2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[sandym718]

Our 2009 trip has now been permanently relocated to April. The reason being job conflicts. I am soooo nervous... Easter is April 12th next year. Can anyone shed any light into the crowd possibilities and when might be the BEST time (less crowded) in April?? I was thinking the later the better and we might dodge *MOST* of the spring break crowds. Opinions anyone??? TIA!

I'd be willing to bet that the later you go, the better the crowds would be. A lot of school districts do spring break before Easter now (especially with it being so late next year). We went in 2007 overlapping end of April/beg. of May. For 2009, there's really no overlap - so I debated, last week of April or first week of May? I've decided on the May - mainly so I'm not just pulling DS right back out of school again (his spring break is Easter week). I would think by the last week in April very few, if any, schools are having spring breaks - school is so close to being done. Of course, some schools are year-round now, but their breaks could be any time of year, really.

I am so glad that I am not the only one planning for 2009. My DH thinks I am insane! I just can't wait to get back!! We stayed at the Wilderness this past July. Our next trip will be June of '09. (We have to go in the summer since I am a teacher.)
Does anyone know how early you can book rooms in advance? We are thinking about staying at the All Star Music family suites since there are six of us and the kids are to young to stay in a room by themselves. I am worried about not getting a room there since there are not a ton of the suites.

You can book room-only 500 days in advance, which may be coming up soon for you. It's probably advisable to book earlier rathter than later to guarantee getting a suite.

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like the last week in April will be best then. Now, we just have to decide how many nights we can swing.... We will do at least 5, but I would love to do 6 or 7. The resort has definitely been decided though!! Coronado Springs, here we come!

 

[sandym718]

What else is everyone doing planning-wise?

Not too much here, just lots of reading of the boards. I think I've decided where we'll stay our first night (off-site, just for probably about 12 hours) before checking into the Poly. I'm thinking the Country Inn and Suites Calypso Cay. We stayed at a Country Inn up in Niagara Falls in September and loved it. SUPER clean, cookies at the front desk, Great Continental breakfast. We enjoyed our trip there and DD keeps asking to go back to the FAlls - if you ask her why, it's b/c she wants the breakfast stuff they had at the hotel, LOL!!

So, I started looking and the Country Inn at Calypso Cay looks really nice. Nice pool with a small slide the kids should enjoy (after the LONG car ride the kids can take a quick dip). And the breakfast should be nice so we can get on the move quickly to check in at the Poly and head to the MK. AAA rate should be around $89/night, not too bad. And DD should be thrilled, LOL!

Another thing decided! I love this planning stuff!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

I just keep reading several message boards just waiting until August gets here so I can actually book. I have mostly everything planned out in my head but after we officially book I will set my husband down and have him plan our days out. That way he will feel included.


Oh, and I am excited because my ticker just changed the total months left!!!!

 

[Micka Mouse]

What else is everyone doing planning-wise?

Not too much here, just lots of reading of the boards. I think I've decided where we'll stay our first night (off-site, just for probably about 12 hours) before checking into the Poly. I'm thinking the Country Inn and Suites Calypso Cay. We stayed at a Country Inn up in Niagara Falls in September and loved it. SUPER clean, cookies at the front desk, Great Continental breakfast. We enjoyed our trip there and DD keeps asking to go back to the FAlls - if you ask her why, it's b/c she wants the breakfast stuff they had at the hotel, LOL!!

So, I started looking and the Country Inn at Calypso Cay looks really nice. Nice pool with a small slide the kids should enjoy (after the LONG car ride the kids can take a quick dip). And the breakfast should be nice so we can get on the move quickly to check in at the Poly and head to the MK. AAA rate should be around $89/night, not too bad. And DD should be thrilled, LOL!

Another thing decided! I love this planning stuff!

