Can I do this trip on my budget?

[castanhope]

Hi all! This is my first visit to this forum but I need help planning this vacation. No one in my family has ever been to Disney and we want to take our daughters early in December 05. They will be almost 6 and almost 4 at the time. We would like to fly in from Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Akron and stay for 5 nights. I have been checking into resorts, airfare, and park tickets and am daunted by the prices! We are really on a budget here! My hotel choices are (onsite) All Star Movies or (offsite) Seralago Hotel with a kidsuite. Now I've seen people talk about getting the All Star rooms for $50 a night with a code, but where do you get a code? The Seralago looks nice and is cheaper than the All Star, has anyone stayed there and had a good experience? Also, I've seen people talk about airfare between $100-150 round trip and the lowest I'm getting from all the sites (Expedia, CheapTickets, Orbitz, etc.) is around $230. Is there somewhere else I can use to find better rates? And as for park tickets, are there any significant discounts available? Most of the discounts I've come across through buying packages or other offers only amount to a few dollars per ticket. I would appreciate any advice people could give me about staying on a budget. I am so wanting to take my girls before they get older but can't justify spending close to $3000 on a trip when we have bills to pay! I would love to go for under $2000. Thanks so much!

Christina

 

[Carrie Ellis]

castanhope,

Don't panic! Do lots of research on www.mousesavers.com and www.allearsnet.com ! Mousesaver keeps up with all the codes. You can book where you want to stay and still apply a code when or if one comes out. You will just need to call them. Keep reading these boards! You will be an expert in no time!

Good luck!

 

[kilee]

I can usually do a really budgeted trip for 1 week w/ flying and rental car for around $2000. However, we don't stay on site, we look for a clean hotel for the $35-$45 a night, and they can be found, but they are clean, no frill hotels. Most still have nice pools. It takes some research. Also, we found by staying offsite we save about 1/3 on our food budget. I know offsite is the unpopular choice, but when we're on a strict budget it's the way for us to go.

As for airfare, if they fly from your airport choices check Southwest and/or Jetblue. They don't come up on places like expedia or orbitz and they tend to be the cheapest. Check all the discount carriers (which all don't tend to run on those sites--you'll have to go to their individual sites).

Rental cars, if you're off site this is a must. On site, it's more of an option. We can usually find a code and get a rental car for 1 week for around the $150 mark after taxes and such. We use Alamo. The line can get long, but they don't take an additional security deposit (which can tie up several hundred dollars for your trip).

Food--once again we eat breakfast everyday in the room. Character meals are fun, but we save them for dinner. DH doesn't eat breakfast and DS (now 12) and I are fine w/ muffins and fruit. So, we usually can both eat breakfast for $20 for the whole week. Next, sitdowns on site. We try to limit it to 3-- thats 1 each of us picks out. No matter what why you cut it-- a meal at Taco Bell or Denny's is just a lot cheaper. So, we try to make at least 60% of our meals off site. We do each start off w/ 1 water in the park too-- then refill (we don't mind the water there). We each usually get at least 1 additional drink per day.

Souviners--these can be a budget killer. I know the folks here will have lots of tips. We've been enough that we don't really buy much anymore. For our first few trips, DS would save his bday and holiday money. As well as do chores at his grandparents house for extra spending money.

 

[dkrause716]

First off, it is always better to stay on site no matter what! You just don't get the full dose of Disney magic otherwise. The new packages that Disney is advertising seem to be a much better deal than they used to be but I have a couple of suggestions:

December is still a long way off yet. If you book a package you may be stuck with something you can't change. I would book a room only reservation and hope for a discount code to come out later in the year. Do you have AAA? There may be discounts offered by Disney to the public at that time--the beginning of December is not a really busy time.

Register on the Disney World site and ask to recieve e-mails from them. This may increase your chances of getting a postcard with a great discount.

