A project for all budgeters!

[gardendame]

Ignore the counter at the bottom - our trip has been postponed until February. Anyhow...
I have been worrying and worrying about our trip to DW. Things keep coming up (medically) with the kids, punching huge holes in the budget of our 'first ever family vacation.'
Since we have not been to WDW before, I don't really know the best way to plan our trip, or to budget. So, here is where you guys come in. Your project, should you choose to accept it, is to outline a budget trip for me and my family. Whoever places the winning entry will win.........
the satisfaction of knowing you helped a desperate Mommy!
So, if you are up to it, here's the deal.
There are 5 of us, 2 adults and 3 kids (7, 9, 12). Staying onsite is NOT a necessity. We would like to spend at least 3 days in the parks, will have our own car, and will probably have a light breakfast in the room before we head out the door.
So, if money was tight, but you and your children are willing to go 'light' in order to get there (may never get another chance), how would you do it?
As I said, none of us have been to Disney, so there is no chance for us to see and do everything anyhow. We just need to get away and Disney is where we want to go.
Thanks!

 

[Local_Girl]

Hi Gardendame,

Not sure exactly when in February you're planning to go... but if I were you, I would check out www.hotelkingdom.com for good rates on offsite accomodations. FYI, you can get a 2 bdrm unit at Cypress Pointe (they are renovating the units now through Spring '05 and some are already complete) for around $71 per night. Much better than trying to squeeze all 5 of you into a small hotel room...or having to get 2 rooms. You could also check out Skyauction and see if anything is available for your dates...maybe the Sheraton Vistana, which comes up often and would be great for your kids. If you have a kitchen and aren't adverse to cooking a bit, you could save on some meals as well.

As for nailing down an exact budget...I'm not very good at that! All depends on the kind of restaurants your family likes, how many "big" meals a day you like to do, and how much you tend to spend on souvenirs (my family doesn't spend much on the latter). Have the kids save their allowance or give them a set amount for spending money...when they've exhausted it, they're done! Interestingly, kids are often much more careful with their own money, when they know Mom and Dad aren't providing endless funds...

Good luck! I'm sure you'll get many more tips here...and have a great trip!

 

[maureen4200040]

Hi Gardendame

I'm always trying to find different ways to save on my Disney trips.

I usually search the internet for money off vouchers for resturants in Orlando or at the hotel I'm staying at. You can usually get free meals for any children 12 and under at many of the hotels. Bring snacks with you, and make sure you visit one of the area's supermarkets for goodies you can keep in your room.

Every week I buy $20.00 in dollars or travellers cheques for my May 2005 trip. This way I have the bulk of my spending money already saved by the time I'm ready to leave for disney. I won't be driving and have to rely on the local I-trolley and lynx buses. Kids up to 12 yrs old travel for free on the I-trolley so I tend to use this service quite a bit.

We usually decide before-hand which 2 parks we really want to go to on our trip (for May 2005 we will be going to seaworld & busch gardens) we will add in a day at the Magic Kingdom, because of the 100th disney birthday. Other days will be taken up with mini golf, wonderworks, and disney quest. It's not worth overdoing it on your first trip, just take it slow and easy, you will enjoy it more.

 

[maureen4200040]

Hi Gardendame

I'm always trying to find different ways to save on my Disney trips.

I usually search the internet for money off vouchers for resturants in Orlando or at the hotel I'm staying at. You can usually get free meals for any children 12 and under at many of the hotels. Bring snacks with you, and make sure you visit one of the area's supermarkets for goodies you can keep in your room.

Every week I buy $20.00 in dollars or travellers cheques for my May 2005 trip. This way I have the bulk of my spending money already saved by the time I'm ready to leave for disney. I won't be driving and have to rely on the local I-trolley and lynx buses. Kids up to 12 yrs old travel for free on the I-trolley so I tend to use this service quite a bit.

