Does my budget sound about right?

[StayCool]

Just lost my post. Grrrrr!

I'm sure you know this but also keep checking the big airlines! It looks like United and American fly out of Syracuse and with my airfare alerts I can often find great deals on the big airlines just as easy as Southwest and JetBlue. Honestly, I usually do find the fares much cheaper on United and US Airways and even sometimes Delta over Soutwest and JetBlue. I do usually have some flexibility on my travel dates so that probably helps me with deals but I have that same flexibility with Southwest and JetBlue as well and still always find better deals on other airlines.

What you have going for you is time and a backup plan if you don't get a deal you like!

Your budget doesn't show a rental car but if you start thinking you want a car on property then there's always the option of Tampa. Right now there are flights from Syracuse to Tampa for $256 on Delta. It's an 85 mile drive and if you get a good military discount on car rentals it could be one more option.

I personally don't prefer having a car on property and love ME and the onsite travel options but I just wanted to throw that out there if you started thinking you did want a car to explore outside of Disney.

I'd rather not have the hassle of rental car. If I had to do that, I would probably just drive.

Shades of Green is on Disney property, it actually used to be a Disney resort and is very close to the Poly. Here is a site that has tips for military families -
http://www.militarydisneytips.com/Shades-of-Green/Polynesian-walk.html

I understand that, but I would still rather not stay there. I really want the Disney theming. Shades of Green is much like just staying anywhere else.

I agree with staying in a Disney Resort rather than SofG. For many military families, like mine, when we go on vacation we want to get away from "work". That's not always possible in the military. The last thing many service members want to do is stay in a hotel surrounded by other service members. Might sound strange but I'm sure many of you wouldn't want to go on vacation with your co-workers. it is a nice hotel, I've only been in to buy our tickets though.

Exactly! My husband is retired from the military and he really isn't all that interested in maintaining ties. He would have to act "military" and that is hard to explain if you haven't ever been exposed to it.

 

[Judique]

We would qualify for Shades of Green, but I would rather stay on Disney property. The cost difference is not really much in our case.

Shades of Green IS on Disney property.

The rooms are much larger then the value resorts.

The theming makes the Disney resorts a little more appealing to families with young children, but SOG is a great place to stay. A week in a value is a long time in a small space - the rooms are pretty small.

Have you considered doing the Southwest credit card promo for 50000 points? I think it is still available.

You may need a bit more cash for a sweatshirt at Disney. A lot of them are in the $50 range.

I think you are realistic about your budget - but you have time and can find some ways to make it happen and be as special as you want your trip to be.

 

[Fantastic4]

Check all the airlines not just the usual "cheap" ones. I checked for months and ended up with the cheapest flights being through Expedia flying Delta (last Sep) 2 adults 2 kids out of Syracuse for $730. If you do a rental car and bank with USAA I highly suggest using them for your rental car. Cheaper plus extra benefits and it took us 5 min to check out at the airport with a free upgrade.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I understand that about Shades of Green. It's what we English call a 'busman's holiday' so named based on a vacation where a bus driver has to drive. You want a break from everything and escape like everyone else! I hope you find a good budget balance for your family. All Stars sounds very nice I love the theme of that!

 

[StayCool]

I decided I would look back into Swagbucks. I had signed up for it before and wasted a lot of my time doing surveys that I didn't get credit for so I stopped. Well I had almost 2000 pts in my account! And they didn't have the video clips before (that I remember anyway) so yesterday I just put my phone on mute at work and let them run all afternoon. Easy enough. So I think I will keep letting them run daily and see what I can get.

 

[loveshak22]

I'd rather not have the hassle of rental car. If I had to do that, I would probably just drive.

I agree. Some people swear it's better than the buses but we tried a rental car last year because we drove offsite some to visit family and I much prefer the buses. Although I can see if someone had small kids and strollers and diaper bags, etc., that a car would be easier transportation.

I am looking online today for flights for a trip we are taking in November and saw United has Syracuse to Orlando for $268 but the dates are October 7th through 14th. But it looks like you should keep checking United over the next few months as well and maybe you'll get lucky for some prices closer to $200 on one of the airlines - good luck!

 

[StayCool]

I agree. Some people swear it's better than the buses but we tried a rental car last year because we drove offsite some to visit family and I much prefer the buses. Although I can see if someone had small kids and strollers and diaper bags, etc., that a car would be easier transportation.

I am looking online today for flights for a trip we are taking in November and saw United has Syracuse to Orlando for $268 but the dates are October 7th through 14th. But it looks like you should keep checking United over the next few months as well and maybe you'll get lucky for some prices closer to $200 on one of the airlines - good luck!

I've been following as well and right now flights from Syracuse, Rochester and Albany for my dates are $320 but there are flights in PA (also about 3 hrs away) on United for $280 each. So, it looks like one way or another it will work out. I just need to be a little more patient!

 

[loveshak22]

I've been following as well and right now flights from Syracuse, Rochester and Albany for my dates are $320 but there are flights in PA (also about 3 hrs away) on United for $280 each. So, it looks like one way or another it will work out. I just need to be a little more patient!

It looks that way!

Although I know how hard it can be to be patient when you just want to get things settled. I am like the least patient person in the world too so I hate having to wait!

