My first trip doing all the work!

[KnitchyFingers]

Hi. I'm new to the board and entirely new to this Disney planning thing. I've been lurking here for about a month and sponging information because... I booked our trip today!!! Now, let me back up...

I HAVE been to DW twice before.
Once when I was nine years old... that was long enough ago that a few things, such as the Animal Kingdom, didn't exist yet!

I then went in 2003 with a dear friend and her family. They were (and still are) DVC members and seasoned DW veterans.

Both times, I just packed up my suitcase (okay, I think my mom packed my suitcase for my first trip!) and showed up and off we went. No ADRs or strategies to worry about.

Fastforward to now and DH and I are coming up on our third wedding anniversary. No kids, as of yet, but they're not far off. Who knows, maybe we'll bring back a souvenir.

Anyways, with the help of my lovely AAA agent, I made a reservation for the last week of September 2009 for seven nights at CSR. I would have loved to stay at the Poly or Yacht Club, but those were a little bit out of our budget and I prefer to stay for more nights in a moderate resort.

Well... I got home and panicked. I have NO idea how to go about this and have a zillion questions. So, dear DISers, I need you! I want to make the most out of this vacation.

Was the CSR a good choice? I liked its location. I called friend and DW vet from 2003 trip and she laughed at me , congratulated me and told me to work on my ADRs. Can my AAA agent make those for me, if I tell her what I want?

I would love to do something special as a fun surprise for DH, like an Illuminations cruise. Any other fun ideas?

Last question, for now... we have a reservation for 7 nights, but I went with a 6 day park hopper ticket. (My sister is an animal trainer with SeaWorld and we'll end up spending a day with her.) I got the dining plan. Is that linked to our resort stay or our park tickets? i.e., do I have seven CS meals, TS meals, etc., or six?

Hope this all made sense. Thanks everyone. I know I can plan an awesome trip with some organization and help from y'all!

Knitchy

 

[conachan14]

I have also been twice before the last time was also in 2003 and we did bare minimum because that is what we could afford.

We are staying in Port Orleans Riverside. I believe that you will have 7 days worth of dining credit, because we are staying for 8 and have 8 days worth. He do need to book your reservations. Pretty much every Restaurant takes reservation except for the quick service ones. After about 1 1/2 weeks of calling I finally just got all the times and things I wanted. It might no be so bad for you since you are only a party of 2 (we have 5). We booked the Hoopty Doo Review there are lots of good reviews on it.

You travel agent should be able to book your dinings for you. There are quite of few Restaurants that will give you priority seetings for the fireworks shows.

Hope this helps somewhat.

 

[KnitchyFingers]

It helps a ton. Thanks so much, conachan! I'm really excited now.

 

[Stac1023]

I think you are doing a great job. CSR is a good place for couples from what I read on the boards. I agree with the 6 day ticket.

 

[KatMark]

How fun for you! We love the CSR...DH and I have spent six of our last seven alone trips at the CSR and would not stay anywhere else. We had a spectacular 25th anniversary trip there this past September. Be sure to enjoy one of the hammocks in the morning with coffee or at night with a drink and just enjoy the beauty of the resort.

How about parasailing at the Contemporary? My DH and his then girlfriend did this on his high school graduation trip and really enjoyed it. He can either go solo or you two can go together tandem.