1000 dollars or less...that is the challenge...A pre trip report

[hpfan100]

Hi everyone!!!!


Amy here with another PTR. This time I'm taking my BF to WDW for his first trip to the world. We are enjoying our AP status at DLR and all the joy it brings. I'm hoping to have some of that in the world as well. Well, I asked the BF if he wanted to go to the world or just focus on the land. He says if we can do the world for 1000 or less then I can go.


So there it is folks the 1000 challenge. So this trip report will be all about the creative ways I plan a couple's retreat to the world for just 1000 OOP.

 

[disneymom443]

How long are you wanting to be at the World and when you are wanting to go will make all the difference in price.

go to a value resort durring off season and that will save you lots of money.

 

[hpfan100]

Well let's start this PTR off right with the cast introductions...

Me...I'm Amy I'm a teacher and Disney lover. I have two cats that are spoiled happy little babies. I have been to the world 4 times and the land 5 times (soon to be 6). My favorite Disney character is Piglet followed closely by Alice. My favorite Disney movies include Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast and Alice in Wonderland. I have been a solo traveler for quite some time until my BF appeared and pronounced his love for Disney too.

BF...That's Jeff. He works for the family business and is also a Disney lover. He has three dogs that are spoiled little babies too. He's been to the land several times but never the world.

BF wants to visit in March because it won't be as hot and humid but I think late May/early June may be better for the budget. He wants to stay on site to experience the "magic" and I'm ok with off site. I want to spend a least two days at universal and he could care less. OH BOY this outta be a fun PTR experience.

Stay tuned for the budget breakdown and all my sneaky tips to make this vacation easy on the wallet without sacrificing fun times.

 

[hpfan100]

How long are you wanting to be at the World and when you are wanting to go will make all the difference in price.

go to a value resort durring off season and that will save you lots of money.

true dat...*** resort is a front runner on the accommodations list

 

[SillyFamily]

Here is my take.. you said you have AP so no tickets included.

5 nights ASMu Standard room (ask for a king with room request)
Check in
Sun Jan 27

Check out
Fri Feb 1

RO with new discount is..$360

You have $640 remaining for dining and experiences

A couple of inexpensive romantic experiences
Before 10am balloon ride DTD $20
Carriage ride $45

If both are done $575 remaining

Food is going to be your biggest expense depending on your arrival and departure times here's what you might spend...
I would eat breakfast in your room every morning. You can order this from garden grocer or take a taxi to a nearby publix or target. The fare shouldnt be more that $10 each way or its a $30 fee for garden grocer. You could also put some dried cereal or granola bars in your luggage (this is what i would do).

If you can split meals

Sunday Day 1 MK
Lunch - I would go with classic disney to start your trip
1Turkey Leg
2 Sodas
Total 16.92

Snack
Popcorn while watching the parade $3.25

Dinner
Kona ~$80 with tip depending what you order
Fireworks on the beach after dinner with 2 adult beverages ~$20

Day 1 Total 120.17

$454.83 Remaining

Monday Day 2 Hollywood Studios for EMH
Dont forget the TSM dash at rope drop

Lunch - 50s' Prime Time
1 app -$10
1 entree - $21
1 milkshake - $5
Total $41.16

Snack - Writer's Stop
carrot cake cookie - $4.38

Dinner - Boardwalk Pizza
2 slices of pizza $8.98
2 glasses of sangria $13.90
Total $22.88
enjoy a few of the performers on the boardwalk

Snack during Fantasmic
2 Mickey Bars - $7.77

Day 2 Total $76.19

$378.64 remaining

Tuesday Day 3 Epcot for EMH
Soarin FP dash

I would not do a set meal here. I would stop and get several snack or quick service plates to sample the food around the world. Allow $70 for eating around the world.
Not to be missed
Kringla Bakery
Candy shop in Germany
Margarita Stand in Mexico

Day 3 Total $70

$308.74 remaining

Wednesday Day 4 Morning in Animal Kingdom for EMH

Lunch - Flame Tree (head way down the path for beautiful water view)
2 entrees
2 sodas

