How far in advance do you plan?

[Jusacuz]

Hi everyone. I'm new here. I've never been to Disney World, but I want to go so badly I can taste it. I've convinced Dh that we can somehow get there for Thanksgiving week. I'm wondering how far in advance do y'all plan and start booking rooms, etc. 7 months sometimes seems way too early, but then again it seems like it's not that far away at all and I should get moving on making reservations, etc. Just when I think I've thought of everything, something else will come up and I'm combing the forums for answers again.

So when is too early to start making solid plans?
TIA.
Jessica

 

[disneynutt1225]

Welcome to the DIS!

If you're serious about going to WDW for Thanksgiving week, you might want to book it soon - it's a reasonably popular time. During the off peak times, you don't necessarily have to book far in advance. However, during holidays, I'd book ASAP.

As far as planning goes - I already know when I want to go to WDW in 2007, so perhaps I'm not the best candidate to answer that question for you.

 

[MAKmom]

As soon as you know which hotel book it. If you book room only,you only have to put 1 nights deposite down to hold the room. You can cancell up to 5 days before arrival.

 

[lyeag]

The sooner the better, if you know where you want to stay and are reasonably condfident you will be able to go. We are planning on Dec, and already have booked the package.



Welcome to the Dis!

 

[wvjovifan]

We book as soon as we decide we are going ... usually a minimum of 7 or 8 months in advance....Thanksgiving is a popular time and when we did that week a couple years ago we had hotel, tickets and airfare in late February. Have fun planning!!!!!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, Jessica.

I would spend some time on the planning boards here, the Resort, Theme Park, and a few others. Ask questions. You might alo look into subscribing to the TourGuideMike system, indicated on the Theme Park board, a BIG, I think. If you can go the week after Thanksgiving, much less crowded, less expensive. Enjoy, make those memories.

 

[EthansMom]

Welcome Jessica,

I think you're likely to be happier if you can go at a time other than Thanksgiving week. The first week of December is a favorite with many folks here at the DIS. Also, from January (just after the New Year) until just before President's Day in February can be quite nice. The weather can be cooler, but the crowds are much lower and prices are more reasonable also.

That said, it isn't too early to start planning now. Have you decided whether you want to stay on-site or off-site? If you can afford it, then staying on-site is quite convenient if you have young children. You can get some nice accomodations off-site for reasonable prices, however, if you need more room or kitchen facilities.

If you are staying on-site, enquire about the AAA discount for your room. For a weeklong stay at a Moderate WDW resort, the discount often exceeds the cost of the AAA membership.

Also, go to http://www.mousesavers.com and cruise Mary's site for great discount information. Also, sign up for the monthly newsletter from Mousesavers for some links for extra discounts at places like ticket discounter http://www.ticketmania.com.

Are you going to be flying or driving? If you're going to be flying, check out the discount airlines like Southwest, Jet Blue, etc.

I hope this helps with your planning!

 

[pdchris]

We always go in the first or second week of May. So, for this year I'm booking my ressie this week. However, I start planning the next visit, oh about two days after I get home from WDW.

 

[bigbabyblues]

I'm planning now for May 2007! Only because we won't be able to afford to go until then, plus my 5-yo will start kindergarten this fall and I'm not going to start taking him out of school for vacations. I will probably make our resort reservations over the summer and dining reservations (ADRs) at 180-days out, then change them a couple of times if we want to.

 

[Disney Doll]

As soon as I determine the dates, I start to plan.

 

[MsLeFever]

I'm planning an August 2007 trip! Not too much I can do now but I DO think about it each and every day!

 

[binny]

Hi Jessica~!

Im in Boise My mom is in CDA though


I would start planning now. As soon as you know when you want to go and the dates are open thats when its ok to book

 

[Dan Murphy]

Another good site, in addition to those mentioned above, is Deb's site at www.allearsnet.com.

 

[Bunchkin]

Jessica!!

Start planning right away!! As previously stated, it is a busy time of year then. And if you do the research on the planning boards, you will see that there can be a lot of planning to do. Resorts, ticket pricing, dinning, attractions and shows, and on and on it goes.

Have fun planning!!!

 

[DisneyJen0504]

I always start planning ridiculously early b/c planning is so much fun!!

 

[Doctor P]

We're planned in general terms through 2009. Generally every trip is decided at least 14-16 months in advance. May tweak it a little, but generally we make our reservations right at 11 months when our reservation window with DVC opens.