Budget trip for a family of 7

[ChristineNic]

A couple things jump out at me. #1, you apparently live within very reasonable driving distance of WDW for a day trip. #2, you seem to really desire for the kids to "do" Disney. Why don't you consider taking the kids yourselves for a single day at MK? For kids that have never been, MK is Disney; they won't have any expectation of what they might be missing at Epcot, HS and AK. As far as budget goes, even with the high cost of single-day passes, it will be much less expensive than trying to organize accommodations. (I must say I agree with many of the PP's - I would HATE to be given a "camping trip", even to WDW.)

I don't want to take the kids, even just the older ones, because I want their parents to experience their kids first trip.

Disney also doesn't discount single day tickets; I refuse to pay full price for one day tickets to Magic Kingdom. They usually have a 3 or 4 day FL resident pass for about the same price.

 

[Mama Steph]

If they are campers, I think it's a great idea! I just saw a post last night for FL resident deal, $139 for 3 days or 4 days for $159. There are so many activities at the fort, it would be nice to have a couple of down days.
I would just make sure they have the DP as well as grocery money for breakfast foods or GC. I would make a nice camping care package with s'mores fixins, some drinks to enjoy at the resort, and maybe a Disney tee for each one.
Such a wonderful gesture. I'm sure it will be greatly appreciated.

 

[SEA333]

Wow. Some people are so incredibly ungrateful. Perhaps if one of the posters who would "cry in despair" if they were gifted a Disney vacation, even if it was camping - which is WDW I would have to guess camping is a whole 'nother ballgame than pitching a tent in the middle of the woods and using leaves for toilet paper - they should rethink what it means to receive a gift. Either they have never been in a situation of having to struggle, or they have always had more than what they needed. Lucky for them, but seriously - if you have kids and live an hour away from WDW and the kids have never been there, the look on my kids' face and the excitement they would have would supersede any hesitation I would have about "camping" - if I am going to be washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking care of 5 kids under the age of 9 at home anyway, WHY on earth would I *not* want to do it at a campground at WDW that I obviously haven't been able to afford if someone is going to give it to me as a GIFT? Sometimes, as a parent, it's "suck it up buttercup - it's for the kids".

The PP wasn't asking opinions on what one thinks about camping, she was asking about ways to make a WDW experience a budget-friendly vacation for 7 people. Camping is a terrific way!

SMH - this board yet again shows me that there will always be a huge divide between the "haves" (or "pretend" I haves) and the rest of us.

 

[Marionnette]

Wow. Some people are so incredibly ungrateful. Perhaps if one of the posters who would "cry in despair" if they were gifted a Disney vacation, even if it was camping - which is WDW I would have to guess camping is a whole 'nother ballgame than pitching a tent in the middle of the woods and using leaves for toilet paper - they should rethink what it means to receive a gift. Either they have never been in a situation of having to struggle, or they have always had more than what they needed. Lucky for them, but seriously - if you have kids and live an hour away from WDW and the kids have never been there, the look on my kids' face and the excitement they would have would supersede any hesitation I would have about "camping" - if I am going to be washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking care of 5 kids under the age of 9 at home anyway, WHY on earth would I *not* want to do it at a campground at WDW that I obviously haven't been able to afford if someone is going to give it to me as a GIFT? Sometimes, as a parent, it's "suck it up buttercup - it's for the kids".

The PP wasn't asking opinions on what one thinks about camping, she was asking about ways to make a WDW experience a budget-friendly vacation for 7 people. Camping is a terrific way!

SMH - this board yet again shows me that there will always be a huge divide between the "haves" (or "pretend" I haves) and the rest of us.

And you are making assumptions concerning people about whom you know little to nothing!

Suck it up, Buttercup, for the sake of the kids? Sure, if it means putting shoes on their feet instead of my own. Not so much when it comes to taking a vacation that someone else wants me to do. When the OP hasn't even considered the financial impact that her gift could have, there is nothing wrong with pointing out the unintended consequences of her generosity.

 

[HM]

Personally, I'm not sure a Disney trip is what I'd want to be gifted in their situation.
I'd much rather have a beach rental for a weekend. So much more relaxed and easier for good rich family time. Have you considered that?

