A Disney-addicted mom: Disney cruise, Family trip, Running trips! *Update 2/18*

[blessedmom4]

A few tidbits....

1. The Disney Dream is a beautiful ship! Cruising with the family is nice. No stress over where to eat. Or buying snacks if the kids are hungry. The weather is almost a non-issue because there's plenty to do indoors. Much less walking than Disney.
2. It took a few days to figure things out on the ship. And to figure out the best strategy for our family. Which means there was a fair amount of fighting and unpleasantness the first few days. So we didn't re-book another cruise (the on-board re-booking deals are good). I still love the WDW bubble so I can't imagine cruising without a trip to Disney.
3. Our post-cruise stay was great! Some of the best times we've had at Disney. Minus the part where we almost took Zachary to the ER for a possible concussion...
4. The Cabins are AMAZING! Much bigger and better than I expected. And a nice choice for our family right now. I'm still not sure our August trip is happening but I would consider switching to the Cabins or doing a split stay. Yes. They are THAT good.

I need to upload pics. And start a TR. And finish my last TR. And maybe even write a TR about Marathon Weekend and/or our Vero Beach trip. Hmmmm. Need. More. Disboards time.

Amanda

Amanda, Thanks for the mini tease, I am so excited to hear all about it! Hope Zachary is okay!

from

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[DrMomof3]

My new Trip Report

I started a trip report but haven't gotten very far yet...

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

Glad to hear you had a great trip!
I think even a bad trip to Disney is a good one I am saying that from experience- April's trip wasn't so good.

We've had some trips like that! Our first few days on the cruise ship weren't all pixie dust and sunshine but things got better.

Amanda, Thanks for the mini tease, I am so excited to hear all about it! Hope Zachary is okay!

from

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Zachary seems to be just fine. We had some scary moments over the weekend.

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

I need help planning my August trip. Or my potential August trip because we still don't know if we're going. I'm really trying to cut down on costs.
Here are our ADRs:
Saturday: Cape May Cafe - planning to cancel this
Sunday: Teppan Edo - probably will cancel this
Monday: Via Napoli - not sure
Tuesday: Flying Fish Chef's Table - just Tom and me. Will probably keep.
Wednesday: Akhershus - not sure
Thursday: Bluezoo - not sure
Friday: Garden Grill - conflicted. All-inclusive = pricey but my kids have always had a great time at this restaurant.

I think it's pretty clear that we should cancel Cape May. It's an all-inclusive which is almost always a bad deal (at least at Disney). We can grab quick-serve from Epcot or by the pool.
Tom and I are not fans of Teppan Edo but my kids love it. We have a hibachi place one mile from home that is better and cheaper. Likely will cancel this. Via Napoli isn't terrible in terms of price and the kids can share meals. I'll probably keep this one.
I really want to keep our grown-up dinner. I've been dying to try Flying Fish and I've heard great things about the Chef Table.
Jessica gets very distressed if there's no princess dinner but she's also the one who loves Bluezoo. Maybe I'll make her choose between the 2. I'd prefer Bluezoo because it's a la carte and not prix fixe.
Garden Grill is a tough one. I really want to keep it because we've always had a good experience and it's our traditional last night dinner. Hmmm.

The other thought is that we could split our stay and spend a few days at BC and then switch to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Cabins have a full kitchen so I could cook some meals (I really don't mind doing that) and save some money that way. We'd need a golf cart and probably a car if we did that so that might take away any savings.

Then there's the issue of park tickets. I'll renew my AP. Tom and Zachary's APs expire on 8/27 so we get a few days on the old ones. Nathaniel and Jessica's expire before the trip. Do I just got 5 day park hoppers and plan a few resort days to save money? Skip the park hopper? Staying so close to Epcot I feel like we get value out of park hopping. I'm still trying to figure out if we'll get a second trip in the next 12 months and I should renew the APs.... Opinions?
I'm really interested in any thoughts anyone has. I'm thinking a Garden Grocer order for water, gatorade, and some snacks. Breakfast in the lounge every day. Grab cold cereal from the lounge for snacks. Afternoon hors d'oeuvres to help cut back on dinners. And drinks in the lounge.