We usually decide before-hand which 2 parks we really want to go to on our trip (for May 2005 we will be going to seaworld & busch gardens) we will add in a day at the Magic Kingdom, because of the 100th disney birthday. Other days will be taken up with mini golf, wonderworks, and disney quest. It's not worth overdoing it on your first trip, just take it slow and easy, you will enjoy it more.

 

[powellrj]

you didn't say how much you wanted to spend, but I will give you my ideas! With the ages of your children I would suggest off site because you can get more room for less money than staying on site. Start pricing park hoppers and decide how many days you want to go and get the tickets you need. Because you have a car, get some groceries to keep in your room ( you may find a room with a kitchen would work well for you) so that you can save money on breakfast and snacks. If you really want to save money, take your own snacks and light lunch into the parks with you. If you eat several of your dinner off site that is another budget saver. You may want to look into getting an entertainment book for discount meals coupons. If you want a character meal experince without the character meal price, the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill in Epcot is a great choice. Get you souvieners off site one of the Character outlet stores, many of the same items for less money. Have a great trip!!

 

[dana0069]

ok, read every post with a grain of salt, whats a budget to one..is living high on the hog to others, so that said here's what mine will look like;
we are also a family of 5, 2 adults+ 12,13, and 18yr old.
we are booked for april 03/05-april 10/05
hotel offsite, approx 1.5 mile fro dtd. free scheduled shuttle service to all 4 parks. total price $55.00 per nite. has 2 double beds and a pull out sofa. private balcony and free in room fridge.
staying on site may not be much of a budget for you, u can get a value resort $55.00 but will only 4 people in room, so you'd need 2 of them.
food budget: $100.00 aday
breakfast will be across the street from hotel average cost $3.99 per person.
lunch: counter service at disney world, none of us are big eaters, and in the heat, we tend to loose our apptitite-avg. cost per meal $8.00 per person (will probably split some of these).
dinner(supper) same thing as lunch, or order something back at the hotel,egizza.
a 3 day hopper plus ticket (gives us a total of 4 parks) avg. $200.00 per person.
souvinours- none, maybe a few penny or quarter squishing machines.
total cost: about $2200.00-2400.00

dana0069

 

[lrjc]

We are a group of 8, and will be going in June, 05. We recently went June of this year, and stayed at a wonderful place called the Tropical Palms Fun Resort. Each cottage sleeps 8 comfortably, with full kitchen and patio deck. The cost runs from 59.00 or 69.00 to 89.00 each night. It is at www.tropicalpalms.com. It took us 10 mins. to get to the parking lot for Magic Kingdom, less for the other WDW parks. The landscaping is very pretty, and the kids have a sleeping loft. It is located between WDW and Kissimmee. We are staying there again next year.

 

[jgates]

Although my resort of choice is the Swan, I would not necessarily recommend this for your budget trip. The Marriott Village in Lake Buena Vista has 3 hotels to choose from (I'm a Marriott Fan). Springhill Suites would be my favorite - but they are running $109 to $129 during the week of 2/6. (You didn't give specific dates so I am just ballparking it). However, they normally have a GREAT continental breakfast. Fairfield Inn runs cheaper but you will also have breakfast. Room will be smaller too. The Springhill has a fridge/micro & normally a sofa bed & a sitting chair. This location is exceptionally close to the Downtown Disney area. There are TONS of off-site hotels that would be great for you. Maybe Holiday Inn Family Suites? They are really popular too.

If you can get your kids to stick with a souvineir budget (remember - you have to haul it all home again!!!) one of my recommendations would be Mr. Potatohead at DTD - he is in the store down near the Rainforest Cafe - big huge toy store. They have him in some of the parks too but more 'accessories' at DTD. You basically stuff his guts & the box with all the accessories you can for a flat price. I think it was $18. DD (11) and I had a BLAST and restuffed him about 4 times and kept finding ways to get more in there. Every day she 'dressed' him in a different theme of accessories & set him on the vanity in the room. Never would have expected an 11 year old to get so caught up in that.