Southwest offers great prices to MCO. They won't have their schedule out for December yet but keep checking. Get on their e-mail list too. I did and last year we flew for $98 rd trip from Philly!

Check out these websites for lots of help with planning--
www.mousesavers.com and www.allearsnet.com
Both will be very helpful. This board will also be a huge help to you.

Don't worry-with careful planning you can do DW on a budget! Good luck!
Diane

 

[Julia M]

Well, rack rates at the All Stars in early December should be value season, and that's $77 per night. Tax would add a bit less than $10.

Airfare is the toughie.....but go to Travelocity and put in a "farewatcher". You can specify when you are traveling, and you will be notified if the rates go lower. For checking on your own, I like Orbitz, also. Southwest flies from Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and if you watch for when the schedule is out (right now it's only through early June, I beleive), you should be able to get fares each way for between $60-$100, plus tax. So $175 per person would be realistic.

In terms of food, well, you don't need to eat at fancy sit down restaurants. There are some nicer counter service, especially at EPCOT. WIth young kids, they may be able to share meals. When my kids were that age, I carried a backpack/diaper bag with food stuff, juice boxes and so on, and we only bought meals for dh and I.

You can even carry food on the plane with you (I've done that many times). I know it's been said that you shouldn't ship it through, but I do that, too.

So, you could probably do airfare for $700, and lodging for 5 nights for $435. Passes, unfortunately, even if you buy ahead of time from Ticketmania, will run you $235 for each adult, and $195 for each child. That includes park hopping. If you buy frm DIsney when you arrive, you could get a pass without park hopping for $205 per adult and $165 per child. So that's $740.

That's a total of $1875 right there. You could get by without a car, since the Magical Express will be running. Getting lower airfare would help!

You could add the dining plan to your reservation. It would cost you $90 per night, but you'd know how much your food would cost up front.

Be sure to subscribe to Mousesavers. Mary send out a monthly newsletter with lots of info.

HTH

Julia

 

[dkrause716]

We usually do one character breakfast and the rest of the time we do a quick breakfast in the room. This saves time and money.

Have kids earn their own spending money for the trip and this is their souvenir money. Disney Dollars make great gifts. Tell friends and family to do this too.

If you can find Brita refillable water bottles you won't have to buy water. They filter the water as you drink and make Florida water taste fine.

Just a few more ideas.

 

[HayGan]

We are heading down from Western Pa in early December as well. Currently, we are planning on driving down but we may consider flying if we can get decent rates thru Southwest (who is now serving Pittsburgh - Woo Hoo ) I wouldn't look for too much in discounted airfare this far out. I would sign up at both US Airways and Southwest's websites to receive their e-mail alerts for specials.

You will be travelling in value season so you may be able to get a good deal on a package. Call a AAA agent and find out what kind of deal you can get on a package. It may also be possible for you to get a 7 day package for just a few $$$ more so have them price it for you as well.

I ran an estimate of your dates at disneyworld.com and I got a quote of $1,375 for 2 adults and 2 kids at an all star resort and 7 day MYW passes. AAA should be able to get you some $$$ off that. If you fly, you can use the Magic Express to and from the airport so no need to rent a car.

You can also look at other places to stay. Check out skyauction.com for some nice and reasonably priced accommodations. Since you are really watching your $ you can rent a timeshare unit and do some of your own meal prep to keep the cost down.

You can definately do the trip for around $2,000. You will just have to do some careful planning.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thought maybe this thread might be helpful on how much people paid for their packages.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=738466&referrerid=70088

 

[DisnyMama]

I agree that you should definately stay on site at a value. If you haven't already make sure you get the Vacation Planning DVD so that your name and address will be in the Disney system. That is one way to possibly get a post card with a discount code-not definate, but possible. Like what was said before watch Mousesavers for codes. Also, if you are going to splurge and do a character meal then do breakfast. Dinner after tax and tip can cost up to twice as much. You can definatley do it just like the ad says for $1500 (this doesn't include airfare which I'm sure you know) but then work out the airfare on it's own and it won't be so bad.

