Conference koolit::disney

    George,
    
    The first thing you need to do is determine exactly what you want to
    do for your '97 Blast. Once you know EXACTLY what you want (dates,
    resort, etc.) then you need to call the CRO and ask them for help. 
    
    After they tell you what needs to be done and rates (which will change 
    by about 25%) you'll be looking at then you need to report back to all 
    parties to make sure everyone is in agreement. Then once all parties 
    involved have agreed on particulars then you call back the CRO, most 
    likely you'll have to deal with a certain rep, and then make the 
    reservations.
    
    What's nice about making these reservations now is that you can send in 
    payments once in a while when you have some extra $$$ so that you'll be
    paid up when you go.
    
    Keep us informed of your progress because you may be providing
    additional information that we might find helpful.
    
    Mike

    Sounds like your planning a blast in '97!
    
    As it stand right now - I too am planning a BIG Bash for '97.
    
    I went to the 20th anniv. and will be there in July of '97
    (meeting Mike Scopa there of course!) :)
    
    I've spoken with the CRO and they've told me they are accepting
    reservations up to the year 2000!
    
    I haven't made definite reservations as of yet - I'm still batting
    around my possibilities on where I'm going to stay.  (I'm going to be
    at WDW for at least 2 weeks)  Right now it looks like I won't make that
    decision for a while.  The other possibility is making a reservation
    now and changing it later.  I will make a definite reservation by July
    of next year.  I will use the long wait to pay off the hotel a bit at a
    time - so not to stretch the wallet all at once.
    
    Hope to see you there at the '97 Birthday Bash!
    
    Kathy
    

    Thanks for the suggestons.  Coordinating this is going to be a  bear so
    maybe starting now isn't too early.  Good idea about being able to pay
    for it a little at a time.  Sure would ease the pain.  Nope, won't see
    you there Kathy.  We'll be going sometime in January or February.
    
    Yeah, it is a long way away.
    
    George

    George,
    
    Take the 1993 rates and tack on about 25-30% (I'd estimate the higher
    to play it safe) to get a rough idea as to what your room would cost
    you. Actually Disney has been holding the line fairly well and it's
    been less than 10% per year but always estimate 10%.
    
    Another good reason to book now and pay a little along the way.
    
    Mike_who_hopes_to_practice_what_he_preaches
    

    We are in the process of planning our '97 Disneyworld visit.  I know
    there's a wealth of info in here so please just point me in the right
    direction if the info is already available:
    
    	What section of the Grand Floridian would you suggest?  This is
    where my sister, her husband and my mom will be staying.
    
    	If the above is too outrageously expensive, what are some other
    recommendation for classy, on-site hotels?  My sister is VERY into
    Epcot - are the hotels around there nice?  They would probably consider
    a couple of nights at the Grand Floridian with the rest of the trip
    elsewhere.
    
    	The rest of us (about 10-15 more adults and kids) will be looking
    for more economical lodgings, again on-site.  My husband insists on a
    place with kitchen so Fort Wilderness comes to mind.  Our kids will be
    14, 12 and 8 - all have the potential of being very tall.  Will we fit
    comfortably into a mobile home at Ft. Wilderness?  Do we need a car
    there?  We plan on staying for a week and one-half minimum.
    
    	We stayed in the Disney Villas several years ago.  Would this be
    better than the Fort?
    
    Thanks for any pointers you can provide.  The planning will be half the
    fun!
    
    Linda

    Well Linda who knows how many more resorts will pop up between now and
    '97.
    
    Here are some suggestions:
    
         - If your sister really loves EPCOT then maybe she should consider
           staying at the Yacht & Beach Club. She may find the prices a bit
           more economical than the GF.
    
         - Besides Fort Wilderness maybe you want to consider staying at
           the Disney Vacation Club. YOu can fit up to 12 people under
           one roof. If several families share the cost then it could be
           right for you.
    
         - If you don't rent a car two things will happen; you'll get 
           frustrated at the inconvenience of not having a vehicle and
           Kathy Jette will yell at you for not listening to her advice
           about getting a car REGARDLESS of how long you're there.
    
    '97 huh? Well '97 vacation is just under 1400 days away. I'll start
    worrying about that one after I get back from my '94 trip which is just
    under 300 days away.
    
    Mike 

    Mike,
    
    Thanks for the idea on the Disney Vacation Club - I thought that was
    some type of Time-share so hadn't considered that.  It could work as
    several of the kids will be 7 and under.
    
    I suppose we could pool on the rental car expense too - we haven't
    really decided on transportation yet, figure we have a few more years
    for that!  We just want to get our reservations in for our lodging so
    that we get EXACTLY what we want this time.  We all like the idea of
    having several years to pay for the trip.
    
    I'm sure I'll be asking more questions as our plans proceed!
    
    Linda

    
    Hi Everone,
    
    I know I've left it late, We only made the decision to go a few weeks
    ago but.....
    
    Can anyone let me have the international telephone numbers to make
    reservations for the following;
    
    HOOP-DE-HOO Musical Review (Sp)
    Mickeys Hawain Party (Sp)
    Character Breakfast
    
    I'm travelling out in four weeks time so need to make a few phone calls
    as soon as possible. If you have the information could you either reply
    to this note or mail me _CHEFS::NASH or Anthony Nash@NEW

    I don't have my Birnbaum book handy, but the number for the Magic
    Kingdom Club Travel Center is (407) 824-2600. If you're leaving in 4
    weeks I wouldn't bank on getting into Hoop-De-Doo Revue. We called
    about 8 weeks ahead and were told it was sold out about 4-6 months in
    advance. We were only able to get reservations for one of the character
    breakfasts and one other event.
    
    Good luck!
    
    

    at this late date you might want to do what we did and go on a standby
    basis.  Go to Ft Wilderness, the HDD office, and request to be put on
    standby for whatever show (I think you have to do this the day of, not
    sure how soon before). The person at the window told us they always
    have "no-shows" and will give you directions for what to do from there.
    For us we showed up at 5:15 for the 5:00 show (which doesn't start
    until 5:30) and walked right in! Granted we didn't get center stage,
    but the performers did come over to our table. The boys loved it!
    
    Good Luck -
    Susan