Bargin Trip for Large Family?

[Gumbo4x4]

We stayed in one of these:

here: http://www.tropicalpalmsresortfl.com/orlando-cottage-rentals/

May or may not work for your family, but it was a great deal for us. Some of the cabins are privately owned and you can find them on VRBO for even better rates. Location was superb. Longest drive to any park was ~15 minutes. We were parked at Epcot less than 8 minutes after starting our car. We did spend the majority of our time IN the parks, but did go back to the cabin for 2 meals followed by returns to the parks. I can't imagine the people on the buses did it any quicker.

 

[HopperFan]

The key will be a kitchen even if a smaller kitchenette version!!
- We eat breakfast in the room.
- We pack sandwiches, Pringles (no crush can), snacks and bottled water to take into the parks. If we get hotel with free breakfast that's a plus and we make everyone grab an apple to take to the parks.
- Take your own water bottles in park then refill. If you don't like taste buy some of those water flavor items.
- Dinner back in the room or if still in park pre-plan where for best value. Split combos or look at Kid's Meal options as most are plenty of food. Ask for cups of ice water, free!

Some brokers offer discounts on tickets while not much maybe enough total to pay for one dinner. Disney also has a new deal right now that works with their party but broker may still be better deal depending on how many days she wants. https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/tickets-for-6-or-more/

Houses/Condos resorts are a great option for them. I know a bigger family that is able to go every year because they stay at one of these condos.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

There is a Subway near where we stayed and we found if we left off wet ingredients, they held up nicely in our cooler in the locker. Was a nice upgrade from PB&J. We'd eat breakfast at the cabin (as PP suggested), pack our lunch, and then CS meals if we were still in the park for Supper. If we were back, we cooked at the cabin or got takeout.

 

[nugov2]

10 minutes from the edge of the property, but since the parks are more than 10 minutes apart, your first statement is incorrect (unless you are plunking down a house in the middle of WDW property? Golden Oak isn't even that close to AK, for example.) Then you factor in the time to get through the gates, park, etc.

Staying offsite is doable, but I would plan to be at the park all day, avoid any park with EMH, and expect to do much less each day than if you stayed onsite.

There is very little difference in distance between a value and some off site locations. WH is very close. It took 10 minutes. We valeted at the closest resort and walked into the park. This way we didn't have to deal with lines in and out or at MK the additional transportation. We planned our meals around the park we were at so we could dine at that resort and on our second MK day we just said we wanted to valet and they waived us right in. You are paying the same price as at the park, but it is just easier. Don't know if they plan on doing any on site meals, but that is a good way to plan it if they have it in the budget.

I would say last year there is no way we did less than an on site person, but until FP+ is rolled out off site you may have a disadvantage, but I'd think it will be available by summer. Maybe book one day on site to get the advantage of MB and FP+ booking and they will still save big bucks over on site. I personally(and I know everyone is different) would never stay on site with my family of 5, but we rent houses for all of our travels for more than a day or two. Off site is getting deluxe accommodations for value prices.

 

[hsmamato2]

I have family who stayed at Worldquest last june with 6 people, they got a 2 bedroom suite for 99 per night,and LOVED the pools,etc. I think it's about a mile away,they loved it.

 

[Schmeck]

There is very little difference in distance between a value and some off site locations. WH is very close. It took 10 minutes. We valeted at the closest resort and walked into the park. This way we didn't have to deal with lines in and out or at MK the additional transportation. We planned our meals around the park we were at so we could dine at that resort and on our second MK day we just said we wanted to valet and they waived us right in. You are paying the same price as at the park, but it is just easier. Don't know if they plan on doing any on site meals, but that is a good way to plan it if they have it in the budget.

I would say last year there is no way we did less than an on site person, but until FP+ is rolled out off site you may have a disadvantage, but I'd think it will be available by summer. Maybe book one day on site to get the advantage of MB and FP+ booking and they will still save big bucks over on site. I personally(and I know everyone is different) would never stay on site with my family of 5, but we rent houses for all of our travels for more than a day or two. Off site is getting deluxe accommodations for value prices.

Valet parking at a resort to go to a park is not allowed on Disney property, so that won't work for the OP. Lucky you didn't get towed.

 

[nugov2]

Valet parking at a resort to go to a park is not allowed on Disney property, so that won't work for the OP. Lucky you didn't get towed.

Actually it is allowed, call the valet stand. You cannot get towed out of valet parking Unless you can post on the official WDW where it says valet parking is for paying resort guests only?

We actually took midday breaks they were well aware we were at the park. We also ate at the resort too, but regardless....you absolutely can. You are paying not parking in the lot for free(which will get you towed if you are not a guest). You are more than welcome to tour WDW resorts...they actually welcome you to do that. We also did a ton of activities at all the resorts and always valeted the car. Never lied or pretended we were a guest of the hotel

ETA what the WDW site says:

Parking is complimentary with a valid Key to the World Card or Resort Parking Permit.
Valet parking is available at select Disney Deluxe Resorts for $15 per day.

