Starting to plan our 2nd trip!!

[stefplus3]

We went 2 years ago and can't wait to get back to the world!! It was a short trip (mon-fri) and my dd was sick so it wasn't the best. I'm finishing nursing school this coming May and we're looking to go in November of 2010!!

We stayed offsite last time but this time I'd like to stay onsite, most likely at ASM in a family suite. Since we stayed offsite last time I don't have any knowledge of how to get the best prices on the hotel, etc. We're going to do the dining plan too. It's been a long 3 years with me in school and we all deserve a nice relaxing vacation!!!

I know it's super early but here's what I'll need help with

how to get the best hotel rate

which dining plan should we pick

Do we have to buy a package thru Disney for the hotel/dining/tickets?

Most cost effective way to get there. Last time we drove, over 3 days. That's too much time out of the vacation so we definetly don't want to do it again. How do we find good airfaires? Anyone ever done the Amtrack car train from the northeast? We're near Boston, fyi.

 

[micheleq]

It's never too early to plan! I'm dreaming of 2010 myself

For the best hotel rate on-site, plan your November trip around the dates when hotel rates are the lowest, so not Thanksgiving week! Check the "seasons" on www.mousesavers.com and you'll see when hotel prices are cheapest.

You do not have to book an entire package thru Disney. Last trip I bought tickets thru www.undercovertourist.com and if you sign up for their newsletter, you'll get a little extra discount too.

Dining is tricky, you can eat much cheaper minus any of the dining plans, but it all depends upon how much your family eats, drinks, do you have dessert at every meal, will you do all table service or counter...check the Restaurant Boards for help on that one, esp. the Dining Plan sub-category.

Congrats on your final year of nursing school! Happy Planning! Don't forget the Tips and Budget Boards, they are great at offering advice for savings

 

[mdvonline]

I used a full step by step guide which was amazing and saved me over a thousand dollars....check my sig out.