I need some advice, I am new to planning vacations.

[Disneyluv111]

We went to Disneyland 1.5 year ago. Now, I am planning this WDW trip. As I am reading this forum, it is extremely overwhelming. I know I shouldn't complain and to some people they love to plan. However, I have a ministry, I am a stay home mom, there are things I need to do, etc.. It all gets to be too much.

Okay, I have booked everything, although I didn't get a fantastic deal on everything like most people on this forum. Is it okay that I just purchased what I could and no longer continue to look for better deals? I just want to be done and not care about this stuff anymore until my trip but I have this guilt like I didn't get a good deal like that other person here, therefore, I should try harder and keep looking.
I know some of you will say it's up to me, however I want to hear what your opinion is please, of course, in the most loving way.
Any encouraging advice for me?

Here is what we're paying:
2 adult 1 child age 10
Flying from the West Coast.
9 days, 8 nights February 10-18
Car rental for the whole stay: 195.00
Tickets with Park hopper for 3 people for 7 days - access to all parks: 1040
Art of animation resort: 1450
Expedia airfare: 1130
Extras we will budget for no issues with that.

 

[Readerbug]

Oh boy! a cyber hug to you!
If you're "finished" planning and still feel unsettled, or some part guilt, then can I ask what your expectations are for yourself as planner, and your family/trip when the date rolls around? sounds like you know there's fantasy, and reality. what is your fantasy? it probably doesn't revolve around trading time for basement bargains....

 

[kymom99]

Would you like to share when you are going and some details of your reservations, etc.? If you do that, people can tell you if you could do better.

 

[powellrj]

I would say just walk away at this point. As long as you and your family are happy with your plans, that is all that is important. Will there always be someone who gets a better deal than you do??? Maybe, but back to point one, as long as you and your family are happy with your plans, that is all that is important. Now repeat this statement...

In all seriousness, you will make yourself crazy if you don't stop at some point. I will read about people that can feed their family of 8 on $50 a week and think what I loser I am, until I realize that each family is different and only spending $50 a week on groceries isn't important to us. There are other ways I find to save money that are important to us.

Right now I am planning a vacation for 2 weeks from now. We just decided to even try to take the trip yesterday. Most people wouldn't even try to plan a WDW trip that close, but I also know I have to consider my parents health and if there is anyone available to stay with them while we are gone. Right now it looks like a go, but I can't plan anything that can't be canceled at the last minutes in case we have to cancel like we have had to do for the last 4 years. Like I said, that is what is important to my family, so that is what we go with.

You are busy and that is what is important to your family so just accept it and just go with it!

 

[kymom99]

I will admit that my first trip I paid rack rate for the room!
We still had a great time and went back a year later. Don't overwhelm yourself.

 

[Disneyluv111]

I would say just walk away at this point. As long as you and your family are happy with your plans, that is all that is important. Will there always be someone who gets a better deal than you do??? Maybe, but back to point one, as long as you and your family are happy with your plans, that is all that is important. Now repeat this statement...

In all seriousness, you will make yourself crazy if you don't stop at some point. I will read about people that can feed their family of 8 on $50 a week and think what I loser I am, until I realize that each family is different and only spending $50 a week on groceries isn't important to us. There are other ways I find to save money that are important to us.

Hi everyone I've updated the post. Powellrj this is exactly how I'm feeling like I'm not being a good steward with my money!

 

[Disneyluv111]

Oh boy! a cyber hug to you!
If you're "finished" planning and still feel unsettled, or some part guilt, then can I ask what your expectations are for yourself as planner, and your family/trip when the date rolls around? sounds like you know there's fantasy, and reality. what is your fantasy? it probably doesn't revolve around trading time for basement bargains....

I want a good deal. I don't need an awesome deal like most on here. A good deal will make me feel satisfied.
When the time comes around for our trip I just want us to go and have fun. That's why I chose the resort, I wanted to streamline everything, making our trip more magical. Everything has been budgeted for. I'm not worried about any of that. The looking up prices and all that gave me nightmares for 2 days literally. I had one dream where I ordered Starbucks Coffee and the lady made it wrong and I threw a fit!

