Budget Trip in October?

[ferrytale]

DH & I just celebrated our 10th Anniversary and thought we would celebrate by taking a long weekend to the F&W fest in October. We always go as inexpensive as possible, so decided to splurge and try to get a resort closer to Epcot. I couldn't find one of the Disney ones at a good rate, but got a not so bad price from the Swan/Dolphin. But - the quotes that I am getting and putting together myself for 3 nights are coming in at more than it cost for our whole 7 day trip last year! This is very discouraging! Anyone have any suggestions? I know a big chunk of that is airfare, but we don't have the extra days this year to drive down.
I am so bummed, we really wanted to sneak away and do this trip :-( We don't go every year, so this was going to be an added bonus for us.

 

[Marionnette]

DH & I just celebrated our 10th Anniversary and thought we would celebrate by taking a long weekend to the F&W fest in October. We always go as inexpensive as possible, so decided to splurge and try to get a resort closer to Epcot. I couldn't find one of the Disney ones at a good rate, but got a not so bad price from the Swan/Dolphin. But - the quotes that I am getting and putting together myself for 3 nights are coming in at more than it cost for our whole 7 day trip last year! This is very discouraging! Anyone have any suggestions? I know a big chunk of that is airfare, but we don't have the extra days this year to drive down.
I am so bummed, we really wanted to sneak away and do this trip :-( We don't go every year, so this was going to be an added bonus for us.

Happy Anniversary!

You're right about airfare being a giant chunk of the cost of travel. I swear that it can be as much for 2 RT tickets as it costs us for everything else combined for a long weekend away! The best budget advice that I can offer would be to look into an airline or travel rewards credit card that offers a sign up bonus. If it's enough for one free flight, you will save yourself half of the transportation costs. Of course, to really take advantage of it, you will need to be flexible with your dates or flight times.

I hope you can swing it. Being at the S/D during the F&W is great.

 

[Pakey]

Since you are flying, did you add in the cost to get to and from the Swan/Dolphin? They do not participate in the Magical Express.

I went through this same thing when my youngest son and his girlfriend decided they wanted to go with us in October. We are already booked in a 2 bedroom DVC at Beach Club villas with our middle son and family. I thought I could put together something reasonable at the Dolphin but it didn't work out.

Good luck. I hope some posters have some great advice that you (and I) can use.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

What dates are you going? What airport will you be flying out of?