Too early to start planning for Sept/Oct 2006?

[sunkissed212]

Hi everyone. I've been to WDW several times with my family. I made my first "adult" trip last year for my birthday. I booked everything separately (hotel, tickets, etc.) and stayed at POR for 4 days (shortened thanks to Hurricane Frances). Anyway, my boyfriend and I want to go back to WDW next year. We are thinking late Sept/ early Oct 06. That timeframe falls right in between our birthdays and what better way to celebrate than a trip to WDW, right?

So...this will be the first trip that I plan this far ahead and I'm really new to all these new packages and such. My parents always booked when I was a kid (obviously) so even though I consider myself a WDW veteran, I'm a WDW Planning amateur. is it too early to start planning for a trip that is still over 12 months away?

We have our hearts set on the Poly - that is my absolute favorite hotel. As far as everything else goes, that's what I need to research. We will probably stay for 7 or 8 nights. I know we want park hoppers (probably 5 days), I'm not familiar with the dining plans or priority seatings and such because when I used to go, they didn't have any of those things. And the packages are all new to me too.

Any tips/advice anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!!

 

[michellejed]

It is never too soon to start planning

You have a ton of knowledge right here at your finger tips so just keep reading and ask away. I have learned soo much

Just a warning..don't let it get overwelming, take a break from it time to time and don't try to plan every little detail

Here's to a wonderful trip and 2 Happy Birthdays

 

[sunkissed212]

Hey thanks for the early bday wishes!

I don't want to "overplan" if you will. I see a lot of people on here with itineraries and their days are all planned out for the whole time they are there. I just can't do that. When I'm on vacation I like to "just do" things - when I think of them. I don't want to be on a strict schedule. I know that the priority seatings will require some planning ahead but other than that, I just want to relax and have fun.

I know it can get stressful - I got a little stressed doing the little bit of planning that I did for last years' trip. But I'm going to take it easy and remember that this is supposed to be FUN!! and it will be!

 

[DeterminedOne]

No way!!!

 

[DisneyFan09]

I've been planning a Sept/Oct. 0/6 trip since last Christmas. I just can't stand to not have something in the works. There are drawbacks to planning this far ahead though including changing your mind (about 25 times for me so far ) on what resort to stay at but you seem pretty sure about the Poly, which by the way is an excellent choice. The main frustration I'm having is not knowing what the park hours will be and when they don't release them until two months out it makes it very difficult to plan!!

If you are going to be there for 7-8 days you might want to get a 7 day hopper instead of a 5 because the price goes up only slightly per day after 5 days.

Anyway, happy planning!

 

[sunkissed212]

Good point DisneyFan09 - I'm a bit torn on the # of day passes to get. I know I can get the non-expiration option which would be great for future trips...pay now...play later! That's on my "things to ponder" list!