Help me get my kids to WDW cheap!!

[mdmomof3]

Last year, our kids were so disappointed that many of their classmates were spending spring break at WDW. We told our kids (current ages 6, 10 & 12) that we would try to go this April, and they have talked about it ever since. NOw, as the time to make plans is approaching, my husband says that we cannot go, due to unforeseen expenses. We have not told the kids--I know that they will be devastated. Rather than just give up, I want to see how inexpensively I can put together a trip for 4 days or so. I would be willing to stay off-site, but obviously would prefer on site. SOunds like the AS resorts are out because of our 3 kids, but I'd be willing to squish if they'd let us! We live in MD, so I have to either consider airfares or a long drive. After just spending 3 hours browing these boards, I am confident that you experts will offer suggestions to get my Disney-loving children (who have not been there since 96) there! Thanks!! <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

[This message was edited by mdmomof3 on 01-07-01 at 10:38 AM.]

[This message was edited by mdmomof3 on 01-07-01 at 01:12 PM.]

[DisOrBust]

Disney doesn't let you "sqwish" in a room. Some people have tried it and have been turned in by house keeping, or so I have read here. Dxl does have rooms for five with the trundle bed. Also I bellieve the Swan also has rooms for five. At the Swan you can possible get a entertainment rate. Other options would be "renting" points from DVC members.
As far as off site goes there are plenty of cheap ones, which of those that are good is hard to find out. The one offsite that is spoke of highly here is the HIFI suites. Try the orlando attractions and hotels board. They maybe able to help out

[SonyaB]

You gotta go - the kids are quickly growing up! Before you know it, family vacations may be a thing of the past for some - this may or may not be a good thing!!! :D
Anyhow if you don't mind staying awfully close to WDW - try your chance with priceline.com for an incredible deal. But first read their discussion forum for deal examples and bidding suggestions ( search "priceline bidding forums". I have found this site extremely helpful as being Canadian dealing with a poor dollar and Disney fever for the past month. Good luck!!!

[DisneyObsessed]

Right now Southwest Airlines has unbelievably cheap airfares. Check their website for prices. If you are a AAA member, you get a discount on your hopper passes. I bought the Entertainment Book of Orlando, and got my offsite room at 50% off (40.00 a night), but I don't know if they offer that discount during a peak time. We too, are on a very tight budget, and to me staying offsite is just fine, as long as we're at WDW! We stayed at Howard Johnson Maingate East on 192 last year, and the kids ate free at the IHOP next door. That can help too. If you don't need bells and whistles for your hotel stay, you should be able to find something reasonable. AS long as we have a clean place to sleep and shower, we're happy. I truly hope you can find someway to do this trip. I know how we would feel and my kids would be devastated too. Keep posting and let us know how your doing. :)

[penchris]

Have you considered camping at Fort Wilderness? April would be a good time to do that. It has all the charm of Disney, the onsite perks, and even somethings like the Chip n Dale fireside (free) that are fun and unique. There are also nice showers and laundry room (did I mention pools too?). Campsites for tents about $50-$55 last I checked.

I would fly instead of drive though. Who wants to be exhausted from such a long drive on vacation. Beside, even if getting there wasn't so bad, driving home would be because everyone would be tired. Go to Lowestfare.com and search under Ultra Fare Saver. Some good rates out there.

You can do it. Hope this helps

[Goofball]

Although I know you would prefer on-site (who doesn't? :D ), you may want to check out the Hotel Discounts section of this site, where there are some good deals for hotels that are very close to the parks. That's the only two cents I've got, but keep asking away, and you'll get all the answers you need. Good luck, and let us know what happens! :)

http://disneyclipart.simplenet.com/Characters/Goofy/goofy13.gif

[LoriPooh]

GO!!!!!!!You can do it on a budget! Priceline treated us very well last year. We stayed at the 4* Wyndham Palace Resort in Downtown Disney for $40 a night during Easter week!! As an earlier post stated it is important to do your homework before bidding on priceline as it is non-refundable. Even if you're not brave enough for priceline there are plenty of economy places to stay--besides how much time do you really spend in the room. To me--if it has a nice pool area and is within 10 min. to the parks that is fine.
Holiday Inns are great as the kids stay and eat free. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Niki Bird a couple years ago during Easter break and it was fine. The hotel discounts offered on the DIS site are great too...and you have the benefit of knowing that they are quality facilities or else it wouldn't be here. Good luck!! Let us know what you do. Besides they're only kids once!