I really did like the previous poster that suggested a day trip. Lot of people do the MK for one day and love doing it that way. I certainly did as a kid. So what it each ticket is $100? A 3-4 day ticket is going to cost a lot more than that no matter what FL resident discount you get.

 

[Allison]

Wow. Some people are so incredibly ungrateful. Perhaps if one of the posters who would "cry in despair" if they were gifted a Disney vacation, even if it was camping - which is WDW I would have to guess camping is a whole 'nother ballgame than pitching a tent in the middle of the woods and using leaves for toilet paper - they should rethink what it means to receive a gift. Either they have never been in a situation of having to struggle, or they have always had more than what they needed. Lucky for them, but seriously - if you have kids and live an hour away from WDW and the kids have never been there, the look on my kids' face and the excitement they would have would supersede any hesitation I would have about "camping" - if I am going to be washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking care of 5 kids under the age of 9 at home anyway, WHY on earth would I *not* want to do it at a campground at WDW that I obviously haven't been able to afford if someone is going to give it to me as a GIFT? Sometimes, as a parent, it's "suck it up buttercup - it's for the kids".

The PP wasn't asking opinions on what one thinks about camping, she was asking about ways to make a WDW experience a budget-friendly vacation for 7 people. Camping is a terrific way!

SMH - this board yet again shows me that there will always be a huge divide between the "haves" (or "pretend" I haves) and the rest of us.

What are you talking about? I don't know how you got your assumptions out of anything that has been posted. People were offering things for the OP to consider. There is nothing wrong with that.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Wow. Some people are so incredibly ungrateful. Perhaps if one of the posters who would "cry in despair" if they were gifted a Disney vacation, even if it was camping - which is WDW I would have to guess camping is a whole 'nother ballgame than pitching a tent in the middle of the woods and using leaves for toilet paper - they should rethink what it means to receive a gift. Either they have never been in a situation of having to struggle, or they have always had more than what they needed. Lucky for them, but seriously - if you have kids and live an hour away from WDW and the kids have never been there, the look on my kids' face and the excitement they would have would supersede any hesitation I would have about "camping" - if I am going to be washing dishes, doing laundry, and taking care of 5 kids under the age of 9 at home anyway, WHY on earth would I *not* want to do it at a campground at WDW that I obviously haven't been able to afford if someone is going to give it to me as a GIFT? Sometimes, as a parent, it's "suck it up buttercup - it's for the kids".

The PP wasn't asking opinions on what one thinks about camping, she was asking about ways to make a WDW experience a budget-friendly vacation for 7 people. Camping is a terrific way!

SMH - this board yet again shows me that there will always be a huge divide between the "haves" (or "pretend" I haves) and the rest of us.

You have made a sweeping set of your own assumptions.

For some families, camping--even at a posh resort fully paid for, is a hardship of logistics.

And my family ENJOYS camping.

Also, OP did not mention anything in her OP about providing all equipment, so pointing out that lack of equipment would be a barrier is reasonable. A supposedly inexpensive camping trip for a family with no experience and no equipment can suddenly become a nightmare of costs as they navigate what does and doesn't work for a family. Camping in the pouring down rain when one is inexperienced and ill prepared is but one example.

And I don't know about you, but washing dishes while tent camping is not a convenient exercise. It is a little better at Fort Wilderness than setting up dish washing stations in the woods--but it is still not convenient.

I have camped while it was raining with a broken ankle, so I totally understand the suck it up buttercup mantra because I do it regularly.

But that is just a poor attitude to have for giving a gift to a family who may have never find camping before. And I would agree that if this is your attitude, then maybe you should refrain from gifts where you have zero consideration for the needs of the family receiving said gift. It is Scrooge with a twist. You can't afford it and I can so you will like to because I said so!

And just because someone has financial issue does not mean the you can bestow whatever you like upon them and expect them to be grateful for it. Poor doesn't equate to tolerating discomfort in the name of your charity so that you can feel good about yourself.

OP is quite generous and I would appreciate such a gift, but on the flip side--there are people for which camping is not practical, period. They don't like it, their kids don't like it. It is just how it is.

