Not sure where to ask this...

[samshane]

Hi - I have visited these forums in the past and gotten lots of great info... but I am not sure where to ask about military families visiting DisneyWorld.

More specifically - my DH is having his 2 week R&R (he's in Iraq) in early March and he really wants to take the kids to Disneyworld (notice it's not me pushing this - it is him and he says it's what he has to look forward to... I honestly could take it or leave it). Anyway - I booked Shades of Green already, as I can cancel up to a month out so I figure it is best to have the room.

But - i was wondering if there is anything special at DisneyWorld (besides the SOG discounts) for servicemembers on their 2 week R&R... and where I might find this information out. He is making this a grand 10 day trip because he wants to enjoy time with the family (his parents and sister live close and are coming to meet us for 2 days)... after that he will only have to go back for 3 months before he is back home. He doesn't want us all depressed for those 2 weeks in WA state (where is cloudy all winter almost - LOL!).

Also - when is the best time to look for plane tickets? We are a 6 months out at this point and I was going to wait til December-ish to really start looking. We went there 4 times in 3 yrs, but lived in Pensacol at the time so we always drove...

Thanks! And if I should have posted this somewhere else - feel free to direct me there... I must have missed that board.

Sam

 

[Metro West]

 

[3sons]

Right now Disney is offering Stars and Stripes tickets. Its a great deal. 5 day pass for the soldier and $99 per person for up to 5 additional. Unfortunately it ends in Dec. 2009. I'm passing this information to you so that you can be aware and watch for this to be extended.Disney tends to end things in Dec. and do new promotions at the beginning of the next year.
The other big expense for Disney is food. My boys eat a lot and I'm hoping to find a dining plan available to us. Right now I can only find plans available to Disney owned resort guest. But shades of green has two reasonable sit down resturants, and a pizza place by the pool. You also have a fridge in the room, so you can have drinks and sandwiches. We have even taken snacks and drinks in the parks. Drinks for a family of 5 can be $20.
Enjoy your trip, you deserve it.

 

[Puget Peach]

I would start looking at airfare NOW. Southwest releases their fares 6 months out and it seems to be a trend for fares into Orlando to compete with those. Using a site that checks several other sites such as bookingbuddy.com, kayak.com, or sidestep.com can help you establish what a good fare IS. I usually locate the fare from such a site, then buy directly from the airline. Bing.com (formerly farecast.com) can show you price trends and suggest if you should wait or buy now. Good luck with your fare search and have a great trip.

 

[babybaja2]

Hello, I know how you feel! DH comes home soon and is taking me to WDW. At first I was like "don't you want something more peaceful?" but now that I am in planning mode I am starting to get excited...

so, for now I would hold onto your SoG room, but watch for other options.. have you thought about staying off property? We are staying in a condo I found at www.homeaway.com for $40 a night, 2 bed/bath, full kicthen, washer/dryer... just a thought.. even with having to rent a car, gas and parking ($12 at the theme park parking lots) I am still coming out ahead..

here are some websites dealing with the military, and even though some expire in december, I would not be surprised if they extended it for next year..

http://www.shadesofgreen.org/5DAY.htm

http://www.universalorlando.com/minisite/images/military/military_offer.pdf

http://www.herosalute.com/

also, a few of my favs..

http://dodlodging.net/
http://milvetstravel.net/
http://www.armymwr.com/travel/offdutytravel/default.aspx

http://www.mousesavers.com/otherdl.html
http://allears.net/index.html

good luck with your planning! Let us know if you have more questions!

 

[Chrisbeary]

Check with your local ITT office. We are going in November and booked through ITT and got a great deal. We took advantage of the Stars & Stripes ticket offer and got a great deal on a room at a Moderate Priced Resort and the Dining Plan. We are staying for 7 nights and for our family of four everything was only $2020.00. It would have been cheaper but DS turns 10 a month before we go so he has to purchase the adult dining plan. Hope this helps!

 

[samshane]

Thanks for all the great tips - I checked Southwest already and it seems they are 3 days short right now of where I need. But - their prices for air fare was so much lower that any other site. And in looking last year (but we did not go), they have a far that is just about as low as I found then (and about $800 less than what we budgeted for airfare - can't beat that). Just waiting for them to extend their booking days (I have been waiting for 2 weeks now... hopefully by october they'll at least push it to April!).

I am hoping they continus that Salute to the Troops ticketing next year - but if not, we'll deal. DH is a FL resident still so that is a plus (I am not). Just looking forward to seeing him - the trip is all secondary!

Sam