I hope you make it happen. It is definately worth it and a trip you will never forget or regret!!!

Shannon

 

[laurabelle]

Welcome to the Dis Christina! How exciting to plan for your family's 1st trip! I've been in early Dec., it's a magical time - you're going to love all the beautiful decorations - good weather and not crowded! You are so smart to come here to plan your 1st trip (wish I had!) you'll save tons from the information on these boards!

You're bound to get alot of answers on where to stay. Some people are die hards, both for onsite and offsite hotels. We do what fits our trips and budget, staying everywhere from value-deluxe, and have had 10 great stays onsite and 2 great stays offsite. Right now we're planning for Oct. and since we're out of tickets (we buy non-expiring tix and spread them over a few stays) and have to spend extra $ on them, this is an offsite budget trip.

If you want to stay onsite, AAA will give you a discount of about 10% if you're a member. Watch these boards and www.mousesavers.com for general discount codes to come out. They're not guaranteed, so it's better to book what you can afford without the code.
Pluses for staying onsite:you're immersed in Disney theming, starting in May for a undisclosed period of time, you can get free airport transfers (saving at least $100) the use of Disney transportation to the parks from your hotel, extra magic hours (mornings and evenings 1-3hrs extra only open to Disney resort guests) charging privleges, packages sent to your room.

I have a reservation at the Fairfield Inn Lake Bryan, which is a moderate offsite hotel in a gated complex near Downtown Disney. They get consistantly good reviews on the Dis boards and www.tripadvisor.com. Rooms have a refrigerator, offer free continental breakfast, a good food court with Pizza Hut and others. I'm paying $49 a night through www.easyclicktravel.com. There are even cheaper hotels listed, but do your research first before booking based on price alone. Ask on the Orlando hotels Disboard, check trip advisor for reviews. Sorry I don't know about the Serlago, but I'm sure you can find out more on these sites.

If you have an entertainment book or you are a government employee you get good discounts on rooms too. Book directly through the hotel's website.

If you wanted to spend a little more, you could get a 2 br villa at (nice) Cypress Pointe for $73/night through www.HotelKingdom.com. These have full kitchens, washer and dryer, whirlpool tubs in the master br. You can save alot by stocking up at the local grocery store and eating some of your meals at the villa.

If you decided to extend your stay for a full week, you could get a villa even cheaper through www.skyauction.com. I won a week at the (very nice) Vistana Resort (1br) for $400. Others on these boards have won nice resorts for as low as $261 for a 2br for the week.

I got airfare as low as $39 each way on Southwest. Check to see what discount carriers fly out of your city and book directly through their websites.

You will want to have a rental car if you stay offsite. Check www.mousesavers.com for info on car rental discount codes. If you have an Entertainment book, you will get coupons for some of the major companies. National will allow you to combine coupons and rate codes and you can join their Emerald Aisle for free and bypass the counter.

If you have a car, there are tons of offsite restaurants that are good deals. You can pick up coupon books practically everywhere when you're there, use entertainment book coupons or there are sites online for printable coupons.

Counter service meals are fine, we do very few table service meals inside the parks, mostly because the kids don't want to waste valuable park time sitting around a restaurant! We split most of our meals. If you do a sit down meal, lunch is less expensive. Make sure you do one character meal, your kids will love it!

I have learned to buy my theme park tickets in advance and will research who has the best price on the tickets I need. Right now some of the best prices I'm seeing are at www.floridaorlandotickets.net. Here's where you may decide to extend your vacation. A 5 day expiring ticket that is good for one park each day is $198/adult $159/child. But the same ticket, which is good for 7 days, costs $200/adult $161/child!

Whew! I hope this has helped. It can be done! Just keep coming to these boards and ask away. Enjoy planning and have a magical trip!

 

[WDWBetsy]

If you want to stay onsite, AAA will give you a discount of about 10% if you're a member.

