Disney on a budget? (long)

[momofmikey]

Hi - I'm hoping to get help from people who understand! We got back a couple weeks ago from a week trip in the World with my 2 little guys. It was so awesome, and I'm having a hard time being back (snow, cold, flu, etc.) I'm trying to convince my DH to go again next year, but he's concerned with money. In the past, we've stayed at the Poly, and although we love it, definitely don't need to stay there again. We normally spend around $3000-$3500 for a trip, and we just can't afford to next year. However, if I can cut the cost drastically, I'm hoping to convince my DH to go - trying to do it for under $2000. I'd like some feedback/suggestions on places where we can save:

1) Hotel: we stayed at the All Stars for 1 night, and loved it! It's a great value for the money - granted not as convenient as the Poly, but great for kids - we loved the food courts. Would definitely stay there. B/c the kids are really little (almost 3 and 8 months), we can go in value season - thinking of 6 nights.

2) Passes - I have an annual pass that expires November 28, so I'm covered. Would need to get my DH and son (never had to before b/c he's been under 3) passes - thinking 5 day pass

3) Transportation - we rented a minivan this trip - cost around $500, plus another $150 for gas. Thinking about flying, but now need 3 airfares.

4) Food - thinking for 5 days around $500.

Has anyone with my family size done Disney for under $2k? Am I being unrealistic? What did the Fairy Tale package consist of ?

Thanks so much for your help!

 

[callaghan]

I can help you with one small aspect. Family and I flew out of JKF on song. $140 RT. Great deal, great experience. LaGuardia also has cheap flights, but you are probably closer to JFK. Goold luck, can't wait to go back myself.
callie

 

[spiceycat]

I think you might if you can go in value season

the hotel should run you around $500 to $600.

Sept is a nice time to go - still very, very hot - but there is no crowds to speak of - so the parks are great. the problem is that there is no night time action - except for Epcot and PI - so leaving the parks when it gets to hot is not a great option for this time year - the other parks close early.

 

[Euphscott]

If you plan to stay onsite and just "do Disney" I would argue that there is no need for a rental car (assuming you get those cheap flights).

My wife and I took our 17 month old last August, stayed at Port Orleans, and never used a car. The bus and monorail system was more than adequate.

We had a town car transport us to and from. Since we needed a car seat for the flight, we had that covered in the Town Car. I think we got that for about $100.

 

[momofmikey]

Hi - thanks for your feedback! I was thinking of checking into Song. We (well, me) were thinking of Nov. 1 - Nov 7. Monday the first a non-park day, Tues-Sat, parks, and leave on Sunday. My DH thinks we need to rent a car, but I don't think we need to - even if we go to DTD, we can take the bus. I figured park tix for the boys around $400. If we were to fly on Song, do they offer a discounted fare for kids? I know some do, although that $140 is great!

Thanks again!

 

[Kimberle]

Why don't you look at the new Pop Century? It looks very nice! Besides the hotel being lower priced, the food court items are less. If you fly, you won't need a rental car. Disney transportation is fine.

We can always pray for another Fairy Tale!!

 

[callaghan]

THere was no discount for kids. I did purchase a seat for the 14 month old and they gave me a discount on the airfare portion, 50%. I just had to pay 100% of the fees and taxes. So the baby turned out to be 80 something dollars. But you can lap anybody under two and they fly free.
If you figure out how to do it, let me know.
BTW, we originally signed up for the Polynesian garden view during FTP and were going to pay a little over 2000. DH, myself, DD4 and DD18 months. We decided to upgrade to concierge, lagoon view instead, so worth every penny (2900).
callie

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Currently there is a promotion for the value resorts from January 1 thru February 11 of $55.00 per night (plus tax). There should be other specials available during the year.

Not only does JetBlue fly JFK/MCO, but there is also Spirit Airlines which goes LGA/MCO. (My wife and I are currently booked on Spirit to NY in July at $155.00 each including all taxes.)

I am certain there is a package from Visa which give a children's UPH with the purchase of an adult UPH in the same room. It can be used with any VISA card, not just the Disney one. You might look into that as an option, which would keep the pass costs down.

Using something like Tiffany Town Car for your airport transportation would run under $100 for the round trip, and it would be direct to the resort.

Is there really need to rent a car in Orlando? If you have a fold-up stroller, or rent from Disney, there should be no problem using the Disney buses.

Unless you both are heavy eaters, portions CAN be split at the restaurants (except buffets) at no extra charges. As mentioned in another thread, a person can buy a double cheeseburger and get an extra bun for 70¢.

Hope some of these ideas help.

