (x2), CBR, and CSR), so this time we're going to stay at Poly. It's my mil's dream resort! So, I guess that means I'm already planning! No ressies yet, but they will probably be made before January, too! The good news is that those of us who are early obsessive planners are in good company!
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