Max total $30

Snack
Pretzel while watching the parade $4.50

Dinner - Trails End
2 Buffet $65 including tip and tax

Carriage Ride

Watching the water parade on the beach - watch for the HDDR ending to catch bus right back to your resort

Day 4 Total 99.50

$209.24 remaining

Thursday Day 5 Magic Kingdom

Lunch- BOG
2meals ~ $40

Snack Sleepy H0llow
Nutella waffle $7.09

Dinner - Tony's Town Square
1 app - $8
2 entree ~$40
2 drink - $5
Total ~ $70 including tax and tip

Day 5 Total $117.09

$92.15 remaining

Friday Day 6 DTD
Start off with your Balloon Ride

Lunch - Earl of Sandwich
2 sandwiches $11.99
2 sodas $5
Total $18.85

$73.30 remaining for shopping!!!


Hope this helps you might wanna do different restaurants or park days. Just an idea! Have a great trip!!!!

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

I love this idea! I am excited to see your plans to stay in budget!!

 

[hpfan100]

Here is my take.. you said you have AP so no tickets included.

5 nights ASMu Standard room (ask for a king with room request)
Check in
Sun Jan 27

Check out
Fri Feb 1

RO with new discount is..$360

You have $640 remaining for dining and experiences

A couple of inexpensive romantic experiences
Before 10am balloon ride DTD $20
Carriage ride $45

If both are done $575 remaining

Food is going to be your biggest expense depending on your arrival and departure times here's what you might spend...
I would eat breakfast in your room every morning. You can order this from garden grocer or take a taxi to a nearby publix or target. The fare shouldnt be more that $10 each way or its a $30 fee for garden grocer. You could also put some dried cereal or granola bars in your luggage (this is what i would do).

If you can split meals

Sunday Day 1 MK
Lunch - I would go with classic disney to start your trip
1Turkey Leg
2 Sodas
Total 16.92

Snack
Popcorn while watching the parade $3.25

Dinner
Kona ~$80 with tip depending what you order
Fireworks on the beach after dinner with 2 adult beverages ~$20

Day 1 Total 120.17

$454.83 Remaining

Monday Day 2 Hollywood Studios for EMH
Dont forget the TSM dash at rope drop

Lunch - 50s' Prime Time
1 app -$10
1 entree - $21
1 milkshake - $5
Total $41.16

Snack - Writer's Stop
carrot cake cookie - $4.38

Dinner - Boardwalk Pizza
2 slices of pizza $8.98
2 glasses of sangria $13.90
Total $22.88
enjoy a few of the performers on the boardwalk

Snack during Fantasmic
2 Mickey Bars - $7.77

Day 2 Total $76.19

$378.64 remaining

Tuesday Day 3 Epcot for EMH
Soarin FP dash

I would not do a set meal here. I would stop and get several snack or quick service plates to sample the food around the world. Allow $70 for eating around the world.
Not to be missed
Kringla Bakery
Candy shop in Germany
Margarita Stand in Mexico

Day 3 Total $70

$308.74 remaining

Wednesday Day 4 Morning in Animal Kingdom for EMH

Lunch - Flame Tree (head way down the path for beautiful water view)
2 entrees
2 sodas

Max total $30

Snack
Pretzel while watching the parade $4.50

Dinner - Trails End
2 Buffet $65 including tip and tax

Carriage Ride

Watching the water parade on the beach - watch for the HDDR ending to catch bus right back to your resort

Day 4 Total 99.50

$209.24 remaining

Thursday Day 5 Magic Kingdom

Lunch- BOG
2meals ~ $40

Snack Sleepy H0llow
Nutella waffle $7.09

Dinner - Tony's Town Square
1 app - $8
2 entree ~$40
2 drink - $5
Total ~ $70 including tax and tip

Day 5 Total $117.09

$92.15 remaining

Friday Day 6 DTD
Start off with your Balloon Ride

Lunch - Earl of Sandwich
2 sandwiches $11.99
2 sodas $5
Total $18.85

$73.30 remaining for shopping!!!


