Big News…….insert drumroll here……..
We Are Going To Walt Disney World for Christmas!!!
Yes friends it’s true, the dream we’ve had for years is actually happening. With both of our daughters born in December and Christmas planning December has always been an overwhelming month for my husband and I. Combine this stress with the freezing cold temperatures and inevitable snow here in suburbia and I’m sure you can see why we’d love to spend 10 days with the Magical Mouse!
Let me tell you planning a trip to the most magical place on Earth is a daunting affair. There are endless choices to be made, experiences to be had but I was left shaking my head…how could I possibly plan our trip and make these choices ?
CAA Makes Walt Disney World Planning Simple
After becoming quite exasperated I went to the CAA Store and begged the Magical Vacation Planner to come to my rescue. The Magical Vacation Planner, Amber, waved her fairy godmother wand and took all of my worries away with her calm demeanor and seriously amazing knowledge of Walt Disney World.
We began with the fundamentals, she asked for our desired dates, preferred room types, budget, wish list of activities, and ages and in depth description of the people traveling.
I knew there were definitely challenges with this trip. With my disabilities we did request staying at a resort on Walt Disney World but I wasn’t certain Amber could make this happen within our budget. We were also booking within the 180 days recommended to secure reservations for restaurants and attractions so we doubted that we would be enjoying the locations we would have wanted.
Amber told me that she would work on getting some figures together for me and she would be in touch very soon. I felt somewhat relieved but still wasn’t convinced that we’d be able to achieve this dream of ours and I expected to wait a few days to hear back from her.
Within an hour Amber had contacted me, she had a quote which fell smack dab within our budget!!! I was flabbergasted, she had outlined our vacation to include:
- direct flights for all four of us
- 10 day stay at Port Orleans Riverside (a moderate Walt Disney World resort)
- 10 day dining plan
- park hopper tickets for 6 days
- 6 day park passes
- 3 day rental car (we wanted to do Christmas Shopping)
- a Pirate League makeover
- a Bibbity Bobbity Boo makeover
- CAA Story Telling with a Princess
- all of the character meals we requested except for one
- medical insurance
- trip cancellation insurance
WOW – This Magical Vacation Planner is GOOD
There is NO way I could have arranged all of this! Amber really made it look easy but I know it’s not. At this point all she required of me was our passport numbers, a credit card to secure the vacation and a smile.
This all happened at the end of a work day and Amber and I have worked together to stream line the trip since. Of course we have changed our minds here and there about dinners and Amber has been so accommodating, even to the point of coming into work early to make a booking she felt we HAD to have before it was gone.
The thing is it’s not just Amber who provides this level of service, it’s all CAA Magical Vacation Planners. When we went to WDW in 2010 I used this service and received the same customer service. CAA goes out of their way to ensure that the holidays booked are truly wonderful experiences.
There are perks for CAA members at Walt Disney World:
- Exclusive pricing on tickets
- Save up to 10%, 15%, 20% or 35% off the room portion on selected packages on selected dates (subject to availability)
- 200 Disney Dollars included in packages of 7 nights or more at the Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
- Storytelling experience with a character from a classic Disney animated feature
- Special savings on meals, merchandise and entertainment options at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort
- Preferred seating at parades and fireworks
Our CAA Magical Planner also got in on the fun of surprising our daughters with our trip. Amber came up with the idea to make a sign that says “We’re Going To Walt Disney World”, attach it to a Minnie Mouse balloon and hide in a box. Then we could remove the lid and shock the girls when the balloons popped out. She even went so far as to provide me with the sign, balloons and ribbon….now that’s going all out in my opinion! Of course I videotaped it….check it out!
I can’t thank CAA enough, they really made planning our Magical Christmas Vacation simple.
If you are even considering a trip to Disney please contact CAA to see what is possible, now is a great time because if you book for a 5 night/6day room stay for a family of 4 before February 18th you can save up to $600 US with the Play, Stay, Dine offer.
Watch for more posts on my Disney planning, I can’t wait to share everything with you all!
34 Responses
You are going to have so much fun! Can’t wait to see pictures after your trip.
so much fun ! I love WDW – we are hoping to go back in Jan/feb 2014 (would be our 3rd visit) but I would LOVE to be there in December to see it all decked out for Christmas!
That’s amazing Julie! I’m so happy for you guys. What a wonderful way to spend Christmas and your girl’s birthdays. I will be following along on your adventure for sure!
Congrats on the trip! When we visited Disney last summer, we enjoyed CAA discounts and planning maps. Really helpful
I love Walt Disney World. Your family is going to have such a blast on your vacation!
I was there during Christmas time one year – you are going to love it!! Wait until you and see the huge beautiful Christmas tree and the parade!! Make sure to take some pictures so you can share with us!
Awesome! I bet Walt Disney World during Christmas time is amazing. I’ve never been to Walt Disney but some day ;)
OMG, surprising the family with a trip to Disney is so excting! I have been there once by myself but I really want to take my entire family. I am glad to hear how much they helped you out. Sounds like they are very thorough.
I am sooooo excited!!! Next year, CAA is handling all this for me too.
My husband jumped out of his chair when squealed. I love surprises like that! We’ve got a boxer that likes to dance as well.
CAA is fabulous. We’ve been using their triptix forever and are now getting our travel insurance from them.
Have a great trip and I look forward to reading about it when you get back. Give Mickey a kiss for me.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
I am so so jealous right now!! I wish we could take the girls, but we’re waiting a few more years and saving up to go!!
Woooo hoooo! That is so exciting! :-)
We dont have CAA but that sounds so wonderful that she could provide all that in such a short amount of time. We love all things Disney!
How fun!! We aren’t CAA members but that is so great they helped you so quickly and gave you all the perfect package.
how awesome is this!!! yay! that made me all teary eyed! I can’t wait to hear all about the fun you guys have!
This is amazing. I can’t wait for your follow up posts. I hear that Disney World at Christmas is pure magic. Color me jealous.
Wow! That is sure to be a great trip!
We’re going to Disney in March and I can’t wait.
This is awesome! I can’t wait to take our girls!
I totally LOVED the girls’ reaction… not to mention the dogs. =)
I live in Celebration, so WDW is my backyard and I know that Christmas there is so special, it truly is magical. Something all of you will never forget.
It might be a little chilly and it will be crowed, but you will still have a fantastic time. =)
that’s awesome! i’d like to surprise my kids one day with a big trip like that.
Oh wow, how exciting!!! That’s so awesome! I hope we can take our kids someday as well :) Will be so many memories for your family to share together!
P.S. LOVE, love, love your new blog design ;)
That’s so awesome! I love that video and your daughter screaming! :)
I have to ask…how much was your budget? I have been to Disney a billion times and those park hopper passes are DEADLY. I dont know how you afforded all of that. …amazing! She must have been brilliant.
You’re all going to have so much fun, the time will fly by. Take a lot of pictures! (And I look forward to seeing them here!) Have fun packing!! :)
How exciting! I can’t wait to read more about your trip too! We were just there to celebrate Very Merry Christmas Party and it was so much fun!
The video is great and made me tear up! Have a wonderful time.
I hope you and your family have an awesome time! Loved the video. Wow Christmas and Birthdays at Disney! What a dream come true. I’ve never been but hope to go someday.
I love it when vacation planning is made so easy. Disney sounds like they’ve got it all figured out!
That is so exciting!! have a blast!
I would LOVE to be able to spend some time at Disney during the holidays. That place is so magical and I LOVE all the characters, lights, food, etc.
What an awesome surprise. We want to take our kids in a few years, when they are just a bit older. :)