They want me to teach a Comunity Ed class on planning a Disney Trip

[connie1042]

I have been approached to teach a class on planning a trip to Disney. I will not be booking any trips, just giving out some of the tips I have learned over the years. I have never done anything like this, but it would be sorta fun. Is there anything that you think is important to let people know? Give me some ideas.

 

[SamSam]

Just saw your post, so I haven't thought of ideas for you but wanted to say what a fun thing to do! People going to Disney World, especially for the first time, need some help in making all the decisions necessary to make thier vacation a wonderful experience.

 

[dansyr2514]

I would love to do this!!! Have fun!!!

 

[sceavis]

I think talking about the different times on going value vs prime, some of the discounts they offer, different events,fast passes.The avg person who books a Disney trip does not know about these type of things.You could also talk about the different meal plans,different level of resorts and transportation around the world.Things like that I hope I helped a little.

 

[SugarSpice]

#1 Tip - Join Disboards.com
"That's it - class is over!"

 

[sceavis]

#1 Tip - Join Disboards.com
"That's it - class is over!"

 

[SamSam]

#1 Tip - Join Disboards.com
"That's it - class is over!"

Seriously, this is so true. I became a Dis sponsor years ago because I felt the tips here had saved me so much money over the years that I wanted to support them!

 

[kahblue]

That is absolutely true! Although this is the first website I go to every day for info there are a few others. Encourage them to join a board and search or ask those questions that you can't really find the answers to in books. Maybe you can bring a laptop and/or use an overhead projector and actually bring up the Dis Boards and show them LIVE how to get info. We could all all say :HI!"

KIM
POP Century 08/25-09/03

 

[LMO429]

what a great idea for a class. I know I would sign up for it, even though I feel like I know how to plan a disney trip already.

 

[CdnKayDee]

What a great idea to teach a class on this topic. Planning a trip to Disney can be quite overwelming. I think it would be a good idea to talk about length of trip and expectations. I feel bad for families who think everything can be done in one trip and try.

 

[GenieCat]

I would offer a reading list. Include some of the good guide books available. The DIS and other websites have a lot of information, but to quote Pocahontas "...You'll learn things you never knew you never knew" from the Passporter, Unofficial Guide, and others.

You could also give them the address to send for the free planning DVD.

There is another member on the boards who teaches a college level class on Disney, but don't remember his user name.

Sounds like a great class. Have fun!

 

[kaligal]

1. Buy a copy of the Unofficial Guide
2. Ask questions on the DIS

There really isn't much more to it. The UG covers all the topics. Between the two, you have everything you need to know and then some.

 

[At World's End]

I think it would be helpful for people to know about offsite lodging options also. For anyone looking to book a rental property, a map of the area subdivisions would be very helpful. This is one map that I've used, but there may be better ones out there.

http://www.orlandorentalvacations.com/Location-map.htm

Another map that I've used alot shows the businesses on 192.

http://www.kissimmee-us192.com/map/ushwy192mapindex.htm

 

[aggielawyer]

First, I'm extremely jealous--I would love to teach this in my town.

Second, I'd walk through all the decisions that have to be made and the order to make them in. I think I've seen something like this on the web, for some reason I want to say it was on Mousesavers. Walk them through all the possible options for each decision and some pros/cons to each.

While we're all DIS fanatics and come here for our info, you have to remember that not everyone is comfortable on a computer or can process information this way. Congratulations and let us all know how it goes.

 

[WaltD4Me]

One of the things I always stress to people is the sheer SIZE of Disney. I can't tell you how people think they can just walk out of their hotel door and stroll on over to the parks. I always explain about allowing enough travel time when going pretty much anywhere. I also tell people not to get overwhelmed by all the information out there and not to get too bogged down by exactly following a schedule if they make one.

 

[shellynn24]

I think teaching a class like this would be so rewarding. I hate to see people at Disney that are miserable because they didn't think to do the research. Classes like this are such a help.

I agree with everyone else tell them about the DIS as part of the first lesson.

 

[scrappinDW]

I did this last year. Well, first I went to a class at our community college but the lady wasn't very good. I thought she gave a lot of wrong information. She only had the one class because she was moving, so we all got our money back. Anyway...I thought I could do it as good as she did.

I made folders for everyone, first a lined page I had printed out with Mickey on it for notes. Then a page listing websites and books. I had a sheet printed with ticket prices and some room prices. I put out some of my guide books and scrapbooks. I also had park maps for them.
The thing they wanted to know the most was, 'what will it cost'.
There weren't a lot of people there but one lady said she was glad it was a small group because she didn't feel silly asking questions.
We also had 'Mickey' snacks. It was one of the most fun things I have done.