Help planning trip for Jan. 2009 with DH, DD(13) and DS (2.5)

[breandconsmom]

Hi everyone! I am new to this forum and need help planning a trip for January 2009. We are considering going from Jan. 3rd to Jan. 9th. I will be taking my DD (12) out of school for the week so we can go at a less busy time. We also have a DS who will be 2 1/2 and this will be his first trip to Disney. DH and I have been 3 times since Jan. 2001. DD has been 2 times. First visit Jan. 2001, last visit April 2004. Since we have all been except our DS, we know it can be a more relaxed trip, so he can enjoy his first Disney experience. I have planned the trip myself before and used AAA travel agents. I don't want to spend money I don't have too, yet I do want us to have a great vacation. We have stayed at All Star Movie, Pop Century and PO French Quarter and are considering a Deluxe resort this trip.


Scratch the above dates. We are now planning on booking in early December (6-12). Any advice for these dates. Also has anyone attended the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party? How is it? Can I pre order tickets and where?


Here are some of the questions I have:

Is this is a good time to go to WDW? If so when should I book our room?

We are considering staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge, are they worth the money for the amount of time you are in your room? We will probably have 2 days of free time (no park tickets)?

Questions to ask when booking? Do I book directly with WDW?

Should I book everything separately or go for a package once they are available?

I could go on for hours, as I am sure you all know. Any help you could give me would be great.

 

[minniekissedme]

Here are some of the questions I have:

Is this is a good time to go to WDW? If so when should I book our room?

We are considering staying at Animal Kingdom Lodge or Wilderness Lodge, are they worth the money for the amount of time you are in your room? We will probably have 2 days of free time (no park tickets)?

Questions to ask when booking? Do I book directly with WDW?

Should I book everything separately or go for a package once they are available?

I could go on for hours, as I am sure you all know. Any help you could give me would be great.

1. We've gone a bit later in January three times...we've enjoyed the smaller crowds. Weather can be "iffy" and you should be prepared for both hot and cold...
2. We've done the cabins and POR. Never a deluxe. POR was more than enough for us because of the lack of time we did spend at the resort. We're now DVC owners and have been to WDW four straight years. We don't want or need to spend all day in the parks like we have in the past so we plan to enjoy the resort more...it's all about what you plan to do with your days. One of your "off" days can be spent at DTD...plenty of activity there.
3/4. Never hurts to start calling around or visiting the Disney website and check prices. It is the least expensive time to go. We've done Jan trips booking in Nov/Dec. There usually will be availability. We're about value so we shop prices and packages until we get what we want. Someone always has a better deal. Having said that we have always booked thru Disney.

One thing to consider is the dining plan...if you enjoy table service dinners it may be something to think about doing. It doesn't work for all...there's a whole area on the DISboards dedicated to the dining plan/restaurants. Look into though...you may find it works for you.

The boards have different threads that share info on codes, more tips, etc. You have plenty of time...do your homework and you'll get exactly what you want.

Have a ball!