Can Disney be done on a budget of......

[AngieInOH]

$20,000? Just kidding! No way I want to try and keep up with the Sorrentino Family!

Realistically I'd really like to keep my budget to $3,000. But just adding up everything so far has me kissing the $3,000 mark . I'd love to hear your suggestions and hopefully get some needed information. I read almost all of the Sorrentino Family's thread so I've already got a good start! I'll try not to duplicate questions.

Some background: I'm 29 DH is 28 and our son is 5 (We'll all be one yr older when we go....urgh!). This will be our first big time vacation and I'm thrilled I found this board!! Our plan is to take our son out of Kindergarden during Value season, sometime in Jan-Feb 2006. The date is to be determined. We're looking at staying a couple of nights with my DH grandparents and then spend 6-7 nights at Disney. Originally I thought we'd stay at a Value resort but the more I think about it I think we would really enjoy the relaxation of a moderate, I'm leaning towards either POFQ or POR. First Question: Is either one more suited for my son? Does anyone prefer one over the other? The POR has the Bayou and the Mansion, any preferance?

My Budget:
Air fare: $600 (keeping my fingers crossed I come along a good deal out of OH)
Resort: $100/day ($700) is it reasonable to assume I'll be able to get a code if I stay Value season Jan/Feb? If I can't get it below $100 we'll probably have to settle on the Value resort
Tickets: 7 day hopper for the three of us $668 (might not need that many days but it was only a few dollars more)
Eating: $100/day ($800) I think we can do it for less than that but I'm rounding UP! My DH does not like to be frugal when it comes to eating and drinking. The refill mug is a must!
Cirque du Soleil: $203 Is it worth it? Definately something that could be cut. Any suggestions?
Disney Quest: $71 Is it worth it?

GRAND TOTAL: $3042, that's not including the extra spending money. I'm going to do the Disney dollars with my son. Love that idea. Once the money's gone he's done spending. This is more for my DH than my son. DH just can't stop spending money on DS.

Couple of final questions: If we go in Jan/Feb will it be warm enough to make use of the pools? My son loves to swim. Also, is it worth it to go through a travel agent? Is there any other benefit other than they look for discount codes? Does the agency sometime have codes that isn't given to the general public? I love planning things like this but if there's an advantage going to an agent I don't mind. I'm not planning on getting a package as I've heard that's it's harder to get your money back if you cancel. You just never know what might happen between now and then. When would you book the reservation?

One last thing, this all got started when my son insisted all we had to do to go to Disney was enter a Sweepstakes!! If it was just that simple!

Thanks for taking the time to read through this. I know it was kind of loooong. So Sorry!! I'm obsessed! I'm sure I'll have questions to follow!

Angie, in cold OH

 

[ryan840]

The only thing I can try to help you with is DQ, it should be included in your park hopper tickets, I know it is in my 2 day hoppers. Where did you get the total $1032? was that per person? (I haven't done the math, but I know your total should be way higher) I did the math, it's per person

 

[racheleich]

My mom, sister and I (3 adults) did our 5 day (Sun-Fri) trip to WDW for right around $2000 (including meals - but we aren't big eaters).

We rented points to stay at OKW ($495) - this was nice b/c you don't pay the extra taxes (even if the rate of the hotel sounds good - remember the tax - 11 or 13% I believe - really kicks the price up).

We got 5 day park hoppers for $225 each from ticketmania (the mousesaver newsletter deal). Our air was also $217 each.

That was around $1800 + meals (counter service and some meals/snacks from our room) + towncar ($100 including tip).

So, my tips are to look into renting DVC points, check out reliable on-line sources for discounted tickets (and free shipping), and go to the grocery store to pick-up some breakfast items/snacks for the day.

(Also, I may be wrong, but DQ is not included in the basic park hopper tickets - I believe it's an add-on. The hopper pass is only for the 4 parks.)

Have fun!!!

 

[mwalsh]

Realistically I'd really like to keep my budget to $3,000.

This is easily done, you just have to be smart about it.

