How late is too late?

[ShortyNBug]

I just starting researching for my 1st family trip to WDW. We are planning on going Oct 2010. I would like to go in the beginning or middle of the month but will take anytime in Oct and was just wondering if booking the trip in Jan/Feb would be too late. Does that give us enough time to still get a good room and all that junk. You can't book dining that far in advance anyway can you? We really want to (by we I mean I, I haven't even told my kids yet and don't plan on doing so for months) stay at Pop.

What's Pop like in Oct? What about WDW as a whole? It's the month that popped in my head when I told my hubby I was going to just bite the bullet and start the planning and I don't know why. I've always wanted to go to WDW (who doesn't) and was just waiting until both my kids would remember the whole trip and at that time they will be 7 (almost 8) and 4 (almost 5) so it's time to go!

I can't wait to get closer and get this show on the road but I just am not sure with all the things I have coming up in the next few months I can afford the down payment just yet. I have some things that will be paid off in the beginning of the year and I'll have extra money then so I hope it's not too late!

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Early October tends to be slower, because kids are back in school and it's not as close to the holiday season. Once it gets closer to Halloween, the parks (MK in particular) will start to get busier again because of MNSSHP (which is a blast, if you want to go to it).

 

[ShortyNBug]

I would love to go. Does it just run the week of Halloween or all month? I don't want to miss it but like I said, early to mid Oct would work best for us.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

* September 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
* October 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31
* November 1

That's the schedule for the parties They're a lot of fun, and the parade and fireworks are fantastic. Bring costumes for the whole family (seriously), and go trick-or-treating! I don't know if they'll do it this year, but last year they offered free face painting in Adventureland and Toontown. They let some of us do it to tell the guests about it.

Also, I think the earliest you can book ADR's right now is 90 days, but I've read that they're going to be changing that to 180 days (it may have already happened, but I'm not sure).

 

[ShortyNBug]

Sorry to keep buggin you but are those dates for this year or next? We aren't going until 2010.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

I don't mind

Those are the dates for this year, but the dates will likely be similar for next year. I worked MK custodial for the 2008 party season and they started in mid-September (or somewhere around there). The rationale behind offering more parties is that they get more guests to come that way. The earlier you go, the slower the party will be, and the more rides you'll get to go on and the more candy you'll get at the trick-or-treat locations.

 

[DisneyFirefly]

Also, depending on when in October you go, you may be able to get a lower package price. The earlier you book, the better chance you have of getting a good room, but that usually applies more to the "higher end" resorts (Moderate and Deluxe). Honestly, waiting three to four months to book your trip likely won't kill your chances of a good room, especially at the Value resorts. I think getting good dining reservations are what most people are concerned with (including me and my friends). But yeah, at Pop, it's pretty easy to get a good room. And, at check-in, you can always inquire about the possibility of a view upgrade or something. If I remember correctly, most rooms are actually just assigned then at check-in unless you requested special services for your room, like a hospital bed or something.

 

[Tootles]

Even though my husband and I had been before (our honeymoon), the first trip we took our kids on (and the only, so far!) they were right around the age of your two. They had a blast! Almost 2 years later now and they still are begging to go back!

Glad to see you've found the Disboards. The stuff you'll learn here, will make your trip SO much easier! We stayed at All-star Movies because we thought our boys would like all the characters-Toy Story, Dalmations, Fantasia etc. We're planning our return trip, finally. November 2010 at the Poly!

The best advice I can give you, is know what restaurants you want, and set your alarm! Plan to call at 6am exactly on your 180 day mark! The little bit of sleep you loose is SO worth the piece of mind that you've got those reservations secured! Have fun planning! (that's half the fun you know!)

 

[PrincessBetsy]

I just starting researching for my 1st family trip to WDW. We are planning on going Oct 2010. I would like to go in the beginning or middle of the month but will take anytime in Oct and was just wondering if booking the trip in Jan/Feb would be too late. Does that give us enough time to still get a good room and all that junk. You can't book dining that far in advance anyway can you? We really want to (by we I mean I, I haven't even told my kids yet and don't plan on doing so for months) stay at Pop.

It will not be too late if you book it in Jan or early Feb. You can book dining 180 days in advance, so be sure to get up really early that morning and call for your ressies.

What's Pop like in Oct? What about WDW as a whole? It's the month that popped in my head when I told my hubby I was going to just bite the bullet and start the planning and I don't know why. I've always wanted to go to WDW (who doesn't) and was just waiting until both my kids would remember the whole trip and at that time they will be 7 (almost 8) and 4 (almost 5) so it's time to go!

WDW is pretty quiet earlier in the month as it is in September, but starts to get busy near Halloween. If you can, I would suggest buying tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. It would be a lot of fun for your children, and for you as well!

I can't wait to get closer and get this show on the road but I just am not sure with all the things I have coming up in the next few months I can afford the down payment just yet. I have some things that will be paid off in the beginning of the year and I'll have extra money then so I hope it's not too late!

You will find a ton of info on here to help plan your trip. It is very helpful to read dining reviews so you can make the appropriate ressies for your family. Have a magical trip and remember to try not to do everything on your trip. We have been to WDW 20 times and still have not experienced everything!

 

[ShortyNBug]

I totally agree with the planning being half the fun. It's kind of like a wedding. Takes over a year to plan and is over in the blink of an eye. That is one of the reasons I just decided to go for it. All the other years it was just talk. This time I took the bull by the horns and said, "we are doing it this time" and once I started reading boards and books about WDW there is no turning back!

 

[MarkinNM]