But yay you for your awesome love of camping.

 

[Alesia]

OP, You're the only person who knows this family, so you're really the only one who can decide what to do, but there are some things you should really think about:

Will this trip require either of the parents to take any time off work? For most people who are struggling financially, having 3 or 4 days in a row off of work is absolutely not an option.

You mentioned that not ever having been to WDW is a sore spot for the older kids. Is it possible that offering the trip to the parents will lead to the parents feeling guilty if they have to decline? We had a stretch of a few years that were very difficult for us financially. If someone would have dangled something like this in front of me but I was unable to accept, I would have been devastated.

Are you absolutely sure that you won't offend the parents by offering the trip? There are a lot of people who would feel like you're saying "You can't provide for your family, so I will."

 

[mjkacmom]

Camping in the pouring down rain when one is inexperienced and ill prepared is but one example.

BTDT - in the freezing cold (although probably not an issue in Florida...). Our worst camping experience was when it was incredibly hot. What a nightmare! As someone who has BTDT with 5 under the age of 9, I don't care if I would come off ungrateful - there is probably nothing I could think of worse than camping with the kids (assuming they are not all exactly one year apart, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8). I'm guessing there are some diapered kids in the mix (I think I had 3 in diapers when my oldest was 8).

And we've never camped in the woods - always close to bathrooms. We traveled when the twins were babies, but even hotel rooms weren't all that much fun.

 

[SEA333]

You have made a sweeping set of your own assumptions.

For some families, camping--even at a posh resort fully paid for, is a hardship of logistics.

And my family ENJOYS camping.

Also, OP did not mention anything in her OP about providing all equipment, so pointing out that lack of equipment would be a barrier is reasonable. A supposedly inexpensive camping trip for a family with no experience and no equipment can suddenly become a nightmare of costs as they navigate what does and doesn't work for a family. Camping in the pouring down rain when one is inexperienced and ill prepared is but one example.

And I don't know about you, but washing dishes while tent camping is not a convenient exercise. It is a little better at Fort Wilderness than setting up dish washing stations in the woods--but it is still not convenient.

I have camped while it was raining with a broken ankle, so I totally understand the suck it up buttercup mantra because I do it regularly.

But that is just a poor attitude to have for giving a gift to a family who may have never find camping before. And I would agree that if this is your attitude, then maybe you should refrain from gifts where you have zero consideration for the needs of the family receiving said gift. It is Scrooge with a twist. You can't afford it and I can so you will like to because I said so!

And just because someone has financial issue does not mean the you can bestow whatever you like upon them and expect them to be grateful for it. Poor doesn't equate to tolerating discomfort in the name of your charity so that you can feel good about yourself.

OP is quite generous and I would appreciate such a gift, but on the flip side--there are people for which camping is not practical, period. They don't like it, their kids don't like it. It is just how it is.

But yay you for your awesome love of camping.

Hah - my POINT is, the PP's on this board are making the FIRST assumption that just because they hate camping, this family is bound to hate it to, just because it is not the PP's idea of a "vacation".

*I* AM assuming that since the OP knows this family, and none of us do, that she must think that camping could possibly be on the family's list of "things we might consider doing even if it's not our first choice" if it means kids going to WDW. And, to me, is seems like a nice thing to do by the OP and I would hardly ASSUME that she is planning a bare-bones vacation for her poor friends so she can feel charitable. That's quite a statement you have made. Wow.

And, I do believe that I said in my first post - it is an OFFER of a vacation, the way the OP is designing it and what she can afford to give, that the parents are quite able to decline if they so choose. The UNGRATEFUL part comes in where PP's are literally saying they would cry in despair over the OFFER. REALLY???!!! That is so sad to ME. I would be touched by the OFFER, even if I didn't like it. "Crying with despair" wouldn't really factor in. I find it disconcerting that not everyone would at least think that is was a nice OFFER - poor or not poor. On MY flip-side, I think that anyone, poor or not, should at least understand that the OP is extending a GIFT not meant to promote discomfort, but as a nice gesture of friendship. If someone, poor or not, cannot find it in themselves to be grateful for that, well....then, I don't know what to say to them. In my world, one doesn't get to mandate the type of gift someone else wants to OFFER them. Different worlds have different people, I guess.