Tip #1 - My best tip is to get the Disney VISA and use it for paying everything! Your bills, groceries, gas, ... everything. This alone allows us to save up to $500 per year on a Disney trip. There's your Circ Tickets and extra spending money.
Tip #2 - Dining Option
Tip #3 - Annual Pass if you are staying 7 nights. By one and use it for the resort discount and the dining experience discount. Well worth the investment.
Tip #4 - Be flexible. Changing your stay by a few nights on either end could save $100s
Tip #5 - Stay in the resorts with the best offered discount at that time

But remember - you have to work hard to reap the rewards - so get as much info as possible and use all that is available in terms of discount codes and perks.

It can easily be done. I did it last year for that total and stayed at FWL. And I do it every time I go for a family of four.

Best of Luck.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Do you have AAA? You might be able to get some discounts on resorts with that.

Also, you might want to consider getting at least one AP. The savings on room, food, shopping etc. might make it worth your while.

 

[EthansMom]

Your budget looks pretty much on target to me. You don't have anything budgeted for spending/souveneirs though. We don't usually spend much -- stay out of the stores at the parks and then hit World of Disney at DTD for a couple shirts and stuffed character doll for each of the kids.

Personally, if you've got to cut something, I would cut Cirque. It's supposed to be really great, but not of much interest to younger kids. And, jeesh, for the price, you should really love it, shouldn't you? Plus, with everything else there is to see and do, you'll never miss it.

DisneyQuest is kinda fun, but really more geared toward kids a bit older than 6. If your son was 12 or 13, I would say definitely go. But, if you're looking for another thing to cut, DQ would be the second one I would cut -- just don't tell DH or DS about it!

Jan/Feb is a great time to go -- low crowds and low prices.

Good Luck!

EthansMom (and Molly's too)

 

[kjs1976]

If you go during value season, there should be some good deals with rates. You may be able to get them down between $59-89 a night depending on the demand.

 

[Marbear]

If you decide to stay at one of the Port Orleans resorts, I definitely cast a vote for POFQ. We just stayed there this past June, a family of 4 including 2 boys (ages 10 and 7), and we loved it! It is a smaller size than POR and even if you are in the farthest building (as we were!) the walking is minimal (busses, food court and pool). The kids loved the pool, altho' the slide was a bit young for them (so it may be perfect for your little guy!). The bus service was great. We didn't wait long for any busses, and we had drop-offs and pick-ups first (POR was second and would be passed by if our bus was full). You have a boat to Downtown Disney and to POR, and you can try out their pool also as it is a "sister" resort. It was quiet, peaceful and the landscaping is beautiful. A wonderful retreat from the craziness of the parks. As our boys asked to return, I would say our stay was a success!

If you have any more questions, ask away!

Happy planning!!

 

[GillieRose]

Also from cold OH. My friend was able to get to airline tickets for around 200. per person she is going in April. Mine where 216.00 for May. So just keep looking for deals. We are staying at POFQ,Myw with dining. are trip is 3000.00 including the airline.

 

[lovethattink]

I would cut DQ and Cirque. There are height requirements for DQ for the fun stuff. If he is tall enough to meet the height requirements at DQ, I'd say don't skip it! If he is too short for the height requirements, I'd say skip it. We stayed a few weekends this winter. Each time we stayed on property the weather was very cold. We still went swimming. We stayed at POR 2 weekends this winter and Pop once. The pool at Pop was much warmer than POR. At POR the quiet pools were quite a bit warmer than the theme pool. My guys are big swimmers too, so this was important. Disney does keep their pools heated during the winter.

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

I agree with the others about DQ- I think it might be a bit much for a 6 Y.O. However since it will be cooler weather when you are there, it would be something to do when its too cold to swim.

Cirque is wonderful. I've seen the show at Disney, and 2 in Vegas. But it too is a bit much for the kids.

I prob. would get park hopping on the tickets. but not the extras. I think it will be too cold for water parks, and they may even be closed at that time.

We have never stayed at POR. We have stayed at CSR, and CBR, and enjoyed both. Be sure you register at the WDW website, and call and order the planning DVD. Maybe you will get an e-mail, or postcard. Those rates are usually great, plus they are the few discounted rooms, that you can add the meal plan to.

