So, how far in advance do you normally plan?

[iluvdiznee]

I'm thinking of finally planning a "real" vacation to Disney, meaning more than 2 days. How far in advance do you start planning? Do you have a schedule you go by? Like, select a date, buy tickets, book hotel, etc..... I don't live that far so traveling isn't a big issue.
Just curious as to how others do it!

 

[allegracristina]

I plan at least 6 months in advance. For example, I had our Nov. 2006 package booked by Feb. I love planning, so it works out well for me that way. I choose my ADRs, park days, check out EMH as soon as they're available, etc. That's just me!

 

[jncvh]

I just got done booking my trip for October, I had no trouble booking ADR's, tickets, rooms, and the extra time gives me time to work out the smaller details.

 

[zipuzee]

In the past, all of our disney trips have been planned a year in advance, but this trip was decided upon in late march and we're going end of june. We were planning a vacation to Orlando, Sea World, Universal, but not Disney. Then DD asks if we could go to just Epcot, and over dinner one night we decide to scrap the SeaWorld./Universal plans and WDW, here we come. After dinner, DD went online, got prices, and that night I get online and book a package.
Now, in past years we've also planned and planned, knowing the who, what, when and where of every moment of every day. But this trip is about doing what we want when we get there. The only plan I have is ADR for Hoop dee doo. Everything else will be decided as we go.

Have fun on your trip!!

 

[brocklesnar69]

Well, Im already planning my WDW trip. I plan on going in May... Of 2007! So I know Im about a year early in planning but what the heck right? Well, right now Im just in the very beggining of the planning process. I am just kind of looking around for what hotel I want to stay at. Im trying to decide on how many nights I will go. And then I am trying to figure out how much money I need to save up. And based on how many days I choose to go for, I am trying to think of how I will use those days, I mean like at which park. So by the time May '07 rolls around and assuming I have saved up enough money by then... I should have a rock solid plan and know exactly what I want to do right down to the "T". But I am betting as soon as I get there my plan will probably change a little bit. But anyhoo, for now I am just kind of keeping my eye on everything, waiting... waiting for when I get there. But I think, as soon as get the money together is when I'll REALLY start seriously planning my trip. So really I wont get to serious about it until I get the money saved. But I think if I worked for a year straight from now until May '07, I should (hopefully) have enough.

 

[kimkarli]

I started planning our July trip in January, so six months for this trip, BUT I am already in the beginning stages of planning a December 2007 trip. I will really get started on the second one when we get back from our July trip.

 

[Sunkissed]

LOL! We got back on 12/7/04 and I started planning for this year's vacation on 12/10/04. We've had the packages booked for December 2006, since August 2005. Yes, I am certifiably insane!

 

[Magalex]

I usually have a good idea where we want to stay next during a visit. We always stay on-site. Right now we have a young child so that is best. We are planning on next June 2007. Our first choice is CBR this time. 2nd choice is ASMO per my 5 yr old DS. As soon I know we can afford it and put the deposit down I contact our favorite online travel service. That is usually 9-6 months from arrival date. Then wait for WDW park hours and ADRs. Also absorb as much info about the month of our visit and resort choice. This is the best place to do it at.