new here...where to start?!

[eemiles03]

Hey everyone! I'm erin and am new here...I'm planning a WDW vacation for me and my daughter for her 5th bday..This isn't going to take place until 2008, but that gives me lots of time to save money and plan!!!
I want to go during Value season and REALLY want to stay at a disney resort/hotel thing majig.....I haven't ever planned a WDW vacation and I have only been once when my dad took me when I was like 4 or 5..I don't remember it and we don't have pictures....SO I need lots of help on where to begin!

 

[DLBDS]

If you have the money, go out and get yourself The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2006. IMHO, it's the Disney Bible. If you would rather wait until the end of '07 to purchase the book then just go to the library and pick up several different books along with this one. I also recommend PassPorter to Walt Disney World 2006. The year you decide to go ('08), sign up for TourGuideMike (DISboard members get a $3 discount!)for all the latest information including hours, prices, changes in whatever etc. He also has suggested touring plans (including touring plans for extras like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (MVMCP) and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (MNSSHP)), reviews and ratings for restaurants, resorts, 'extra' activities etc. He also says WHY you should do things so you can make your own decision about them. I don't need to mention the DISboards. That's a great start. You need to decide how you're going to get there (drive/fly), when you want to go (the seasons (Value, Regular, Peak Pre-Holiday and Holiday) are listed in the books), where you're going to stay (the books give great detail about each resort w/ ratings of each), decide what parks you want to visit so you'll know what tickets to purchase (or vacation package), where you're going to eat (get ready for those ADR's) and finally, figure out those extras you may want to do (ALL listed in the books and online). Check out http://www.allearsnet.com/index.html for tons of info also. You'll have a blast planning!!

 

[eemiles03]

well I bought Birnbaum's Walt Disney World for 2006...It is helping..I Think I want to go around my birthday (then it is a joint bday present for both me and my daughter!) and my bday is in January...so it will probably be 2009 when we go... I'm tossing around the idea of the contemporary or the carribean beach resort...Contemp is the most logical choice since a lot of our time will be at MK because my daughter will be 5...and she is already telling me she wants to ride the elephant! and see Mickey mouse

 

[lgp1]

Welcome to the Dis.
You'll find everything you need to help you here on the boards.

 

[DLBDS]

What is it about Dumbo?

I just don't get it. I guess you have to be 5 to appreciate and understand it.

 

[eemiles03]

she is only 2 1/2 right now...But she saw that commercial one night and EVERY TIME IT COMES ON she says..I wanna ride the elephant!!

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS !!!

 

[ShellyMouse]

hi! also, you could order the free wdw planning guide with dvd. my dd, 6, loves watching it just like a movie! just call disney.....don't have the # right in front of me, but i'm sure its all over the wdw site.

welcome to the dis from another newbie!

 

[Minniespal]

 

[POB14]

What is it about Dumbo?

I just don't get it. I guess you have to be 5 to appreciate and understand it.

Yes. Yes, you do. That darned elephant has the fastest-building lines in the park, so you absolutely have to get there first or your entire vacation becomes "The Week We Stood Roasting In The Florida Sun For Two Hours Waiting To Ride Twelve Feet In The Air For Ninety Seconds In A Stupid Elephant."

But you know what? The look on their faces is worth it! (Not the waiting two hours part, the getting there first thing part! I wouldn't wait two hours for a chance to personally slap Saddam Hussein.)

 

[DLBDS]

Yes. Yes, you do. That darned elephant has the fastest-building lines in the park, so you absolutely have to get there first or your entire vacation becomes "The Week We Stood Roasting In The Florida Sun For Two Hours Waiting To Ride Twelve Feet In The Air For Ninety Seconds In A Stupid Elephant."

But you know what? The look on their faces is worth it! (Not the waiting two hours part, the getting there first thing part! I wouldn't wait two hours for a chance to personally slap Saddam Hussein.)

I would not only wait 2 hours but I would actually PAY for the privilege!