I am a disney freak! Yes...I love disney world :rahrah: We can not wait to take Parker there.

Anyone else???

We haven't been to WDW but we go to Disneyland at least once a year. Abby has been 3 times so far, the last being last week, sucks to be home!! We're going to take both kids in 2007 and I may become a WDW freak then too!!

I went to Disney five years in a row back in the 90's. I am looking forward to taking Patrick and Christopher there but want to wait until they are 7 and 5 before we go. We will probably go in 2007 at the earliest.

Lora

I was, and kind of still am a Disney freak. I still love going to the parks, but it's not quite as magical since I work there. Unfortunately the girls got colds, so the only park I have taken Courtney to so far is Epcot. But it won't be long before we go to Magic Kingdom. I honestly don't know how many times Cassidy or I have been there. Before I got pg, I tried to take Cassidy every couple of months or so.

you betcha. dh and i even own DVC (Disney Vacation Club) our home resort is the Boardwalk.
we went twice this year (once with tony, once without) and have trips planned for next june and october.

I haven't been to DL in forever, but I grew up in Southern California and we would go at least 2 times a year. Gawd, I miss it! We will definately make a family trip to either DL or DW when Liam is older.

Lori...
that is so cool!!! what do you do there?

So far, we're planning on doing DD's 5th birthday in Disney World. :)

ME! ME! :yippee: count me in!!!
I'm a Disney Freak :D
I've been there 3 times (including my Honeymoon) and it's absolutely WONDERFUL!
And ... I'm going back in July for an anniversary trip! :yippee:

- Tammy

ME :) I grew up 20 minutes from Disneyland :) We are going to CA Adventure in Jan..I am excited.

:nod: Yep, count me in. DH proposed to me at the Magic Kingdom (Mickey even paid us a congratulatory visit) and then we honeymooned there and took the Disneycruise. And Zoe has already had her first trip to Disneyland and has ridden The Jungle Cruise and The Pirates of the Carribbean..

Lori...
that is so cool!!! what do you do there?
When I go back to work next month, I will still be at Boardwalk doing Merchandise, but I am in the process of applying for a transfer. I have worked at Disney for 8 years, that is where Chris and I met, and get engaged. So, my girls are definately Disney Girls.

:nod: Count me in! I am absolutely a Disney Freak :lol: We went to Disney World for our 1st anniversary and then we were there again in January. I also collect the Disney Movies and I have over 50 of them now I think :eek:

I am a Disney freak. (DH is not)
Maggie & Katie will definitely be raised to understand that Disney is the most wonderful place on earth.

I haven't been in years, and I am so eager to get back! With Maggie getting more interested in the Mice and other things Disney, I think the time is getting closer. I can hardly wait!!

Count me in! I'm a http://www.inter-foros.com/Homepages/qcita/disneyfreak.gif too. I went to Disneyland when I was little and twice to Disney World as a teenager... I'd love to come back with DH. In fact that was our choice #1 for a honeymoon but couldn't afford it :(

I love Disneyworld too - can't wait to take Carter - but I want to wait until he'll really get a lot out of it and not get tired too quickly.

Count me in!! I have been to WDW 5 times and loved it every time!! We went when I was 6 months pg with Alex and will be going again when she is 4-6 years old. I want to wait until she can enjoy it!

for everyone who's waiting to take your kids to disney, i say DON'T! i took tony last january when he was 9 months and we had a ball. we love disney, so sure it was more for us, but just having him there with us was really fun :nod:

of course, if $$ is the issue, i'd wait, but if you're going to vacation anyway, i see no reason to wait until they are old enough to remember it.

(only 154 more days until my june trip! :lol: )

I love Disney too!!! We just got back from Disney World a week and a half ago - we had the BEST time. I had never been at Christmas time, and it was wonderful. Jacob (who is 2) had so much fun, and it was so neat to see everything through his eyes. This was actually the second time he's been (see, I told you we love Disney :lol ) but the first time he was only 7 months old. It was fun then, but this time was so much better... he had a blast! He was so excited to go on the rides and see all the characters, and he is still talking about all the things he saw and did. I'm so glad we took him at this age - it was perfect. :D

:banana: Me, Me! I love Disneyworld! DH thinks I'm nuts, but that's because he's never been there. I'm going for 4 days in April with my best friend from HS. Girls long weekend away! Can't wait!

