We're going in December - Where to begin?

[trouttigger]

I cannot believe it! I thought I was the only person in the family who would want to go to WDW this December. But, to my amazement, my son brought it up as his idea, and my husband agreed!!

I did some online checking on the Disney website. We could start on 12/15, the last day of the free dining deal. Or we could get the discount hotel deal. I'm almost positive that we want to stay on site.

Should I deal directly with Disney, call AAA or a different travel agent that deals with Disney? Who would be best for talking to about our needs? Would the price be different with different companies.

I'm so excited! This board was so much help when we went in Jan. 2009.

Let the planning begin!

 

[Mom loves Disney]

I always book with Disney. I like being able to talk to someone when I need to, not when they return my call.
The price should be the same with any of the companies (unless travel company offers a small token). I will be checking in on Dec. 16th and can't wait for free dining. If you have multiple people in the room (disney adults) free dining always comes out ahead. If two people staying in a deluxe room discount usually comes out ahead. Have fun!!

 

[AnjieNet]

We always book with AAA for the couple of extra "perks". Look on their website for specifics but you usually get Diamond parking, a special spot for Fireworks or parade, and coupons. I always price out what I want on the Disney website to make sure the prices are about the same and they are usually right in line with each other.

I love going at Christmas time and that week before Christmas with the lower crowds. Have fun!

 

[momto2inKC]

I book our trips myself through Disney. I don't like handing over control of the reservation to someone else.
I would go to the Disney site and price out both specials that are going on right now, free dining and resort discount, to see which is best for your family. Your also coming up on the 45 day mark, so if you stay on site and book a package just realize your final payment will be due in about 2 weeks for the date you're going.
And definitely start booking your ADR's! We're going Dec 9-18 and there's still openings for ADR's, but character meals and really popular restaurants have been full for months now.

 

[mom2cookies]

can't agree enough with pp. Book your adr's!!! we were there one year and i was soooo thankful i knew to book them. We were waitting to be seated at the Crystal Palace and there were a few families we overheard CM's telling there weren't at sit-down tables available anywhere in MK or the other parks.
I book our trips myself through Disney web site. Any questions i have i call them directly.

 

[wishesuponastar]

Congrats on your upcoming trip
We saw the Christmas decorations one time and they are really so spectacular!
We use AAA but I check the Disney website to compare prices.
Will you drive or fly? If flying, I think you get the perk of luggage transportation from the airport to your room from the Disney website. I don't know if I have that information correct.

 

[sharonmickey]

Congrats! We are going in December also. I usually book the reservations myself, I've had quite a few issues with AAA. I can still get the AAA discount when booking directly with Disney.

Secondly, there is a thread of people going in December. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2533796
Feel free to join this thread.

Again, Congratulations on your Christmas trip to Disney.

 

[kerplop]

We're going in December as well and I did all of our booking. Really it was simple for us and I prefer that over a travel agent because I can call Disney to change/edit our trip whenever I want to. We're also getting free dining because it makes sense for the way we eat and we like having that all taken care of before we go. We're also staying value, so honestly the room only discount is not enough to eat on (basically).

Anyway you need to figure out the basics. When? Where (do you want to stay?)? What do you want to do while you're at Disney? Start budgeting. Start coming up with a list of things you need to buy to get ready for the trip. Arrange house/petsitting if necessary. Make lists and spreadsheets if you're like me and you like to be super organized. Take a deep breath and start running! It's exciting to plan and you've got a lot to do, so get going.

Also! Since it's relevant to me and I just thought of it for you. Keep in mind when your 45 days before your trip comes up. If you book after that point you'll have to pay in full immediately!