Thanks for any ideas!
Amanda

 

[firecracker725]

I need help planning my August trip. Or my potential August trip because we still don't know if we're going. I'm really trying to cut down on costs.
Here are our ADRs:
Saturday: Cape May Cafe - planning to cancel this
Sunday: Teppan Edo - probably will cancel this
Monday: Via Napoli - not sure
Tuesday: Flying Fish Chef's Table - just Tom and me. Will probably keep.
Wednesday: Akhershus - not sure
Thursday: Bluezoo - not sure
Friday: Garden Grill - conflicted. All-inclusive = pricey but my kids have always had a great time at this restaurant.

I think it's pretty clear that we should cancel Cape May. It's an all-inclusive which is almost always a bad deal (at least at Disney). We can grab quick-serve from Epcot or by the pool.
Tom and I are not fans of Teppan Edo but my kids love it. We have a hibachi place one mile from home that is better and cheaper. Likely will cancel this. Via Napoli isn't terrible in terms of price and the kids can share meals. I'll probably keep this one.
I really want to keep our grown-up dinner. I've been dying to try Flying Fish and I've heard great things about the Chef Table.
Jessica gets very distressed if there's no princess dinner but she's also the one who loves Bluezoo. Maybe I'll make her choose between the 2. I'd prefer Bluezoo because it's a la carte and not prix fixe.
Garden Grill is a tough one. I really want to keep it because we've always had a good experience and it's our traditional last night dinner. Hmmm.

The other thought is that we could split our stay and spend a few days at BC and then switch to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Cabins have a full kitchen so I could cook some meals (I really don't mind doing that) and save some money that way. We'd need a golf cart and probably a car if we did that so that might take away any savings.

Then there's the issue of park tickets. I'll renew my AP. Tom and Zachary's APs expire on 8/27 so we get a few days on the old ones. Nathaniel and Jessica's expire before the trip. Do I just got 5 day park hoppers and plan a few resort days to save money? Skip the park hopper? Staying so close to Epcot I feel like we get value out of park hopping. I'm still trying to figure out if we'll get a second trip in the next 12 months and I should renew the APs.... Opinions?
I'm really interested in any thoughts anyone has. I'm thinking a Garden Grocer order for water, gatorade, and some snacks. Breakfast in the lounge every day. Grab cold cereal from the lounge for snacks. Afternoon hors d'oeuvres to help cut back on dinners. And drinks in the lounge.

Thanks for any ideas!
Amanda

Is there any way to change your dates a bit to get more value from Tom and Zachary's passes? --Nevermind. Just remembered that you have flights to consider. I forget not everyone can drive to WDW.

Food for a family of 5 is a major expense, so that's where I'd start cutting back. Club level would certainly help there, if you think your family would be happy with that sort of food.

 

[DrMomof3]

Is there any way to change your dates a bit to get more value from Tom and Zachary's passes? --Nevermind. Just remembered that you have flights to consider. I forget not everyone can drive to WDW.

Food for a family of 5 is a major expense, so that's where I'd start cutting back. Club level would certainly help there, if you think your family would be happy with that sort of food.

I know. I sort of wish that I had thought through the AP thing. I had assumed that we would just renew all of the APs but Tom is being funny about future trips. It's frustrating because he always does that - "I'm not sure if we'll go back anytime soon. I don't want you to book the flights now when the fares are low; I'll decide when the fares are prohibitively expensive." - and then we end up going anyway. If the kids were coming to Marathon Weekend like they did this year, it would be a no-brainer. I want to go for our February break - in which case it's cheaper to renew all of the APs but Tom won't commit. (Ok, the real reason is because the Princess Half is the last weekend of February break and I want to run.)
I know my family can use the club lounge for breakfast successfully. Especially if I bring ziplock baggies for extra cold cereal to snack on all morning. And I think BC lounge has hard boiled eggs which my kids LOVE.

Amanda

 

[firecracker725]

Ok, the real reason is because the Princess Half is the last weekend of February break and I want to run.

Amanda

Registration on Tuesday! I still really want to do it, but I don't think there's any way I can be ready in time. I haven't been good about running in this heat at all. It's just too tempting to stay in the a/c.

 

[DrMomof3]

Registration on Tuesday! I still really want to do it, but I don't think there's any way I can be ready in time. I haven't been good about running in this heat at all. It's just too tempting to stay in the a/c.

I'll have to wait a bit to register and hopefully it won't fill too quickly.
Training for marathon weekend just started so you still have time to train!