That's great! Good idea to stay somewhere else the night before. That way, you're refreshed and ready to go the next day. We'll be driving up from a visit with dh's dad in Madeira Beach, which is about 2 1/2 hours away. I'd like to get there by 12 or 1, and hit Epcot. The park is likely to change, since I have gobs of planning time ahead of me, but I really wanted to start out with the Princess Dinner at Akershus.

I just keep reading several message boards just waiting until August gets here so I can actually book. I have mostly everything planned out in my head but after we officially book I will set my husband down and have him plan our days out. That way he will feel included. Oh, and I am excited because my ticker just changed the total months left!!!!

I love my WDW with Kids book. I loaned it to a coworker yesterday, and today is a snowday, so I'm stuck without it !!!!!!! How will I manage??????

 

[hockeymom2boys]

Looking forward to going summer of 2009, probably end of June, still deciding, looking at POFQ, stayed there in 2006 and was very pleased.

 

[arkansas mom]

Hey everybody!
I've been away since last Friday, so now I have a lot of catching up to do. I'll get the list updated asap!

 

[arkansas mom]

This should be current and somewhat accurate. If I'm wrong about your name/dates/resort or if you want to change something or if you just want to say hi, either post or PM me!



Jan '09
pigletforever--Dec.31-Jan. 12--AKL
My2Angels
tink52937
DiznEeyore
mom2taylorandemily
DISNEYRIFFIC
missmunn52
disneyquilter
danceintherain
luvmickey
I Believe n Fairies
Pakey
Mickey1974
Maddie2--Jan. 24-Feb. 4--Pop Century
bunnysmum
hroyale
mommy2aprincess4
mattsmom2000--Jan.17-24--AsSports
TaraZ

Feb '09
GeminiAngel--Feb. 3-13
Brave teacher
lovingmy2boys
dpwright
2poohbears--Feb. 21-March 1

March '09
emilyclaire (or April)
ty&brenmom
candizfan--March 14-21--Disney Magic
traceyr13
swimgalsmom
Shifletjl--March 21-28
fluke703

April '09
terri01p--FW
staceyshearrion
DISNEYmooner2008--CSR


May '09
sandym718--May 1-8--Poly
pixidustprincess
LizAgna (or June)
danceintherain
Nanabug02--May 16-25--Wilderness Lodge
daisy 77--May 19-29--Poly or WL
misricsmith
eacatwork (or Dec)
arkansas mom--May 31-June 12--Pop Century
dbarker
wvnative
rentayenta--Poly

June '09
catbertdave99--June 6-16--CBR
pooh2001
2ScottishPrincesses
CinderellasSister
flea1267
Magalex
mapmakerj
DizneeMommy--Pop Century
Blythep--Wonder/Pop Century
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva
organizedmom75--AsMusic
hockeymom2boys

July '09
bennythepug
raestr
Micka Mouse--July 12-20--Pop
FizBan257

Aug '09
gwcollins71--Pop
tinkercat
garada3
foltzy
kitkat324
aussieinvasion
DisneyMommyMichelle--August 28-Sept. 6--Wonder/Pop Century
POOHLUV69--CBR
DT83097
Llist
debsters41

Sept '09
sassypatty
TyRy (or Nov.)
Mrs Grumpy--Sept.12-22--Pop Century
katieloubear--Sept 18-27
JadeOfTheJungle--AKL
ChicagoMommy2Two--ASMu
Jrabbit910--or maybe Nov.?

Oct '09
Lovemy3babes (or Nov.)
mickey2minnie1
DisneyGuess
tikkipoo-- Oct. 17-24--POR
Nanb--Oct. 25-Nov 1--AKL
golden1--WLV

Nov '09
fwdtraveler
CJsMom--Nov. 26-Dec.5--Pop and POR
WantToGoNow
Bride In The Attic
lovelykccat

Dec '09
phisigprincess
svalencia1
Disneenut
nemofans
Ozdisney
kupperman
CANDICE--WL
raider97--Dec. 17-25--POR
Piglets Mommy
Eoywin


Post your info, and I'll update the list!