 

[rosiebean]

We went to Disneyland 1.5 year ago. Now, I am planning this WDW trip. As I am reading this forum, it is extremely overwhelming. I know I shouldn't complain and to some people they love to plan. However, I have a ministry, I am a stay home mom, there are things I need to do, etc.. It all gets to be too much.

Okay, I have booked everything, although I didn't get a fantastic deal on everything like most people on this forum. Is it okay that I just purchased what I could and no longer continue to look for better deals? I just want to be done and not care about this stuff anymore until my trip but I have this guilt like I didn't get a good deal like that other person here, therefore, I should try harder and keep looking.
I know some of you will say it's up to me, however I want to hear what your opinion is please, of course, in the most loving way.
Any encouraging advice for me?

Here is what we're paying:
9 days, 8 nights February 10-18
Car rental for the whole stay: 195.00
Tickets with Park hopper: 1040
Art of animation resort: 1450
Expedia airfare: 1130
Extras we will budget for no issues with that.

I have planned Disney vacations where I booked at a price I was happy with, and then rebooked when a great deal came out that saved me 15 to 20%. I was happy to save the money when I was able.

But I have also booked Disney vacations at a price that I was happy with when a subsequent sale (via a travel site like Orbitz) came out...a sale that would have saved me more money, but I was unable to cancel my first res and take advantage of the extra savings. Because I booked at a cost I was willing to pay, I was ok not being able to take advantage of the additional savings. Yes, it sucked a little, but only a little...in the end, I was happy with my original package.

You can always be on the lookout for February savings, and if it works out, cancel your original booking and rebook for a nice percentage off. BUT, if you can't...so long as you're happy with your budget, it's all ok in the end, right?

One thing I did notice...you are flying into Orlando and staying onsite at Disney and renting a car. Is the car rental necessary? If you are planning off-site fun (at other *cough* theme parks), then I can see where you'd want a car. But if you are staying solely at Disney and staying onsite, you can use WDW transportation from the airport to your hotel and from your hotel to the parks, and save a few hundred dollars for the rental. Something to think about.

 

[Marionnette]

We went to Disneyland 1.5 year ago. Now, I am planning this WDW trip. As I am reading this forum, it is extremely overwhelming. I know I shouldn't complain and to some people they love to plan. However, I have a ministry, I am a stay home mom, there are things I need to do, etc.. It all gets to be too much.

Okay, I have booked everything, although I didn't get a fantastic deal on everything like most people on this forum. Is it okay that I just purchased what I could and no longer continue to look for better deals? I just want to be done and not care about this stuff anymore until my trip but I have this guilt like I didn't get a good deal like that other person here, therefore, I should try harder and keep looking.
I know some of you will say it's up to me, however I want to hear what your opinion is please, of course, in the most loving way.
Any encouraging advice for me?

Here is what we're paying:
9 days, 8 nights February 10-18
Car rental for the whole stay: 195.00
Tickets with Park hopper: 1040
Art of animation resort: 1450
Expedia airfare: 1130
Extras we will budget for no issues with that.

There's no way to know whether you've gotten a good deal without knowing where you're flying from, how many people are in your party and how many of them are adults. Too many variables to offer an opinion.

But having said that, it looks like you car rental is a good price for 9 days. A week's rental can be had for a reasonable price, but adding on 2 more days can be a killer! I think you did fine there.

The airfare is a sunk cost. You already spent the money, so let it go. No sense in researching better deals because it would cost you too much money to change the tickets.

The hotel price could probably be reduced, and possibly the ticket prices as well. The question remains: How content are you to pay the current prices? If you're satisfied then let it go and begin planning your ADRs and FP+s. I'm getting the impression that you're not satisfied, otherwise you would not have started this thread. I know that you said that you expect to read this, but it's up to you as to whether you push yourself to find a better deal. We can't find it for you but a TA could. You might want to find one that specializes in Disney and transfer control of your reservation to them. Most Disney TAs will keep on top of the deals and secure a better rate for their clients if they can be applied. This might be the route for you to take.