We love Disney! We went to WDW for our honeymoon in 99 and again for a short trip in February 2002. We really want to go back but we want to wait until we have a child to take. Right now seeing all those happy families is kind of depressing since we're still TTC with no luck. But we will definitely take our kids there someday!

I love Disney! We went for our honeymoon and plan to go back this upcoming December with my MIL and niece. The baby will be 13 months but I don't care!

We went to WDW for our honeymoon in May 2001 (when they had the brush fires :lol: ) I cannot wait until Trey is big enough to take :D

I love Disney too!!! We just got back from Disney World a week and a half ago - we had the BEST time. I had never been at Christmas time, and it was wonderful. Jacob (who is 2) had so much fun, and it was so neat to see everything through his eyes. This was actually the second time he's been (see, I told you we love Disney :lol ) but the first time he was only 7 months old. It was fun then, but this time was so much better... he had a blast! He was so excited to go on the rides and see all the characters, and he is still talking about all the things he saw and did. I'm so glad we took him at this age - it was perfect. :DI met Aimee when I was there last. :D (When Jacob was 7 months old.)

Actually, I don't think it would be right to call myself a Disney freak, but I do think it's a very nice & magical place. I've been to WDW 4 times, and will be making it 5 in just a few weeks. The last time, when I met Aimee there, was for work and DH and then 8 1/2 month old Aidan joined me. We took him on a fair amount of rides (Buzz Lightyear, Race cars, Dumbo, Haunted Mansion), but it was a little challenging/limiting as to what DH and I could go on. This time is also for work. I'll be there for 5 days working then DH and both boys (Aidan is nearly 2 1/2 and Colin will turn 1 the day before they arrive yes I miss his first birthday :cry: ) will join me. My parents are also coming and all my coworkers and their kids (all ages 1-5) will be there too, so this will be a lot different.

But I am posting for advice. We are looking for some good hotel deals (I realized where the conference is doesn't have the best rate, so we're thinking of changing) and were looking at All Star Sports or Movies. Aidan is a super hockey freak, so that's why we thought of Sports, but Movies apparently has a Mighty Ducks area too. We will have a car, and I know it's also on the bus route. Any thoughts on either hotel, or do you have another suggestion for a hotel that is good with such little kids?

We stayed at All Star Movies once. It's very convenient to take the busses, I don't ever recommend driving to the parks. The busses drop you off right at the entrance. All Star Movies has a big Woody from Toy Story, and some big dalmations, and also a Mighty Ducks area. I think it would be good for a family -- for a couple, we were a bit disappointed -- couldn't get a king sized bed -- and we wished we had gone a little nicer like we did for our honeymoon. But who could beat $49 a night? They also have a nice food court where you can get pizza, burgers etc and in the morning they have chocolate chip pancakes and Mickey waffles for the kids.

there is a new value resort called "Pop Century" that looks really cool and fun for kids :nod: lemme go dig up some links to pics.

here are a bunch of pics of pop century resort...

http://allearsnet.com/acc/g_pop.htm

Another Disney freak here! :) My DH and I have gone 14 times since we started dating in 1995. We got engaged at the restaraunt, Victoria and Alberts, at the Grand Floridian! We now are DVC members, with Old Key West as our home resort! We LOVE it! I wasn't able to go for over a year while I was pregnant with my first, Megan. :( But we definitely made up for that this past year. We went 3 times!!! Once in March, April and October! Megan was 6 months, 7 months, and 13 months on the 3 trips. We will probably not be going until December of this year, which means that baby #2 should be around 6 months old when we go. Believe me, we are not taking the babies for their sakes yet! We do have fun with them, but we go for us. I really can't wait until they can really enjoy it!!! But in the mean time, they are getting dragged along! :) My DH and I love to find new things to do each time we go. Whether it is a new activity, like taking boats out on the Seven Seas Lagoon, or trying a new restaraunt! My DH would love to move down to Florida, but I like visiting much better. I think that I would get bored, and it wouldn't be as magical if we were there all the time. Even the 3 trips this past year have worn me out for a while. I wouldn't be against retiring down there, when the time come! :cool:

:wavey: howdy neighbor, we own DVC at the Boardwalk Villas! we just bought this past october and have yet to make our first visit 'home'....we are going june 4-11th and have a boardwalk view :aok:

Thanks for the feedback and that Website - I think we are going to reserve tomorrow at All Star Movies - there is a Mighty Ducks area with a hockey pool...Aidan will be in awe!!