 

[Mrs Grumpy]

Wow! We are getting a great list going!!! It is so much fun planning with you guys.

 

[POOHLUV69]

What else is everyone doing planning-wise?

Not too much here, just lots of reading of the boards. I think I've decided where we'll stay our first night (off-site, just for probably about 12 hours) before checking into the Poly. I'm thinking the Country Inn and Suites Calypso Cay. We stayed at a Country Inn up in Niagara Falls in September and loved it. SUPER clean, cookies at the front desk, Great Continental breakfast. We enjoyed our trip there and DD keeps asking to go back to the FAlls - if you ask her why, it's b/c she wants the breakfast stuff they had at the hotel, LOL!!

So, I started looking and the Country Inn at Calypso Cay looks really nice. Nice pool with a small slide the kids should enjoy (after the LONG car ride the kids can take a quick dip). And the breakfast should be nice so we can get on the move quickly to check in at the Poly and head to the MK. AAA rate should be around $89/night, not too bad. And DD should be thrilled, LOL!

Another thing decided! I love this planning stuff!

I've just been reading the boards and waiting for August so I can finally book. We've narrowed down our dates and I'm really hoping to be able to stay for 10 days this trip.

We usually don't do a park on our first day, that would just be too much after flying and then getting to WDW. A day at the resort and then DTD is on our agenda.

One thing we have decided is to skip the extra magic morning hrs. We just can't get up early enough to make it worth the while. We'll stick the extra evening hours.

 

[DISNEYmooner2008]

Thanks for updating the list!! It looks great!!! I'm soooo excited!! I've even begun deciding on all of our ADR'S!! We are doing the DxDDP again and are SOOOO excited!

 

[Maddie2]

Hello everyone!

No new plans made, but my Disney Store order arrived today! Yippee! I had just enough time to meet the UPS delivery guy at the door of our garage, stash the box behind the van and get back into the house to the kids without them knowing anything about it! This may not sound like much, but the rumble of the UPS van is usually picked up by my bionic-earred boys (is it something for US? )?

Now, to wait until they are asleep and retrieve it from the garage! Can't wait to dig through it and then stash most of it away until next Christmas (just before our trip). New Mickey jammies for all 4 of us, character t-shirts and warm gloves for our Jan/Feb 2009 trip -- as well as a Tinker bell sweatshirt for me (though I'm not waiting til Christmas for this one!).

I think I'll wrap up most of it and put it up in the rafters of the garage -- to be SURE they don't find it too soon! (Please help me remember where I put this stuff come next December, okay?)

 

[2poohbears]

Maddie2 - Did you get the plaid Mickey jammies that were on sale? I had those for my boys this Christmas, and they really are adorable!

As far as planning - I've been reading a bit on the message board, and I joined tourguide mike's website this year, so I'm checking out some of the articles there. I don't usually plan what days we'll go to particular parks (or decide on ADRs) until the calendar is released showing dates & times for Spectromagic, Fantasmic, EMHs. I'm also hoping they'll do Pirates and Princess Party while we're there.

Something I'm debating this trip---we usually stay at ASMovies (the boys LOVE it there because of the Toy Story Building), but my friends just came back from there (they were there with all the other people from south LA who were off for mardi gras) - and she said the hotel was having a lot of problems with a tour group of teenage girls from Argentina. They were making lots of noise at night - keeping families from sleeping - and they cut the bus lines several times, were rude in the hotel restaurant. My friends (and others) were given 2 of their nights' stay free of charge, but nothing seems to have been done to try to curb the behavior of the group while they were there. There were 60 teen girls, with 3 adult chaperones for the entire group. We never experienced that at ASMovies before, but we did notice this last trip (in JAN 08) that there were a LOT more tour groups from out of the country - and some were obnoxious in the parks. The younger tour groups generally seem to stay in the All Star hotels. My friend was told by the manager that usually the tour groups are placed at ASSports and ASMusic, but ASMovies will get them if they run out of room at the other 2. Now I'm worried we'll be stuck with huge tour groups at ASMovies when we're there next year (we're going end of FEB because our kids will be out of school that week for mardi gras vacation)...debating whether to find another hotel because of this issue...and wondering how I would explain to the kiddos that we wouldn't be sleeping with Buzz and Woody this time. Trying to figure out if we should just take our chances since the kiddos love the place so much...