[tar heel]

Is waiting and going right after school is out an option? I think you would find much lower rates and better crowds than Easter week.

[mdmomof3]

Gosh, I am so grateful to see all of these suggestions so quickly!! I really appreciate them, and after reading your comments I am even more determined to make this thing work! We have always stayed off-site, so that doesn't bother me--just need something clean, close and cheap! I would be willing to try Priceline (used to do it with groceries), except I understand it is only for 2 people. Would I have to go for 2 rooms? And what if they weren't adjoining? I would not want my kids in a hotel room that wasn't adjoining. As for the camping--we love to camp and do it often, but I would not want to schlep all our gear down there. And as for waiting til the kids get out of school--we could, except they are expecting to go for spring break, which is April 12-22. We are flexible to go anytime during their break; any thoughts on what days would be best? Also thinking about tickets--we've always done park hoppers and enjoyed the flexibility, but might have to downgrade this time. Please, please keep your ideas coming; I really appreciate everyone's input.

[Limerick]

I'm in much the same boat as you. My three kids (5,7,11) have been after me for YEARS and after stepping into airline tickets, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to go. Since my husband and my vacation is 3/19, I only have a little over two months to save and plan and the wonderful people on this board have helped tremendously. I also went to a site http://www.thevacationplace.com and found a hotel (the HoJo's previously recommended to you) for 5 days 4 nights for 598.00 for 2 adults and up to three children. They even throw in 1 adult 4 day hopper. I added a few days for 69 per night and your kids eat free at the IHOP as well. Good Luck and check back often. I've been copying tips left and right and they really add up. 71 days and counting!

[Lewisc]

1)If you drive you'll save airfare and car rental. Be careful if you have a leased car this your trip doesn't makes you go over your mileage.
2) Priceline only guarantees double occupancy. Don't use them for 5 in a room.
3) Many off-site suite hotels offer free breakfast, micro, refrig etc. Check the sponsors on this board.

[dmfuru]

Just to let you know... the ticket prices have increased in the last couple days. On another post there is info about The Disney Stores not raising the prices till Jan 14, so I would give your local Disney Store a call and ask them about the tickets. If you can purchase the tickets at before the store post the increase, than you will have saved yourself some $$$$ already. Just in case you cannot make your trip this year (I hope not), The hoppers don't expire, so you can hold them till you can visit DW.

[glo]

Try Priceline! Stay with the 4 star hotels. I don't think that you can really go wrong with any of the ones people have been getting. Especially if you don't care about staying off-site. I happen to the that the Marriot would be a great steal and people have gotten it for $50 a night. They are right outside Disney property. I mean it is only over the overpass to the big Welcome to Disney arches. You can also do it for airfare. I just did Boston to Orlando for July and got Midway airlines for 150.85 including all taxes and fees. Last year I got Delta for $168 w.taxes and fees. Last year I also got the Swan for $68 a night(I haven't seen to many with that lately). They do have some good discounts if you are a goverment employee) Try this link (http://wdwinfo.infopop.net/OpenTopic/page?q=Y&a=tpc&s=40009993&f=15009194&m=956091372) for info.

Hope this helps. I do know that all the 4 stars peopel have gotten have been able to accomodate 5 people!

Good luck and I hope you get to go! :D

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<font size=2><font color=red>
Co-Captain & Charter Member of the Swan/Dolphin Cheerleading Team!!</font>
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<font size=2><font color=green>HAPPY <font color=red>HOLIDAYS<font color=red>!
<font color=red>15 times to WDW 13 off-site three on! Next trip Dolphin in July & Swan in DEC. 2001!</font>

[This message was edited by glo on 01-07-01 at 03:54 PM.]

[darbella]

before trying Priceline for your family.....TravelSheryl says that Priceline only guantantees the room for 2 adults.......please check out their rules very carefully
and ask TravelSheryl any questions you have remaining about Priceline......I aslo have heard
nice things about HIFS---they say everyone gets FREE breakfast there, one mile from Disney, mom and dad get a king bed, 2 bunk beds (in a sepate room), and a sofa pull out in the living room......I hope this helps....good luck....

[Debbie]

Your whole family could stay there and breakfasts are free. Kids eat free all the time, and the trip to WDW is quick and painless. Do a search for Holiday Inn Family Suites and see what comes up. In the meantime, check out the website at:

http://www.hifamilysuites.com/

I saw a great deal for HIFS at:

http://www.2000floridatravel.com/ the other day.