 

[pjlla]

If you really feel you need a rental car, consider staying off-site. We are staying, for the second time, in a 1 bedroom suite that includes free full bkfst buffet for $59/night. That is not a Priceline price either. That is just a "call and be persistent" price. We have much more room to spread out, are only 15 minutes to the parks, and we love it. But I wouldn't do off-site without a rental car. But if you are anxious for a "cheap" WDW trip, I would strongly consider off-site. RUN THE NUMBERS..... including everything you can thing of that would be different for the two scenarios (off versus on) and see what you come up with. You might be surprised that a rental car could pay for itself with other savings.......... Let me know if I can be of any other help.....P

 

[disneysteve]

You can definitely do a week at Disney for under $2000.

If you plan a rental car, definitely stay offsite. There are so many wonderful choices. You can easily get a suite for the price of a room at All Star. Check out Days Suites, Homewood Suites, etc. You can also look into renting a condo. 2-bedroom units at Windsor Palms start as low as $55/nite.

As for food, we don't spend anywhere near $100/day for the 3 of us and I don't think you will for 4 either. We were just there in November and our food spending averaged less than $17/person/day! We ate breakfast in our condo. We did some buffets, one character meal, a lot of counter service and some offsite meals. We brought in some snacks that we picked up at the grocery store and bought some snacks in the parks (ice cream, popcorn, etc.).

If you do stay onsite, I vote against depending on Disney transportation, especially with 2 little ones. Especially after a long day, you don't want to be standing around waiting for buses, crowding onto loaded buses, possibly not having seats, never having seat belts, etc. It is much safer, more comfortable and more convenient to drive to and from the parks. But you could certainly manage with something smaller and cheaper than a minivan.

So go for it and have a great time.

Steve

 

[SnackyStacky]

Here's another chime-in for staying off-site if you'll be renting a car. I'm the king of doing Disney on a budget!

Are you a member of a warehouse club? Something like BJs or Sams? They usually offer a lot of discounts on car rentals.

Check out mousesavers.com for tons of hints, tips, and tricks to get you there cheaply.

I would HIGHLY, HIGHLY reccomend using JetBlue. Their fares are usually incredibly competitive, and they have free DirecTV for everyone. They're always running specials from JFK to Orlando for $140/person RT.

 

[cdpa4d]

$500 for a rental car seems rather steep. I have booked a rental car through National for $199 for a week. If you check often and plan everything accordingly you can save $$$. Just the rental car should save you $300 if you do your homework and plan early.
Good luck and have fun!
ADP

 

[Lisa P.]

September is quiet in Orlando and you're planning on a rental car. Look for an owner rental of a 2BR timeshare week in the TUG classifieds (negotiate a low price). Bid on EBay or SkyAuction.com (note the added fees before bidding). A 2BR villa at a Gold Crown resort offsite could cost only $300-$700 - probably on the lower end for a September trip. The full kitchen would save you money on breakfast, child-friendly foods, drinks & snacks.

 

[vhoffman]

Look at the Downtown Disney hotels. they're on Disney property, but not owned or operated by Disney. They're usually much cheaper than Disney hotels, but they are located closer to "the action" so you really wouldn't need a rental car. In most cases you can walk to downtown Disney and catch the bus from there, or each hotel has their own bus, too. We booked a room at the Best Western DTD for $49 per night. However, our plans changed and we had to cancel. But there are many deals like that. Try Dreamsavers unlimited for good prices. Also try the hotels direct at www.downtowndisneyhotels.com.

 

[bigsis1970]

make sure to sign up for mousesaver.com newletter so you can see the specials as they open up.. You should be able to get an Ap Discount on a room if they offer it. Just beware the dates you listed are the dates of Jersey week and it will also be part of the food and wine festival so it might be a little more crowed at that week ( I will be there too !! ) Good luck - hope you can go. Mcihelle

 

[Susie Bee]

You most definitely should be able to Disney for around $2,000.00!! With those great airline rates out of NY round-trip & staying at a Value Resort--with AP discounts (if available) a night is only $55 plus taxes!! As for a rental car, if you don't plan on leaving Disney property I would not get one! Towncar services are cheap enough under $100.00 and if requested ahead of time they will allow you a 45 minute grocery stop!! You could stock up with a foam cooler to fill with ice at the resort and keep milk and other perishables in it. Get cereals, snacks, peanut butter, jelly, bread, juices & sodas, etc... and eat breakfast in your room--bring snacks to the parks...for lunch, order two counter meals and split them amoungst every one--servings are usually large!! Bring bottled water or juice--counter service places will give you a cup of ice upon request--and you can then share your drinks with the family--sodas and drinks are so over priced at Disney!!! With meals being so large, spliting meals with a spouse or child is never a problem--you can't do this with buffets though... If you must have a character meal reserve the last breakfast seating usually around 11 AM and make that your "lunch" meal--much cheaper than the lunch/dinner sittings... We've been to Disney twice with our little ones and they were 1 and 3 the first time we went and Disney transportation was perfect. They were early risers so we took advantage of hitting the buses early in the AM--we were NEVER crowded--and not once in the evening while we were returning did we have a problem getting a seat--a few times the seats were taken but there was AWAYS someone who was in a seat insisting that we take them so the children could be comfortable--MOST people are considerate that way. We had even brought a stroller from home and never had a problem getting it on and off the bus... If your children MUST have souvenirs then set a $ limit before you leave--we purchased Disney Dollars for our children and when their money is gone that's all they get. We also, last April, signed up for a Disney Visa and have over $134.00 in Disney Reward Dollars that we've chosen will help pay for our room. Go to www.bankone.com/disney for more details. I would charge things like my weekly groceries, utilities, etc.. and then immediately make a payment when I got home for that same amount via their internet payment option and get my Disney Reward Dollars--$134.00 is 30% of my room cost--they can also be used to purchase anything else at Disney--souvenirs, food... You've got almost a year to get those reward dollars to add up!!! Also, call it an early Xmas present for 2004 and not get as may gifts as usual for the kids/hubby--make up awesome photo albums after you get home and make that a gift to remember by...

