Can't get a week at Disney for less than $2800, what am I doing wrong

[Happyjen27]

I'm recent to my love affair with Disney. I went in December, I'm going again in a month. However, next year's big vacation will not be Disney. Try as I might, I can't figure out how to sneak in a week for less than $2800.

We also have a $1200 flight to add to that, I refuse to drive from NY, and would rather not take a vacation at all than spend 48 hours in a car with twin 6 year olds.

I've priced out May 2014, both POR and Bonnet Creek. With Bonnet Creek, the room is only $120/night, and the rental car will be in the $300 area, plus $105 for parking. Add to that the $1200 for tickets and BAM, there I am at $2400! I don't mind cooking a little bit at Bonnet Creek, but it's not reasonable to expect $400 to feed us for the whole week if we enjoy QS and then a few sit down meals (even non-disney TS). I don't mind having breakfast at the resort, and I don't mind some easy meals, but, I don't want to cook every night.

I realize that a lot of these limitations are self imposed, for example, I like my twins to sleep in separate beds, and I would find it impossible to stay in a value with only a double bed for DH and I. Annual passes won't pay for themselves for my two week long vacations.

So, given my limitation, is this really the going rate?

 

[Marionnette]

I'm recent to my love affair with Disney. I went in December, I'm going again in a month. However, next year's big vacation will not be Disney. Try as I might, I can't figure out how to sneak in a week for less than $2800.

We also have a $1200 flight to add to that, I refuse to drive from NY, and would rather not take a vacation at all than spend 48 hours in a car with twin 6 year olds.

I've priced out May 2014, both POR and Bonnet Creek. With Bonnet Creek, the room is only $120/night, and the rental car will be in the $300 area, plus $105 for parking. Add to that the $1200 for tickets and BAM, there I am at $2400! I don't mind cooking a little bit at Bonnet Creek, but it's not reasonable to expect $400 to feed us for the whole week if we enjoy QS and then a few sit down meals (even non-disney TS). I don't mind having breakfast at the resort, and I don't mind some easy meals, but, I don't want to cook every night.

I realize that a lot of these limitations are self imposed, for example, I like my twins to sleep in separate beds, and I would find it impossible to stay in a value with only a double bed for DH and I. Annual passes won't pay for themselves for my two week long vacations.

So, given my limitation, is this really the going rate?

7-day adult base ticket - $329 x2 (because you would need to buy 2 for 2 separate trips) = $658
1 AP = $649
How is it NOT cheaper to get the AP? It pays for itself in the cost of tickets alone.

On top of that, add in the cost of parking for 7 days (which is free for AP holders) and you're more than ahead of the game.

APs for the kiddos won't be cheaper (7-day base = $308) vs a child's AP (same price as an adult's). But the kids don't really need APs just because you have them. One adult with an AP is sufficient to get you the discounts on parking, dining and shopping.

It's still not going to be cheap. But then again, a Disney vacation isn't cheap no matter how you slice. Those tickets are costly and they are eating up almost half of your budget.

 

[100AcreWood]

Would you consider going less days? It doesn't make much difference in tickets but would decrease your hotel and food expenses.

Another option is to rent a condo which might be cheaper than Bonnet Creek. But you would still have the cost of a rental car.

 

[worm761]

Annual passes won't pay for themselves for my two week long vacations.

How many park days are you planning for both trips? Because an AP usually becomes worth the money at 10 days. Plus consider that if you get an AP and stay off property, you no longer have to pay for the parking.

 

[xlsm]

I did a search on hotwire for some random dates in May (12-19), and I found a Disney main gate area/Celebration 3 1/2 star hotel for $51/night and a 3 1/2 star condo in the same area for $59/night.

If you're ok with staying off property, that could be a big savings. I know not everyone is comfortable with the "mystery" deals on hotwire, but we've always had great luck! We've found good car rental deals on hotwire as well.

That could cut your costs.

If you have Allegiant airlines near you, you might find cheaper direct flights. You'd have to fly into Sanford and rent a car, but it might even out in the end, especially if you were already looking at staying off property and renting a car anyway.

I think a lot of people find discounted tickets at undercover tourist, so that could be another option.

Staying on property with one of the deals they sometimes run at value resorts (I keep seeing ads for all inclusive "stay for as little as $97 per guest per night at a value", etc...) for four people for 7 nights that still comes out around $2800, flight/car rental not included. Plus, the dates are limited.

It might require a little creativity to do it within your budget and your personal preferences, but it's worth looking into!

