Budget day trip to the Wilderness at Wisc. Dells

[sksjasams]

DS would really like to take some friends to the Wilderness for the day for his 14th birthday. He has 4 close friends, so it would be 5 boys altogether.

On their website, I see that you can't buy day passes, but I do see that if you click on economy lodging that if you stay at Field's Park Motel that you get free wristbands to the Wilderness. Has anyone done this? Can you pay for the room to get the wristbands, but not actually stay there?

My other issue is transportation. We have 2 sedans, but neither car will hold more than myself and 4 of the boys. We could take two cars, but DH does not really want to go, and DS does not really want to split up his friends between two cars. Has anyone rented a minivan for one day? Is that a total budget buster? Or is there a way to do that inexpensively?

Thanks for your help!!

 

[clh2]

I've recently looking into minivan rentals (I'm in the Milwaukee area) and they are around $65/day and up for the days I need - mid August.

I've not had any experience stay at a "partner" and getting wristbands.

The real budget buster is if they see you bring in food and beverages from the outside.

I can understand your son's concerns about not wanting to split up his friends, but he has to understand you need to do this however it works out best between you with a minivan or if DH and you drive separate kids.

 

[sksjasams]

I've recently looking into minivan rentals (I'm in the Milwaukee area) and they are around $65/day and up for the days I need - mid August.

I've not had any experience stay at a "partner" and getting wristbands.

The real budget buster is if they see you bring in food and beverages from the outside.

I can understand your son's concerns about not wanting to split up his friends, but he has to understand you need to do this however it works out best between you with a minivan or if DH and you drive separate kids.

Thank you! If I could find $65, I could live with that. We are looking at October, so I'll have to check the rates for then.

We wouldn't bring food/drinks in. I think we would have an early fast food lunch when we got to the Dells. Just buy a snack/drink there, and then stop again for food after we leave.

Anyone else? Thank you!

 

[sksjasams]

Bumping...hoping someone else has gone for the day.

Thank you!