Is there a April 2008 code watch thread? **This seems to be it!!

[My2Cinderellas]

Well, I think the All Star Movies will be the one that the kids will be most thrilled with, so I'm going with that.

Is it better to book whole package, or start with resort or what?!? Reading about possible discounts scares me from making a move and then crying later when I see that I could have saved money!

Money is, of course, a factor! We are using our tax refund, so want to make every dollar count! We went on our honeymoon- 15 years ago- and booked everything through a travel agent. Now, I hear so many different things- don't go through Disney package deals, do go through Disney package deals, book resort separate, don't book......kwim?

I picked up the Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids atthe library, so I'll be reading that first, I guess. The meal plan thing throws me because our kids will be 8 & 5 and are picky eaters! We never did character meals when it was just dh and I, so don't know anything about those. Everyone says make reservations- can you do that before you book your rooms?

Aaarrgghh! My head is going to explode!

You have picked a busy time of the year, so you definitely need a plan! If you like online research, I recommend tourguidemike . com. go over the the parks board, he is the sponsor. click on the banner and you will get a discount. anyway - the reason I recommend TGM (you will read a lot about htis site on the boards - there are strong feelings both pro and con) is that his best parks recommendations are great, and really do help avoid the worst of the crowds.

Also, dining reservations can be made starting 180 days (6 months) in advance, so you need to be calling soon. you may need to be flexible on dining times or which restaurant you go to. if you and DH are considering a "date night" and using one of the Child care clubs (for ages 4-12), those reservations are also made through Disney dining.

my number one tip - this is not a relaxing, sleep in late type of vacation. All of the guidebooks will tell you that you will see and do more in the first couple of hours IF you are at the parks by opening.

have a great trip!

 

[EnnEss]

Well, I think the All Star Movies will be the one that the kids will be most thrilled with, so I'm going with that.

Is it better to book whole package, or start with resort or what?!? Reading about possible discounts scares me from making a move and then crying later when I see that I could have saved money!

Money is, of course, a factor! We are using our tax refund, so want to make every dollar count! We went on our honeymoon- 15 years ago- and booked everything through a travel agent. Now, I hear so many different things- don't go through Disney package deals, do go through Disney package deals, book resort separate, don't book......kwim?

I picked up the Unofficial Guide to WDW with Kids atthe library, so I'll be reading that first, I guess. The meal plan thing throws me because our kids will be 8 & 5 and are picky eaters! We never did character meals when it was just dh and I, so don't know anything about those. Everyone says make reservations- can you do that before you book your rooms?

Aaarrgghh! My head is going to explode!

I would really suggest skipping the Disney Dining plan because it doesn't save the vast majority of people money unless you're planning on eating at one of Disney's table service restaraunts every day already. If you are, go for the plan. My girlfriend and I have always found the portions large at the counter service type things and have tried the DDP and wouldn't do it again unless its free, as it sometimes is in september. The other factor is tryign to get to all the various reservations, not to mention making them. I can imagine it'd be more difficult with kids than I found it without.

If you want a character meal make the reservation before hand for sure.

Sounds like a good way to go, the guide from the library! I don't use travel agents because its an extra layer to go through, they just call Disney, but if you have a Disney speciallized one near you, thats always nice. Of course, the AAA here said they are Disney experts but they didn't even know all the resorts, I wanted Wilderness Lodge and it took awhile for them to even find out if it existed. Of course, without an agent I have to check for codes and stuff, which I do here and at Disney.com, but hopefully a good TA would do that for you. I'm trying to present a somewhat balanced view, but I just wouldn't use a TA.

 

[Sandi]

I'm a big library user and love being able to check out guides, etc. for various trips. My only caution is that you should try to use the most current edition available. I noticed that at my own library (which is very good), there are Disney guidebooks that are several years old available. So much changes with pricing, dining plans, offerings, etc. Verify information and don't rely on the old stuff too much.

Now, when will the April codes come?!?

 

[THERESA522]

Is it better to book whole package, or start with resort or what?!? Reading about possible discounts scares me from making a move and then crying later when I see that I could have saved money!

Everyone says make reservations- can you do that before you book your rooms?

First, book a room as soon as possible. Right now, it doesn't matter if you do room only or a package deal - that can be changed later. And, a code can be applied to your room/package later if it comes out, so don't stress about losing a good discount.

Since you're within the 180 day window already, MAKE YOUR DINING RESERVATIONS. Once you call, you're going to realize that dining books up fast. Do your research and call for dinner (unless, of course, you'll only be eating at counter service places).

Also, I'm a fan of the dining plan. We make reservations for table service dinners for each night of our vacation and eater counter service for lunch each day. It works out to about $100/day for my family of four (2 adults/2 kids under 10). I think it's still a good deal, even having to pay a tip OOP. Also, character meals are the best if your kids like the characters!

