Disney Budget??

[ETsmommy]

What should I look at as far as budget? It would just be myself, hubby, and son (although I have invited my mom and dad -- but they would pay for themselves). This is the first time for myself, son, mom, and dad, but my husband has gone when he was a kid. We will probably do value, as I don't really plan on spending too much time in the hotel room. I was thinking with going with one of the dining plans, but I am debating on the quick service one versus the one with one actual "meal." Can you use the quick service one for character meals, or just the one with the meal? Any idea when prices would be posted, or how much they typically go up from year to year? I don't think I'm going to do park hopper (seems like more work than necessary), or the water parks (since there are pools at the hotel).

Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions!!

Rachel

ETA: We aren't looking at going until 2011, in order to save money! Sorry for the inconvenience.

 

[iwrbnd]

I would go in the fall if they announce free dining. People say that usually announced the end of March.

 

[ETsmommy]

I would go in the fall if they announce free dining. People say that usually announced the end of March.

Do you know if they typically do that every year, or is this a "special" thing. As far as times, I am debating. I was thinking summer, since my son would be out of school, but I know that is major bucks. My son's 5th birthday is in April, so I thought we could go then, but his birthday is on the 19th and Easter is on the 24th that year. So, I could go before his birthday (beginning of April), or after (end of April, beginning of May), but I would need to take my son out of Pre-K to do so. I am also considering end of August / beginning of September, but I would have to take him out of Kindergarten, depending on when school starts.

We are also from Kansas, so I am weighing the advantages / disadvantages of flying or driving (22 hours).

 

[iwrbnd]

I would not go at Easter because it's one of the busiest times you can go!

Your son is so young I would take advantage of being able to take him out of school and go during the off season. The reason is lower crowds, cheaper hotel costs and cheaper flights. The off season would be in the fall (Sept/Oct) or January/Feb (not Pres wknd though) They've offered free dining for the past few years so they should do it again. Prices for hotels are cheaper in the fall but I would book quickly because the value resorts sell out quick.

I would fly. Kansas City (where we fly out of) is a hub with Orlando and you can get super cheap flights especially during off season. We flew last summer and they were like $40 each way! (That was crazy good, though...not typical) Our flights for this summer are the typical $67 each way. BUT if you fly during the holidays (spring break/Easter/Christmas) they can get really expensive!

I hope this helps. You can do it cheap if you try. We went to Branson one year and it was more expensive than our Disney trip! (By the time we paid for each show, each meal, each go-Kart ride, each museum...$$$)

 

[livndisney]

What should I look at as far as budget? It would just be myself, hubby, and son (although I have invited my mom and dad -- but they would pay for themselves). This is the first time for myself, son, mom, and dad, but my husband has gone when he was a kid. We will probably do value, as I don't really plan on spending too much time in the hotel room. I was thinking with going with one of the dining plans, but I am debating on the quick service one versus the one with one actual "meal." Can you use the quick service one for character meals, or just the one with the meal? Any idea when prices would be posted, or how much they typically go up from year to year? I don't think I'm going to do park hopper (seems like more work than necessary), or the water parks (since there are pools at the hotel).

Thanks in advance for any ideas and suggestions!!

Rachel

ETA: We aren't looking at going until 2011, in order to save money! Sorry for the inconvenience.

At a Value with 5 people you will need two rooms. So that will need to factored into the cost.

The Quick service can't be used at a sit down or character meal. It is only good at counter service places.

 

[iwrbnd]

That's true about the values. You'll have to look into Port Orleans that can take 5 people.

 

[ETsmommy]

If we go in Sept/Oct, would most everything still be open? What about hours? Would they still have the Extra hours? Or is that available only in the summer? The idea of going in Jan/Feb is appealing, especially to get out of the Kansas winter, but that might not be enough time to save money.

 

[iwrbnd]

The hours are shorter but it won't be a problem because you can get more done when the parks aren't as crowded. Yes, they still have EMH during the off season. Going in Jan/Feb does sound good. I've never done it mainly because the weather is such a gamble at that time. It can be warm or cold and I don't vacation well in the cold! I hear Presidents wkend is busy so just stay clear of that. The fall has Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party which is great! (That's extra money, though and may not be in your budget)

 

[livndisney]

If we go in Sept/Oct, would most everything still be open? What about hours? Would they still have the Extra hours? Or is that available only in the summer? The idea of going in Jan/Feb is appealing, especially to get out of the Kansas winter, but that might not be enough time to save money.

They still have the EMH in the fall. Something else to remember is packages are booked with a 200.00 deposit and the balance is due 45 days before arrival. Room only ressies can be paid at check in with only a one night deposit at booking.


You may want to look at some guidebooks to figure out where you want to stay and the time of year that would work best for you.

 

[ETsmommy]

They still have the EMH in the fall. Something else to remember is packages are booked with a 200.00 deposit and the balance is due 45 days before arrival. Room only ressies can be paid at check in with only a one night deposit at booking.


You may want to look at some guidebooks to figure out where you want to stay and the time of year that would work best for you.

