Six months out, what should I be doing?

[vicnmickey]

In six months we are leaving for our 7 night land/sea vacation. Is there any pointers you could give me on what I should be doing at this point to help plan?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

read the DIS
take notes
read the DIS

 

[alexandrew]

Breathe in, breathe out

 

[imgoingtodisney]

start putting money aside if you havent already - every month since we booked 10mos ago I went to disney store and bought $100 in disney dollars to be used towards our stateroom account - it's easier paying off $100 each month than $1000 all at once

 

[pouncingpluto]

Ack, $1000 for your stateroom account! I hadn't anticipated needing much money on board. What do you use it all on?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

excursions - $300
photos - $150
souveniers - $200
drinks - $100
Palos - $50
spa - $100

it can add up - Id rather be prepared than have to pay for it at Christmas time! (we leave in 4wks)

 

[pouncingpluto]

Do you get a refund if you don't spend it all?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

of course - it's called put it towards next years Disney Vacation Club vacation - lol

 

[majimikate]

We did the 7 night land/sea with 4 kids and my mom 2 years ago, a week at Disney with the same 7 people last year, and my DH and I are leaving Sunday for a 4 day for our anniversary, SOLO!! At 6 months out the best advice I can give is read the boards, if you are taking children get Kim Wright Willey's book, Disney with Kids 2003 version. It has incredibly useful information about the least crowded bathrooms, ways to get out of the parks with the least hassle, etc. That book is worth its weight in gold. I am a mad researcher...I review all plans, hotels , park options etc. to the point of delerium, BUT, we always get great deals on rooms etc. because I am maniacal. Research, research then research more. It will be time well spent when you get into the park and know your way around, what rides to get on first, and how to maximize your Fastpass options. It's the best vacation ever, have a great time.

Chris

 

[Minybear]

imgoingtodisney

I saw that you have estimated on spending $50 at Palos. I am puzzled on this. I thought that meal was included?

 

[Minybear]

imgoingtodisney

I saw that you have estimated on spending $50 at Palos. I am puzzled on this. I thought that meal was included?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Palos high tea - free - tip $5
Palos champagne brunch - $10 per person, tip $5
Palos dinner - $5 per person, tip $10

(tips can be adjusted, not sure exactly what we'll do)

 

[Kevin Stringer]

$1000 spending money on board?

Easy.

Drinks $900
Other unimportant items $100.

Kev

 

[vicnmickey]

Thanks for the advice on the book, I will have to look into it.
I was wondering what did you do on Sunday departure to the ship. We are planning on doing the Animal Kingdom Cruise Bus pick up and try to get a couple hours in at Animal Kingdom. Due to the fact that we are not doing Palos or the Spa getting to the ship before the super bowl suffle rush doesn't bother me. I am trying to make every minute of our trip count. Our last before my two kids turn into teenagers

imgoingtodisney I have been buying disney dollars every pay check, but only $20 at each trip. This will be used for kids spending money.

 

[Minybear]

Thanks imgoingtodisney. Looks like I learned something new today.

So Palos is $5 each for the dinner and then we tip $10 per person and if we do the champaign brunch its $10 each and we tip $5 each and the high tea is free but we tip $5 each. By George I think I got it

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Gina]

Originally posted by Kevin Stringer
$1000 spending money on board?

Easy.

Drinks $900
Other unimportant items $100.

Kev

Kev, I like the way you think.

-gina-