Where and how long?

There are a couple things that are defaults in our vacation planning that we've learned from previous trips. Knowing these things really helps.

In 2007 we took an eight night/nine day trip. It was the first time we ever stayed that long. But we knew that we never really did anything on the days we flew in and out. Because of that our vacation was actually 7 days. AND we also know that we like to take one day smack in the middle to do nothing related to the parks - bringing us to 6 days. Long story short, we like 8 nights and 9 days.

We also know that we want to stay on the Disney resort property - we like the perks. I know some people complain about busses but I like the idea of not having to worry about driving, parking, etc. Pick me up in a relatively timely fashion and I'm good to go. There's some freedom in that. I'm not a drinker usually but when I'm on vacation I like the option of partaking in a cocktail. Knowing that I don't have to drive is awesome. I also like Magical Express to and from the airport. Staying on property is worth the money for us.

As far as class of hotel - values are out. I still will stay there in a pinch but I'm just not a fan. I actually love to visit Pop Century when I'm not staying there because the theme is terrific but it's the people. There seem to be so many more people at the busses, at the pools, gift shop... everywhere! Don't get me wrong, I like the people. I just don't want to feel like I've always got someone standing on top of my head. As a result, it's a deluxe when it’s affordable and moderate which is fine too.

This trip, the hotels I'm considering are Port Orleans French Quarter, which is my favorite moderate. We've stayed there many times before and I like the theme a lot. The size is also smaller but it doesn't have the feel that you are on top of the next guy. But the real humdinger for me is the boat to Downtown Disney. We always go there every trip and it is a chore to get there by bus. But to get there by boat is a relaxing and enjoyable journey I look forward to. I could do the same from Port Orleans Riverside but I just don't think it's a quaint as POFQ.

On the deluxe end I'm down to four hotels. Our favorite in the world is Animal Kingdom Lodge. We've stayed there one other time and it was like a dream come true. The vacation was so good that I'm afraid to go back and have it not be as good as the first time. Also on the list is the Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, and the Polynesian Resort.

Far and away as a front runner in that group is the Poly. But for our 2011 vacation my husband and I will be celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss and we'll probably save the Poly for that. Even though I reallllllly want to stay there. The Beach Club is a place that everyone brags about and the location is great for visiting World Showcase at Epcot. If you want to visit Future World in Epcot, it's not so good. We have a six year old and we spend more time in FW than we do in WS so that's a factor. But Beach Club has this amazing sand bottom pool complex that everyone loves. It's a factor. And last, the Wilderness Lodge. We love the hotel, the location is great, and it was designed by the same architect who did AKL so we know we would probably like it. Decision, decisions.

So the next thing we're really waiting for is Disney to come out with their 2010 package prices. Once that happens, we'll really kick the planning in high gear.