Just as a matter of interest....my kids prefer HIFS over Dixie Landings and Beach Club! :eek:

<font color=green>Debbie °o°</font color=green>

debbie@disneyinfo.com
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<font color=red>I may not be able to go to WDW, but I can read about it!</font color=red>

offsite-'85
CBR-'90
FWHomes-'94
FWHomes-'97
HIFS/BC-'99
Dixie Landings-Jan. '00 (just the parents)
HIFS/Dixie Landings-Aug.'00

[SandraC]

7 nights/8 days
Drive: gas: $400.00
One hotel night on the way there: $ 60.00
One hotel night on the way home: $ 60.00
5 nights OFF SITE: $300.00
4 day WDW pass: $800.00
Meals: 8 breakfasts $160.00
snacks instead of lunch $100.00
7 dinners $280.00

GRAND TOTAL $2160.00

NOW, if you cut out the 4 day hopper pass and get a single or couple day tickets you will save more $$$$, you can visit other attractions not Disney and save. Your kids might be happy just visiting MK, one other WDW park, maybe a water park and Universal. I'd say $2160.00 is a great price for a whole week! Mind you, that's eating lots of McDonalds and staying off site! CALL IT A CHRISTMAS FAMILY GIFT TO YOURSELVES IN ADVANCE! Let us know what you do!

SandraC, visit our Disney family web site www.angelfire.com/on/disneyfun (http://www.angelfire.com/on/disneyfun)
º0º
1975 - off site (11 years old),
1977 - off site (13 years old),
1987 - Indian Rock Shores (23 years old with hubby, b/f at the time),
1990 - Holiday Inn International Drive/Daytona Beach (26 years old, with hubby, six month after wedding),
1998 - KIDS VILLAGE, GIVE KIDS THE WORLD, Make-a-Wish trip with 4.5 year old daughter born ill),
2001 - CBR - ON SITE FIRST TIME! YIPPY! With dd 7 years old, ds 15 mo

[DisneyObsessed]

SandraC - what an awesome post! It was very nice of you to put so much thought into it to help this family. :)

[mdmomof3]

I am truly overwhelmed at all the incredible advice that you have all given me!! There really are deals to be found! I will check into all the suggestions, and see what I can come up with. I have read a lot about HIFS, and am impressed by it. I think my kids would absolutely love it there!! THanks again, and please keep other suggestions coming. It really must be that "Disney Magic" that has made you all take time out of your busy lives to help me out. Please know how much I appreciate it!

[tar heel]

. . . I would cut the breakfast $ out and add to the park food budget since you won't want to leave the parks to eat every day. Either stay at a hotel that has free breakfast or (since you'll be driving), bring it with you or stop at the grocery store on your way in. We always eat breakfast in the room b/c it saves time and $. I usually make a couple kinds of muffins and buy cereal, granola bars, fruit, honeybuns, juice boxes, etc. We also bring all our snacks (you can easily spend $20 buying drinks and snacks when you stop for gas) and all our soft drinks and bottled water for both the road and the hotel.

[lisakay]

Keep reading these boards and check out some other sites www.wdwig.com (http://www.wdwig.com) and I'm sure you'll find a way to do it. I agree that you should either find a place that offers free breakfast or buy/bring your own. On our last trip we also brought snacks to the parks with us in our waist packs. Peanut butter crackers, cheese crackers, whatever we felt like. We also took a bottle of water with us and filled it up at the water fountains. Also, start saving your spare change everyday. You'd be surprised at how quickly the money adds up. If any of your kids have birthdays coming up before your trip, tell their relatives to give them Disney Dollars. That way they'll have their own spending money for the trip. Good luck!!:)

[andychris14]

I stayed at the vistana and it was great. They have one and two bedroom suites.They have a full kitchen and washer/dryer in the rooms. You can save a lot of money by eating breakfast in the room and taking lunch with you. The price was $110 for a 2 bedroom which slept 8 people and about $90 for a one bedroom. By going on a 90 minute tour that is how you get a special rate also we got a free continental breakfast and a family pass to watermania(not a bad place for free). I would definitely check this place out, they also have a website. It is located right outside of disney hotel plaza. Not far at all, I think its 2 miles from downtown disney.

[casmanuel]

I find my kids to be very understanding when I explain to them, "We can go to WDW (or where ever), but we cannot afford to buy many (or any) souvineers and we will be eating (most) meals in our room. We can get a few treats in the park, but we cannot do and buy everything we see." Otherwise it will appear to your kids that everybody is eating in every restaurant and buying to their hearts content but your family.

