Do people not appreciate your budget strategies?

[chasbos]

I for one use a combination of info. I book some parts myself and other parts with a TA. But I also take all the info I learn on these boards and put it to good use (like my bargain flights to Orlando from Buffalo!)

Being a large family - there are 6 of us - I do like to use a TA for my accomodations. She is really good and very knowledgable and knows that we need suites everywhere we stay and she calls to make sure we get them. She also booked our Disney Cruise because we need 2 staterooms and you cannot book 2 at the same time on the internet and I do not have the time to wait on the phone for an operator.

I for one have also given out advice and some people have taken it and others have just turned away. And yes we too get well we can't afford to take "those kind" of vacations. I would like to tell some of those people if they budgeted and did not do this or that they too could afford to take "that kind" of vacation.

 

[MrsPete]

My family is pretty frugal, so when I offer budget tips to them, they're more likely to ask details or jot down websites than to poke fun at me.

However, I have a few friends and co-workers who are different. If they laugh at my budget tips, I just quietly remember that I live in a house that's paid for, my car is not leased, and I do not have credit card bills each month. It's not my problem if they choose to live beyond their means!

I agree with another poster who said that the people who HAVE the most money tend to be the most FRUGAL with it.

 

[debbiedoo]

Take this from someone who tried to help a good friend. No one understands our love expect each other on these boards. If they do not want to save money, or listen to your advice, then that means more discount code sapce for us!! I booked a whole vacation for a very good friend of mine last oct, two weeks prior she rescheduled for may 2005. I was on the phone/interenet, found her discount codes, saved her $$$$, booked all of the dining, and I was extremely upset!!! Never again. the 90 day mark is Feb 28 and I told here she was on her own. I almost lost 2 great dining ressies on account of her family. Has our relationship been the same??? Not really, she admitted that her hubby wanted to make all of these changes and she was depressed. The night before I went to OKW I told her to pack a bag, cause she never has been. She now regrets not going. I do not even talk with her anymore about this upcoming trip. I know I am sounding selfish here, but I have to take care of me and the family first!!!!

VWL and BCV here we come

 

[Doodlebug939]

I have been in the same position as many of you. I really enjoy saving money on a vacation. Dont get me wrong I LOVE TO VACATION therefore I must save in order to take one. We just got back in November and had a wonderful time for the most part. My sister and her family joined us for part of the trip and it was a dissaster to put it lightly. We are a military family and really we must save in order to afford Disney on my husbands sole income. I am proud of it. My sister on the other hand makes plenty of cash and spends plenty. So when you put those two types of families together things get a little stressed. I tried to schedule big lunches and light dinners because it really is a big savings. My sister on the other hand was not worried about money and would rather have a big dinner. But my budget didnt allow for us to do the same thing so it caused tension in a family vacation where there should have been none.

I always look out for a deal because it allows us to do more with little and I fell good about that. My sister feels she is getting more of a vacation by spending more money and maybe she is. I have come to the conclusion that she feels good about herself when she spends lots of money. She feels that she worked for it and she does that is true but it is more about her status. I could stay at the Grand Floridian and have a wonderful time. It would take a lot of effort and I wouldnt be about to go so often but I could do it. I dont think that it would make me feel that I got a better vacation then someone who stayed at the value resorts. It is a matter of theming for me. I like to mix it up. It has nothing to do with money spend because when the vacation is over it mattered to her that she had a wonderful espresso that was pretty expensive and very good. And it matters to my family that one night we got to pig out on two buckets of popcorn for dinner because we were on vacation and it is ok to break the dinner rules when we visit mickey.

 

[my3kids]

I don't mind spending money on vacation.....I just hate to spend more than I have to for the product. If I am going to a Ritz-Carlton, you'd better believe I have found the absolute rock bottom price for that room. I'd attack the All Stars in the same fashion....saving every single penny I could on that item. Same with cars, same with restaurants.....I am a bargain shopper and I'm not afraid to admit it. (Well, here at least.....I won't mention it to that family again!)

It makes me ill to search "Disney Tickets" on ebay and see all those bidders spending WAY too much on meal vouchers, tickets, and such. I literally had to quit looking for items for me because I couldn't stand seeing people spending more than they needed to.

Yep, I've got bargain fever and I've got it bad! Do you think they make a vaccine for that???

 

[disneysteve]

Yep, I've got bargain fever and I've got it bad! Do you think they make a vaccine for that???

I hope they never find a cure. And I also hope that it spreads to more and more people.

I agree with you about the Ritz Carlton, or similar places. Just because I'm frugal and a bargain hunter doesn't mean I only stay at the Motel 6 or EconoLodge. We stayed at the Rhiga Royal in NYC for our anniversary (luxury all-suite hotel, about $300/nite). But I booked, cancelled and rebooked 4 times over about 3 months because I kept finding a better deal. By the time we actually arrived, I paid nearly $60/nite less than my original reservation. I'm sure there were plenty of people in that hotel who paid $60/nite more than I did simply because they didn't take the time to look for a better deal. So you can have luxury and still be budget-minded.

