Vacation plan (Orlando, Christmas: credit, insurance, hotels)

[Capt. Cave Man]

Would appreciate some help as we are planning on take'n kids to Disney World Christmas of 2008(planning ahead). Approx 7-10 days, some time spent on beach to see ocean. Will have travel agent to help, but I know you all will know more of what to do.

Kids will be 13 yr old boy and 10 yr old girl.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

Money is an issue, but this is a once in a life-time event for us and want to enjoy as much as possible w/out walk'n/drive'n to death.

Thanks

[**NoodLes**]

Christmas time around here is really busy. If you want the best prices for car rental, airline, etc., book now because prices will go up 6x higher than later. Disney has many nice hotels, but can be expensive. I would recommend Gaylord Palms on 535 right near Disney. You should get a rental car because you will probably want to venture out of Disney and their transportation only takes you to their different parks. Also TIP$$$$$ anybody who gives you a ride or lift a suitcase. The more you have, the more you should tip. Anywhere from $5-$10 depending on the size of bags and amount of people. Also I would recommend starting near the back of the theme parks and work your way to the front because at closing times everybody rushes to the front. Epcot has an amazing lazer light show most nights, so I would check that out too. If you rent a car, when you return it, be at least 2 hours early before your flight because there could be a car accident, there also may be alot of people returning, etc. Have fun and try not to be rude to the service employees even if things don't go exactly as planned. Also remember to read the policies of each hotel and car rental for deposit requirements, insurance, etc. Make sure you have enough money on the credit card also, you'd be amazed at how many people think $200 on a credit card will get them through. Most companies also have different policies between a debit card and a regular credit card. Have a good time!!!

[JC1972]

If you're going to Disney, then I highly suggest getting the info with Tour Guide Mike. My wife and I have used his services for the past 3 times to Disney and you get so much more out of it since you're not in lines standing around so much. For $20 you can't go wrong. BTW where will you be staying, on property?

Walt Disney World Vacation Planner for Orlando, Florida Vacation TourGuideMiKE

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

I highly recommend the Mickey's Christmas party, we enjoyed it a great deal. They also have some nice celebrations at Epcot. AND don't forget the special light display at MGM, its amazing.

If you keep an eye on the Travel channel, they do an hour long special about Christmas at Disney. Disney will also send you a free DVD about booking a vacation at Disney.

If your going to enjoy a nice dinner at a sit down place at Disney, make your reservations in advance, I believe they book 3 months in advance, I would start calling THAT morning if your going to be there at Christmas time.
407-WDW-DINE

We also enjoyed going to The Grand Floridian as well where they have a gorgeous three story high tree and a Victorian Santa you can get your picture taken with. They also have a gingerbread house big enough that people are inside selling cookies and sweets.

If you stay at a Disney hotel, you get a cheap price on your park passes, since your making plans so far in advance, you should be able to book a reasonable hotel, they have prices as low as $60 a night but I don't know the rate is that low at peak times. Call them and see. I usually just ask for the cheapest room they have and start from there.

If you want to spend time on the beach, you might consider going further South then the Orlando area to get warer weather. I personally prefer the West coast of Florida, the water is warmer AND I love to hunt for sea shells and there are more on that side.