Let's plan Together! Jan 2009

[tnd]

We're currently batting around the idea of a trip very early in January since I don't have to go back to school until Jan. 12, and I love the idea of going in value season, and the idea of FL in January is more attractive than Detroit in January. We're looking at dates around the 2nd through the 9th or something like that.

Should I go ahead and book a room only to hold it, and then add the package later? Can I cancel and get my deposit back if we end up choosing not to go? We're interested in a family suite at All Star Music, and I understand they have limited availability, so it might make more sense to book now, if I know I can get my deposit back if something changes.

 

[MomofCKJ]

We'll be there Jan 8-11 for the Half Marathon (then the 11-15 in the Bahamas!). Dh and I are going with our best friends, all leaving our kids behind and running the race and then relaxing together. We all turn 40 between May of this year and Oct 2009 so this is our big to-do trip. They have left the Disney portion up to me and I am emailing back and forth with my TA now. Either CSR or Pop, not sure yet but leaning towards CSR. Looking forward to it!

Allyson

 

[GrammyJudy]

We are palnning on going end of Jan 2009...no res yet just lots of planning. Went Jan 2005,ASMo, and Jan 2007, POP. Will probably do POP again....2 rooms...Me, DH, DD, DSIL, DGS (7), and a new baby due in Sept. We did DDP last time and parkhoppers...looking at AAA to see if that will save money. Someone mentioned free ticket upgrades at that time of year...TRUE????? Just can't wait. This will be trip #13 since 1983!!!!We are addicted

 

[ateam79828592]

DH, DD (3), and D? (due Sept) are dreaming of a trip late January/early February 09

 

[emh1129]

We are hoping to be able to go in January- maybe Jan.6-16th. We have to be back in time for DH to work the holiday weekend, since they are really busy.
I wish we could go a bit later in the month.. we noticed that the crowds really died down after the marathon when we were there in Jan. 2007.
Fingers crossed for a good code for January!

 

[mousiemom]

we always stay @ pop but this time we are trying coronado springs! we love going this time of the year!! no crowds and good weather!! will be looking out for the dissers.
mousiemom

 

[GoofyFairie]

I am dreaming of an early Feb trip! We went this last feb for the first time and had a blast! I miss it terribly! I thought the crowds were pretty light except towards the end of the week they started pouring in before the race in Deltona. Any suggestions on how to save money? I have the coin jar and stash away as much green as I can, but it isn't adding up very fast.

 

[melancholywings]

We are starting to plan for late Jan, and are still kicking around what hotel we want. We might also be traveling in a large group (friends and family), and that has me a bit stressed out.

 

[Sherrkel]

We are starting to plan for late Jan, and are still kicking around what hotel we want. We might also be traveling in a large group (friends and family), and that has me a bit stressed out.

I also have a large family (Grand Gathering of 21 last time) that I am one of the primary planners for - it does seem overhwhelming, but if it's a group you enjoy being with, then there's no better place to be than Disney! I've been to Disney with just my husband, daughter and parents; but with my all my in-laws along this last trip everything was just so much more fun and we have some wonderful memories. We're planning to return in February 09 and are now up to perhaps 24-25 in our group as we have some close family friends coming along too. You don't have to take on the whole burden of planning; we have monthly meetings and everyone participates and discusses what resturants we want to go to, etc. (we're already set to return to CSR, so at least that big decision is out of the way). I hope you are able to relax and enjoy!

 

[xmas16]

Great Thread,

New member here, I am planning my first visit as a family with our 2 young children ages 5,8, and myself and my wife. I am shooting for approx 7 days right after MLK day (Jan 20th) and before the SuperBowl (Did you know the Superbowl is in Tampa Feb 1, 2009, that can translate into big crowds from what I've heard) don't really know that for sure. I have not booked the rooms yet but maybe I should after hearing many of you have. Anyway I will be paying close attention to what you all have to say. I hope to contribute as well.

Steve

 

[melancholywings]

You don't have to take on the whole burden of planning; we have monthly meetings and everyone participates and discusses what resturants we want to go to, etc. (we're already set to return to CSR, so at least that big decision is out of the way). I hope you are able to relax and enjoy!

