Orlando for £2K?

[wayneg]

Staying onsite and school holiday flight costs is going to be difficult. If they have not been before I would suggest saving more money and going 2 weeks later rather than rushing into it and going for a shorter time.

 

[Kath2003]

Kath, you've got it all wrong. I am not shooting down every alternative suggestion. If you re-read the OP (quoted above), the question was asked as to whether it was possible for a man and his 10 year-old son to do the best of Universal and Disney for £2K. Most people (in fact all with the exception of one poster) have said that, realistically, it is probably not possible. While I have already said that I don't disagree/disbelieve that you have done it for less, what I am saying is that it would be very difficult. The costs you gave in your example did not include Disney and were only for 10 days. As soon as you factor in Disney tickets (presuming Ultimates) you add £500 to the cost (although MYW tickets might prove a cheaper alternative). Additionally, the advantage you have is that you have been to Orlando several times and know your way around. The OP doesn't say and, maybe I am wrong in my assumption, but I am presuming the friend is a newcomer to Orlando and Disney and so trying to stay offsite, use public transport and find the best bargains as a newbie is probably difficult, to say the least.

If it can be done then great, why not do as the OP asked and offer up some suggestions of budget places to stay/cheap transport options?

The OP asked for the best ways of doing Orlando on the cheap and gave some brief requirements. I gave a breakdown of what 2 adults can do in the school holidays for that budget and a breakdown of exactly what was purchased and at what cost - even down to driving to the airport! I never claimed it met all of the requirements, but it gives the OP an idea that it could well be possible for an adult and child to do the holiday that they want on that budget outside of the school holidays. If the OP wants to know, I'll explain that it really isn't very difficult to work a holiday that fits into that budget.

So far, you've posted in response to all of my suggestions that they wouldn't work: staying outside of Disney wouldn't work; riding the public buses wouldn't work; spending $80/day on food wouldn't work...

Not everything works for everyone, but at least the OP saw here what CAN easily be done on the budget with a little bit of planning, rather than just vetoing every idea that doesn't match what you think they want. At the end of the day, it's an informed decision that gets you the holiday you want. If it's onsite and $200/day for food that they decide they want on their holiday, game on, but at least they knew the alternatives and their cost.

 

[ukool]

2k for the lot?! good luck.

 

[torsie24]

Can he wait a year and make it £3k?

Then he can very comfortably do it either 2 weeks at a value, or a week at a value and a week on I-Drive.

I've tried and tried to fit it into £2k but I can't see how he'd manage without like Wayne says getting lucky with last minute flights and motel deals etc.

I know it can be done, like Kath says, but I agree with Wilma that it wouldn't make for a very enjoyable first trip, and taking at 10yo and not going to Disney wouldn't really be much of a trip (in my opinion) so he'd be better waiting till he has the £3k, then it'll be the holiday they're imagining.

 

[2Tiggies]

Unfortunately VA takes him way over budget as it has to be school holiday.

My friend says that staying onsite is a must.If he was to stay for a week instead of two(which IMO is more realistic) I've priced it up as follows, Oct H/T

Flight Thomson's total£1237
Accom Port Orleans £1268 inc $100 gift card,tix and counter service DP.

Also if he booked through Quidco he would get some cash back i think!
I don't think this is a bad price if on site is a must.All he would add to this would be Sanford transfers.

If he is happy to stay a week instead of 2, or even 9 or 10 days, price up the trip on the US site. I'm planning a week later in the year and it works out much cheaper purely because I am not compelled to buy 14 day tickets (7 days is the same price) for a 7 night stay.

Even without discounts it is cheaper than Disney UK

I agree with your friend - offsite would not be an option for me with a child and no car. I've done Disney with my DD - just the 2 of us - with her at age 6,7, 8, 9 and 10. I would still not do offsite with her and she is very well travelled. It's a stress reduction that is worth paying for or making sacrifices elsewhere

 

[RobynPrincess]

I think it might be able to be done if that 2k doesn't include spending money, we are going in may and plan on 2k for everything including spending money but we already have annual passes for disney and universal. We are planning on late April/early may with a charter airline booking a couple of days before we fly, last year flights actually went below £200 (though we aren't planning on that again, we have £350 each planned), the hotel will depend on how cheap we can get the flights for, the cheaper the flights the more we have for a hotel, as long as its clean I don't really care where we stay.