Another cheap one is the popcorn bucket(s) filled with popcorn. I think they run $4 or $4.50. We always clean one and take it home and save change in it for next trip.

Make a list of the 'must-do' things you really want to do, or time will fly by and you will miss something. You need to budget your time as well as your money. Make it a short list!!! Maybe things like riding in the front of the monorail, playing a round of mini-golf at Fantasmic Gardens, watching Wishes. Then plan your park visits around those. Arrive early at the parks and learn to use Fast Passes wisely!!! Send dad to run and get FP's for all of you while the rest of you wait in line for another ride.

If you do end up on-site, you could do an e-night (must be an onsite guest) - there is an extra fee, but you can get so much done in that time period that you can cut out HOURS of waiting at Magic Kingdom. With your kids being past the little kid stuff (maybe), they might be satisfied with the few hours of e-night for the MK which would give you add'l time at the other parks without paying for an add'l hopper day. (Add this potential savings along with parking fees in figuring if you are better on-site or off-site).

No matter how good the shuttle service at an off-site hotel is, I would suggest paying the extra money for parking your own vehicle on-site. You can leave it at one park and still use bus transport from one park to another. Just leave enough time at the end of the day to get back to your car. We waited up to an hour at times for the off-site bus to get there (BOTH DIRECTIONS!!!) Not pleasant when you are hot and tired. That's one of the reasons I am now an 'on-site' girl.

If you do a sit-down meal, I would suggest trying to share (not at a buffet of course), but maybe order 2 entrees for the 3 kids? Or share something with the youngest. This will save the cost of one whole persons meal. Drink water instead of soda (glasses of water are free). Your body needs it!!! Visit allearsnet.com for menus for the different restaurants and parks so you at least have a general idea of what you could be running into for prices.

Some of the cheaper things to do.....
Riding the monorail is free & you can do it on a day with no park admission
Playing mini-golf is not too bad & even cheaper off-site at Pirate's Cove or somewhere similar
Movie & marshmallow roast at Ft. Wilderness
Just splashing in your hotel pool
Spend an evening wandering thru Downtown Disney. Maybe take in a movie? Wander thru the stores to 'window-shop' only.

You have my sincere sympathy in your medical costs. That is one reason I am still paying off this years trip. A job change by DH sent us from $64 per month premium with a $50 deductible pp to $350 per mo premium with a $500 deductible plus $35 co-pays on 6 prescriptions per month!! Luckily that ended after 7 months but for us that was a huge budget demolisher!!! We lost about $5000 during those 7 months on that part of the job change alone.

 

[Disneysnel]

Hi,
I would love to take this challenge!

You did not say how long you want to go for or what your dates are so I will assume 5 night 6 days.

1. Room - Double Tree Suites at DTD has room enough for all of you and I have seen it go for 49.00 per night so lets say 70.00 in case the prices go up plus taxes AND if you stay here and book thru Deb Willis you will get free contenintal breakfast daily (based on double occupancy), it also includes a coffemaker,microwave and fridge which will help you keep food costs down. This also includes free transportation to all the parks. * you may have to pay a little more for the other 3 in your party? About 400.00

You will need to join Connections or Hotwire for this step and the following one but you can join for free and cancel after 30 days so this will be free.

2. Tickets - There are 4 parks and you are there for 6 days so assuming that you go to parks for 4 of the days and spend the other 2 traveling and at DTD or your hotel you will only need 4 day PHP's and since it will be too cold for water parks you won't need plusses so going thru one of the sites above these will be about 600.00 for the 12 and over and 160.00 for the 2 little ones.
About 760.00

3. Breakfasts & dinners - breakfast at the hotel everyday and then counter service dinners with vouchers that are 11.50 each, again thru the above websites and I think you will only need 3 or 4 (depending on your appetites) per meal.
6 x 4=24#11.50= 276.00

