Cost. Is my budget reasonable?

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

We started planning our first trip 2 years ahead. And I have to say it was so great. The kids and I would jump onto the DL website on Saturday nights and research what we wanted to ride and where we wanted to stay. Then we would jump on Youtube (gosh I love that site) and watch people's footage of all the different rides and parades. It made it all seem so real and exciting and dragged the fun out for even longer.

To be honest, I almost enjoy the planning as much as I enjoy the trip and the divine friends I have made here on the DIS (yes even Queenie ) are really priceless and special.

And people are so helpful in all areas of this board, not just the Aussies, although we are pretty darn cool .

 

[kylieh]

I'm thinking in advance too - for the trip after this one! We were heading to Tokyo and New York for a trip about two years from now, but after a lot of thought we're thinking of going to New York then France in April 2013. France will include Euro Disney, but the timing is we want to take DD to VILLERS-BRETONNEUX for a dawn service.

Reason we're thinking about it now is I need to see what happens for next year in terms of being booked out etc so I can work out 2013.

 

[PeterSherry]

Dabecs

You won't be disappointed with the Christmas decorations plus all rides and
attractions open just after December 1st. Although they don't have a long break at Christmas the American school holidays usually start about a week before Christmas so the parks are not as crowded from the 1st to 17th except for weekends which means no overly long wait for rides. The queueing system gets rid of crowds but it's hard to walk up get your ticket and know you can't ride for 2 hours. Still plenty to do and see.

Will you be going to Disneyland or Disneyworld? If it is Disneyland you will find the nights a little cooler and Anaheim is a fair way from Los Angeles so if you intend to also go to Universal I think you would be best to do Disneyland first then change hotels back to LA. That way you can do a day or so at Universal and depending upon what you like maybe NBC Television studios, Venice Beach tour the hollywood hills (although I think these days the stars have lobbied and made it that the buses can't stop and some streets are closed off.) etc. Also remember you can catch a bus from any of the resorts or hotels to the local shopping malls for discount Christmas presents including Disney goods.

 

[queenie82]

Only comment on Dolphin and Swan for those who DON'T drive. No magical express is available to you...
I personally detest them...so unless they are significantly cheaper I would do it....although you do sort of get to be part of the 'EPCOT area' resorts...

P.S. I think Ms Shuttergirl is a bit tipsy at the moment...

 

[dabecs]

Will you be going to Disneyland or Disneyworld?

Going to WDW

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

P.S. I think Ms Shuttergirl is a bit tipsy at the moment...

Ummm, yeah I might have been hahahaha

 

[PeterSherry]

Dabecs

The moderate resorts at WDW are very good value for money. I personally like the French quarter with the wrought iron and jazz reminds me of New Orleans (remember to ask for a room with a river view) however you may like the beach resort feel of the Caribbean or the American wild west feel of Fort Wilderness. Even the Riverside has the cotton mill and river feel of the South and all the foyers at all the resorts are great at Christmas.

If you have enough in the budget the Animal Kingdom Lodge is terrific especially if you can get one of the rooms with the balcony view of the animals. However there is nothing to stop you from going to dinner at one of the other resorts and having a walk around.

Each of the resorts has a dinner hall as well as restaurants and their own souvenir shops. I haven't asked however I think the souvenir shops may be franchised as the costs can vary from place to place. Any goods you order you can have delivered back to your room just show your room key when purchasing.

If you are taking children each of the resorts has its own Disney character and they appear at certain times for photo opportunities. The character breakfasts are a lot of fun and there are plenty of other restaurants to suit all tastes plus there is the nightlife and shows.

Then there is Universal studios and the new Harry Potter World. Look I could prattle on for a long time however if you have any questions I will be happy to try and answer.

Also depending upon how long you have in Orlando you should try and fit in a day at Belz (similar to our DFO's) and grab yourself some great bargains for Christmas. Be aware you may need an extra suitcase after visiting those discount shops.

 

[PrincessInOz]

We started planning our first trip 2 years ahead. And I have to say it was so great. The kids and I would jump onto the DL website on Saturday nights and research what we wanted to ride and where we wanted to stay. Then we would jump on Youtube (gosh I love that site) and watch people's footage of all the different rides and parades. It made it all seem so real and exciting and dragged the fun out for even longer.

To be honest, I almost enjoy the planning as much as I enjoy the trip and the divine friends I have made here on the DIS (yes even Queenie ) are really priceless and special.

And people are so helpful in all areas of this board, not just the Aussies, although we are pretty darn cool .

Only comment on Dolphin and Swan for those who DON'T drive. No magical express is available to you...
I personally detest them...so unless they are significantly cheaper I would do it....although you do sort of get to be part of the 'EPCOT area' resorts...

P.S. I think Ms Shuttergirl is a bit tipsy at the moment...

Way too much saccharine between the two of you!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Princess - you wanted us to get along and now we are you don't like it hehehe. Me thinks you miss our bickering LOL.

 

[Dizzy_Oz]

UPDATE:

Just back from a mini 4 night stay in Brisbane where we stayed in a hotel and relied on public transport for the fun of it (truly)

I learnt

1. We spent more than we budgeted
2. Room size DOES matter
3. Comfortable shoe's a must and I need to start walking to build up leg muscles - BLERK
4. Wine really is my friend.
5. DH is BRILLIANT, patient & tolerant and he carrie's a backpack well
6. Tight schedules won't work for us, relax, take an extra day.

It's hard to find activies for the age gap between my 3. If one was happy, 2 werent and look at all those combinations.

So I am now glad we have started the party planning early.