 

[queendisney]

I think it might be able to be done if that 2k doesn't include spending money, we are going in may and plan on 2k for everything including spending money but we already have annual passes for disney and universal. We are planning on late April/early may with a charter airline booking a couple of days before we fly, last year flights actually went below £200 (though we aren't planning on that again, we have £350 each planned), the hotel will depend on how cheap we can get the flights for, the cheaper the flights the more we have for a hotel, as long as its clean I don't really care where we stay.

Again..nobody is saying it can't be done, but the OP said that they want to stay on-site and they don't have passes.
Realistically I don't think its do-able for £2k all in.
I agree that maybe he will need to reduce the time there, which would be a shame for a first visit not doing at least 2 weeks or wait a while longer and save a bit longer and get the holiday that he wants with no regrets.

 

[orangetiggs]

We did disney for 2082 staying at all stars, virgin flights and ultimates for two adults in 2005! I wish it was that cheap but like wayne has said close to that proceis doable if your flexible

 

[tinkerpea]

Nah, stay anywhere along the 192 and you can buy an unlimited 7 day pass for the bus (direct to DTD and TTC) for £10 for an adult/£5 for a child, so a total of £30 for two weeks. Same thing if you stay near Sea World. The passes will also get you to/from the airport.

It can easily be done - but you can't do it without compromises. We find it very easy to eat out on $40/adult per day. We ride the bus, and it pays for itself in one day in parking alone. Souvenirs - well, that's up to each individual but most people don't factor that into their holiday budget initially.

I think compromising to this extreme on a 1st trip when you have no idea about anything to do with the bus system and Disney isn't too practical. Not for a loan parent with a 10yr old that had a disability.

I know for a 1st trip I would not want to be fighting with suit case and a child after a long flight to then hop on a bus,from the airport so transfers would have to be accounted for,


I understand you have done your trips very cheaply, but you have been to Orlando on many occasions and only do universal,your happy to eat cheaply and only do certain parks.
The OP clearly stated Disney was a must which of course for a 1st timer with a child would be obvious.

I don't think it would be easy to budget for food on your food budget whilst spending long days in Disney!
If staying off site then they will have to at least eat 1 meal in the parks and what with drinks as well it will add up.

 

[tinkerpea]

I'm thinking that's probably not practical with a disabled child.

I agree and if the child gets tired that's a lot of traveling back and forward for break time!

 

[epcot.girl]

We did disney for 2082 staying at all stars, virgin flights and ultimates for two adults in 2005! I wish it was that cheap but like wayne has said close to that proceis doable if your flexible

Same! Those were the days...

 

[RobynPrincess]

Again..nobody is saying it can't be done, but the OP said that they want to stay on-site and they don't have passes.
Realistically I don't think its do-able for £2k all in.
I agree that maybe he will need to reduce the time there, which would be a shame for a first visit not doing at least 2 weeks or wait a while longer and save a bit longer and get the holiday that he wants with no regrets.

Again... As I said we are doing 2k including spends so if the op were to clarify if they could have spends on top then it might be more realistic. However I hadn't seen that they want to stay onsite, I really don't think that can be done for 2k

 

[starry_solo]

Can he stay "onsite" but not really? Like Wyndham Bonnet Creek? I've been reading about great deals (on the non-UK portion of the site) where you can get a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom for a week at $500 US! It's supposed to be at/near DTD?

Although at that point, you'd have to add in the cost of parking. But depending on the price of the tickets, perhaps one person could get an annual passport (you get free parking with an AP and don't have to rely on shuttles/buses)

 

[Kath2003]

I think the OP needs to clarify exactly what their friend wants for their £2K. Do they want onsite? Do they want a car? Do they want to do Universal, Sea World etc.? Do they want to pay for their food up front? Do they enjoy visiting new cities and exploring or do they want the package holiday experience?

I realise that I am in the minority on this board in the way I holiday because I would never book a package - but it does save thousands for us because of our needs (2 adults, school holidays only...not exactly your classic family break).

