First Time Posting

[TheWhiteRabbit]

I joined this site hoping that some of you could help me and that I could do the same for you. My family has been to WDW one time for a wedding. I fell in love with it instantly and want to get my family there again before we are all grown-up. This brings me to why I need help; we are a family of six operating on a pastor's salary which means that we have 30,000 a year income so we can't really afford Disney. But I am desperate to make it happen. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[disneyworldmomma]

You should check mousesavers.com for up to date deals. value resorts are the best value but youll need a suite(which i think are over priced),or 2 rooms. or there is always the camp ground Im sure youll find answers and help here

 

[Aliceacc]

Hi and welcome!

Well, for starters, let me say that we've been saving for a year and a half for the trip we start in 11days! (I just had to work that part in!!! )

As teachers, we go to WDW over the summer-- that one is non-negotiable. WDW has 'seasons" that don't match those of the real world. Our trips always take place in "Value Season" when resort rates are cheaper.http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#offseason

Take a look at the pricing for the family suites at All Star Music-- they sleep 6. That's probably the cheapest you'll be able to do if you stay on property.

One of our biggest expenses is airfare from NY. I booked ours in January, and the 5 of us are flying to Orlando for $1320. Those exact same flights now run $2208.

Of course, if you're not flying and will have a car, you might want to consider staying offsite. Take a look at www.allstarvacationrentals.com I've never used them, but they come highly recommended in a number of WDW books. Renting a condo/house also means you can cook your own meals, and save some money there.

One of the best kept secrets at Disney is the YES program: http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/
What it boils down to is this: if even one of your kids takes a single 3 hour class, the entire family gets greatly reduced park tickets. All 3 of mine will be taking classes: my younger (with my husband chaperoning) will be taking Synergy in Science at Epcot. At the same time, my older 2 and I will be taking Making Waves with Marine Careers, also at Epcot. The 3 hours my family spends in what look like very interesting classes will save us something like $130 apiece on our 8 day parkhopper tickets!!! there are, of course, some things to be careful of: the YES tickets are non refundable and non transferable-- you have to be very sure that you're planning to use them before purchasing them.

Does that help at all?

 

[Metro West]

Welcome!

 

[TheWhiteRabbit]

Thank you all so much! All of the advice you've given me is awesome! But I think I need to clarify that I'm not a mom, I'm one of four kids in my family. I just want to save my folks a headache, lots of research, and money. Thanks again!

 

[Aliceacc]

Thank you all so much! All of the advice you've given me is awesome! But I think I need to clarify that I'm not a mom, I'm one of four kids in my family. I just want to save my folks a headache, lots of research, and money. Thanks again!

How very nice of you, to get a start on the research!

And there's lots of money to be saved!!

Have fun doing the research... it can be addictive!!

 

[disneyfan123]