Definately look into the meal plan. It would be $80/day, for the 3 of you. $35/adult, and $10/child. Includes tax and tip. Your six year old will prob. like the character meals, and they run around $10 by themselves, so basically, his other meal would be free on those days.

I think you should be fine with your airfare budget. Not sure where you are in Ohio, but we find around $200 standard for Columbus, and lower for Dayton. Cinci is usually higher. We actually drive to Indy, from Dayton. 4 of us are flying for $545.00 next month.

Good Luck, and have fun planning. It's half the fun in my opinion. Keep reading these boards, but a warning: They are sooooo addictive.

We're from Ohio too. I'm really sick of cold weather!!! Ready for some Florida sun

 

[maggiew]

These are just my opinions, so take them as that.

We have stayed at both the moderates and the values. We loved them all. Our last stay was at Pop Century and we had a great time. To us, there is NO difference in the quality of stay. The 2 things that the moderates have going for them are the sit down restaurants and the slide in the pool. During our trips at the moderates, we did NOT eat at the sit down places and my kids did NOT use the slide. As much as I tried to get them to use the slide at CSR because it was cool, they wouldn't. They also just want to swim in the quiet pools where its quiet. So, having the more elaborate theming was not that important in the moderates. So now, we may just stay at the values.

I took my DDs to Disney Quest last trip because we had ultimate park hoppers and it was included. My DDs were 12 and 9. My 9 year old had a good time, but there were a few things she couldn't do because she was too short (Virtual Space Mountain). Also, she could do the virtual reality games, but the helmet thing was too big for her head and she complained the whole time about it. I even had to basically stop my game and try to hold her helmet on. So I am wondering if it would be worth it for the 5 year old. There are things he could do there, but not everything and probably not enough to make it worth it IF you are trying to keep to a budget.

Cirque?? I've never been, but I probably wouldn't do it if I were you. Your 5 year old might have a hard time sitting through it. But I don't know for sure. Maybe someone else who has brought a 5 year old can give their opinion.

If I were you I would get the dining plan and use them at the character meals. I think the thing that would be most important to your 5 year old will be the characters. He will get more out of that than DQ or Cirque, IMHO. I also think it would be less than the $100 per day you already have budgeted. If my DDs weren't older now and considered adults, I would get the dining plan.

Other things your son might like is the petting zoo and movie/campfire at Fort Wilderness. Both of these are free (marshmallows extra).

Maggie

 

[pjlla]

First word of advise.... if you are going in January or February, keep in mind that most public schools have a vacation in February and the parks get CROWDED. I would avoid any part of February, other than possibly the first week. (Plus, school vacation time is not considered "value" season, so the resort prices will increase for those weeks.)

Second word of advise..... we have been twice in January and love the no-lines/short-lines in the parks. But the weather is very IFFY!! It stayed in the 70's for most of our first January trip.... but not for the second! We actually had to miss Illuminations one night because we were just too cold to stay for it... and keep in mind, when we left for our trip it was 11 BELOW ZERO at our house, so we are used to cold! But we were all wearing shorts and sweatshirts and were just too cold. So while I recommend January for the crowd factor, the swimming weather is not the best. (Maybe you could consider November or early December....I've heard good things about that time of year.)

Third bit of advise.... definitely look into the dining plan. If you are planning $100/day for two adults and one child, then the dining plan would probably save you money.

As far as DQ and Cirque go.... I would definitely wait until my child were older, if I were you. And since this is your first trip, there will be so much else to see and do, I don't think that you will need these "extras" to fill your time. And Cirque is an evening show.... after a full day in the parks, your DS will probably need a full night's sleep.... I'm sure you don't want to pay $$ for a ticket for him for Cirque, just for him to fall asleep!!

If you think that you will need something to do in the evening (MK, AK, and MGM close fairly early in January), then there is always Epcot and DTD.

That is all I can think of for now! HTH..............P

 

[eeyore45]

My first thought... YEAH DISNEY

I would look at mousesavers.com to look at the value seasons, read the guidebooks, Unofficial Guide has ALOT of information - you can check it out at the library for now, until the MYW info comes out... of course all of this becomes too much information, and I know I became obssesive about it "in a good way"

We're planning our trip in Oct, the last day of value season, and I get the whole week at that price! We're planning on POFQ probably for the same reasons you are!! It wouldnt bother me to stay at Pop, but I prefer the setting at POFQ, my dd wants AKL - so maybe if something comes along...

