A little OT, but I am so excited!

[SandraVB79]

Today at work, I had to come into the office of one of the managers, and my project leader was also there. They were looking very seriously, and I got scared. Did they notice how many hours I spent on the DIS?

Nope! They announced I had to go to the US for my job, and so I decided that very same second I would extend my stay in the US and go to my favourite mouse. WDW, here I come, for the very first time!!!

I am very stressed, since I know everyone else plans his/ her WDW trip for months in advance... I have 2 weeks...

But I am also very excited!!!!

 

[wideeyes]

woohoo. I can see why you are excited, how lucky. Two weeks wow that is not long.. so what are you plans for when you get there? how long will you be there for? where are you staying? I am all ears

I've had to cancel my trip to wdw however I am going to cailfornia next year so I am still happy I still hope to go to wdw next year.

hope you have a fantastic time and please let us no if you post a trip report when you get back

 

[SandraVB79]

I have to be in the US for work from May 2-4, but I am not quite sure on which day my colleagues will leave the place we are going to. I think I'll be at WDW from May 4 or 5 until May 9 or 10, so that I'll be 4 or 5 days in the parks, don't know yt what I am going to do.

I have been to DLP in January, and I'm going to DL in September, so actually, I don't really have budget for a WDW trip, but I can't waist this opportunity (work is paying for the transatlantic flights!!! That's a big costsaver). I thought about staying at the Pop Century, but I did the booking thing online, and WDW gave me a +/- $750 quote... add food and souvenirs... I might try to find a code for cheaper rooms... or maybe even stay off-site... although I don't really like the idea of the comuting since I'll be there just by myself.

So, many questions still don't have answers.. I think I'll spend the rest of the day searching some boards for tips on how to save money!

 

[Bexx]

How exciting Sandra - you are going to love WDW!!

 

[ladyandtramp]

Congratulations!!

I live here in the US - and visit WDW in Florida at LEAST twice a year - always stay on property, etc. etc. etc. If you have any questions, just ask! Or PM me! I'd be happy to share.

 

[SandraVB79]

Well, during my work (OK, OK, I didn't work, just googled) I googled/ searched some figures and... I think I am not going to stay onsite, because it's too expensive. I mean... the quote disney ends up with was $1000+. The quotes I got from expedia were about $600-700.

I think I am going to stay offsite, and just stay some more days. I won't be able to participate during EMH, but that also means I won't get home as a complete overtired zombie.
That way, I can plan one day for just pool and/ or shopping (some hotels have shuttles to an outlet mall?? now THAT's going to hurt my wallet... especially since next weekend I'm going to 2 of them!) without feeling guilty. You know, I-am-at-disney-and-am-not-actually-with-the-mouse-although-it-costs-me-a-fortune guilty? Yes, I have that very much, that's why I usually am IN the park from when it opens until it closes.

One big question I still have: what is the weather like? Hot, very hot, very very hot? Will it rain? Will I encounter my first hurricane?

Ah, so much to stress about, no wonder I have a migraine!

 

[Verity Chambers]

That's great news - you'll love it!!!

 

[ladyandtramp]

I mean... the quote disney ends up with was $1000+. The quotes I got from expedia were about $600-700.

I think I am going to stay offsite, and just stay some more days. I won't be able to participate during EMH, but that also means I won't get home as a complete overtired zombie.

One big question I still have: what is the weather like? Hot, very hot, very very hot? Will it rain? Will I encounter my first hurricane?

Ah, so much to stress about, no wonder I have a migraine!

I typically go sometime in May, and it is my FAVORITE time of the year to visit. The crowds are lower so you can get more done. If you are there Friday May 17th I believe is the first Star Wars weekend - be sure to visit MGM Studios!!! Awesome!

Be sure to check with Dreams Unlimited (travel agency that specializes in WDW vacations - they advertise here on the DIS board) - they are VERY good about getting you discounted hotel rooms. Great people. There are a few "off property" hotels that actually allow you to participate in early mornings and late evenings - so take a good look at those! You should also check directly with Disney - I know it is a long distance call, but they do offer specials and discounts sometimes - I've stayed at one of the All-Star hotels (which are nice!) for $80.00 USD/night for two people. Some of the packages include your park tickets AND MEALS, and you can't beat the bus system for on-property.

Well, let's see about the weather. I won't be there, so you should be okay - no hurricanes (I have been in Florida for the last 3 that shut down the park). Hurricanes tend to be a problem later in the year - August/Sept.

This time of year the weather can be mid 70's (fahrenheit!) and a bit cooler at night (bring a sweatshirt), but I've been there a few years (the last two in fact) in the middle to end of May where the temperatures each over 95 degrees fahrenheit a few days (very very hot!). Expect a daily (short) rain shower - sometime in mid-to-late afternoon. Those are common this time of the year.


That's all I can think of right now. Let me know if you have other quesitons!

 

[Cyrano]

Great news Sandra

Our colleagues on UK Trip Planning and Theme Park Attractions will help you even at short notice will the array of questions you must have.

Good luck planning

 

[jillrobinson]

How wonderful Sandra, hope it all comes together for you
You must be so excited

 

[SandraVB79]

Thank you all.
I have been checking different websites, and until now, I came up with the Seralago hotel. After what I have rad on many many different websites, they offer the right balance between price and comfort, and it's the only hotel that has its shuttle schedule on its website (yes, I won't have a car when i'm there) (I know, I am cheap!)

I will stay for 7 nights (May 4-11 or May 5-12, depending on when my colleagues will leave back to Belgium again. I can't leave before them, don't want to risk to miss a meeting or so)

I am sorry I am talking about this on the DLP-board, but this is about the only bord where there really is some sense of "friendship", if you know what I mean

 

[Quack]

You lucky, lucky thing!!!

 

[Ware Bears]

Sandra, this is so wonderful!!!

You are going to love it there!!!

 

[Cyrano]

I am sorry I am talking about this on the DLP-board, but this is about the only bord where there really is some sense of "friendship", if you know what I mean

Awwwwwh

 

[Scratch42]

http://www.mousesavers.com/royalplaza.html

You may want to check this deal out! And it's withing walking distance of DTD!

Have Fun!

 

[SandraVB79]

Thanks for that link Scratch, but that hotel is still too expensive. Yes, I know, I'm "cheap", but I really don't have budget to go, so... I am looking in all my pockets and gethering my pennies! (really, it's almost sad, lol!)

I have gotten a quote on hotels.com for the seralago hotel (or something like it) for EUR 41/ night, and that is the most I can pay for it. Those 7 days will still cost me +/- $1000 (opposed to a +/- $300 vacation in tunesia I was planning, haha!)
I have a 3-week real vacation planned in the US in September, so...

But thanks for your help!

 

[Scratch42]

http://hotels.travelzoo.com/orlando-hotels/236149

I guess you won't be interested in this one either!

Heh, at least your still going!

 

[SandraVB79]

No, I won't be able to book that either

But as you said, at least I'll be able to hug Mickey!!!