John and I are going back to Disney in July for our anniversary with my parents and sister.... and we're going to (hopefully) stay at PopCentury!!!

I'm so excited.... I just have to wait for an ideal time to book the trip now :)

I love Disney!

My first time to WDW was when I was 17 with our high school band. 3/4 of our high school is in the band because of the WDW trips they take and I had a blast there with all my friends. We marched down Main Street USA.

A few years later, DH (boyfriend at the time) and I went to see my brother perform at WDW.

Unfortunately, DH doesn't share my love for Disney. So in November 2003, I went there with three of my best girlfriends :) We had a blast. Here is a picture of us at AK. I'm on the left

http://images.snapfish.com/33968%3A6%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2323%3D56%3C%3D468 %3D323256%3C377%3B9%3Bnua%3C2gi1lsi

I can't wait to take my future children there. DH says we can't take them until they are a little older though.

nice pic!


i think we should all post a fave disney pic or two.

ds in frontierland in jan '03. he was 9m.
http://webpages.charter.net/cavey/new_web/disney/1892.jpg


dh and i in fantasyland in nov. '03
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3cf01b3127cce82393df7be830000002610

DD, myself and Minnie. Disneyland Nov '03

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3cf05b3127cce82f923d8dc430000003610

Great pics Kim!

Blondie - what week were you there? I was there Nov. 8-15 :) Maybe we were there at the same time

Hi Nicoal. We were there the weekend of the 22nd. Missed each other by a week!

Blondie - bummer!

Has anyone rode Mission: Space yet?

We chickened out. I usually get a headache from simulator rides. We were going to do it the last day we spent at Epcot but we were all too hung over :lol: so we didn't think it was a good idea.

Just curious to see what others have thought about it.

nicoal - we were in wdw nov 14-19th!


we did ride mission space. twice :D
it's like no other simulator you've ever been on! i will admit i felt a tad 'off' after getting out. you actually pull some g's! it's very cool :nod:

I love WDW! We just went this past August. We got a really good deal-7 nights lodging at All Star Music and hopper passes for the price of 4 nights. We had a lot of fun even though the crowds were a bit unbearable.

I went on Mission Space and didn't care for it :( I think part of the problem is my claustraphobia. I was also nervous about getting sick since earlier in the week I almost did on a design your own roller coaster simulator ride at Disney Quest.

What is your favorite park? AK, MGM, MK or Epcot??

I'd have to say my favorite park is MGM. I love, love, love the Aerosmith Coaster & the Tower of terror.

Ugh, I couldn't ride Mission Space! :( I was 8 weeks pregnant the last time we went. It was so strange to go to Disney and not be albe to ride the rides. Hopefully we will make it there around Christmas time this year! :)

This first pictures was from Megan's first trip to Disney in March 2003. She was 6 months old.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4df31b3127cce8667901231e80000001610

This next picture was from our Easter trip 2003. Megan was 7 months old.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4df31b3127cce86679005b0cf0000001610

And this final one was from our last trip in October 2003. Megan was 13 months old then.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4df31b3127cce8667cf08f0750000001610

favorite park? i think mk, just because of the feeling i get when i first walk in, and stroll down main street.

i went pg in sept. 2001 (we were there on 9/11) i was 8wks as well. i didn't ride a lot of stuff but it was a great vacation anyway, dh proposed in front of the castle!

I would have to say MK. It was where DH proposed (in the Rose Garden).

Kim - thanks for the MS review. I guess I'll have to go back soon and ride it :)

My fave park is probably MK. I just love the magical feeling that I get there. Although I do love the others, I just feel the Disney Magic much more at MK.

I just wish I could convince DH to like Disney :lol: But I know he never will. But he will have to suffer through it once we have kids. Because I am taking them there!

My favorite park is Magic Kingdom. That is the one place on Disney property I will never work, I want to be able to have at least a little magic left when I go there.

