Budget trip for a family of 7

[ChristineNic]

The make up of the family is two adults (Mom and Dad) and five kids under the age of 9. Both parents have been sporadically employed due to bad luck, the economy and health issues. They have had a really tough few years. I know that the last time they had a meal in a restaurant was over a year ago when a family member treated them to a meal at Olive Garden.

Things are starting look up. Dad has a job (temp for now, but they have hinted that they want him to stay on, full time with benefits).

DH and I may be receiving a large windfall in the next 6 months. If we receive what we hope, I am thinking that we may pay it forward and try to gift a budget trip to this family.

They are Florida residents, but I would like to plan a two or three night trip. I don't think these kids have ever had a vacation.

Since they are local, they would be eligible for FL resident passes. They also home school, so if Disney still offers the home school program, that would be an option.

Given the size of their family, I am thinking that camping would be best option. At the Fort, the kids could interact with Chip and Dale at the campfire without the expense of character dining.

Please budget board friends, help me out with other budget ideas to give this family a trip of a lifetime. Usually my trips are for just hubby and I, so trying plan a trip for small kids is completely different from my usual plans.

 

[davedmaine]

That's a great gesture, but I think I'd ask them first. Have you thought about just gifting them the money instead? If they're as down on their luck as you say, they might want to point in in a different direction.. i.e. maybe there's a couple of bills they'd rather get paid off instead, etc..

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

This is very thoughtful of you!


Camping is an option if the family enjoys camping. Do you plan on renting them a camper? Do they have "supplies" for that? Anyway--just something I would be sure of first. We would love such a trip, but we do know families where this just is not something they can enjoy even if it is free. So just something to consider even though it is the most practical Disney solution for a family of that size.

If one of the children is under the age of 3, a value family suite would be an option. Cabins at FW would be also.

As far as budget, maybe a QSDP and then they can supplement with breakfast or a cookout at the campsite. This would let them enjoy dining options without breaking the bank.

I think between basic meal plan, the tickets, and the accommodations, they will be pretty set.

Disney souvenirs can be pricy--if by chance you were local enough and could hit one of the Walmarts by Disney--they have all sorts of souvenirs for a fraction of the price including autograph books. You could hook them up with a souvenirs ahead of time.

We homeschool and I'm not certain programming would be necessary. There is so much to do at the Fort and with all there is to do in the parks, adding an extra program to the mix would be an unnecessary cost.

I would fully research all the extra things at the fort and put something together for them that they can reference.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

The make up of the family is two adults (Mom and Dad) and five kids under the age of 9. Both parents have been sporadically employed due to bad luck, the economy and health issues. They have had a really tough few years. I know that the last time they had a meal in a restaurant was over a year ago when a family member treated them to a meal at Olive Garden.

Things are starting look up. Dad has a job (temp for now, but they have hinted that they want him to stay on, full time with benefits).

DH and I may be receiving a large windfall in the next 6 months. If we receive what we hope, I am thinking that we may pay it forward and try to gift a budget trip to this family.

They are Florida residents, but I would like to plan a two or three night trip. I don't think these kids have ever had a vacation.

Since they are local, they would be eligible for FL resident passes. They also home school, so if Disney still offers the home school program, that would be an option.

Given the size of their family, I am thinking that camping would be best option. At the Fort, the kids could interact with Chip and Dale at the campfire without the expense of character dining.

Please budget board friends, help me out with other budget ideas to give this family a trip of a lifetime. Usually my trips are for just hubby and I, so trying plan a trip for small kids is completely different from my usual plans.

That's incredibly thoughtful of you. Do you happen to know how old the children are exactly? While it is a nice gesture, I can't imagine camping would be a "vacation" with small children. That might just be me though. If they're all over 5 (maybe a blended family?) then it wouldn't be too hard. But if you have a baby and toddler mixed in there it could be more work than a vacation.

Are they within driving distance? Maybe a less expensive hotel offsite would be just as great for them where the cost is similar to that of the camp site.

I wouldn't even worry about character dinings. If the kids haven't done it before they'll be happy enough to interact with the characters at the parks alone.

What time of year do you plan on doing this? That could play a major role in the cost of it all.

 

[Darcy03231]

I would do an off-site vacation home. We rented one when we had 9 of us going. It was in Clermont and had 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a private pool. It also had a full kitchen and washer/dryer. I paid $700 a week, inclusive of all taxes and fees. Yes, we had to pay for parking, but it was more than worth it as the fee per night was less than the cost of one hotel room, we had all that space and our own full kitchen.

We ate in and brought our own water and snacks to the parks.

