One of my greatest joys in planning a holiday, esp. a Disney holiday. We gave a lot of consideration as to where we should celebrate 20 years of marriage. Being December we ruled out Europe as we’d like our first visit there to be in the warmer months. For the same reason we had to rule out many possible destinations and came back to an old favourite – Walt Disney World. We made our first visit here when Amy was just 9 months old, with our best friends, Leanne & Noel.
There were a number of other trips when the girls were young but we haven’t been to WDW (Walt Disney World) since October 2004. With the girls aged 3 and 5, I’m gathering this upcoming trip is going to a be a lot different.
Of course, we can’t go to Florida without doing a Caribbean cruise (they are crazily cheap). So our initial plans were 2 weeks at WDW and a week cruise.
Usually about one year before the trip I have a rough draft and flights booked. But this time around things were up in the air for some time – do we take the kids? how will we cope with my arthritis? etc.
Our first booking was our cruise – when I found out a certain room was available – a large rear facing verandah stateroom. We are cruising on Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral.
Next I found some great accomodation – the Wydham Bonnet Creek – off site, but so close – a 2 bedroom apartment for the price of about 3 nights on-site. Since we’re staying 14 nights it was a bit of a no brainer. And we’ll love, and appreciate, having so much space…and more spending money.
Then finally, after watching the flight prices for months, we got a great price flying Qantas (our preferred airline). Kevin said 6 months out was the best time to buy and he was right. Definitely worth waiting for.
With our flights booked the holiday was definitely a go ahead. In my next planning for Disney holiday post I’ll share my favourite resources and the start of my day-to-day plans.
Further, in the midst of planning this trip we found out about a school excursion that Amy is going on. A 3 week trip to Germany next April. With her Nan & Pop paying for Amy, Kevin and I decided it was a great opportunity (and price) for us so we’re going to tag along as well. Christy is most excited to be staying with Nan & Pop so we don’t have to feel guilty about not taking her. No planning for me on this trip though. Just follow the noisy bunch of school kids :-).
Sounds like you have the holiday planning well under control. It must be fun to be taking the girls now that they are a little older 🙂 Although how CUTE is Amy in those first photos!
You are going to have such a great time! The girls are at a great age for the trip. I loved the last cruise we went on. The prices are amazing now aren’t they?
Interesting hearing how you go about planning, Libby. I will keep in mind about the six months out for future trips. Why Qanatas compared to other airlines?
Loved the pummelvision – the girls were soooo cute. I thought Amy was Christy at first!
Cruising is one of our delights as well Libby. We’ve just booked another one – this time through the Panama Canal. I have to agree about planning being fun and yes, you do have to check time and time again for the bargains.
One week down – three more to go lol
Take care
Cathy
you have to go spend a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter too!