Notice how only the FREE parking has a stipulation posted. If the valet was only for guests at that resort it would also require a valid KTTW or parking permit..or now MB, but it doesn't!

 

[iheartdisney]

10 minutes from the edge of the property, but since the parks are more than 10 minutes apart, your first statement is incorrect (unless you are plunking down a house in the middle of WDW property? Golden Oak isn't even that close to AK, for example.) Then you factor in the time to get through the gates, park, etc.

Staying offsite is doable, but I would plan to be at the park all day, avoid any park with EMH, and expect to do much less each day than if you stayed onsite.

you must drive reaaaaaally slow

Any good touring plan will advise you to avoid EMH parks regardless of where you stay. And not to be argumentative, but why would you think offsite guests wouldn't be able to do as much as a guest staying onsite?

Personally I found that walking out the door of the rental house and driving the 7 minutes (yes, 7 minutes from starting the truck to parking at AK) to be much faster than taking the bus from ANY resort, especially when walking to the front of the resort, waiting for a bus to come along, oh darn, that bus is full, now I have to wait for the next one which doesn't come for another 25 minutes....

 

[Aliceacc]

And not to be argumentative, but why would you think offsite guests wouldn't be able to do as much as a guest ....

I imagine because, as of now at least, FP+ is available at 60 days out...for on site visitors. Those staying off site can only get them after arriving at the park. So while they're waiting on a queue to get their FP+, I'm already on Big Thunder Mountain. with a FP for Space Mountain a bit later in the day.

I'm planning to get ours at the 60 day mark, to ensure I get the times we want. And I'm thinking I won't be the only one. Right now, I see that as a HUGE advantage of staying on site, particularly with kids.

 

[seenellie81]

I think that everyone has such great options that they are bringing forward to help this family aware of the choices they have. With so many options, they are going to have to think about what they need and what fits their budget best. I love seeing all of the great ideas people have to save some money and be able to see the mouse on any budget!

 

[Crispity]

For tickets, I just saw that Disney is offering a ticket deal for families of 6 or more, where you get a free extra day on your ticket if you buy at least six 4+ day tickets. Ticket prices don't go up all that much after 4 days, so she wouldn't save a ton, but every little bit helps!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/s...4_HF_DOM_ENG_Q2Q3Offer|FB|4141100.MH.AM.03.01

 

[uccats97]

That book is outdated. It was published in 2005. It might be a good starting point, but there's a lot of misinformation in it because it is so old.

I realize this. It was a suggested starting point of how people have budgeted to the extreme.

 

[derekleigh]

My wife's family and I have been 4 times and every time we've rented a condo/villa in January. I like a weekly cost is like $800 +/- (includes pool and hot tub). We've found this very affordable, plus there are a bunch of grocery stories nearby and we stock up for the week.

Definitely pack lunches, drinks, snacks, etc to bring to the park. Yes it will require some backpacks and it she can bring a stroller it will help with carrying them!

Park tickets are going to be a killer. AAA, Undercover tourist, Mousesavers, etc are all good sources to buy tickets. The last few times we went AAA had a like $20 off per ticket. Not a lot, but add that up its a nice little chuck of change.

Being a Disney Visa Cardmember has some nice perks like discounts at stores, exclusive meet and greets for only cardholders, plus she can earn Disney gift cards!

While nothing really affecting cost, off season would be the best time to go in order for the kids to really get the most out of the parks. I hate crowds and long lines so I would NEVER take my boys during peak times. But if she cannot do that, she can't. No way around it.


Hope this is helpful.

 

[Rose23]

Since it will be the first visit for your admin and her children, it's my suggestion not to stay offsite. Why? In a word... STRESS. Walt Disney World is HUGE consisting of four theme parks and two waterparks, not to mention the Downtown Disney area, ESPN Sports Center and miniature golf areas. Also, you want to consider that this admin may never be able to afford to bring her children again.

It will be difficult enough navigating the Disney property, let alone driving in or around I-4 not knowing where you are going with five children, not to mention paying for parking everyday at the Disney parks entrance. If your admin stays on-site, at least some of the stress can be taken out of the equation, i.e. free parking, free Disney bus transportation and she would not need to load/unload her vehicle constantly every time they want to go to the theme parks. It takes time, especially in summer heat and crowds, to get on to Disney property.

Can you imagine a single mom with five children who have stayed at the Magic Kingdom all day (in 98 degree heat and humidity) and now have to wait for the monorail or ferry at 11pm just to get to the parking lot, walk to their car after the tram drops them off, wait in line to get out of the parking lot, get on the freeway, navigate traffic at the close of the park, and then find your way back to a hotel on dark roads in a City you've never been in before?

