Annoyed at how much the "nice" Disney hotels cost

[fuzzylogic]

Hey booked a trip for WDW and are staying at the Boardwalk Inn....We booked it for 7 nights but 2 of those nights are free! I thought we got a pretty decent deal! Of course, now we need to figure out how we're going to buy food while we are there....

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
I was. I actually got on a pretty good financial plan, and already have knocked 1K off that debt since I posted that message; close to knocking off 2K.

That is great news!! Debt can be a nightmare to live with. DH and I have managed to be debt (and credit card) free for several years now and life is so much less stressful.

Anyhooo....I can't comment on DVC except to say I'd have to buy a whole lot of points to go as much as we do.

We bought a timeshare here in VA with a low maintance fee and have been able to get bonus weeks in Orlando for $149 a week. Best purchase I have ever made.

Also, if you consider getting an AP, you can get AKL for a steal. We stayed there in 2003 and it was divine. My dream is to stay at the Poly but I just can't shell out that much money for a room that I won't spend that much time in.

 

[ead79]

My husband and I are not wealthy by any stretch either. As other posters mentioned, we just see trips to WDW as a major priority and budget (very strictly) to afford them. Of course, there are other things we could do with the money. Some of our friends prefer to have nice cars instead of vacations, so that's basically just another example of priorities. We prefer vacations and they prefer cars, and to each his/her own. When we go to WDW we divide up the cost of the trip by 12 months and save the exact amount we will need each month. That way we can pay cash when the trip arrives. We also have annual passes that are great for getting resort discounts, and we have the Disney Visa (we use the card reward points to buy souvenirs). Hope that helps! Oh and congrats on paying down your debt!

 

[dmadman43]

Originally posted by beattyfamily
I bought my resale back in 2001 at A Timeshare.com Jaki was great!!!!

I think I paid $65 (plus closing fees) back then! Then I bought another 100 through Disney last May! Now I have plenty for our family of 4 (270 for our family of 4).

That's where we bought our OKW points (because it had long been sold and we like that resort the best of all the DVC resorts so far).

Keep in mind the Disney is also buying up a lot of those resales so they can sell them at a higher rate through DVC. So, act fast of you see something you want.

 

[Margie J]

I was "thinking" of looking into this for myself as a future investment,

DVC is not an investment, if you are looking to make money off it in the future (such as real estate or stocks). Yes, a few Members rent points for profit but you may need a good amount of points to do it for that purpose. Since DVC Membership is also for a limited number of years it can become less attractive as a resale as the years click away. We haven't seen a huge effect on resales yet but I'd imagine as we get closer to 2042 we will. So, DVC isn't part of my retirement package 'cause who will want to buy my OKW points for $250/point in 2035, for example. JMHO and speculation.

DVC is a prepaid, quality vacation plan or an "investment" in your vacations.

 

[Nancy]

When we were there in May we were told they were selling for Saratoga Springs. We stayed very close to that area...we were at the Hotel Royal Plaza...which is very nice by the way....we paid 69.00 per night for a room that slept 5 people very comfortably (thanks to Mousesavers) I really want to do DVC, but my husband didn't want to wait for the shuttle to go to SS so we got to look through the book a bit. I wish we could have went through the Boardwalk, DH would have been willing to discuss it on the spot, but now that he has had time to think about it...forget it. I think it's a great deal. We only go to Disney every 2 or 3 years so banking would be good for us.....plus I like the idea that there are many other places to go to so you are not limited to Disney.


Back to the original topic...I wish the rooms were more geared to larger families. I like to stay on-site but I just can't afford those rates...even with the discounts. And the moderates and values only sleep 4...I'd have to get rid of one of my family members to stay there.

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX

Ah to win the lottery someday, right?

I have no idea how old you are, but let me just tell you - we couldn't afford to even go to WDW until my DD was 6, and then we stayed at the Days Inn. We didn't get to go back for 4 years, and then we stayed at moderates for years. I never stayed at a delux until I was 40!

Now, we can afford to go often and stay in nice place (pretty stuck on the Poly, and I'm always working the angles for a good rate!!) but when my family and I see young families at the deluxes we say, "Gee it must be nice! ".

