What to do? What to do?

[Mama to Three]

After YEARS, I've finally convinced my hubby to go on a Disney vaca!

Ok, so I'm planning our families first trip to Disney! My oldest and I have been before when she was 22 months old with my sister so this is really our first family trip.

I've spent hours comtemplating what to do. I want it to be cost effective enough so that my hubby will agree to go back, but I don't want to make huge sacrifices on this trip either.

I've been going back and forth on where to stay. I think I've almost decided on renting a house so that five of us aren't cramped in a smallish room for a week, plus my parents can stay with us in a house.

My questions pertaining to this are...

- How early should I book a house? I have found one that I love, but could I have really found "the one" this soon? I think its a good price, good location, it will meet our needs and then some. I don't want to miss the price on this place, but in the back of my mind I'm wondering if prices will drop due to the economy. We aren't traveling until August 2009.

I can't seem to switch off my brain. I'm on Disney overload at the moment. I'm wanting to get some input from the DISexperts on what to do.

My kids will be 7 (turning 8 at D), 4.5, and just turning 3 at the time of travel.

 

[dougsmom98]

It is possible that you found the perfect house this soon. Be sure you ask questions of the owners and be sure that this is the one. You don't want to book it and then wish you hadn't. Don't be afraid to ask questions here either, especially if this is your first time renting a home. If you are sure it's the one, then go for it. Especially if it has a price you like.

 

[sympatico]

No it's not too early to book. If you're going directly with an owner, he may even give you a discount for booking early. I doubt if the prices will drop any. These owners have big expenses and from reading another post on here they would just as soon have their homes vacant than to decrease the price too much. And there's always the risk that someone else will book the home before you decide. Just ask questions, check the tax records, post the site on here ( you don't have enough posts to put the website on but you can indicate it someway).
And to the DIS !

 

[stacyp9]

After YEARS, I've finally convinced my hubby to go on a Disney vaca!

Ok, so I'm planning our families first trip to Disney! My oldest and I have been before when she was 22 months old with my sister so this is really our first family trip.

I've spent hours comtemplating what to do. I want it to be cost effective enough so that my hubby will agree to go back, but I don't want to make huge sacrifices on this trip either.

I've been going back and forth on where to stay. I think I've almost decided on renting a house so that five of us aren't cramped in a smallish room for a week, plus my parents can stay with us in a house.

My questions pertaining to this are...

- How early should I book a house? I have found one that I love, but could I have really found "the one" this soon? I think its a good price, good location, it will meet our needs and then some. I don't want to miss the price on this place, but in the back of my mind I'm wondering if prices will drop due to the economy. We aren't traveling until August 2009.

I can't seem to switch off my brain. I'm on Disney overload at the moment. I'm wanting to get some input from the DISexperts on what to do.

My kids will be 7 (turning 8 at D), 4.5, and just turning 3 at the time of travel.

I wouldn't book just yet. There are thousands of houses out there. I would take a little time to find the best house with the best price. When we recently rented I found that many owners are willing to negotiate on price, either by coming down altogether or waving things like cleaning fees. Good luck!

 

[Mama to Three]

Oh thanks for the quick replies!

I found the website via a link from another DIS member so that gives me confidence its a good place. I'm going to do some googling to see any red flags show up. We are Nemo fans so that is a plus! Lots of bedrooms, water view, close to the parks, hold on my heart!

Are there any specific questions that I need to ask?

I'm trying not to get too excited, but !

 

[Brian Noble]

Some things I like to know:

* Where is key pick up/drop off? Sometimes, it can be miles away at a management company. That's a drag.

* Is the deposit a credit card swipe, or something that has to be refunded? I prefer the former.

* How is the pool situated? South-facing or shaded? Is there another pool, a privacy fence, or open space behind the pool?

 

[Tissa]

If you like the house then put a deposit down. We are going in July 09 and I just booked.

My questions are how much is the deposit and security fee. Some of the houses I saw were quite high on the security fee and I can not afford to have that much $$ tied up for that long. Also as Bnoble said where is the key ? I do not want to go to a management company to pick up the key.
The house I'm renting doesn't have a key but a code and the other house I rented last year had a lock box with the key.

You will have a wonderful time, enjoy!

 

[Cindeegyrl]

I say go ahead and book it! We booked a 3br condo 1 year in advance for our March 2009 trip.

 

[Chelley00]

Book it now. Lots of people book early, and if it is your perfect house, you don't want someone else to take it first

Also, on top of the deposit and key questions, since you have kids, you might want to ask about pool alarms or fencing, and bed rails if your 3 year old will need them

 

[Mama to Three]

Some things I like to know:

* Where is key pick up/drop off? Sometimes, it can be miles away at a management company. That's a drag.

* Is the deposit a credit card swipe, or something that has to be refunded? I prefer the former.

* How is the pool situated? South-facing or shaded? Is there another pool, a privacy fence, or open space behind the pool?

Do I want a pool that is south-facing or not south-facing? Thanks!

 

[7165red]

Book it now if it has every thing you want. there is no point in driving yourself crazy. Once you book you can sit back and relax and plan on your dinning and park activities.

Enjoy your planning!

 

[sympatico]

Do I want a pool that is south-facing or not south-facing? Thanks!

I guess that's up to you. A south facing pool will give you sun most of the day especially late morning till late afternoon. It can be very hot especially in August. South facing pools are the most sought after but since it's going to be summer when you go I don't think it will matter which way it's facing.
Now if you were going in the winter you might make south facing a priority.