 

[Marionnette]

I think that it's a nice gesture but a few things that you may want to consider:

• Does the family have camping equipment? Gifting them a campsite does them no good if they don't own an RV or have the means to get it to the resort. Or if they don't own a tent and the necessary supplies to make a campsite livable.
• Is a camping trip really a vacation for the mother? My mom never thought that it was. Yes, it was a way for our large family to see the USA, but it was just moving Mom from from her normal environment to a smaller place with all of the same duties as home. We kids had a blast but it was just another day of the "same old, same old" for Mom.
• Is a Disney trip something that the family would like or afford? Let's face it, even a gift trip comes with outside costs. If they have an RV, they will have to gas it up to move it to the campsite. They will want to eat some snacks in the parks or even have a meal there. Even the s'mores packages at the campfire sing-along cost a lot when you're buying for 5 kids! And then there are the souvenirs, which every kids is going to want because they're kids and that's how they are. Are you planning to get them the dining plan or give them GCs to cover food and souvenirs? If not, is this family in a financial place where they can cover those added expenses?
• Assuming that the mother does not work outside of the home since she homeschools, I guess that she doesn't need to ask for time off from work for a trip. But what about the father? If he isn't a permanent employe with benefits, then any time that he takes off from work would be without pay. If he is hired full-time with benefits, it will take a little while before he accrues some paid vacation time. Are they in good enough shape to absorb that loss?

But if you feel that this is what you want to do for them, then the first Disney "Homeschooling Days" (now called Disney Student Seminars) will be held Jan. 29-Feb.14, 2015. Attendance at a Feb. 4th seminar at Epcot is required of all participants. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. You can find details here:
https://www.studentguest.com/studentseminars/

Discounts for campsites are rare and they are not included in package deals like *free* dining very often. Sometimes a package discount for a family at a resort hotel is a less expensive than camping. Check the special offers section of the Disney website to see what is available. The booking window for current offers will close on 12/29/14, so you would need to pull the trigger very soon if you are going to take advantage of any of them.
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

Good luck with your planning. I hope that the family appreciates what a special person you are for wanting to do this for them.

 

[sheetz]

Some families would feel embarrassed to receive a gift of such great monetary value so definitely check with them first. I wonder if it might be better if you rented a beach house for a week and then invited them to join you "since you have the extra space."

 

[danygirl]

Years ago when we were faced with a meager Christmas and I had young kids a friend stuffed $450 in my pocket and insisted I take it for toys and fun for the family over Christmas. I did not tell my husband because I knew he would hate that but I knew the kind of person she was and that she took such joy in this.

My point is this - while a Disney trip seems amazing to you, some cash or gift cards so the family could see a movie, eat out, or maybe just eat better at home , go bowling or out for ice cream might mean more to the recipient. It could spread the fun over a longer period. But if you know them and a vacay is the best thing I second the vacation home . Even if they like to camp. The whole wow of the pool plus space for the family to spread out would be awesome. And throw in a gift card for some food in the parks. No need for a character meal. They can eat breakfast in the room and pack lunch and snacks. Might be good to throw in a grocery store gift card so they can purchase food.

 

[Alesia]

I know you heart's in the right place, but unless you are absolutely 100% sure that this gift would be a welcome one, you need to think of a new idea.

We've been in a similar situation and a gift like this would have just added to the stress we were already under.

 

[Nztara]

As someone who works with families in difficult financial situations, I definitely suggest Asking the family what would benefit them most. Sometimes a county park pass and restaurant gift cards would be more beneficial because it stretches over a longer period. If you wanted to do a vacation, maybe camping close to home for a few nights would be better for the family.

I can see all kinds of additional expenses happening with a trip to WDW. Something as simple as an unexpected car repair on a road trip can have a huge impact.

 

[SEA333]

Wow - lots of good advice on budgeting, but also lots of reasons why you shouldn't give this trip, but that wasn't really your question, was it.

Budget ideas for a family of 7: include a gas card and McDonalds gift cards for the trip to WDW and back.

Grocery gift cards would be great or pre-pay the dining plan.

Add a $100 Disney Gift card or prepaid Visa (or whatever denomination you deem reasonable) for incidentals - they ALWAYS crop up! \

A rental car for the trip would be good if they have a car that is not reliable or even if they do, a rental will take the worry of flat tires, breakdowsn, adding miles to the family car, etc out of the equation.

Make sure if you give the trip that the parents will not have to pay for ANYTHING out of pocket. Unlike the majority of posters on this board, even an extra $50 is impossible to budget for "extras" some weeks for some families. Budget the gift cards, car rental, etc into the total cost of the trip.

IMO - your gift is a gift. That is all. You are not trying to change these people's circumstances or guide them toward a "better" life. You do not need to ask them if they would rather have A, B, or C. If you want to give them a gift of a trip, then by all means - ask them if they want the trip!! Completely NOT necessary to ask them if they would rather have the trip or cash or grocery store gift cards or to have their electric and water bills paid. You are not their social worker and your gift is exactly what you want it to be: A trip for the kids to Disney. They can accept the trip or decline. IMO, it's kind of tacky to ask them if they would like to pay bills instead.