3. Lunch and Snacks - If you are flying you will need transportation from the airport and there are many that will include a quick stop at the grocery store and if your driving - all the better. Purchase water, drinks, sandwich fixin's, frozen stuff to make in the microwave and snacks and you can either bring your lunch to the parks or go back to your hotel and eat for a nice break. Bring your own drinks and snacks to the parks.
About 100.00

4. For spending money: give each of your kids an allowance for souveniers and games and that is all they get, a good idea is to have them earn it before they go (they will spend it much more carefully) and I would figure about 40.00 per day for the family. You will have tips to pay and may want to rent bicycles or boats at one of the Disney resorts and if you check these boards there are tons of ways (thru Disney credit cards, point programs, saving change, etc) on these boards to hellp earn this $.
3 kids X 50.00 + 6 days X 40.00 = 390.00

Total=2226.00!! (not including transortation)

I don't know how you are getting there but if you are flying you could sign up for "my yahoo" (free on yahoo) and edit your page to include airfares from your city and check it every morning and you will get the best fare possible.

If it turns out this is below your budget you may want to add a character breakfast (also with vouchers) which would be about another 86.00.
There are many other ways of saving and the wonderful people on these boards will post them daily so keep checking for ways to save!

If you decide to do any of these and need help (or a clearer explanation - lol). Please feel free to PM me anytime and good luck to you and your family!

 

[MARCIAKAZ]

We are also a family of 5, I'll share some ideas we used on our first ever trip to WDW last August.

About souvenirs: as some others have said, establish the amount each child may spend. Our kids each had $20 Disney dollars of their own that we purchased at our local Disney store before the trip. In addition, we told them that we'd go to the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney at the end of our trip, and buy them each a "special" souvenir (I budgeted $30 per person for this). Planning the buying for the end of the trip cut back on the "I wants" a LOT!

About lodging: we stayed in a three bedroom condo in Windsor Palms for less than $600 for 7 nights. It was very nice, close to the parks and spacious. We rented from a private owner we found through this website: www.VRBO.com In february, you may be able to do even better.

About eating: with a kitchen, we had all but 2 breakfasts in the condo. Depending on what time of year you're going, if the parks are closing earlier, then you can eat some of your dinners there too. Though not exactly cheap, I do suggest planning to eat your lunch in the park, it's such a timesaver. We 5 did counter service (without any meal sharing) for about $45-$50 per meal. Carry snacks with you (granola bars, peanut butter crackers, etc...). If you can afford it plan for one special snack like Mickey ice cream bars.

About tickets: I agree with the poster who suggested 4 day hoppers--not plus. 4 park days will make for a more satisfying trip. Although the water parks are great, I think they're something pretty easy to give up if you are trying to go "light".

In general: pay for any and everything you can in advance...it cuts back on the stress as you plan your trip. We paid for our park passes by buying them one at a time as we could. We paid for our condo rental ahead of time--deposit first, balance later. Also, buy Disney dollars or traveler's checks as you go. Every time I paid for another piece of our trip, I relaxed a little more. Budget by living frugally now...and if necessary, prepare the family for living frugally for a little while after the trip.

I hope everything works out and you have a great trip!

 

[yecats]

Sorry to hear that small problems are knocking holes in your budget but it's wonderful that your still going. As you have 3 kids and are driving your vehicle, then I would suggest staying offsite. Please look into a site called Skyauction.com. The closest condo resort is called Silverlake and you can bid to win a 2 bedroom to stay at Silverlake for $300 plus change for one week. You really need to read and understand what your getting before bidding but plenty of people on the offsite board (here on the dis) can help you there and let you know of there experiences there. Silverlake is a condo resort right next to Animal Kingdom with easy access to Disney property or restaurants in Kissimmee, FL which are cheaper than eating on property. There are also plenty of other properties (with larger nicer pools that many have mentioned above) that can be won but you may pay double than at Silverlake plus not be as close to Disney. Good thing about renting condo's are you have more rooms for everyone to spread out, have washer/dryer and can wash clothes (less to pack) and can easily eat breakfast items and maybe make a few dinner items as well (this always saves money).

