How I did it: The only way we did it was to PLAN. We started out by getting information from every source that we could -- Disney Vacation Planning DVD, Disney Parks online, people who had gone to Disney World before, travel agents, online travel booking sources... We picked what aspects of the vacation were most important to us, set a budget accordingly, and started saving a bit each month.
It took 3 years to get to it -- because a divorce, debt repayment, and buying a home got in the way -- but this year I finally set a date, called a travel agent and booked it.

Lessons & tips:

• 7 days is NOT enough time
• decide how much you expect to be staying in the hotel room, if you will be renting a vehicle to get around, what sort of meals and snacks you expect to eat, and what sort  of tickets you will need
• getting a meal plan or snack plan incorporated into the vacation price really cuts down on the unexpected spending
• talk to the consierge at any disney resort you stay at to get tips on the best events and places to eat
• give yourself plenty of time to see what you want to see based on the ability of your kids to keep up

Resources: Disney Parks Online
Travelocity
Expedia
Travel Agents -- both online and in person

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May 02, 2011, 06:23PM PDT | 0 comments | 5 cheers