Feb 2-10 2008

[avic77]

It's our first time!
Well actually my husband myself and our oldest DD (13) went 10 years ago on a 4 day whirlwind trip that my MIL booked planned and paid for. We were given a fastpaced tour of all the major sites and attractions and We were not able to enjoy a single minute of the trip.
But DH promised DD(13) that once her siblings were old enough ( which in his thought is 5 or older) we would go back for a nice leisurly vacation.
10 years later the little additions are DD8 and DS5. And DH is keeping his promise.
Currently booked off site. Looking at MYW Hoppers for 6 days and 1 day at Seaworld. Going for 9 days 8 nights Feb 2-10 2008 Mardi Gras!!!

 

[eventsdj]

Congrats!
We will be there Feb.5th - 11th at Pop with our 4 year old!

Finding this board definately help kill some time!

 

[Disney8704]

First of all to the DisBoards. Thats great news that your going back. But I would try to see if maybe you could stay on site. If cost is a problem, then how about the All Stars or Pop. Your kids would love it. Reason being is because I have stayed off site a few times and let me tell you this much, it really blows! You wont be able to do the Extra Magic Hours if you stay off site, getting to the parks and getting back to your resort will take a lot longer then staying on site. If you have to join AAA. Its only $60 and they can save you for All Stars or Pop during Feb 20% off your room rate. DH and I are going in Aug 4 - 15th 2008 staying at AKL - Savannah View and AAA is saving us over $500. Another benefit staying on site, character meal breakfasts. You would be able to take the character meal breakfast bus early in the morning and be able to get into the parks before everyone else. Of course unless you had your own car, then you could drive, but then you would have to pay for parking. Another benefit staying on property is getting the DDP. I myself would use it, but we would either not be saving very much or we would end up saving money by not using the DDP. But thats my family. The DDP might be good for your family. Just throwing some opitions here at you just incase you might wanna reconsider and stay on site. You and your family wont regret it. And if you take breaks in the afternoon, you will be so happy you decided to stay on site since the resorts are so much closer to the parks. Another benefit is the ADRs 180 + 10 days. Staying off site you can only make your ADRs 180 days exactly. The +10 days is a benefit for disney resort guests only. Please do more research here on the boards and see what might benefit you and your family more of. Staying on site or off site. Either way, Im sure you will have a great trip!

 

[Eganclan]

I booked the same dates (2/2-2/10) yesterday at POR(sleeps 5) and saved over $400 with AAA We love getting off the plane and jumping on ME(no luggage,no rental car). Plus, you can always rent a car on site if needed. We always use EM hours as well and if we want to split up and do different things being on site makes it much easier. Have fun planning.

 

[avic77]

what are you paying per night at POR with AAA? i dont have AAA but am seriusly considering it

 

[Eganclan]

Funny I just signed up for AAA 2 weeks ago at the last minute because I had to drive DD(15) to a soccer tournament in NC. Didn't need it thank goodness but DD(18) locked her keys in her car this week(with it running ) called AAA and added her to the policy for $25 and they were there in no time. Disney quote before discount was $1486/$149+tax with AAA $1072/$119+tax.

Last time that we all went as a family was 7/05. It was a wonderful trip but very chaotic due to a soccer tournament at WWoS and members of both sides of our family just happened to be there at the same time and someone I think dd(18) had the bright idea of doing a split stay with 7 people during a packed holiday week.

I have been trying to plan another trip every since then especially since free dining came along but it has been impossible with everyones schedules. After watching all the changes the last few weeks I simply cannot justify 2 rooms at peak so I made a tough decision. We will not be going with our oldest DD who will be away at school but she is joining my sister and I for our annual girls weekend this Nov. so hopefully she won't be too upset We really went all out last Nov. thinking that she wouldn't be able to join us this year but after picking a school and getting her schedule it somehow actually works.

Sorry, that this is getting so long but I am very excited but I am going to try and keep it a secret until xmas. Spent some time looking over stuff today many people are writting about Mardi Gras is that just at US? It looks like we may have a P&P party to look forward too if they follow the same dates as last year. Trying very,very hard not to obsess and to just mae it an easy going fun trip.......