If you are younger, be patient. You'll appreciated the deluxes more when you are older, can really afford them, and have not always had the luxury of staying at them.

I hope this doesn't come off as condescending, it's just that I think when you're young you just can't picture how life will be in 5 or 10 years.

Of course, if you are young and can afford it...good for you! I just think some younger families picture the delux people always having afforded a delux -- this one did not!

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by aprincessmom

In my case I make a comfortable living for DD and I. Travel is a priority to us. We lived without living room furniture for three years (just brought in the patio furniture in the winter) because it was more fun using that money to go places instead of just sitting on the couch talking about where we wanted to go.

That is how it is for me..I am a single mom of a 4 year old daughter and we love to travel....I don't need a plasma tv or anything like that, I would rather travel...this year in May we took the Disney cruise, in August we are goign t oDisney (not staying expensive, just at Port Orleans and for the buy 5 get 2 free days special) then in April we are taking the Disney cruise again...but that is how I like to live, I like going places, during the summer we do weekend trips to wildwoood, nj, poconos, water parks etc...I make a decent salary, the house is paid off (mom actually signed her house over to me so that is sort of cheating LOL)...all year long on my pay I claim zero deductions and then when income tax time comes I get back 5,000+ and that usually covers a trip or two.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by auntpolly
I hope this doesn't come off as condescending, it's just that I think when you're young you just can't picture how life will be in 5 or 10 years.

Of course, if you are young and can afford it...good for you! I just think some younger families picture the delux people always having afforded a delux -- this one did not!

Not condescending at all, but I'm not that young.

 

[WDWLVR]

It is all about priorities. We love to travel and we love Disney so we plan a trip every year. This amazes some of our friends and co-workers who wonder how we do it. Yet these are the same people who go out to eat 3-4 times a week, go out drinking at least 1-2 times a week and go to the movies every week. We don't do any of that. So our priority is a great vacation and their priority is weekly entertainment. Nothing wrong with either - just what is right for each couple/family.

When my mom died in 1997 we did inherit a little bit of money and so have been able to afford DVC. It was absolutely a great fit for us but we had never looked into it before because we couldn't afford it. Now we get to stay in a one bedroom villa at our Boardwalk home and I'm in heaven!

We've stayed at almost all the Disney resorts from All-Star Movies to the Grand Floridian (for our honeymoon). We've made the most of each and enjoyed each and every trip.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by WDWLVR
It is all about priorities. We love to travel and we love Disney so we plan a trip every year. This amazes some of our friends and co-workers who wonder how we do it. Yet these are the same people who go out to eat 3-4 times a week, go out drinking at least 1-2 times a week and go to the movies every week. We don't do any of that. So our priority is a great vacation and their priority is weekly entertainment. Nothing wrong with either - just what is right for each couple/family.

When my mom died in 1997 we did inherit a little bit of money and so have been able to afford DVC. It was absolutely a great fit for us but we had never looked into it before because we couldn't afford it. Now we get to stay in a one bedroom villa at our Boardwalk home and I'm in heaven!

We've stayed at almost all the Disney resorts from All-Star Movies to the Grand Floridian (for our honeymoon). We've made the most of each and enjoyed each and every trip.

The thing is, and the reason I get upset, is that we don't eat out, ever. We had a cheap meal in an outdoor cafe on the 4th and that was the first "out" meal we have had in months; possibly since our last Disney trip.

We do not drink. We rarely buy things for ourselves. We spend out money on rent and utilities and car. We have little to no "fun" money (unless you count rountine care for our dog).

I have not bought new clothes in over a year. I buy maybe one cd a year. I do not buy books. I work for a huge publisher so I get a lot of free books; otherwise I borrow from the library. I do not buy DVDs; this is why we have cable (which DBF can't live without).

We eat cheap. We clip coupons. We really do not spend a lot of money on unneeded things. We live in a closet of an apartment and we can only afford that because we know the landlords son so he has not raised our rent. (rents in MA are unreal)

I've looked for other employment. No luck. DBF is happy with his job and does not want to find a job that pays more. I'm actually happy with my job too, but I'd leave it in an instant for better pay.

So I guess I just don't know how to respond to all the folks who say that travel is a priority and they don't spend money on other things. We don't spend money on other things either.