So, I guess where we all stand is either A. You get to be angry and despair over an offer of a gift, or B. You are not angry or despairing over a gift. I'll choose they way I would go, you choose your direction. And we are all... happy? Great!!!

(And, BTW - I hate camping with my kids. But if someone wanted to give it to me as a gift to WDW, I wouldn't "cry with despair'. I *would* suck it up and go- just for them. I agree whole-heartedly with you that not everyone would do this.)

 

[*pixie*dust*]

OP, I think you are being very generous and loving with wanting to help this family. However, if they are truly struggling, a gift card to a local grocery or big box store, gas cards, etc would be a much more thoughtful and generous gift. A hand up instead of a hand out that could further damage the self esteem of struggling parents. An extravagant gift is wonderful but lasts a few days. $$ for shoes, groceries or a ride to work goes a lot farther. Help them with the basics now so they can treat their family when they are truly on their feet.

 

[fairy8i8]

OP, could you give us an approximate budget - a ballpark number that you are looking to spend? That would help a lot because then we could give you more concrete ideas and a better variety of options. Also, ages of children can be important too, like how many kids under 3, etc.

I think others that have posted about making sure you include all costs is important if they are having money hardships, and that is a good idea. All costs, even incidental should be given, otherwise it could prove a hardship. When my husband was in grad school, there was a time when accounting messed up and neither of us got paid for 4 months even though we were both working, and even an extra $25 would have been impossible at that point.

So let's make a budget and then see how we can get the price down:

1. Gas card for drive to/from Disney World
2. Food for trip
3. Accommodations
4. Park Tickets
5. Gift cards for kids for spending (if you want)
6. Parking (if staying off site)
7. Incidental fund (forgotten sunscreen, swimsuit, etc.)

With such a large family, park tickets are going to be the biggest expense. Can you give specific ages so that we can help find out if homeschool days or another option would be good? I know that eBates sometimes has great discounts on park tickets bought through Orbitz.

Next biggest expense will be food with such a large family. Are you thinking cereal breakfast and sandwiches to carry into the park? Assuming that all kids are 3 or older, the Quick Service Dining Plan for the entire family would be $164.43/day and the Regular Dining Plan would be $217.43/day plus a tip with the table service meal. If they are staying in the campsites, the Quick Service plan could be really nice because they could have an easy breakfast and then meals paid for in the parks. Since you were thinking only 2-3 days, they will probably want to spend as much time as possible in the parks and not want to have to return to the campsite to cook dinner. If you can swing the price of the Regular Dining Plan and remember to include a gift card for the tips, having a meal in Cinderella's Castle could be a dream come true if they have any girls, and since they are all so young, $217.43 is a steal for a character meal for 7 people. I paid over $150 for 2 adults and 1 child last May for a Cinderella Breakfast.

As for accommodations, as you can see, a lot of people have concerns about meal prep at the campsite more than the actual camping. If you do one of the dining plans, then it is not a concern. If you expect them to prepare food, then maybe be realistic and say cereal for breakfast with paper and plastic, sandwiches to bring to the parks along with some tasty snacks, and then get them gift cards for dinner. Since they will be driving there, you could even do as one person suggested and give McDonald's gift cards. Dinner at McD would probably be fun for the family and a welcome reprieve from cooking dinner, though even they are getting expensive, so it could be as much as $70 for a meal. Letting the kids each pick 1 snack in the park during the day can also be fun. $35/day would be more than enough to cover a treat for each person, but the satisfaction level of getting a treat IN the parks can be huge for a kid, whether it's popcorn or a mickey ice cream bar or something else they see others eating as they walk around. There are so many treats, and the freedom to choose from all the options can be very high value for a kid.

Let us know what you are thinking! What an awesome thing to do!

 

[love__goofy]

As a homeschool parent, I can give you a general feeling of homeschool parents..NOT all of course.

Most of the mom's in my homeschool community give their day, most of their energy, time, and heart into their kids. They want their children to learn, and Disney has so much to offer in Epcot alone. I am certainly not saying that others that choose to send their kids to school don't, please don't take it that way.

