This is probably too late for your trip, but might be helpful for others. I like to think of myself as a major bargain shopper!
We're going Feb 2-5 (3 nights). Short trip this time. But better than NO trip, right?
My daughter is out of school for a few days and I was looking for a nearby getaway (we're in Central Texas), but I decided that since we had racked up a lot of miles with SWA, why not go somewhere more fun! It will be my 8 yr DD, my mom (her first WDW trip) and myself. So excited for a girls trip!
So first I will say... We went last year at this same time (this school break is an annual thing!). Stayed 5 nights at Port Orleans on-site. No mean plan. I think we paid close to $200 a night. We were NOT impressed with the food... at the park nor hotel. We only did one table dinner (Le Cellier -- No better than Outback. Rip-off!) and one character dinner (Crystal Palace -- This was the only food we really enjoyed! And the experience was great). Other than that, we had unimpressive counter-service food. And we went to the places people raved about. Maybe we are just spoiled by the awesome food in Texas?
We did enjoy the treats like the Dole Whip, Mickey ice cream bars and baked goods at the Main Street bakery, etc. Can't live on snacks alone though.
So I said that next time we would stay off-site, rent a car and have better/cheaper meals. The convenience of the Magical Express and resort buses isn't enough to make to it worth the resort prices and blah food. Especially considering that we go during the slowest time of year. If we ever win the lottery it will be a different situation!
I had no idea "next time" would be "next year"!
So when I started shopping hotels and rental cars a few days ago (this was an exciting last minute plan!), I discovered there are indeed some major bargains during the off-season. I guess since there are a bazillion hotels to support the major seasonal crowds, this creates a flooded market the slow times of the year. I was impressed with all the excellent reviews of such inexpensive hotels nearby.
I scored the Fantasy World resort for $95/night + tax (through Expedia -- yesterday). 2br/2bath, 2 story condo with kitchen, cool water park, etc. Recently renovated. Granite counters, etc. (Not that we care about that stuff so much. But it's impressive). I initially looked at some great hotel rooms for $50+ a night, but my mom snores so bad we can't share a room. Even with the 2 bedrooms in this condo, I'll still pack earplugs and a sound machine.
Yesterday I managed to book a 'standard' size car from Hertz (through Hotwire) for $18.95/day + tax. I looked very carefully at the car rentals because the other cheaper deals are at off-site rental counters that you have to take a shuttle to. I can't spend that time and hassle on a short trip.
So, we're talking $412 total, after tax, for 3 nights room and car rental. We are fortunate enough to have free flights with SWA frequent-flyer miles. However, there are some great prices on flights as well.
Of course the park tickets themselves are not disounted, and I don't risk buying from shady 3rd party companies. We'll get 2 day park-hopper tickets after we fly in Saturday afternoon. We'll do the parks all day Sunday and Monday. Considering the small crowds, I am ok with only 2 days. My daughter knows which rides and shows she loved and didn't love. We'll plan it out and have a blast! Saturday evening and Tuesday morning/early-afternoon we'll go to Downtown Disney, the Boardwalk, etc., to make the most of the WDW experience.
Oh, and a super idea I got from someone else last year was ordering a case of bottled water from Costco for about $8 and having it delivered to the report before we got there (I should have ordered two). They don't mind at all! Some resorts apparently charge small handling fees, but PO didn't. I think it arrived about a week before we got there. You just put your name and arrival date in the shipping address area.
Also, since SWA allows two checked bags per person, and we didn't need 8 bags for the 4 of us, I packed a huge suitcase full of snacks! We carried a backpack into the parks each day with several bottles of water and lots of snacks. That was a huge savings!
We bought some Disney t-shirts before we went, at the Disney outlet, Target and Wal-Mart. Should have ordered some trading pins from eBay! We still took souvenir money and bought stuff there, but surprisingly my daughter wasn't interested in buying much there.
I should add that we did the Bibbiddi Bobbidi Boutique last year and that was a super fun experience. I bought a dress at our local Disney outlet for WAY less than they sell at the boutique. You could even get much better deals at the hotel and park gift shops than at the boutique. We're probably not going to do that this year, considering the smaller budget and lack of advanced planning.
I can't wait!!! I'm more excited than my daughter. Again! Last year we also took our 11 y/o nephew. He's a super kid and we had fun with him, but of course they weren't always interested in the same rides and activities. This time we'll do whatever my daughter wants to do (within reason).
Sorry that was so long! I hope it's helpful. I enjoy sharing our experiences.
Have a Magical Day!!