 

[natebenma]

I need help planning my August trip. Or my potential August trip because we still don't know if we're going. I'm really trying to cut down on costs.
Here are our ADRs:
Saturday: Cape May Cafe - planning to cancel this
Sunday: Teppan Edo - probably will cancel this
Monday: Via Napoli - not sure
Tuesday: Flying Fish Chef's Table - just Tom and me. Will probably keep.
Wednesday: Akhershus - not sure
Thursday: Bluezoo - not sure
Friday: Garden Grill - conflicted. All-inclusive = pricey but my kids have always had a great time at this restaurant.

I think it's pretty clear that we should cancel Cape May. It's an all-inclusive which is almost always a bad deal (at least at Disney). We can grab quick-serve from Epcot or by the pool.
Tom and I are not fans of Teppan Edo but my kids love it. We have a hibachi place one mile from home that is better and cheaper. Likely will cancel this. Via Napoli isn't terrible in terms of price and the kids can share meals. I'll probably keep this one.
I really want to keep our grown-up dinner. I've been dying to try Flying Fish and I've heard great things about the Chef Table.
Jessica gets very distressed if there's no princess dinner but she's also the one who loves Bluezoo. Maybe I'll make her choose between the 2. I'd prefer Bluezoo because it's a la carte and not prix fixe.
Garden Grill is a tough one. I really want to keep it because we've always had a good experience and it's our traditional last night dinner. Hmmm.

The other thought is that we could split our stay and spend a few days at BC and then switch to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Cabins have a full kitchen so I could cook some meals (I really don't mind doing that) and save some money that way. We'd need a golf cart and probably a car if we did that so that might take away any savings.

Then there's the issue of park tickets. I'll renew my AP. Tom and Zachary's APs expire on 8/27 so we get a few days on the old ones. Nathaniel and Jessica's expire before the trip. Do I just got 5 day park hoppers and plan a few resort days to save money? Skip the park hopper? Staying so close to Epcot I feel like we get value out of park hopping. I'm still trying to figure out if we'll get a second trip in the next 12 months and I should renew the APs.... Opinions?
I'm really interested in any thoughts anyone has. I'm thinking a Garden Grocer order for water, gatorade, and some snacks. Breakfast in the lounge every day. Grab cold cereal from the lounge for snacks. Afternoon hors d'oeuvres to help cut back on dinners. And drinks in the lounge.

Thanks for any ideas!
Amanda

I hope all works out with your August trip. I definitely think you should sacrifice some sit-down meals if that would help make that happen. I know Tom enjoys a nice sit-down in airconditioning for meals, but there are definitely some decent options out there.

Your instincts on which meals to keep/ditch are good. Drop Cape May, Teppan, Norway. Sounds like the princess meal is mostly for Jessica, and Blue Zoo as an option would be better for everyone.

Some of the meals at Disney are so large that splitting between two or more kids or even and adult and a kid, should be possible. A lot of times the appetizers sound more interesting than some of the entrees, so that is another cost-saving possibility.

For CS- EPCOT has some great options. Sunshine Seasons at the Land has a lot of varied options and is air-conditioned and if you go early enough, seating is usually not an issue. Great desserts, too.

Love all of the international options in the World Showcase, too.

At MK, Columbia Harbor House is a QS that feels like a sitdown place. Nice atmosphere in the upstairs seating area.

We like Tamu Tamu at AK. The tables are outside, but the area is shaded and we have always been comfortable eating lunch there in July.

I don't really have much QS experience or advice for HS, though. Go back to the BC and get something there. Or at EP!

The BC/YC FAQ lists some suggestions for pizza delivery. Don't know if that would be a cost saver for a meal one night.

HTH!

Dee

 

[natebenma]

Unfortunately, I don't have many words of wisdom about renewing APs vs. getting Magic Your Way tickets. My initial gut feeling is if you don't think the kids will be taking another Disney trip in the coming year, just get the tickets you need for this trip. If they do go on another trip, you can re-evaluate the AP decision then. Perhaps the financial picture will look better and the expiration for those APs will give you extra time to enjoy them.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I need help planning my August trip. Or my potential August trip because we still don't know if we're going. I'm really trying to cut down on costs.
Here are our ADRs:
Saturday: Cape May Cafe - planning to cancel this
Sunday: Teppan Edo - probably will cancel this
Monday: Via Napoli - not sure
Tuesday: Flying Fish Chef's Table - just Tom and me. Will probably keep.
Wednesday: Akhershus - not sure
Thursday: Bluezoo - not sure
Friday: Garden Grill - conflicted. All-inclusive = pricey but my kids have always had a great time at this restaurant.