Good luck!

 

[katie111]

Just wanted to agree with you. I'm always fascinated on this board when people say they went for 10 nights, stayed club level at a deluxe, and only paid $1500 for a family of 6. I thin it's usually because they already spent money on AP's (and aren't factoring in that cost) or that have non-expiring tickets left over from some trip they took in the 80's. I usually just price out the flights and hotel and then buy the tickets later. That way my DH doesn't realize how much it really costs! Of course if there is free dining or some other deal, I buy my tickets in a package. I know you can save $$ by buying points for DVC and a you can save a little bit from Undercover Tourist on tix but I think for the most part the hotel & ticket prices are pretty non-negotiable.

I'm pricing out a trip in early Feb (low season) with the Stay & Play package and the lowest rates I can find are around $3000 for a value with dining & tix for 4 people.

 

[Jimbeaux28]

Historically, in December, Disney has offered it's Room Only discount for May trips.

The discount has been 30% for deluxe, 25% for Moderate and 20% for value.

Not 100% sure they will do it again for May 2014 but I am rolling the dice and waiting to book our May trip.

 

[Brittmarie04]

Just wanted to agree with you. I'm always fascinated on this board when people say they went for 10 nights, stayed club level at a deluxe, and only paid $1500 for a family of 6. I thin it's usually because they already spent money on AP's (and aren't factoring in that cost) or that have non-expiring tickets left over from some trip they took in the 80's. I usually just price out the flights and hotel and then buy the tickets later. That way my DH doesn't realize how much it really costs! Of course if there is free dining or some other deal, I buy my tickets in a package. I know you can save $$ by buying points for DVC and a you can save a little bit from Undercover Tourist on tix but I think for the most part the hotel & ticket prices are pretty non-negotiable.

I'm pricing out a trip in early Feb (low season) with the Stay & Play package and the lowest rates I can find are around $3000 for a value with dining & tix for 4 people.

That's about right for feb. I'm going very end of jan and scored a free dining pin. But trip is 2,100 for value resort 2 adults 1 child. If we paid for dining add another 700-800

 

[worm761]

Historically, in December, Disney has offered it's Room Only discount for May trips.

The discount has been 30% for deluxe, 25% for Moderate and 20% for value.

Not 100% sure they will do it again for May 2014 but I am rolling the dice and waiting to book our May trip.

I am waiting for this too. I won't book a room without a discount. If I book at rack rate then I am telling them that I am willing to pay that and I'm not. And if the hotel fills up with rack rate reservations then they are not motivated to discount the rooms.

 

[ICF]

We rented thru this site back in June 2013 and really liked the 3 BR townhouse we had at Windsor Hills.

http://www.vacationcentralflorida.com/clickhereforrates.html

Looks like the rates in May start at $399 for an 2BR Condo.

Not everyone sees the advantages that we do in offsite, but you can be to the entrance in the park 3 of the 4 parks in 10-15 mins from here (AK in about 5)....and you're going to have a car anyway so there is no extra rental car costs for offsite.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

If you can stay on sight...maybe rent DVC pts from David's ...use ME ,then no car and no parking fee...dont forget no gas either....
What about for going the AP's for a non park hopper...
mostly eat CS for get the dining plan
use a resort only code...for the room if you dont rent from David's
always eat brkfst in the room...

 

[ZehnJahren]

Just wanted to agree with you. I'm always fascinated on this board when people say they went for 10 nights, stayed club level at a deluxe, and only paid $1500 for a family of 6. I thin it's usually because they already spent money on AP's (and aren't factoring in that cost) or that have non-expiring tickets left over from some trip they took in the 80's. I usually just price out the flights and hotel and then buy the tickets later. That way my DH doesn't realize how much it really costs! Of course if there is free dining or some other deal, I buy my tickets in a package. I know you can save $$ by buying points for DVC and a you can save a little bit from Undercover Tourist on tix but I think for the most part the hotel & ticket prices are pretty non-negotiable.

I'm pricing out a trip in early Feb (low season) with the Stay & Play package and the lowest rates I can find are around $3000 for a value with dining & tix for 4 people.

I did a four day AKL savannah view with airfare, rental car, and hotel for about $500. I had an AP already and rented points for AKL, and my rental car was with points on my credit card.

I also did a 7 day stay with two adults, 7 day PH tickets, dining, and with airfare at a Mod for less than $1800.

