Disney Dreams on a Sardine Budget

[stashbin]

I have mouse fever sooo bad but I really don't think we can afford to go right now. Do any of you know if there are any specials or deals going right now that may not be advertised? I guess I am just wishing for a little time with the mouse before having to go back to school in January. Thanks!

 

[brymolmom]

The best way to spend time there on the least amount of $$ is to drive first of all. And then stay offsite. You can find great offsite places for like $35/night. If you get one with free continental breakfast and frig - you can eat breakfast for free and pack your lunches in a cooler to bring to the parks. That way - you're only buying 1 meal/day. And that could be grabbing a pizza or subs on your way back to your hotel to keep costs down for most dinners too.

Not sure how far it is to drive for you...But my guess is that your family could go for 5 - 6 days or so for UNDER $1600 - depending how much gas $$ you would be using....

If you really trim down to about 4 nights and scrimp on the meals...You could probably get it down a couple hundred dollars or so.

The biggest hit is the tickets....

 

[stashbin]

Thanks for the tips! I do live within a reasonable driving distance (7 hours) so it would be the tickets that kills us. My sister-in-law lives in Florida. Could she buyt the tickets for us at a cheaper rate or will they check our ID's?

 

[dfchelbay]

Thanks for the tips! I do live within a reasonable driving distance (7 hours) so it would be the tickets that kills us. My sister-in-law lives in Florida. Could she buyt the tickets for us at a cheaper rate or will they check our ID's?

If your sister buys the 3, 4, 7, etc. day passes by walking up, or at AAA, no ones names go on the tickets...I don't think. Can someone else confirm or refute this???? We have annual passes, so our names are on them. Walking up to the ticket booth at TTA, your sister can buy them for you, at her Florida rate I would think.

Can other DISers verify/refute my comments please, I'm not 100%.

Also, if you have an electric hot water maker for tea or coffee, you could make Ramen. If you're driving, throw the microwave in the trunk and cook your own food at the hotel. Frozen and shelf stable freeze dried meals come in their own trays...no dishes needed.

 

[jemgumby]

Thanks for the tips! I do live within a reasonable driving distance (7 hours) so it would be the tickets that kills us. My sister-in-law lives in Florida. Could she buyt the tickets for us at a cheaper rate or will they check our ID's?

From what I understand they will check driver's license for any adult presenting a Florida resident ticket.

 

[tink2dw]

Check out

www.MouseSavers.com

for all the discounts available!!!

 

[nowellsl]

If your sister buys the 3, 4, 7, etc. day passes by walking up, or at AAA, no ones names go on the tickets...I don't think. Can someone else confirm or refute this???? We have annual passes, so our names are on them. Walking up to the ticket booth at TTA, your sister can buy them for you, at her Florida rate I would think.

Can other DISers verify/refute my comments please, I'm not 100%.

Also, if you have an electric hot water maker for tea or coffee, you could make Ramen. If you're driving, throw the microwave in the trunk and cook your own food at the hotel. Frozen and shelf stable freeze dried meals come in their own trays...no dishes needed.

You do have to show proof of FL residency for each adult you buy a ticket for.

 

[mrsklamc]

Check into the YES open enrollment thread to see if there's anything for your 7 year old. That would get you cheaper tickets.