Let your kids know that the big part of the trip is the trip itself and not all the expensive extras. Also let them know (but without laying on guilt) that you put a lot into being able to make the trip happen. They will appreciate this and it will will cut down on arguments, frustrations and misunderstandings once you are there.

I hope you are able to make this happen because they are at a great age to go. Good luck!

[*Robin*]

HI! Is it possible to pull the kids out of school? We went in February lastyear and saved a TON! If you can pull the strings, get homework, and make it educational (actually very easy) it would probably mean the difference from staying onsight to outside, or extra days for hoppers...
Just a suggestion...good luck, I'm pulling for you...everyone needs a good disney fix!
:D

(Try this link if you're interested... :) )Family vacations during the school year (http://women.com/family/experts/teacherK5/001207vacation.html)

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1975,76,77,78,79, off site, Disneyworld.
1982,83,84,85,86,87,88 Disneyland...lived there, literally!
2000 Dixie Landings
2001 Still trying to decide! http://publish.hometown.aol.com/wiprwill/images/mouseears.jpg

[This message was edited by *Robin* on 01-13-01 at 09:15 AM.]

[andychris14]

I would try the vistana- to get a good rate you will have to go to a 90 minute tour/it does include a continental breakfast(for the whole family)and also they will give you a gift(we got a family pass to watermania waterpark- not a bad day for free). They have 1 and 2 bedroom suites.You can really save $$$ by eating breakfast in the room and bringing lunch. They have a full kitchen so bring or buy your groceries (juice boxes, waterbottles,cold cuts, snacks etc) saves a lot of money. They have a website, take a look. In may we paid $110 per night that slept 8 people which we split with my friends family=$55 per night. They one bedrooms are less, sorry I do not know the prices, Good luck and have a great time

[ilovemydog]

Try the reward board for tips on beenz and disney dollars that you can use in the parks for whatever. Also mypoints program you can get gift certicates for the Rain Forest Cafe for a meal. Good luck and keep us posted. Pixie dust is coming your way. ;)

[KrisRob]

Also live in MD. For a short trip I suggest flying so that your vacation time is not wasted on the road. Try Southwest, or US Air for cheap airfare. We stayed in the FW cabins because it had a kitchen, saved a ton by cooking "at home". Also by staying on the property we USED the kitchen & got a rest during the day which made it easier to hit the park at night. We did stay off property w/kitchen before and other then breakfast we never used the kitchen. Also we never made it back to the parks at night because of the hassle. Take snacks & a water bottle with you to cut back on eating in the park. Give the kids a set amount to spend on sovenirs. Mine each had $20 & I bought everyone a t-shirt. Also try to decide what you'd like to see before you get there & plan you day to make the most of your time. Don't forget that it's a vacation though-RELAX! You won't have fun if your stressed because you had to skip something or rushed through. Just put it on the "we'll see it next time" list. Also we save alot by putting change in a vacation jar. Even the kids help by putting sone b-day or allowance money in. Mine are quite proud of the fact that they help work towards a nice vacation. Good Luck!

[Kris Puyear]

This is what my family [me, husband, son (7) and daughter (4]did. We drive down in our car to save on airfare and then renting a car. We leave around 6:00pm and stop at McDonald's to eat, then the kids go to sleep. It took us 14 hours to drive to Disney with my husband and I switching. We arrived in Disney at 8:00am and didn't feel bad at all, I think you get revved up when you see the Welcome sign. With driving we were able to bring our own bottled water and alot of snacks to keep in the room. This certainly cuts down the food bill. Gas prices I-95 certainly surprised my husband and I. We were expected sky high prices, but the price for a gallon of gas is actually CHEAPER than what we pay for it in Maryland. Total bill for gas was less than $150. We have a minivan and filled it up once at home and then twice on the road with the second tank plenty to run us around Disney. Fill it up at Disney and then on the way home you will have to fill it up twice on the road. It was $25 for a tank full.

We stayed at Dixie for $94 a night, but my sister has stayed at the Holiday Inn Kids Suite and said that it was wonderful, plus the kids eat free at breakfast. For food for a family of 4, I figured $100 a day for meals and snacks. I would also look into getting an Entertainment Book ($25) they have a lot of great coupons in there for fast food and other things.

