Do People Really.......???

[Tink10]

I'm not offended by anyone or anything, I was just curious.....

It's good to hear that there were rules about keeping the strollers clean......I see quite a few little ones in strollers every day at work & some of the strollers are really dirty......

 

[Allison]

I'd try the extra bun deal in a heartbeat, expect I'd be much happier eating the double burger myself

Also, about pool hopping: Really, whats the big deal? Near as I can tell, I'm staying on Disney property and should feel free to tour the amenities at the other resorts without feeling guilty. It's not like you're paying directly to swim in the pool at your hotel, it's just a bonus and you may as well share it.

I disagree. You paid for the use of the pool at your resort not the resort someone else is staying at. You are paying directly to swim in the pool at your hotel. That's why as you move up from values to moderates to deluxes the pools and other amenities get nicer as your cost per night gets higher.

Feel free to shop and enjoy the restaurants as they are open to everyone. The pools are not and it is clearly stated on the signs at the pool.

 

[sanctus]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

 

[momandseandodisney]

OK I'm sure I'm going to get flamed for this but...

Does anyone else think that if you are so strapped for money that you resort ot some of these tactics, you really should be putting your money somewhere (ie, bills) other than Disney.

I know, I know, I can hear it... "Don't tell me how to spend MY money"

JMHO

I AGREE

 

[Evil Queen]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

I agree. I must "save" like crazy to go. And I do look for savings everywhere. I have never made a salad out of toppings, but have done the double cheese burger and bought a bun. I have loaded up my burger with toppings, but not more than if I was making it at home.

I've never tried to sneak someone into a room, but have offered a night's stay to a friend that was going to be in the area while there, which never did work out. Nor used mugs from previous trips, but I bring a cooler and have my drinks in there, so no need for a mug to start with, but DS likes a new one each trip.

In reality no, I probably can't "afford" a Disney vacation, but somehow we manage and will continue to do so, as long as I can "swing" it.

 

[Allison]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

Good for you. I hope it is a magical time for your family. That's a good age to take them I think. Mine will be 13, 10 and 6 on our trip.

 

[StephSalyer]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

Sanctus,

Well put!!!! I was picking up the same undertone myself.

We have split meals, split hamburgers (even purchased an extra bun a time or two). We also use codes, FL resident rates, booked Saratoga Springs for $38.00 on Christmas Night and will be booking the "free dining" package before June 3rd. We are very blessed to live in Florida and we are able to go to the "World" more frequently because we no longer have the added expense of getting here.

I wish lots of pixie dust to your family that you will soon see your dream of taking your children. It is a priceless experience that I still cherish from my own childhood.

 

[n2mm]

I'm a little confused why people are buying double cheeseburgers and then saying it's too much food to waste or eat. Just buy the single cheeseburgers. I noticed them on the menu right under the double cheeseburger. Then there is no waste. One thing our family never cuts corners on or get cheap with is the food. Even though we use the DDP, we always pay OOP for meals too.

 

[BluOrchid2]

Does anyone else think that if you are so strapped for money that you resort ot some of these tactics, you really should be putting your money somewhere (ie, bills) other than Disney.

I haven't done any of the stuff that the OP mentioned in the first post, but we are always strapped for money, have a hard time paying our bills, live paycheck to paycheck, etc. Completely stressed out every month over money, and there not being enough of it.

Due in part to that stress, as well as additional stresses earlier this year over my son's psychiatric hospitalization and suicide dangers, and my dad's colon cancer, I NEED a vacation at WDW for my own mental health. When the free dining plan offer came out, I booked a trip without having any way to pay for it. I took money from our paycheck that should have gone to pay bills to pay the $200 deposit to Disney that would hold our reservation. Then, I went out and got a part time job - I am a stay at home mom. I now work evenings and weekends, hardly see my husband and son....thankfully I still get to spend all day long with my 5 yr old daughter. But my job is going to pay for our trip, and looking forward to this vacation is about all that has kept me going for the past few months while I went through hell with my son.

So yeah, probably my paychecks would be more smartly put to use by supplementing my husband's income and being used to help pay our bills, but having this vacation to look forward to is keeping me grounded and strong enough to deal with the other stresses in my life.

 

[Skwinkles]

So, about the dirty diaper trick - if someone wanted to steal your stroller, and there was a 'dirty' diaper in a plastic bag tied to it, wouldn't they just untie the bag, drop it, and take your stroller anyway? I'm just not sure how this would actually deter someone bent on stealing something. Now maybe if something gross was actually on the stroller itself.... (yuck!)