If you are planning on doing a waterpark, and DQ, (I dont know about Cirque) they are considered "pluses" and you can add that on for $45. However, I've read that Feb and Jan are too cold most days for swimming (that's why we're doing Oct)

I'm putting away about $20 a week. I save on groceries, and put that in my 'sock' money!! DD is also saving, you know those little things they just "have" to have, well I"m into bribing now, ok, Burger King for lunch, or I can give you $5 NOT to eat there to "save" for Disney! (OK, she is really driven!! LOL, she even found out its cheaper to rent movies from the library, instead of buying them, instead of going to the theatre for the first run movie, wait until it comes out on DVD< cheaper to buy the movie than to see it at the movie theatre!! she's 8 btw!) Every bit helps, I thought it wouldnt be until 2006 until we saved... hah, we'll be ready to go THIS Oct! (shhh dont tell dd!!)

I really think things will settle down, that Disney has come up with a great marketing campaign and has filled those resorts. Soon, they will want me there and bribe me with a code... or not... I'll just have to continue to save, any place on Disney is better... !!


I also saved money at Disney by buying beer and wine at the hotels, instead of at the bar! We could take this to the pool while we hung out while DD swam - $4 for a beer or $1.50 same beer, same container!!
Have fun planning, and saving!! And dont forget, when you get there, all bets are off!!

 

[AngieInOH]

OK, I think I'm going to definetly cut the Cirque. I think it's just too much to pay and I don't want to listen to my son complaining if he doesn't enjoy it. I'll have to do some more research on Disney Quest.

PJLLA, thanks for the for the advice about February! If we choose to go in Feb it would probably be in the first week. My son's birthday is Feb 10 and I would love for him to spend it at Disney (not to mention I wouldn't have to plan a party here and deal with the in-laws) The only problem with Feb is my company sends me on a business trip every year sometime around the 14. Staying for my son's birthday would be I'd come home and have to fly back out within a couple of days.

Dining Plan..... I was originally thinking about it but then found that it has to be booked as a package. Is this correct? If you book it can you later apply codes to your room? That was the draw back for me. If you can't use the room discount with it I'm not sure you'd be saving much money. Also, does anyone find it frustrating trying to find the resturants that are in the plan? I don't want to have my heart set on a resturant and then find I can't go there because it's not on the plan.

AP....I'm going to do some calculations and see where I come out. If you get the AP you get 20% dining is that correct. And you also get preferred codes. I will also look into AAA if we get close to my vacation date and there are no codes out. If you call Disney they will quote you a AAA rate is that correct?

Lastly, during my research last night (until almost 2:30 am, I'm already addicted what can I say) I found this web site with some pretty good pics of the resorts. You can do a virtual tour of some of the rooms!

http://www.discount-tickets.us/walt-disney-world-hotels/index.htm


Keep the suggestions coming!

Angie, now it's cold and rainy in OH!

 

[CajunDixie]

I'm leaning towards either POFQ or POR. First Question: Is either one more suited for my son?
POFQ maybe because of the themed pool.
Does anyone prefer one over the other? The POR has the Bayou and the Mansion, any preferance?
My family would pick POR Mansions since we've stayed there before and loved it.

My Budget:
Air fare: $600 (keeping my fingers crossed I come along a good deal out of OH)
Resort: $100/day ($700) is it reasonable to assume I'll be able to get a code if I stay Value season Jan/Feb? If I can't get it below $100 we'll probably have to settle on the Value resort
Avoid around President's day week. And try either buying one AP or getting a AAA membership for discounts.
Tickets: 7 day hopper for the three of us $668 (might not need that many days but it was only a few dollars more)
Unless you're getting the no expiration option don't buy more days than you think you'll actually use. Maybe go for a 5 day and give yourself 2 relaxing days to hang around the pool, shop at DTD, visit other resorts, or visit the Fort Wilderness area.
Eating: $100/day ($800) I think we can do it for less than that but I'm rounding UP! My DH does not like to be frugal when it comes to eating and drinking. The refill mug is a must!
I've found with my family it is always good to round up on the food budget.
Cirque du Soleil: $203 Is it worth it? Definately something that could be cut. Any suggestions?
I doubt your son could do a park all day then enjoy this show in the evening. Maybe drop the # of days on the hopper and have a relaxing day and a nap for your son then do this show IF you think he'd actually enjoy it.
Disney Quest: $71 Is it worth it?
Check out all the height requirements. And would you enjoy spending a day there? If this is something your DH would enjoy he could go to DQ while your and your DS shop or swim