Hope this helps you might wanna do different restaurants or park days. Just an idea! Have a great trip!!!!

WOW what a breakdown!!!! Geez I love the DIS!

I can't go on those dates as I am a teacher and taking a week off of work just won't happen. I'm liking some of those dining suggestions and touring plans. Keep em coming peeps!

 

[hpfan100]

I love this idea! I am excited to see your plans to stay in budget!!

Thanks!!! and Welcome!!!


I'm a big fan of doing things that are fun on the cheap. i was able to save nearly 2000 dollars in 6 months for a platinum splurge in July at AKL. So this should be easy

 

[hpfan100]

Well here's what I need to find for 1000 or less OOP.


2 flights from Phoenix to Orlando--prices aren't up for May yet but March prices right now are about 260 each way Hope that comes down soon
6 nights at a disney or off site hotel--budgeting about 400 dollars for this
transportation (car if off site or shuttle if we go to US)--budgeting 150 dollars for this
WDW tickets for Jeff--budgeting 275 dollars for this
food--budgeting 150 dollars for this
experiences/MISC/US--budgeting 200 dollars for this

total--1695....WAY OVER BUDGET!!!!

hmmmm....let the planning begin

Here's my freebies that I already have to help out the budget.

2 night voucher to AKL club level room (from July trip)
4 day non hop tickets for me (leftover from July trip)
SW points--probably enough for my flight *fingers crossed*
SW credit 139 dollars-probably enough to cover half of Jeff's flight


stay tuned for more planning and fun ways to find extra money...

 

[danygirl]

March probably puts you smack in the middle of spring break, when the prices are high and the parks are crowded. which is ok, if that is what works for you. I have been at WDW on Easter and also Christmas Week. Both were magical, it is just the I was experiencing the magic with a million other folks. Universal was a real zoo at Christmas time, like Walmart on Black Friday. When the dropped the rope and let us go in to Harry Potter it was a madhouse. Actually saw an older guy running with his cane, which he used from time to time to prod his kids while yelling "run faster"

How we have saved money
1. driving instead of flying (bet that won't work for you)
2. eat breakfast in the room, carry lunch with you, and carry snacks (we find that no one can be cranky no matter how long the line if they are munching a snickers) this way you only have to eat one expensive meal a day. plus you don't have to wait in line for two of your three meals
3. drink the free water
4. if you haven't visited Kristin at Couponing to Disney, check out her site. She is the queen of finding ways to save!
5.

 

[librarygeek]

I'll be very interested in learning about your money saving techniques to make this trip affordable! We've been to Disney World a number of times on a budget, and would like to do Disneyland in the future, but we'd need some good money saving strategies for that too!

I've literally been to Disney on one of the lowest budgets you could have - stayed at a Motel 6, ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner every night and cereal for breakfast every morning. And it's still a magical, wonderful time, so whatever works for you to make it happen, do it!

I've also been the first week of March. It wasn't nearly as crowded as I was expecting (maybe it was still a little too early for the spring break crowds?). It wasn't empty, but it wasn't bad. Our next trip we're going the last week of April, and I've heard early May is a good time to go as well.

 

[hpfan100]

March probably puts you smack in the middle of spring break, when the prices are high and the parks are crowded. which is ok, if that is what works for you. I have been at WDW on Easter and also Christmas Week. Both were magical, it is just the I was experiencing the magic with a million other folks. Universal was a real zoo at Christmas time, like Walmart on Black Friday. When the dropped the rope and let us go in to Harry Potter it was a madhouse. Actually saw an older guy running with his cane, which he used from time to time to prod his kids while yelling "run faster"

How we have saved money
1. driving instead of flying (bet that won't work for you)
2. eat breakfast in the room, carry lunch with you, and carry snacks (we find that no one can be cranky no matter how long the line if they are munching a snickers) this way you only have to eat one expensive meal a day. plus you don't have to wait in line for two of your three meals
3. drink the free water
4. if you haven't visited Kristin at Couponing to Disney, check out her site. She is the queen of finding ways to save!
5.

