Can I afford this trip, any ideas?

[Debbie Jean]

We love the dining plan too. It is half the fun for us to pick where to eat. The past few times we have tried to pick new places, but it will be fun to stay somewhere else and maybe make some meals especially breakfast.

Remember if this is a single reservation then everyone in the villa must be on the same dining plan. You will want to talk this over with your sister and her husband to see what their plans are for dining. If they are not planning on buying a dining plan, then its a no go anyway. If they plan on the deluxe dining, then it'll be big $$$!

 

[sissy_ib]

We love the dining plan too. It is half the fun for us to pick where to eat. The past few times we have tried to pick new places, but it will be fun to stay somewhere else and maybe make some meals especially breakfast.

You can still do a few meals. I would say get groceries delivered and pick out two or three favorite restaurants to go to. Lunch is cheaper than dinner so if you can work it plan then. What resort will you be staying at? Some like Bay Lake and Beach Club are walking distance to a park. So it would be easy to go back to the villa, eat a meal and head back to the park.

 

[peabody58]

By the numbers of the party (6 total), it sounds like you will be in a 2 bedroom villa. This will be a huge step up from a value resort, which shouldn't be missed if at all possible.

With the kitchen for breakfast, occasional lunches/dinners (we like to bring to the pool) and snacks, you will find that you can save a lot on dining and alchohol expences. We always do a grocery run since we drive. For us, it's a lot of fun buying a weeks worth of food and beverages as we usually buy stuff we wouldn't normally get at home. Lots of pool side snack foods and drinks; some of it actually healthy!

The other fun part is planning our ADR's. We have the TIW card so we same some $$, and do enjoy the TS experiances. We usually use TS 2 out of every 3 days we are there. We average about $500 per couple for food/beverages including groceries over a 5-6 day period. Your milage may vary.

My vote would be to go. Life is too short, and this is a an awesome opportunity.

Be sure to budget some 'thank you' gift as DVC points are not by any means 'free'.

You didn't mention which DVC resort you'll be staying at. I'm sure we would be interested, and many of DVC'ers can then offer you more resort specific tips to help you save and better enjoy your trip (yeah you've already made up your mind).

 

[Dislaney4n6]

Last year a total of 6 of us drove to and from DW to save money. There were 3 drivers so we rotated and took naps when necessary. Overall, the gas and tolls were under $900. Gas was a bit cheaper last year, but if gas is high for cars, cost of flights will also be high. Having a car available made it easy to get the groceries for packing lunches, (which we did daily) not only was that a great money saver, but it saved time from waiting in lines, did not have to eat the same burger and fries, hot dog and fries, chicken strips AND fries ...

If flying is definitely how you want to go, I would try to pack carryons only to avoid the baggage fees, especially if you have laundry facilities in your place. A lot of companies are now making those 'pods' for laundry detergent.. great for traveling.

The dining plan is great when free, but I do not think I would pay for it. It is a lot of food, more food than I would normally order/eat. Pick one or two restaurants for nice dinners and be done.

As PP suggested, I ordered my tickets from Undercover Tourist. No issues. Slightly cheaper, but any cheaper is better. Also check out AAA if you are member.

 

[zeferjen]

You may e able to get very cheap fares out of atlantic city on spirit. Sign up for their deal emails. Just watch out for the extra fees they charge, when comparing fares

 

[WildabouttheMouse]

By the numbers of the party (6 total), it sounds like you will be in a 2 bedroom villa. This will be a huge step up from a value resort, which shouldn't be missed if at all possible.

With the kitchen for breakfast, occasional lunches/dinners (we like to bring to the pool) and snacks, you will find that you can save a lot on dining and alchohol expences. We always do a grocery run since we drive. For us, it's a lot of fun buying a weeks worth of food and beverages as we usually buy stuff we wouldn't normally get at home. Lots of pool side snack foods and drinks; some of it actually healthy!

The other fun part is planning our ADR's. We have the TIW card so we same some $$, and do enjoy the TS experiances. We usually use TS 2 out of every 3 days we are there. We average about $500 per couple for food/beverages including groceries over a 5-6 day period. Your milage may vary.

My vote would be to go. Life is too short, and this is a an awesome opportunity.

Be sure to budget some 'thank you' gift as DVC points are not by any means 'free'.

You didn't mention which DVC resort you'll be staying at. I'm sure we would be interested, and many of DVC'ers can then offer you more resort specific tips to help you save and better enjoy your trip (yeah you've already made up your mind).

I am not sure yet where we are staying they usually stay at the Boardwalk Villas. I saw pictures and they are beautiful. My sister and husband are hard to buy for as they usually just get what they want / need. I will have to figure out a suitable thank you gift for them.

 

[sweetdana]

I am not sure yet where we are staying they usually stay at the Boardwalk Villas. I saw pictures and they are beautiful. My sister and husband are hard to buy for as they usually just get what they want / need. I will have to figure out a suitable thank you gift for them.

The photo pass n a memory book would be awesome

 

[kwhite1022]

I was given kind of the same opportunity....though not the DVC, but use of Bonnet Creek 2 bedroom for 7 days at no cost, hard to turn down! We are in MI and I cant touch airfare for less then $500 person, but we are going the worst possible time....spring break, so no incentives for deals on air. Our budget with 5 of us going, driving down (stopping overnight, so two hotels there and back) with non park hopper tickets is $2750. Thats for everything. Tix, gas, food, trinkets for the kids, doing BBB and princess lunch as well. We are planning to eat our breakfast and some dinners at the resort, but have a few special meals planned throughout the visit. I am very close to going back to work, as my youngest starts 1st grade in the fall, and has not been to the world....so we took the free use of the condo as a sign and are going.

 

[MinneyME]

I say go for it if you can afford the air fare.
I know from past trips that having the full kitchen really cuts down on food costs, even if you eat one meal a day in the parks.