June 26th through July 11, 2004

[stacy2197]

I need help. We went to Disney over 4th of July this year and everything just fell into place. We went a week and I didn't start planning untill about 4 months ahead of time. We drove from Wisconsin so I didn't have the flight to plan. With only a week we only had time for the basics. With two weeks to fill we can do so much more. Now how do you start planning so far in advance. We want to fly. When do you book your flight? Last time I knew I wanted to stay a CB. With two weeks we would like to split our stay but where. We would like to go to sea world this time. Should we spend a couple nights at a universal resort? Once I start making a couple of the plans I'm sure things will start falling into place. Please tell me where you guys start planning with a longer vacation. HELP!!!!!!

 

[woody5]

I always start planning early. My family swears for me that the planning portion is half of the fun. Here is my suggestions:

1. When flying I decide what price I am willing to pay. I check regularly at the various different airlines and when I find the price I am willing to pay I book. I get a price I am happy with and the times I want. I know sometimes there are great last minute deals but wouldn't want to risk not getting a flight or paying something very high.

2. I personally don't like switching hotels even on Disney property. For me it is just too much work to pack up everything and move. When I travel there is me, DH, two DD, DS and my mom whom is handicapped. I like to stay put once I am at Disney. I guess if you are going to visit Universal though it might be worth the hassels of moving for front of the line access. I would either do this at the beginning or end so that there is only one move involved. Also if you are visiting both places you will probably need to rent a car instead of using a shuttle or limo service. Neither Disney nor Universal provides transportation to the others parks.

3. I always have my next hotel in mind when I return from Disney. I don't make any hotel reservations through WDW until codes come out. I think everyone booking ahead of time makes it more likely that there will be no codes. I do usually book at the Dolphin or Swan at the teachers rate as my back up plan. That reservation is not then part of WDW reservation system. Also if there are no codes I get to stay deluxe for less than the cost of a moderate at Disney.

Relax and enjoy yourself. Those of us who love Disney often find planning the trip to be alot of fun.

 

[Tinkbell]

I think spending a couple of days at Universal would be a great idea. Also, Value season for Disney Deluxe resorts starts July 5th (I think). You will get cheaper rates then. If you wanted to switch Disney resorts, I'd get a deluxe on the 5th or after.

 

[jimmiej]

3. I always have my next hotel in mind when I return from Disney. I don't make any hotel reservations through WDW until codes come out. I think everyone booking ahead of time makes it more likely that there will be no codes. I do usually book at the Dolphin or Swan at the teachers rate as my back up plan. That reservation is not then part of WDW reservation system. Also if there are no codes I get to stay deluxe for less than the cost of a moderate at Disney.

This is my plan of attack for my June '04 trip. Just booked my Dolphin room last week. Now the wait is on for AP rates or any other good deals. I'd love to get AKL, but only if I can come close to the $129.00 S/D teacher rate.