I get why people book package holidays, it's just not for me - but I will never dismiss their ideas out of the water because it's not how I choose to holiday. I do find it remarkable that every suggestion that isn't "in line" with the "typical" Disney experience is shot down, though - and my own statements constantly questioned for their validity (yes, you can eat well for $40 each/day, I assure you - including at least one meal in the parks!). I have certainly been to Orlando many times, but I figured out the bus system, staying offsite etc. by putting in just a little extra planning - the same as I do wherever I am visiting, even if it's my first I've in a place/country/continent! Orlando couldn't really be much easier to research, given it's an incredibly popular tourist destination in a rich, westernised, English speaking country. My idea of a cracking holiday may well not match many others', or even the OP's, but some people do prefer to travel this way...

 

[torsie24]

I realise that I am in the minority on this board in the way I holiday because I would never book a package

I don't think so.

I've never booked a package and most posts I see here are people being advised to book flights and hotel separate.

Your trips are so cheap becasue there are sacrifices you don;t mind making, which as someone who has been to Orlando lots are absolutely fine for you.

First timers - unless they're willing to put hours of research and planning in, and skip Disney, which let's admit it, aren't many people - would not have a very enjoyable holiday experience on your budget.

 

[Kath2003]

First timers - unless they're willing to put hours of research and planning in, and skip Disney, which let's admit it, aren't many people - would not have a very enjoyable holiday experience on your budget.

I get the wanting to do Disney part. But why would they otherwise not have a good time on my budget? What really is the difference between riding the public bus and riding the Disney bus? Whats the difference between getting on the public bus and catching ME? What really is the difference between staying offsite and staying onsite? What really is the difference between bing your food up front (or paying it as part of your hotel room fee) and budgeting for it? Why is it not possible for a person to visit a new place and really enjoy it, without booking a package where everything is "taken care of" for them?

It's not like I'm suggesting anyone rents a shack on the side of the road just outside Tampa, travels by donkey back to the parks and eats out of Tupperware. I'm merely pointing out that there are alternatives. And lots of first timers do this. Hours of research and planning? Hardly. Reading a few basic guides on tripadvisor or asking here will tell you everything you need to know. And I know this because I've done it...I didn't just learn how to DIY a holiday through osmosis.

 

[wilma-bride]

I realise that I am in the minority on this board in the way I holiday because I would never book a package

I don't book packages either (although I did for my first two trips because I didn't know any better ). As Torsie says, though, there are sacrifices you are willing to make and still be able to have the holiday you enjoy. We all choose to holiday differently. Personally, I don't make sacrifices on holiday but I do make sacrifices that others might not, throughout the year, in order to pay for the kind of holidays we choose to take.

I don't think anybody has dismissed anything because it doesn't fulfil the 'Disney ideal' but, more because they recognise that a first-time visitor with a child (who may have some disagree of disability) who wants to do (as the OP herself stated) the "best of Universal and Disney" and (as she later stated) stay onsite is going to struggle to do all of that for less than £2K. Especially if that £2K includes spending money. What 10-year old child isn't going to want a t-shirt and a cuddly toy or two

Nobody is questioning the validity of your statements. Personally, I think it's great that you can get a 10 day holiday to Orlando, staying in a nice hotel, eating good food and including all your transport, tickets, souvenirs and other costs for less than £1K per person. The OP asked if it could be done and most people said they didn't think so, having (correctly) made a few assumptions about what the OP's friend may want (and need) for a first trip with his child. She also asked for some ideas about where to book things and suggestions for resorts. You were the only person (as far as I could tell) who said it definitely could be done and provided examples of costs to back it up but, rather than answer the OP's enquiries about the practicalities of how it could be done cheaply, where to stay, where to eat for $40 a day etc. you just pooh-poohed all those who said it would be difficult and accused them of dismissing your suggestions out of hand.

The OP has asked two questions - can it be done? And, if so, how? The OP has already clarified that her friends does want to do Disney AND Universal and she believes he would also want/need to stay onsite.

So my original responses till stands. I don't believe it can be done for £2K.

 

[Kath2003]

I don't book packages either (although I did for my first two trips because I didn't know any better ). As Torsie says, though, there are sacrifices you are willing to make and still be able to have the holiday you enjoy. We all choose to holiday differently. Personally, I don't make sacrifices on holiday but I do make sacrifices that others might not, throughout the year, in order to pay for the kind of holidays we choose to take.