I think it's pretty clear that we should cancel Cape May. It's an all-inclusive which is almost always a bad deal (at least at Disney). We can grab quick-serve from Epcot or by the pool.
Tom and I are not fans of Teppan Edo but my kids love it. We have a hibachi place one mile from home that is better and cheaper. Likely will cancel this. Via Napoli isn't terrible in terms of price and the kids can share meals. I'll probably keep this one.
I really want to keep our grown-up dinner. I've been dying to try Flying Fish and I've heard great things about the Chef Table.
Jessica gets very distressed if there's no princess dinner but she's also the one who loves Bluezoo. Maybe I'll make her choose between the 2. I'd prefer Bluezoo because it's a la carte and not prix fixe.
Garden Grill is a tough one. I really want to keep it because we've always had a good experience and it's our traditional last night dinner. Hmmm.

The other thought is that we could split our stay and spend a few days at BC and then switch to the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. The Cabins have a full kitchen so I could cook some meals (I really don't mind doing that) and save some money that way. We'd need a golf cart and probably a car if we did that so that might take away any savings.

Then there's the issue of park tickets. I'll renew my AP. Tom and Zachary's APs expire on 8/27 so we get a few days on the old ones. Nathaniel and Jessica's expire before the trip. Do I just got 5 day park hoppers and plan a few resort days to save money? Skip the park hopper? Staying so close to Epcot I feel like we get value out of park hopping. I'm still trying to figure out if we'll get a second trip in the next 12 months and I should renew the APs.... Opinions?
I'm really interested in any thoughts anyone has. I'm thinking a Garden Grocer order for water, gatorade, and some snacks. Breakfast in the lounge every day. Grab cold cereal from the lounge for snacks. Afternoon hors d'oeuvres to help cut back on dinners. And drinks in the lounge.

Thanks for any ideas!
Amanda

I'm am all about eating at Disney!! But if it means saving money to make the trip happen I would skip the TS meals. We've stayed CL 3x and every time I remember cancelling dinners. I think staying CL is a good choice although it's more expensive for the room it saves money on TS in the end. Good idea taking cereal to the parks for snacks. By the time we started staying CL my boys were "too big" to want cereal for a snack.
My DH LOVES Flying Fish (we've been twice) It doesn't disappoint. My DH had the red snapper both times- delish!
We all LOVE Garden Grill too. It's been a must do last 2 trips. I know what you mean though by all you can eat. My kids and myself just don't eat enough to justify the cost.
My DH and I ate at Via Napoli in April. It was good but nothing over the top.
Maybe you could just do the mom and dad dinner at FF. and skip the other TS meals that would save a LOT!!!

 

[ddluvsdisney]

I also agree with Dee on some of her CS choices. CHH is very good. We also LOVE Sunshine Seasons!! Me and my boys had salmon there last year and it was excellent!! My kids LOVE salmon.
Pinocchio's Village Haus in MK also has a HUGE chicken parm.w/ pasta that is so easily sharable- and inside a/c
My DS11 gets the pizza also huge that 2 kids could share.
Also like Dee said the options in WS- being so close to the BC we ate in Epcot like every night! I love the sushi at the Japan CS pavilion. My DH also got something yummy there (can't remember exactly what) but it was huge we shared both.
HTH
Deb

 

[DrMomof3]

I hope all works out with your August trip. I definitely think you should sacrifice some sit-down meals if that would help make that happen. I know Tom enjoys a nice sit-down in airconditioning for meals, but there are definitely some decent options out there.

Your instincts on which meals to keep/ditch are good. Drop Cape May, Teppan, Norway. Sounds like the princess meal is mostly for Jessica, and Blue Zoo as an option would be better for everyone.

Some of the meals at Disney are so large that splitting between two or more kids or even and adult and a kid, should be possible. A lot of times the appetizers sound more interesting than some of the entrees, so that is another cost-saving possibility.

For CS- EPCOT has some great options. Sunshine Seasons at the Land has a lot of varied options and is air-conditioned and if you go early enough, seating is usually not an issue. Great desserts, too.

Love all of the international options in the World Showcase, too.

At MK, Columbia Harbor House is a QS that feels like a sitdown place. Nice atmosphere in the upstairs seating area.

We like Tamu Tamu at AK. The tables are outside, but the area is shaded and we have always been comfortable eating lunch there in July.

I don't really have much QS experience or advice for HS, though. Go back to the BC and get something there. Or at EP!

The BC/YC FAQ lists some suggestions for pizza delivery. Don't know if that would be a cost saver for a meal one night.

