Liams 5th Birthday Trip!! ***January 2013 **really early**Pre-Trip report

[Disgirl2011]

So my nephew Liam will be turning 5 next January and my sister wants us to go to the World to celebrate!

I am more than happy to go but it is also up to me to fund, plan and organize everything

Keep in mind this is my first trip report of any kind so I will try my hardest to make it entertaining at least


So anyhoo, the cast is :
Sister Emily (30)
Brother in Law Mark (33)
ME! Katie: (23)
Nephew Liam(5 at time of trip)

We will be going to Disney World for 5 nights/ 6 days January 3-9 most likely. (Liams birthday is the 5th) Like I said I'm excited but I'm worried about saving all the money needed for this trip. Rough estimate was about 4000 and I only have about 1000 saved, but after reading the Budget boards I think it might be doable....any great tips anyone can offer?


We are definately staying on site and I have been strongly considering renting dvc points so we can get a better resort for our money, but I want this trip to go as smoothly as possible and I feel like that might be adding another element that I'm not very comfortable with.

Anyone use DVC points and have also booked the regular way? Any comparisons good or bad for how easy it is to check in and add dining, etc?

Dining Plan is another thing. Last time I went back in March 2008 with my boyfriend at the time we had the dining plan and I LOVED it! It was nice not having to worry about paying for food and we could eat at really nice restaurants and relax, but I've heard that people can save money with a Disney Gift card and save money in the long run, so I'm torn.

SO not to overwhelm ya guys with my first post I'm gonna leave it at that til I have some more organized thoughts lol.

 

[Disgirl2011]

Just curious if anyone knows when I could look into renting DVC points for January 2013. I'm pretty sure I saw that the point chart was out for the 2013 year but havent seen anyone advertising points for then yet.

 

[Disgirl2011]

Well, still at 1000 dollars saved up but I'm not too discouraged!

I've pretty much decided on renting points for a Standard View Animal Kingdom Jambo House Studio, still kinda nervous about not having done so before.

I've also decided that it would probably be smart to forgo the dining plan or at least do just quick service, because with a 5 year old sit down restaurants dont work as well.

Anything anyone can tell me to help me save me money or ease my nerves about renting would be helpful Thanks guys!!

 

[Disgirl2011]

Alright room is booked!!

January 3rd 2013 to January 8th 2013 we will be staying at Animal Kingdom Villas Jambo House!

It really looked like the coolest resort and I think my nephew will love it!!