 

[mickeyfan2]

Can somebody explain the dirty diapers thing to me. It sounds disgusting and for the life of me can see of no purpose. I must be missing something.

Me too. Are they disposable or cloth diapers?\

Believe me when I say I have no interest in stealing your dirty diapers.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I will admit to ordering an extra bun when I get a double cheeseburger

it isn't free - you have to pay 79 cents for it - why do I do this? we want two burgers and not all the fries that come with the meal -

would you think it was cheap if I cut the burger in half and split it that way?

if disney is willing to let me pay for the bun - I don't see a problem with it

and it does save me money so that is a bonus - but not a must for me!!!

We just order the two burgers and ask for one with fries and one without. They do charge less for just the burger.

 

[mrsltg]

I keep picking up an undertone in this thread that bothers me a bit. It's the whole "If you can't afford to do everything without thinking about it, just stay home."

I have been working points programs, rolling change, and trying to stash whatever money I can for 6 years to get my children to Disney. There have been numerous set backs in this - car breaks down, new water heater, that kind of thing. But I will never give up. This is my dream.

I'm thinking at this point we'll be able to go in about 2 years, when kids are 12, 10 and 8. And we will not be able to just do whatever without thinking. We'll be doing this on a budget. Now I will never use the fixings bar to make a "free" salad. That's not what it's for. But I won't hesitate to buy 3 meals for 5 of us and split it. Once I buy the meals, they're MINE and how we use them is up to us, right?

But I really get hurt by the idea that if we have to do this on the cheap we're somehow less "Mouse-worthy" or something. Should we maybe be using this money for something else? Maybe. But I know my children won't be children for very long, and I will split meals, pal mickey swap, buy souvies at Walmart, or whatever it takes to share this dream with them, as long as it's within the rules. (so no, no extra people snuck in the room or mug swapping)

You're absolutely not less "mouse-worthy"! Have a great time!!!! Split meals - it's a TON of food (unless your 12 year old is a boy!!!!!!! ). There is nothing wrong with anything you are suggesting and good for you for working so hard for this. I sometimes worry my girls won't appreciate Disney as much because we can go more often than a lot of people. I try to drill into my older daughter that this is a big PLUS, not a right. She's with me so far - as soon as entitlement starts to take over she's done, though.

 

[melomouse]

Hmmm.... interesting thread. I can't help but think the OP was questioning the lengths some will go to to save on a usually expensive vacation. To each his own - follow the general guidelines, don't exploit the rules, and don't offend anyone if you can help it.

Frugality and greed are two different things.We can't know, when we observe the burger-sharers, fixin's-heapers, stroller-swappers, what motivates folks. IMHO, it's none of my darned business. I've only been truly "offended" when I see kids verbally and physically abused in the parks. But that's me.

Not sure if the OP actually SAW these things or has read them on these boards. What people DO and what they post can sometimes vary! Some of the stuff I read here shocks me, but in all honesty, I have never been "shocked" at anything I've seen in the parks. I try to keep that judgemental part of myself under control; after all, I'm on vacation in the Happiest Place on Earth! Live and Let Live!

And if guests do things that obviously exploit policy and procedure,over time, everyone suffers in the long run, because some magical perks are eventually removed.

Sanctus - you are NOT less "mouse-worthy"!!! Take all of this with a grain of salt, and I hope you get to go to WDW according to your plan.

BTW,The "soak a diaper with spilled soda" trick was a tongue-in-cheek suggestion put forth in one of the Unofficial Guides to WDW to offer a stroller identification tip.

If you have ever tried to find "your" stroller in a sea of others after a show, you've been there!!

 

[kcrew]

Putting an extra person in a room exceeding Disney limits...this is a hot topic for me. The whole vacationing world, not just Disney, is designed around a "family of 4". and help us that have exceeded that "norm". Because I have 3 children, does Disney offer me an upcharge on my room rate? Heck no! My family would be perfectly content in one room but I have to pay for an entire additional room for my 6 yo. Because I have a third child I pay DOUBLE, being forced to get a second room. So at the POP I am paying 79.00 extra per night for my 3rd child! I certainly agree that if you have more children you need to pay more but DOUBLE? So, if someone is "sneaking" an extra person into the room in this situation can you blame them? Sorry, I won't feel the least bit guilty about my family sharing one mug!

