Here we go...

This is finally the year...we are going to Disney World as a family! Most people my age are dreaming of island vacations, or big skiing trips! Not me! For as long as I can remember, even before my son (Lane) was born, I have wanted to go to Disney World. When I was young I can remember my dad taking me there when he was on a business trip, but all I can remember is walking down the Main Street. In 2006, a friend of mine's parents unfortunately both passed away within a few months of each other. They had a place in Florida down close to Orlando. Unemployed at the time, I rode with her and helped to close the place up and get it ready to be sold. This was a horrible time for her and Disney was a place that her family had always loved. We drove over to Disney and spent part of 2 days at 3 of the parks. Both of us having children, we didn't do everything because we didn't want to ruin the trips that we hoped to soon plan with our families.
So here we are, 3 years later, and Bill, myself and Lane are planning our trip to Disney World! I can't even tell you how excited that I am. Honestly, I am not sure who is most excited between Lane and I! You notice that I left out Bill on that one :) He is happy, but wants to start going to other places like Washington D.C., Mexico, South Dakota...etc. Yeah, yeah, we will do the history vacations soon enough! As a matter of fact, when we are down at Disney, we are going to attempt to take Lane to Kennedy Space Center for a day. See there...history! :)
So, I knew that when I went to Disney with Lane, I wanted to make sure that we could go to everything that we wanted, and didn't have to cut back on something because we had planned poorly. We are going to be there for 11 days and 10 nights! We have Park Hopper tickets for 7 days, but we are going to use our other days to relax, get out, and just enjoy ourselves!
Today I bought a book called, The Complete Walt Disney World 2009. I am attempting to plan as much as possible without 'going overboard.' I wasn't sure about the Disney Dining Plan, but after discussing that with others and seeing comments made on other sites, it sounds like the best thing to do, and a good way to save money.
We are staying at the Sports Value Resort. Not our first choice, but I realize now why everthing is so booked for the beginning weekend that we are going. The start of our stay is the beginning of STAR WARS weekend! I know that this is going to be crazy, but we couldn't be more excited! Disney has 4 of these per year and from what I hear and read, these are amazing! The weekend that we will be there first, the people that play Chewbacca and Darth Vadar will be at the park signing autographs. Mickey and crew will be dressed in Jedi gear, and there will be Storm Troopers around as well. Specific collector merchandise is sold during these weekends and they even have a STAR WARS parade. Now that I think about it...we maybe there for 2 of the 4 weekends. Wow!
So...our reservations our made and they were completely paid off until I added the Dining Plan...but I think that was a good move! If anyone has ANY good ideas or things to look for, please let me know!

* When You Wish Upon A Star...Your Dream Comes True! *