AP Story: Penny-pinchers guide to Disney on a dime

[xmlguy]

I am not confused at all. I know that parking is included with the AP, but we prefer to stay on site, it is much more convenient for us. We drive down so we have our van, but we are on vacation and prefer to park and ride resort transportation, especially since I have to use an ECV. Before my mom passed, it was so much easier to get an accessible room on site for her and she loved staying on site (so glad I was able to make that possible) and it just never entered my mind to stay offsite, until I looked into it one time and we decided against it and won't do it. We love the ease of the dining plan and we love the Disney food ALOT.

I think you misunderstood my comment where I highlighted what you said about "and by the time you add in parking, I don't see the savings" and then later saying you were an AP holder. It makes no sense to talk about not seeing savings when you add in parking - when as an AP holder you don't pay for parking. I wasn't referring to your preference to stay on-property. For AP holders, the cost of parking is irrelevant, so the savings are very real when you compare the cost of hotels. As an AP holder, when I pay $25+tax a night, that's what I really pay, with no additional costs to offset those savings.

I completely agree that if you enjoy the benefits of staying on-property and you can afford it, then it's very reasonable for you to get exactly what you want. Many of the WDW resorts are worthwhile destinations on their own merit, even if you don't go to any of the parks. In fact, it's rather sad when families don't get to enjoy their hotels very much because they do such short trips and spend all of their time trying to "see everything" on an overly ambitious schedule.

 

[Ava]

I've stayed both on-site and off-site, and much prefer to stay on-site. I enjoy the experience of being immersed in Disney 24/7. Also, I don't own a car and hardly ever drive so to me the stress of renting a car and trying to drive around Orlando is not worth any money I'd save by staying off-site. I'm used to taking public transportation, so waiting for a bus - even a crowded one - is no big deal to me. To me staying on-site is what really makes it a Disney vacation.

I'm sure we could argue back & forth all day about the merits of off-site vs on-site, but it really just comes down to personal preference.

 

[CarolA]

I used to always stay on site.

But sadly Disney keeps raising prices and has not raised quality or service

So......

Now I travel extensively and I think that impacts my view. I spend a LOT of nights in hotels so "staying in a hotel" is NOT exactly an exciting event. And it takes more then "cute" to make me happy LOL!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

I think you misunderstood my comment where I highlighted what you said about "and by the time you add in parking, I don't see the savings" and then later saying you were an AP holder. It makes no sense to talk about not seeing savings when you add in parking - when as an AP holder you don't pay for parking. I wasn't referring to your preference to stay on-property. For AP holders, the cost of parking is irrelevant, so the savings are very real when you compare the cost of hotels. As an AP holder, when I pay $25+tax a night, that's what I really pay, with no additional costs to offset those savings.

I completely agree that if you enjoy the benefits of staying on-property and you can afford it, then it's very reasonable for you to get exactly what you want. Many of the WDW resorts are worthwhile destinations on their own merit, even if you don't go to any of the parks. In fact, it's rather sad when families don't get to enjoy their hotels very much because they do such short trips and spend all of their time trying to "see everything" on an overly ambitious schedule.

I meant for those that don't get an AP, they do still have to pay for parking. I think it my post that you quoted I was posting about the same time you were, so I didn't see your comment.

I make it so we can afford it. I will do without alot of stuff (nonsense stuff to me) to have what I really enjoy. We weren't able to travel when I was a child, except to my aunts who lived in Atlanta and that was not traveling to me and now that I am grown and have discovered Disney, I love the memories I have, especially the ones with mom and being able to take her for the first time.

Suzanne

 

[buzz5985]

Many of us enjoy Disney parks and theming, without feeling in any way obligated to "enjoy" overpriced food and lodging. I find paying extra for things I don't want or need to be less enjoyable. I don't mind paying for things I want, if it represents a value. The average quality and value of counter service at WDW is pathetic.

Supply and demand - normal market forces - don't work the same under monopoly conditions. Disney uses monopoly power to maintain higher prices for lodging on its property that it otherwise would be able to charge. Fortunately, Disney couldn't buy up all of Orlando, which is good for those of us who can enjoy the parks without having to pay $200+ a day to rest our heads and find good food nearby.

I even go to some of the _best_ fine dining that Disney has to offer, with the savings. I usually go to Victoria and Alberts at least once per trip, as well as the California Grill, Le Cellier, Bistro/Les Chefs, etc.. Just not on a nightly basis. I wonder, do you? Or is your budget too strapped paying for your package with "free dining" to enjoy the truly superior restaurants?

This isn't really a fair conversation for me to have with you, since I'm a Disney Vacation Club owner so I'm not exactly "strapped" as you put it. Is my portfolio as padded as it was last November?? No, but it will come back. LOL I hope.

I bought 2 contracts resale, so saved a pretty penny there. We also love to bring family with us - at no charge to them - so they can share in the magic. Last summer my DS and family enjoyed a 2 BR at OKW, while my family and DF were in another 2 BR. In this situation we will cook in a lot - because it is about family time - and if our kids start screaming - we can send them to their room. LOL I do watch what I spend - but that is just how I was brought up. I also get a $100 discount on AP's, and we tend to get at least 21 days if not more on those passes. And since we have the AP we are eligible for the TIW card. So we save money there not only on meals but also liqueur.

I also think about where you are from colors how expensive you think Disney is. I live near Boston and I don't find the meal prices that out of line with what I pay here. To go to a local Roast Beef Sandwich place our family of 3 spends over $30 on take out and that doesn't include drinks. But one thing I can see - we can find real pizza up here. Haven't found any south of NJ yet.

Janis

 

[xmlguy]

This isn't really a fair conversation for me to have with you, since I'm a Disney Vacation Club owner so I'm not exactly "strapped" as you put it. Is my portfolio as padded as it was last November?? No, but it will come back. LOL I hope.

I bought 2 contracts resale, so saved a pretty penny there. We also love to bring family with us - at no charge to them - so they can share in the magic. Last summer my DS and family enjoyed a 2 BR at OKW, while my family and DF were in another 2 BR. In this situation we will cook in a lot - because it is about family time - and if our kids start screaming - we can send them to their room. LOL I do watch what I spend - but that is just how I was brought up. I also get a $100 discount on AP's, and we tend to get at least 21 days if not more on those passes. And since we have the AP we are eligible for the TIW card. So we save money there not only on meals but also liqueur.

I also think about where you are from colors how expensive you think Disney is. I live near Boston and I don't find the meal prices that out of line with what I pay here. To go to a local Roast Beef Sandwich place our family of 3 spends over $30 on take out and that doesn't include drinks. But one thing I can see - we can find real pizza up here. Haven't found any south of NJ yet.

I think your style of vacation is very budget conscious, in an entirely positive way, even though you probably spend a lot more than I do. Buying DVC resale instead of retail is frugal, when compared to more expensive options on-property that offer less amenities. Your park cost per day is reasonable by using the AP, and the discounts you use add value too. I'm all for frugality, even when you spend more than the minimum possible, because you still get a lot more for your money by taking the effort to choose your spending wisely.

As far as NY style pizza goes, I can't help ya there for Florida options.