Happy planning!

 

[tripletrouble]

Just subscribing. We'll be at the Yacht Club in April and are looking for some type of code or discount.

 

[wmsinks]

Count me in. We're going end of April/Beginning of May.

 

[kms67]

Thanks for the input from everyone!

Got resort & plane booked and ADR done!

Kris

 

[DenverDave]

For those who enjoy music - here's the Epcot "Flower Power" concert schedule for April. These are nightly concerts - part of the Flower and Garden Festival.

March 30-April 5 To Be Announced
April 6-9 Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
April 10-12 The Grassroots starring Rob Grill
April 13 To Be Announced
April 14-16 The Happenings
April 17-18 Peter and Gordon
April 19-23 Starship starring Mickey Thomas
April 24-26 The Ventures
April 27-30 B. J. Thomas

 

[HazelsGenie]

Hi, everyone....

We are thinking of going April 6 - 11. We usually go the first week in May. I noticed that PO Riverside was booked. Is this a very popular time? Easter is early this year, so I thought we were safe.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Genie

 

[Sandi]

Hi, everyone....

We are thinking of going April 6 - 11. We usually go the first week in May. I noticed that PO Riverside was booked. Is this a very popular time? Easter is early this year, so I thought we were safe.

What do you think?

Thanks,
Genie

April 6-11 will be busier than the first week in May. A lot of northern school districts, my DD's included, have Spring breaks that occur in late March and early April -- regardless of where Easter falls. If you don't have to go during a school break, I would not schedule during this time. (We'll be there April 5 thru 12 because that's when DD13 has Spring break.)

 

[cheeringmom]

Just subscribing and looking for some good deals

 

[CampbellScot]

Jumpin on the April train...I am so bad...I'm at work...grabbing a lunch break...but instead of eating I'm dising...I haven't been able to Dis in AGES...and then my husband says this morning..."Maybe we could do a trip in February...or April...check it out...see if you can find anything..."



on it hunny!!!!

 

[ChipDaleFan]

Coming back to Disney April 24-29. Got spoiled last year with club level at CR....NEED a great code to pull that one out of my hat

Here's hoping!

 

[DannysMom]

Subscribing too! Would love to plan an Apr 08 trip.... gotta wait to make sure that the 08 tax refund and/or bonus will allow it.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

Jumpin on the April train...I am so bad...I'm at work...grabbing a lunch break...but instead of eating I'm dising...I haven't been able to Dis in AGES...and then my husband says this morning..."Maybe we could do a trip in February...or April...check it out...see if you can find anything..."



on it hunny!!!!

Hey now! Please finish up the trip report from your last visit before heading back out... your adoring fans will get confused!!!

 

[Tonyspad]

April 13-17
Could use a code

 

[cobbler]

Looks like we still have a wait to go.

Doing some research in 2004 Disney Visa cardholder discounts weren't released until 2/21
3/9 for room only anyone and AP

2005
3/9 release dates for AP and FL residents only

2006
2/20 package discounts for Disney Visa
2/22 AP and FL residents

2007
2/21 AP
3/8 package and room only general public

So it looks like at least 2 and closer to 2.5 months of waiting yet.

 

[Davey-D-99]

We might be able to expect something around January 9-10 if they keep repeating the Code History from 2007 to 2008

From Mousesavers...

Quote:

2007 January-March Discounts and Codes

Check-in dates / Type of Discount / Became Available

1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for Canadian residents 10/16/06, exp 12/16/06
1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders 10/31/06, exp 12/16/06
1/1/07-3/8/07 package discounts for general public 11/2/06, exp 12/16/06

Quote:

2008 January-March Discounts and Codes

Check-in dates / Type of Discount / Became Available

1/1/08-3/15/08 package deal for Canadian residents 10/18/07, exp 12/15/07
1/1/08-3/15/08 package deal for Disney Rewards Visa cardholders 10/29/07, exp 12/15/07
1/1/08-3/15/08 package deal for general public 11/1/07, exp 12/15/07

--------------------------------------------------


Quote:

2007 April-June Discounts and Codes

Check-in dates / Type of Discount / Became Available


4/15/07-5/24/07 Annual Passholder room-only rates 2/21/07, exp 5/24/07
4/15/07-6/2/07 package discounts for general public 1/11/07, exp 2/18/07
4/15/07- 5/23/07 package and room-only discounts for general public 3/8/07, exp 4/14/07

Quote:

2008 April-June Discounts and Codes....HOPING!!!

 

[TinkAsh2001]

I am so EXCITED They just released the dates through april for the p&pp. There will be one on April 1st like I was hoping! YAY! YAY! YAY! Anyone else booking one?~

 

[tjmouse]

I wish! We are there from April 24-29th and of course, no parties during that time. Can't change dates either. Bummer! Stupid Grad nights, that's why. Oh well.