I am looking at getting some guidebooks to help plan/decide. However, since I'm not planning on going until 2011, should I wait until later in the year? Or would the information not change that much from now until then? Any recommendations on the "best" guidebook for the money? Any that my son could look at to see what things he might enjoy?

 

[iwrbnd]

You can order (free) the Disney vacation planning video too.

 

[ETsmommy]

You can order (free) the Disney vacation planning video too.

I have ordered that, as well as the customized maps!

 

[iwrbnd]

You're on the ball!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

No reason why you couldn't go to www.waltdisneyworld.com right now and plan for what you will want in 2011. Get the 2010 prices and budget for maybe 15% extra. That should cover you. Plus it is tons of fun to plan!

 

[ETsmommy]

No reason why you couldn't go to WDW right now and plan for what you will want in 2011. Get the 2010 prices and budget for maybe 15% extra. That should cover you. Plus it is tons of fun to plan!

*Sorry to change the quote, it won't let me post the link*

I know!! I'm already driving my hubby nuts!

What should I include in my budget?

Right now, I have:

Car Rental
Gasoline
Flight
Hotel Room -- value
Hotel Room -- moderate (debating on the cost between two value, if necessary, or one moderate)
Disney Tickets -- no extras
(Optional Disney) -- water park, Downtown, anything that we might decide to add
Dining Plan -- basic
Dining Plan -- deluxe
Souvenirs

I will probably fly, but I do want to do separate budgets to "see". Also, should I rent a vehicle if we fly, or just rely on Disney transpo and cabs?

I know that there is never enough time, but would a week be reasonable for a first vacation? Or should I plan for longer?

Again, I appreciate all the advice that I am getting!! Thanks so much!!

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I usually use just Disney transportation and fly. I have only had to use a cab once, when DS was feeling ill at Mini-golf from the sun.

We budget the following:

Flight
Hotel of choice
Regular DDP or depending on your need try the QSDP as a reference. Deluxe is a lot with little ones in my opinion (others will disagree)
Tips for TS meals (you can guesstimate costs at www.allears.net)
Tickets - base, parkhopper, WP&M... we do base tickets with WP&M
Souveniers
Emergency slush fund for the unexpected, because you should always expect the unexpected... Like a 14yo boy who forgets to put his underwear in his suitcase.

That should give you a good starting point. And don't get too upset, it is expensive. It may take you more than a year to budget. We went in 2000 and it took til 2005 to get back. We are more organized now and can plan and save easier. But gosh it is so much fun to plan!!!

 

[livndisney]

*Sorry to change the quote, it won't let me post the link*

I know!! I'm already driving my hubby nuts!

What should I include in my budget?

Right now, I have:

Car Rental
Gasoline
Flight
Hotel Room -- value
Hotel Room -- moderate (debating on the cost between two value, if necessary, or one moderate)
Disney Tickets -- no extras
(Optional Disney) -- water park, Downtown, anything that we might decide to add
Dining Plan -- basic
Dining Plan -- deluxe
Souvenirs

I will probably fly, but I do want to do separate budgets to "see". Also, should I rent a vehicle if we fly, or just rely on Disney transpo and cabs?

I know that there is never enough time, but would a week be reasonable for a first vacation? Or should I plan for longer?

Again, I appreciate all the advice that I am getting!! Thanks so much!!

Where you stay will factor into this. Values only offer bus transportation. POFQ and POR offer buses, but also have boats to DTD.

All star Values are close to AK so if you plan to spend a lot of time in that area a car may not be needed. Pop is near the Studios/Epcot.

Also to use Magic Express, EMH and dining plan, each person will need to be registered in the room. Value rooms hold 4, POR will hold 5 but you need to book an Alligator Bayou room with a trundle bed.

 

[iwrbnd]

And don't forget about package deals they come out with. Keep checking the website. Also subscribe to mousesavers. They post all the deals out and have a special link to get tickets a little cheaper.

It is expensive. We budget for our trips and go without some things during the year but it's always worth it! I would rather have the memories than a house full of junk anyway!

 

[ETsmommy]

Where you stay will factor into this. Values only offer bus transportation. POFQ and POR offer buses, but also have boats to DTD.

All star Values are close to AK so if you plan to spend a lot of time in that area a car may not be needed. Pop is near the Studios/Epcot.

Also to use Magic Express, EMH and dining plan, each person will need to be registered in the room. Value rooms hold 4, POR will hold 5 but you need to book an Alligator Bayou room with a trundle bed.

I guess I'm confused... I was looking on the Disney site, and pricing various options, and when I did a package with 4 adults and 1 child, it did a family suite in the value All Star Music or Movies (I can't remember which). Why would it do that, if it only holds 4? Am I missing something?

 

[livndisney]

I guess I'm confused... I was looking on the Disney site, and pricing various options, and when I did a package with 4 adults and 1 child, it did a family suite in the value All Star Music or Movies (I can't remember which). Why would it do that, if it only holds 4? Am I missing something?

Because a family suite is not a "room". It is a 2 room suite. The only Value with the family suites is Music. And can sometimes cost more than 2 rooms at a value.