Hope this helps,
Kri

[lsayd]

for a family of 6 two years ago for 8 days, 7 nights. (We're from MD, just outside DC)Forget the airfare - if you have two drivers it only takes about 13 - 15 hours straight through. We left for FL at 7 pm so the kids slept and we did not have to stop for meals. We got to our hotel at 8 am the next morning. The cost for the gas,etc. roundtrip was $150 (gas was cheaper then) - this included breakfast and lunch on the way home (we drove all day back home). We stayed at the Nikki Bird resort, which was $50/night, and the kids ate free for breakfast. There were cheaper places to eat for other meals than the hotel, even though the kids ate free. The biggest expense was the tickets to Disney. Since we had free tickets (knew someone who worked there) to Universal Studios we opted to buy 2 one-day tickets per person for Disney (if I remember correctly that came to about $600 - we were considered 4 adults and 2 children according to Disney standards). We brought our own snacks and water along with us into the parks and ate very cheaply (the smoked turkey legs are great and BIG!). Our big splurge was one breakfast at Chef Mickey's on one of our days "off" from the parks. The kids were of course limited on their "souvenirs"-they understood from before we went that there was little money for souvenirs and their memories would be the best souvenirs they could have. We also made our own autograph books before we left and that saved on the cost of those and the kids were proud to have made them (some Disney employess even very quietly complimented them on their books!)There are many hotel options that are pretty cheap. A vacation can be done at a cost minimum if you take advantage of the free things there are to do (resort hopping is great fun!) and don't plan on being able to visit a park everyday. We found our kids were more than willing to make "sacrifices" (staying off-site, etc.) in order to get there at all! Well this is quite long winded - good luck and you can make it work with some advance homework and planning!

[bobcat]

We had a short four day trip this past Thanksgiving and instead fo buying hopper passes this time we bought three days of Bounce Back passes. The way these work is you purchase one day at the regular price and then each succesive day is discounted a little more. (I don't know what the discount is right now because of the price increases.) The catch is you have to buy all the days you want, up to 4, the same day you purchase your first pass. I believe you have until that evening to decide. We just purchased all the days at once since I knew that was what I had planned. You can't park hop but it saved us money. I believe the adult ticket for three days was around $125-130 including tax. You also have to use these tickets within I believe four or five days, so they do expire, unlike park hoppers.

Another money saver for us was I told my kids that any money they earned or saved would be matched by me and this would be their souvener money. I would only buy them one item. Since my kids are young, 8 and 5, this worked wonderfully and they were very responsible in the items they bought. It's different when it's their own money! ;)

Ask on these boards and they will tell you many wonderful ideas!

[wespen]

I know that sandra c was trying to nice and figure out the price of the trip for you But:
I would like to know how a family of 5 can have seven dinners for 280.00. That is 40.00 a meal where are you eating McDonalds every night? I think it is going to be alot more then that. If I told my kids we were only having snacks for lunch they would think that is cruel and unusal punishment. If it were me I would tell the kids they have to wait alitte longer. There is no way you can cut the price of admission to the park. When I am on vacation it is no fun to worry about every penny I spend. I don't mean to sound so negative, but I think you really need to think about what you really want. Have a great time no matter what you do.

[dianeschlicht]

The Wilderness Camp grounds has wilderness homes which are basically trailer homes permanently set up in the camp ground. They have kitchen faciities, and all the amenities of home with on-site perks. The free things to do at Wilderness are fun too. My SIL took her 4 kids once, and it was the only way they could take a big vacaiton like that with a larger family. You will save by having the kitchen for breakfast and can go back easily for lunch etc. when you have on-site transportation. Unfortunately, you are planning late, so I don't know about availability, but it never hurts to check! :)

Disneydiane

[jiggerj]

Definately as was said on an earlier post try the rewards programs ! They will help dramatically with the meals. You can earn gift certificates for rainforest cafe and Planet hollywood. Even earn some disney dollars ! Laura

http://members.aol.com/vltdisney/flymick.gif

[Mic]

