Need some expert advice....

[dizzyami]

Ok - we are Disney junkies, went twice in '05 because DH did not want to miss out on the 50th (I could of told him we wouldn't and didn't HAVE to go during Thanksgiving, but why...), back in '06 for Halloween and I have already plotted our next trip during our '07 fall break. Here is the problem (I know, it is a tough one)...DH has $3K that he won that can only be spent on a vacation. With DD5 and DS3 and no one to watch them for a week or so - I am wondering if we should do disney over Spring Break too - not sure where else is good to go with kids that age... DH mentioned last night that maybe we should just do Disney again - are we crazy??? Our break starts 3/12 - looks like a lot is being refurbed and it will be busy....so what do all you experts think???

 

[MATTERHORN]

I would do it! You are hitting it kinda early right before or as SPring Breaks are starting! If you have the funds and nothing else you can do with them, go for it. But I am wondering, is your DH a teacher, is that why you have to go during the break? I am assuming yes. Otherwise I would do a San Diego / Sea World type of trip if DH doesn't want to do DL again!


Andrea

 

[MATTERHORN]

And if you don't already have AP's, this would be a nice chance to get some and make a few other trips this year instead of just two!!!

I am so bad!

Andrea

 

[dizzyami]

I thought about the AP thing too - at least I am not bad alone!! DH is not a teacher - but DD5 is in kindergarten and DS3 is in preschool - I am trying to keep them in school and not be TOO bad!!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Oh my you are a better woman than I! I use the full alottment of 10 excused and 10 unexcused days per year for our sick/vacations!!! I'm horrible, but DD is doing fine in school and her teacher is great so we always get her work done ahead of time!!

The way I figure it, there was a friend of mine in elementary school who never missed a single day from K-6. Amazing!!! You know what else is amazing?? She is in the same place in her life as I am and she is no further along or happier in her life than me. So I figure what's the point?

Not everyone's view but it works for me. I am not taking her out to go hang at the mall or play at home, I am doing it for family time. It works for us because of my theory above. If she ever could not handle it or as the grades go by, that might change. But for first grade, she has missed 6 days for DL so far, and 2 more coming in April.

But if Spring Break works for you, go for it. I would definitely do AP's though as it would be a waste to pay for tickets again in the fall, you would be overpaying!!!

Andrea

 

[Skroops]

I'm a Disney junkie, so take this advice with a grain of salt:YOU HAVE TO GO!!!

Where else can you take your little tikes and your inner tike where everyone will be happy? So what if it is busy? With little ones you are up early any way and by the time the parks get to full swing with people it's time for your nap. It's all good!

Congratulations on your winnings! I wish it were us!!

 

[AZMickeyfans]

Grab the AP's. They are completely worth it!!! Maybe you'll get up to several times a year!!!

We are on spring break that time too. I think AZ is one of the first to start the spring break season so it shouldn't be too bad. Plus you'll be at Disney so it will be fun no matter what!

 

[got2travel]

With extra money to spend, why not consider a trip to Walt Disney World? I know, shame on me, this is the Disneyland board. But....hear me out...since you already planned on a Disneyland trip, I'm assuming you already have the money for that. So why not experience the other park with this 'free' money?

I love Disneyland, and visit 4-6 times per year. But per my screen name, I've just got to travel...so in addition to my Disneyland fix, I venture other places too. And if I had $3k that I just had to spend on a vacation, wow, so many places I'd love to see.

 

[MATTERHORN]

Yes meant to add that if I had $3000 for a vacation, there is no way I couldn't go!! It would be burning a hole in my pocket. I'd probably be posting from the hotel room right now!!

Andrea

 

[dizzyami]

With extra money to spend, why not consider a trip to Walt Disney World? I know, shame on me, this is the Disneyland board. But....hear me out...since you already planned on a Disneyland trip, I'm assuming you already have the money for that. So why not experience the other park with this 'free' money?

I love Disneyland, and visit 4-6 times per year. But per my screen name, I've just got to travel...so in addition to my Disneyland fix, I venture other places too. And if I had $3k that I just had to spend on a vacation, wow, so many places I'd love to see.

I agree with you there - we just aren't airplane people - and that would be WAY to far to drive - I am saving that one for when the kiddies get older and wouldn't get us thrown off a plane!!

 

[Skroops]

Well I have to chime in and say that maybe you could check out that new Pirates & Princess Party at WDW!! (That is what I really
want to do!!

 

[nun69]

I agree..go for it...but if you guys aren't plane people (since the little ones are at that age) what about taking the train the WDW? We considered that just going from Seattle to Anaheim, but decided against it beacuse of the cost (wanted to spend our money at the DLH ) but that's also an option, and I also agree that 1 or 2 days missed from school really wouldn't be that bad. I have been doing the same with my DD (13 now) since she was 5 (becuase she has been to Germany, Italy, Paris, London and a few other places) and never had any problems keeping up in school. Usually as long as you explain to the school, they are very understanding considering it is family time that you are doing. My DD only had to keep a journal while she was on all of her trips and it worked out great...but even if they don't miss school, I say GO 4 IT!!!! what kid doesn't LOVE DISNEYLAND!!!!

