Dec.2003 - When do you start planning?

[momof2OH]

We are just back from our trip and planning another trip for Dec. 2003. I am thinking of going right after Thanksgiving thru the first week of Dec. I really want to see WDW at Christmas but don't want that "holiday crowd". When does eveyone start the actual making of reservations and planning? I know some things have to wait since it's so far out and discounts arn't out either.
Any input would be greatflully appreciated!!!

Thanks in advance!!
Gina



Sept/Oct 2002...ASMo (first family trip)
Nov/Dec 2003...ASMO (can't wait)

 

[Melrosgirl]

It's never too early! I like to at least get the room reserved and if the price gets lower, great, just keep an eye out for it! That way you at least have the room reserved and don't need to worry about that.

 

[zurgswife]

I'm starting to work on my Dec...christms 2003 trip now....

 

[momof2OH]

We are thinking of getting a package this time instead of everything seperately. Is there ever any discounts for the packages???

 

[WDW2002]

Its never too early. I started planning in June 2000 for Dec 2002. I booked our room in Oct 2000. And have done lots and lots of planning since.

Book, as soon as you know when you want to go. You can always rebook with codes or discounts when they are released. Only ticket/room packages, not the "grand plan" or whatever. And it is usually more expensive to do it as a packge.

 

[bunnyfoo]

I'm thinking about mine right now ... Just thinking about the different things we want to see and which days we want to go ... I'm sure one of the first things we'll book are the airline tickets. We're going to try and get free air miles tickets, so I know those go quickly!

 

[monte]

We just returned on 10/7 and I want to start planning for Oct. 2004, or 2005. I don't suppose anything is available so far out. We want to do a deluxe package again since we plan to do alot of recreational activities, such as parasailing, fishing, etc..we had a great time and thought the packages saved us alittle money and was just easier. What do you think?

 

[momof2OH]

The package we were looking into is the:
Dream Maker Package with Silver Plan

Does anyone know if there will be any dicounts for this package?

 

[Wildcard]

I usually start planning and making reservations 3 months out. I have never started before this, but we usually travel during the off-seasons.

 

[Kristy-Mama Bear]

I STARTED PLANNING 1-1/2 YEARS AGO. WE ARE LEAVING NEXT WEEK AND FORTUNATELY WE HAVE HRH, VWL, HGVC AND OCEAN WALK IN DAYTONA ROOMS ALL PAID OFF. TICKETS ARE ALSO TAKEN CARE OF. IT MAKES IT NICE TO PLAN EARLY AND THEN YOU DON'T HAVE ALL THE EXPENSE AT ONCE, JUST A LITTLE AT A TIME. GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY PLANNING! THERE IS NOTHING LIKE WAITING FOR THE ARRIVAL OF A MUCH ANTICIPATED DISNEY TRIP.

 

[disneysteve]

First off, packages are almost always more expensive than booking everything yourself. The reason is that the package often includes features that you won't actually get to use. So price everything out individually before you make your decision.

Secondly, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is traditionally the absolute slowest time at the parks. It is a great time to go because of that. The crowds are usually virtually non-existent. I think when to make your hotel reservation is easy, though. Make one now. You can always cancel it later if and rebook if rates drop, which they often do. Just don't forget to keep checking. <P>Steve

 

[GEM]

I always start planning my next trip as soon as I get home!

For instance, we are going in December this year. I started planning this trip right after we got home from our December 2001 trip. I know we want to go again in October 2003, and I will start planning that one as soon as we get home from our December trip.

 

[luvmy2sams]

We booked our November 2002 trip in June 2001 (couldn't wait any longer!) and were happy planners from that point forward. We made the last PS for this trip last week, and now we're stuck fine-tuning our ideas until it's time to start packing. DH had so much fun mapping out our itinerary for this trip that when he finished it about a month ago he called and made reservations for a November 2003 trip. Gotta love those annual passes!