I think it's how far you're willing to go to save money. If you'll rent points, or if you'll stay at a value, or if you will buy from UT, or if you will do the legwork to find out if an AP would work better for you, you'll get the better price. When I bought my AP, for example, I got a discount at CR equal to the total price of my AP so it "paid for itself" completely. I then got another AP discount at another hotel the next time I went! So if at least one adult gets an AP, you might see a substantial savings on your hotel. And if you buy UT tickets, then upgrade them when at the park, you'll see a savings on your AP too.

 

[HeatherC]

I think you can definitely do it!

I would only buy five day base tickets. After all, you need to travel the first and last day so Iwouldn't waste a days ticket on those days. That should drop the ticket price. Buy them at Undercover Tourist thru Mousesavers newsletter link.

I would also check VRBO and homeaway.com. You should be able to get a condo at Windsor Hills or Windsor Palms for $500 a week total. That saves a couple hundred dollars and is five minutes to Disney.

I would eat breakfast in the condo, bring some snacks to the parks, eat lunch and most dinners out.

You can do things like pick up a rotisserie chicken and bagged salad for dinner for under $10. Eat poolside at the condo while you are having a glass of wine! No cooking involved. Another night pick up pizza or chinese.

Steak and Shake is cheap for burgers and fries as well as Millers Ale House.

You could throw some frozen meatballs in a crockpot one day and have meatball subs when you get back.

Hope this gives you some ideas without having to make any big sacrifices.

 

[Angie789]

Bonnet Creek gets a lot of positive press on the DIS (from me, too!) but that is in large part because of its location inside the gates. You can absolutely do better than $120/night if you get a condo or Windsor Hills or other community, and you would still be less than 10 minutes from Disney.

I also think $300 for a week long car rental is high - check the Transportation board for better deals.

 

[Happyjen27]

OP here,

Awesome ideas everyone!

I'll look into different options as far as lodging. I could *gasp* stay with the In-Laws for a few days. But, they live 1.5 hours away from Disney, and time is money sometimes, and that is a hefty drive back to their air mattress.

Yes, I know the car rental quote is high, I'm kind of planning for worst case scenario.

I didn't realize we all didn't have to have APs!! That might make a difference. This December we have 5 park days, and I was planning on 6 park days for May. I think what is holding me back is that I would have to decide before December whether we are going back or not, and buy the APs as part of that trip. Or convert them, or whatever Mouse Magic happens. Just one AP and I might get a good discount on property? Youza!! Also I didn't know about the free parking, that would save $100 right there.

Maybe this trip is more possible than I thought.

 

[ZehnJahren]

OP here,

Awesome ideas everyone!

I'll look into different options as far as lodging. I could *gasp* stay with the In-Laws for a few days. But, they live 1.5 hours away from Disney, and time is money sometimes, and that is a hefty drive back to their air mattress.

Yes, I know the car rental quote is high, I'm kind of planning for worst case scenario.

I didn't realize we all didn't have to have APs!! That might make a difference. This December we have 5 park days, and I was planning on 6 park days for May. I think what is holding me back is that I would have to decide before December whether we are going back or not, and buy the APs as part of that trip. Or convert them, or whatever Mouse Magic happens. Just one AP and I might get a good discount on property? Youza!! Also I didn't know about the free parking, that would save $100 right there.

Maybe this trip is more possible than I thought.

Don't forget about the merchandise and food discounts for the AP too (outside of TIW, which you have to purchase). My mom loves it when I get my AP because she benefits as well. We'll be staying mostly offsite next Sept/Oct so I'm getting an AP on this visit. Saving $15 a day for parking adds up!

Also, if you buy the right ticket on UT, you can save on your AP. I bought a 5 day PH and will save around $30; I know there are better savings but I bought before making sure I was getting the best deal (which was dumb).

A 6 day and 5 day ticket for two adults is $1503.78, where the AP is $1297.18, so that's a couple hundred dollar difference. The kids would be $1422.86 for a 6 day and a 5 day, so it would be cheaper to do AP for them too. If you could get the right deal from UT, it could be even more (if I saved $30, for example, you'd save $60 on your AP total above).

Of course, if you don't go back in May.....

 

[cassie58]

Mousesavers.com has plenty of codes to save on rental cars. You can also sign up for their newsletter, and you will get hot deal emails when new promotions come out for discounts.

cassie58
11/08-ASMo & Timeshare
8/09-CSR
11/11-CSR
11/13-CSR & AKL Jambo

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I also think $300 for a week long car rental is high - check the Transportation board for better deals.