 

[MrsPete]

Doodlebug --

I think you're right. For some people, spending less equates to enjoying less. They're on vacation, and they're going to have fun -- that means spending. So a camping vacation would rank as minimal fun, while a cruise vacation would automatically be great, I suppose!

Of course, I think that attitude is nuts. Like you, I know what I want to do on vacation, but I'm going to try to find the cheapest way to do it so that I have money left for other fun stuff. Buying something on sale, finding tickets at a discount, or using a code to get my hotel for less in no way lessens my enjoyment! In fact, I'm thrilled!

 

[MyGoofy26]

I think I have the opposite problem. We're working on my uncle and aunt to take the kids on a big family trip. We've been trying since their daughter was born 4 1/2 years ago. Thing is, my aunt is VERY cheap, LOL. Not frugal - cheap. Her idea of a vacation is going to someone's house. My uncle has to fight her to go for a long weekend and actually pay for a hotel. She wants to take the kids to Disney - she just doesn't want to pay for it. She's amazed (and you can't help but feel judged) at how much we spend when we go to Disney. . . even sitting down and showing her that I'm saving SO much money over rack rate.

Both kids are getting more and more vocal about wanting to go, especially since we got back a few weeks ago. Then Christmas day my other uncle called from my cousin's house in Italy and my cousin's husband got on the phone to talk to my uncle and said that he wanted to talk to him about all of us meeting up at Disney sometime next year (they're moving back to the states next summer) My uncle seems VERY interested. And I think it would work perfectly. There would be plenty of people to take care of the kids if some people wanted to run off and do things. We'd get to do something as a big family outing. We just need to work on my aunt. If it comes down to it, we can all stay at SoG if my cousin makes the reservations, but I'll keep my eyes out for resort discounts. My aunt would immediately want to find the cheapest place outside of the property just to save money. With what will be a 5 year old and a 13 year old with Down's Syndrome (therefore needing breaks throughout the day) staying on property would be MORE than just convenient.

My mom and I were already talking. There are a lot of special things I'd like to do if we all go, that I know my aunt will never pay for . . . so I have a feeling there will be a lot of "Christmas presents" that week we're there.

Not saying that watching your money isn't important. . . but sometimes experiences are JUST as important. And experiences that are heavily discounted are just FANTASTIC! HAHA!!

 

[HenDuck]

One of my dear friends is going to take her kids to DL probably in April. She has told me that she wants me to help her and to tell me all of our secrets to a great trip.

Now, I KNOW that I will spend hours helping her and she and her mother will probably just go and do whatever they want anyway. That's the way she is with everything else.

But she is my friend and if she is asking for my advice, I'll give it to her. Plus I just love talking about Disney and am willing to exploit any opportunity to do so.

She is also one of those people who go overboard on everything and has no financial security to show for it. She drives a luxury car, buys expensive clothes and gifts for her, her kids, family and friends. She spends when she's happy and when she's sad or stressed. She has told me several times that she has "a problem" with her spending, but she does not desire to do anything about it.

I fully expect that she will max out her credit cards when she goes to Disney. I cringe at the thought.

I will do my best to help her and will point out as many time and money saving tips as I can. I will also try to make sure that she is aware of the many special things she can take her DDs to (like story telling at the castle and the princess breakfast at Plaza Inn).

I know how she is and won't be hurt or surprised if she chucks all my money-saving advice.

We just live in different worlds.

It's her life and her loss (from my point of view). And I love her anyway.

 

[HenDuck]

I also realize that everyone has their comfort levels and their different priorities. Like someone said earlier, sometimes it is "worth it" to pay extra for something, like using a TA.

As for us, we budget and plan and save money in certain areas, but we also pay for some services that make our trip more pleasant.

For example, if we fly into LAX, we hire a private car service to drive us to Anaheim. We could drive ourselves. We certainly have done it in the past and know the way. But when you're getting off a 5+ hour flight and landing in LA during rush hour traffic, having someone else drive you to the hotel is worth the $ you pay. Then we don't have to worry about getting "lost" and everyone being stressed out on the first day of our trip.

So, maybe what some might think is "worth it" might be to them but not to someone else.

JMHO.

 

[pampam]

HenDuck, tell us about the princess breakfast at the Plaza Inn.

Some people like to brag about how much they spend. I'd rather brag about how much I've saved. I shop at thrift stores, and look for sales. I remember once, my SIL was bragging about how much she spent on her shoes. She went on and on. Then she started talking about how much she spent on her coat. I stopped her in mid brag by saying "You spent that much on your coat?!!!! I only paid 25 cents for mine!" She shut right up. lol

 

[crisi]

Comfort levels are huge, henduck.

I have incredible levels of stress around being in debt or living paycheck to paycheck. So I'm pretty naturally frugal.

Far more people I know don't stress about these things. I'm surprised how many people live check to check and are happy about it. "It will all work out."

