Hello from Michigan!

[tlap04]

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking quite awhile, wishing, hoping and pining away for a WDW vaca. DH has been reluctant to plan a trip saying he thought the girls were too young ( 2 & 3). Finally last month he agreed that we should plan a trip and that he was sure they'd have a blast! He origainally thought we should take them in 2011...but I was able to throw Oct or Dec of 2010 out there...and it stuck! We are looking at going in either Oct (my birthday is on Halloween) or early Dec. We have some financial obligations to cover first before we can book. In April we should be set.
I've enjoyed reading everyones trip reports, reviews and advise. I've learned a TON and have changed my mind on dining and resorts a million times! lol

 

[Disn3y]

Welcome to the DIS! Enjoy your trip!

 

[kid-at-heart]

If you can swing it, early Dec is a great time for someone from MI to visit Disney. It tends to still be warm there and the holiday decorations are out. I think age 3-4 is a perfect time for a child's first exporsure to WDW.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Hi everyone!

I've been lurking quite awhile, wishing, hoping and pining away for a WDW vaca. DH has been reluctant to plan a trip saying he thought the girls were too young ( 2 & 3). Finally last month he agreed that we should plan a trip and that he was sure they'd have a blast! He origainally thought we should take them in 2011...but I was able to throw Oct or Dec of 2010 out there...and it stuck! We are looking at going in either Oct (my birthday is on Halloween) or early Dec. We have some financial obligations to cover first before we can book. In April we should be set.
I've enjoyed reading everyones trip reports, reviews and advise. I've learned a TON and have changed my mind on dining and resorts a million times! lol

Welcome to the DIS!

You only have to put $200.00 down to book your WDW package. The balance does not have to paid for until 45 days before your arrival date. If you can book early October, you will probably be able to get the annual Free Dining discount that comes out in the Spring. Rumors are that this year's dates will be August 15 - October 2 and if you book by October 2, you get the free dining discount for your entire stay, up to 14 nights. Plus you get to do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in October, which is our favorite party event at MK. Of course, December is magical with all of the Christmas festivities too! Also, dining reservations (ADRs) open up 180 days before your check-in date, so you would be able to make ADRs in April for an October trip and June for a December trip. I highly recommend getting the basic dining plan - all of the characters meals are included.

Hope this info helps and ya'll have a magical vacation!

 

[SnowandMittens]

Welcome to a fellow MI Dis-addict!

We love going in Jan because it's... gasp... kind of warm there. Even with that cold front, at least there isn't any snow.

We also went this past September, which was nice, because we really didn't get more than two days of "Michigan" summer, so the heat was welcome.

 

[Disneydonnam]

Welcome to the Disboards.

 

[tlap04]

Welcome to the DIS!

You only have to put $200.00 down to book your WDW package. The balance does not have to paid for until 45 days before your arrival date. If you can book early October, you will probably be able to get the annual Free Dining discount that comes out in the Spring. Rumors are that this year's dates will be August 15 - October 2 and if you book by October 2, you get the free dining discount for your entire stay, up to 14 nights. Plus you get to do Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party in October, which is our favorite party event at MK. Of course, December is magical with all of the Christmas festivities too! Also, dining reservations (ADRs) open up 180 days before your check-in date, so you would be able to make ADRs in April for an October trip and June for a December trip. I highly recommend getting the basic dining plan - all of the characters meals are included.

Hope this info helps and ya'll have a magical vacation!

Thanks for the info! Last week I looked up a some of the "rules" for booking a package (downpayment, when balance is due and even the Disney Visa) and told DH pretty much what you said. He still wants to wait...he didn't give me a good reason. I think sometimes spending makes him nervous. I figure I'll eventually wear on him...I always do! lol I'll fill him in on the possible Free Dining coming up. That might seal the deal! Either way we should be able to book by April.

Thanks again!

 

[Metro West]

 

[tinksgilrs251520]

Welcome fellow Michigander!!!! you will love it here just let us if we can help

 

[DisAmyK]

 

[jpmandan]

Welcome.

 

[Dizfan4life]

From one Michigander to another....!!!!! Enjoy your trip planning !

 

[tlap04]

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone!

 

[minniemom003]

Welcome fellow Michigander.

 

[Figment_Fan]

We took our kids starting when they were 2 1/2. Now both are DS(15) and DD(9) and they both love Disney. I still can't believe the 15 yo is a fan, but he is.

I too have problems with the spending the money part. What I have recieved in return is priceless. When we returned form the trip, I was able to observe the mental growth that happened with each child. It was very apparent that their curriousity was charged. Thanks to the exploration and observations, they grew with each trip. Don't forget to take things to keep them occupied during the lines.

Also, hopefully your husband doesn't have the same problem I used to have (and still do to some extent). I get an attitude for the first day or two -- I want a vacation too! So, I act a little like a spoiled brat. The kids are overwhelmed and whiney and so am I. Not a good mix. They take time and effort, subconciously not something I want to do on a vacation. Yes, I know it's stupid and I am much better at controlling it now. And yes, my wife works and we split all household maintenance including the child rearing. So, it's not that I am not involved. Like I said, the attitude is stupid.

The solution is to take it easy and go with the flow of YOUR family. Schedule time at the pool or water park. You don't have to see everything just because you paid so much for the trip. You paid to make memories, so make good ones.

Have Fun

 

[ppandey43]

Welcome!