HTH!

Dee

Thanks Dee! I appreciate your expertise! We are finding that the kids don't love sitting for sit-down meals at their current ages. So we've been doing more counter-service anyway. Of course with TIW card you get discounts on sit-down.

Unfortunately, I don't have many words of wisdom about renewing APs vs. getting Magic Your Way tickets. My initial gut feeling is if you don't think the kids will be taking another Disney trip in the coming year, just get the tickets you need for this trip. If they do go on another trip, you can re-evaluate the AP decision then. Perhaps the financial picture will look better and the expiration for those APs will give you extra time to enjoy them.

I think I can make a game day decision on the park tickets. I'll probably pre-pay my AP and then maybe start buying gift cards to use towards the other park tickets....

I'm am all about eating at Disney!! But if it means saving money to make the trip happen I would skip the TS meals. We've stayed CL 3x and every time I remember cancelling dinners. I think staying CL is a good choice although it's more expensive for the room it saves money on TS in the end. Good idea taking cereal to the parks for snacks. By the time we started staying CL my boys were "too big" to want cereal for a snack.
My DH LOVES Flying Fish (we've been twice) It doesn't disappoint. My DH had the red snapper both times- delish!
We all LOVE Garden Grill too. It's been a must do last 2 trips. I know what you mean though by all you can eat. My kids and myself just don't eat enough to justify the cost.
My DH and I ate at Via Napoli in April. It was good but nothing over the top.
Maybe you could just do the mom and dad dinner at FF. and skip the other TS meals that would save a LOT!!!

Good advice! I think, for now, we'll keep Flying Fish and Garden Grill. Not sure about the rest...

Amanda

 

[cogero]

I think I can make a game day decision on the park tickets. I'll probably pre-pay my AP and then maybe start buying gift cards to use towards the other park tickets....




Amanda

I love doing this. I paid for part of our cruise using Gift Cards I need to start buying GC for out August and December trips.

 

[DrMomof3]

I love doing this. I paid for part of our cruise using Gift Cards I need to start buying GC for out August and December trips.

GCs rock!

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

So I'm going to pretend that we're still having a trip and start planning accordingly. I talked to Jessica and Nathaniel about limited sit-down dining and they both picked Garden Grill as their 1st choice. So it looks like we'll keep the ADR for our last night in Disney.
We arrive mid-afternoon on Saturday and leave the following Saturday in the evening. So we have about 7.5 days to fill. I'm trying to schedule a more laid-back trip. So I'm thinking 2 days at MK, 1 day in Future World, 1 day at DHS, 1 day at AK. Which leaves me with 2.5 days of "wiggle room." I'm thinking that we might still be able to get discount coupons to T-Rex so maybe we'll spend an afternoon at DTD with dinner at T-Rex. That's another 0.5 day. Nathaniel really wants a fishing trip so maybe we can do that ($$$). Not sure how a fishing trip from YC would be but that's the most convenient location. We did it from the Contemporary last year. I'm sure Fort Wilderness is great but I'm not willing to get there via Disney transporation!
We could also have a pool day, although that is weather dependent. The weird thing for us is that SAB opens relatively late in the morning for my family of early risers. Maybe we could do a few favorite rides at DHS early and then head to SAB before lunch?
Any thoughts about non-park things to do?

Our typical plan has been:
Sunday: DHS
Monday: AK (am EMH)
Tuesday: Epcot (am EMH)
Wednesday: Downtime
Thursday: MK (am EMH)
Friday: MK

Which leaves the 2 partial days - Saturday and Saturday. If we knew the weather would be good the 1st Saturday (no afternoon thunderstorms), I'd plan a pool day. Otherwise maybe a DTD afternoon with dinner at T-Rex. We'd need ADRs for T-Rex which is annoying because it decreases our flexibility. From BC I think Epcot is a good last day park because it's so close.

Amanda

 

[Chelley00]

For CS- EPCOT has some great options. Sunshine Seasons at the Land has a lot of varied options and is air-conditioned and if you go early enough, seating is usually not an issue. Great desserts, too.

At MK, Columbia Harbor House is a QS that feels like a sitdown place. Nice atmosphere in the upstairs seating area.

I don't really have much QS experience or advice for HS, though.

I agree with Dee. Sunshine Seasons and CHH are 2 of my favorite CS meals at Disney.

If you want a sit down CS place that's kinda a TS place, try ABC Commissary. It's air conditioned and the food isn't bad. Backlot Express is usually our go to just because we seem to always be right there at dinner time.

