|
|
Making A Plan
With everything you need to think about and all you have to do to prepare for your adventure, it’s hard to keep track of what you’ve done and what you still need to do. The following planner--just one of the many helpful tools throughout the guide--will help you navigate the vacation-planning process.
The Essential Family-Vacation Planner
1 Year Ahead
Start gathering up information, first by thoroughly reading through this site, then by reading one of my travel guides (which can be tremendously helpful to you even while you’re vacationing - just bring them right along to use as a quick an easy reference), and then via the telephone and/or by checking additional sites online. If you plan on flying be sure to check the airlines to get an idea of what the flight schedules and ticket prices are, then do a bit of research on the resorts, the attractions, as well as the various areas you are considering as destinations.
Make lists of what interests you most in each and every category – which airlines, which resorts and hotels, which services, restaurants, and attractions, are you most interested in out of the lengthy list of possibilities.
Write down the pros and cons of each so you can begin to pare down your lists to a more reasonable number of choices. Find out if there is more than one tourist area within your destination – as is the case in Orlando (which includes Lake Buena Vista, the International Drive area, Kissimmee,and even the Downtown area too) – find out what the advantages and disadvantages of staying in each area are so you can decide which area is best.
Next, create a wish list that includes everything you would like to do and see on your vacation. Include absolutely every park and attraction that is of interest to your family (and don’t worry if it seems to be a bit much…the list will be narrowed down a bit later in the planning process).
If you’re considering experiencing one of Disney’s dinner shows, be aware that some take advance reservations (a term explained in detail in The Mouse’s House and More) as far as 180 days in advance, and yes, they really do book up that far in advance. If this is something your family really wants to do, make your reservations now. They can always be canceled later (though to ensure a full refund, this must be done about a month or so before your scheduled reservation). The longer you wait to reserve your table, the less likely it becomes that you will get one.
Now, make another wish list, similar to your sightseeing wish list, but this time one that will help you to choose a hotel or resort. Include all of the amenities and services that you would like - along with those that you just can’t do without. (Starring the amenities and services considered to be absolutely necessities will help).
Periodically check to see if any of the theme parks are offering “limited time” or promotional pricing on their park tickets, resort stays, dining plans, or vacation packages.
Be sure to do this about once a month until you’ve actually booked your reservations – that way if a special deal comes along (which they often do) you can take advantage of it.
9 Months Ahead
Reserve your flights (or whatever form of transportation you are using) sometime between a year and 9 months in advance – if you are unable to arrange you seating this far out so be sure to mark your calendar so that you can arrange your seating the minute you are able to do so. This is very important when traveling with children, especially very young ones, as you certainly wouldn’t want to run the risk of separate seating.
Unfortunately, it is not always apparent to the operator on the other end of the line that there are children traveling in the party even though they take the names of all the passengers traveling together when you book your flights. If you wait until the last minute to make your seat assignments, you may have to depend on accommodating fellow passengers to find seating with your children--not the best strategy by any means.
Start working out your budget. Be sure to allocate a little bit extra for emergencies (above and beyond your base budget).
Now is the time to make the all-important decision of whether or not to stay on theme park property and if so, at which theme park. If you decide to stay on property, make your reservations immediately. Resorts right at the theme parks book up well in advance, and if you prefer to have a choice regarding the type of room you will be staying in, the sooner you make your arrangements the better.
If you’re not staying right at the parks, begin to narrow down where you do want to stay - make a short list of which hotels include all of or most of the amenities you need along with some of those you want.
6 Months Ahead
Revisit your wish list – you remember - the one that’s a mile long and filled with all of the things you want to see and do on your vacation. Now is the time to begin narrowing it down to a reasonable number of options - keeping your budget in mind as you go.
If you haven’t already decided on a hotel, now is the time – then make your reservations. If you plan on dining at some of the more popular restaurants at Disney or Universal Orlando make your Advanced Dining Arrangements (Disney) or Priority Seating (Universal Orlando) arrangements now. Disney books dining up to 180 days in advance and believe me – the time slots fill up fast. It is especially important to make your arrangements for any of Disney’s dinner shows and character dining experiences but keep in mind that some of the more popular theme park restaurants (like the 50’s Prime Time Café and the Sci-Fi Dinner Theater among others), and some of the more popular resort restaurants should be booked now too. At Universal, Emeril’s is the toughest spot to get a table. They begin taking reservations 6 months out – and they too book up fast. No matter you choice of eateries, if you don’t reserve your table now you may find yourself dining elsewhere.
Now’s a good time to start thinking about your itinerary - how many days do you really want to spend at the theme parks (and how many days do you want to spend elsewhere), which theme parks and attractions do you want to experience, what type of tickets are available (single-day, multi-day, multi-park, and so on), and which would best suit your family’s needs?
3 Months Ahead
If you plan on dining at any of the Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando restaurants (particularly the more popular ones), character meals, or dinner shows, and haven’t yet made your arrangements or reservations - NOW is the time. This is an absolute must if you are traveling during any of the peak seasons (Christmas, spring break, other holidays, and summer). You may even find many of the character meals or dinner shows are already booked to capacity.
Check the theme park operating hours and refurbishment schedule (they’re all listed on this site as well as on the theme park sites) and begin to plan your days accordingly (though always allow for last-minutes changes and remember to remain flexible).
