HELP! Please share tips- I'm planning 1st trip

[disneybound31]

I am in the middle of planning my family's first trip to Disney and I'm still stuck on how to book the best rates for ASMo and dining plan for October. We aren't even sure if we are going October '06 or wait til kids out of school May '07 week before memorial day?? Crowds better in Oct? We will miss the free dining in October but know we want it. Should we join AAA? Argh!! Where do I start first? Thanks for ANY info. I have been reading these boards for 2 months, but I finally decided to join... first post here.

 

[SadieDog]

I went thru AAA and it was so easy. They think of everything and can answer all your questions. If they are not sure they just pick up the phone and call. They take care of trip insurance and tell you not to worry b/c if needed they will handle that too. I also picked up Birnbaum's at Barnes and Noble and some people also suggest buying the Unofficail Guide. Don't overbook yourselves and make a rigid schedule. Be flexible. On our 1st trip to WDW last Nov. (also our 1st real family vacation) my daughter and I were quite sick. I got better with meds while her asthma trouble got worse. My point is I was very glad we went with the flow and were very flexible. Not much else you can do when you are sick. Hopefully you won't have that problem, but it was reassuring to know I had the trip insurance and that our AAA agent would take care of everything if we needed to change our dates.
Have a wonderful time.

 

[4mykids]

One great thing about going in Oct. is the Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party! A real must-do! And, as the previous poster said, do not overbook! The first time we went I walked my family into the ground. We were all so tired! Take it slow and easy. As far as crowds, I think October is a good time to go.

I'm not sure about AAA; we always use military discounts.

Have fun! Any more questions, let me know! Will help all I can!

 

[disneybound31]

Thank you! That is helpful info. We really had not looked into MNSSHP even though we are now leaning heavily toward October. What happens? Is it a big costume party and how late does it last? Thank you guys.

 

[SadieDog]

Sorry I don't know anything about the Halloween even but this is what it says in the 2005 Birnbaums book....
HALLOWEEN: This most spooky of holidays is generally celebrated on 7 nights in Oct. (though not necessarily on Halloween) with a special-ticket event: Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. The park closes a bit early on nights when the party takes place. Guests bearing tickets to the party can stay in the park. Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade winds its way through the Kingdom during this event.

 

[Gary M]

Click below for October events at WDW:



http://www.allearsnet.com/pl/events.htm#oct

 

[justplaingoofy]

I'm sure that is a great time, but does seem pricey.

I would get prices without the aaa discount then call aaa to see what their price it. That will help you decide. AAA is a good thing to have depending on the age of your vehicle(s).

Also, subscribe to :
http://www.mousesavers.com/
http://www.allearsnet.com

they are soooo helpful! I vote October

 

[sbpuckett]

Also trying to plan our first trip (2 young boys). We are definitely going in Oct and having to make some choices. i recommend the Unofficial guide - bought the pocket guide and read completely in 2 1/2 days. Breaks down all the rides and parks and has a wealth of info. This website has the best info as far as websites go I think. good luck.

 

[disneybound31]

I know about mousesavers and allearsnet, thanks. And I also have been reading the Unofficial Guide. I guess I just don't know how to get a good rate so close to October. Sbpuckett, are you guys staying on-site? Our kids are excited about All-Star Movies but I'm worried it's too short notice to get it. Do you guys call WDW directly?

 

[lpuga80]

If possible you might want to consider Thanksgiving week if the school issue is affecting your plans. We have gone the past two years then and only had to take the kids out for that Mon and Tues, stayed all week from Sat to Sat and it was fantastic. The parks are decorated for Christmas and the weather has been perfect, warm enough to swim but not hot, almost no rain and the parks are open much longer. The parks are not crowded at all until TG day and late in the week they start having several of the Holiday shows. Plus almost every restaurant has TG day menu.

 

[disneybound31]

Actually our son has a 9 day Fall Break in the middle of October. So he won't have to miss any days. Plus, we have a very large family and if we skipped Thanksgiving at home... well, it wouldn't be pretty. But thanks for the info. You can swim in November? That's great!

 

[sbpuckett]

Actually we own timeshare and are using a "Getaway" to stay off site at a resort. The prices are much more affordable. This is why I'm not sure yet when specifically in October we are coming. There are tons of getaway weeks there available right now and they recommend waiting as long as you can b/c prices continue to drop. This trip (2 years in the planning) is one of the primary reasons we bought the time share when we did. If you don't mind not having the perks that go along with a WDW property, I'd look into local timeshare rentals and vacation home rentals. No matter where we stay we will have our own kitchen, a pool, and still be within a mile of the parks.

 

[SadieDog]

Our kids are excited about All-Star Movies but I'm worried it's too short notice to get it. Do you guys call WDW directly?

I spent hours online researching and getting quotes for different dates/resorts. Being my 1st WDW trip, I decided to go to AAA and see what they came up with. It only took them a few minutes and it was a little cheaper then any of my online quotes! She immediately could tell what days my resort was open or when it was competely booked. So quick and easy.

 

[cajunfan]

Have you thought about using a Disney specialist travel agent? I use one that is very good about getting the best discounts/prices for our situation. Let me know if you are interested and I can pm you her name and email.

Lynn