Yep!!! DH was anti-Disney until I made him go with my Grandmother and I about 3 years ago...and managed to convert him. I think we'll probably wait til Baby #2 is old enough to get something out of it before we go again (if I can wait that long!!). Isabelle is a Disney Princess freak, so she'd probably love to go now...but the thought just makes me REALLY tired :lol:

Does anyone know if you can rent double strollers there? I see that stroller rentals are $7, but I can't find out if they only have singles. TIA!

yup. i not only know they do , but i can show them to you :lol:

http://allearsnet.com/pl/strol_faq.htm

I went to that site too, but missed that - thanks Kim!!!

How would it be taking a two year old and 5 month old to Disney. Sean and I are thinking of taking the boys in September or October. What resort would you stay in? Would you rent a car?

I haven't been to Disney since I was 11 years old and I really want to go back.

i took tony at 9m and had no problems...the only annoying thing was he was eating jarred food at the time so i had to drag that everywhere.

what resort would depend on how much $$ you're willing to spend.

i would recommend october over sept, just cuz it's cooler. we went in sept '01 and it was 90's everyday.

we always rent a car, and we drive to every park from our hotel (except magic kingdom on early entry day) it's just quicker and parking is free for resort guests. i can point you in the direction of coupon codes to get a decent deal :nod:


go here: www.disboards.com (my second home) and do some reading :lol: it's a huge site but has tons of info.

i consider myself pretty knowledgable as well if you have specific questions.

also i would advise you to fly out of providence on southwest. much easier than boston, esp. with kids.

Kate I think you'd do fine, we've only been to Disneyland but we've taken Abby 3 times and are already planning our next trip this year after #2 is born, sometime in the fall or winter. I would stay in one of the more family oriented hotels and possibly one of the cheaper ones because I'm a bit cheap :lol2: Have fun planning!!

Okay, Disney Freaks, I talked DH into a trip to WDW this spring!!! Now, I need your advice... what to see, where to stay, etc. All on a STRICT budget. Can you help?

Ugh... it might wind up being impossible, after all. We planned to use our frequent flyer miles, and we barely have enough for a *saver* ticket. However, there are no saver flights to Orlando anywhere within our time frame. :( I'm going to try to talk him into doing it in June instead of April, but he hates amusement parks in June. :rolleyes: So, it might be Disneyland instead. We got engaged there, so that's probably okay with me. :lol: I've just never been to the southeast, and thought it would be a fun thing to do!

anne, i wouldn't go NEAR wdw in april!!!! it's the busiest time of the year (besides xmas) with kids out on school vacations!

if you can convince him, early june should be ok. we are going june 4-11th before most schools get out, after mid-june it gets more crowded :nod:

does southwest fly near you? cheap tickets!

i've never been to disneyland but from what i can tell, disneyworld is much better....i'd at least work on phil some more! (i know you can do it :lol: )

oh, tell him there's plenty of boating at wdw!!!!!!!

anne- I would suggest also looking at flying into Tampa. It is not that bad of a drive from Tampa to Orlando and if you are getting a car anyway, it really shouldnt make any difference.

I've been to WDW twice in March/April and although it was busy, with the Fast Pass I never waited super long for anything.

I think the best time to go is in November, before Thanksgiving. The crowds are minimal.

If you are on a budget look into staying at one of the All Star Resorts on Disney property, a good value for your money. And if you have children they will like the surroundings.

Kim ~ We couldn't go until late June, because of Phil's school schedule. We wind up on vacation when all the kids are, because that's when Phil can go. It sucks! But since they get the whole summer off, teachers don't usually get a whole lot more vacation. We were planning to fly Alaska, and could get us all there for $50. We have one free ticket with our miles, and a certificate for a companion ticket for $50, and they have that *kids fly free* thing for WDW, so we'd all get there for $50 or so! But we'll have to look into Southwest if we can't use our Alaska stuff.

Wendy ~ I checked, but Alaska doesn't fly into Tampa. They fly into Miami and Orlando. :( We'll think about Tampa if we try a different airline, though!

Nicoal ~ Are the crowds overwhelming in April? I'm more worried about our DD getting overwhelmed than I am about waiting for rides.