There are 2 Park Hopper options for you to look into. Try a site called Ticketmania.com for a 3 day park hopper pass or a 4 day park hopper pass. Also join Mousesavers.com (free) as she gets special options for some passes from them but you have to join her site to get the newsletter with special pricing.

Look at the top of this budget board for possible food vouchers. Best bet is to eat lunch on property as it will same a lot of time (in that you won't have to leave the parks, go back to resort, fix lunch, eat and then head back to the hotel). However, eating in parks (both at counter service and sitdown rest. is expensive) check out menus at wdwig.com and this includes prices. I would say that an adult and one kid can share an occasional meal (Ie. Columbia Harbor House, chicken strips meal gave 4 nice sized chicken strips and a ton of fries which I could've easily shared and I can eat. This can save a little money but is a bigger savings in time.

Lastly, if you decide to go with 3 day park hopper at Disney, that still leaves you with a couple of days there with nothing to do. I would suggest that you take a look at Universal Studios website for possible passes there. They frequently have 5 day consecutive adult tickets for $100 per person. We bought these for a trip in 2002 and used 3 of the 5 days in between our Disney tickets and it really worked out well (all in all we hit 6 different parks in 10 days and had a lot of fun). Also the ride to US is only about a 15/20 min. ride from Disney.

Have fun and a great time planning your trip.

 

[Took]

I am going to offer a little different advice. In offering my suggestions, I'm assuming you want to make the most of the three days or so that you will be at WDW. Since you're going in Feb., you will already experience shorter park hours, and I want to help you see the most in the time you'll be there.

Hotel: Stay on site. POR allows for five in a room (a bit cramped, I admit) with the trundle bed. Your youngest should fit OK in that. You will then be able to either drive to the parks and park for free OR use Disney transportation and avoid the hassles of parking altogether. You will also be eligible for the extra magic hour each morning (when crowds are low, anyway) which should help you see more and enjoy it more than if you were to come to the park with the rest of the crowds.

Food: Yes, bring food for breakfast and one other meal that you can eat in your room. If you're close by, then going back to the room for a mid-day break and lunch should be no problem. Have dinner in the parks at a counter service restaurant, preferably using the meal vouchers that disneysnel mentioned. Three or four vouchers will feed you all and you'll get dessert, a nice and inexpensive treat.

Of course, as one poster said, take all suggestions with a grain of saltl--if the suggestions don't seem like they'd work for your crew, then try something else. The options others have offered should give you some good ideas on budgeting for your trip.

I also second the "save in advance" approach to WDW--put some money away each week (we do extra little things like saving change and rebates to make WDW money) for your trip. That way, some of the trip (at least) is paid for up front.

Good luck,
Took

 

[crazelion]

1. Do a Wed through Sunday trip. aka Weekend Trip to WDW That way won't staying a whole week.

2. Stay at hotel that offer free breakfeast to save money.

3. Shop outside WDW for souvenirs because get some excellent bargins. You can find T-shirts 3 for 5.00 that say Orlando Florida everywhere. Another souvenirs cheap idea is take pictures at WDW with your camera to save money.

4. Do one day tickets.

5. Do dinner offsite to save money. There is a billion coupons saying kids eat free or buy one get free. From coupons books. They are florida welcome centers and other places.

6. Bring a simple lunch to hold dinner until get somewhere cheap. I would simple
sandwiches, chips, and water.


Hotel websites

hotelkingdom.com
hotels.com
http://www.hotelmartusa.com/

Check tripadvsior.com for hotel reviews. Also you check Orlando and Attractions board on this site to hotel reviews.