Do you travel around the parks as one big group? Or do you sort of split off and do your own thing? We are most likely staying in different locations, they have a big ol' 5th wheel and as fun as camping sounds...I'm a girl who likes 4 walls and room service.

 

[GoofyFairie]

Great Thread,

New member here, I am planning my first visit as a family with our 2 young children ages 5,8, and myself and my wife. I am shooting for approx 7 days right after MLK day (Jan 20th) and before the SuperBowl (Did you know the Superbowl is in Tampa Feb 1, 2009, that can translate into big crowds from what I've heard) don't really know that for sure. I have not booked the rooms yet but maybe I should after hearing many of you have. Anyway I will be paying close attention to what you all have to say. I hope to contribute as well.

Steve

Thanks for the info! I am not a sports fan and had no idea. I was looking into going that weekend, but guess I'll move to the following weekend instead! When is Mardi Gras again?

 

[princessamy1]

Okay guys I am worried!! I was informed the Super Bowl is in Tampa Feb 1st. I am hearing that the week before and the week after are crazy at Disney when the game is so close. Does anyone have any information???

 

[xmas16]

Hi all,
The last superbowl that was held in Tampa was Jan 28th, 2001. If someone could get their hands on attendance figures from that time it could give us an idea about how crowded the parks can become with such a big event going on just down the highway . I've read somewhere that the last time the Superbowl was in Tampa, hotel rooms were scarce in the Tampa area and rooms were booked in Orlando to accomodate the demand. This is something we should be concerned about if we are planning on a WDW visit around this 2/1/09 Superbowl. Especially if the goal of the visit is to avoid large crowds. Lets keep communicating.

Steve

 

[Sherrkel]

Do you travel around the parks as one big group? Or do you sort of split off and do your own thing? We are most likely staying in different locations, they have a big ol' 5th wheel and as fun as camping sounds...I'm a girl who likes 4 walls and room service.

I agree, I did enough camping when I was a kid, it's all about comfort and convenience now! I'd love to be able to afford a deluxe hotel, but the moderates are just right for our budget, and really, CSR is a great resort (and they do have room service).
We did our touring together, and separately last year, so 50/50 would be my answer. We always had ADRs for dinner, so that was another time we were always together. I had suggesting creating touring plans before we went, but not everyone wanted to follow an agenda. It worked out ok, but I think we could have done more if we did have plans in place - maybe not step by step, but at least knowing when you enter a park, whether you'll be going left or right!

 

[Sherrkel]

Thanks for the info! I am not a sports fan and had no idea. I was looking into going that weekend, but guess I'll move to the following weekend instead! When is Mardi Gras again?

Madis Gras is 2/24 next year, right in the middle of our vacation week . I'm trying not to worry about that too much, as I've heard some people say it doesn't seem that much busier (from their experience), but I'm a little bit worried because last February our week was great with wait times not being to long for the attractions.

 

[moparop]

We are heading to Disney "sometime" before President's Day. We were there Jan. 22 to 29 last year and LOVED it. We haven't gotten more specific than that, but my parents are taking my brother and me and our families and I only found out about that yesterday. I am pretty pumped and we are planning to make ressies next week. We've got 8 adults and one infant, so maybe we are a Grand Gathering!

 

[emlutz23]

I'm glad I found this thread! We will be using our vacation points for our room over the marathon weekend, but we don't have enough points for my parents. They booked a room only at the Beach Club through AAA, but maybe I can get them a better deal when codes come out!

 

[MomofCKJ]

It's officially official, we are booked 1/8-1/11 at CSR (first time at that resort) for the Half Marathon and 1/11-1/15 at Sandals in the Bahamas!

Ahhhh, it always feels good to have that booking done!

Allyson

 

[asfarrell]

I have booked our Magical Gathering for 12/31/2008 to 1/05/2008.
There are 9 girls going. Me, my mom, my 4 sisters, my daughter and 2 nieces. We are staying in 3 rooms at All Star Movies, we chose a Value Resort, to make sure everyone could afford to go.
I am now just waiting for July 4th to make my ADR's.
Hopefully, we can get half way decent pricing on our flights!