Help Planning First Trip!!

[laurafaith]

hi all FINALLY talked my DH into a seven day trip the first week in december

im planning on staying AKL -- my DH is very excited about getting the savannah room -- i think i have all my restaurants planned out - when do i start making reservations and how do i do that -- what number -- same number for all the restaurants -- also im planning on just paying for my whole trip now through disney.com -- hotel, tickets and dining plan -- is it really expensive that way -- is it cheaper to buy here and buy there -- it just seems easier to book all at the same place -- any other tips for me -- or things i need to book now for first week in dec please help the newbie out!! im soooooo excited -- these boards have been a lifesaver and im sure will help make my familys first trip great so thanks!!!

 

[pepperw23]

hi all FINALLY talked my DH into a seven day trip the first week in december

im planning on staying AKL -- my DH is very excited about getting the savannah room -- i think i have all my restaurants planned out - when do i start making reservations and how do i do that -- what number -- same number for all the restaurants -- also im planning on just paying for my whole trip now through disney.com -- hotel, tickets and dining plan -- is it really expensive that way -- is it cheaper to buy here and buy there -- it just seems easier to book all at the same place -- any other tips for me -- or things i need to book now for first week in dec please help the newbie out!! im soooooo excited -- these boards have been a lifesaver and im sure will help make my familys first trip great so thanks!!!

You can make your reservations, and even plan your days right on Disney.com. ADR's can be made 180 days out. If you are going in Dec, I suggest you put it on your calendar to reserve right at 180 days, otherwise you may not get the places you want.

I got the dining plan, and I think for my family it is going to be cheaper that way, I hear it is a lot of food.

I am excited for you, the planning is the fun part!! You should go check out the "pictures of your Disney food" thread, it really helped me planning my resturants.

have fun

 

[TheDisKid1969]

Call 401-WDW-DINE, they will help you plan any event that you want. They will spend an hour with you if necessary.

 

[brock]

Planning is the fun part. You already got some answers to when to call.
We've used the Dining Plan many times. It is a lot of food, but a lot easier.

I would recommend 2 books :Birnbaum's Disnery and Mini Mickey.

I read both and hi-lite it than transfer everything to 4 x 6 cards, put a ring on them and use them in the park. These books and the disboard will help with all of you questions. Such as MK is most crowded on Mondays, what wroks and doesnt' work. Enjoy the planning and get DH involved too.
Good luck and Peace

 

[wdwgoofeeee]

Save yourself a long distance call by using 1-800-828-0228 for all WDW room reservations and dining.

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

If you are plannning on doing any dining at the dinner shows like the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue or Mickey's Backyard Bar-B-Que at Ft. Wilderness or the Spirit of Aloha at the Polynesian you book up to one year in advance; however, these shows require payment up front at the time of your ADR. If you are on the Dining Plan it counts for more than one TS, but I have never done the DDP so someone else will have to comment on that for you or check allearsnet.com or this web-site for a better explanation.

 

[DizznyChick]

i just wanted to say that akl is our favorite resort-we have been i think 4 times-maybe 5-you will have a great time
we schedule the 1st reservation (i think its 7 am) at boma for breakfast almost every other morning-its very convenient having it right at your own resort and its very good-nothing too exotic but lots of choices
its a perfect time to get there-no crowds and you can get to the parks at opening right after breakfast
im not sure about the room/park packages
i did a package my 1st trip but since then have gotten an ap and book the room when the ap rates are released
ive never done the dining plan but it seems so many people like it
good luck-read these boards-everyone is so helpful
and if you have the time hoopdeedoo is the best

 

[Hopefully]

Check out the restaurant menus at allearsnet.com. It will help you decide on where to eat and also it will help you to budget for your food.
Is it only you and DH?