And, surprisingly, sometimes it does. A bonus check, a small inherientence, selling the house....bails them out for a time.

A lot of people operate under the old idea that Disney doesn't discount. Or that the discounts they do offer are much harder to chase and negotiate than they are. Prior to DVC, we always bought a package - much easier. Even knowing that they aren't a good value, If I could've been comfortable affording it, the Gold Plan is my idea of a vacation. Like Mrs. Pete implied, we love cruising - not because its expensive - but because once you pay for it its paid for. It isn't the price tag that appeals, its the illusion that - on vacation - I can let my stress about money go.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I'm called the "Disney Expert" - or also "Disney Nut" - at work, to which colleagues have responded very differently. One co-worker asked for my help finding resort and park information, as well as discounts; I sent her a list of websites and print sources to start with, and then fired off an e-mail to her when Disney offered that 7-for-4 deal a while back. She saved close to $1000 and was ecstatic about it. OTOH, a colleague with whom I work every day never said a word to me about her upcoming trip. Later she told me that she did not want to appear to need discounts or help - after all, she could afford the deluxe resort at rack rate, so to look for a better deal felt too much like welfare to her. She is indeed one of those people who are proud to relate how much they can spend, as opposed to how much they can save. To each his (or her) own, I guess.

 

[fun & fancy free]

I too can not understand why people wouldn't want to save money. I do know a few people who do not enjoy the planning of their vacations and would rather leave it up to an agent. In that case I would suggest Dreams Unlimited. I have heard only good things about them and If I understand correctly they try to stay on top of the discount codes. I have never used then myself but these boards are pretty good w/referrals. Hey, you can only suggest anyway. The more I save the better I feel about our vacation.

 

[daystar]

Hi,
I would like to know how some of you all save money on your trips....I was one of those person that went to a travel agent but only because i never knew there was discounts until i started to read on this website which was after i paid for my trip....We went for the first time last year at christmas for six days and stayed at the Allstar Sport....By the time i was done paying for flight(buffalo N.Y to orlando),hotel, shuttle(which was an horrible experience),and tickets to disney(ultimate hopper pass)....I think we were close to 5000. for a family of four.....
Now next year for christmas we would love to take our kids again to WDW but trying to figure out the ways others get a cheaper trip, trying to save money....I would love to stay at a moderate resort like the POR....I would love to hear some replies...I would definetly appreciate your budget strategies.....Thanks

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Daystar,
There are so many great hints on this board for cutting the costs of a WDW trip. They range from how to get great airfare to where the least expensive princess costumes can be found. Just post any questions that you have and you're sure to get a lot of responses. People on this board love to help each other save $$$.

 

[MickeyMonstersMom]

I do know a few people who do not enjoy the planning of their vacations and would rather leave it up to an agent. In that case I would suggest Dreams Unlimited. I have heard only good things about them and If I understand correctly they try to stay on top of the discount codes. I have never used then myself but these boards are pretty good w/referrals.

I have used DU, twice, and will happily return to them every time I plan a trip to WDW. Sue Ellen (both times) handled all the reservations and PS wonderfully. On one trip she found the best deal, and on the other I mentioned a bargain I'd found and she changed the reservation accordingly. Ahh, the joys of saving money combined with making the least effort (and no long-distance phone calls!) on my part - fabulous!

daystar: another wonderful resource for saving money on Disney vacations is www.mousesavers.com - the website itself has lots of great tips, and if you sign up for the e-newsletter you can access lots more discounts. Between that site and the amazing people here at the DIS, you can maximize every dollar.

 

[Buzzsgramma]

I am in the process of helping a third family this yr. plan a Disney trip, staying on site....I love to help folks and the little ones get to the World and save some bucks.....

 

[MELSMICE]

I have not read all the responses, but I have found what the OP says to be true with soooooo many people. They "want" advice, but then they really don't take any.

I just shake my head & not worry about it.

So many people have come out & asked for my help. I have given them websites to access, I have priced things out & done comparisons as far as price & many will still just go with a TA because it's just more convenient.

IMO it's just as easy to make 3 phone calls (air, hotel & car) as it is to call the TA a few times to confirm & reconfirm. JMO!

I "feel your pain". It's aggravating to be asked for help, give it & then the person could care less about what you have to offer.

 

[dizcrazy]

Yes, OP, I agree! And glad that so many others do too! This is exactly why I love my disboard pals! I am not alone!

Here is what happened to me: our office admin mentioned that her son (age 9) dreams of going to WDW but she knows she won't ever be able to afford it. So later, I wander down to her desk, bubbling and thrilled to share my wealth of budget knowledge.
I tell her about this site and Mary's site, and I tell her about codes and that she can book a room at POP for $59 a night. at this point, I am BEAMING and ready for her to just HUG me. I mean, I just let her in on one of the world's best secrets!!!

She tells me in no uncertain terms that Disney is just too expensive and if she ever wins the lottery, she'll go to a TA.

OUUCCCCHHHH What the heck!