Budget tips for 2nd trip needed

[stefplus3]

We went 2 years ago and can't wait to get back to the world!! It was a short trip (mon-fri) and my dd was sick so it wasn't the best. I'm finishing nursing school this coming May and we're looking to go in November of 2010!!

We stayed offsite last time but this time I'd like to stay onsite, most likely at ASM in a family suite. Since we stayed offsite last time I don't have any knowledge of how to get the best prices on the hotel, etc. We're going to do the dining plan too. It's been a long 3 years with me in school and we all deserve a nice relaxing vacation!!!

I know it's super early but here's what I'll need help with

how to get the best hotel rate

which dining plan should we pick

Do we have to buy a package thru Disney for the hotel/dining/tickets?

Most cost effective way to get there. Last time we drove, over 3 days. That's too much time out of the vacation so we definetly don't want to do it again. How do we find good airfaires? Anyone ever done the Amtrack car train from the northeast? We're near Boston, fyi.

 

[Karenj2]

First of all, congrats on your impending graduation from nursing school!!

Here are some basic thoughts:
- This is a GREAT site to get tips on keeping a budget trip... Other good places (IMHO) are www.allearsnet.com (gives lots of info, plus restaurant menus, etc.) and www.tourguidemike.com (helps with touring plans, best times to go, etc.)

how to get the best hotel rate

I'm not sure how to get the BEST rate, but a lot of it has to do with when you go to WDW. You said November - there are some holiday times where the hotel costs will go up.

which dining plan should we pick

My advice is to figure out what type of eaters you are, and check out the restaurant menus on www.allearsnet.com. That'll help you figure out if you need the dining plan and/or what level to choose.

When DH and I traveled by ourselves a few years ago, we did the "regular" dining plan. We used our snacks for breakfast (buying a box of donuts and an oj to share), our counter service for lunch, and the TS for dinner. When we've gone with my sister, we found that we were often paying OOP, because Dsis didn't want to eat donuts for breakfast every day. This year we decided to do the Deluxe plan (all TS) because we wanted to eat at more of the signature restaurants, plus we are staying at the Beach Club which has a breakfast buffet.

Do we have to buy a package thru Disney for the hotel/dining/tickets?

You can buy things separately, but I think that if you want the dining plan, you have to buy Disney's package...

Most cost effective way to get there. Last time we drove, over 3 days. That's too much time out of the vacation so we definetly don't want to do it again. How do we find good airfaires? Anyone ever done the Amtrack car train from the northeast? We're near Boston, fyi.

I signed up for the "fare watchers" for the major airlines (including DING for SW) so that I can keep an eye on the trends. I personally prefer Southwest, because if you find a lower airfare you can change it without a charge...

Finally, start budgeting now for your trip! I have an ING account that I put money into so that when it comes time to pay for everything I don't have a heart attack!

Another thing you can do - ONLY if you are financially responsible, please! - is to sign up for the Disney Chase Visa, and start using that for every bill you can (paying it off in full each month, of course). I've had that CC for a long time, and it's enabled me to pay for souvieniers, alcohol, tips, etc for each trip. (This year we had some LARGE expenses, so I was even able to pay off a portion of our trip with the rewards $$, and I'll still have $$ left over for our trip in August...)

Have fun planning!

 

[Jdougherty]

To save on cost and still stay on property you can also look into renting DVC from a member. My MIL has DVC where all of us are on the account but only one family get the points per year. If I want to go the same year as one of my DH 's sibling I do a points transfer in to the account.

A rental or transfer of DVC points is SO much cheaper than booking through Disney. (think 10.00 per point average 2 bdrm is about 190points.)PLUS the rooms are larger and a 1 bdrm has a FULL kitchen. You can add the dinning plan to a DVC reservation also. We used the normal dinning plan..... it was okay. Not sure we'll use it in 2010.

As for time of year, Oct and Nov are great, mild weather and right before thanksgiving is Food and Wine at Epcot (family favorite) and it's not as expensive as during the holidays and spring break.

It would take us 2 days to drive and cost the same as 2 plane tickets. Watch the fares kayak.com is a great site for that also. we live in Colorado so it depends on who got the better fare to MCO where we fly out of Colorado Springs or Denver.

Good luck!

 

[sksjasams]

We loved POP last fall. You could try for 2 connecting rooms, and I believe that is cheaper than the ASMu family suites. Others may disagree, but you may do better to book each thing separately. We got a AAA room only discount, bought tix from Undercover Tourist, airfare from Airtran, and no dining plan. We had some snacks, soda, water delivered from Garden Grocer. We ate breakfast in the room, and had counter service for all other meals, except for 1 table service brunch at Chef Mickeys.
It was our first trip too, and we also can't wait to go back! Congrats on finishing school!

 

[Disneypirate85]

SERIOUSLY...go to the DVC rental board and rent a DVC! Nicer resort closer to parks (BCV/BWV) get a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom if the rental price is right. You won't regret it.....Shawn

 

[stefplus3]

thanks everyone

I didn't mention but we are trying to plan around the seasons so we're there during value season. Maybe the week prior to Thanksgiving?

I had no idea you could rent from DVC members! I'm heading over there to find out more about this