Decade of Dreams Walt Disney World Vacation - May 2-6, 2009 About This Page:

[elbug10]

I definitely want to participate in one of the DOD trips; it's either this one or the DL one in October of 2009. I think this one would be cheaper, but DL would be the trip of a lifetime for me. What do do, what to do? I got a quote, was surprised it was so much higher than what Jennifer said in the original post until I realized that included park hoppers. Duh! Still gotta add airfare, though. Now off to twist Kelly's arm. Wish me luck!

[FanOfMickey]

Good luck Lisa!! You will love Disneyland, I hope you will be able to go

[Jookiba]

Jennifer, if we plan our own trip (not using the appointed travel agency) will our names get added to the Roll Call sticky at the top of the forum?

[Belle*]

Sorry Jookiba. Only travelers who book using Mouse Fan Travel will be added to the Roll Call. But we look forward to seeing you at any events that are open to the general public!

[AnnF]

If we don't book threw MFT about how many meets will there be compared to if we book the package? I know exact numbers haven't been decided, but after looking at the quote I got, I don't know if as a solo traveler I don't think I'd be able to afford it.

Thanks

[Eeyore Tattoo]

Originally Posted by AnnF

If we don't book threw MFT about how many meets will there be compared to if we book the package? I know exact numbers haven't been decided, but after looking at the quote I got, I don't know if as a solo traveler I don't think I'd be able to afford it.

Thanks

Good Question....
Deb

[Retro Mommy]

It's just a matter of time before we are on the Roll call for WDW as well. My agent is on the phone with Disney trying to get a handicap room at either Port orleans or Contemporary *yea, we changed our minds on the hotel* but my question is Dining...how come a dining package cant be added to the trip? is it a passporter thing or a disney groups thing? do you think this will change by the time of our trip? i think a dining package would surely take the stress out of the WDW trip. also, the fantasmic desert party...im so excited. Ive never been on a meet before and im curious what they are like. i know we cant get details and specifics yet but what is a meet like? what do you do? just curious im very excited to get to know a lot of you on our dream trip!

Edit: i just put my deposit down for the contemporary resort MK view. the monorail and park view was the clincher. anyway, my question...when my agent sent the quote she said the Contemporary was the 'Event “home” resort'. What are the benefits of booking the "Event home resort"? will some of the meets be taking place @ the hotel?

[Jennifer Marx]

The choice not to offer the Dining Plan is a Disney Groups decision, not ours.

A "meet" can mean a lot of things, but it always means getting together with people like yourself. It could be something as simple as going on a ride together, which enhances the experience as you're all together -- imagine the difference between doing, say, the Jungle Cruise alone and the Jungle Cruise with a bunch of like-minded people who like Disney as much as you. The skipper's jokes seem funnier, the folks in your boat (who are probably all part of your meet) probably have interesting observations and jokes of their own, and you have a warm, happy feeling of inclusion. Meets at a restaurant mean you have fun table conversations and friendly neighbors. Meets can get more elaborate with structured activities like treasure hunts (looking for items in riddles or photos around a park, for example), tours, or trivia contests. Meets really seem to bring the enjoyment of Disney to a whole, new level.

The advantages of staying in the "home" resort (the Contemporary) are 1) it's a great location and easy access to many places, 2) we plan to have at least one meet there, making it easier to get to, and 3) you're more likely to bump into us and we have an impromptu meet of our own.

[Wendyismyname]

Originally Posted by Jennifer Marx

imagine the difference between doing, say, the Jungle Cruise alone and the Jungle Cruise with a bunch of like-minded people who like Disney as much as you. The skipper's jokes seem funnier,

I can't wait to hear these jokes in a new light! Riding with a bunch of us Passporters should make the skippers' day!!

The advantages of staying in the "home" resort (the Contemporary) are 1) it's a great location and easy access to many places, 2) we plan to have at least one meet there, making it easier to get to, and 3) you're more likely to bump into us and we have an impromptu meet of our own.

That's exactly the reason Cheryl and I said we HAD to stay there! Besides, I might imbibe in an adult drink and it would sure make it easier to get back to the room!

[Dave Marx]

The best I can figure regarding the "no Disney Dining Plan" thing is that we're booking so far in advance. While Disney is willing to lock in a room rate for '09, they probably aren't so interested in locking in a 2009 price for the dining plan. It may become possible to add Dining Plan once the 2009 plan has been released to the public. However... "group" to Disney also means "catered meals." I think they'd prefer that groups not have a cheap meals option.

And "catered meals" brings around a reason why we don't think Dining Plan would necessarily be a good idea under any circumstances. We expect we'll have a number of optional group dining opportunities. It'd be a shame to have a situation where folks have to choose between wasting Dining Plan points and attending a group dining event.

[Ms_Butterfly]

Ugh, I really want to be a part of this trip (I'm even willing to book through your travel agency! [I'm a do-it-myself kinda girl]). But it is sounding like my cousin doesn't want to do Disney anymore (or that it was never really a full-on commitment, just something nice to talk about, for her). Maybe if I can talk to her in person soon things will change, though - I still have a little hope!

[NevQueen]

I would much rather have the basic dining option available for use during the day. That way I would be able to attend the group dining.
I will keep my fingers crossed - I really dig the DDP when we use it for our family travels.

[Retro Mommy]

Originally Posted by Jennifer Marx

imagine the difference between doing, say, the Jungle Cruise alone and the Jungle Cruise with a bunch of like-minded people who like Disney as much as you. The skipper's jokes seem funnier, the folks in your boat (who are probably all part of your meet) probably have interesting observations and jokes of their own, and you have a warm, happy feeling of inclusion. Meets at a restaurant mean you have fun table conversations and friendly neighbors. Meets can get more elaborate with structured activities like treasure hunts (looking for items in riddles or photos around a park, for example), tours, or trivia contests. Meets really seem to bring the enjoyment of Disney to a whole, new level.

oh, jennifer! im getting SO excited! this is going to be the ultimate. my hubby is not quite as big of a disney fan as I am *well to be honest, i dont know many people who are as big a fan as i am lol* so it will be a whole new experience being with likeminded people.

Originally Posted by Dave Marx

"catered meals" brings around a reason why we don't think Dining Plan would necessarily be a good idea under any circumstances. We expect we'll have a number of optional group dining opportunities. It'd be a shame to have a situation where folks have to choose between wasting Dining Plan points and attending a group dining event.

thats a good point. i never thought about that before. as i said, im new to this whole group thing. the OP made a good point too. maybe to have the basic dining package to work around our group dining. but i suppose we'll just have to wait and see on that.

so i mentioned i reserved the contemporary but about a half hour later i changed my mind. i know, im a fickle mickey. after spending a little time in the "rate the hotels" thread ive decided on the Port Orleans French Quarter. i'll miss the monorail and the private meets as Jennifer said but for the price, i think it suits us better. plus, who DOESNT want to slide down a dragons tongue?! lol.

[Lemap760]

Just sent for a quote.

[spiceypj]

you know might consider POFQ - wanted Pop but it is more than the All Star Movie - so was going with that.

but POFQ might be a good choice. Solo - so playing double what some of you are.