The crowds are a lot but if you plan your day well and use the Fast Pass option, you shouldn't spend a lot of time in line. If you stay on WDW property, you can always go back to your room in the middle of the day for a nap or swim, if the parks get overwhelming.

I guess I'm just used to going down when it is crowded. Although I have gone at all times during the year. We were down last April for Easter, and it wasn't the worst I've seen. Actually, our last trip at the end of October was just as busy. If you can go down during the off season, then great! If not, I agree that if you plan your days, and use Fast Pass, then it is not too bad.

One suggestion though. If you do stay on property, take advantage of the surprise morning option. Each day, one of the four parks opens early to those guests staying at Disney hotels. Get there early (I know, I hate getting up early). Do the stuff until around noon, then go back to the hotel for a swim and lunch, or a nap. Then go back out in the later afternoon for dinner and more park fun. And there is no way that you will see everything at Disney World, even if you stayed for 2 weeks. So don't run around like a nut, it's not worth it. Plan ahead, and pick the important things that you want to do. And have fun! :) Good luck!

Oh I'm so glad this thread is here! I was about to start a WDW thread. We are planning a WDW vacation, but we won't be going for 2 years :blush: Money is a huge factor. We want to be able to enjoy ourselves, so we're waiting til we can save a good amount. I think we've decided that we want to stay at the new Pop Century resort. Do the resorts have mini refrigerators in them? I want to be able to get cereal and milk and maybe some cold cuts so we aren't spending a fortune on meals.

I've only been to WDW once in 1991 :eek: - it was a graduation gift - my best friend's family took us :) Now my best friend and I are planning to go together. We're looking at that MAgical Gatherings info since we'll have 2 families of five. I loved it there and have wanted to go back ever since. We were supposed to go when my DD was 5- then I got PG with Jayden. We've been putting it off forever and now I am in active planning mode since if I don't plan for it, we'll NEVER go!!! We plan to stay 6-7 days. Any suggestions and advice is VERY appreciated. Any other sites that have great info, tips on saving money/getting the best value, etc. My kids will be 12, 7 and 3, and my friend's kids will be 10, 8 and 2.

I saw one of you mention that it was $49 a night for your hotel :eek: That's incredible! Was that thru a travel agent or something? The site says they start at $77 in the off season. Oh and we are going to TRY to go in late January/early February but I will be in nursing school so I'm not sure how that will work out. :dunno:

OMGosh I have been on those two Disney sites Kim recommended for the past 2 hours!!! Thanks :)

Hey Jen! I'm in the midst of planning a Disney vacation right now. It's been kind of a last minute decision so Jeff and I could take Peyton on a nice vacation before baby #2 gets here. Another good site to check for discounts is www.mousesavers.com. The only problem is that it seems that most discounts seem to come out only about 3 months in advance.

I've been living at www.disboards.com also and am so torn about where to stay. I really want to splurge and stay in a deluxe but I just don't know yet. The one place I really wanted to stay and get a jr. suite isn't available when I want to go so I'm back to the drawing board.

jenn,

maybe you should think about renting points from a dvc member? there is a rent board on the disboards. you could get a 1 br. at one of the dvc hotels :nod:

what are you dates? i can tell you exactly how many points you'd need to rent and what the cost would be.

jenn,

maybe you should think about renting points from a dvc member? there is a rent board on the disboards. you could get a 1 br. at one of the dvc hotels :nod:

what are you dates? i can tell you exactly how many points you'd need to rent and what the cost would be.

:lol: I thought about asking you about this! Only problem is we would need 2 doubles or 2 queens in the bedroom and a pullout in the living area. Can that be accomplished with a 1 bedroom or would I need a 2 bedroom? My dates will be sometime between May 12-20 and only for 4 nights. I'm thinking of doing May 16-20 because it will be cheaper for DVC points, which I've already looked up btw (lol), but we might end up going May 12th-16th.

