DW 2008 - Fall or Christmas?

[BurnsideMommy]

We're Disneyland people here (been 3 times and going again in September) since we live on the West Coast. We are planning our first ever DisneyWorld trip and man is it overwhelming. None of us have ever been (not even to Florida).

We're thinking either fall 2008 during the dining plan deal (provided they put it on next year too), or Christmas (first week of December) 2008. I'd love to see all the Christmas stuff (I love DL at Cmas), and worry a bit about the dining plan crowds - but it seems like a great deal. Which would be a better option for a first ever trip?

At the time our 3 kids will be 6, 4 and 2.5 years (the older two are boys, youngest is a girl). It will be DH & I with the 3 kiddos. We'll probably stay 7-10 days, definately onsite. We're thinking Animal Kingdom but not sure. What's a great resort for kids? Since we're planning so far ahead and this is our first trip we don't want to stay at one of the pop resorts, and since our kids are young we definately don't want a super fancy more adult resort - something more family, fun and unique. At this point in time price isn't our determining factor. Any reccomendations on where to stay or how long to stay?

At DL we typically stay 4 days in the park at the DLH and do 4 character breakfasts and still feel like there's more to do. I'm thinking 7 days at WDW won't be enough? We do like to go all out (kids matching custom outfits, gift baskets, stay onsite, lots of character meals, etc). It's all about the preparation LOL.

Anyways, this is my first post in regards to our WDW trip - it is so overwhelming I don't even know wher eto start.

Also when do prices for 2008 come out? We book DL through AAA - is that a good option for WDW as well? Sucks that we have to figure out airfare and transportation and all that jazz (we just drive to DL).

 

[Elmo888]

I haven't been either time, but I thought that I would help with a bump!

And, of course, give my opinion...

First, I would buy the book the Unofficial Guide to WDW. They do a great job analyzing crowds, when to go, etc.

Second, I would go with December, avoiding the first weekend because there is a Pop Warner (kids football and cheerleading) week or something. I had no idea what was until I read the disboards, but here is a link...http://www.popwarner.com/admin/2007forms/2007 Calendar.pdf

It mostly affects the value resorts.

I would also go with December because the weather is cooler.

7 - 10 days is a good start. Just keep in mind that you won't see everything, esp. with little kids. I wouldn't go less than that, but with little kids, it might be difficult to go more than that.

2008 prices should be out soon (by the end of the month?).

If you go through AAA, you can get the AAA package discount. If you book through WDW, you can only get the AAA discount on a room-only.

More info on when to go and discounts...

http://www.mousesavers.com/wdwfaq.html#busy

http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html#codetrends

Enjoy planning your trip!

 

[stm61]

I vote for early Sept. Crowds are pretty much non-existant after Labor Day, hotels empty out. Only busy places are the restaurants, you definately need ADR's.