Am I stupid to plan a last minute trip ?

[marvel]

Hi everyone. We had no plans to visit the USA this year (we live in Australia) but some last minute ridiculously cheap airfares has me thinking again. As I usually plan a year ahead for our travel, I am freaked out about booking anything for May this year, as I am guessing ADR's will be all booked out and I just cannot fathom trying to work out what dates will be best to travel, where to stay etc etc , in just a day or so. So that we can book these super cheap airfares.

Anyone else plan trips this late and have them work out fine? we are big avoiders of crowds and always travel in quieter times, which I think May would be . Any advice would be appreciated.

Let me say we absolutely love the US and would move there in a second, so any chance to come back just lights up our hearts.

 

[Queenbillabong]

Hi everyone. We had no plans to visit the USA this year (we live in Australia) but some last minute ridiculously cheap airfares has me thinking again. As I usually plan a year ahead for our travel, I am freaked out about booking anything for May this year, as I am guessing ADR's will be all booked out and I just cannot fathom trying to work out what dates will be best to travel, where to stay etc etc , in just a day or so. So that we can book these super cheap airfares.

Anyone else plan trips this late and have them work out fine? we are big avoiders of crowds and always travel in quieter times, which I think May would be . Any advice would be appreciated.

Let me say we absolutely love the US and would move there in a second, so any chance to come back just lights up our hearts.

I don't think you're stupid - I think it's a great plan You should be fine with booking for May for PS. You can only book 60 days in advance at DLR (I know WDW is a lot longer than that), so it's all good.

 

[VictoriaAndMatt]

I agree with the pp you should be fine. Especially for Disneyland. It doesn't take nearly as much planning as a WDW trip. I'm just now planning our vacation and we leave next month!

 

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

You should definitely come in May. Schools are still in session during that period, so it will be quiet duringthe week.

Let us know if there is anything we can do for you, as well. We like to make sure our fellow DISers from across the lake are taken care of when here in the States!

 

[Krissy Marissy]

Oh do it! You wont regret it! It might be exciting for you guys to plan and then leave so soon after. If you are saving money I dont see any reason not to. Like everyone said you should be fine with Priority Seating arrangements because you can't make them just yet! Like nancy said if you have more questions let us know!

 

[imjen]

I would totally do it! It's so fun planning last minute trips because then you don't have to wait around so long for the days to tick by. And it's really not that "last minute" since you've still got 3 months. Plenty of time to figure out PS's and hotels and stuff. May is supposed to be a wonderful time to go, good weather, low crowds. Just don't go the last week, it will get more crowded with Memorial Day and some schools start letting out that week.

 

[pixiewings71]

I'd do it....heck ya!

 

[marvel]

wow. thanks everyone. now i am getting really excited!
the main problem right now is getting exact dates so that I can price the hotel. we have stayed at the GCH five years ago but don't think the budget will stretch to that this time.

Now I suppose I better go through all the relevant posts and find out where to stay !! I usually plan so meticulously that I find this very scary.

I know this is probably not in the right section but is there a hotel off site within walking distance that gets top billing (so to speak)? we are a family of 4, kids 11 and 8.

 

[mommyof2boys1girl]

Another vote for "Go for it!" I am just starting to plan our vacation now, and we are hoping to go in May also. Last year, we didn't even book till 8 weeks in advance, and I still had no issues with having enough time to plan. I even had our itinerary for each day written down on 4x6 cards - what to ride, where to eat, what to order for counter service, etc... I am an obsessive planner, and I managed to pull together our first vacation ever in less than 8 weeks!

As far as hotels, everyone here really seems to love the Hojo - great rates, nice, clean rooms, newer decor, and still only a short walk to the park (10-15 minutes to the gates). Never stayed there myself (small kids - we stay a little closer), but lots of people here love it!

Best of luck with your "shotgun" trip!

 

[MichaelColey]

We've always planned our WDW trips way in advance, but we just went to Disneyland last month with just a few week's advance planning and are planning on going back again in about a month. We didn't do any on-site dining, but I would have been surprised if things were sold out. It's much smaller and simpler and the crowd wasn't bad.

If you're familiar with WDW (and it sounds like you might be, from the things you mentioned), we found this guide (disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 - sorry, it won't let me link to it) to be invaluable in understanding the differences.

 

[cirquelovers]

We love the Candy Cane, it's my sons favorite place to stay. They have a private shuttle if you don't want to walk and a nice breakfast in the morning. The rooms aren't huge but we have stayed in the bigger rooms and we were fine. The beds are comfy too.

