1st Family Trip to WDW 2/9 - 2/15 - UPDATED 4/18 About This Page:

[hildai]

DISCLAIMER: 1st time writing a trip report, please be kind

Before I begin with the details of our little adventure, let me fill you in on who we are and why we choose to visit Disney. I’m Hilda, Disney fan, wife and mother of two beautiful princesses, ages 8 & 5. My hubby is a teacher and so am I. We normally plan our vacations in the summer since we’re both off from work. Back in the summer of ’07, I received a copy of our upcoming school calendar for the next two years. I found out that this year will be the last year for a week long Mid-Winter Break. Soooo, the wheels in my head start turning and I start plotting how we’re going to convince dear old dad that this has to be the year for DISNEY!

Not that he has anything against the place (his last visit was in 1985 ~ he was on Spring Break in high school). We took a 4 night Disney Cruise two years ago and even did a day trip back in ’02 to Disneyland while we were in California for a teacher’s workshop. But sadly, my family has never been to Disney World. This had to be the year. We had always said when the girls were old enough to enjoy and remember the trip, we would go. Now Florida in the summer is not a fun time to visit (in my opinion ~ hot and crowded). February on the other hand could be quite pleasant (my last trip to WDW with my sisters was 11 years ago in Feb).

So, we start talking and he says okay, get some prices. Great, off we go to AAA to see what they can offer us. Problem is, not really sure where we want to stay. My first idea was the Wilderness Lodge, but then I’m not sure. My dear sister, who happens to be a DVC member, finds out about out “trip talk” and offers us her points so that we could stay the Boardwalk or Beach Club ~ our choice! WOW!!! I couldn’t believe it! She calls over to member services and they tell her both resorts are available for the dates we want. Next step was to go to the Passporter Website, which place would be better for our 1st trip to WDW? Stormalong Bay was all I could think about for my daughter Suzie. So the choice was clear . . . Beach Club Villas here we come!

All that was left to worry about was airfare, ADRs, park passes, minor details in my opinion! LOL!!!! In less than a week, I was able to get the hotel booked, find some pretty good airfare with AirTran and add an extra day to our hotel stay to make it 7 days and 6 nights. I also snagged park passes for 5 days from the Disney Store before the price increase went into effect. It was a very busy and expensive week. All the pieces were coming into place. We were going to Disney!!!!

[tammyd_rn]

That some quick work in a week. I can't wait to see how all your planning developed and hear all the memories that you and your family made at WDW.

[scrapbookmomma3]

Great start! Can't wait to hear more!

[Colexis Mom]

Great start

[DoraDoug]

I can't wait to hear more about your daughters' first trip to WDW! It sounds like this trip was meant to be with all the details falling into place so neatly. Write more soon please!

[carters_mom]

Great start! I can't wait to hear about your trip

[KandJluvdisney]

great start hilda
I agree you got a lot accomplished in a week - congrats on the beach club villas
hurry back with more

[CountryTink]

Sounds like a great trip is shaping up. Can't wait to hear more.

[DyanKJ130]

Great start!! BCV sounds wonderful!! Can't wait to hear more

[jhoshowski]

Great start! I can't wait to hear how you liked the Beach Club!

[mcc0313]

Great start....and the Beach Club Villas, what a wonderful resort for your first trip as a family. Can't wait to hear more....

[hildai]

All I have to say is thank goodness for my Passporter and the boards. Planning for our cruise was a piece of cake compared to this. Not that I’m complaining, but ADRs 180 days out, trying to get breakfast in the castle, and hoping for Pirate and Princess Party tickets to go on sell during our stay. My DH had NO idea the kind of stress I was under. All he knew was I was spending a lot more time on the computer and taking notes in my “blue book.”

The ADRs went according to plan. On August 6th (if I remember correctly ~ my 180 day mark) I woke up at 6:30 am, made coffee and waited for my time to call and get ADRs for breakfast with Cindy ~ my Serena’s main request “Meet ALL the princesses and eat in the castle!!!!!” Mommy had to deliver. Luckily I had a great CM that took care of everything. I pretty much booked one character meal a day for the 6 days we would be there! I know it might seem a bit much looking back at it now, but when I was planning all of this ~ the characters were one of the main reasons we were going!

I went back and forth with the DDP. I think I researched it to death on the boards. I calculated menus on allearsnet and finally decided to try it. Let me tell you, it was truly a learning experience! We are not big eaters. My hubby and I are both vegetarians. I figured with the cost of all the character meals, we would break even or come out on top because of all the snacks. I’ll reflect more on this at the end!

A few months later I was able to get tickets for the Pirate and Princess Party for Valentine’s Day. I think I was more excited than the girls at this point. With all the planning I had been doing, I couldn’t wait!

[carters_mom]

Yay, I'm glad you're back with an update! Glad you got your breakfast with Cindy! I've loved all of the character meals I've tried so far. It is a great way to see them without waiting in long lines.
Can't wait for more!

[bsblady01]

more please

[RobDVC]

Great update!