Planning a Trip to Walt Disney World!

Dream Come True Vacations or Magical Travel are other travel agencies that are VERY familiar with all the ins and outs of WDW travel. This year is a wonderful time to travel there with FREE dining plans when staying onsite (at the Disney hotels). DCTV or MT will work with you on all the planning and have hints to help make it memorable. As one person said, don't try to do everything or do too much each day. Have a magical trip!!

I have to agree with Kimberly and Kelly's comments. We've been twice and planned everything from the Walt Disney site with some helps and tips from allears.net. Disney has some great deals going on now to get people down there. Both times I planned our trip online and then called to make the reservations. I had great, helpful people both times that had their own tips and suggestions as well (and it wasn't up-selling!). We've always driven, but free pickup from the airport can't be beat!
We've stayed in a park resort both times and I don't think i'd do it any other way. The buses are just so handy, especially if you're flying in. Keep in mind not needing to rent a car if you're concerned about a minimal price difference. I also think it's worth it for the extended hours for resort guests. We took advantage of a number of long-wait-rides by getting there early or staying late. Also make sure to take advantage of the fastpasses. Our first order of business each day was to get a fastpass for the ride we most wanted to ride, then waited in line for number two on our list. We took a break midday every day, but we had a little guy with us. We may have saved some money cause we hit the grocery store and had sandwiches in our room most days, but this did also eat up a lot of time. We could have just as easily brought our sandwiches into the parks. The buses are great, I really think they are, but it's definitely not the quickest way to travel between places.

The best advice though is to remember why you're going - to have a great vacation with your son. Don't get caught up in doing everything and follow his cues. Some days he may need a midday break (especially if you know that's the night a park is open really late) and some days he may just hang in there all day long.
Also prepare him for waiting in line. This is something I wish I had discussed with my 8 year old beforehand instead of in front of a huge group of people in line for the Haunted Mansion!

Hi L......

How exciting. There are a bunch of places out there that can help. I've planned most of our vacations all on line, but I would suggest one thing. If you are a member of AAA, go to them first, if you are not, you might want to be. They can get discount tickets, maps, and books all about Disney to help you decide. Just a thought and I'm sure you will get much advise on this one. There is always Orbitz, Travelocity, and those sort of places that can help you get a package deal as far as a flight, hotel and car.....but I would go to AAA first to get things to read about to be more educated on what you want.

Take care,
D.

I used the Disney website to make reservations. We stayed on site and it was wonderful. They have extended hours for those who are staying at one of their resorts and we loved taking advantage of those. They had a really good deal going when I was planning so we were able to get meals, hotel reservations and tickets all pretty cheap (relatively speaking). We also flew and I was able to go into the website and add my flight so we got picked up at the airport. I was also able to "check in" via their website several days before we left. If you've never been before there is a lot there to keep you busy. I would also suggest a park hopper pass. It was great to be able to go from one park to another whenever we wanted to. Good luck and have fun! We can't wait to go again!

Hi L.!!

I always try to plan as much as I can online. Then, some things, are really better talking to someone, so I will actually pick up the phone and call.

One website that I use A LOT is www.allearsnet.com. I love the disney website as well. However, sometimes all of the animation and flash presentations tend to make it slow some times when trying to find the info that I need. I prefer to use allears for almost everything. They have a searchable tip database. You can sign up for a weekly newsletter (email) and there is also a yahoogroup associated with the site. I found it most helpful in the planning process. Though it is mostly disney information, there are people that ask about other Orlando area activities. I know there are have been several discussions about that on the yahoogroup. As a subscriber to allear's newsletter, you can get special discounts on Disney specific travel agents, etc.

I like to actually pick up the phone if I want something REALLY specific that cannot be conveyed over the internet. I use the Dining phone line to schedule my Advance Dining Reservations (Reservations for restaurants at WDW that I definitely want to eat at). I know they have recently gone online for that, but I still like to talk to someone and think that it is easier for them to check through their system (and faster) than I can fumble through online.

My personal opinion, if you like the ease of 1 stop shopping than a travel agent that specializes in WDW vactions may be great. However, if you are looking to make sure you get the best deal and pay the best and most fair price of things, I would definitely shop around. I personally tend to shop around. I feel I get the best deals that way. We are going in January (my personal favorite time to go) and we got airfare from NE Ohio for $150/person. We are renting points from a DVC owner and paying $100/night LESS then for a regular room at the resort. I have learned all of the things by lurking around the various websites and disney boards.

If you need any additional suggestions or help, please let me know. I love helping people plan things - especially when it is their vacation to the most magical place on earth.

Happy planning.
K. O

I am a travel agent with KHM Travel Group and would love to help you if you are interested. You can reach me at 330/952-1100. Just let me know what you are looking for. How many people and kids ages, dates etc....

Thanks You...J. H

The Summer months are not a good time to go to Florida. The heat and the humidity are unbearable especially if you plan on visiting the parks and walking all day.

A good friend of mine planned through AAA and really liked their service. good luck!

Hi L.,
I planned a trip to California's Disneyland using Getawaytoday.com. It was pretty smooth. You can use AAA discount, BUT I'm not sure if you are aware that you can use your STATE EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT. Ask any hotel you ever stay at if they have a state/federal employee discount. They usually just ask to see your badge. (I worked for the welfare department for 3 years and got discounts everywhere including on my cellphone bill. I had a very informative boss.) Usually that discount is better than AAA.
Have a great time!

My mother and I took my oldest son to Disney when he was 6. He traveled very well and we ordered our tickets for the flight on the phone. It was before computers were in every home. We also ordered a car to drive as we were also taking in the beach. We drove to the park hoping to stay on the grounds. My mother NEVER plans anything and did not beleive we could not just get a room on the spot. Well we could have stayed one night and then had to find another place. I taked her into not atying there for just one night. We drove back to the Kissemee (not sure if it's spelled right) area and stayed at a travel lodge. Turned out to be a wise choice. We rode the shuttle bus to and from the park. There was just enough to keep us busy when we were back at the hotel. Playground, pool, and a small shopping area on a Lake called Lake Buenna Vista. Warning lines are long or at least when we were there but Mike was very happy standing in line but my mother was not. She likes things instantly to occur.
First and formost stay clam and let it flow. Have a wonderful time.