 

[mystic_path]

I say definitely do it There is still tons of time left before you would have to leave. The parks arnt nearly as crowded in May or so they say (Ive never been during that time so I cant give the honest opinion) But there are lots of off site hotels that are really nice and would have availability during whenever you would want to stay in May. I would suggest the Howard Johnson or the Tropicana Hotels.

 

[mommyof2boys1girl]

Just an addition to my post, regarding how busy the parks are in May. We went in early May last year, and I was shocked by how little time we spent in lines. Except over the weekend (which is probably always busier), we almost walked on to practically every ride! The longest ride we waited for was Nemo, during a MM entry, and even then I bet we only waited 15 minutes! We used FP's whenever possible, arrived at the park for opening, and hardly waited at all. It was great!

And, a really dumb question, but what are ADR's? Assuming dinner reservations? Depending on where you want to go, they won't necessarily be booked up either. We booked our character meals about 20 days in advance, and there were still tons of seatings. And while we were waiting to be seated at Goofy's Kitchen, 4 families came up and walked in without reservations! We also walked into Carnation Cafe one afternoon for lunch with no wait and no ressies! So, depending where you want to go, you may find it's not as busy as you might think. It seems lots of people "fly by the seat of their pants" and don't always make ps's.

Have a fabulous time, and maybe we will see you there in May!!

 

[Hound 109]

We've always planned our WDW trips way in advance, but we just went to Disneyland last month with just a few week's advance planning and are planning on going back again in about a month. We didn't do any on-site dining, but I would have been surprised if things were sold out. It's much smaller and simpler and the crowd wasn't bad.

If you're familiar with WDW (and it sounds like you might be, from the things you mentioned), we found this guide (disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599 - sorry, it won't let me link to it) to be invaluable in understanding the differences.

I agree with Michael & most everyone else that:

- You should do it.
- DLR is easier to plan for than WDW.
- ADRs are easily obtained on short notice (& probably aren't necessary except for maybe Blue Bayou).
- You'll have a great time in May.

Here's the link for WDW vets (that Michael was referring to):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1162599

& here's the rest of HydroGuy's tip threads....most you should review prior to making final decisions & final reservations. (Note: there's a good thread there....extolling the virtues of staying within walking distance & choosing one of the 6-8 hotels/motels on Harbor Blvd. within walking distance):

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1520483

I'd plan on one or two WEEKEND days along with "during the week" days to make sure you'll be able to see some of the events (parades/fireworks/aladdin etc.) that might only be available on the weekend.

(for example a Sunday - Wed......or a Sat - Tues visit)

Also avoid Memorial day Sat. & Sunday.

Have a great time planning a visit to Walt's Park.

 

[bumbershoot]

I know this is probably not in the right section but is there a hotel off site within walking distance that gets top billing (so to speak)? we are a family of 4, kids 11 and 8.

HoJo is a board favorite. Especially when you can get it at the Entertainment Book special rate.

Avoid the weekend of Memorial Day, which would be the 22nd-24th. The 25th is officially the holiday for it, but we were there last year on the Memorial Day Monday, and everyone had already gone home! Very quiet on that Monday, and I was surprised to find out the weekend had been crazy-busy.



I woudln't worry about places to eat...as has been mentioned, at DLR you only book 60 days out anyway (and actually it's only 90 days now at WDW!).

 

[lovintheland]

We are fellow aussies coming back in May (loved our 2007 trip soooo much). We planned to come back this September but we booked back in November when V Australia had a crazy sale on and now prices having dropped even further. I would not be able to resist a trip at these low prices. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the prices to a friend who was considering their first trip late in the year. She jumped on the net and booked and they went from maybe going at the end of the year to going this Easter. She felt a bit overwhelmed but only took a couple of days to make accomodation bookings etc and put her mind at ease. I am bursting with excitement for them because I know they will love it as much as we all do.

 

[gogo65]

Absolutely BOOK IT!!

We have just booked to return in December (on freqeunt flyer points) but those sale fares are amazing. Best flights were advertising US flights for $639 +taxes and kids still fly for free(+taxes of course) They also have a 4 night Disney package for $889+$449 taxes kids $229. This includes 4 nights acc and 2 day park hopper. So for a family of 4 - $3134AUD. I am sure there is plenty of similar deals around.

If my kids were under 12 I think I would book to go again

Enjoy the planning.

 

[marvel]

thanks again, and hi fellow aussies. Looks like we may have to forgo the current specials as my work may not let me go with such short notice. Hopefully some similiar specials come up and we may end up going sep-oct. Pity the dollar hasn't held up though.