Budget help!!!!!

[Family4]

Wanting to book a last minute trip to Disney. There are 5 of us traveling, 2 adults, 3 children (7,10,13). Would really love to stay on property, however, we are traveling on a budget. My 7 year old is a very picky eater and it would not pay for us to book her with free dining. I can get a great deal on a value resort for the four of us with free dining. Is it possible to book for the four of us and purchase additional tickets for my 7 year old when we arrive. Also, the price I was quoted is for a room that sleeps four, is it going to be a problem to bring or request a roll away bed? How should I work this situation? (the 7yr old is an unexpected guest).

 

[JLR]

I would feel very anxious about having five in a room specifically for four. The value resort rooms are very small (double beds) and I think you will feel very cramped with five people. Also, I think Disney is very strict that everybody in the room have the same dining plan.

Here is another idea: Look around for a discount code. Sign up with waltdisneyworld.com - that's how I have gotten pin codes - I got 45% off a deluxe last time and 35% off a moderate this time (I couldn't swing a deluxe again). There is very often 25% off values.

So - POR has the option of 5 in the room with a roll away bed - legally. And they are refurbishing the resort to have queen size beds so the kids sharing a bed might be more comfortable.

Depending on how much your family eats, it might not be as much as you think to feed your crew. The quick serve meals (which is the plan you'd have at a value) are pretty big at most places and could easily be shared (except maybe for the 13 year old ). At POR you'd (I think) have a refrigerator and could pick up or have delivered granola bars, bottled water, milk and cereal. The benefit of this is triple: 1. Way healthier than eating at the park 2. Way cheaper 3. Way quicker: i.e. you won't waste precious morning touring time eating breakfast.

It doesn't cost anything to work with a travel agent, you can have them look for the best deals for you. I got a link to one through www.mousesavers.com. That site might also give you other savings ideas. Good luck!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Just as an FYI, Disney does not allow 5 people to a room that is only meant for four. Posts that advocate ignoring Disney Policy will be removed.

You will not be able to get a roll away and would be told that you need to book another room or move to a resort that can accommodate 5 in a room.

You would not be able to do any of the Extra Magic Hours in the am or pm because the 5th guest would not have a room key so that is one big reason that it is not worth it to ignore their rules. If you are staying on property you want to be able to get that benefit.

What do you mean by being a "picky eater"? Most of the kid stuff is pretty picky eater friendly. What are you planning on getting her to eat?

Take a look at our Disney Codes and Rates board, found within our Disney Resorts board for information on any discounts that may be available when you are there. There are some percent off rates that may help you for booking a moderate that can sleep 5. You can also find information on these discounts on our wdwinfo.com page: http://www.wdwinfo.com/discounts.html

With the Free Dining promotion you are paying the full rate for the room. You will probably find that the percent off rate will work for you. You can always share meals and bring some thinsg like PP said for breakfasts and snacks that will help cut your food bill. For my family of 4 we usually only order 3 meals at a QS and have no problem sharing.

 

[Mrs D]

If you'd like to post your dates of travel I'm sure many of us would be happy to help run the numbers with you.
I will do a few exercises in Disney Math for you. Picking the arbitrary dates of 12/15 - 12/21 (5 nights) for 2 adults, 2 "disney adults" (the 13 & 10 y.o.) and 1 child (7 y.o.) here's what I found:

Free Dining offer: Port Orleans Riverside (sleeps 5) water view room, 5 day base ticket (no park hopper) and the Free Disney Dining Plus (1 counter serve, 1 table serve and 1 snack per person x 5 nights). $2414.73

Free Dining offer: All Star Music (sleeps 6) Family Suite (has 2 bathrooms and kitchenette), 5 day base ticket (no park hopper) and the Free Disney Dining Quick Serve (2 counter serve, 2 snack per person x 5 nights plus refillable mug). $2696.99 Upgraded to Dining Plus $2906.99.

I see in January there are room only discounts.

Looking at the package at Port Orleans Riverside it breaks down to under $100 per person per day for room, park tickets and food. If you make reservations at buffet restaurants there are plenty of choices for your picky eater than she/he should find enough to make them happy.

Hope this has been helpful.

 

[browniemtb]

You may want to check out the DVC-Rent/Trade forums a little further down the page. There you can find people whom have a reservation but can not make the trip and by DVC standards can not be canceled. In essence you may find what you are looking for at a really economical price.

Looked in the forum....not sure if this is allowed but here it goes.
Old Key West 12/26 - 1/2 $1350 Studio
Saratoga Springs 12/23 - 12/26 $700 Studio
Beach Club 12/27 - 1/2 $2400 1 bedroom

Not sure of your dates though

These are only the few that I saw,quickly looking that is.
Good luck

 

[Family4]

First of all, I wasn't trying to go against any Disney policy. I wasn't aware that the value resorts only allowed four to a room. I have stayed in other hotels that would provide (for a fee) a roll away bed. Thought this might be an option for us since we are not sure if the 5th guest will be traveling with us. My concern was that I book a value for four and the 5th guest travels with us that there would not be any rooms available on property. I contacted Disney reservation center today and we discussed some options, didn't in any way want to be dishonest.
As for the "picky eater" she will not even eat pizza. She likes Ramen Noodles and Bacon. Anything past that she will not eat. This is a family members child and I am just trying to help out with a situation without ruining the plans I have for my family.
Again, didn't mean to give anyone the impression that I was trying to be dishonest.