Agreed. We got a gorgeous Jeep Grand Cherokee through Alamo in August for $290 taxes in, 8 nights. We could have snagged a full-size car (like an Impala, which would easily do your family of 4) for $150-$160. That's $150 in your pocked to put toward meals.

 

[Marionnette]

OP here,

Awesome ideas everyone!

I'll look into different options as far as lodging. I could *gasp* stay with the In-Laws for a few days. But, they live 1.5 hours away from Disney, and time is money sometimes, and that is a hefty drive back to their air mattress.

Yes, I know the car rental quote is high, I'm kind of planning for worst case scenario.

I didn't realize we all didn't have to have APs!! That might make a difference. This December we have 5 park days, and I was planning on 6 park days for May. I think what is holding me back is that I would have to decide before December whether we are going back or not, and buy the APs as part of that trip. Or convert them, or whatever Mouse Magic happens. Just one AP and I might get a good discount on property? Youza!! Also I didn't know about the free parking, that would save $100 right there.

Maybe this trip is more possible than I thought.

You won't have to decide BEFORE December but you would definitely have to decide during your trip IN December. As long as you upgrade within 14 days of the first use of your tickets, you will be okay. The anniversary date of your AP will be the first day that your MYW ticket was used.

If you're buying from UT through the Mousesavers link, then the 5-day hopper is a bigger savings off of the gate price than the 6-day hopper. If you're purchasing at Orbitz through the ebates link, the 3-day MYW hopper with 2 free days is the same price as UT's 5-day hopper, but you'll eventually get a rebate from ebates. The current ebate rebate for Orbitz activities reservations (the category for Disney tickets) is a whopping 10%!

My advice:

1. Buy the 3+2 MYW hoppers on Orbitz using the ebates link. Pay about $28 less per ticket than you would pay at the gate plus get about $34 per ticket back from ebates. Total savings of $62/ticket off of the gate price X 4 tickets = $248 in savings.
2. The gate value of a 5-day adult MYW hopper is $371 (give or take some change). An AP costs $648+. It will cost you $271 to upgrade one adult 5-day MYW hopper to an AP if you use that ticket just once before upgrading. Disney will "bridge" the price you paid for that ticket to the current gate price before calculating how much it will cost to upgrade to an AP.
3. If you have a Target REDCard or debit card, use it to purchase $275 worth of Disney GCs (either online or at a B&M store). Pay only $261.25 for them. Use the GCs to pay for the AP upgrade. You just saved yourself another $10. Bonus: If you have a Target Pharmacy Rewards coupon, you get another 5% off. The discounts stack.
4. Then use your AP for free parking, saving you $165 over the course of your 2 trips. Note: You will have to pay for parking on the first day of your visit in December, but if you upgrade to an AP that day, you can get the parking fee refunded at guest services.

AP holders get a 10% merchandise discount and they are also entitled to a 10% dining discount at select restaurants, at select times. Room-only discounts for AP holders are often better than what is offered to the general public.

One word of caution: Your AP will scream at you to return to Disney for multiple visits during the course of the year. You will be very tempted to squeeze in "just one last trip" before it expires.

 

[ldo]

I concur with PP to buy your tickets from UT, use them and then decide if you REALLY want that 2nd trip--and if so, make SURE to upgrade prior to leaving WDW. We can do WDW pretty economically with a pass or left over tickets.
Some things we refuse to compromise on:
We stay in a nice place--doesn't have to be onsite--but it must have good reviews. We will consider all onsites (can't fit into values), BC, Marriott, Hiltons, high quality timeshares/condos and places like Windsor Hills, etc.
What we will compromise on: non-park hoppers, eat break in room, bring some items in a small cool pack for lunch and split 1-2 QS meals, then go back to room for at least 3-4 dinners (easy stuff--tacos, rotiss chicken, etc.), and only one special TS character meal per trip.
We also take water bottles and mix-ins. We do allow a special snack or ice cream for each day. Heading back for an early dinner saves a lot of $$ for a family of 5, plus gives us a bit of rest time, and then we are ready to go back for a few more rides, fireworks, etc. You can easily save $100+ a day eating dinner at condo and not buying lots of drinks, snacks, etc.
We buy trading pins online in bulk and the kids are so busy pin trading, they never want any souvenirs--plus as they get older, they can re-trade for other pins--new souvenirs each time!
good luck. Also, if you have the AP--maybe you'll love it so much, there's going to be a Nov. trip with PBJ sandwiches for you! LOL! Elaine