Typically, homeschool kids are used to sharing beds, rooms, squeezing in at the table, helping prepare meals, and helping siblings. They are together for all meals and together all day long.

I certainly don't believe that a homeschool family of 7 would have issues sleeping in a tent for 5 nights. They are used to being on top of each other. They typically entertain each other. Certainly an 8 or 9 year old can help out with cooking, or watching a younger sibling.

Our family has had their financial stresses. I am not in their shoes, but if someone gave me an all expense paid trip, with a small amount of groceries that I could use at a campsite, I would be forever grateful! You will have created a lifetime of memories for this family!! And I certainly tip my hat to you for wanting the parents to go.

Besides the necessities, I would get a book in advance of the animals they may encounter in Animal Kingdom, and a simple book about the countries in Epcot. I am sure the parents would be thrilled!!

Oh, one last thing, get them the memory maker CD. This way they can cherish your gift for many years to come!!

 

[kymom99]

OP, I am interested in knowing details about your friend's family as well. I think this is a wonderful idea you have and I hope you don't get discouraged. You know this family so you can make decisions that would work for them. Of course you will discuss the particulars with the parents to make sure they are open to the idea.

Years ago I remember a coworker who wanted to take her step daughter to Disney. They didn't have a lot of money but they drove down from Kentucky and camped in the heat. They had a great time. I think I could survive for a few days, and I am not a regular camper.

Also, as a PP said, if we know how much money you want to budget, we can work out several scenarios. Some of us love pricing out trips, even if we never take them!

 

[fairy8i8]

Ok, to give you a little idea of the pricing...

Homeschool Days is now called Student Seminars. The next one is Feb. 5th. There are no campsites available for that weekend, but the savings on tickets is so substantial, that it might be worth looking at other housing options.

I don't know how soon your windfall might be, but they typically have the Student Seminars once in the Fall and then again in the Winter. The next one is not announced until the other is finished, and for the Fall one, sometimes it is not announced until as late as the summer.

Pricing for tickets for the Feb. 5th Student Seminar per person are as follows (no 2 day ticket available, single price for parents and children):

3 DAYS- $173.34/basic $200.50/hopper $221.50/premium

4 DAYS- $188.15/basic $215.33/hopper $236.33/premium

Florida Resident pricing is just a few dollars more and may be preferred because you will have more flexibility with the dates. (These prices are with taxes included for comparison because the above prices include taxes)

3 DAYS- $190.64/basic $216.73/hopper $248.68/premium

4 DAYS- $211.94/basic $243.89/hopper $275.84/premium

If you really want to give a gift to the mom, you could spring for seasonal weekday passes. That way she could take the kids to Disney World for field trips and really give her kids time to experience the exhibits at Epcot. Price is $233.24 per person, so not that much more than a 3 or 4 day pass. It could make things difficult for a family vacation if the dad can only get weekends off, but it's an idea. Remember that with the annual passes get you park hopper automatically.

If you are getting 3 day tickets, definitely spring for the park hopper. You never know what the little kids will love. I didn't think we needed it, but on our trip with our 4 year old, DHS was his favorite, and he was obsessed with Star Tours. I had planned 2 days in the Magic Kingdom because everyone said it was their young child's favorite. The second day, our son kept saying he wanted to go on Star Tours, and he was honestly bored with the Magic Kingdom. This was his first trip. My husband said that next time we go, we are getting hoppers so we can be more flexible and do what we want, not just something we planned and thought we would want. With 5 kids, there are bound to be varying tastes in attractions.

 

[fairy8i8]

My favorite scenario would be:

$50 gas card
$100 Disney gift card for snacks in the parks
$50 grocery card

Seasonal Passes for the family ($1633.38 total)
2 night Fort Wilderness Campground value season weeknights ($56x2=$112)

Total: $1945.38

You could give a basket or box of extras for the trip. Ideas of fun things would be:

1. Character paper cups, bowls, napkins, and plates for camping (found in the party section)

2. Dollar Store glow bracelets, necklaces, wands/swords, etc. for the night shows

3. Mini Tiaras and sparkle hairspray for the girls so they can do BBB-style hairdos.

4. If you want to spend extra or they don't have any, then princess dresses for the girls to wear. These can be found at big box stores for $15-20. Dressing up in Disney World is a big thing for little girls.