I actually emailed someone this morning that has 250 pts available. I'm still just not sure where I want to stay. His home is at OKW but would I have to stay there? So many things to consider.

a 1 br is a king in the bedroom and a queen pullout in the living room.
a 2 br is the same except add another br that would have a queen and a sleeper or sometimes 2 queens (okw always has 2 queens).


no, you would not need to stay at okw, he could book you anywhere there is availibility, however, okw has the lowest point structure. 4 days in a 2 br would only be 108 pts! it's 10 a pt. and btw you do not pay any taxes on top of that. you would pay $1080 and that's it. (if you stay at a hotel you will be charged 11% tax on top of your rate :owow: )

during that time frame (may 16-20) points per night for a 2br

okw is 27pts 2br
beach club is 34pts
boardwalk villas is 30pt (std view) 34 preferred

wilderness lodge is 34pts

btw the 1 and 2 br units have whirlpool tubs in the master bath :woo:

So, renting DVC points may be the way to go! $1080 for a 2 bedroom would be incredible! Where is OKW located? Even if we stayed at WL it would only be $1360/4 nights if we stayed the 16th-20th. Hmmm, so many decisions.

Ok, Kim, I've got another question for you. How likely is it that I'll be able to rent a 2br in May, from a DVC member? Don't those reservations go quickly? I won't even know my exact dates until late next week.

late in may is not a real busy time......i am just guessing you could probably get a 2br at okw as it's the biggest resort right now (i think SSR is bigger but not done yet) the smaller resorts may not have availibility.

i have heard of people getting reservations on short notice, doesn't hurt to try! when you hear from the renter see if he'll call right right away and check your dates.

just for fun i looked up a 2br cash reservation on the disney site. they do have availibility at okw for $2,497.60 for may 16-20th. makes renting points a no brainer doesn't it :lol:

so if they have cash inventory they probably have dvc as well. :nod:

just for fun i looked up a 2br cash reservation on the disney site. they do have availibility at okw for $2,497.60 for may 16-20th. makes renting points a no brainer doesn't it :lol:



:owow:

Holy cow! That's expensive!

Thanks for the info. :biggrin:

:blush1: Can you give me a little lesson about renting DVC points? (I feel like an idiot :() Are they only used for the hotel and then you just get your passes seperately? TIA :)

PS Jenn that is awesome that you're going to WDW so soon! Hope you have a great time :bighug:

:blush1: Can you give me a little lesson about renting DVC points? (I feel like an idiot :() Are they only used for the hotel and then you just get your passes seperately? TIA :)

don't feel like an idiot! until i considered buying dvc i never knew anything about it!

yes it is for room only. basically you are renting out a timeshare. dvc uses a point system so how many points you would need depends on unit type, time of year and which night (weekends are almost double weekday pts).

you can read more about renting here http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/renttrade-faq.htm



in general, i suggest NOT booking a pkg as it is almost always cheaper to book room and tickets seperately :nod:

Thanks Kim - I will have to check out that link after my kids are asleep and I can concentrate :lol:

Jen~ I can't believe we're going either! Actually, I can't finalize everything just yet. We sold our rental townhouse (yeah!) and are supposed to close on it in about 1 1/2 weeks so I'm kind of waiting for that to happen before I book anything. I just really wanted to take a vacation before this baby comes, ya know.

I'm coming to pout and whine for a minute....

I just got an email back from someone that has points to rent and I could get a 2 bedroom suite at Old Key West for $1080 for 4 nights and I can't book it yet! :( We just sold our rental townhouse and I really can't finalize any plans until we settle which is about 1 1/2 weeks away. I'm just getting so impatient and I want to book my vacation.

i think even in 1.5 wks you could still do it :nod: there are always point for rent. don't give up hope!!!

Oh, I'm not giving up hope yet. I'm just the impatient kind and want things done NOW! :lol:

me too. i obsessively check the DIS every half hour to see if AP rates are out yet :lol:

in my head i know they won't be out for a few weeks but i don't want to miss it! last summer i got ap rates for coronado springs...i think it was $79 a night! can't beat that!

dh really want the Polynesian so i must be vigilant :lol:

I've been checking the DIS and mousesavers constantly for updates to see if the new codes have come out yet! :lol: The only time I was ever at Disney was when I was still in a stroller so I'm so excited for this trip!

So tell me about APs. Would we all need one or just one of us to get discounts? What discounts would we be entitled to? Do you have to wait to book or can you apply codes to already booked deals?