GRAND TOTAL: $3042, that's not including the extra spending money. I'm going to do the Disney dollars with my son. Love that idea. Once the money's gone he's done spending. This is more for my DH than my son. DH just can't stop spending money on DS.
Don't forget odds and ends of stuff. Airport parking for a week, transportation once you get to FL since you mentioned staying with relatives first. Gas for that transportation. Out of season items you may need for your son since he could grow between summer and your trip time. Like swimsuit and shorts. Film & developing, sunscreen, and snacks. Do you have a pet? Don't forget pet boarding or petsitting.

Couple of final questions: If we go in Jan/Feb will it be warm enough to make use of the pools? My son loves to swim.
Yes, if you're the type to still swim in the cool waters of say late Sept. in Ohio.
Also, is it worth it to go through a travel agent? Is there any other benefit other than they look for discount codes? Does the agency sometime have codes that isn't given to the general public? I love planning things like this but if there's an advantage going to an agent I don't mind. I'm not planning on getting a package as I've heard that's it's harder to get your money back if you cancel. You just never know what might happen between now and then.
You can do everything they can if you follow the advise you'll find here on the DIS and you're willing to visit other sites, like MouseSavers.
When would you book the reservation?
Now if I thought there was a chance that no discounts would be available then. At least you're locked into a room of some sort. But then be ready to read these boards and the MouseSaver site for when discounts do become available.

Another thought since I saw you are visiting relatives and that should mean you'll have a rental car is to try some off-site stuff like maybe a day at the beach, Sea World, outlet shopping, or whatever else might be fun for your son.

Edited to change font color

 

[AngieInOH]

CajunDixie: thanks for the info!

Regarding the issue about a rental car. My parents will take us to the airport here in OH so we don't have to pay for parking. My dh grandparents will pick us up at the airport in FL and then I'm sure they would be willing to transport us to DW. So right now I'm not currently planning on getting a rental car. My dh brother will probably be willing to keep our dog. (I think I just saved myself a few $100 dollars in this last paragraph!)

Angie

 

[maggiew]

The AP gets you 10% off dining at select restaurants at certain times. If you get the DDE card (for $50) you get 20% off at select restaurants.

http://www.mousesavers.com/meals.html#ap

Maggie

 

[Mady/Sophiemom]

You can book the dining package w/ many of the e-mail/postcard rates, if you luck out and get one of those.

You can add the dining, with the AAA room discount, by booking at AAA

We have the dining added to our Pop reservation in April. I wouldn't pay rack at any resort, besides the values. We are getting the AAA discount. Not great, but every bit helps. Depending on the rate you can get, just figure out where the break even point is.

As far as the restaurants go- 90% of our choices were included. The only exception is at Epcot. We like Marrakesh, and Teppanyaki, which are not incl. However we will have one extra meal to pay for anyway, since we are eating 2 sit-downs one of our days, so we are planning on going there.

Check out the menus at www.allearsnet.com That is an awsome site with lots of info.

 

[mom2threeboys]

Just thought I'd add a couiple of things - since we've been with a 5 year old boy!

If you stay in the vlues he'd probably love ASM - our boys did! I've never stayed at POR or POFQ but they both seem to have wonderful reviews.

We went in Feb and it was in the 40-low50's first day and 70's the rest of the week. We chose not to swim, but we saw some kids swimming later in the week. The kids did play in the fountains at Epcot and weren't cold.

As for Cirque, its a great show, but definitely not for children. I have a 6 year old, and he'd be bored I think. I'd try to do this when your Ds is older, or when you're traveling with just adults.

Have fun planning!!