going nuts over trip

[Billpowerrock]

so i m planning a trip for the first week of january-planning to arrive on the 3rd, want to stay either 7 or 8 nights, this will be my first trip with my girlfriend, and my first trip without my parents, so i m saving up to stay at the wilderness lodge, i would like to do each of the parks twice-except ak--that i ll do once--i stayed at the wl with my familiy in july-it was great

so now i ask-i m going to join the disney club, and when shoudl i book, if i book in july-would that be too late--
do th eparks close early in jan---cause then maybe 7 full days might be good
--its going to be expensive-but you only grad from college once-
and i dont think i could ever get tired of disney
---any sugestions would help

thanks alot

bill

 

[eeyorefanatic]

Park hours are shorter during the winter, but don't get posted untill further down the road.

I would certainly book your room now. I know people who book a year in advance. You can always change it as discounts come along, or if you want to change locations.

Just a point to consider, the break even point for an AP is 8 days. If there is any chance that you will be there for 8 days or might possible return sometime with in the next 365 days it is well worth it. It usually pays for itself in room discounts alone, especially if you stay at the deluxes. It is worth it IMHO even if only 1 of you gets the pass so that you are elligible for the room discount (I think it can be as much as 40% off rack rates).

The DC does offer room discounts but only 10-15% and only 5% off passes. Personally it is worth it to me for the $ I spend at the disney store, and it did get me a discount on my AP

I think 7 days would be fine, depending on how much "down" time you want.

 

[luvaladdin]

I would book the room NOW. There is nothing to lose. The deposit is only one night's stay and it is fully refundable up to about a week before your arrival date. Personally, I'm not a fan of the DC - I think you can get great discounts by checking these boards or www.mousesavers.com, and you don't need to have a DC card to book most of the discount rates. That's also value season, which is a cheaper room rate than other times of the year. Although the parks will be closed sooner than other times, there will be no crowds and you'll get to do so much. Beware of the weather - it can be warm or it can be very cold. I'd pack both types of clothes.

Have wonderful grad vacation.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Congratulations on your graduation and your trip!

I agree with the above poster that DC makes up our money mostly in shopping at the Disney Store. You also get some small discounts (10%) at various restaurants and the World of Disney at Downtown Disney.

An annual pass makes the most sense for longer stays - especially if you return that year ( and believe me you will try to find ways). The AP discounts aren't usually posted until a few months before the valid dates, but you never know. As you can see from the current AP rates offered though - they can be pretty nice.

7-8 days is plenty of time to do the parks at least twice. The parks will probably close earlier, but the crowds should be very light. I would definitely save one night at least for a special dinner at California Grill!

My other suggestion would be - as much as I love WL too - you may want to consider resort hopping over to an Epcot resort. Epcot will be open the latest of the parks and it may be nicer to walk back to your room rather than bus all over the place!

The resorts are a bit more expensive on the Epcot side, but you can get good deals on DVC studios by renting points.

Sorry that was so long - hope it helps!