If she's staying at an All-Stars, the AAA discount for early December would be 20% off (subject to availability).

 

[laurabelle]

You're right! I was thinking of my Oct. trip when I was pricing out my options, it is regular season and I believe my AAA discount was 10%...$140/night for a standard room at POFQ.

 

[castanhope]

Thanks guys, for all the awesome information and suggestions! Every little bit of info I can get helps. I think I better join AAA! We've been meaning to do that anyway, and 20% off at an All Star hotel would be awesome!

I also thought of one other question I'm sure some of you have experience with...kind of personal but I really need to know...I am planning on trying to have another baby soon and I may be anywhere up to 4 months pregnant when we take this vacation. Now, as far as rides go, are there lots of things I can still go on. I probably would be at the stage where I wouldn't be showing, but I don't know how strict they are about that stuff there. I know I went to an amusement park last time I was pregnant (more so, about 6 months and showing a lot!) and they wouldn't even let me ride the monorail! Now I'm not a big adventure rider so I wouldn't mind not going on the roller coasters but if I couldn't ride the carosel I would be pretty upset! Thanks again for all the information you guys have given me. I will definitely look into some of the airlines that are cheaper and sign up on the webistes to get the planning dvd and possibly coupon codes.

Christina

 

[DiznEeyore]

I also thought of one other question I'm sure some of you have experience with...kind of personal but I really need to know...I am planning on trying to have another baby soon and I may be anywhere up to 4 months pregnant when we take this vacation. Now, as far as rides go, are there lots of things I can still go on. I probably would be at the stage where I wouldn't be showing, but I don't know how strict they are about that stuff there. I know I went to an amusement park last time I was pregnant (more so, about 6 months and showing a lot!) and they wouldn't even let me ride the monorail! Now I'm not a big adventure rider so I wouldn't mind not going on the roller coasters but if I couldn't ride the carosel I would be pretty upset! Christina

Christina:

I haven't been to WDW while pregnant, but I have been with whiplash, and I would equate the restrictions as being somewhat similar (nothing jarring, no big drops, etc.). I can't imagine not being allowed to ride a monorail while pregnant! Maybe they're afraid of a breakdown and a woman going into labor, LOL!!

Anyway, off the top of my head, I wouldn't think you'd have any trouble with most of the rides at MK, including the carousel , Small World, Peter Pan, Dumbo, Snow White, Pooh, Buzz, the TTA (LOVE the TTA -- very relaxing!), Aladdin, Jungle Cruise .... Plus there's all the wonderful shows (especially Philharmagic) that you could enjoy while giving your feet a rest!

I'd probably skip the rides at MGM for the most part, as they're thrill rides, but there are lots of good shows to see. AK -- mostly shows, but you could probably do Triceratop Spin (Dumbo-like) and the Safari (I don't remember it being too bumpy of a ride). Epcot -- again, mostly shows.

As long as you generally feel good while pregnant, I defintely think there's more than enough for you to experience and have a great time!!

 

[disneymom3]

Laurabelle--great post! I love your balanced view! It always makes me cringe when people tell first timers that you can't really experience Disney if you don't stay onsite. I have nothing helpful to add to the budget point.

For the pregnancy, I have been to WDW while about 4 or 5 months preg and it was just fine. If you get the book, The Unnoficial Guide to Walt Disney World, there is a section on it that tells about which rides you should not ride. I know the ones I didn't go on were--any of the roller coasters, obviously. (Including Splash Mountain) The Indy Speedway in Magic Kingdom, Test Track in Epcot (and now Mission: Space too.) Tower of Terror and Star Tours in MGM. I think that was it. There really is so much to do at the parks even if you didn't go on any rides you could still have a great time. (Ask my 4 year old who thinks the Main Street vehicles are the high life!)

Good luck--the planning is half the fun!

