Planning 2009 (First steps; Dates and Hotel)

[Ghost]

Still 16 months before we will go to Walt Disney World but I am already planning (to keep me sane while waiting)

This is the plan so far

10 to 13 August Vero Beach.
14 to 16 August; Unknown Orlando location
16 to 25 August; Old Key West
25 to 30 August; AKV

Here is the problem though; (help needed)
OKW can be booked 11 months in advance with my OKW points, no problem
AKV; can be booked 11 months with my AKV points , no problem
The three nights at Vero Beach will be a from my OKW points so I can only book 7 months in advance. Being August, will I be able to book a place (a Studio is all we need)? Or is there no chance at all that this would work out?

Thank you all for your time

[TW1]

Both our VB trips ('00 and '07) were studios in August at 7-months. No problems with booking for us.

Sounds like a great trip.

[dvcnewgirl]

I have heard that summer is not as busy at Vero. I am not sure. I called for Christmas Eve for a reservation at 7 months and I could get it, so I think you are in good shape.:yes:

[Ghost]

Thank you for the fast reply.

I also like the sound of the trip (even if I say so myself, being the one planning it :jester:). I will keep you all informed on the planning (if you want).

Besides being a lot at WDW, we will also go and swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove.

Any good idea for the non Disney days is welcome. Space Center no option (unless there is a launch). The three days should be more of a Keys, or Miami visit. Still looking at options... but any idea is welcome

[Mary]

I have gone to vb at least 5x in August on less than 7 mos. notice, and have never had a problem! Get there early and prople checking out are usually giving away beach chairs and boogie boards! Mary

[TW1]

Agreeed...Space Center is not an option. Been there, done that. I'll only go back for a launch.

[greenban]

Agreeed...Space Center is not an option. Been there, done that. I'll only go back for a launch.

I love the lunch options at the space center. So many clever entrees.

How about Universal for the three days. Stay on site and get FOTL access!!!!!

-Tony

[Lisa]

The three nights at Vero Beach will be a from my OKW points so I can only book 7 months in advance. Being August, will I be able to book a place (a Studio is all we need)? Or is there no chance at all that this would work out?


I also don't think you will have a problem at 7 months in August (but have no direct experience).

Reserve a Ocean View Inn Room instead of a studio if you can. Most have a much better view then the studios which are in the villa buildings. Just be aware that OVIRs that face the north and south(pool) as well as east(ocean) are also ocean view and you may get one of those as well.

[Ghost]

Thank you everybody for all the info so far

Lisa,
The Ocean view will be the option I go for. only 2 extra points per night.

Tony,
The three days between Vero Beach and WDW will have to be no theme park visits so US is no option either (I might go there for a day during the OKW stay). I (used to) love IoA but with the coming of Harry Potter I might go a lot less to the park.

The extra three days would be some nature or cultural visits. For some unknown reason I am drawn to visit Miami, but am open to any ideas.

[tomandrobin]

Still 16 months before we will go to Walt Disney World but I am already planning (to keep me sane while waiting)

This is the plan so far

10 to 13 August Vero Beach.
14 to 16 August; Unknown Orlando location
16 to 25 August; Old Key West
25 to 30 August; AKV

Here is the problem though; (help needed)
OKW can be booked 11 months in advance with my OKW points, no problem
AKV; can be booked 11 months with my AKV points , no problem
The three nights at Vero Beach will be a from my OKW points so I can only book 7 months in advance. Being August, will I be able to book a place (a Studio is all we need)? Or is there no chance at all that this would work out?

Thank you all for your time

Two years ago, we killed some time over at St Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Rooms were real cheap and we had a great time.

[mikayla73]

We spent 4 days in Tampa/St. Petersburg prior to going on our WDW vacation in May. We had a great time. Fort Desoto park has a great beach and pier. There was lots of wild life. We saw 4 dolphins playing around the end of the pier for quite a while. There's a light house too there I think. It is a state park. We also caught some baseball games (the Angels were playing the Ray's that's why we went there in the first place DH is a huge Angels/BB fan).

My other vote would be for the Keys. I would love to go to the Keys. I can't quite talk DH into it yet though. I am still working on it :)

[glypnirsgirl]

Did you know that there is a Nature Conservancy Center just north of WDW that is owned by WDW? DH really wants to try this. It would meet your "nature" idea.

Also there are some of the "old" things to do in the area like Cypress Springs.

Also. we loved the gulf side - its only about an hour and a half drive from Orlando. We loved seeing the Ringling Bros. museum in Sarasota. Sarasota itself was also beautiful. Also on the gulf side is Tarpon Springs - a fun, largely Greek community. On the Atlantic side, we have also been up to San Augustine for a historical tour of the old town.

Other places we have enjoyed. The Blue Grotto - ew went scuba diving there, but I believe that you can also swim. It is an awesome place.

Back on the Atlantic side, Indian River is fun for picking fruit.

Some of the things that I have done were about 20 years ago. so it would be a good idea to do updated research.

Bon Voyage!
Elaine

[Ghost]

Did you know that there is a Nature Conservancy Center just north of WDW that is owned by WDW? DH really wants to try this. It would meet your "nature" idea.



We almost did this on the last trip but for some reason they didn't offer the trips when we where there. I have no idea on the status now

Thank for all other tips

[disneyfreak89]

Did you know that there is a Nature Conservancy Center just north of WDW that is owned by WDW? DH really wants to try this. It would meet your "nature" idea.

Where can I get some info on this? :bigear:

[Ghost]

Where can I get some info on this? :bigear:

http://disney.go.com/disneyhand/environmentality/environment/preserve.html

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/florida/

enjoy

[disneyfreak89]

Thanks Ghost! :D

[Ghost]

Yes, Yes, YES......

first part is booked. Our Old Key West stay
http://blog.mousekingdom.com/2008/09/22/booked/
In a couple of days I can add the AKV on the list and then it's waiting for the 7 moth window to add Vero Beach...

Countdown can begin (I feel like a :king: right now)

[TriciaS]

Two places we have added on to our WDW trips are Amelia Island and Sarasota/Lido Key. Both locations have lots to do and are closer than Miami. August is also their slower season so you should be able to get pretty good deals. Loved both locations and would definetly go back!

[griffs222]

Still 16 months before we will go to Walt Disney World but I am already planning (to keep me sane while waiting)

This is the plan so far

10 to 13 August Vero Beach.

Here is the problem though; (help needed)

The three nights at Vero Beach will be a from my OKW points so I can only book 7 months in advance. Being August, will I be able to book a place (a Studio is all we need)? Or is there no chance at all that this would work out?

Thank you all for your time

I've only stayed at VB once, and it was in August, and I had no problem booking at the 7 month window. What a great itme of year to be at the beach. If you have children they will love all the activities. Whatever you do, you must make the camp fire, I think they do it 3 - 4 times during the week. Good luck booking.

[Ghost]

Second part of the holiday is booked!!! (http://blog.mousekingdom.com/2008/09/29/booked-ii/) AKV Kidani... however they warned me of 24 hour construction work... I hope it wasn't a mistake to book there....