Welcome!!!

thanks for all the tips. I actually do check out couponing to Disney. I use the mypoints and am hoping I can cash out for a Yak/Yeti gift certificate. Those wok fried green beans are awesome!!!

I'll be very interested in learning about your money saving techniques to make this trip affordable! We've been to Disney World a number of times on a budget, and would like to do Disneyland in the future, but we'd need some good money saving strategies for that too!

I've literally been to Disney on one of the lowest budgets you could have - stayed at a Motel 6, ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner every night and cereal for breakfast every morning. And it's still a magical, wonderful time, so whatever works for you to make it happen, do it!

I've also been the first week of March. It wasn't nearly as crowded as I was expecting (maybe it was still a little too early for the spring break crowds?). It wasn't empty, but it wasn't bad. Our next trip we're going the last week of April, and I've heard early May is a good time to go as well.

Welcome!!!
I hope you can make it to DLR. It's pretty darn awesome. We are driving for our next trip in November to save money. Good to know the magic can be there no matter where you stay.

 

[hpfan100]

1. cutting back on grocery shopping--I have a very well stocked pantry and need to start using up my stuff. So I'm going to focus on freebies and items that cost less than a dollar plus fresh produce.

2. checking for lower rates on bills--did this in June and saved 450 dollars on my car insurance alone

3. spare change around house

4. cash in points from my coke rewards, mypoints, SW airlines for anything I can

5. start planning meals/snacks to reduce wasted money--probably will eat BF in room everyday and will be bringing snacks

I spoke to BF about room rates for March versus May. Since the difference with no discount is 50 bucks a night, he quickly realized why May is better. Plus since school is out then I have more flexibility in our travel dates to get the best deal on airfare.

So May it is...time to start searching for pennies and deals.

 

[Riles_and_Gabe]

If you have a rental car then I would start checking out groupons for some of your meal options outside of the park. I find lately groupon has been offering an additional $5 - $10 off their vouchers. I was able to grab one for Larrys Subs for our upcoming trip for $5 and we will get $20 worth of food. We will use this for our arrival night for a nice easy meal.

Also we are renting a 2 bedroom condo for about $500/week. If you are willing to stay offsite you should be able to find some great deals. We found ours on the VRBO website.

I think planning a budget trip is better than an expensive trip. It forces you to be creative and to really appreciate the treats that you do get.

 

[hpfan100]

If you have a rental car then I would start checking out groupons for some of your meal options outside of the park. I find lately groupon has been offering an additional $5 - $10 off their vouchers. I was able to grab one for Larrys Subs for our upcoming trip for $5 and we will get $20 worth of food. We will use this for our arrival night for a nice easy meal.

Also we are renting a 2 bedroom condo for about $500/week. If you are willing to stay offsite you should be able to find some great deals. We found ours on the VRBO website.

I think planning a budget trip is better than an expensive trip. It forces you to be creative and to really appreciate the treats that you do get.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've never used groupon before but I'll check it out. WOW that's a great deal on a condo. So far I haven't seen any great deals for hotels on or off site. But we have plenty of time to look for one. I love planning budget trips too.

 

[hpfan100]

I had two errors on my grocery receipt today. A double charge for bananas and my grapes were range up as papaya. So I got a refund of 2.65.

WOOP 2.65 in the piggy bank.

 

[angelbear425]

As cheap as the value resorts are, I would not recommend. The beds aren't comfy, the rooms aren't soundproofed and you can hear everything. I got a brush burn on my elbow from the sheets and very little sleep due to the screaming children 2 rooms down. Yes, I realize its Disney; however, parents should teach their kids to use inside voices. You know this, as you are also a teacher lol. The king beds are only handicap accessible so therefore the bed is basically on the floor and you have only a walk-in shower. Regular rooms only have double size beds.

January-February (or possibly March) has free dining if the room is full price. I recommend this, personally. You can stay at a moderate resort and pay a bit more, but the meals would be free. I did this in August and it was very much worth it.