 

[ScarlettO]

EsmeraldaXEsmeraldaX
I also live paycheck to paycheck. Having even an extra $60 a week is a HUGE deal for me.


I'm almost 28. I make less money ($30K) than most of the people I know who just graduated college.

Well, I for one want to know your financial secret. A month ago you were living paycheck to paycheck and now you've downed your debt by almost $2k.Wow.

My Boyfriend(now DH) and I went to WDW once in our twenties...we camped in our van. Didn't go again until our late 30's and stayed in a Moderate and were thrilled with our trip. I really don't feel the accomadations are that important for a fun trip. For someone in your financial situation, just be happy you go so much.

 

[Eeyore1954]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
The thing is, and the reason I get upset, is that we don't eat out, ever. We had a cheap meal in an outdoor cafe on the 4th and that was the first "out" meal we have had in months; possibly since our last Disney trip.

We do not drink. We rarely buy things for ourselves. We spend out money on rent and utilities and car. We have little to no "fun" money (unless you count rountine care for our dog).

I have not bought new clothes in over a year. I buy maybe one cd a year. I do not buy books. I work for a huge publisher so I get a lot of free books; otherwise I borrow from the library. I do not buy DVDs; this is why we have cable (which DBF can't live without).

We eat cheap. We clip coupons. We really do not spend a lot of money on unneeded things. We live in a closet of an apartment and we can only afford that because we know the landlords son so he has not raised our rent. (rents in MA are unreal)

I've looked for other employment. No luck. DBF is happy with his job and does not want to find a job that pays more. I'm actually happy with my job too, but I'd leave it in an instant for better pay.

So I guess I just don't know how to respond to all the folks who say that travel is a priority and they don't spend money on other things. We don't spend money on other things either.

I don't understand why you get upset because of the choices you make. The place you live, the things you buy or don't buy, the extras you decide to have (pets, cable), and your employment situation are all things within your control. Your income is also within your control ... there are higher-paying jobs available, maybe not in your immediate area, but there is the option to relocate to another state in order to work for more money. Your DBF has made a choice that obviously limits your discretionary income. From what you've posted it appears that the situation you find yourself in is one of your own creation/choice.

If you want more discretionary income for travel, then you have to make some difficult choices, such as, giving up some things in your current situation (pets, cable, etc.) OR find a higher paying job, which may require you to relocate.

If one chooses to remain where they are and not make any changes, then one shouldn't complain about not being able to afford deluxe travel.

 

[snoopy]

I think at 28 its pretty common to live paycheck to paycheck and have no room for extras. Especially in your larger cities where the cost of city is higher.

Oh, and btw, to me, 28 is pretty young. You've got a lot of years to save for deluxe. Things may look bleak now but as we get older more opportunities present themselves. Keep your eyes open for new opportunities and new ways to save money -- for me and DH the thing that put us in the "comfortable with some extras" lifestyle was buying real estate and using it for investment purposes. Others I know invested in stock and saw their money increase tenfold. You have to take risks and be willing to never say never.

Good luck to you and congrats again on paying down some of your debt!

 

[auntpolly]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
Not condescending at all, but I'm not that young.

I think you're a bunch younger than me!!! A baby, actually, by the looks of your picture! I stay at the Poly, but I'm old and wrinkled!!!!!!!

 

[I_Know_You2!]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
If one chooses to remain where they are and not make any changes, then one shouldn't complain about not being able to afford deluxe travel.

Or at least don't complain on a slow day on the DIS!

 

[WDWLVR]

I agree with Eeyore on this - there are things you can change if you want to.

If you read my post at the bottom you will see that I said we have stayed at all levels and had just as much fun at All Stars as we have had at any other. In fact my very first visit to WDW was when I was 19 and went with my mom - we stayed at the Howard Johnson's!

Forgive me for saying so but you seem obbsessed with money. I can tell you first hand that money won't bring you happiness. Sure I would love to have more money. I would love to live in a bigger house. I would love for my DH to have a new car (right now he's in the middle of fixing up my mom's old '83 Regal as that is his daily driver). But we don't want to go into debt over these things. If you think moving to another job just because of the money will make you happy I fear you are letting yourself in for a letdown. If you don't enjoy what you are doing then look elsewhere. I've been through 2 layoffs and a number of wage freezes (one lasting over 4 years). After my first layoff I had to take a huge pay cut, but I got lots of lots of experience from that job that led to my next one.

