1) We're extremely likely to use my Brother-in-Law's timeshare for this trip. That would preclude us from most Disney "deals." I'm wondering whether it might be worthwhile to just buy tickets sometime this summer, before the next price increase, with the no-expiration option? With our trip a full two years out, I'm thinking the savings could be pretty significant, if it means we avoid (at least) two rounds of increases.
2) The "window" for this trip is December-February 2013. I'd actually prefer to avoid the Holiday decorations/Christmas stuff to the extent possible. And after this Winter especially, I'd love to escape the coldest part of Winter (which around here is generally January-February). Anyone have comments about crowds, atmosphere, weather at WDW in January and February.
3) Our last trip was a complete surprise to the kids, and that worked well. They loved the surprise (The Bug especially), and it kept us from having to hear the, "is it time to go to Walt Disney World yet?" every day for a year. But The Bug would be 10-years-old for this trip (Squeaker would be 6). Should we keep this one a surprise too, or tell them so that they can be involved in planning (normally, planning is my job)?