My best suggestion would be the family suites (or one of the cabins) at one of the Disney resorts. I'm sure there will be a summer special soon which would give a discount off of the room. If your admin is a AAA member, she can immediately receive 15% and sometimes 20% off of her suite booking. Parking and transportation would be free at the Disney parks (the busses will be busy but not having to drive could take a little stress off of that single mom), and the food courts, arcade and great pools will all be close by.

My hats off to you for being such a GREAT and concerned boss. As a tip to you, if you are going to help with Disney passes, you can get a discount if you purchase them at your local AAA office (if you are a AAA member). Also, a Disney gift card to help her pay for food and anything else on Disney property would be invaluable to your admin.

 

[star72232]

Since it will be the first visit for your admin and her children, it's my suggestion not to stay offsite. Why? In a word... STRESS. Walt Disney World is HUGE consisting of four theme parks and two waterparks, not to mention the Downtown Disney area, ESPN Sports Center and miniature golf areas. Also, you want to consider that this admin may never be able to afford to bring her children again. It will be difficult enough navigating the Disney property, let alone driving in or around I-4 not knowing where you are going with five children, not to mention paying for parking everyday at the Disney parks entrance. If your admin stays on-site, at least some of the stress can be taken out of the equation, i.e. free parking, free Disney bus transportation and she would not need to load/unload her vehicle constantly every time they want to go to the theme parks. It takes time, especially in summer heat and crowds, to get on to Disney property. Can you imagine a single mom with five children who have stayed at the Magic Kingdom all day (in 98 degree heat and humidity) and now have to wait for the monorail or ferry at 11pm just to get to the parking lot, walk to their car after the tram drops them off, wait in line to get out of the parking lot, get on the freeway, navigate traffic at the close of the park, and then find your way back to a hotel on dark roads in a City you've never been in before? My best suggestion would be the family suites (or one of the cabins) at one of the Disney resorts. I'm sure there will be a summer special soon which would give a discount off of the room. If your admin is a AAA member, she can immediately receive 15% and sometimes 20% off of her suite booking. Parking and transportation would be free at the Disney parks (the busses will be busy but not having to drive could take a little stress off of that single mom), and the food courts, arcade and great pools will all be close by. My hats off to you for being such a GREAT and concerned boss. As a tip to you, if you are going to help with Disney passes, you can get a discount if you purchase them at your local AAA office (if you are a AAA member). Also, a Disney gift card to help her pay for food and anything else on Disney property would be invaluable to your admin.

Family suites are over $300/night. There is nothing budget about that.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Meh, as a first timer in June of 2012, I found no issues navigating around Disney from offsite. None, zip, zero, nada. Frankly, if you can't find your way around Disney, you probably shouldn't be allowed out on public roads unsupervised. With the exception of Typhoon Lagoon, the signage could not be more clear. Coming into the parks in the morning, lines were maybe 4 cars deep at the toll plaza and then straight to your parking spot. At night, we zipped RIGHT out of every lot save for DHS. And we were still ahead of the people leaving at the same time on the buses.

 

[Rose23]

Family suites are over $300/night. There is nothing budget about that.

Agree but summer discounts should be coming which should reduce the price, not to mention the AAA discount is pretty good. If you factor in offsite, parking cost, gasoline and time, I would still stay on property. Another option is two Value Resort rooms connecting or the Best Western @ Downtown Disney (free parking and good location).

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

[Schmeck]

I forgot about the crazies (and some really nasty/deadly accidents) that drive around property! Even when we have a car with us, we rarely drive once we park at the resort, and usually only to go off property. I was cut off by a guy going from the far left lane to take a right onto a ramp on our last trip down - and then he was in the grass, OMG!

 

[Darcy03231]

We're a large family and we stayed here:

http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/32411.html?promoType=none

It was conveniently located, close to a super Walmart and all kinds of restaurants and took us about 20 minutes to get to Disney's main gate. It sits at the back of the subdivision so it was very quiet.

We were there in the summer and found that we would have a big breakfast, bring water and snacks to the parks and get there for park opening. We leave around 2 pm to go back for a swim/rest and have a late lunch/early dinner at the house. The first day there I made up several casseroles in foil pans and we also bought a crock pot (we were there for two weeks). I had dinner on the table faster than it would have taken all of us to be seated and dine in a restaurant. The kids were happy because they were in the pool while dinner was being fixed instead of waiting in a lobby somewhere waiting to be seated. A couple of nights we got pizza, Chinese takeout or rotisserie chicken on our way back to the house.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Speaking of pizza, we like Hungry Howies, and it's very reasonable.