next Christmastime = ) any help would be appreciated...we where going to do it this year but things happened to where we couldn't so i'm looking forward to hopefully next year any good deals anyone can find me without having to pay for it right now lol = )

By Beth on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 07:58 am:

I don't know of any deals now. But you should definately check out the Disboards. If there is a deal to be had they will know it. Also if you plan on flying I would recommend downloading Ding from Southwest. They have specials almost daily and often to Orlando. When we went last Oct it was only like 115$ roundtrip which I think is cheap compared to gas right now. My parents flew even cheaper out of Orlando. Also if you will need a rental car, after the first of the year. It sounds crazy but then you check back once a month and it will get lower and lower. So even if you lock it in higher your not stuck. The dis will have codes for places like National ect.. You just have to remember to cancel old reservations. Your not obligated as long as you cancel. It's like a game. We want to go again the first week in Dec. next year. I want to expierence the Christmas decorations, parades ect... But not the crowds! Are you thinking the week of Christmas? Be prepared if you don't stay on site sometimes its closed to outside visitors it gets so full. Just a few things I can think of now.

By Melanie on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 10:32 am:

I agree with Beth about the timing. We went a couple of years ago the second week in December and it was wonderful. Absolutely no crowds, the lowest rates because it is off-season, but all the decorations. We got to go to the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party which they stop doing a few days before Christmas, because the crowds arrive and they keep the parks open later. The Christmas Party sells limited tickets so their are truly no lines anywhere. My boys got to ride Thunder Mountain twice that night...without ever getting off the ride. When we go back, we are definitely doing that same time of year!

By Conni on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 02:08 pm:

Do not go the week of Thanksgiving. That is my tip. lol We went last yr at that time and by Thanksgiving Day it was shoulder to shoulder people through the parks. yuk... It was more expensive and the lines were long. We did see the Christmas decor and the parade.

I have a friend that is obsessed with Disney. She says that October is a great month to go. Lower prices and no crowds. They go about every 6 months. I asked her on the phone the other day if she was coming to see me in the spring and she said 'YES, well, if we don't decide to go back to Disney in the spring'... I should have hung up on her! HA HA ;)

Have fun planning your trip... I wonder if you should plan some days at Universal since your boys are older??

By Crystal915 on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 08:40 pm:

I would definitely try not to go on a holiday, it's very crowded and very expensive. Disney is such an amazing experience, and Universal is a ton of fun. A Park Hopper Pass is the best way to go, IMO. Have fun planning the trip, and let us know what you decide!

By Brandy on Tuesday, November 14, 2006 - 11:02 pm:

well from the sounds of it here the second week in December is the best? lol..i want to see it all decorated but i don't want it too crowded...

By Debbie on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 - 10:03 am:

Brandy, our best trip to Disneyworld was during the 2nd week of December. So, if you are willing to pull the kids out of school for a few days, it is definitely worth it. We went Wednesday - Sunday. Sat and Sun were definitely more crowded, but we were able to do everything we wanted during the other days. We walked on most rides, and waited no more then 15 minutes for the more popular ones. If you stay on property, they have transportation to the parks, so you don't need to spend money renting a car. They also have Disney Magical Express that will take you from the airport to your hotel. Also, if you stay on property, they have extra magic hours(a designated park is open early/late) for only people staying on property. Disney has value resorts that run around $100.00 per night. They are nice, but nothing fancy. However, your dks are old enough to go all day, so I'm sure you won't spend a lot of time in the room. They also have food courts, with moderately priced food.

The 2 weeks before and after Christmas are the most crowded days of the year. I would strongly advice not going during this time. It is shoulder to shoulder people, and they often close the parks because they reach capacity.

I would highly recommend visiting the discussion boards at www.wdwinfo.com. There is tons of information about the parks, hotels, and getting the best deal.