Another idea, start a Xmas Club account at your bank or credit union and put $10 a week in it and by the last week of October you'll have $430.00--enough to pay for your room!!! Also, if you eat out with your family once a week start a "Saving for Disney Fund"--agree to go out to eat every other week and on those off weeks put the money you would typically spend ($25 +) in your bank account--that will add up fast! Also, check out the eBay link on the Budget board--eBay things you have in your home--a lot of people have paid for their complete trip this way!!!

Nine times out of ten kids that little don't care about how much you spend at Disney, it's just being there!!!

Have fun!!

 

[momofmikey]

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I've given it more thought, and I'm thinking I can do it! I'd like to try out Pop Century, and I'm hoping to get the current $55 AP rate. Not sure about the rental car yet - I know Disney buses are great - I'm just not used to only buses - I've been spoiled with the monorail/car. Thanks for mentioning about Jersey week - I might switch it to the week after, arriving on Saturday, November 6 and getting home Friday, the 12th. How's the weather that time of year to go? I've been in February (great), early December (great), and September (HOT). Oh wait, does anyone know when Super Soap weekend is? I'd like to avoid that if I could - until my boys are in school, it's easier to be flexible.

Also, for those who have traveled with little ones and flown, HOW DO YOU DO IT ? We had the entire minivan full a couple weeks ago. Granted, we brought jarred baby food for our youngest who won't need it then. Also, hopefully the weather will be mostly warm so I can pack only shorts - we this time had to pack sweatshirts, jeans, jackets, etc. I just can't imagine suitcases, carseat (do I need one for my 3yo?), at least 1 stroller, etc.. Any input greatly appreciated!

Thanks again!

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by momofmikey
Thanks for mentioning about Jersey week - I might switch it to the week after, arriving on Saturday, November 6 and getting home Friday, the 12th. How's the weather that time of year to go? Oh wait, does anyone know when Super Soap weekend is?

Also, for those who have traveled with little ones and flown, HOW DO YOU DO IT ?

Thanks again!

Weather in November is variable but usually nice. We were there 1st week of Nov. this year and it was in the mid-80's every day. Changing your dates to 11/6-11/12 would still put you there for the weekend of Jersey week which is also Super Soaps weekend. If your dates are flexible, how about going the last week of October instead? Even with the Halloween stuff, its still less crowded that week.

As for traveling with kids, keep in mind that if you stay offsite, especially in a condo, you can easily do some laundry during the week. So instead of having to pack a week's worth of clothes, just pack enough for a few days and do wash mid-week.

You also don't need to bring food. You can just stop at the supermarket and pick up whatever you need. Prices may be slightly higher than at home but its well worth it for the convenience.

Steve

 

[momofmikey]

thanks disneysteve! I thought of the last week in October, but it's considered regular season, not value. I'm leaning more towards the Pop Century than offsite, so I'd prefer Value Season. I wouldn't be going to the parks until the 7th - do you think this would still be crowded? Or I could leave a day later and hit the parks Monday through Friday.

Did you find the weather very hot? Mid-80s to me (although now would be great!) seems pretty hot. Were you uncomfortable?

Thanks again.

 

[disneysteve]

Originally posted by momofmikey
I wouldn't be going to the parks until the 7th - do you think this would still be crowded?

Did you find the weather very hot? Mid-80s to me (although now would be great!) seems pretty hot. Were you uncomfortable?

Thanks again.

I think you'd be okay on the 7th. That would be the travel day for the Jersey folks so they'd be on their way home. Just don't go to MGM that day to avoid the Soaps fans.

As for the weather, we didn't find it uncomfortable at all. I've been to Disney in the summer and its nothing like that weather. And yes, mid-80's would be quite nice about now. Although today the high temp in Orlando was only 42 degrees. This AM, the windchill was in the low 30's!

Steve