 

[lovetoscrap]

As for the "picky eater" she will not even eat pizza. She likes Ramen Noodles and Bacon. Anything past that she will not eat. This is a family members child and I am just trying to help out with a situation without ruining the plans I have for my family.
Again, didn't mean to give anyone the impression that I was trying to be dishonest.

Not a problem, just want to be sure that you are aware of their rules and that adding another person or requesting a rollaway is not an option. Some of our members will suggest ways around that but we want to help you to work within Disney's rules and not get around them.

Ramen Noodles and Bacon? Wow, that is limiting! How will she eat at WDW? Will she eat other types of noodles like regular spaghetti noodles? I think most of the burger places have a Bacon Cheeseburger option, but no idea if they would just sell you the bacon if that is what you need.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Just had a thought. The DVC option above is a good one but even with a points rental it can be expensive. Have you looked at the Fort Wilderness Cabins? They have kitchen facilities which may help with budget and feeding a picky child. You can make her the food she will eat and pack it "to go" (will she eat it cold?) for in the parks.

Also the All Star Music Value Resort has Family Suites that allows more than 4, has a microwave, coffee maker and refrigerator which could also help to prepare food she will eat.

You might also want to look at our Orlando Hotels board. A lot of people do like to rent a condo/home and you can get some good rates depending on when you are going. Again that would give you a kitchen.

 

[PrincessTiffany]

Wanting to book a last minute trip to Disney. There are 5 of us traveling, 2 adults, 3 children (7,10,13). Would really love to stay on property, however, we are traveling on a budget. My 7 year old is a very picky eater and it would not pay for us to book her with free dining. I can get a great deal on a value resort for the four of us with free dining. Is it possible to book for the four of us and purchase additional tickets for my 7 year old when we arrive. Also, the price I was quoted is for a room that sleeps four, is it going to be a problem to bring or request a roll away bed? How should I work this situation? (the 7yr old is an unexpected guest).

The cheapest way for you to stay on site is at Port Orleans Riverside. They are the cheapest resort that sleeps 5. And, free dining is probably the best discount you are going to get at a value or moderate resort with 5 guests. As for not wanting to get the dining plan for the additional child, it's FREE, you aren't out any money. The room charge is the same whether you have 4 or 5 people, so the only money you are out for the extra child is the cost of the ticket.

 

[Metro West]

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Another welcome to the "boards".

 

[Family4]

Ok, here is some info I need some opinions on. I will be traveling with 5 people. My dates of travel are 12-18-10 to 12-22-10.

POR is available for 5 guest but only for 4nights. We would have to check out on the 21st. Not a huge problem and this does include the Disney dining plan. Approx. $2,000.00

All Star Sports is available for 5nights but I would have to book two rooms. Includes Disney Dining Plan. Approx. $2,471.00

I can stay at an off site hotel. The hotel has bunk beds for the kids, refrigerator, and microwave, includes 5 day tickets to the Disney theme parks at the price of a three day pass. Obviously does not include the Disney Dining Plan, however, this hotel would be very helpful with my picky eater. Approx. $1,600.00

What does every one think?

 

[sandynd]

It's not unreasonable to expect to spend more than $100 a day for food if you eat all three meals in the parks, especially with 5 people. If you're going to do some money-saving techniques for food, I would think staying off-site would be your best bet from a financial perspective, as long as you're not worried about airport transportation, extra magic hours, etc.

 

[MiceFan]

Would be good to know if you are flying or driving. But for now...

I vote POR, add an extra day of tickets but stay the 5th night offsite at a hotel that offers shuttle service to/from the park and airport if you don't have a car. Check the big discount sites, we're excited about one we found for around $50/night.

 

[Mrs D]

Ok, here is some info I need some opinions on. I will be traveling with 5 people. My dates of travel are 12-18-10 to 12-22-10.

POR is available for 5 guest but only for 4nights. We would have to check out on the 21st. Not a huge problem and this does include the Disney dining plan. Approx. $2,000.00

All Star Sports is available for 5nights but I would have to book two rooms. Includes Disney Dining Plan. Approx. $2,471.00

I can stay at an off site hotel. The hotel has bunk beds for the kids, refrigerator, and microwave, includes 5 day tickets to the Disney theme parks at the price of a three day pass. Obviously does not include the Disney Dining Plan, however, this hotel would be very helpful with my picky eater. Approx. $1,600.00

What does every one think?

I would go with the POR option - I like staying on site (again I use Disney transportation). But I was playing with numbers and didn't find POR available. I hold you put a courtesy hold on that. If not try calling!