I need planning advice for trip in 2 years.

[MHolleman]

I know that going in Oct' 05 seems like a far off date, but I want to start some planning now. What have any of you planned this far in advance for your trips. I know that I will probably be getting a 5 day pass, since I still have 3 plus options on our old passes. My daughter was 2 last year when we went so I will probably buy a 5 + pass for her. I will have another little one in Jan '04 so I will not need a pass for that child. We will be staying offsite (timeshare - for budget reasons) for a trade fee of around $200.

What else would you think I can get done this far in advance? Should I start buying Disney Dollars or Travelers checks now?

Thanks for any input, Melissa

 

[mickeysaver]

Buy your tickets first! You never know when the price will go up. Then, start saving Disney Dollars.....especially handy when you are trying to teach the little one about savings. It's never too early. Then start with the traveller's checks for the big stuff. By the time you get there, you should be well prepared if you keep reading these boards. Mickey

 

[TonyS20]

I started planning our Oct 04 trip when we returned in Dec 02. I have even begun the planning for our 06 trip, so it is never too early to begin.

I would begin reading about all the things that will be going on in WDW during the time that you hope to visit. For example, I am reading about Mickey's Halloween Party, the Food & Wine Festival and all the other Halloween events. I started a spreadsheet to keep track of all the things.

I also notate things that I would like to do this time around. Any tours that sound interesting, any thing that my DH might enjoy (fishing, cruises, etc.), and anything that we missed last time. I also created a budget based on where we wanted to stay (thanks to our recent DVC purchase that will be $0), things we want to do, tickets we'll need to buy, general airline/rental car prices and places that we will want to eat. I then divided out the budget and created a monthly "payment" to the vacation fund so that the money will be there when we want to travel.

Most importantly, I ENJOY the planning process. You can never be too informed, so spend lots of time reading this board! I don't think it would be necessary to purchase disney dollars or traveler's checks at this point, but I just keep the money in the savings account.

I hope this helps!

 

[mad4themouse]

The hardest part about planning a trip 2 years in advance would be the waiting!

What you can do now:

1. Choose your dates and mark your calendar. Circle dates for making PSs for Hoop de Doo, Luau and Cindy's Breakfast or any other events that require an early reservation.
2. Buy your passes. They'll never expire and you'll beat any future price increases. Besides, just having them reassures you that you're going to Disney! However, if you'll be purchasing them one at a time, buy from a vendor who ships for free, like Ticketmania.com. And don't forget to photocopy the backs of your passes in case you lose them or misplace them.
3. Purchase Disney Dollars in moderate quantities. If you will be staying off-site, chances are that you will be eating many of your meals off WDW property. You may even purchase many of your souvenirs off property too. You won't want to have leftovers but save your receipts just in case.
4. Begin saving your change. You'll be amazed at how much you can save in a year. In two years, you'll be rich! Okay, maybe not rich but there will be some serious bucks in your piggy bank.
5. Purchase that Halloween costume for MNSSHP right after Halloween (this year or next). Disneystore.com will undoubtedly have a major clearance on all costumes and accessories right after 10/31!
6. Purchase little surprises (autograph book, t-shirts, light spinner, etc.) for your child when you find them on sale and hide them away for your trip. Make a goodie basket from Mickey that your child can find when you arrive at your condo.
7. Make a budget for each anticipated expense: transportation, meals, accomodations, passes, souvenirs and tips. Once you have that total, make a plan to save a set amount towards that goal each month. Open a savings account for the sole purpose of paying for your Disney-related expenses.
8. Order the vacation planning DVD from disney.com. It's great to explore all the parks and restaurants on TV and the DVD is free.
9. Keep reading these boards for tips on how to stretch your vacation dollars. I open Word while I'm online and c&p anything that I find new or interesting to a Word document. It's easier than trying to search for the threads later.
10. The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Planning a WDW vacation is the next best thing to being there!
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