I don't think anybody has dismissed anything because it doesn't fulfil the 'Disney ideal' but, more because they recognise that a first-time visitor with a child (who may have some disagree of disability) who wants to do (as the OP herself stated) the "best of Universal and Disney" and (as she later stated) stay onsite is going to struggle to do all of that for less than £2K. Especially if that £2K includes spending money. What 10-year old child isn't going to want a t-shirt and a cuddly toy or two

Nobody is questioning the validity of your statements. Personally, I think it's great that you can get a 10 day holiday to Orlando, staying in a nice hotel, eating good food and including all your transport, tickets, souvenirs and other costs for less than £1K per person. The OP asked if it could be done and most people said they didn't think so, having (correctly) made a few assumptions about what the OP's friend may want (and need) for a first trip with his child. She also asked for some ideas about where to book things and suggestions for resorts. You were the only person (as far as I could tell) who said it definitely could be done and provided examples of costs to back it up but, rather than answer the OP's enquiries about the practicalities of how it could be done cheaply, where to stay, where to eat for $40 a day etc. you just pooh-poohed all those who said it would be difficult and accused them of dismissing your suggestions out of hand.

The OP has asked two questions - can it be done? And, if so, how? The OP has already clarified that her friends does want to do Disney AND Universal and she believes he would also want/need to stay onsite.

So my original responses till stands. I don't believe it can be done for £2K.

I didn't bother to make suggestions for hotels etc. after the OP said moments later they would want onsite as we all agree that there's no way it can be done onsite for £2K. If they want offsite, I'm happy to help explaining all the costs I outlined in my budget - but there was no point the second that the OP made that statement. Instead, several other posters told her that everything I'd said was absolutely impossible/impractical/unenjoyable for her friend.

As for the comments about souvenirs etc. - as I said, the OP hasn't actually specified what their friend wants for that 2K (flights, hotel tickets and food or really "all in" down to the last cuddly toy). I have no idea how much shopping they want to do? But at least the OP knows what can be done offsite for £2K (and with Universal AND Disne, it would only run ~£400 over the budget I gave her). Her friend may not be willing to make the "sacrifice" of staying offsite, but that's their choice and at least the OP can show them that it can be done - and it was the only suggestion of how their friend might be able to fit a trip with his son into his budget (and, of course, I never claimed it met all of the requirements - in fact, I detailed exactly what you would get for that money, down to the UK petrol costs...).

 

[wilma-bride]

I didn't bother to make suggestions for hotels etc. after the OP said moments later they would want onsite as we all agree that there's no way it can be done onsite for £2K. If the want ffsite, im happy to help. As for the comments about souvenirs etc. - as I said, the OP hasn't actually specified what their friend wants for that 2K (flights, hotel tickets and food or really "all in" down to the last cuddly toy). I have no idea how much shopping they want to do? But at least the OP knows what can be done offsite for £2K (and with Universal AND Disne, it would only run ~£400 over the budget I gave her). Her friend may not be willing to make the "sacrifice" of staying offsite, but that's their choice and at least the OP can show them that it can be done - and it was the only suggestion of how their friend might be able to fit a trip with his son into his budget.

I don't disagree with you. Since the OP hasn't actually specified exactly what her friend wants to do within the £2K budget, it is practically impossible to say with any degree of certainty whether it can be done or not. I suspect not, but I don't actually know for a fact without far more detail. As the OP said, she was going to put together a spreadsheet for her friend with an idea of options and costs. Once she has done that, maybe she will come back and let us know what he decided...or ask for more help. And I am fairly sure that, if she needs more help, the DISers here will be more than happy to give advice and suggestions.

 

[torsie24]

Reply in bold.

I get the wanting to do Disney part. But why would they otherwise not have a good time on my budget?

What really is the difference between riding the public bus and riding the Disney bus?

?!? A lot! A lynx at best is going to take you to the TTC having stopped a load of times on the way. And that's me assuming there's a direct MCO bus. Imagine you've never taken your child before and you spend the best part of 2 hours on a bus after a 14 hour journey and you get dropped at the TTC or somehwere offsite that isn't right outside your front door.

Whats the difference between getting on the public bus and catching ME?

again - a LOT! Timetable, the fact you're dropped at the TTC. It's make it at LEAST double the journey. Especially if you are going to a water park, DHS or AK


What really is the difference between staying offsite and staying onsite?

If you've not got a car - then a lot! See above points.

Why is it not possible for a person to visit a new place and really enjoy it, without booking a package where everything is "taken care of" for them?

It is - I just said above I've *never* booked a package.