Someone please help me. I'm new to disney!

[03KM0]

Wow I'm so glad to find this forum! I've almost given up on a Disney honeymoon because I am SO overwhelmed.

When I was a child I went on a few disney vacations. I remember them fondly and would love to experience the magic again, but now that I'm an adult I'm realizing how much planning is going to go into this trip. I've never planned a trip on my own and the task is proving difficult!

I'm getting married in September 2013. My fiance has never been to Disney and has always wanted to go...his one request throughout all of the wedding planning has been that we could go to Disney World for our honeymoon. My fiance is an active duty Marine so we will be subject to military discounts. He will just be returning from overseas so I really want to make this trip special for him.

Here are my dilemmas:

We want to stay in a more romantic resort since it will be our honeymoon, but I've been advised to go with several different options. None of which I understand.

Rent from DVC (which I have no idea what resort or room to choose)
Or go with the Swan and Dolphin Resort
We've also been told to stay at Shades of Green but I've heard it's not the best for honeymooning.
ALSO, I've been told to call Disney and let them plan everything for me.

Does anyone have any suggestions on where we should stay? Pros/Cons? I'm open to any resort really! I just want a relaxing environment to walk in to after we'll be running around the parks all day.

What about food? I keep hearing talk of a dining plan but there seems to be different opinions on whether or not it's worth it. Thoughts?

How many days do you suggest staying at Disney World? We can stay up to 7. Do you suggest a daily plan to follow?

What are the attractions we just CAN'T miss while we're there? There is so much to do I don't know what to plan for!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I'm sorry for all the questions but I have no idea what I'm doing! IF I can get this planning down I'd love to make another Disney World trip with both of our families next year. Thanks again for your time!

[MontyMinnie]

What I recommend you do is get a good travel agent!! It can be extremely overwhelming to plan a whole trip for the first time, so I would say having a great agent to help you plan your trip would be best.

If you use an agent who does disney strictly then you will be even better off. I know small world vacations comes highly recommended. Your agent will know where the most romantic places are, help you find the best restaurants and be able to advise you on the Disney dining plan!

The best part of using a strictly disney vacation planner is they are going to be on the lookout for the best deals and keep an eye out for price drops. You really can't go wrong with a planner!!

[rrali33tt]

Hey there! I have planned all of my disney vacations by myself and they have all been fabulous. I have done a dining plan and no dining plan. I have stayed on and off property ( i prefer on property and i stayed off property for free!) I have learned almost everything I have from reading the boards and then experiencing it myself. What may help is if you read trip reports and dining reports from people outside the wedding board.

If you want to PM with how much you are able to spend I can help answer some of your questions above in more detail. Otherwise i would be writing a novel.

Also, the answers to those questions involve more info about your preferences. A travel agent is a good idea if they know it all and can tailor it to your preferences. I actually enjoy reading up on my vacation activities and doing it all myself. Others may want to sit back and let everyone do it for you.

[03KM0]

I will definitely look into that suggestion. Thank you MontyMinnie!

[03KM0]

Originally Posted by rrali33tt

If you want to PM with how much you are able to spend I can help answer some of your questions above in more detail. Otherwise i would be writing a novel.

Yes I'd love for you to pm me. I'm reading up on DVC rentals now.

I am actually someone who enjoys planning I've just had quite the shock when I realized how much there is to plan! Thank you!!!!!

[03KM0]

Originally Posted by MontyMinnie

What I recommend you do is get a good travel agent!! It can be extremely overwhelming to plan a whole trip for the first time, so I would say having a great agent to help you plan your trip would be best.

If you use an agent who does disney strictly then you will be even better off. I know small world vacations comes highly recommended. Your agent will know where the most romantic places are, help you find the best restaurants and be able to advise you on the Disney dining plan!

The best part of using a strictly disney vacation planner is they are going to be on the lookout for the best deals and keep an eye out for price drops. You really can't go wrong with a planner!!

I will definitely look into that suggestion. Thank you MontyMinnie!

[andeesings]

I too recommend small world vacations! They are the BEST and I love the peace of mind knowing they watch my reservation for better discounts! I think any location in Disney can be romantic based on your preferences and with some good planning! Let us know how your planning progresses... And please keep updating with questions! Happy to help!

[Lferguson78]

If you want to pm me I have some ideas that might help you!

[03KM0]

Originally Posted by Lferguson78

If you want to pm me I have some ideas that might help you!

I think I did...It's not showing up in my sent mail though.

[itsmebabygi]

I've rented DVC points before, and as much as it is an awesome value, I wouldn't do it in this situation. You should definitely talk to a travel agent. It's free and they can be one point of contact for everything and help you stay organized with all of your reservations in one spot.
You can also find touring plans that will hep you figure out the best way to hit up all the must do rides. It's amazing the research they put into that.
Definitely go for as long as possible. It's must nicer not to feel like you are rushing around to get everything done.

[03KM0]

Thank you I will definitely keep that into consideration!

I've talked with someone about renting DVC points and to a travel agent! If I can't get my mind on straight I will definitely go with the travel agent. However I'm starting to get into the planning now, disboards.com has been amazing!

[andeesings]

Originally Posted by 03KM0

Thank you I will definitely keep that into consideration!

I've talked with someone about renting DVC points and to a travel agent! If I can't get my mind on straight I will definitely go with the travel agent. However I'm starting to get into the planning now, disboards.com has been amazing!

I use small world vacations and still plan my own vacation! There's plenty to plan on a Disney vacation! Wait until you start making dining reservations!

[Stbissell]

We are renting points for our honeymoon in August but since you are going in September it should be Free dining which could also save you a lot of money. I also know the swan gives a large military discount.

I'd price it out every way. Shoot me a pm and I may be able to help you. I planned the bulk of our upcoming honeymoon and our trip two summers ago. Before that I had not been to Disney in more than 10 years when I was in my teens. These boards are really helpful. Use them to your advantage. Only advice is when you read negative reviews many of them are just as much the poster's fault due to poor planning. (when it comes to resort choice). You have to find the resort that works for you. They are all nice.

Like some other posters already said the hotel is only the first step. Have fun planning and congratulations.

[03KM0]

Originally Posted by Stbissell

We are renting points for our honeymoon in August but since you are going in September it should be Free dining which could also save you a lot of money. I also know the swan gives a large military discount.

I'd price it out every way. Shoot me a pm and I may be able to help you. I planned the bulk of our upcoming honeymoon and our trip two summers ago. Before that I had not been to Disney in more than 10 years when I was in my teens. These boards are really helpful. Use them to your advantage. Only advice is when you read negative reviews many of them are just as much the poster's fault due to poor planning. (when it comes to resort choice). You have to find the resort that works for you. They are all nice.

Like some other posters already said the hotel is only the first step. Have fun planning and congratulations.

Congratulations on your upcoming honeymoon! Please let me know how it goes!!

And I will pm you for sure because I'm curious about the free dining. I thought it was only if you book through disney and not a DVC member!

[Aliceacc]

Here's an article on honeymooning at Disney:
http://allears.net/ae/issue238.htm