MamaBear58
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2014
- Messages
- 1,124
Hi! DH and I are contemplating a return to WDW for our family of 4 (DS will be 14, freshman in HS) and DD will be 11, 6th grader) over Christmas Week 2021. Yes, I know it will be mobbed, and we AREN’T crowd people, but it’s the first time in years DS and DD have the same break other than summer, and with COVID delaying last summer’s plans and this summer still a bit up in the air, we’re going to take the plunge, despite what I see as outrageous prices.
Problem is that we‘ve only been once–back in Nov 2014–so planning is a bit rusty. In Jan I booked a room only at WL. Now that we are taking the plunge, I’m not sure where to start:
1) too late to change to package and not sure any advantage anyway? Don’t need financing, won’t golf or go to ESPN. No interest in dining package, even if it were to return.
2) I assume first step is to add tickets so I can reserve parks? Last time I bought from a thrid party (I want to say Undercover Tourist), but this time I don’t see much difference in price. Am I missing something? Any advantage to buying from one or the other given all the uncertainties right now?
3). No ADRs until 60 days out, correct? What about other experiences that are currently not operating? Is there some way to sign up for notifications as they are released so we can book them? For example, we’d like to book the Wild African Trek and possibly the Candlelight Procession dining package.
4) recommendations as to when to book flights? We are flying Xmas day and NY’s Day. I’ve never done that. I just checked and prices are double per person what we paid in 2014. I’m following on Google Flights and Hopper but would appreciate any thoughts. Could just be a crap shoot at this point I guess.
I know this is a lot, but I appreciate any insights. I’m really overwhelmed, and to be honest I find booking a Disney trip very exhausting. Only doing this because our kids REALLY want to return, and I feel like they are at a good age for it. Thanks in advance!
Problem is that we‘ve only been once–back in Nov 2014–so planning is a bit rusty. In Jan I booked a room only at WL. Now that we are taking the plunge, I’m not sure where to start:
1) too late to change to package and not sure any advantage anyway? Don’t need financing, won’t golf or go to ESPN. No interest in dining package, even if it were to return.
2) I assume first step is to add tickets so I can reserve parks? Last time I bought from a thrid party (I want to say Undercover Tourist), but this time I don’t see much difference in price. Am I missing something? Any advantage to buying from one or the other given all the uncertainties right now?
3). No ADRs until 60 days out, correct? What about other experiences that are currently not operating? Is there some way to sign up for notifications as they are released so we can book them? For example, we’d like to book the Wild African Trek and possibly the Candlelight Procession dining package.
4) recommendations as to when to book flights? We are flying Xmas day and NY’s Day. I’ve never done that. I just checked and prices are double per person what we paid in 2014. I’m following on Google Flights and Hopper but would appreciate any thoughts. Could just be a crap shoot at this point I guess.
I know this is a lot, but I appreciate any insights. I’m really overwhelmed, and to be honest I find booking a Disney trip very exhausting. Only doing this because our kids REALLY want to return, and I feel like they are at a good age for it. Thanks in advance!