 

[Twende]

Check out SW air out of Cleveland. The best prices are on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturdays so really look around at travel days.

We were able to get round trips for two adults for under $300 for both of us.

I am thrifty...a nice way of saying I am cheap! I usually plan on spending about $750 per adult for 5 days and 6 nights on site with park entry, airline and food included.( but that was with food vouchers). The dining plan seems to have upped that price a bit.

It was suggested to me that you make two reservations to make better use of the meal plan. For example if you are staying 6 nights then make one ressie for 3 days and another for 3 days with the meal plan. We could in no way eat two big meals a day like the meal plan does and most places have huge portions. Now if you want character meals then you might what the meal plan all days so you can store up and get fancy meals or charater meals.

We still have some Q & C vouchers for this trip so we did not have to deal with the meal plan. I really wanted one or two VKL's so we could go back to Rain Forest but I just cannot find them except for hideous prices on eBay!

I told DH that maybe we would go there for coffee and a shared dessert just so he can experience the place. He did not get to go last time!

The best advice is to read everything you can and ask these knowledgable people lots of question!

 

[DissyLove]

Thanks guys, for all the awesome information and suggestions! Every little bit of info I can get helps. I think I better join AAA! We've been meaning to do that anyway, and 20% off at an All Star hotel would be awesome!

I also thought of one other question I'm sure some of you have experience with...kind of personal but I really need to know...I am planning on trying to have another baby soon and I may be anywhere up to 4 months pregnant when we take this vacation. Now, as far as rides go, are there lots of things I can still go on. I probably would be at the stage where I wouldn't be showing, but I don't know how strict they are about that stuff there. I know I went to an amusement park last time I was pregnant (more so, about 6 months and showing a lot!) and they wouldn't even let me ride the monorail! Now I'm not a big adventure rider so I wouldn't mind not going on the roller coasters but if I couldn't ride the carosel I would be pretty upset! Thanks again for all the information you guys have given me. I will definitely look into some of the airlines that are cheaper and sign up on the webistes to get the planning dvd and possibly coupon codes.

Christina

I was about 4 months pregnant when I went, and basically skipped the rides that listed major ht restrictions (like any roller coasters, or spinning rides) which meant no Star Tours, no teacups, and no space mountain, my favorite.

I did go on the Kilimanjaro Safari in the Animal Kingdom (even though they have a warning, I read somewhere that it was fine) and I had no problems. I would say avoid the higher ht restriction rides or anything simulated (Like Star Tours, Body Wars, etc...) and have fun!!!

 

[castanhope]

Thank you so much for the answers about pregnancy That is very helpful since I'm really not familiar with any of the types of rides at Disney, seems like ALL the amusement parks (Cedar Point, Six Flags...) are only thrill rides anymore. That's why I'm dying to go to Disney, to get away from those rides, so I guess if I'm (slightly) pregnant it won't be too much of a problem, so long as I can keep up! I'm getting so excited for this trip, too bad it's still 10 months away!

Christina
Rebekah, 5
Miranda, 3 both also very excited!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

It was suggested to me that you make two reservations to make better use of the meal plan. For example if you are staying 6 nights then make one ressie for 3 days and another for 3 days with the meal plan. We could in no way eat two big meals a day like the meal plan does and most places have huge portions. Now if you want character meals then you might what the meal plan all days so you can store up and get fancy meals or charater meals

Maybe I'm missing something, could you explain please? In the example you cited either way you'd get six days worth of meals (and you also run the small risk having to move rooms). One thing you could do instead is spread the meals out more over the day, perhaps making the counter service meal breakfast which I believe you can do. But you're right, it is a lot of food.

 

[roadtripper]

Just wanted to add in that staying at All Stars, when you factor in the free transportation to and from the airport, and no need for a car rental, may turn out to be cheaper than off site! It's certainly worth a look. The only downside with Magical Express that I can see is that you won't be able to make a grocery stop on the way in to stock up on food for the room.