How early can we start planning?

[Karenj2]

We are hoping to have a big family trip to WDW next year - my older sister's family & mine have gone to WDW a few times, so we are on the same page regarding most stuff, but we're hoping that my younger sister & her boyfriend, and our cousin and his wife & kid(s) will also join us.

I'd like to get started on the planning, because then I have a good idea of how much we need to save up for the trip, but I don't want my younger sister and my cousin to 1) think I'm crazy, and 2) burn them out so early. It's not like we can book anything yet anyway... (When do they release next years stuff, anyway?)

So, what do you think we CAN start planning, and when?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

So, what do you think we CAN start planning, and when?

You may start your planning for airline tickets at 2:38 pm on Wednesday, July 11, 2012.

You may start planning for your hotel at 10:00 am on Monday, September 3, 2012.

You may plan your park visits the last week of September, 2012. Time at your discretion.

 

[Marionnette]

We are hoping to have a big family trip to WDW next year - my older sister's family & mine have gone to WDW a few times, so we are on the same page regarding most stuff, but we're hoping that my younger sister & her boyfriend, and our cousin and his wife & kid(s) will also join us.

I'd like to get started on the planning, because then I have a good idea of how much we need to save up for the trip, but I don't want my younger sister and my cousin to 1) think I'm crazy, and 2) burn them out so early. It's not like we can book anything yet anyway... (When do they release next years stuff, anyway?)

So, what do you think we CAN start planning, and when?

I don't think that it is ever too early to start planning.

When I was planning a big family trip (it fell thru, long story), I had everyone over for a Disney night. I had the vacation planning video, made some Disney snacks and served them on Disney paper plates.

Then we sat down and talked about what we wanted out of our vacation. When did we want to go? How did we plan to get there? How much time did we want to spend together? And finally, and most importantly, how much everyone was willing to spend.

Then I priced out the various options based on the current year's non-discounted prices for each family. I let everyone know what it would have cost for moderate, deluxe, DVC and camping at the Fort. I even found a couple of vacation homes that were large enough for all of us and included them in my options. I told everyone that they could expect to pay about 5% more the following year.

Once we settled on where we wanted to stay and we set our own personal savings goals and pretty much didn't talk about Disney or the joint vacation for about 8 months. Once the new prices came out for the following year, I emailed everyone again to let them know what packages for the following year would cost without a discount. Everyone still seemed to be in sync at the time but I left it up to each family to book their own packages at their own time.

When Disney announced discounts for our dates, I sent out another email blast to everyone and let them know that the total cost of the package had gone down. That's when some family members began to balk at the cost, the location, the dates, and just about anything you could think of. Turns out that they had been really enthusiastic about going until it came time to actually pay for it. I think that they we hoping that everyone else would pony up the money to make it a free vacation for them.

Needless to say, we went along with the few family members who were willing to pay but it wasn't the huge family trip that it was originally supposed to be.

 

[JavArmy]

I'm an obsessive planner, so I don't think it's ever too early to start planning. However, you may want to keep most of the planning to yourself at first, as to not burn out family members (that's why I joined DisBoards, so you all can join in my excitement instead ). I don't know, and would be interested as well, when they open up booking for the following year. I know someone earlier mentioned september and I was just curious where they found this info Best of luck!

 

[Karenj2]

I don't think that it is ever too early to start planning.

When I was planning a big family trip (it fell thru, long story), I had everyone over for a Disney night. I had the vacation planning video, made some Disney snacks and served them on Disney paper plates.

Then we sat down and talked about what we wanted out of our vacation. When did we want to go? How did we plan to get there? How much time did we want to spend together? And finally, and most importantly, how much everyone was willing to spend.

Then I priced out the various options based on the current year's non-discounted prices for each family. I let everyone know what it would have cost for moderate, deluxe, DVC and camping at the Fort. I even found a couple of vacation homes that were large enough for all of us and included them in my options. I told everyone that they could expect to pay about 5% more the following year.

Once we settled on where we wanted to stay and we set our own personal savings goals and pretty much didn't talk about Disney or the joint vacation for about 8 months. Once the new prices came out for the following year, I emailed everyone again to let them know what packages for the following year would cost without a discount. Everyone still seemed to be in sync at the time but I left it up to each family to book their own packages at their own time.

When Disney announced discounts for our dates, I sent out another email blast to everyone and let them know that the total cost of the package had gone down. That's when some family members began to balk at the cost, the location, the dates, and just about anything you could think of. Turns out that they had been really enthusiastic about going until it came time to actually pay for it. I think that they we hoping that everyone else would pony up the money to make it a free vacation for them.

Needless to say, we went along with the few family members who were willing to pay but it wasn't the huge family trip that it was originally supposed to be.

Thanks! We had originally planned a huge family gathering (all siblings & their families, plus our parents, etc.) to celebrate our 10th anniversary, and it all fell through except for my older sister and my in-laws (who were only going because everyone else were going to), so we un-invited my inlaws and went with my older sister, and had a great time (and have been going almost every year since then).