Also, I saw a few PP recommend Flame Tree BBQ at AK. I don't know if people just don't what good BBQ actually is or we had it on an off day when we were there, but it isn't good. The ribs were tough and overall just not a good meal. I would never go back.

At Epcot, I recommend getting a QS meal at Sunshine Seasons in the land. The salmon and roast chicken are amazing. They have a large variety of choices and many items cooked are grown right in the land. Plus their desserts can't be beat! Another pretty awesome meal I had was the Schwarma in Morocco.

Pecos Bill in MK is a good QS place also. The taco salads are great and my BFF loved the cheeseburgers. The prices are reasonable and they have an amazing topping bar. If doing character dining at all I recommend Crystal Palace for breakfast. Pooh's puffed French toast is great.

 

[librarygeek]

I love your money saving tips. I'm going to have to look over my bills now to see if there's any place I can get a better deal!

Also, I just noticed in your sig that you were at LeakyCon 2011 - I was there too! Small world (or maybe not so small, as I think there may have been around 3,000 people at LC? )

 

[hpfan100]

As cheap as the value resorts are, I would not recommend. The beds aren't comfy, the rooms aren't soundproofed and you can hear everything. I got a brush burn on my elbow from the sheets and very little sleep due to the screaming children 2 rooms down. Yes, I realize its Disney; however, parents should teach their kids to use inside voices. You know this, as you are also a teacher lol. The king beds are only handicap accessible so therefore the bed is basically on the floor and you have only a walk-in shower. Regular rooms only have double size beds.

January-February (or possibly March) has free dining if the room is full price. I recommend this, personally. You can stay at a moderate resort and pay a bit more, but the meals would be free. I did this in August and it was very much worth it.

Also, I saw a few PP recommend Flame Tree BBQ at AK. I don't know if people just don't what good BBQ actually is or we had it on an off day when we were there, but it isn't good. The ribs were tough and overall just not a good meal. I would never go back.

At Epcot, I recommend getting a QS meal at Sunshine Seasons in the land. The salmon and roast chicken are amazing. They have a large variety of choices and many items cooked are grown right in the land. Plus their desserts can't be beat! Another pretty awesome meal I had was the Schwarma in Morocco.

Pecos Bill in MK is a good QS place also. The taco salads are great and my BFF loved the cheeseburgers. The prices are reasonable and they have an amazing topping bar. If doing character dining at all I recommend Crystal Palace for breakfast. Pooh's puffed French toast is great.

Totally with you on the value resorts. I stayed at POP over labor day a few years ago and didn't enjoy it too much. I stayed at Movies and had the BGT as neighbors. I would prefer to stay off site and rent a car but it all depends on the discounts out there.
Crystal Palace has always been a fantasy of mine. I would love to meet Piglet and friends with my french toast. BBQ is not an option for us since I don't eat meat. BF loves him some meat so he might like it. Sunshine Seasons is my favorite counter service place. I had the best salad there last year.

I love your money saving tips. I'm going to have to look over my bills now to see if there's any place I can get a better deal!

Also, I just noticed in your sig that you were at LeakyCon 2011 - I was there too! Small world (or maybe not so small, as I think there may have been around 3,000 people at LC? )

Hope the tips help you out...it did me. I'm thinking about canceling my netflix and possibly XM radio. So we'll see.

Leakycon...oh how I miss it. That was seriously the best trip ever. I met so many people and had so much fun. I went to Ascendio this past July and it was pretty awesome too. Looking forward to Leakycon in Portland this summer.

 

[librarygeek]

Leakycon...oh how I miss it. That was seriously the best trip ever. I met so many people and had so much fun. I went to Ascendio this past July and it was pretty awesome too. Looking forward to Leakycon in Portland this summer.

I was at Ascendio too! I really miss it as well - and unfortunately won't be able to make it to LeakyCon next summer so I don't know when the next con I'm at will be. It will be my first time in five years that I'm not at an HP con!