17 Days, Family O' 6, $3160.00 Budget**TRIP REPORT on pg 26**@Now with Pics!@

[Clancycat]

Sounds like a great vacation!

 

[icebaby]

I am so impressed, you should write a vacation budget book.

Way to go and I am glad your family had such a wonderful time.

You SHOULD write a family budget book or newsletter!

 

[hsmamato2]

Awesome! You are the budget queen... how did you get the free pictures at innoventions with Goofy and Minnie? Was it the free pics with disney visa? do you have to sign up? How do you know when to go? And...Can you tell me about the jr chef program- how to find/sign up for it,is it free?...

 

[sweet maxine]

I would like to hear about the Mardi Gras parade at POFQ. Is this a daily occurence, and what time of day does it happen? I might be interested in switching a ressie to the POFQ!

Oh, BTW, I loved your trip report! I love a budget trip!

 

[disneymom3]

Julie, We actually never slept at Pop, I just booked it for the free dining plan so we could do character meals it was less than paying outright for both the character meals. We did hang out in between parks and resorts and we swam at the pool once. And of course I brought home some cute Mickey soap and shampoo!! I didn't feel right about exceding the occupancy of the room that's why we didn't sleep there and since this was a family vacation we didn't want to seperate, not to mention our comfortable beds and 2 baths at Summer Bay! P.S.....I'll never tell!!(about your celebration)

You rock, girl! That is why you are such a budget queen. I probably wouldn't have even thought of this!

 

[AllyBri]

Tinkbell
Glad you were able to take advantage of the Disney Sale in Celebration.

Enjoyed the trip report.

 

[geetey]

Welcome back! Welcome back!!

I *knew* you would make it! And I *knew* you would have a great time! Thanks for providing the breakdown. You did a great job.

Mind sharing what kinds of lovely things were at the Disney sale in Celebration? I am ooozing with envy!

 

[WAHMto5]

That was such a great report, thank you! With 5 children, I am always looking for ways to save!

 

[travelbug]

Thanks for posting your report! I am so impressed with how much you packed into a truly wonderful vacation, while staying on a strict budget. Good for you!!

 

[TNKBELL]

Awesome! You are the budget queen... how did you get the free pictures at innoventions with Goofy and Minnie? Was it the free pics with disney visa? do you have to sign up? How do you know when to go? And...Can you tell me about the jr chef program- how to find/sign up for it,is it free?...

For now, Disney Visa cardholders receive a 5X7 family portrait along with a private meet and greet session with characters. It is held at Epcot Innoventions from 1:30-4pm. No appointments, just show up and fill out a short form and wait in line, there were only 3 people ahead of us, so it didn't take long. It was FREE.
The Jr chef program is sponsored by Nestle and is held at Epcot in the Land on the lower level. It is FREE and is held every hour on the half hour and we waited about 15 minutes prior and my 3 Dks got in, they don't let toddlers participate.
Another Disney Visa discount is at World of Disney at DTD purchase 25.00 or more and receive 10% off with your card, you have to ask for it though!!( I learned the hard way.)

 

[sweet maxine]

What about the Mardi Gras parade at the POFQ? Is that something they have everyday?

 

[TNKBELL]

I would like to hear about the Mardi Gras parade at POFQ. Is this a daily occurence, and what time of day does it happen? I might be interested in switching a ressie to the POFQ!

Oh, BTW, I loved your trip report! I love a budget trip!

I'm not sure about how often this occurs, we were there around 3:15 in the afternoon and is was at PO Riverside. Incidently the next week we were at POFQ(to try the beignets) at the same time and there was nothing. The parade consisted of golf carts that were decorated by the employees and I think they were having a contest on the best float or something, the cast members were dressed up like kings and queens and jesters. It was a nice surprise and totally unexpected.

 

[sweet maxine]

Oh, it sounds like that must have been a special something for just that afternoon. Sounds like ya'll had lots of fun! We love parades, especially unexpected ones with goodies!

I am planning my own visit to WDW, and I'm at about $750 for a week, including airfare for 3, week in a condo, and rental car, and tickets to MNSSHP. We got an amazingly cheap deal on airfare through Ding! I think this may be one of our cheapest trips yet!

 

[dandee00]

That's what it is all about...creating memories. This will be a trip you and your children will remember forever. It's not about the money or the budget, it's about spending quality time together.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I am glad to hear you had a wonderful time with your family.

 

[SRUAlmn]

You're my budget hero!! (and I thought saving $45 at the grocery store yesterday was cool )

 

[tiki23]

Welcome home and congratulations! I knew you could do it. It sounds like you had a fabulous trip; I'll bet your kids were in 7th Heaven!

I would love to be able to see your scrap book from this trip - it's going to be full of wonderful memories and smiling faces.

 

[PaulaSue]

What a great time you had!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

What I love about this trip is the uniqueness of it. Choosing not to spend seems to be a great way to find something different to do.

 

[CdnMom2]

I have also been really curious about how it all worked out for you. I also have 2 other families watching this thread. I'm trying to convince them that they too can go to WDW & that it is so worth it. Maybe they'll come out of lurking after reading all the helpful people here.

I also am dying to hear any details about Orbit One & The Liki Tiki waterpark area. We're staying at Orbit One in December. Some of the family will have the WaterPark features with their WDW tix, but some will not so we may try it out, if possible, in December.

Tips about either Orbit One or that waterpark would be greatly appreciated.

The Orlando Science Centre (we also have reciprocal admission) -- any tips to give?

& the POR parade -- though I see you did answer that 1 already. Is this Celebration sale a one-time thing. I missed that on these boards.

More, more. We want to know more.

So glad to hear it all turned out so well for you, even with the unexpected challenges. from reading your responses on this thread, I KNEW you could do it!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

My, my, my!!! TNKBELL!!!!


YOU DID IT!!!!



I am most impressed.

We are going to Hawaii next year and you have inspired me to look FAR and WIDE for DISCOUNTS and DEALS! (We're going for a family celebration).

So far we have 6 nights hotel free and 1 airplane ticket...so that's a start.

Glad we could meet you--I wish it was for longer.