 

[Zoemakes5]

If it were me, I'd take the family on a Disney cruise. There's so much fun stuff to do, the kids can go off on their own in the kids program and then you can spend some one on one or alone time together (and from everything I've heard, they certainly don't see it as an issue being away, the tears pretty much come when you try to get them to leave!!) Especially if I'm already going to DL this year.
I have to agree with others, if the cruise doesn't sound like your cup of tea, check out WDW for a week! Even if it's just a once in a lifetime experience, WDW has so much other stuff, I'd definitely go!
The other non-Disney experience I've seen and want to go to is the all inclusives down in the Carribean that are family friendly.

 

[PattiPB]

If there is no time limit, I would apply the $3K to the DCL Mexican Riv cruise in Summer '08.

If not: For a "found money" trip, I'd overcome my flight concerns and get my bottom to WDW. I adore DL, but with 3K, I could do one heck of a WDW vacation.

 

[dizzyami]

If there is no time limit, I would apply the $3K to the DCL Mexican Riv cruise in Summer '08.

If not: For a "found money" trip, I'd overcome my flight concerns and get my bottom to WDW. I adore DL, but with 3K, I could do one heck of a WDW vacation.

Unfortunatley we have to take the trip in 07 - or believe me I would be cruising!!! I really do like the WDW idea - I am not sure if I am missing something - but everything I have checked has put the flights, hotel and park tickets at way over $3K...and that is at the cheapest hotel. If I am wrong - someone please let me know!!!

 

[MATTERHORN]

Nope, airfare from here and Arizona will put you at almost $1000 to start for 4 tickets. Then add in the $1600 package (which I'm not sure is even available at Spring Break) and you are almost to $3000 without food or anything extra. But it really doesn't matter since you don't want to fly, there's no way I would drive from here to WDW.

I am really dying to go to WDW too (looks like May trip is off for now! sniff!)
But if you drive from Arizona, you could get AP's and make about 3 different 4or 5 day trips with that money.

Good luck, it's definitely a tough decision!


Andrea

 

[PattiPB]

Unfortunatley we have to take the trip in 07 - or believe me I would be cruising!!! I really do like the WDW idea - I am not sure if I am missing something - but everything I have checked has put the flights, hotel and park tickets at way over $3K...and that is at the cheapest hotel. If I am wrong - someone please let me know!!!

General numbers:
Flight is about $225 each. (PHX-MCO)
TIX assume $250 each (could keep it down by getting expiring, non-hopping)
Hotel from $100 a night up
Transport is free DME

Family of four: still leaves a couple hundred for food. If I could go and only add a couple of hundred to subsidize food/souvies, that would be fine with me.

 

[wendithepooh]

If you do go to DL I would buy AP's as well.We live in Northern Utah and it takes us about 12 hours to drive.This year (June to June)we will have gone 4 times maybe 5-haven't decided if there or NYC with DH for work.You won't regret it unless you keep going and not paying your bills. Which could happen if you become addicted-very easy to do.

 

[AZMickeyfans]

General numbers:
Flight is about $225 each. (PHX-MCO)
TIX assume $250 each (could keep it down by getting expiring, non-hopping)
Hotel from $100 a night up
Transport is free DME

Family of four: still leaves a couple hundred for food. If I could go and only add a couple of hundred to subsidize food/souvies, that would be fine with me.

The only thing about that is that the tickets PHX-MCO are only $225 some of the time. I've had to pay upwards of $380 to get there. I have a friend who is going on the cruise on our spring break and they paid $425 each ticket. It's not very often we get a Ding to Orlando either and sales are questionable.

I've seen they have them but just saying they are rare. I wish airfare was cheaper or else I would go more often. The ding's we do have are flying within the next week. Can't have dh take off vacation in that short of time.

 

[Disney Fool]

Hi there--to all you folks who are dying to do WDW...

check out the Resorts board daily on this forum. There is a rumor ...and it's only a rumor...that FREE dining will be offered during the summer, that is August 8 through September. Watch for an announcement sometime in April....Yes, it will be hot, but you guys will be pros at getting into the parks early, and leaving just when the heat begins to really affect things. The free dining would be part of a disney package deal, and is really a savings if you stay at the value or moderate resorts. (deluxes too, but standard view) Anyway, if you ever decide to go there, also consider the month of May (the Flower and Garden show is going on at Epcot and is truly beautiful) Check out Southwest Airlines for good rates, and keep a watch on the Resorts board. You all have given me so much help in the past year in the planning of my two trips to DL, I thought I'd pass that along. by the way, I'm so happy that the Disney Cruise Line is coming to your area in 2008. I'm already trying to book the repositioning cruise back to Cape Canaveral. guess I'll be in DL in August of 2008!!!