5. Pins bought off of eBay for them to wear.

6. Easywdw touring maps and suggestions printed off. Nothing can ruin a first trip more than getting stuck in long lines with little kids because you don't know any better. Sometimes you stand in a long line, but it's better to know the alternatives and do it because the ride is what you really want to do at that time of day.

7. Educating the parents on 60 day FPP+ window, EMH, Campfire activities at Ft. Wilderness, and other things a first timer might not know but make a big difference in the experience.

I like the weekday season passes because for about $20 more per person, they can go back for day trips. An hour is not far away. It also relieves you of the stress of having to provide everything for the trip because they can go back if they miss something or really love something. Monday holidays are not blocked out, so the dad could also go if he gets those off. That's money far better spent than a character meal that would cost more. They could also do day trips for kids' birthdays that year, etc. (so long as they aren't summer or late Dec. birthdays). It could be a great way to help the magic last.

You could do the same thing with just the 3 or 4 day resident pass so they could do a weekend vacation, but then I would up it to 3 nights at the campground because they might never go back. (so really, you would be paying about the same either way because weekends cost more per night, and you would be adding an extra night).

 

[Nayan]

OP, I think you are being very generous and loving with wanting to help this family. However, if they are truly struggling, a gift card to a local grocery or big box store, gas cards, etc would be a much more thoughtful and generous gift. A hand up instead of a hand out that could further damage the self esteem of struggling parents. An extravagant gift is wonderful but lasts a few days. $$ for shoes, groceries or a ride to work goes a lot farther. Help them with the basics now so they can treat their family when they are truly on their feet.

I agree. While a nice trip seems like a good idea a gift of cash/cards for things they might need would be the much better choice in the long run.

 

[MissVeronica]

I think an off-site 2 or 3 bedroom condo with decent transportation to the parks would be the most economical option. Almost all of them that we've been to have had full kitchens which makes eating breakfast in the morning really easy. They also have fun pools. Combine that with the 3 day Florida resident passes and you have a fantastic vacation.

 

[kreckl]

My two cents:
I would consider getting them accommodations at a moderate resort with the dining plan. It is very inexpensive for young children, and with that they could have character meals. I think those just can't be beat for the little ones, there are no lines to stand in and buffets offer a variety of food for everyone. They also give parents a nice meal.

If they are going for only 2-3 days I would not imagine they would want to leave the parks, then return later with all of those young children. They may not spend much time actually in their room, but if they are onsite its easier for one parent to go back with whoever needs a break to swim or rest or get away from the stimulation of a park. If they are offsite that would be harder to do- wouldn't they all need to go if they had a car instead of convenient Disney transportation? And for that short trip and only an hour away they shouldn't need to do laundry while they are there ( but the resorts have them if needed).

The homeschool programs insist that only the participating child(ren) attend with a parent, so the other one will need to have their other kids.

Other thoughts:
-They would have to decide which parks are must-do's, as in 3-4 days it is impossible to do it all. So they may/may not need park hoppers.
-Packing snacks and a buying a few little souvenirs ahead of time will save a ton. Maybe get something for each night that they can sneak and leave on their beds- a gift from Mickey. No need to shop as Mickey will be leaving them something and it will be a fun surprise when they return to the room. Ideas- a t-shirt for everyone ( bought ahead of time), character candy, pencils or sticker books, etc.
-Consider whether or not they have a decent camera. Photos of this special trip will be needed
-Maybe provide a Disney guide book for kids/parents so they can plan ahead and get excited. Everyone can pick a must-do and they can become more familiar with the parks/attractions, meal options, etc.

 

[skyp4WDW]

I've taken my 4 kids to WDW once or twice a year for the last 15 years (flying in from N.E.). We've been to almost every resort and have also camped at Ft Wilderness at least once per year. Camping was a huge adventure for my kids and we all loved it. Kids don't care much about "fancy"; they care about "fun". Ft Wilderness is FUN.