Back In The Day The Most Inexpensive WDW Trip-$600

[justtobeme2]

About 15 years ago a girlfriend and I and her daughter went to WDW for 4 days DHS wasn't opened yet or AK. Drove over to Silver Springs, Fla (3 days) for the tour there and spent a total of 300.00 each (gas, food, lodging silver springs tickets) minus Park Tickets.

We went in February and more than decent hotels offsite were 29.00 per night (My sis still gets them in Feb for about 39.00 per night).

Gas was probably around 80 round trip.

We'd sleep in until about 8:30 or 9:00 get up go have a leisurely breakfast then head to the parks. We'd get a snack or CS during the day. We'd stay until the park closed because it closes earlier during the winter months. It was still warm enough to swim in the pool. Anyway, as we drove back to our hotel which was about 4 miles from disney we'd go have a nice sit down meal. Afterwards we'd go have a dip in the pool and head to bed.

We didn't have a lot of money and we felt that it was all about WDW and we could care less about staying onsite as long as the hotel was nice, and it was. And you had to drive or wait for a bus to take you to the park anyway. We were fugal but had a GREAT time. It can be done.

We have never been a family of long term planners. I actually find it hard to believe or do. I was raised in a family (Parents and 3 kids and ALWAYS we could each bring a friend) that would say on Monday we were driving to Fla from NC on Friday and doing a 3 or 4 day weekend (with the folks). I picked up that gypsy way of life and find I like it much better. I dont' mind planning something but I really enjoy saying "let's go tomorrow" and doing it frugally. I was raised military family so you know we weren't wealthy but I felt that way.

I am older now and this will be my first trip (about 10 trips to disney so far) staying onsite but the rate is pretty good considering and I'd like to try the dining plan.That's what we are doing but I am starting to second guess my decision. Everyone posting about how bad the transportation is making me think we might be better off driving (we are flying) and having our own car. What's the point of flying down and renting a car when we could've driven? I actually like traveling/driving. It's the gypsy in me.

Anyway my main point of this was to let others know that you DO NOT have to stay onsite to enjoy Disney if you are going for the enjoyment of the parks. I'll let ya'll know if I feel different after this Jan trip staying onsite. Geesh I have never planned anything this far in advance, it seems crazy..I'm like "JUST GET IN THE CAR AND GO".

On a final note it's going to take us pretty much as long to get there due to layovers, flying, than it would to drive there.

Sorry for rambling..............

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Well, we never really went anywhere when I was a child, except my aunt's and she only lived 2 hours away (then), so when I booked our first Disney trip in Feb 2005 for June 2005, I was shocked at how much the guide books suggested that you needed to plan a year in advance, but I don't do that much. I did book our Dec 2006 trip in Aug 2005 and our Dec 2008 trip in Aug 2007, but other than that we don't plan but a few weeks in advance. We have NEVER stayed offsite and NEVER plan to, it is just too convenient to stay on site. Also, I have NEVER flown and NEVER plan to either. We only live 6 hours away and it would cost ALOT more to fly, and we would still have to drive 1.5 hours to the airport.

You are going to have a great time and don't worrry about transportation, it really isn't as bad as you have read. I use an ECV, so it is more of a nightmare for me and it really isn't a nightmare at all. If you want to drive to save money, that is a great reason, otherwise fly. Do whatever is best for your family and you will have a great time.

Suzanne