FWIW, when the economy collapsed and DH wasn't working/working out of state and we lived with my mother, my SIL and her husband gifted me a $150 Toys R Us gift card at Christmastime so I could buy Christmas gifts for my kids. Now, I am a planner and had a little money put aside, and was completely grateful that they had thought of us (the kids) and wanted them to have a nice Christmas. It forced me to actually get the kids stuff since it was for TRU - if it was just cash, I would have used it for bills/gas/etc and it wouldn't have gone to the kids. Sometimes, even though bills are unpaid and kids need new shoes, the whole family also needs to have a little treat, too. We are in a completely different situation now than we were all those years ago, but I will NEVER forget that gift card and how it forced me to spend that "money" on my kids when Christmas was going to be very tight that year.

 

[ChristineNic]

I appreciate the budgeting ideas and advice. This family lives in Florida, approximately an hour to WDW, which I why I would like to give the kids this trip. As far as camping equipment, DH and I have camping equipment to loan them. What we don't have, another family member does.

A less expensive off site hotel is an idea, but they would most likely require two rooms and not have the ability to cook in the room. Perhaps a condo or vacation home may be the way to go.

We have several months before we have to make any decisions. Thank you for all of your input, ideas, and suggestions.

 

[Skywalker]

Do you know for sure that they even like camping? If someone gave me a gift of camping I think I would cry (in despair). Seriously.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

A less expensive off site hotel is an idea, but they would most likely require two rooms and not have the ability to cook in the room. Perhaps a condo or vacation home may be the way to go.

An offsite condo was going to be my suggestion. A 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom villa at the resort we own at (Sheraton Vistana Resort) can sleep 8 in all but two phases. The full kitchen, washer and dryer would be a godsend with that many children. There are barbecue grills if they wanted to cook outdoors versus inside. The resort has 7 pools, 6 hot tubs, multiple playgrounds, daily free scheduled activities like pool parties, dive-in movies, karaoke, etc., basketball courts, volleyball courts, tennis courts, and more. A full week there can be rented from an owner for right around $1000 (sometimes less if you're lucky). For this particular family, it sounds like a week at this resort (or another comparable property....there are tons in Orlando to pick from) with all those kid-friendly amenities at their disposal would be a dream come true even if they didn't even visit a park during their stay.

I know Disney is your focus, but I will toss another thought out there anyway.....SeaWorld & Aquatica combo annual passes are currently being offered for buy one, get one free. They're $180 plus tax, or $90 pp with the BOGO offer (cheaper than a one day Disney ticket). SeaWorld only AP's are $156 (or $78 pp). Parking would be free with their AP's, so that would eliminate parking fees. And they could use those passes again for a full year, if by some stroke of luck the Dad's job works into something more stable (since they are only an hour away by car). Perhaps not what you were thinking initially, but definitely budget friendly. Dining at those two parks is MUCH more affordable than at Disney, too.

I think what you are considering is so very kind. They are lucky people to have someone like you as a friend.

 

[mjkacmom]

Do you know for sure that they even like camping? If someone gave me a gift of camping I think I would cry (in despair). Seriously.

Family of 7 here, and me too! I've camped, we have plenty of sleeping bags, air mattresses, and tents. I'm over it now, and definitely wouldn't do it with little ones!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I imagine a mother of five young kids who hasn't eaten out at a restaurant in over a year would really enjoy not having to cook, clean, and do laundry for a few days. I don't know how old the youngest is (? under 3) but I'd probably consider a family suite at the All Star Music with the QSDP, especially since it will only be for two or three nights. I would also include a gas card and a gift card for incidentals and maybe a tee shirt each. Staying onsite, IMO, would add to the magic and maximize the time they get to spend at the parks during what will be a relatively short trip.

Lovely of you to do. My mother growing up had people that did these types of things for her family, and at almost 90 years old, she still tears up when she reminisces. But for your gesture, these kids might never get to experience WDW even though they live close by. I hope you can work it out.

 

[SplashMo]

Bonnet Creek is a good choice if they are going to the parks...

 

[a1tinkfans]

I know you heart's in the right place, but unless you are absolutely 100% sure that this gift would be a welcome one, you need to think of a new idea. We've been in a similar situation and a gift like this would have just added to the stress we were already under.

So eloquently said. I too feel your heart is in the right place OP, but you are not on the " inside" to this families daily situation, and despite your extreme thoughtfulness, the gesture may actually cause an additional myriad of issues...that list is endless ( ie, if some gets ill and they have to cancel, food costs, gas costs, xtra stress, misc etc etc)
Someone else mentioned that perhaps you could invite them to Your " vacation". Perhaps that would put less stress on the family?
The inner workings and what goes on behind closed doors can be VERY different than what you see/know. Good luck deciding what is best for Them.

 

[ChristineNic]

If we are able to do this, I will speak with the parents and make the offer. I wouldn't just plan a trip and gift it to them.

As a prior poster said, since they live so close, not ever having gone to Disney is something that is a sore spot for the older kids. The other parks are great, but they aren't Disney.

The family has gone camping in the past and as far as I know, enjoys camping.

 

[ronandannette]

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.)