For this trip, my biggest concern is my little sister, who is always pleading poor... My older sister and I have fallen in love with the Beach Club (and I'm pretty sure my cousin and his wife would prefer that over the values), but I don't know if that'll be in her price range. I'm going to also look into renting DVC points for us so we'll have 2 rooms and a kitchen (and laundry). That's part of the reason I'd like to start planning ASAP, so I can impress on her that if she puts away $X, then it won't be such a hardship once we have to start actually paying for the trip.

 

[akclayton]

Do you have a date range that you are set on or are you trying to figure that out as well?

Our flights were able to be booked around 6 months in advance. I checked back every day until they were available. I knew we were going back over a year in advance. So, Before the 6 month marker came around, I would look at the airfare for the dates of the current year to get an estimate. I knew the prices would go up from fees and gas, etc.. so, I planned to spend around $100 more a person. It ended up not being that much more but it got me a good estimate.

The parks put the park hours out around the 6 month mark also. This includes the EMH and the show times. You can figure out which parks you want to go to on which days and then begin to figure out which table service you want based on that. Then being to make your ADRs. Most can be done 6 months (180 days) in advance.

Figuring out your budget, you may want to do in advance before the 6 month mark. This will help you decide which resorts to stay at, which dining plan you want, etc.

We are going in June, paying for 2 adults and 2 kids with airfare. We are staying at a deluxe resort (WL) for 7 days. We budgeted ahead of time around $8000 for everything. If we need less, great! If money isn't that hard of an issue, figure out where you would prefer to stay, do research and some playing around on the vacation planner on the disney website to get an estimate of the cost. You may want to do this anyways. Get on in the next few days. Select the dates you MAY want to go next year or play with several different options. You can get a good estimate on there and then figure in airfare if you don't decide to use the airfare on the their site as well.

So, in terms of planning ahead, go ahead and start now by experimenting with this years dates for the time frame(s) you may want on their vacation planner to get an idea. Then at the 6 month mark, start getting after the actual detailed things.

 

[akclayton]

Thanks! We had originally planned a huge family gathering (all siblings & their families, plus our parents, etc.) to celebrate our 10th anniversary, and it all fell through except for my older sister and my in-laws (who were only going because everyone else were going to), so we un-invited my inlaws and went with my older sister, and had a great time (and have been going almost every year since then).

For this trip, my biggest concern is my little sister, who is always pleading poor... My older sister and I have fallen in love with the Beach Club (and I'm pretty sure my cousin and his wife would prefer that over the values), but I don't know if that'll be in her price range. I'm going to also look into renting DVC points for us so we'll have 2 rooms and a kitchen (and laundry). That's part of the reason I'd like to start planning ASAP, so I can impress on her that if she puts away $X, then it won't be such a hardship once we have to start actually paying for the trip.

My parents did a something for my brother and sister in law who were fresh out of college, just gotten married and only my brother had a job since my SIL was attending law school. So, my parents got a Villa for all of us to stay in. They charged us each a certain amount of money to put towards that and then they told us almost a year in advance that this is how much money we would need. They set up a payment plan for them to where they would give them X amount of $ each month or each check, I'm not sure which way it went. Anyhow, my parents set that money aside and kept it for them. That way, the money was there. Maybe you can do a "Layaway" type of thing on the vacation for her.

 

[disneysnowflake]

My parents did a something for my brother and sister in law who were fresh out of college, just gotten married and only my brother had a job since my SIL was attending law school. So, my parents got a Villa for all of us to stay in. They charged us each a certain amount of money to put towards that and then they told us almost a year in advance that this is how much money we would need. They set up a payment plan for them to where they would give them X amount of $ each month or each check, I'm not sure which way it went. Anyhow, my parents set that money aside and kept it for them. That way, the money was there. Maybe you can do a "Layaway" type of thing on the vacation for her.

That's exactly what my coworker did for their upcoming extended beach vacation. Coworker's sister usually spends her entire paycheck the weekend after being paid, and can't seem to save worth a darn.
Coworker came up with a price, broke it down to how much it would be every 2 weeks, and her sister gave her xx amount each pay.
Now they get to go on their vacation.

I'm already planning our November 2013 vacation. I have 606 days left to go . I've figured out how much needs to go into the airline fund, the vacation package fund, and the spending money fund. I don't speak of this to anyone else though about the trip because they all think I'm a little off for my constant Disney planning and talking. It's fun for me to plan though.

 

[worm761]

My best friend and I are planning on meeting at Disney in December 2013. We have been planning this for a few months now. I know it is a long way off. But she needed a number and to be able to save for a very long time to make this trip happen. We are planning on getting a 2 bedroom vila at Boardwalk and splitting the cost. This way we save money eating breakfast in the villa. She is also planning on eating several of her dinners in the villa too. While I would love the dining plan for the prepaid aspect, I am willing to give it up for her. I looked at ticket prices and figured out what she needs there. We are budgeting for all the little things too. Then we threw in a big chunk for souvenirs. I suggest you talk to them about the trip. Talk numbers. Saving for a big trip for 2 years is easier for some than to have to save a lot for only one. Do you all have to stay at the same resort? Why can't little sister stay at what she can afford and just meet you at the park? And if she is bad with money, do her a favour and talk her into the dining plan. This way she has the food prepaid and won't have to worry about saving that too.