 

[msmama]

I personally don't just look at the price I'm paying. I think it's also important to look at time spent with planning, stress incurred, etc.

I always book a package through Disney. I know I could save by doing tickets from one place, resort from another, etc, but knowing that if there is an issue I will have disney customer service to help me is worth the extra money.

You can always keep checking back. I don't know if you got a deal on your room but I would be that February deals will come out eventually if they are not out already (assuming staying on site). So there could be more savings in your future.

I guess I would say that if you are comfortable with what you are paying, then who cares about anyone else. If it's a bit much for your budgeting piece of mind than maybe. Look for ways to save.

(Like others have said we'd really need more info to tell you if your numbers make sense but nothing seems too outrageous to me).

 

[hsmamato2]

veteran trip planner here (not just disney)
my best advice to you is book at prices you can live with-don't go into a mountain of debt or stress....
then just relax. If you ENJOY looking, you can keep checking the boards,etc in case a sale pops up. If it does, you can easily switch a lot of things to grab that sale. (a lot, not all can be changed) -
if you DON'T enjoy that process, then just stop looking. You have booked trip you will enjoy at a price you can live with. why worry?
(FWIW, there are lots of extreme,and partial stories on internet forums...at first glance it may appear that everyone else gets better deals than you, but there are lots of factors to consider,it's never simple)
You will read stories of people like myself who make it a p/t job to score incredible deals....it's my hobby. I enjoy the process. Try not to compare your own life to the things you read here, which may or may not be workable for you.
enjoy your trip! If you actually want to find little detailed ways to bring down a few costs, just ask specifically on the BB, you'll get good advice! (Mine for instance, I wouldn't rent the car -and I'd book Pop instead, b/c it's cheaper for 3, and right next door to AoA) but that's just my style.....

 

[Nancyg56]

I think that value is subjective, so if I am satisfied with my budget, I am done. I also like to look for "deals" but I stay with Disney. For me, it is a value to know I can make changes or that my requests will be honored, and I am "that" person who, if any issue can happen with a reservation, it will be mine. I also do not bother with car rental, so that is my personal savings.

I would say that if you want to keep checking, and have the time, go for it. If not, and you stayed within your budget, let it go.

 

[dpswift]

I do not think that your prices are all that bad. We have found that it is more expensive to start your trip on the west coast then fly east than vice versa. I can often find flights to San Diego from Syracuse in the $300 range, however DS always spends more coming from San Diego.

If you have your mind set on AoA a lovely resort in the value category, they do not discount the LM rooms so no discount will be forthcoming. I must admit however that 2 years ago when we stayed there Presidents week we could have gotten POR for less.

If you are ok with your price I would stop looking and concentrate on making ADRs. Also as far as ADRs if you do not get what you want at first, I have had luck getting everything that wanted by checking on an occasional basis. Do not drive yourself crazy trying to get a certain reservation no place is worth getting upset over.

 

[elaine amj]

Keep in mind that your time is worth money too. If you are content with what you have booked, just go with it. Many of us spend ridiculous amounts of time hunting for the best deal. I do - but that's my hobby and happen to have the extra time. In your case, I would just consider whatever extra you paid - the cost for convenience. That's not a bad thing you know. You are being a good steward of your time and using that time to take care of your family.

Also, I would recommend turning your reservation over to a Disney specialist TA and charge the TA with continuing to keep an eye out for the best deal. Looks like you have a Disney pkg booked anyway so no big deal letting a TA do the legwork.

I use a Disney TA for my trips. Although I plan everything out myself, I like having someone else handle the dining reservations, calls to Disney, etc. No extra cost to me and I help out a small business. Win win.

 

[lauradis]

We book directly thru Disney. The time and which hotel we stay at is more important to me then chasing discounts down.

I have a Dec 2015 already booked, if they come out with a discount while we are there woo hoo , if not oh well maybe next time.

Husband wants to fly, actually he says this every trip then he backs out and says its to expensive. I found my loop hole here to make him fly and that's my $500 gift card to southwest .

