Totally Overwhelmed!

[LikeSeriously]

I a, so excited to be planning our trip for the first time. I have a 7 year old and we all went to Disney 4 years ago. However, my ILs planned that trip and we stayed off-site. So this is my first time taking care of the arrangements. I want to go big but still have a budget. We will likely not be able to make this trip every year. So while she is still little, I want to make the most of it.

I'm not exactly sure where to start though. I have some definite plans and some things I'm flexible on. I know we are going the week of October 6th, but arrival and departure dates can vary through both weekends. I know we want to stay at the Art of Animation, and I know we want park passes and a dining plan.

I think I would like to book on my own, no travel agents. With all that said, where do I start? I have signed up with DisneyVacations.com but don't know if that's the best way to book or not.

Also, if I book now and end up with a pin/code for rooms or dining, will I be able to use them still? Even if I am paid in full?

Thanks so very much for any information.

[RubenCamacho]

relaaaaax. planning your own vacation is easy and I love being able to pay attention to every detail in this process.

I like to plan my trips when the flights are cheapest. If you have that freedom, book the flights at the same time you are ready to put a down payment to book your vacation on disneys site. That's the biggest issue right there. Fly out as early as possible , while check in is usually in the afternoon you can just hop on a bus into a park while they ready your room.

Once your flight is booked enter your flight info and get magical express, they take care of your luggage. Any extras a quick call to a Disney agent will help you with ANYthing and I mean anything. Want a special room? Want a food plan? Want gifts waiting for you when you get there? they set you up.

you really don't need a travel agent. what I do recommend is , once everything is booked look up different tricks to help you during the week like getting your own water, taking some snacks with you , the travel kits needed, aspirin, etc...

once you are there just let go...

[Metro West]

Welcome!

[BearcatsFan]

My answers are in red.

Originally Posted by LikeSeriously

I a, so excited to be planning our trip for the first time. I have a 7 year old and we all went to Disney 4 years ago. However, my ILs planned that trip and we stayed off-site. So this is my first time taking care of the arrangements. I want to go big but still have a budget. We will likely not be able to make this trip every year. So while she is still little, I want to make the most of it.

I'm not exactly sure where to start though. I have some definite plans and some things I'm flexible on. I know we are going the week of October 6th, but arrival and departure dates can vary through both weekends. I know we want to stay at the Art of Animation, and I know we want park passes and a dining plan.

Sounds like you're off to a fine start to me! You have your dates picked out, you know where you want to stay, you know you want MYW tickets and the dining plan - that's a great beginning!

I think I would like to book on my own, no travel agents. With all that said, where do I start? I have signed up with DisneyVacations.com but don't know if that's the best way to book or not.

If you want to book on your own, you can call the 407-W-DISNEY line or book online directly with WDW. Either way, you're in control of your reservation with no TA involved.

Also, if I book now and end up with a pin/code for rooms or dining, will I be able to use them still? Even if I am paid in full?

Yes, if you receive a pin code or discount and you are paid in full, you can still have the discount applied; however, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. If you get a code and the only rooms available are for a different category than what you're already booked under (ie: garden view instead of standard), you would be charged a $50 change fee to change the reservation if you are within 45 days of your arrival day. Outside of 45 days, no change fee as far as I know.

2. Sometimes, though, depending on how deep the discount is, you could still come out ahead even with the $50 charge. You have to do the math to see.

3. As long as there is a room available for what you're already booked under (ie: you booked a garden view and there is a discount available in that category), you wouldn't be changing the reservation, and they would just apply the credit/discount to your credit card.

Thanks so very much for any information.

If you have other questions, don't hesitate to ask.