Any Savings suggestions for a Christmas Trip??

[sheriff_john]

We had a rough Christmas this year losing a dear brother/uncle unexpectedly. We have decided to forego our traditional family Christmas next year and try to ensure we find some of that magic that was lost last year.

I read some trip reports and was wowed, I never realized how packed WDW was over Christmas.

I would like some budget and planning tips to maximize our trip. (the boards allowed me to extend our first stay 2 days for no more money)

Current Plans are to be in WDW From December 20-26. It Me the wife and 3 kids, DS 16, DD 10, DD7. Our last trips were to POR and we loved staying in the magic but are open to new ideas.

We will be driving from Houston.

Thanks

 

[maggiew]

I think the biggest savings will come with arriving at the resort during VALUE season. For example, this year value season ends on Dec. 19th and Holiday season begins on Dec. 20th. If you arrive on the 19th, you pay value season rates for YOUR WHOLE STAY. If you arrive on the 20th, you pay HOLIDAY rate for YOUR WHOLE STAY.

So, for example at POR standard view:

Value season: $133 * 6 nights = $798
Holiday: $184 * 6 = $1104

Maggie

 

[macs4us]

At busy times of year, I would be hard pressed to stay off property and give up early entry. WDW resort discounts for that time of year usually become available in August, but can come as early as July and as late as October. Check Mary's site mousesavers.com, and sign up for the newsletter. If a new deal comes out, it will be on her front page, and newsletter subscribers get special discount offers on passes. If you know where you want to stay, and you have AAA, you can try to book that rate now, and if a code comes out that is lower, try to change later. Also consider the Entertainment rate at Swan/Dolphin, and renting points from a DVC member.

We also joined mypoints, and earn points by clicking through emails. I have redeemed for gas cards, wal mart gift cards, and webbies to purchase food vouchers. You should join and always check mypoints, ebates, greenpoints, etc., before shopping for things online. I just put the savings aside for our trips.

I am so sorry for your loss. We have had something similar happen in our family, and understand how you want to go somewhere magical (we went to Disneyland, since it's closer). Christmas at WDW is the best!!! We bring our Disney Christmas decorations, and like to stay in a Ft. Wilderness Cabin so it feels like our own little place. Just keep an eye on the boards, and you will find out about the latest deals.

 

[sheriff_john]

Thanks for the info.
We can push arrival up 24 hours to save that kind of cash.
Yall are the best!
We've never even visited Wilderness Lodge, we will have to research it. It could provide a neat change from our last visits.

 

[zurgswife]

We spent Dec 20 until Jan 4 there this past year and it was awesome..

Bring lights and stuff from home to give your room a Christmas feel....we bought a cheap 4 ft tree and decorated it and put lights on the balcony.

The crowds were large but weren't absolutely horrible until Dec 25. we took advantage of EE and fast passes...these two things will be your best friends as they will assist you to do more things especially in the MK...but beware that fast passes to epcot attractions were gone by early morning....which means you can get a fast past at 10am and it could be for 5pm that evening...
Don't try to do everything....you can't don't ruin your vacation..

Christmas is a great time of year but if you go in know about the crowds and plan that they will be there then it is doable...