Make your car-rental arrangements if you plan on renting for your entire vacation (or if you’re traveling during the holidays or peak seasons). If you require a larger car like a minivan or full-size van, or if you would simply prefer an SUV or specialty vehicle, this is a must. Mini vans are often the first to go during the holidays, school breaks, and summers - and especially at the least expensive rental agencies. If you require a larger car or van, waiting until the last minute to book it could very well cost you a fist full of cash that you didn’t intend to spend - at least on the car.
Many of the Orlando (and central Florida) hotels and resorts have on-site car rentals if you only want to rent a car for a few days – just be prepared to pay a substantially higher price if you rent somewhere other that from the airport. At times even a two or three day rental from the hotels can cost more than renting for two or three days - at times even a week from the airport. Checking on this now can save you a fistful of cash later.
1 Month Ahead
Make a complete list of everything you will need to pack for every member in the family.
Finalize your to-do list so that it includes only the attractions, sights, and activities that you can manage in the time allowed, keeping a very short wish list of 2 or 3 extras just in case time permits in the end.
Start to plan your itinerary, narrowing down how many and which days will be spent at the larger theme parks. Keep in mind the parks’ operating hours as well as a realistic estimate of how long it will actually take to get through them with kids in tow (this information is available in the individual theme park and attraction listings). Add in an extra and unplanned day or two for good measure. Remember to plan for the occasional rainy day (or afternoon) as well so that you’ll be prepared well ahead of time.
Purchase your park tickets (if you decide to purchase them in advance) – it will save both time and money. If you are having them mailed - though most parks offer the option of picking tickets up at their guest services counter in the parks - you may want to do this 2 months ahead since it may take several weeks for your tickets to arrive.
Make arrangements for your mail to be held or picked up by a neighbor. If you choose to have your mail held, be sure to leave the correct post office form in your mail box, drop it off at your local post office, or go online to www.usps.com to make arrangements. If you have the newspaper delivered, contact your carrier to put your delivery on hold. Make arrangements to have your plants watered, your pets cared for, and your house checked on.
If you haven’t already done so, make arrangements for your rental car now.
1-2 Weeks Ahead
Make sure any and all necessary prescriptions have been filled or that you have a script from your doctor to take with you in case it should become necessary.
Begin putting aside clothes and other items to pack. This will make for less last-minute laundry.
Double-check and confirm your flights (or other transportation arrangements), seat assignments, and any other travel arrangements you have made.
Confirm the arrangements you have made for your mail, newspaper, plants, pets, and your home. Arrange with one of your neighbors to have your garbage cans taken to the street on garbage day and then replaced to where you normally store them after they’ve been emptied
If you’re flying, decide now if parking at the airport lot or hiring a taxi (or shuttle service) to drive you is more cost effective (or simply more convenient). If you decide to hire a shuttle or a limo, call to make all the arrangements now. Taxi service can likely be arranged just a day ahead.
1 Week Ahead
Start cleaning out your refrigerator, packing your suitcases, and gathering up all the documentation you will need to bring with you (driver’s license, photo identification, tickets, as well as all the confirmation numbers you have for hotels, car rentals, and so on).
Make a list of any and all important phone numbers, including the people taking care of your mail, paper, pets, and your home; your neighbors; the pediatrician or family doctor and any other necessary physicians’ numbers; and your health insurance and car insurance numbers…and bring it with you. Have your spouse or another adult traveling with you keep a second copy as well.
Pay all of the bills that are due during the time you are away. You may want to include those due the week you arrive home just to ensure that they are paid on time should you arrive home later than expected.
Pick up your travelers checks (if you plan on using them) If you’re purchasing your theme park tickets at your local AAA office – purchase them now (I have discovered that each office keeps only a limited number of tickets and should they have to call another office to complete your order it may take a few extra days to get them to you)
A Few Days Before You Leave
Pack up the suitcases and carry-on bags (making sure they don’t exceed the weight and size limits).
Make sure you have a few dollars for tips (including skycaps at the airports, taxi or shuttle drivers, and the valet and bellman at your resort) as well as some spare change ($3 or $4) for any tolls you may encounter between the airport and your hotel (if you’re driving that is).
Make a list of grocery (and/or personal care) items that you will need to shop for after you’ve arrived at your destination.
Arrange for transportation to the airport (unless you plan on parking your car in the airport lot or have already made arrangements).
Last but Not Least
-Clean out anything perishable from the refrigerator and put it in the outside garbage.
-Water the plants and the lawn one last time.
-Set the lights on timers for security.
-Unplug or shut down your computer in case of power surges - even if you have a surge protector.
-Turn down the heat or air-conditioning to save energy and money while you’re away. If your system allows, set the air to return to normal levels a few hours prior to your return.
-Run the dishwasher to clean any last-minute dirty dishes. Use paper plates the day before you leave to keep your dirty dishes to a minimum.
-Remove the garbage and trash from the kitchen and the bathrooms to the outdoor garbage cans one last time before you leave.
-Make sure all the windows are closed and all the doors are locked on you way out.
Save Yourself a Stop on the Way Home
Did you know that you can freeze milk? Well, you can. Instead of throwing away a partial container of milk before you leave, freeze it for when you get back. This will at least keep you from having to head to the grocery store on the way home from the airport.
But don’t freeze an unopened or full container. Liquids expand when they freeze, and a full container will likely explode all over your freezer--not something you really want to come home to. Make sure the containers are only about three-quarters full or less.
Now you’re ready to go.
|