My advice...GO. We have 4 kids,and always drive to save $ and to be able to take all of our "stuff" with us. The trick to making this a reality is to get your kids involved; they are old enough and it is THEIR vacation, too. We went right after Easter, and the Easter Bunny filled their baskets with lots of goodies for the trip: 20 Disney dollars each, a fanny pack($5 at Walmart
w/water bottle), and snacks to fit into the fanny pack. The kids knew we would be eating breakfast in the room most days, and we made a list of what we needed and bought it before we left(we pack our cooler with the food, then unpack it at the resort and fill it with ice and a gallon of milk). I brought our own water and filled the water bottles, and limited the kids to one snack item per day at the parks(usually a Mickey Bar)that we budgeted for. After poring over menus at Deb Wills' site, we decided which restaurants to visit and which day to do each park(if staying offsite, the park that had EE the day before is a good strategy). We put the $ for each day in an envelope and put my oldest(then 10)in charge of keeping track of what we spent(it was her math assignment since we were missing school). She was very good at telling the younger children "no, we did not bring $ for that", which only happened twice in 5 days...they were too busy to shop most days. We planned one full day at the resort to swim, and one full day at Downtown Disney(your 6-year-old will really like Legoland). To get the max out of the park for the day's admission price, we ate a sit-down lunch(cheaper than dinner) and a counter-service type dinner, and planned a little down time somewhere in the park in the afternoon(a show, water area, etc.) I took a backpack to MK and Epcot with their swimsuits, and ziploc bags to put them in when we were done playing in the fountains. We brought our own double stroller for the 2 youngest, and kept neccessities for the day in it. Each child wore their own fanny pack, which contained an autograph book, a pen, sunglasses, cheap poncho($1 at walmart),and snacks. They helped plan the whole trip, and loved it! We have been lots of times since then, and spent lots more $, but that first trip was so special because they were involved in the planning. I really think you can do it! Good luck!

[chris1gill]

You've gotten some great advice.. We've driven from Massachusetts, it's a very nice drive, and the kids actually enjoyed it... it made the vacation seem longer.... I would suggest driving overnight, as was already mentioned.

Wherever you stay, make sure you have a kitchen... and eat a LOT of meals in your room!! Breakfast for certain, and 3 out of 5 suppers... Lunchtime you can "splurge" and eat in the parks... this is exactly what we do... We actually stay at BWV's for 2 weeks, and when we leave our "eating out" costs are less than 200.00 (that's for 2 adults, 2 kids) You just won't be eating at every character meal!!

For Hotel, I would definitely recommend going through HotelKingdom.com you can book the Ron Jon Resort/Isle of Bali for $30.00 or Star Island Resort & Country Club for 40.90!!! These both have full kitchens, and the Star Island is a very nice resort!! It's very close to Disney. I've heard varying opinions on Ron Jon Resort.... But for $30.00 a night inclluding your kitchen, you should feel confident!! I've used Hotel Kingdom, and it went well!!!

For your driving costs, I wouldn't think you'd spend more than 300.00 TOTAL, and if you stayed at the Star Island for 6 nights, that would be less than 300.00... That's 600.00, then you need your tickets.... Don't plan more than $50.00 for lunch per day, so that's 300.00... 900.00 plus park passes....

I hope this helps!!! Good luck, let us know what you decide!!

[Babyluv005]

Have you thought about going another time? I am trying to do the same with my family. I can't really aford to go, but i am putting myself on a real strict budget and we are planning to go in Sept of 2001. They have the fall fantasy package and i just bought the Disney club membership and i am looking for the best price out there. I am bothering everyone who gives free quotes. I am going to buy a Disney package out there from somehwhere, but no airfare yet. I can't believe the prices of that now for the time i am going. I am thinking that in Aug. or Sept. southwest will have what i am looking for. If not i will either buy my ticket or Drive all night long. Whatever it takes. <IMG WIDTH="15" HEIGHT="15" SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif" alt="razz">

[john23tc]

Unless you are drving down in a huge SUV, your gas and tolls shouldn't run you more than $150. We just got back from driving from N.J. to WDW and that is all it cost us in gas and tolls. We drove down in our minivan(T&C).

[Disneydenise]

Gosh I wish for the days when the children would sleep thru the nights drive. It was a great time.

[mdmomof3]

Thanks to all of the wonderful suggestions, I think we're gonna do it! After reading all the rave reviews on the HIFS, I decided to "splurge" on that. I figured with the free breakfasts and the kids eating free from 10 pm-midnight (when I figure we'll be getting back from the parks) that I could justify the price. We decided to drive, and are going to leave Easter morning--after the kids find their tickets in their baskets!! Still have some logististics to work out, such as hopper or non-hoppers, which parks to visit (the older 2 have always wanted to visit Universal too), one character meal, etc. Still open to any and all suggestions! You all have been wonderful, and if my kids had any idea that they were going, they would thank you immensely!

[shirleyb]

Thanks for letting us know you're going to take the plunge! And make sure you let us know how the trip was when you get back. And keep reading the budget board for money saving tips -- it really helps!

