DryCreek
Peter Pan (never grows up)
- Joined
- Sep 14, 2011
Hey folks, I'm back - with a few questions.
Last year I was all gung-ho on getting our annual early February trip planned and booked by August. That is my normal SOP for Disney trips. I couldn't get anything booked on site until (if I recall) almost September. I guess that was a good thing, as I had a major monkey wrench thrown into the equation. About the same time I was in full swing planning our annual getaway for the DW and I, it was hinted that I would likely have a work schedule change. I normally planned our big trip during one of my "seven-offs" that roll around every five weeks. Well, I have been moved off-shift to a regular position now. I work 4 tens (Mon. thru Thurs.). That's great for planning, but I didn't get the final word until only three weeks ago. Yup, I've been in limbo that long. Needless to say, I dropped our vacation planning until I knew the days I would have available, and my schedule. So, there is absolutely no way I can get everything planned for this month or next month. Late March and all of April are not available (refueling outage, no vacation allowed). How busy is mid May? I know schools here in Texas start letting out about then, but can't remember about the rest of the world since our son graduated five years ago. I don't really want to go during the summer rush. We did Disney twice during June, and the crowds made us miserable each time - especially if you are used to the February lulls.
OK, so how about early or mid October, or early November (skipping the haunted thingy crowds)? Do they offer special value seasons like the "mouse" does? We want to stay onsite, preferably at the Royal Pacific (based on cost). I am thinking on purchasing admission through Undercover Tourist, and then adding the meal plan when we arrive.
Days - since I work a nearly normal schedule now, I am betting that I can capitalize on better rates if we fly in early on a Monday, and depart on a Friday. That should give us a partial day (Mon.) and then three whole days to see both parks. Does that seem doable? Would it be better to arrive on a Sunday and go home on a Thursday instead?
Sorry about the loooonggg post - but I get OC about planning when it comes to vacations and parting with my hard-earned dollars.
ETA - just looked at rates, and the best deals appear to be April 21 through May 23 and May 27 through June 6. Which ones are the "goodest" as far as crowd levels?
Last year I was all gung-ho on getting our annual early February trip planned and booked by August. That is my normal SOP for Disney trips. I couldn't get anything booked on site until (if I recall) almost September. I guess that was a good thing, as I had a major monkey wrench thrown into the equation. About the same time I was in full swing planning our annual getaway for the DW and I, it was hinted that I would likely have a work schedule change. I normally planned our big trip during one of my "seven-offs" that roll around every five weeks. Well, I have been moved off-shift to a regular position now. I work 4 tens (Mon. thru Thurs.). That's great for planning, but I didn't get the final word until only three weeks ago. Yup, I've been in limbo that long. Needless to say, I dropped our vacation planning until I knew the days I would have available, and my schedule. So, there is absolutely no way I can get everything planned for this month or next month. Late March and all of April are not available (refueling outage, no vacation allowed). How busy is mid May? I know schools here in Texas start letting out about then, but can't remember about the rest of the world since our son graduated five years ago. I don't really want to go during the summer rush. We did Disney twice during June, and the crowds made us miserable each time - especially if you are used to the February lulls.
OK, so how about early or mid October, or early November (skipping the haunted thingy crowds)? Do they offer special value seasons like the "mouse" does? We want to stay onsite, preferably at the Royal Pacific (based on cost). I am thinking on purchasing admission through Undercover Tourist, and then adding the meal plan when we arrive.
Days - since I work a nearly normal schedule now, I am betting that I can capitalize on better rates if we fly in early on a Monday, and depart on a Friday. That should give us a partial day (Mon.) and then three whole days to see both parks. Does that seem doable? Would it be better to arrive on a Sunday and go home on a Thursday instead?
Sorry about the loooonggg post - but I get OC about planning when it comes to vacations and parting with my hard-earned dollars.
ETA - just looked at rates, and the best deals appear to be April 21 through May 23 and May 27 through June 6. Which ones are the "goodest" as far as crowd levels?