 

[ddluvsdisney]

So I'm going to pretend that we're still having a trip and start planning accordingly. I talked to Jessica and Nathaniel about limited sit-down dining and they both picked Garden Grill as their 1st choice. So it looks like we'll keep the ADR for our last night in Disney.
We arrive mid-afternoon on Saturday and leave the following Saturday in the evening. So we have about 7.5 days to fill. I'm trying to schedule a more laid-back trip. So I'm thinking 2 days at MK, 1 day in Future World, 1 day at DHS, 1 day at AK. Which leaves me with 2.5 days of "wiggle room." I'm thinking that we might still be able to get discount coupons to T-Rex so maybe we'll spend an afternoon at DTD with dinner at T-Rex. That's another 0.5 day. Nathaniel really wants a fishing trip so maybe we can do that ($$$). Not sure how a fishing trip from YC would be but that's the most convenient location. We did it from the Contemporary last year. I'm sure Fort Wilderness is great but I'm not willing to get there via Disney transporation!
We could also have a pool day, although that is weather dependent. The weird thing for us is that SAB opens relatively late in the morning for my family of early risers. Maybe we could do a few favorite rides at DHS early and then head to SAB before lunch?
Any thoughts about non-park things to do?Our typical plan has been:
Sunday: DHS
Monday: AK (am EMH)
Tuesday: Epcot (am EMH)
Wednesday: Downtime
Thursday: MK (am EMH)
Friday: MK

Which leaves the 2 partial days - Saturday and Saturday. If we knew the weather would be good the 1st Saturday (no afternoon thunderstorms), I'd plan a pool day. Otherwise maybe a DTD afternoon with dinner at T-Rex. We'd need ADRs for T-Rex which is annoying because it decreases our flexibility. From BC I think Epcot is a good last day park because it's so close.

Amanda

mini-golf??
How about a BBB day for Jessica and PL day for the boys??
Could you do a 1/2 pool day then go to a park? You can go to parks any amount of days right?

 

[DrMomof3]

I agree with Dee. Sunshine Seasons and CHH are 2 of my favorite CS meals at Disney.

If you want a sit down CS place that's kinda a TS place, try ABC Commissary. It's air conditioned and the food isn't bad. Backlot Express is usually our go to just because we seem to always be right there at dinner time.

We love Columbia Harbor House. I imagine we'll get to know Sunshine Seasons on this trip.

mini-golf??
How about a BBB day for Jessica and PL day for the boys??
Could you do a 1/2 pool day then go to a park? You can go to parks any amount of days right?

I like the mini-golf idea. We did BBB and PL last year and it was an expensive day. The kids enjoyed it but I'm not ready to lay out that kind of cash again. I'd rather spend it on a fishing excursion to be honest.
I'll have an AP. Tom and Zachary's APs expire on 8/27. I'm not certain if that means that they can be used on 8/27 or if 8/26 is the last day. We're thinking about getting 5 day park hoppers for N and J. I guess that means we'd need 4 day tickets for Tom and Zachary....

Amanda

 

[DrMomof3]

On Friday Tom told me that we're not going to Disney World in August. When I told him on Saturday that we had spent $1800 in plane tickets, he agreed to go if I cut the budget. A lot. We're going to give up our deluxe club level room at Beach Club for sure. What's not clear (yet) is where we should stay.

Option #1
Off-site I think Wyndham Bonnet Creek looks like the best option. I emailed someone about availability of a 2 bedroom unit and I'm waiting to hear back. Supposedly it's $120 per night for a 2 bedroom condo. We'd need a rental car but I think I can get an SUV for about $300 for the week. Total cost = $1140. I'm sure the cost is more but that's a good starting point. We'd have a full kitchen plus washer/dryer. Looks like a nice property with a great location.

Option #2
1 bedroom at Old Key West is about $2100. No need for a car. Still have full kitchen and washer/dryer. We'd been inside the Disney bubble and have access to Disney transportation.

Option #3
Regular Club Level room at Beach Club is about $2450. We'd have breakfast in the lounge and take advantage of as many food offerings as possible. Great location. Walking distance to 2 parks. Great pool. Walking distance to mini-golf.

What would you do?

I looked into Port Orleans Riverside but Tom isn't interested. He also rejected a return to Fort Wilderness.
We're trying to minimize food costs either via a kitchen or a club lounge. Obviously we'd like to minimize transportation costs, too.

Amanda