When to start planning?

[KrazyKat4DIS]

Hello, I am new on the DIS and so happy to be here. I am a DLand vet, but just yesterday my DBF gave the go ahead for our first WDW trip together (I have been one time, but I was 10 and didn't do much of the planning then, if any).

So due to other trips we have planned we are probably not going to be able to for about a year or so. When do you all start planning? And, by planning, I mean make ressies (I have already starting planning in my head ).

I have to say, that WDW is a whole different beast to DL and I am already slightly overwhelmed, especially with the dining options. Do most people do a dining plan? Is it really worth it?

 

[bouncycat]

First off to the Dis, second, wow, yea it can be a little overwhelming!! For me, I've got 2 trips in the works, one quick one for May, for that one, I got hotel, dining plan, ADR's already booked, you can book those at 90 days out...and a rough estimate on a plan in my head of where to go/when circled around the ADR's!! I told my DH last night, and he just sat there with a blank look on his face! cause he doesn't care, but I just got to talk about it, so I'm happy!!

 

[adctd2WDW]

I am so happy for you!! Your first trip to the World is going to be wonderful. And, being so huge planning is a must. I have been 9 times and still find things I have not done and can't wait to do or see. The planning can be very exciting in itself- I know it is for me.
As far as the dining plan I am sure you will get many different opinions. I have never used the dining plan because I do not buy a vacation package. I have saved money purchasing room and tickets separately, so the dining plan has not been an option.
I do not think planning a year in advance is bad at all. But, I am a little obsessive. I am already planning a trip for Christmas 2010! The first few things you should decide are about how much you think you will be able to spend, what time of year you want to go and how long you will be able to stay. My last trip was last June for 7 days with two children. It was not long enough. There is so much to do that we were all exhausted. Also, what is your personality like? I am very type A and like to go nonstop while there. Not everyone can handle this. If you want relaxation time and still want to be able to do and see most everything you will need lots of time.
As far as dining options I would just recommenend that if you read a report or description in a Disney guide book that sounds like a place you would like it will probably turn out better than expected. And- maybe I am very strange in this- but I remember very little of the food that I have had at Disney restaurants. (And I eat most meals sit down- very few counter service.) I do not remember what I ate at Whispering Canyon, but I do remember that it is now my kids' favorite restaurant. I remember atmosphere and the fun we had. I also know I was never hungry, so I must have eaten something. I am not saying food is bad, just that the food is never my focus. The only place I actually went to for the food itself was Beaches and Cream for the Kitchen Sink. That was a neat experience!!
Again, there are many different opinions and you may learn a little from all. I would almost try to find someone with your same personality to help you plan. If you are not type A like me then a trip planned with help from me would probably be disasterous. There are all types here which makes the Dis a wonderful place to "hang out" before a trip.
So- tell a bit about yourself. what time of year.... possible length of stay.... touring type.
Happy planning!



http://www.**************/id/1292648386.jpg

 

[tjbaggott]

Our trip for next fall (October 2009) was booked last September, just more than a year in advance. I'm glad I did it then and made a huge deposit, because right after I booked it, the Global Economy took a nose dive along with our Canadian dollar. So I've saved SOME money by booking so far in advance. But then there are often promotions advertised for dates just a few months down the road, so there are benefits to both booking early and booking closer to when you want to go.
The last time we went we did not do a dining plan nor any ADR (we didn't know about them), and so we spent more on food and didn't get to eat at the restaruants we wanted. We still had a fabulous time though. This next trip however we have purchased the dining plan and will be ADR.
Best wishes for your trip!

 

[serene56]

Our Sept/Oct 2010 trip started to be planned back when i got my first grandaughter in 2005. When she was born I told her I will take her to see the Princesses when she turns 5.
Last year I followed the posting about the free dining, MNSSHP etc so I knew that is when I wanted to go.
These past few months I started reading threads about the various resorts and picked the one that will suit my needs.
I see I can book a room at 500 days== which is in April. waiting to see when free dining will be offered this year and watch those threads too.

So you see-- its never too early to plan.
(we also been saving since then too- figure the costs to be about 1200pp for our time)

 

[KrazyKat4DIS]

Thank you everyone for the responses! I am soooo excited, even if it is over a year away!

To tell you a little about myself - I am 27, DBF is 31 and we have been to Disneyland countless times. With DL, it is more of a "locals" park and so it is quite common to just go on weekends or evenings. BUT, I would not be ok with such a short time at Disney! When we go to DL we are there ALL day. So, I guess you could say, we are pretty dedicated! We just did a 14 hour day. As I am sure it is with WDW, there are always new things to see and do!

Right now, I am thinking we are going in either May or December (due to our work schedules) for one week. I hope our feet can hold up since each day we will have to hit a different park. Also, with hotels, I am thinking POFQ.

As for the dining plan, I am thinking we are not going to do it. I have read through others trip reports and it just seems like so much food. I don't know if I could eat dessert with every meal (ok, that's a lie, I could eat it with every meal, but then I'd be ). But, I guess we will have some number crunching to do!

 

[Tigger i luv DISNEY]

I love planning trips.. we actually this is my first WDW trip planning... it all started last June... and we leave in July.. just over a year in advance... i however didn't book til November, once i had the deposit and everything... then in october the Canadian dollar dropped and i'm kicking myself for not booking in Sept. or Aug, as we were ready... just didn't have fine details tied down. but we are still going and we have put 250 dollars a month towards this trip (each) my best friend and i are going... it will be tons of fun, as this is celebrating our High School graduation... once June comes it will all be paid for including food and souvieners... LISA

Our trip for next fall (October 2009) was booked last September, just more than a year in advance. I'm glad I did it then and made a huge deposit, because right after I booked it, the Global Economy took a nose dive along with our Canadian dollar. So I've saved SOME money by booking so far in advance. But then there are often promotions advertised for dates just a few months down the road, so there are benefits to both booking early and booking closer to when you want to go.
The last time we went we did not do a dining plan nor any ADR (we didn't know about them), and so we spent more on food and didn't get to eat at the restaruants we wanted. We still had a fabulous time though. This next trip however we have purchased the dining plan and will be ADR.
Best wishes for your trip!

 

[serene56]

Thank you everyone for the responses! I am soooo excited, even if it is over a year away!!

To be fair-- I never been to DL- just can do that plane ride.
But everything I read about the two parks--nothing can compare.
But between the two times--May or December-- I wish I could do December by SO is in retail and retail cant do vacations in Dec.

OOOO the christmas stuff would be out-- plus the Holiday party on some nights....wow. Im jealous.

 

[summerlandjeff]

One planning tip that really helped us was every time you come across great info on the DIS Board (or any other site for that matter) simply copy the text and paste it to a file. Every year I create a "Disney Info" file and drop the little tidbits I read into the file.

Also, you might want to go to your local chain book store and pick up a WDW Passporter. It is a great planning tool and really gets you excited about the trip!

Enjoy!!

 

[KrazyKat4DIS]

I love planning trips.. we actually this is my first WDW trip planning... it all started last June... and we leave in July.. just over a year in advance... i however didn't book til November, once i had the deposit and everything... then in october the Canadian dollar dropped and i'm kicking myself for not booking in Sept. or Aug, as we were ready... just didn't have fine details tied down. but we are still going and we have put 250 dollars a month towards this trip (each) my best friend and i are going... it will be tons of fun, as this is celebrating our High School graduation... once June comes it will all be paid for including food and souvieners... LISA

Yes, I am at such the early stages of planning (and such a WDW newbie) I don't even know how to start the payment plan. haha Is it done if you book through the website

Also, I need to learn the transportation system. I have read so many TRs and people are jumping on the monorail to this resort, to hop on a boat to that resort, to take a bus to a final resort for an ADR. Sheesh - it makes me want to rent a car