My Disney Dream ....hopefully!

[Grandplanner]

My first trip to Disney World was in 2006 at age 46! I've been kicking myself ever since for never having gone earlier! DH,ds(then11),dd(then9) and I went in june and stayed at ASMovies. It was suppose to be a once in a lifetime trip, but I got bit by the mouse. We had a truely magical time and was planning our next trip before we even left for home.
Next trip was june of 2008. We stayed at PoP. The hotel stay was excellent, but weather this time was horrible. Heat and humidity was so bad that it made my dh and son so sick with migranes we had to cancel 2 adrs I was so looking forward to. No more summers in florida for us.
Now onto my Disney Dream...planning our next trip for october 2010. This time 3 of my older kids, with thier spouces and all 5 of my grandkids will all
be going together. I can't wait to get pics of 5 little ones in front of the castle!
There will be 15 of us all together. Myself,dh, ds16, dd13,dd30, sil32,dgs9,dgs5,dd22,dsil25,dgs7, ds28,ddil27,dgs9,dgd5. Phew!
So far we know we want to stay in 4 rooms at PoP. We will be getting the basic MYW base tickets with dining plan. We want to make our hotel reservations and plane reservations next april hopefully paying for everything at the same time.
This will be a first time trip for 11 people and they want to see/do everything! Since I've gone twice, I've been elected head planner and I'm starting to get a little overwelmed.
I'm thinking of maybe getting a travel agent to help coordinate some of the details of plane seating together and hotel rooms near each other. We used a travel agent on our first trip . I found out we could of saved almost $800 if we had done things ourselves, so I'm a little hesitant to contact one. The lady who made all our reservations didn't know about a room discount at the time and got us very high airfare that I could of gotten for much less. My fault for not doing my homework at the time.
So anyway with a group like this, should I contact a travel agent? Maybe just call Disney Magical gatherings and work with them? I heard there are some travel agencies that will watch for discounts for you, but how to pick one? Will the magic gathering people do this also? Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[katyjeka]

We have a magical gathering planned for this Sept. It will be our second one and I reserved both through Disney. We've made so many changes that I'm more comfortable going right to the source. It's sounds like you've got a great range of ages and I agree, a picture with the little ones and the castle will be beautiful. I can tell you the Magical Gathering CM's are great to work with and so helpful. Have fun planning, and a wonderful trip.

 

[tweedlemom]

We traveled with a group of 8 last time and used a travel agent. I will say she is one of my best friends so I know she went out of her way to make sure she got us the best deals. Even though we've been to the parks several times,I still feel more comfortable using her!

 

[tlh0726]

If it were me, I would want to deal directly with Disney and do the planning myself. You would be in total control of last minute changes and not relying on someone and then finding out they did not follow through.

Ask yourself, what made your first visit so magical? Did you rush from point A to point B to get everything done or did you just take it slow and take it all in.

Make charts, listing, time line, etc whatever it takes to keep yourself organized. (Being able to check something off as completed gives you a real boost)

Don't be afraid to tell the others you are feeling a little overwhelmed. They can all help with the planning. Maybe have each give you 3 must do things at each park. Plan around these and everything else is a bonus.

The only over advice I can give/think of at the moment is just accept the fact that something will not go as planned. You cannot control every little detail. Relax and let the magic happen. You and your famiy will be there together making memories that will last a lifetime.

 

[roscoepc1]

We just dealt with Cindy at themagicforless.com and she was magical! B/c it's a Disney approved travel agency,she was totally on top of all the specials, discounts etc. She even managed to solve a mid-trip problem on the spot!

I'd highly recommend her to anyone, anytime!