Shirley

CBR Jan 2000
Next Trip Jan 2002 Where to stay?

[goofymom/pop]

Congrats I am so glad you are going.....now don't forget to fill those baskets with the stuff the kids will crave....autograph books (your local dollar store or biglots)so they don't have Mickey on them, buy some stickers and let the kids make their own Dis ones(something to do in the car), fat pens three for a buck at the dollar store, mister fans these are a hot ticket at the parks right now and run 16 or 18 dollars whew...ames sells them for like 5 bucks but make sure they have a neck strap or belt holder,dis coloring books for your drive down, cheap sunglasses (they will loose them), hats, fanny packs, fruit roll ups with the dis characters on them, splash toys for the pool, dis dollars they can spend each day in the park on one snack, like 5 per kid to use for mickey ice cream bars or itsakadoozies. Once they spend it they know they are done....or they can save it and add it towards their one souviener. My son and sisters kids are on their own as far as sovieners go, but they know about the trip so thats different, we paid for the trip so anything they want to buy they have to save for...It always amazes me how much less they spend that way. Hey...also if Grandma and Grandpa give them little easter treats how about Mickey dollars in eggs to find....then its fun and useful on vacation....I am doing that.Wow am I long winded today...but hey we also opted for HIFS to save mucho dollars and the free breakfast for everyone will really help....HAVE A BLAST!!!! we will be arriving shortly after you leave....wooo hoooo!!!!

Caribbean Beach 91
Off site 92
Off site Caribe Royale 97
All Sports 00
DXL 5/01

[shefor24]

Hi. My family and I were definatley on a tight budget when we went, and I sent a box through UPS to our hotel with plenty of food for breakfast and snacks in it. It worked out so GREAT!! I put a case of Walmart water in it and then we had a fridge in our room, so we kept the water in the freezer part and then in the morning we would take the bottles with us to the park and they would stay cool for quite awhile. Even if they weren't "cold" at least it was something wet to drink. And it beat spending so much on food at the park. I packed (in the box) cereal, plastic bowls, spoons, and breakfast bars, I even found an old toaster that I packed and then just left it in the room, so I packed Pop tarts and bread for toast in the box too. Yes, the box was big. :) I had each child put a fanny pack on and I loaded them with baggies of licorish ( I am not sure the spelling) and sunflowerseeds, and crackers, raisins, and gummy bears to snack on throughout the day. So we saved (I feel) quite a bit by doing this. We just made a stop at the store before we got to our hotel (MOWC) and it worked out great. I advise anyone to do this. Good luck

Go #24!

[shefor24]

I didn't say the reason we stopped at the store was only to buy milk, that was all. Then we didn't have to worry about buying a ton of grocerys there. I just collected it for a few weeks before the trip to send down there.

Go #24!

[Disneydenise]

Check all the discounts sites for Park hoppers. I think the best price I have found was a 4 day Park hopper thru AAA. I'm glad to hear you decided to go you will never regret it. You can always get things but your children are little only for such a short time. Have good weather a safe trip and and enjoy the kids faces when they see their Easter surprise. My girlfriend did that for a christmas trip she had all the clothes packed in her car they just got showered and left. The fastest shower the kids ever had. Make sure your video camera is rolling when they see the Easter baskets.

[momuv2poohs]

We are going in April also. This is some ideas I have come up with: I found a better discount at www.disneyworldhotelsandtickets.com (http://www.disneyworldhotelsandtickets.com) for Flextickets and individual tickets to area attractions. Believe me, I searched.. Try staying off WDW site and get a hotel with a refridgerator.. Pack your lunch and get a locker at Disney World and eat your lunch there. Get a motel with buffet breakfast thats already included in your stay... Keep drinks and junk food in the fridg... try getting a motel with a GREAT pool so that the kids will enjoy just "HANGING OUT WITH MOM AND DAD" I sincerely believe that they would be truly happy just going to Florida, taking in 1 or 2 days at Disney and then hitting Sea World or Busch Gardens, etc. and spending quality time with you and your husband. I believe kids enjoy just getting away with family and spending time one on one. You may even consider doing a tour at one of the timeshares in exchange for a 4 day 3 night stay there at their resort. I wish you the best and good luck and I agree with the above... the kids are growing up and one day there will not be time for vacations.. Hope to see you at MICKEY'S HOUSE. Also what about the kids getting after school jobs for a month or so, maybe you could babysit on weekends, ect. to save some extra money. Have a car wash.. Maybe say, instead of going out to dinner this weekend, we get popcorn, watch tv, and put the money you would have saved in a piggybank and REALLY use it on the trip. Also, SAVE THAT CHANGE. We saved about $200.00 last year when we started thinking about going on vacation, those pennies, nickels and dimes add up quick. I wish you the best...

