Can I run something past you .. thoughts, comments, suggestions?

[Miss_Nellie]

Our annual Disney trip can't happen this year but we may be able to squeeze in a trip to Universal ... but I need some help. It'd be our first trip there.

Dates: August 11 (Saturday) through August 14 (Tuesday)

Who: Me, DH and 2 sons - 12 years and 7 years

I'm trying to get an idea of how much it might be. We'd be flying and I found airfare for about $690 RT, that's good compared to what I found when I first started looking. And of course parking at our home airport, about $52.

After that:

On-site at RPR - $717
1 character meal (breakfast?) - $64
Tickets, the Ticketmaster deal - $257 (2 days / 2 parks)

Transportation - we wouldn't need a car once we got on-site so I'm guessing it'd be less costly to arrange for some kind of transfer. Any suggestions?

Food - how much do meals run for an average family of 4 who aren't big eaters?

I'd consider staying off-site with a rental car but I like the idea of FotL access especially if our park days (Sunday and Monday) would be busy days and walking to the parks.

We're not big into souvenirs. DH likes to get a shirt, I like pens, mugs ... little everyday useful things. The kids like toys mostly but they have to use their own money.

Have I overlooked anything or underestimated a cost?

Thanks for your help. I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[Planogirl]

It sounds like you've pretty much covered everything.

You can expect food to cost about what it costs at Disney. Portions tend to be huge too so you could possible order fewer meals and split them at the counter serve places. I recommend places such as Enchanted Oak and Thunder Falls for good food in huge portions. Richter's is good if you want burgers.

Another idea is to walk to Citywalk for lunch and eat a nice big meal at one of the restaurants there. It will generally cost less than dinner and personally I enjoy leaving the parks for a while to relax. One caveat; the hotel restaurants tend to be pricey and not as good IMO. I recommend the Hard Rock and Margaritaville. Check out the menus that people have posted links to.

As for transportation, if you stay onsite you'll never need a car for anything. You could look into the limousine services or even Mears if you like them.

ETA: Here's menu link that I haven't had time to check out yet. I claim no responsibility. ;)

http://www.nogodforme.com/UniversalMenus2007.htm

ETA (again) Here's a site I do know. http://www.allears.net/uni/menu/menus.htm

[Miss_Nellie]

Thanks so much for the links!

I completely forgot about Margaritaville. My sister was there years ago and I've been mad at her for not taking me with her ever since. I'll have to make sure we catch lunch there one day ... and rub it in to her. :rotfl2:

I think being that it's a quick vacation we'll stick to burger and fries / counter service places, except for the character breakfast and Margaritaville.

DS7 doesn't eat meat, only PB & J and occasionally Mac 'n Cheese, so it'll be nice to know in advance where we can get that for him.

If I'm able to get a AAA discount for the room would we still be entitled to FotL access? I'm guessing yes but I'd rather know for sure.

Thanks so much!!

[AlexandNessa]

Do you have AAA? You can do the RPR for $191.20/night + tax with AAA. As long as you're staying at the hotel (no matter what your rate), you still get FOTL access. :)

We like ****** Transportation. Mention the "Mouse for Less" and your round trip is $82 (+ tip). PLUS, they will include a free grocery stop, so you can get drinks/snacks to keep in the room to cut down on your costs. They will take you to Publix. Cut coupons from home if you want. :)

Don't forget the RPR charges $12+tax/night for parking, so getting a car service (in lieu of renting a car) will save you that as well. ****** will pick you up in a big SUV. Plenty of room. :)

[goofy!]

Don't forget to sign up for LoewsFirst www.loewsfirst.com . The AAA rate is an approved LoewsFirst rate, so you should get your welcome gift and will be able to use the gym and showers if you are staying after checkout.

Also, you do get some discounts on meals at most of the restaurants with the AAA card, so don't forget to bring it and show it at the restaurants.