Before you found the DIS...

vettechick99 · Mar 2, 2005

Did you pay top dollar or too much for your previous WDW vacations? Or did you search immediately for boards once you starting planning your vacation?

My first trip as an adult ('97) was bankrolled by someone else, so I have no idea how much they paid although I'm pretty sure it was rack rate. I bought Rita Aero's book for my future trips and she mentioned asking for an "upsell rate". That always got me some sort of discount, usually AP.

So I think I did pretty good granted I didn't have the boards.

You?

Bbbethei · Mar 2, 2005

Believe it or not, the last two times I visited Disney I was there on business. After some service issues at the GF, they comped our tickets and dinner one night. While there on the first business trip, I arrived a day early to visit MK with family. Unfortunately, it was only one day and I wasn't able to do any research. But then again, how much can you save in only one day? Especially when the company is paying for your room?

I've always been one to find the best price for everything, that's how I found these boards just last week. It's already been an amazing resource! I'll definitely be back when planning future trips.

pumpkinfish · Mar 2, 2005

...the days before DIS....they are so cloudy in my mind...

Actually, DH and I have been on 2 trips before I met DIS. It seems like we got more bang for our buck last trip though (after I met DIS). Also, I have become more inclined to staying onsite (i.e. our current April trip) and also try out more resturants. I have a few budgeting ideas now, and also know that I am not the only crazy, loony, anal, wdw planner out there. It is very comforting

I save very well, but I had no idea about "codes" and the such. I also had my time well managed before DIS (because of how anal I am anyways). Now, DIS is more of a support system if anything. :grouphug:

Evil Queen · Mar 2, 2005

Other than here-I rely on my best friend, Joe, at work. He goes all the time and gives me any discounts, etc he hears about.

ncbyrne · Mar 2, 2005

DH and I first went to WDW when the only park was the MK and the only resort was the Contemporary! Not only did we not have the DIS, I never even dreamed that I'd have a computer right in my home! OK...now to more recent years - the first trip I took with DD and DGS, I made one call to the Amex travel agent and that was the extent of my planning! The next trip I needed to find a cheaper way to travel, so I started searching the net on my own and came across the DIS boards (and several other WDW related boards as well...but NONE can compare to the DIS!) Now it seems I'm planning on going more often BECAUSE of the DIS! More knowledge, means more interest, and more interest means heading to FL more often!

Mickey527 · Mar 2, 2005

Before DIS I paid way too much for our trips. I was a single mother of 3 and didn't know you could find bargains for WDW.
We used to stay the Gold Plan where everything is included, food, tours, boating, etc...
We did it all, ate 3 big meals a day, took the boats out 2 hours a day and missed alot of the parks because we were busy with everything else.

When I think of what I paid for those vacations, I could scream.
Now I spend all my money on pins though, so I guess I am not saving after all.
But now I own at DVC and get lots of money saving hints from these boards and I can't wait to take my family every year because now I can afford to take them all instead of just my 3 boys. Peggie

NMJ · Mar 2, 2005

I was at WDW a couple of years ago for the first time, and then last October on my honeymoon, so we somewhat splurged both times. I am now planning a trip for January 2006, and while we are definitely willing to pay for the things we want, I am looking into every discount possible! I wouldn't change anything about my first two trips, but I know I can save $$$ without having to sacrifice anything!

Besides, isn't there something self-satisfying about finding ways to save money in a place like Disney? It definitely makes it easier to justify planning annual vacations to the same destination!

j's m · Mar 2, 2005

Our first two trips, we had travel agents do everything and did we pay top dollar. How about GF at rack rate? Not only that, our first day was regular season and then the next day it changed to value. We had no idea there were discounts, or that you could split ressie to change to value rates.

We did get a postcard rate a few years ago, and then we found mousesavers and the DIS. Thank goodness for you guys and your tips. Now DH will go every year, since I show him how much we're saving on the trip.

canwegosoon · Mar 2, 2005

Before dis I was lucky enough to have read Mousesavers. Although they were not recommending packages, I had heard about the kids play n stay for free, and though that was a great deal. Have learned tons since, and have helped may friends save small fortunes on their trips too.

Disneyglobegirl · Mar 3, 2005

I was really lucky to have found the DIS while planning our first trip in 2002 :flower:

Funny I was planning a once in a life time trip because we would only go once - LOL now we are planning our 3rd trip! I love the DIS!!! :flower:

CheapMom · Mar 3, 2005

The first trip that I planned was in 2000 and I used the Dis for information- I didn't get any real discounts through the Dis but I had lots of info about costs... so I think we probably save some $ just by being informed consumers.
The next trip we took (2004) we really saved a ton with codes from mousesavers and with meal vouchers. Also I found my 3 day Alamo hoppers from reading the boards.

Donnask8pro · Mar 3, 2005

We just rang the phone to our travel agent and they did it all. Actually last time we went in 2001 we went right after 911 and got a great price. Unfortunate situation though, but we had already planned before that day. I just called Disney directly and said "Make me want to go" And they took 500.00 off my package price.

poohj80 · Mar 3, 2005

I actually used a usenet newsgroup called RADP (rec.arts.disney.parks) to help plan our first big trip (honeymoon), but the DIS boards are so much easier to use and offer SO much more info!

disneysnowflake · Mar 3, 2005

I had planned in Jan 2004 to book our first trip for Dec 2004.
My bil goes to WDW every other year and told me the only way to book was through WDW's website.
I believed him and was floored to see how much booking airfare via Disney through US Air was (over $500 per person rt, non refundable and paid in full at time of booking).

Thank goodness the airfare was so outrageously priced. I started looking on Google, found DIS and the rest is history.

My bil won't check out this site. He's just booked his 10 day vacation in July for his entire family and paid rack rate for a cabin.

The Sorrentino's · Mar 3, 2005

I immediately searched for help. LOL.

Mark

Keokagal · Mar 3, 2005

I was just a shell of a woman.... :banana:

elan · Mar 3, 2005

We had gone on 3 trips before finding the DIS. (We found it when I started researching DVC).

Our first trips were booked through AAA, so I hope we saved something.