 

[JavArmy]

I would try to start planning before the 6 month mark hits. This way, when all your options become available, you get first pick and don't have to worry about working around what's available. I was able to buy my plane tickets more than 6 months out and got a pretty good deal.

But, like I said before, I'm a bit of a crazy planner. I'm already thinking of ideas for my birthday in Disney in 2014, lol!

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

count me in as an obsessive planner as well! I've already started planning our vacation for April 2013, as much as I can. My mother and her boyfriend are also joining us on the trip. My hubs is in the Army so I'm just PRAYING that Army life doesn't interfere with the trip we have planned.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I would try to start planning before the 6 month mark hits. This way, when all your options become available, you get first pick and don't have to worry about working around what's available. I was able to buy my plane tickets more than 6 months out and got a pretty good deal.

But, like I said before, I'm a bit of a crazy planner. I'm already thinking of ideas for my birthday in Disney in 2014, lol!

Hello fellow Army wife!!! LOL about planning for Dec. 2014 already!!!

 

[eyor44]

Yep, multi/long-term planner also. I have multiple trips in the works and have spreadsheets going for all of them through May 2013.

I also don't talk to others about the planning because 1) they don't remember what I have told them 2) they just let me do all the planning.

For my friend who does the marathon weekend with me, I'll give her a total in April when the race fees come out and then one month before each thing is due, I'll remind her. By the due date, she'll have the $$ for that particular item. I break it down by race fees, park ticket, room and food. We take my car so she pays for 1-2 tanks of gas.

April - race fees
August - park ticket
November - hotel
January - food

 

[Karenj2]

Yep, multi/long-term planner also. I have multiple trips in the works and have spreadsheets going for all of them through May 2013.

I also don't talk to others about the planning because 1) they don't remember what I have told them 2) they just let me do all the planning.

For my friend who does the marathon weekend with me, I'll give her a total in April when the race fees come out and then one month before each thing is due, I'll remind her. By the due date, she'll have the $$ for that particular item. I break it down by race fees, park ticket, room and food. We take my car so she pays for 1-2 tanks of gas.

April - race fees
August - park ticket
November - hotel
January - food

Awesome! I just go on one trip, then start planning the next! If you don't mind me asking, would you be willing to share the spreadsheet, or what you have on it?

 

[JavArmy]

Hello fellow Army wife!!! LOL about planning for Dec. 2014 already!!!

I hear ya about army life interfering with the trips. However, gotta love the military discount!! I was bummed that we couldn't get the free dining along with the military discount, though Oh well, I'm happy with what they give us! We went on our first Disney trip in June 2010 after my husband got back from Afghanastan as sort of a welcome home celebration. This year we are going for my daughter's birthday! Don't know what we are doing next year yet, but I wanna go for my 30th birthday, so that will be 2014!

 

[mommy2twingles]

I am already planning our November 2013 trip. We are going for 2 weeks. Friends are joining us for one week and the other we are just spending as a family. I looked at prices for this year to get an idea of cost and am buying giftcards at Target everytime I get the pharmacy extra bonus coupon. Since there are 5 of us and we want to stay club level it will be a good chunk of money. This way as soon as the rates come out for next year I can head to the AAA office to get everything set up. Our agent told me that the rates for 2012 came out in mid July 2011.

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

I hear ya about army life interfering with the trips. However, gotta love the military discount!! I was bummed that we couldn't get the free dining along with the military discount, though Oh well, I'm happy with what they give us! We went on our first Disney trip in June 2010 after my husband got back from Afghanastan as sort of a welcome home celebration. This year we are going for my daughter's birthday! Don't know what we are doing next year yet, but I wanna go for my 30th birthday, so that will be 2014!

Yes, gotta love the Army sometimes. I do like the discount! My hubs just came back from his 2nd deployment in August 2011. We went to Hawaii in October (it was actually our honeymoon we didn't get to take because we got married right before he deployed). I would love to take a trip this year, but my hubs just barely got a job so we won't be able to but I'm looking forward to our trip in April 2013.

 

[JavArmy]

Yes, gotta love the Army sometimes. I do like the discount! My hubs just came back from his 2nd deployment in August 2011. We went to Hawaii in October (it was actually our honeymoon we didn't get to take because we got married right before he deployed). I would love to take a trip this year, but my hubs just barely got a job so we won't be able to but I'm looking forward to our trip in April 2013.

I saw that you don't know where you are staying yet when you go in April. Have you looked into Shades of Green? I have never stayed there, but have friends who have and love it. Last time we went to WDW we had to walk over there to get our park tickets and it looked really nice. It's also not a far walk from the Poly, so you could grab the monorail there. Just a few ideas On another note, what does your husband do in the Army? Mine is an intel analyst and he has been in almost 12 years. We have planned on retirement in Iowa (where i'm from), but after i got the Disney bug, i'm thinking florida sounds mighty nice!