Starting to plan... how early is too early?

[tarynsmum]

Hi!

I'm starting to plan our trip to Disney World... I'm thinking October (or late September) 2013 as a possibility. The other option being end of January. I'd LOVE to take advantage of Free Dining, but I thinking we won't know the dates before it's WAAAY too late, right? The other thing is that my family (me, DH, DD-almost 8 and DS- 4.5) are traveling with my parents (mostly to take advantage of step-dad's military discount, as he's NG). Would I even be able to use both the military discount and a deal like Free Dining Plan?

Or a better idea, would anyone want to come to my house, sit down and explain all this to me?

 

[jesswindsor]

You can start to plan as early as you want, just remember that things can change.

 

[Metro West]

Welcome!

 

[moobar25]

Hi!

I'm starting to plan our trip to Disney World... I'm thinking October (or late September) 2013 as a possibility. The other option being end of January. I'd LOVE to take advantage of Free Dining, but I thinking we won't know the dates before it's WAAAY too late, right? The other thing is that my family (me, DH, DD-almost 8 and DS- 4.5) are traveling with my parents (mostly to take advantage of step-dad's military discount, as he's NG). Would I even be able to use both the military discount and a deal like Free Dining Plan?

Or a better idea, would anyone want to come to my house, sit down and explain all this to me?

Welcome!
First - it's never too early to plan! LOL
As far as the packages & free dining - I believe the deals for next year are going to be announced on 7/11.
I don't know much about combining the discounts - I'm not eligible for either seeing that I travel DVC.
I know - not very helpful am I?
What I can help you with, short of coming over , with the rest of the planning: restaurants, EMH, parks...and any other tips.
I've recently joined & realized that I am not alone. My DH hates my OCD of planning the Disney trips - I loooooooooooooove it. I've got spreadsheets, tricks galore and with each time we go I still learn something new.
Just let me know what you want to know.

 

[TheDisneyGang6]

Hi!

I'm starting to plan our trip to Disney World... I'm thinking October (or late September) 2013 as a possibility. The other option being end of January. I'd LOVE to take advantage of Free Dining, but I thinking we won't know the dates before it's WAAAY too late, right? The other thing is that my family (me, DH, DD-almost 8 and DS- 4.5) are traveling with my parents (mostly to take advantage of step-dad's military discount, as he's NG). Would I even be able to use both the military discount and a deal like Free Dining Plan?

Or a better idea, would anyone want to come to my house, sit down and explain all this to me?

No, you can not combine any discount with Disney, military or otherwise.

 

[usd2bmd]

Free Dining is usually offered for mid-August to late September or early October (with certain blackout dates) and it is usually announced in March or April.

We normally take advantage of this so it is easier for me planning wise to know that everything except tips, souvenirs and maybe some snacks is all we have to budget for while we are there.

I, like you am an obsessive planner. I went and bought a Mickey Mouse binder and folder to plan our trip for next summer and will soon go get my Birnbaum's guide and my Passporter for next year.

 

[xipotec]

I start a year early. You can cancel any reservations you make so long as its more than 45 days before the trip. So why not get on and recheck every few months?

I got the best room rate 6 months out......

Then you can call when free dining is offered and get it added if you want. Heck book 4 rooms if you can swing holding the payment of 2oo.00