Advance planning?

[kkc1021]

We've just decided to head back to WDW in November 2004. I was curious to know how others have planned vacations so far in advance.

Did you book rooms right away and continue to watch the rates? Did you wait until rates dropped and then booked? Something else?

Thanks!
Kristen

 

[Tigger Fans!]

I think you'll get a variety of answers to your question. I usually wait to book rooms until I can get a reasonable airfare. I use CRO (Central Reservations Office) to book a "Room only" ressie. They require a deposit at the time of reservation.

TTFN!

 

[kdibattista]

First of all....

WELCOME TO THE DIS!!!

We always plan well in advance... at least a year. We booked this December's trip last October and we are already planning our trip for next December. I think planning is a huge part of the excitement so I like to do it as early as possible. Heck, we have even tentatively started planning our big Disney family trip in 2006!!!! It's never too early. Just keep checking here and looking for those discounsts. You can most certainly adjust your reservation if the prices drop.

 

[airhead]

As soon as we know we're going,we're plannin'!!!!!


airhead

 

[mad4themouse]

I use frequent flier miles to get us there. So, as soon as DH says "okay", I'm on the web looking for flights for the 4 of us. Since you cannot book earlier than 330 days out, I have yet to actually book my trip more than a year in advance.

However, that doesn't keep me from planning for more than a year. For this upcoming trip, I began purchasing PHPs, Disney Dollars, DQ tickets and USF/IOA passes more than 2 years in advance. I've also been setting aside $$ every month so that we can stay BC concierge rather than the usual moderate resort.

Okay, I admit to being addicted. Butt he only known cure is daily Mickey bars with a Dole Whip chaser. {{sigh}}

 

[Montana Minnies]

My sister is the planner, I'm more spontaneous. After listening to her talk about going to WDW for the past 5 years and the trip would not be until next year I talked her into going last summer. Good thing the FTP was out! We ended up getting to stay at AKL, first time on property and we had the best time. Are we still going next year? You bet!! Only with 7 more people and hope to stay in a 2 bdrm villa at OKW.
So the minute we got back from our vacation in July I started posting
and reading the dis board( my sister has been reading the boards for a long time) but I am the writer. And for next year I am into the planning along with a few other members of the family. We are really looking forward to it!
As soon as we are more certain of the dates I will post them.

"Montana Minnies"

 

[kkc1021]

I am definitely a planner. Mom and I have been to WDW at least 8 times before. But, we've never planned a trip more than a year in advance. I think 6 months is our previous record.

This time we'll be taking my son for his very first trip. He'll be two by then and I can't wait to go! We're planning to stay at the Polynesian, although we haven't ruled out a DVC condo completely.

I just want to be able to book everything, so that I have confirmation numbers in hand. It makes the trip seem so much more real.

Thanks for your responses!
Kristen