cutting costs.

[pixiewings71]

Jade, I would go against others and say do the Warehouse! We found so much neat stuff for super cheap!! We got sweatshirts, shirts, tank tops etc etc. But we didn't see any good autograph books so we just waited. I'd go with one or two character meals tops, skip the Princesses and do Minnie and Storytellers! You won't regret it and it won't cost as much $$. We did $50 for souvies on our last trip, knowing it would be our last one for at least a year, and we didn't spend all that. I would say go for less for DS, he won't need that much to spend. Eat meals in your room when you take your break and share where you can. Take your own water or refill your bottles, don't buy water in the park! You've already got pins for trading right? If not go to mousepins and get them there. Good luck saving, and have fun, and remember that there will be time to get other souvies on other trips...you guys are still planning on getting AP's right?

 

[CrazyDuck]

As long as the money you spend getting there (Taxi) won't negate any of your potential savings!

I say skip Aeriels and Storytellers and just do the PFF and look for Chip and Dale in Critter Country. I always see them there!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

hum well then we may have to rethink the outlet maybe just 25 each there and 20 for DS at disney + what i have planed to get him lego,mr potato head,hat.
and 50 or 75 for me and dh each.\

skip princess and storytellers (cant skip goofy my fav and his bday dinner thing lol)

we saw chip dale at minnies last time

we are getting waterbottles from the store we will order from and sodas and some those small mix things that go in water (koolaid,crystal light)
the taxi to get there wont be more then 20 if that becosue we decied to just call and tell them not to wait we can call and order one and wait (at sonics where we may grab a small lunch to share)-If we still go.

see i want some shorts or shirts for my son and us and a few for family (hoping find cute farries thing for niece who i got a farries towl for her bday-i want to get somethign for christmas for her there)

 

[JadeDarkstar]

if this job comes though yes we will get aps but right now i have to say no im just not cancleing dec yet becosue this job could turn out to work in the next week so im just waiting if he can make 400extra by time we go then we can get aps lol thats what ive said trying to stay realistic and not get hopes up yet

 

[JadeDarkstar]

oh and pins mousepins.com will get an order from us next month lol

 

[JadeDarkstar]

also what are some sites i can buy discount disney stuff on? i use to have some but on this new browser i lost my favs

 

[dizneekrazee]

Do you have a Disney Store near you? We always have sales going on. Sometimes we have sales where you can take an extra 25-50% off of the lowest ticketed price. So if you see something that is ticketed 9.99, when you get to the register, it is only 4.99!! Great deals. Our semi-annual just ended, but you can bet we will have another sale soon!!!!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

we did last time i was at the mall 2years ago but now its not there so i just order online disneyshopping.com when i can.

we have another mall that we found out has one but its far and idk how wed get there besieds long bus ride

 

[heatherleigh]

I'm happy you posted this. It's nice to get ideas from everyone. I can't think of any extra to add that hasn't already been said. We spent way too much on our last trip, and were really very stupid about the whole thing. This time, I plan to do it smart. We always have a vehicle, because we drive there, so we will go to the supermarket. I'm getting snacks and drinks for the room. We will not do as many character meals (we may only do one this time.)

And we are definitely not going overboard on the souvenirs! My four year old just wanted to shop after the third day on our last trip, and it cost us a fortune.

This will be the first year we will not buy that ridiculous Disney castle my kids love. They do play with it, so I can't complain there. However, it is low quality and the price is too high. They took care of the one from last year better, so it doesn't need to be replaced. The first one we got broke in two. I do not advise anyone to get this castle, unless your kids are super careful.

 

[CrazyDuck]

Instead of going to the outlet store get disneekrazee to take to to the castmember store!

 

[JenDisneylandlver]

And as another example -- here's how we save money (2 adults, 3 kids):

No character meals Seriously, we can live w/o them and still have an excellent DLR experience.

Eat breakfast in the room (cereal, milk, oatmeal, fruit, etc)

Pack lunches into the park. Allow 2 snack items (churro, dole whip, etc.) per person per day.

Budget for one meal in the parks per day (either counter service or PS at Carnation Cafe which is much more affordable than a character meal, and Oscar is one of the BEST characters in DLR!). Usually, it's an early dinner, and then we snack later with stuff I have brought into the parks.

Each child gets 1 souvenier bought at DLR and they get it on the last day of our trip. I cap the price at $35 per kid. If they want something more expensive, they need to spend their money on it. Adults don't get souvies -- just tired feet and happy memories!

I honestly couldn't imagine doing 3 or 4 character meals in one trip. Our family really just doesn't think it's worth the money and would rather be experiencing the magic inside the parks.

This is the only way we manage to do family trips annually. If I were to present my dh with a budget plan of over $1200 for a DLR trip I think he'd faint. I've spoiled him by being frugal, and now he expects it. But at least I continue to get my DLR fix, so it's a win/win situation for us.

