Best way to splurge $1,000 at Disney

[DisLiss]

I'd probably just hang onto it because it always feels like we find new ways to spend money when we get there!

 

[mjkacmom]

For my budget I've just used the DDP numbers; there are so many dining variables that seemed like a reasonable amount to budget. I think a dining plan in general would be too restrictive for us, but this new DDP+ seems like the best fit if we go with a dining plan.

Personally I wouldn’t want to have 2 TS a day, too much and time and way too much food. We had the regular one with kids and 1 TS a day was more than enough (and we had so many snack credits left over).

 

[Teal03]

Use it to upgrade the hotel. Is staying at the same one the entire trip a priority?

 

[Teal03]

Personally I wouldn’t want to have 2 TS a day, too much and time and way too much food. We had the regular one with kids and 1 TS a day was more than enough (and we had so many snack credits left over).

Agreed. That’s only worth it, if they’re willing to convert them to snack credits so you can snack all over Epcot, especially at the festivals.

 

[Griffin11]

Use it to upgrade the hotel. Is staying at the same one the entire trip a priority?

I'm not completely against a split stay. It would definitely be a bit of a hassle on "moving day", but spending the last few nights at a deluxe resort is worth some consideration.

 

[OrangeBirdGirl]

Lightsaber build? That'll eat up $200. 2 drinks at Oga's with souvenir glass and tip set us back $100. So that's $300 of your spending.....

 

[menopauseandmickey]

consider upgrading to a deluxe resort through renting DVC points. cost wise, it's comparable to moderate resort pricing. at 11 months out, you would be more likely to get the deluxe resort you want. the longer you wait on DVC, the less likely you'll get your first choice

 

[loves to dive]

I'd move over to Swan/Dolphin just about the same price as a moderate, that gives you walking distance to HS and Epcot and all the food at all the Epcot resorts. I'd upgrade to PHs but we like PHs and have always had them, even when my son was a toddler. We like to go back to the room for a break then go wherever want after that. I think you'd still have money left over which I'd just have just in case and be happy if I didn't spend it all. We aren't fans of the dining plan since we don't eat that way, there are days we just are too hot or tired or whatever to bother eating a big meal.

 

[a742246]

I like the idea of upgrading the resort, but I'm not sure that's actually feasible with $1,000 for eight nights?

I'm currently budgeting about $250 a night (FQ standard room), so with the extra $1,000 that would give me $375/night. Maybe I'm overlooking some options, but I think I'd have to be pretty lucky to get a deluxe for that rate? I have seen AKL standard rooms for below that price when I check random days, but I don't think I've seen any other options. I will probably just have to be on the ball when discounts come up and see what my options are.

To give you an idea what a 1 br OKW unit for 8 days in January would cost.

If you rent a DVC members points at $16pt you will need about 190 points for a OKW January one BR unit for 8 nights (cheapest DVC resort to rent). But you would have a full kitchen and there would be no tax, total costs would be $3,040. I believe the unit is 950 Sq feet.

Hopes this helps!

PS a studio would run about 90 points.

 

[Ensusieasm]

HEA Plaza Garden Dessert Party
and Hoop Dee Do Review Dinner Show

 

[Disneyfan754321]

I dont know if you have girls, but girls love the princess makeovers at Bibbity Boppity salon.

Also its fun to get a sitter at the hotel and have a date night. There are a few services. My kids went to the group kids night out. But i dont know what will be available the nights you are there.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/child-care-services/
We are also not fans of dining plan, so much wasted

 

[Mom24Princesses]

I like the idea of upgrading the resort, but I'm not sure that's actually feasible with $1,000 for eight nights?

I'm currently budgeting about $250 a night (FQ standard room), so with the extra $1,000 that would give me $375/night. Maybe I'm overlooking some options, but I think I'd have to be pretty lucky to get a deluxe for that rate? I have seen AKL standard rooms for below that price when I check random days, but I don't think I've seen any other options. I will probably just have to be on the ball when discounts come up and see what my options are.

We are booked for POFQ for week after next room only AP rate and it’s nearly $300 per-day.

 

[Griffin11]

We are booked for POFQ for week after next room only AP rate and it’s nearly $300 per-day.

I think late January is cheaper than March. I'm going off the 2020 rack rates (plus I have a general line in my budget for price increases!).

 

[;-)]

I personally like to buy Disney gift cards, and I usually carry a balance into the next years vacation. Why not buy a gift card, and if you feel like spending on dining/experiences/upgrades or shopping, do that! Don’t put pressure on yourself to spend or let it burn a hole in your pocket. That gift card could come in handy for your next trip!!

 

[Griffin11]

Don’t put pressure on yourself to spend or let it burn a hole in your pocket.

I get that, I won't be spending just for the sake of it. But I am a saver by nature and we're in a good place financially so I'm actually trying to be okay with loosening the purse strings a bit. We haven't done a big trip in many years mostly because of the logistics of traveling with young children, so there's extra money in the travel fund that I'm okay with putting towards this trip!

 

[Disneyfan754321]

This thread is interesting, shows everyone splurges on something different.
My DH splurged buying universal tickets, he loves it there it was a 800 for 4 one day park to park tickets.

 

[HHMcG]

For my family - we would add 2 days to our trip, 2 more nights hotel stay + 2 more days added onto tickets + QS meals for 2 more days should be under $1000.

My next choice would be do a split stay with 2-3 nights at a 'bucket list' deluxe resort. For me it was a Theme Park View room at Contemporary. We did that for 2 nights one trip. When I laid in bed watching the castle it was totally worth it TO ME. We love split stays.