Disney on an extreme budget, is it possible?

[foreUT]

Emteach, I don't believe I read whether or not you would have a rental car. If not, the use of Disney's ME could also, possibly, save you money.

 

[Burnedout]

That's another problem. I'm not a good cook. When I cook quick and simple, I overcook and burn things. I follow instructions, and my results are usually edible, but dry.

Then buy ready made stuff like shrimp and avocado for salad, or do a taco soup in the crockpot.

But really if that won't be your happy place a different budget cutter might be better. meals are fun for some and work for others!

 

[Burnedout]

Oh, and my crockpot roasts never ever turn out like everyone else's! So I cook some things really well not all!!

 

[Emteach]

Emteach, I don't believe I read whether or not you would have a rental car. If not, the use of Disney's ME could also, possibly, save you money.

We werent planning on having a rental car so yes this would play a big factor.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Then buy ready made stuff like shrimp and avocado for salad, or do a taco soup in the crockpot.

I do make a pretty good taco soup. But it takes no time in the slow cooker. I could probably get by with dumping everything into a pot and letting it simmer for a half hour.

But really if that won't be your happy place a different budget cutter might be better. meals are fun for some and work for others!

True. And we're budgeting (and saving for) this trip, so it won't be an extreme budget trip. I just don't like the idea of spending all this money just for expensive meals out every night. Especially, when I'll have a kitchen.

Let's just say, I'd rather save my money, so that, after this upcoming trip, we can afford another trip before 2020.

 

[foreUT]

We werent planning on having a rental car so yes this would play a big factor.

With no rental car and the need for transportation to the airport, the benefits of staying on-site seem to increase, imo, especially since you will only be there a few days. Did you use ME when you stayed at the Poly?

ETA: Just realized that early in the thread you mentioned you wanted to stay on-site because of the transportation issue. So sorry I missed that request.

 

[honeydiane1953]

For me an admitted resort snob every trip costs 5000.00. I have driven, flown, OOP meals, DDP still same amount. We do stay in deluxe but WDW is expensive I don't care how you try.

 

[chimilady]

We do stay in deluxe but WDW is expensive I don't care how you try.

Well I just stayed in a mod for 8 nights and spent half, including meals my plane tickets for 4. So I disagree that Disney is always expensive.

 

[danceintherain]

We werent planning on having a rental car so yes this would play a big factor.

How are you planning on getting from your first hotel (the one for the dance competition) to the second hotel (the one for Disney)?
Magical Express may save you some money, but at some point, it will probably make sense to get a rental car for at least a portion of your trip.

If I was in your position, I would probably plan on the rental car, and plan to stay off property. Usually I prefer to stay in the Disney "bubble" but I also include eating at Disney restaurants into that. If I wasn't planning on eating on-property for at least 50% of my meals, it would increase the possibility of me choosing to stay off.

Something else you could consider is not staying at the comp hotel for the first part of your trip. I guess it depends on the price and how the competition is structured, but if you could find a condo or rental house halfway between Disney and the competition you could end up saving some lodging costs by staying in the same place the entire time.