My family will be taking our first trip to Disney World the first week of March 2014 too!

I say first, because it will be for me @ 36 and our sons who will be 6 and 12 when we visit, The DH went when he was toddler, but of course he doesn't remember much. We're debating whether to go just the 4 of us or to take my mother along as well. I've found where we can stay off site with some benefits and would only up our total by about $500-$600 by bringing her with us. I wish I could get more information about how much getting two connecting rooms at one of the value resorts would run though.
It didn't even occur to me that Fat Tuesday falls that week! I guess that means my planning I've done so far will fly out the window cause rates will probably be higher than I'm anticipating...ugh! What I've done so far is get rates for a time comparable season wise then add to it a little but I'd be willing to bet prices are higher cause of Mardi Gras. Any tips from people that have been during Mardi Gras in terms of rate hikes and such would be so appreciated! Really any tips would be appreciated. Our plans are to arrive March 3 (we will arrive around 7-8 pm) Parks Tues. Wed. Thurs. then check out Friday morning and leave early. Well, that's what the hubby wants but I'm hoping to convince him that staying the extra day will work out better and still not break us and arrive on Sunday night, parks on Mon-Thurs, then leave Friday as planned.
I'm sorry if I ramble, I'm just super excited!

My father was in the navy before I was born so when we'd broach the subject of vacations he'd say "I've been all over the world already, I don't have anything else I want to see!" so we never went anywhere growing up. Unfortunately my husband and I have never had the means to be able to go before now...we didn't even have a honeymoon!



You can imagine how his bombshell of saying we could go on and get something locked down (FINALLY) went with me!

Disney World has pretty much been a lifelong dream of mine that I never thought would happen and I swear I'd have bounced off the walls were it not that we decided we're going to try and surprise the boys with the trip and give them little info beforehand, other than we're going to Florida for a week!