Anyways I'm watching airline prices, I have a price range of what I want.

So if your vacation is in the price range of what your willing and can spend do it

 

[ekatiel]

If you have your mind set on AoA a lovely resort in the value category, they do not discount the LM rooms so no discount will be forthcoming. I must admit however that 2 years ago when we stayed there Presidents week we could have gotten POR for less.

^^^This. It is highly unlikely that AoA little mermaid rooms will be discounted b/c they are in such high demand. If you are willing to change resorts if a discount became available, then there is a chance that you'll be able to take advantage of a discount. Last year, on October 8th (I just did some googling ), both room only and Stay,Play, Dine discounts came out for winter/early spring. It is likely that the end of your stay will be blacked out b/c of president's week, but the beginning of your stay might be included (and deals like Stay, Play, and Dine run through your entire stay as long as your check in date is not blacked out).

So, will you do better at AoA in a LM room? Probably not. You can stop looking if you are married to AoA. Will you be able to do better by switching resorts in October? Likely. You don't have to constantly stalk for deals though. Disney is pretty consistent about release dates. Check the resort discounts board here on the DIS (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93) once a week until the beginning of October. Pop in once a day when October hits until you see the discount. It shouldn't take up too much of your time to quickly scan the threads and see what discounts have come out. Good luck, and HAVE FUN on your trip!!

Edited to add: I agree with the PP about the rental car. Unless you're visiting other parks off-site, you don't need one. That's $200 right there .

 

[Disneyluv111]

veteran trip planner here (not just disney)
my best advice to you is book at prices you can live with-don't go into a mountain of debt or stress....
then just relax. If you ENJOY looking, you can keep checking the boards,etc in case a sale pops up. If it does, you can easily switch a lot of things to grab that sale. (a lot, not all can be changed) -
if you DON'T enjoy that process, then just stop looking. You have booked trip you will enjoy at a price you can live with. why worry?
(FWIW, there are lots of extreme,and partial stories on internet forums...at first glance it may appear that everyone else gets better deals than you, but there are lots of factors to consider,it's never simple)
You will read stories of people like myself who make it a p/t job to score incredible deals....it's my hobby. I enjoy the process. Try not to compare your own life to the things you read here, which may or may not be workable for you.
enjoy your trip! If you actually want to find little detailed ways to bring down a few costs, just ask specifically on the BB, you'll get good advice! (Mine for instance, I wouldn't rent the car -and I'd book Pop instead, b/c it's cheaper for 3, and right next door to AoA) but that's just my style.....

I love what you shared. Made me feel so much better.
If I was to book Pop, would I be able to visit, walk around AoA? I really want to see that place. Not sure if they allow it.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I say if you are satisfied, stop looking for better deals.

What you have now looks good to me. I saw a recommendation to cancel the rental car but I like having a car at disney (I drive to AK, DHS for sure and to any resort ADR's) so I would keep that. 195.00 is a good price for it.

Now you can start planning your FP+ and any ADR's if you want any. Have fun and Good luck!

 

[Disneyluv111]

Keep in mind that your time is worth money too. If you are content with what you have booked, just go with it. Many of us spend ridiculous amounts of time hunting for the best deal. I do - but that's my hobby and happen to have the extra time. In your case, I would just consider whatever extra you paid - the cost for convenience. That's not a bad thing you know. You are being a good steward of your time and using that time to take care of your family.

Also, I would recommend turning your reservation over to a Disney specialist TA and charge the TA with continuing to keep an eye out for the best deal. Looks like you have a Disney pkg booked anyway so no big deal letting a TA do the legwork.

I use a Disney TA for my trips. Although I plan everything out myself, I like having someone else handle the dining reservations, calls to Disney, etc. No extra cost to me and I help out a small business. Win win.

Great advice. I will contact a Disney TA! Do I have to book something for them to make money?

 

[lauradis]

I love what you shared. Made me feel so much better.
If I was to book Pop, would I be able to visit, walk around AoA? I really want to see that place. Not sure if they allow it.

Yes you can take a bus from any park to any resort you want.

You cant go into rooms or use the pool!