Need return trip planning help - overwhelmed

[SommerNyte]

I can't find my old thread so I am starting a new one (sorry). We are going back to DL mid-October for our twin sons' 8th birthday. We were last there 4 years ago for our older daughter's 8th birthday. We will be traveling with a 2 year old, two 8 year olds and a 12 year old.

Last time, we stayed at the Portofino and LOVED it, but we really want to try to stay at the Californian. Except I saw the prices, so that might be out.

I get very overwhelmed trying to plan all of this, so I would love some guidance.

(1) I am thinking of getting a DL rewards card (credit card) to use for groceries etc each month (and pay off) to accumulate points. Worth it? Which one?

(2) I think I should use a travel agent this time. Will it save me money, or do they charge fees making it cost more? If I should use one, how do I pick?

(3) Any special deals or money saving tips you can tell me to try to help us get to the Californian? Or cut costs elsewhere to be able to afford it?

We managed to go in 2011 with just 2 month's planning saving up (whole trip was cash) and spent under $3,000 (including airfare) for a family of 5. Have a little more time to plan this time, but one more person coming with us and some bigger hopes!!

I appreciate the guidance.

 

[Geemo]

I have a "cash back " rewards credit card through BofA.

I used a travel agent once..... It was the most screwed up trip we have ever had. I'll never do that again. Doing everything myself isn't a problem and I save money in the long run.

The cost to stay on-site is expensive. Keep in mind the max room occupancy for DLR hotels is 5. If you can match your travel dates to Dapper Day's, you could book a DLR hotel through their special. Staying at a place on Harbor at the cross walk is a nice option. Their rates are usually best the earlier you book.

If you plan to go to one of the Halloween Parties, watch for tickets the end of July or early August.

It's good you are beginning your planning process now.

Geemo

 

[SommerNyte]

So, Geemo, you don't have a Disney specific card?

I know many hotels max out at 5 ppl per room, thought DL would have options for larger families. Bummer.

Looks like Dapper Days is in September, but had no idea about Halloween parties - will check into that!!

Thank you for the tips!!

 

[Geemo]

So, Geemo, you don't have a Disney specific card?

I know many hotels max out at 5 ppl per room, thought DL would have options for larger families. Bummer.

Looks like Dapper Days is in September, but had no idea about Halloween parties - will check into that!!

Thank you for the tips!!

I went with the BofA 3*2*1 Cash Reward Credit Card. It seemed like the benefit would be better for me. Look it up on the websites and see which would be best if you were to get a CC.

I believe DLR does have options for larger families, 1 and 2 bedroom suites. However, the cost is up there. It's probably less to get two standard connecting rooms. When we stayed at the GCH with 7 people, we reserved two connecting standard rooms. That was back in 2004.

We choose to stay off site most of the time, due to the cost savings. Desert Inn & Suites and Tropicana are perfect for us. When I have more than 4 people going, we book DI&S. They have roomy suites. Look online at the places on Harbor. Booking early will usually get the best rate.

If you look at the Halloween Super Thread, you'll get an idea of what happens. They might even have info on ticket prices for last years parties. The Halloween Parties require a Special Event Admission ticket. Once the tickets go on sale they generally sell out. Just how fast depends.

Geemo

 

[SMD]

I don't think you need a travel agent. Flying from anywhere on the west coast is pretty straight forward. If you were going to be transferring and using 2 different airlines and needed the itineraries linked, that might be a reason to use a travel agent. If you think it would be easier to book a package instead of a la carte, try your AAA office or Costco. Even if they did allow a 6th person in the GCH rooms, they're tiny. With a 2 year old who probably naps and a 12 year old who probably stays up late, you should look for a suite with at least 2 separate rooms so you can split up. Or even just connecting rooms.