Anything wrong with my plans?

[atcNick]

I'm looking at booking our disney world trip in the next day or so.

2 adults and a 3 and 5 year old. Dec 5-11 @ cars suite Art of Animation. 7 day park hopper, disney dining plan. $4200

Going to get photo pass+ most likely. Planning on 2-3 character meals.

I've got enough frequent flyer points for all of us to fly for free out of Dallas.

How's this look? Anything else I should add/omit? I've been a bit overwhelmed with amount of info I've researched so i know I may be missing something.

Any discount codes I can use to book? Should I book online on the disney site or by phone? Or no difference?

Thanks again guys!

 

[TXPyroMom]

Your plans look good to me

We will be in the world at the same time (Dec 7-14). We live in the DFW metroplex too and booked our flights Monday night... flying on Southwest out of Love. I have June 10th marked on my calendar to remind me when to make dining reservations. If you want Be Our Guest, Cinderella's Royal Table or Chef Mickey's, you will probably want to call as soon as your 180 day window opens up

Your kids are at really great ages to enjoy the magic of Disney. Enjoy your first trip!

 

[gillenkl]

Since you're on the meal plan and there's only 4 of you why not save money and just get a room instead of a suite? Just wondering.

 

[atcNick]

Since you're on the meal plan and there's only 4 of you why not save money and just get a room instead of a suite? Just wondering.

We were really wanting to stay at the art of animation for the cars theme. The little mermaid rooms are already booked up for that time period. My wife's also set her heart on a suite as well.

We also decided to do a 7 day trip instead of 4 days like we originally planned. We decided on 7 days so we wouldn't feel rushed and can take our time and not worry about missing out by taking mid day breaks back in the room. I'm thinking that a regular room may get a little tight after 7 days. I dunno, just my thinking.

 

[darkwing818]

Plan looks good..... Keep the suite, after 7 days you'll be glad you did.....

 

[bethp1968]

I agree, keep the suite. The value rooms are very small and after a few days you will definately be glad you did

We always stay in a DVC 1 bedroom villa, but had to stay at POP 1 night over Thanksgvining 2011 (due to a flight change) and it was very cramped. There are 4 of us, too (although my kids are older than yours).

JMHO

 

[jimandami]

I agree keep the suite. However, I personally would not pay for the dining plan, especially with the kitchenette. I just think it's too expensive now for what you get (unless you only want it for convenience or peace of mind). I think you will come out ahead having groceries delivered through Garden Grocer for breakfast, snacks, and maybe even a couple lunches. Then just pay OOP for your TS meals. Also, keep checking the Disney site to see if a room only discount comes out (will likely only be 15% for the suites) for your dates and call to have it applied.

 

[atcNick]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the feedback.

 

[HubbDave]

Def looks good. Interested to see what TS meals you do. The kids will love AoA...actually, you probably will, too.

 

[Suz D]

Look into booking the Candlelight Processional if you are a family who celebrates Christmas. It's amazing!

 

[gillenkl]

Look into booking the Candlelight Processional if you are a family who celebrates Christmas. It's amazing!

Wouldn't recommend this unless the kids can sit quietly for at least an hour.

 

[disneymom0811]

I would make Be Our Guest restaurant reservation as soon as possible- last time I spoke to them it was booked up until November If my avatar didn't say it enough- huge beauty and the beast fan, I was so bummed about it- I look almost everyday to see if maybe there is a cancellation, if we can't get it we are going to try and do it as a quick service......... Enjoy your trip

 

[KatMark]

How about tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party?

 

[atcNick]

I would make Be Our Guest restaurant reservation as soon as possible- last time I spoke to them it was booked up until November If my avatar didn't say it enough- huge beauty and the beast fan, I was so bummed about it- I look almost everyday to see if maybe there is a cancellation, if we can't get it we are going to try and do it as a quick service......... Enjoy your trip

Thanks for the suggestion. All the dining reservations can only be made 6 months in advance, correct?

 

[dansdad]

Thanks for the suggestion. All the dining reservations can only be made 6 months in advance, correct?

Correct, at 180 days out you can make dining reservations.

 

[atcNick]

Good news: I just booked our trip


Bad news: I was trying to book air fare on southwest using my frequent flyer points. I had enough points round trip tickets for all four of us. I kept getting an error. I cleared cookies and restarted a browser and now the tickets have DOUBLED! So I only have enough points for 2 tickets, and the extra 2 are going to be almost $1000! I'm calling them now to see if anything can be done. Any suggestions?

 

[1971DBday]

Good news: I just booked our trip

Bad news: I was trying to book air fare on southwest using my frequent flyer points. I had enough points round trip tickets for all four of us. I kept getting an error. I cleared cookies and restarted a browser and now the tickets have DOUBLED! So I only have enough points for 2 tickets, and the extra 2 are going to be almost $1000! I'm calling them now to see if anything can be done. Any suggestions?

I would wait if they can't do anything. Watch the prices - you have time.

 

[atcNick]

Well I called last night and they said there was nothing they could do. I called this morning and was given a local dallas area number to call customer relations. They honored the lower fare!!!! WOO HOO!