 

[StayCool]

Prices are slowly coming down for flights but SouthWest and JetBlue haven't opened their flights yet, so it is looking like flying is most likely going to be a reality. I've spent this morning trying to figure out what to do when and my brain hurts! My husband is no help with this. He just keeps telling me to do whatever I want. He could end up regretting that!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Prices are slowly coming down for flights but SouthWest and JetBlue haven't opened their flights yet, so it is looking like flying is most likely going to be a reality. I've spent this morning trying to figure out what to do when and my brain hurts! My husband is no help with this. He just keeps telling me to do whatever I want. He could end up regretting that!

that's what is great about disboards when DH isn't helping! So what's the plan if you fly? You drive to airport and park then fly to Orlando and use ME and Disney buses? sounds a lot less stress!

 

[StayCool]

that's what is great about disboards when DH isn't helping! So what's the plan if you fly? You drive to airport and park then fly to Orlando and use ME and Disney buses? sounds a lot less stress!

Less stress will be great! lol I'm the type that won't relax until we get there though. I love the Dis. I've been sucked in for 3 years and have read so much! And it sounds so cheesy but my life has changed for the better. I've learned how to budget and cut back on things so I can do/have the things I want. Now I'm learning how to make autograph books for my kids. Never a dull moment!

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Less stress will be great! lol I'm the type that won't relax until we get there though. I love the Dis. I've been sucked in for 3 years and have read so much! And it sounds so cheesy but my life has changed for the better. I've learned how to budget and cut back on things so I can do/have the things I want. Now I'm learning how to make autograph books for my kids. Never a dull moment!

sounds wonderful I hope it works out for you! Me too it doesn't sound cheesy at all. I have been really ill and Dis has been a life saver!

 

[StayCool]

OP here. I just wanted to update that I was able to get flights for the 4 of us on JetBlue for $868!!! I did end up moving our dates to 9/28-10/6 otherwise I was looking at over $1200. But I still get to go to Food & Wine and MNSSHP so I'm happy! Now that the flights are paid for I have this surreal feeling that we are actually going! lol

I'm (not so) patiently waiting to see if the military discount and tickets are offered again. That will save me a ton. I just can't wait until the hours are posted so I can start the rest of my planning.

I have been doing Swagbucks and have almost enough for a $50 Target card. I tried to use the pharmacy discount, but of course NY does not allow it! I found that out the hard way. But 5% off is better than nothing. I also think we are going to get a hotel room in Syracuse since our flight leaves at 7 am.

All in all I'm happy with the way things are turning out. For a minute I had Disney fever and was going crazy with everything, but I really feel it will be best for everyone if we just stick to the 4 park days and relax.

 

[cel_disney]

OP here. I just wanted to update that I was able to get flights for the 4 of us on JetBlue for $868!!! I did end up moving our dates to 9/28-10/6 otherwise I was looking at over $1200. But I still get to go to Food & Wine and MNSSHP so I'm happy! Now that the flights are paid for I have this surreal feeling that we are actually going! lol

I'm (not so) patiently waiting to see if the military discount and tickets are offered again. That will save me a ton. I just can't wait until the hours are posted so I can start the rest of my planning.

I have been doing Swagbucks and have almost enough for a $50 Target card. I tried to use the pharmacy discount, but of course NY does not allow it! I found that out the hard way. But 5% off is better than nothing. I also think we are going to get a hotel room in Syracuse since our flight leaves at 7 am.

All in all I'm happy with the way things are turning out. For a minute I had Disney fever and was going crazy with everything, but I really feel it will be best for everyone if we just stick to the 4 park days and relax.

That's so great!! The JetBlue sale is pretty great right now! I would be paying 900$ for 4 tix from Boston while Delta is charging almost 1700 for the same 4 tix with similar flight times! I need to keep accruing delta miles so we are waiting but such a great price!

Enjoy! Time for FP selection will be here before you now it!

 

[loveshak22]

OP here. I just wanted to update that I was able to get flights for the 4 of us on JetBlue for $868!!! I did end up moving our dates to 9/28-10/6 otherwise I was looking at over $1200. But I still get to go to Food & Wine and MNSSHP so I'm happy! Now that the flights are paid for I have this surreal feeling that we are actually going! lol

I'm (not so) patiently waiting to see if the military discount and tickets are offered again. That will save me a ton. I just can't wait until the hours are posted so I can start the rest of my planning.

I have been doing Swagbucks and have almost enough for a $50 Target card. I tried to use the pharmacy discount, but of course NY does not allow it! I found that out the hard way. But 5% off is better than nothing. I also think we are going to get a hotel room in Syracuse since our flight leaves at 7 am.

All in all I'm happy with the way things are turning out. For a minute I had Disney fever and was going crazy with everything, but I really feel it will be best for everyone if we just stick to the 4 park days and relax.

Awesome!! Glad the flights worked out. That will save so much time!

Hopefully they announce the extension of the military discounts soon for you!!

 

[pigninnie]

I have been doing Swagbucks and have almost enough for a $50 Target card. I tried to use the pharmacy discount, but of course NY does not allow it! I found that out the hard way. But 5% off is better than nothing. I also think we are going to get a hotel room in Syracuse since our flight leaves at 7 am.

:

amazing. i think i will try