 

[hockeymom2boys]

Should I get this to help plan 2009, any thoughts

 

[avic77]

I think we will be going in Sept 09. My SIL and BIL will be renewing their vows at WDW for their 20th anniversary and have invited the whole family. I see it as a great excuse to go to WDW again If we do make it we will probably stay off site and only spend 2 days in Disney (1 MK 1 Epcot) and then a couple at Universal/Seaworld. I should be home schooling all 3 kids by then so Late Sept wont be a problem for us.

 

[2poohbears]

Should I get this to help plan 2009, any thoughts

I have the 2007 guide, and it definitely has a lot of great information in it.
FYI - I found the 2006 guide at our local library. If your library has one, even if it's from a few years ago, you could check it out to see if you like it, then purchase the 2009 when it comes out. The information is updated each year, but a lot of it stays the same, too.

I've also heard good things about Tour Guide Mike, so I just joined up for his website for our 2009 trip.

 

[CJsMom]

Should I get this to help plan 2009, any thoughts

I like the Unofficial Guide, but my new favorite is the WDW Passporter. It's great because it has pockets in the back for each day so you can keep things from your trip and spaces to write about what happened each day. It becomes a nice memory book. It's also very straightforward and easy to follow. The Unofficial Guide is very interesting, but sometimes it's a bit too detailed.

Now for touring plans, I only use Tour Guide Mike.

 

[CANDICE]

I am going 12/28/09-01/04/08....and can't wait!!! A bit of advice about the guide books---Passporter is the best one to take with you, but the unofficial guide is the best one to plan by. It tells it all--the good, the bad, and the ugly. I also like the official guide, too. My SIL gave me the 2008 Unofficial guide for Christmas, and I have already read it. Just something to get me by until next year. Anyone, word of advice, spend the money on guide books--they are a wonderful source of info and provide MANY hours of enjoyment.

 

[Micka Mouse]

Now, to wait until they are asleep and retrieve it from the garage! Can't wait to dig through it and then stash most of it away until next Christmas
I think I'll wrap up most of it and put it up in the rafters of the garage -- to be SURE they don't find it too soon! (Please help me remember where I put this stuff come next December, okay?)

That's me!!!!!!! I hide it til they're not around, then forget about it. When I realize that I forgot, I have to wait AGAIN until they're not around!!!
2 weeks ago, dh asked me what I wanted to do with the Little Einstein "stuff" he found in his studio. They were supposed to be CHRISTMAS PRESENTS!!!!!!! I stuck them there and then forgot about them ! I decided to save them for travel activities for this summer's vacation.

Should I get this to help plan 2009, any thoughts

I loooove WDW with Kids. I have '07 edition, and am looking forward to '09 coming out. I'll have to look into The Passporter. I've never heard of it. Is it really great?

 

[Eoywin]

I love the Unofficial Guide - I've read my 2007 one cover to cover a couple of times I can't wait until the 2009 edition comes out.

I really like the Passporter too - I'll probably get a 2009 one of those too.

So, my MIL is visiting and we were talking about Disney because I was showing her our pictures from last years trip. And she made some snide comment about how Disney is too expensive and that I had better enjoy my Disney trips now - as if to say that once DH and I have a baby we won't be going back to Disney.

Screw that! If DH agrees to go to Disney every other year, heck yes we are going!

Honestly it's not that much, and it's so much fun...

Sorry - I just had to vent to people who'd understand