As for the extra bun...you pay for the meal and you are paying for the bun, I don't get anyone having a problem with this on any level.

Pool hopping? So what! If the riff raff can come to the mod and del properties to spend money, then I guess they're good enough to use the pools. If the resorts are so exclusive then make the whole place for guests only, not just the pools.

I must say though that the meal sharing business at TS restaurants is new to me. I have NEVER seen or heard of it being done in the real world. Maybe it's a regional thing? I guess I've always assumed there is an unwritten law in TS places (at home) that if you occupy a seat you buy a meal...BTW, I'm not judging this practice, I'm just surprised by it.

P.S. Stanger swap? What do you have to offer? I might be interested! Ha Ha.

 

[Tink10]

Hmmm.... interesting thread. I can't help but think the OP was questioning the lengths some will go to to save on a usually expensive vacation. To each his own - follow the general guidelines, don't exploit the rules, and don't offend anyone if you can help it.

Frugality and greed are two different things.We can't know, when we observe the burger-sharers, fixin's-heapers, stroller-swappers, what motivates folks. IMHO, it's none of my darned business. I've only been truly "offended" when I see kids verbally and physically abused in the parks. But that's me.

Not sure if the OP actually SAW these things or has read them on these boards. What people DO and what they post can sometimes vary! Some of the stuff I read here shocks me, but in all honesty, I have never been "shocked" at anything I've seen in the parks. I try to keep that judgemental part of myself under control; after all, I'm on vacation in the Happiest Place on Earth! Live and Let Live!

And if guests do things that obviously exploit policy and procedure,over time, everyone suffers in the long run, because some magical perks are eventually removed.

Sanctus - you are NOT less "mouse-worthy"!!! Take all of this with a grain of salt, and I hope you get to go to WDW according to your plan.

BTW,The "soak a diaper with spilled soda" trick was a tongue-in-cheek suggestion put forth in one of the Unofficial Guides to WDW to offer a stroller identification tip.

If you have ever tried to find "your" stroller in a sea of others after a show, you've been there!!

These were all things that I've read, but have never seen....ok...well except for the Topping Bar thing......There was a family at Liberty Inn making whole salads out of the topping bar items. When we passed their table, they hadn't purchased anything from the restaurant!!!.....They were eating homemade sandwiches & a big bag of chips.....I can't help but think of something like that as theft and was wondering if it was common.

Was I questioning the lengths of how far people would go? I suppose in a way, I was, because I personally can't imagine myself doing these things (not trying to sound mean, just my personal preference)......Regardless, it had nothing to do with anyone being less mouse-worthy. Mickey's magic is for everyone!

 

[BluOrchid2]

Putting an extra person in a room exceeding Disney limits...this is a hot topic for me. The whole vacationing world, not just Disney, is designed around a "family of 4". and help us that have exceeded that "norm". Because I have 3 children, does Disney offer me an upcharge on my room rate? Heck no! My family would be perfectly content in one room but I have to pay for an entire additional room for my 6 yo. Because I have a third child I pay DOUBLE, being forced to get a second room. So at the POP I am paying 79.00 extra per night for my 3rd child! I certainly agree that if you have more children you need to pay more but DOUBLE? So, if someone is "sneaking" an extra person into the room in this situation can you blame them? Sorry, I won't feel the least bit guilty about my family sharing one mug!

I thought most rooms at Disney resorts had an occupancy of 5??

 

[kaysmommie]

I do the dirty diaper trick on every trip. I want to keep my stroller. Also we leave the diaper bag in it so that would not be good if someone took it. this trip we will rent a double stroller and I've heard there are a limited number of them. Might be doing the poopy diaper trick for sure. Never heard of ordering and extra bun for a double cheeseburger. Also I've never seen the salad from the fixin's bar. I will be watching to see it this trip, but to each his own I guess.

 

[hollyb]

1. buying an extra bun.
2. dirty diaper
3. mug refills
4.pool hoping.

Honestly if your this worried about them. You have to much time on your hands. Go enjoy Disney who cares about what others are doing. JMHO

 

[mickeyfan2]

I thought most rooms at Disney resorts had an occupancy of 5??

All values, except the soon to be available value suites, some moderates and some deluxes only sleep 4. But there are some moderates and deluxes that do sleep 6.

In the example above the person could have gone to POR and got the tundle bed.