Any tips on coming from California on a budget?

[temple4]

I also posted this on the budget board. We went to Disney World in June 2002 and had a wonderful time. It was me, DH, DDs (2 and 5 then), my sister and her 2DDs (6 and 10) and my mother. We live in California and money is not as available as it was in the past. Has anyone come from California without spending too much? Just airfare alone for my family runs us about $800 at least. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. We don't even have to stay onsite, but would like a nice hotel. We usually can only go when the kids are out of school. So that means summer or Presidents Week. Spring Break and Christmas are a little too crowded for us. President's Week might be a little bit easier on my mother.

 

[pnelson]

Well, I am up in the East Bay, so I have a few more options as far as airports. In the past, we have found the best fares at either San Jose or Sacramento-not Oakland. Also, do you have an airfare credit card? We always manage to get at least 1 free ticket. It might be too late for this trip, but I would look into it since your kids are young. I don't have much else to say...I would not stay offsite, however. That's just my preference.

 

[IandGsmom]

Another person from Bay Area
This will be our first trip and I am constantly looking for ways to save $$. Travelocity.com is a great way to keep an eye on airfare (sooo expensive from CA) and also the Visa deal that ends tomorrow saved us a few bucks.

 

[temple4]

Thanks for the info. This will help us get a trip going for next year.

 

[pnelson]

Actually, San Jose has some of the best airfare to Orlando. Last year, when we went, it was $187/roundtrip. This year on Thanksgiving it was $225. Pretty good fares, but these were redeyes which we love...The time goes so fast when you end up sleeping for most of the flight.