I'm a cancer survivor and i learned long ago to appreciate everything life has to offer. So while we can afford DVC and enjoy the luxury it brings I'd be just as happy staying at Pop, or All-stars, or even Downtown Disney if it meant I could go and enjoy WDW with my DH. I think of all the people who can't even afford that and consider myself blessed.

Good luck in your search for more money and a way to stay at a Deluxe resort. I hope you find it everything you are looking for.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by Eeyore1954
I don't understand why you get upset because of the choices you make. The place you live, the things you buy or don't buy, the extras you decide to have (pets, cable), and your employment situation are all things within your control. Your income is also within your control ... there are higher-paying jobs available, maybe not in your immediate area, but there is the option to relocate to another state in order to work for more money. Your DBF has made a choice that obviously limits your discretionary income. From what you've posted it appears that the situation you find yourself in is one of your own creation/choice.

If you want more discretionary income for travel, then you have to make some difficult choices, such as, giving up some things in your current situation (pets, cable, etc.) OR find a higher paying job, which may require you to relocate.

If one chooses to remain where they are and not make any changes, then one shouldn't complain about not being able to afford deluxe travel.

Maybe you have the credentials to get a high paying job. I don't. And school costs money. I refuse to go into debt to go to school. I wasted 6 years of an education getting two useless degrees. I wish I'd used that time getting started at a real job instead.

I'm sorry but our dog costs us maybe an extra $10 a month. He is a part of our family and I would never give him up. He certainly does not drain us financially.

I have been trying for the last two years to get a better job. I like where I work thus in order to leave, I'd have to get more pay and decent benefits.

So far the only interviews I have been called to have been for similarly bad office jobs that pay the same.

I would personally love to move away. It would mean leaving my DBF who I have been with for the last 3.5 years. I don't doubt that one day I will end up making that choice. It would mean having to find a job somewhere else; and from the research I have done, unless you are a doctor or a lawyer or something, the income for menial office work is pretty proportional to the cost of living everywhere.

I AM trying to better myself. But high paying jobs with benefits are not that available.

 

[Hillbeans]

Esmeralda, you also have to know that many, many people that travel use credit cards, or have equity loans to pay for things. Not everyone is rolling in cash even though you may think they are.

My DH and I are 32/33 and we worked many menial jobs to get to the ones we're at now. My DH went back to school through his company to get his Masters and now he's up for a Management Job. I've been a supervisor now for 5 years, but 5 years prior tp that I was paid $23K as a clerk. Hard work will get you somewhere in life, so don't give up. We also bought our first house with every last cent we had, but we sold it 2 years ago for a very large profit and we both pinch ourselves for how lucky we were with that.

Keep your eyes open and perhaps something will open up. In addition, sometimes it's not what you know, but who you know.

 

[dkrause716]

There are definitely ways to stay at the deluxe hotels for way less than rack rate. In January I stayed at the GF with my mom, DS,DD and DN. Through a dreammaker package the room was $229 a night, split three ways--not bad. It was beautiful

DH and DS were very jealous that they were not able to go on this trip so......... we are going back in 5 days! First thing I did was decide that we would get APs. We are going for 9 days and these are actually cheaper than UPHs. I booked our rooms in March and then waited for the AP rates. (We are staying at WL 4 nights, BC 4 nights.) The day they came out I was on the phone immediately. Had to hang in there because as many of you know, their computers were down!! Yikes! Very stressful--and my 1st graders would be coming in any minute! The stress was worth it. I was able to get the WL for $114 and the BC for $214. This meant that I saved over $750 on our rooms!!! Wahoo!

We also lucked out and were able to snag $98 rt air on SW from Philly.

In addition, we are giving vouchers a try. I purchased quite few from HWSC and also some Planet Hollywood gcs at a discount.

This trip cost less than a Christmas week trip we did three years ago.


Just took a bit of work but well worth it!

We will go back at least one more time before the APs run out. We may stay in a moderate then. We'll see.

Definitley check out the Swan/Dolphin. They have great deals, especially if you are a teacher, nurse or gov employee.