[momuv2poohs]

I loved the idea soo much about the Easter basket. In fact, I am sitting here wondering if it would not be a great idea to tell my 7 year old we arn't going to be able to go this year (we were going to go to Church that morning and then leave afterwards) and then do the same thing in his Easter basket. It would be sooo great, just dont know how to get the bags packed without him seeing me, unless I stayed up after he went to bed and did everyone elses, I could do mine and and my husband and his sister's while he was at school on Friday. Any ideas out there? Well, have a wonderful vacation and a safe one.

[Jeafl]

We too are a family of 5, so here is my absolute best money-saving tip...NEVER order pop to drink at meals. If each person just had water at lunch and dinner it would save at least $20-25 a day, since they are $2.00 each. If the kids get sick of plain water, bring powdered kool-aid or lemonade (make sure it's the pre-sweetened kind) and add some to their water. It's amazing how much money we saved by doing this. Besides the pop doesn't always quench their thirst, and the water keeps you hydrated in all the heat.

Jill

[jdads2]

We are planning our first trip to WDW and are discussing most of what has been discussed in these posts.

Here is where we are starting:

Air from Buffalo, NY: $875.00
Hotel (7 nights) DxL: $1330.00
Disney tix: $1500.00

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I had to edit here. I hit the tab and enter button about a bazillion times.

Anyway...that's where we are starting. We don't want to spend that kind of $$$ plus food. Food could cost us about $300.00 a day. Unless we want to see counseling (psychological and dietary) we are going to make other plans.

Here are some things we are thinking of doing:
Airfare isn't too bad at $175.00 each, nonstop.

Hotel: We will make the ressies to make sure we have a room. While we wait for the vacation to come I'll check to see if I can get deals either at DxL or another resort. If I find a better deal I'll cancel my original ressies(I know to make sure that I can and without penalty).

We are joining the Disney Club and checking with AAA on cheaper tickets.

We are getting a towncar for the transfer from the airport to DxL. They allow for a grocery store stop. I'll buy a styrofoam cooler(cheaper than renting a fridge on-grounds) and some cold-cuts, cheese, snacks, fruit, breakfast stuff and beverages. Should run me about as much as 1 character breakfast.

This isn't exactly a cheap vacation, I don't expect it to be, but it's getting more reasonable.

Dave

[This message was edited by jdads2 on 01-23-01 at 08:17 PM.]

[Maleficent2]

Beleive me it will help I know you do not have much time left but you can earn a few dollars and every dollar helps.

DO Beenz for Disney Dollars
Freeride
eTour- Cheesecake factory Gift Certificates
Milesource resturant gift certs
Red Lobster for $15.00 Gift certificates will only take you 8 days to earn and you can earn one for you and one for hubbie

Check out Big Lots or Odd Lots for Disney Stuff for those baskets also those Dollars stores have Disney things from time to time.

Most of all have a wonderful trip!

Mal

looking for a new tag so sad :(

[chris1gill]

So glad you are going & staying at HIFS!!! I saw a promotion, I think it was yesterday... for a rate that was less than a hundred dollars a night for a kidsuite... now I wish I remember where I saw it!! Have fun!!! It will be great!

[SunniB]

Hi! I am going in april too. During spring break week- I am a teacher and can't take off during the school year and although I have two kids (7 and 11)I have another one on the way so I can't wait until summer.
I get a hotel right across the street from Universal-(Best Western Universal) for $50 a night, great deal for spring break week. I also got a flight for the 4 of us for $800- red eye flight down but because of it being spring break week there wasn't much else I could do- priceline turned down $200 a ticket. But still we are coming april 7th and leaving the 16th- 10 days total and only spent $1300 on hotel and flight. (oh yeah- one night in Spring hill with Great Grandparents)

I am waiting for my Emerald Isle membership to make a car reservation and I will buy my tickets through AAA.

As for meals our room comes with a continental breakfast- which will be okay for kids and hb- not for me though. I am going to order from net grocer things like bread, peanut butter and other instant foods. We will leave at lunch time come back to the room and eat/nap and then go back later!
Disney on a budget is doable- just have to be willing to dedicate some time to it!
good luck!!

Sunn :cool: