Where do I begin?? First DCL trip!

[jfis1020]

Planning a DCL trip in July 2003. We will be using part DVC and part payment. We have three children who will be 9, 6 and 4 when we go. We are thinking 7 night Eastern and then 5 days @ VB. Throw out any ideas, suggestions, etc. to get me started. Especially booking, room(s), transportation, etc. I have no idea where to begin except to call DVC, but know that my most valuable resources are YOU!!




Thanks!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Call DVC and get the cash/point totals you need. I am booking a 4 day and the 7 day is a LOT of points; you may choose to use cash for some of your party. Also you would need a category 4 because you have 3 kids--like me--but I have decided to go with two connecting category 10s instead.
There are two excellent resources on here, one is Dave from Marietta and his dcl tribute site, another is Barb and her platinum castaway club site--you can find them all over these boards and use their resources.
Also, wdwig has a wonderful cruise guide online now--it is an 82 page word document but I didn't print it out, just skimmed it to see what applied to me.
From one newbie to another, happy planning!
Robin M.

 

[BeanoC]

Keep in mind - these are all just MY opinions...

I recommend WDW before the cruise rather than after. You have the "go-go-go" pace of WDW, followed by the more relaxing atmosphere of the cruise. We feel more 'unwound' and the end of our vacation this way.

A cat. 4 (or better) stateroom would be necessary to comfortably accomodate your family of 5. If your finances allow it, the cat.3 suites are very nice! We are a family of 4 and we love them.

As far as transportaion, I am not an advocate of DCL transfers.
Private towncars are no more expensive, and they're private - not to mention comfortable. Tiffany Towncar and Cartier Towncar are 2 good companies. Again, if finances permit, limos are nice!

www.tiffanytowncar.com or www.cartiertowncar.com


There are many, many more things to consider, of course. That's what these boards are for. Just keep the questions coming!


'Beano'

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

This page has my standard advice to cruise "newbies"...

www.dcltribute.com/faq/newbieadvice.htm