Found the Hawthorn Suites at Sea World for 79.00 a night and they offer a free hot breakfeast "The selections on the complimentary buffet vary daily and include eggs, sausage, ham, or bacon, pancakes, waffles, or biscuits n' gravy, oatmeal, cereals, fresh fruit, coffee, milk, hot chocolate, tea and juices. "


Wed.
Leave Wed mouring and arrive at the hotel that night. Let the kids check out the hotel pool.

Thursday
Breakfeast at the hotel
Heads to park all day because they close early
Head to food place that allow kids eat free or have a coupon buy one get one free.

Friday do same all over again

Saturday do same over again

Sunday head home.

Get Gas in Georgia because they have cheap gas.

Bring food with you to cut down on fast food stops to eat. That adds fast.

Best tip of all go Windowing showing in some the outlets because they have excellent deals and plus it free.

 

[femail]

i think you need to help us help you by stating what is most important.. the food? security? wdw itself? will you be able to go sunup-sundown?? and what is your approximate budget?? i love to save money; i had a used furniture store for some years and i love to save on everything... but it's easier if i know what you're using to save...
also, consider the entertainment book... you could buy one for your home town if you would use it and it has lots to offer... they will offer you another book for less as time goes on in the year and usually free shipping.. it paid for itself with just one coupon this year... and it gave me the best discount on car rental there, etc etc.. k2

 

[tink2dw]

HOW TO PLAN YOUR BUDGET TRIP

Now you can start deciding what are the things that are "must do's" and "must see's." and decide the length of your trip.

Then decide on the tickets you will need here.
http://www.mousesavers.com/tickets.html

To keep an EYE on All the discounts for on-site and off-site resorts check here often and sign up for the MouseSavers.com newsletter to get all the best news.
http://www.mousesavers.com/wdw.html

For Air fares sign up at all the Airline Web sites that fly out of your airport that fly to Orlando or MCO in airline speak. Then Check Expedia,Travelocity for airline deals. Also check out the Transporation Board air,car deals.
http://www.disboards.com/

Start a WDW change jar to save for your trip.[there are many tips here on this
board!!]

Also you can decide where you will want to eat and start making plans to make your food budget and check the Priority Seatings Calculator to know when you can make PS's some are as far out as 730 Days.
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining.htm

Also to help decide where to eat you can find menu's at Deb's wdw site,this works 2 ways to see where to eat what,and how much it costs, to finalize the food budget.
http://www.wdwig.com/menu/menus.htm

Tropical Palms FunResort
This is a great money saver for families!! Check out their web site!
http://www.tropicalpalms.com/

Well,this should get you start on a thousand more Questions!! So,don't be shy! Ask away!! The kind members here will share what they know! So,check back often!!

tink2dw

 

[bianca]

Two words ....... Fort Wilderness. If you are able to handle camping at ALL, then please try the Fort. You will get all the Disney Magic you can stand at the nicest resort in the country! Because there is so much to do at FW, your kids will barely realize they aren't in the parks (which you can't say about a hotel room). At FW you can have up to 10 people on your site (not 4 like the standard Disney hotel room). You can eat many of your meals right at camp, and when you're "splurging" you can head down to Trail's End for one of the best meals on property for a fraction of the character meal prices. Of course, if you despise camping, none of this will help ...... just thought I'd offer another perspective.

 

[gardendame]

Wow! I am so happy I posted this project! I am hearing lots of great ideas. Some are posting things I have already heard of, but some are posting unique plans too. So far, I can take bits and pieces of everyone's project and plan a great trip.
Keep those ideas coming! My stress level is going down - I am seeing that this trip is entirely possible!

Edited to add: Please ignore the counter at the bottom. It was a bit depressing to post, then see that we should already be there according to our original plans. I need to go back and re-do the counter thing................

 

[gardendame]

Off to a great start!! Used the new room only codes and booked 5 nights at POR for $85 per night!!!
I love these boards!

 

[fam4jc]

Hi! I know how much you are all looking forward to this trip! And I know what kind of pressure that puts on the planner...YOU! I have a few suggestions, just mho

1. Start a notebook with all your ideas and notes taken regarding lodging pricing ect. That way you will have all your information in one spot and can read, re-read, talk.... before you finalize your plans.