Jen - I am SOOOO excited that you guys sold the townhouse!!!!!!!!!!! How did you convince Jeff? With you not having a journal, I feel like I've been missing so much :blue:

AP's are Annual Passholders and those are pretty expensive but can be worth it for the rate, apparently. I'm sure Kim can elaborate on that more. :)

From what I've read on the DIS, you can apply codes for discounts after you book. You just have to keep checking for codes and then if one comes out for your hotel call them up and they will apply the code.

to get an AP rate on a room, you only need one AP. if you are staying 8 days or longer, or plan to return in less than a year, and AP is the way to go...however, if the room discount is deep enough it may be cost effective to get an AP just for the room. also you do not actually need to have the ap until you check in, you can make the reservation without it. i think there is a good example of this on mousesavers.com.

yes, you can book a room, then call back when a code comes out and have them apply the code to your reservation. this must be a room only reservation though, not a package deal.

i usually just book the morning the AP rates come out.

Are the AP codes for any of the resorts? We are hoping to stay in the Pop Century resort for cost reasons. We plan to stay 7 days and travel for 2. So, if the rates come out and I find they are good enough to save us money on the hotel, we can book the room, then when we can actually purchase the AP and the other passes later? And about how much deposit is required when booking? Sorry to be such a PITA :blush1: The only vacations we've taken we spur of the moment weekends away pre kids and trips back to Buffalo to see family. Thanks so much for your help :)

jen - i love talking about disney! i'm freaky that way. i've been on the DISboards since summer of 2001 so i have loads of info in my head :lol:

there are basically two kinds of codes, ones everyone can use, and AP holder (there are other codes but not worth mentioning). you might luck out and get an 'everyone' code. keep watching the resort boards on the DIS...

Pop Century codes have been giving rates of $79 a night, but i have seen AP rates of $49 a night! big difference, and with 3 kids and 2 adults you'd need 2 rooms.

one night's deposit is due at time of booking. you pay the rest when you check out.

oh, DON'T book online, it has a different cancellation policy, call. when you call it's a 7 day cancellation and online it's like 45 days! i also think if you book online you might have to pay in full before you even get there but i'm not entirely sure.

btw: the DIS saved me $1500 when i first found them in '01. i didn't know jack about disney (had only been there once) and i (stupidly) had booked the grand floridian online. i found the DIS and ended up cancelling that reservation, re-booking the room myself with a code and saving a buttload! read as much as you can....you'll be an expert before you even go :lol:

to get an AP rate on a room, you only need one AP. if you are staying 8 days or longer, or plan to return in less than a year, and AP is the way to go...however, if the room discount is deep enough it may be cost effective to get an AP just for the room. also you do not actually need to have the ap until you check in, you can make the reservation without it. i think there is a good example of this on mousesavers.com.



Oh, I did not know this! So, if I got an AP to get an awesome discount with the AP codes (if they ever come out) can the AP then be sold or transferred to someone else after my stay? Does it remain in my name only? I know we won't be going more than once in the next year.

no you can't sell it or transfer it. for 2 reasons.

a) it actually has your name on it and your info in the mag strip

and

b) they use a finger 'bio scan' for ap ticket holders when you enter the park!

when you first use your ap you stick your hand in the machine and it takes some measurements of your fingers (don't ask me the details, who knows?!) and everytime you enter a wdw park you have to stick your fingers in the machine along with your ticket.

you'll have to decide if the price of the ap (approx. $400) is worth the discount on the room. when you're talking deluxe rooms , it usually is :nod:

Darn, oh well. It might very well be worth it to get an AP if I don't end up renting from a DVC owner. :)

My DH and I are disney freaks and we are planning on going for our two year anniversary. My parents are going to watch DS that weekend...which happens to be Easter weekend as well...we are going to go back again too when DS is old enough to understand. All the saver stuff is interesting, but I like the fact that I'm a DOD employee. I get to stay at the Shades of Green and they'll find us a room when they are booked solid. I'll definitely keep these options open for we never know what could happen.

Cool thanks for all the info. I was so upset to hear about PC only accomodating 4 people. Really aggravating :tearhair: so now we're trying to see if there is any way we can possibly bump our trip up. Jory will be 3 in 18 months, so if we go before that, we can get by with one room AND not have to pay for park tickets for him. It's just a matter of being able to save. ANyway, that's a bunch of TMI for you :lol:

$49 a night for PC :eek: WOW! That's awesome. Do they tack a huge amount of fees on top of the room rate? I saw somewhere that there was a 12% tax fee or something (holy taxes!) Is it safe to figure about $20/night for taxes/fees on top of the room rate?