I agree about the Character meals. They are fun, but really not needed to have a magical time. They are super expensive too! We'd never dream of doing one, much less 3-4 on a budget trip!

We did Lilo and Stitch in June, that was the first character meal in about 3 trips. I'd rather be able to buy stuff, since you have wonderful things to show for your money. I'd save the character meals for when your budget isn't as tight in future trips. Good luck!

 

[heatherleigh]

If you want to try the monte cristo, definitely get it at Cafe New Orleans. It will save you a few bucks. The one at Blue Bayou is exactly the same. That's what we did. Plus Cafe New Orleans has the pomme frits.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

ok well i think this post has helped me ty all I am hoping this all works

 

[kmr444]

Millie's has a wonderful Monte Cristo on the menu. If you go to their website you can print off a coupon for buy one entre get one free!! Extremely reasonable! Also, I highly recommend the Disney Character Outlet, we hit the jackpot there.

Helen

 

[Angiet]

I found the character breakfast a total waste of time and money. The kids hardly ate anything because they were too busy with the characters and the service wasn't that great. Try to get a refill on a cup of coffee, oi! We have only done the character meals once and never again. The food wasn't that great either.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

where is millies?

 

[JadeDarkstar]

minnies was grate we had the best server ever and grate food and charcters sorry you didnt have good time.

what one were you at?

 

[DangerMouse]

where is millies?

Right next door to MiMi's Cafe, just south of the HoJo.

 

[JadeDarkstar]

cool i just looked on the menu looks good but i cant find this coupon where is it?

 

[dalepool]

Bless your heart .

Ok, good idea doing BB for desert . The same sandwich is available at Cafe Orleans for almsot 8 dollars less that pays for your splurge of desert at the BB. It is the same sandwich-- no salad or veg included but as this is such a big portion and is so rich in flavor not sure if the sides would be missed. I think I was offeded cup of soup or grapes and I chose grapes.

I just found out that for breakfast the Orleans Cafe sells a 3 cheese Monte Cristo sandwich for breakfast that comes with all the things they offer on the lunch menu and for 8 dollars less --- hummm thinking doing latest lucnh I can to try it out. I did take some buds and my sister to this restuarant last year and one of the guys ordered the 3 cheese monte cristo at lunch. He said it was one of the best sandwiches . I made my sister order her own MC as I wanted my left overs for dinner Yes I like it reheated silly me.

Now If you do want the best deals on disney stuff -- do the outlet store. You did mention it was for christmas gifts to ---. I would do like Tim Gunn says "MAKE IT WORK".

Now for my opinion on the Character breakfast.
I have found that Storytellers has a wonderful buffet breakfast -- for smaller meals you can order off the reg breakfast menu also. It is maybe a few dollars less per person so it all helps and I think your son would be at right age to enjoy the parade that chip and dale lead around the restaurant. Best part if the food has always been fresh and good there. There is a made to order omelette bar . If I was only doing one character meal this would be it and I am not much of a breafast eater.

Would it be an idea to do half of the TS meals this trip and do the others when you go back in Dec?.

Try the pacific wharf they make a great clam chowder-- And a shrimp louie--- yummie yum yum. The sandwiches there are wonderful to ---and enough to share for say you and husband or you and son.

Dark I am not sure I would make a meal out of the Bengal BBQ. I think 3.60 for 6 2-2/12" peices of asparagus wrapped with bacon.. I am not a big eater but I can eat 3 orders of that easy -- so lets see 10.80 to much for a meal. They do have a veg skewer that looks ok has a potato onion green pepper/red pepper some type of squash -- not sure if there is a mushroom or a tomato slice -- but for snack it is ok I think they ar near 4 .00 each. I have not had the meat skewers they look good and the place always has a line but again for a snack it would be ok.

Getting items from Albertsons is such a good idea. Remember some fresh fruit-- grapes-apples-oranges. You might be able to pack a few items from home--I always bring some cheese--crackers-- oscar meyer lunch smoked ham--- for snacks and even for a very light breakfast. Some cereal ( remember some cheap plastic bowls and spoons, also bring some ziploc bags. I keep a few in suit case all the time) and maybe some of the noodle cups-- those are fast and filling and taste good. If you have a wal-mart near and have room in luggage you know they sell some small per-made entrees that sell for like 1.00 -1.25 each mashed potatoes , macaroni and I think it is salsbury steak and then a chicken and noodles and dumplings. They take about 90 secs to heat in microwave-- are actually good tasting and you do not need to keep refrigerated . Just bring a fork.

Thanks for letting me share my ideas--- But at the end of the day -- Just have have -- take pictures-- Oh you and I are in the same photopass group for oct . I am so glad you suggested doing the shared pass .

Patty -- with way to many opinions some good some bad but they are all mine mine mine