2. Lodging - I agree with the other posters, I would highly recomend staying onsite for such a short trip. It really makes a big difference and it is so much a part of the Disney experience.

Have you thought about the campground? It is really very, very nice and inexpensive. You can cook or eat out. You are right in the heart of the Magic Kingdom area and the campground itself has many activities to offer.

If you don't have a tent, there is probably someone you could borrow one from. You can even put two tents or a pop up and a tent on the same site. Going in Feb I would bring an electric space heater for cold nights, but that is part of the fun of camping. There is a great section on these boards just about the campground.

There are codes out right now for your timeframe so you can go online to disneyworld.com and put in your dates for room only and check pricing for different resorts. POR is the only moderate that will sleep 5 or you would need two rooms at a value.

3. Eating - You could spend very little, or tons. If you were camping or staying off-site with a kitchen you could eat mostly in your room but that means you will be working every day just like at home! I would definately budget for atleast one character meal ($125 for a breakfast aprx). It is such a great experience and I think it is a must for your family, especially if you don't think you will be getting to go back.

Well that's about everything new from me. You've received some great ideas, have fun sorting everything out and planning for your family! Just ask if you have more questions.

 

[Trixiezzz]

Here are my tips:

1. REWARD CREDIT CARD:
Earn $1 for every $100 you spend on your Disney tickets, room, meals, etc. Adds up fast! Try Disney Visa or other.


2. REWARDS WEBSITE:
Join "Creations Rewards" and "Quick Rewards" and earn free Disney dollars for shopping, joining clubs (Simple Escapes) and just clicking on links. They both pay out in Disney Dollars or cash or gift certificates.


3. JOIN SIMPLE ESCAPES:
Quick Rewards will PAY YOU $4.75 for joining "Simple Escapes", a sister club to Hotwire Savings Club. The 30-day "free" membership will cost you $1. Join around the 15th of the month, buy all you want, get credited for any giftcards on the 3rd of the next month, call and cancel on the 12 or 13th of next month....and you'll save a TON on Park passes & meals for the total cost of $1.00.

**BUY FROM SIMPLE ESCAPES****

A) PARK PASSES:
Lowest prices around: A 4-Day Park Hopper PLUS is only $208.96 adult and $167.75 child (includes tax, tip & shipping). This gives you 4 Days in parks and 1 day in Waterpark. Unused days never expire.

B) MEAL VOUCHERS:
Buy Quick & Casual vouchers for $11.50 each. (w/free shipping) Consider sharing one voucher between 2 people at meals.

C) RESTAURANT GIFTCARDS:
Buy $25 Giftcards for $20 for the trip to WDW or for eating offsite. (You pay $25 then receive a $5 refund on your credit card on 3rd of month after joining). $25 GCs are available for:

Burger King®
Bahama Breeze®
Bennigan's Irish American Grill & Tavern
Chuck E. Cheese's
Hard Rock Cafe
KFC®
Olive Garden®
Outback Steakhouse
Planet Hollywood
Red Lobster®
Smokey Bones® BBQ & Sports Bar
Steak & Ale®

After you buy your gift cards, watch for 2-for-1 coupons, or buy them on eBay. Merchants are happy for you to use both a coupons and a gift card for one meal.


D) SIGN UP FOR AN ING ACCOUNT:
Open this on-line Bank Savings Account and they'll pay you $25 to open your account. Then refer your DH and children: they will each receive $25 and you'll get $10 each for referring them. If you know some other friends or family who'll open an account, you make even more. THIS REALLY ADDS UP!


E) BUY SOME SOUVENIRS BEFORE:
Look at all the posts for cool Disney items on this board. Buy some and present to your children every day to "Minimize" how much of the higher-priced stuff you buy at the park.

That's my .02 worth. Hope it helps!

~Trixie