OK more brain picking. How far in advance do character breakfasts need to be booked?


jen - i love talking about disney! i'm freaky that way. i've been on the DISboards since summer of 2001 so i have loads of info in my head :lol:

there are basically two kinds of codes, ones everyone can use, and AP holder (there are other codes but not worth mentioning). you might luck out and get an 'everyone' code. keep watching the resort boards on the DIS...

Pop Century codes have been giving rates of $79 a night, but i have seen AP rates of $49 a night! big difference, and with 3 kids and 2 adults you'd need 2 rooms.

one night's deposit is due at time of booking. you pay the rest when you check out.

oh, DON'T book online, it has a different cancellation policy, call. when you call it's a 7 day cancellation and online it's like 45 days! i also think if you book online you might have to pay in full before you even get there but i'm not entirely sure.

btw: the DIS saved me $1500 when i first found them in '01. i didn't know jack about disney (had only been there once) and i (stupidly) had booked the grand floridian online. i found the DIS and ended up cancelling that reservation, re-booking the room myself with a code and saving a buttload! read as much as you can....you'll be an expert before you even go :lol:

Okay I have a question for you all. DH and I are going to Orlando ( Palm Bay) March 13-17th. We are staying with my mom and since DH has never been to WDW that is the first thing on our agenda. Problem is that Daniel does not do roller coasters or rides. I have always gone for the rides so now I am worried about that. It has been almost 10 years since I went last so I am feeling like a newbie at this.
Would you all suggest our purchasing a park hopper pass? We are only planning on spending 2 days at Disney so that my mom does not feel neglected (even though she is going to Disney with us). I am so confused and wanting to find the best deal possible.

TIA,
Tricia

Tricia-First of all, I'm jealous, and have a great time! The Magic Kingdom only has two fairly calm roller coasters. And MGM has Rock-n-Roller, which is pretty intense. Other than that, most of the rides are somewhat harmless. There are also plenty of shops and other things for your DH to do, if you want to go on any of the rides that he doesn't. That's what I love about Disney World. There is so much to do for everyone, other than rides. :)

I would definitely do a 2 day park hopper, only if you are going to make full use of it. Keep in mind, Disney has 4 different theme parks, and it is hard to see everything in all 4 parks in 2 days. But, with the park hopper, you can go to all 4 parks on one day if you want. You can go to Magic Kingdom in the morning, EPCOT at night for Illuminations. Animal Kingdom the second morning, and MGM at night for Fantasmic!

Good luck with your decision!

Jen,

Most restaurants take reservations 90 days prior to your visit. Here's a site which calculates how far in advance you can make dining reservations:

http://pscalculator.net/pscalc.php

I think there's a Disney site for just about everything!

Have fun!
Kristen

Tricia,

I don't think that you can purchase a two day park hopper unless you are staying on site. It's called an Ultimate Park Hopper, and is valid for the length of your stay.

The shortest park hopper you can buy direct from Disney (without a hotel stay) is for 4 days. Although, I read a few postings this morning on the DIS about a 3 day park hopper that you can order over the phone via Alamo. Otherwise, I think that your only option is buy a single park admission ticket for each of your days. Unfortunately that means you'll only be able to visit two parks.

Good luck!
Kristen

Just found this thread. :) I like Disney, too, my favorite park is Epcot. DH and I have Epcot After 4 passes for Florida residents. We just went yesterday and I was so proud that we managed not to spend one red cent! :thumbsup:

michelle i'm impressed! i would have at least eaten a beaver tail in canada! :lick:

101 days until my trip :yippee:

:eek: A beaver tail????? Please elaborate! :lol:

:eek: A beaver tail????? Please elaborate! :lol:
it's like fried dough with melted maple glaze on it :lick: very good :nod:

it's like fried dough with melted maple glaze on it :lick: very good :nod:

:lick: That sounds so good! Fried dough always gets a thumbs up in my book!

:lick: Sounds yummy described that way :):lol: