Going back to our "Happy Place"...on a BUDGET

[dismom9761]

I don't really like the title but that's all I can think of at the moment.

I have had a hard time planning this trip and was looking at my last pre-trip report and decided that it helped me keep organized. This trip is going to be very "budget".I was out of work for a while and money has been tight.We decided to go with a few stipulations but I will get to that shortly...I will start with the cast.

Me-My name is Amy and I am a Disney nut.I also love to read and spend time with my family and friends.I have four great(most of the time ) kids and work in a daycare.I am working full time for the first time since my kids were born and it has taken some getting used to.

DH-Dean is a great dad and DH. He an appraiser for the county we live in.After work he is a coach for DS11's travel baseball team and his football coach.He also helps with DS13's teams.He is very involved in all the kids activities.He has only been to Disney once.It was a last minute trip with no planning during Spring Break.

DS11-Peyton is %100 boy.I sometimes call him my payback for being a wild teenager.He has been diagnosed with asthma,ADHD,generalized anxiety disorder,and OCD.He is on meds and doing exceptionally well in school and loves playing football and baseball.He is super sweet but tends to be over emotional sometimes.He LOVES Disney and behaves wonderfully while we are there.

DD9-Rebekah will turn ten years old right before our trip.She is my drama queen.She seems to change daily these days and it is very nerve wracking. She loves softball,art,hanging out with her friends,and fighting with her siblings.Her favorite thing about Disney are the big rides like RNRC.

DD4-Rachel will be only a few weeks from turning five when we go.She is a bundle of nonstop energy.She constantly has bruises all over body because she never walks anywhere.She has the mouth and attitude of a teenager.I have friends who come visit mainly to have a conversation with her.She loves playing softball and her new school.Disney is her favorite place to be and this is her fifth trip.

Grandma-GM(what I called her in my last report) is our Disney companion.She is my mom and loves to go to Disney with us.She does super well with all the walking.She fell on the second day of our last trip and struggled the rest of the trip because she had hurt her ankle.This is her "do over" trip.

DS13-Tyler is not going with us but he will be mentioned in my report, so I wanted to introduce him.Tyler is a typical teenager in the aspect that he stays on his cellphone,school is not a priority,and his ipod is a constant companion.The good thing is he has a great attitude toward us.He loves to play football and baseball.He does not like Disney.Last trip he went on he was miserable by the middle of the week.That is the reason he has decided to stay home with various relatives.

We will be joined this trip by my best friend and her family. I am so excited about that! Her name is Shawna and we have been best friends since the ninth grade.Her fiance,Denny,is coming and her DD15,Morgan.Morgan is bringing her friend,Rachel.

I will have more pictures later(I use ALOT of pics) but photobucket is taking forever right now.

Next will be trip details and why our June trip became a February trip.

 

[dismom9761]

This trip was originally to be taken in June 2009 and we were staying at POP.Then things changed because we were offered something we could not turn down.Shawna was offered a three bedroom condo in Orlando for $400 for a week.She has a timeshare in Las Vegas, so this was a swap thing. The only problem was that it had to be used before April.All ten of us would be able to sleep comfortably plus kitchen and washer/dryer. We chose Presidents week because the children would be out of school.I didn't mind mine missing school but Morgan is in High School and would have a hard time making up work.

The bad thing about moving the trip up is less time to save money. The trip will be paid for using no credit card and ALL family members going must contribute.We will be using tax return money to pay for what we do not save but we are trying to come up with most of it creatively.Each adult is to come up with their ticket money without using "bill" money.Each child is suposed to come up with half of their ticket money.I do not expect Rachel to be able to do this but she is trying.

The adults' and older kids' tickets(8 day) are going to cost $282 and Rachel's is $247.
So far we have earned money through a little overtime,babysitting,yard sale,birthdays,and the kids have been doing small jobs for family and friends.This weekend Rebekah helped her Nana clean and earned ten dollars.Peyton did yard work for four hours yesterday for his grandpa and will be paid tomorrow.Tomorrow Rebekah is wrapping presents for her Aunt and Peyton is stacking firewood.Rachel has even done small chores like folding clothes and earned $5.

So far in our ticket money-(Unfortunately we have taken some money out of the ticket money when we needed cash and then did not return money to it)
me-$71
DH-$40
Peyton-$68
Rebekah-$132
Rachel-$101

We all have a ways to go but we are working on it.
Other things we are doing is collecting cans.We have all family members saving them for us.We have an above ground pool which my DH is taking ,along with some bikes,to turn in for cash.We all have asked for money for Christmas.I am going to be doing some weekend babysitting.

Our dates are february 12-22.We are staying in hotels 2/12-2/14 and checking into the condo on 2/15 -2/22.
Our budget so far-
Tickets-$1375
Room for 2/12-??
rooms through Hotwire 2/13 & 2/14-$75
condo-$200
gas-?? will split with GM
tolls-?? not sure yet what they are
Counter services and offsite meals-$700 (I think but I can't find my notebook right now)
Table services-$700

Depending on money saved and amount of tax return, table services will be dropped.

Can't find my notebook so having a hard time remembering everything.

Next post will include details on dining,plans,and possibly shopping!

 

[dismom9761]

I posted this on another site so it may sound a little strange-didn't want to type it all out again.This is our itinerary for now.Probably will change multiple times.

We are going February 12-22.The first three nights will be in a hotel and then we will be moving to a condo.I have never had good luck getting my family to take breaks but my youngest DD has always slept in the stroller on past trips.This trip is three weeks before she turns five and I do not think she will sleep in the stroller.My kids are known as being the "energizer bunnies" in WDW.They have always opened the parks and then stayed for whatever EMH is available.Between the lack of naps for DD4 and the fact that we are staying offsite,I think this trip will be different.

Thursday February 12-Leave home after work and drive to Orlando.Arrive approximately 1:00-2:00am.

Friday February 13-Sleep in.Spend afternoon/evening at MK

Saturday February 14- Epcot all day.Leave when we get tired or stay for Illuminations at 9:00pm

Sunday February 15-Ak with lunch at Rainforest Cafe.We will probably leave around 3:00pm to check into the condo.

Monday February 16-DM,DD4 and I are eating at the Princess Storybook breakfast in Epcot at 9:00am.After breakfast we will go back to the condo and swim if the weather is warm or go to DTD.

Tuesday February 17- DHS with lunch at Prime Time Cafe.The park closes at 7:00pm but we will leave earlier if we have seen the shows that are on our must do list.

Wednesday February 17-MK for RD and leave early afternoon.Dinner offsite and some swimming/resting

Thursday February 18-Sleep in.Epcot for WS.Leave around 5:00pm for DHS to see Fantasmic! at 7:00pm

Friday February 19-MK with dinner at Ohanas at 7:00pm.

Saturday February 20-We will start in AK and then leave after lunch and hop to whatever park we want to see the most.Last trip we went to all four parks on the last day.We will definitely be in MK to see Spectro and Wishes starting at 8:00pm.

Sunday February 21-Travel back home


I tried to make sure we had some sleep in mornings and early evenings because I am not sure how DD4 will do.She has always been easy in Disney(she has gone at 13 mths,18 mths,2 yrs,and 3 yrs old)but has napped every day for hours in her stroller.She naps for about an hour a day at home but then can easily stay up until midnight.Our days will be determined on how she handles things.

One of my concerns is that we don't have enough Epcot time.My kids and I LOVE Epcot...

 

[portocall]

Sounds like a good way to stay organized! Good for you about paying cash, we are doing that too, but have a little bit more time to save (not going until Nov). I am subbing!

 

[Trentmom]

Hi Amy

Sounds like a great trip and what a great deal with the condo

Can't wait to read more

 

[dismom9761]

Sounds like a good way to stay organized! Good for you about paying cash, we are doing that too, but have a little bit more time to save (not going until Nov). I am subbing!

Hi! Thanks for reading my ramblings.We thought we would have more time to save but we couldn't pass up the condo deal.This month has been almost impossible to find extra money because of Christmas.

Hi Amy

Sounds like a great trip and what a great deal with the condo

Can't wait to read more

Hi Sharky! Thanks for reading.

 

[dismom9761]

We never use a stroller here at home but I am thinking that we definitely need one in Disney.

My options were buying one,renting one in the parks,or renting one from a company in Orlando.I don't want to rent one in the parks because I like to have a basket for my cooler.I decided a couple of weeks ago to look around at prices to buy one.I needed one that would be comfortable for Rachel but NOT too pricey.She is 45 inches and 43 lbs..

I looked on ebay and craiglist first.I found one on EBAY that I was interested in and did some research.Looked like a nice stroller.To make a long story short I bought it for twenty dollars and it was close enough that we could pick it up instead of having it shipped. We used it this weekend at the mall and Rachel was comfortable and the basket is really big.

 

[Trentmom]

We had the same problem. We never use a stroller at home, but we knew we would need one for this past trip

We found a nice one at a yard sale for 5 dollars. We used it all week and on the final day, just left it there for another family to take

 

[dismom9761]

We had the same problem. We never use a stroller at home, but we knew we would need one for this past trip

We found a nice one at a yard sale for 5 dollars. We used it all week and on the final day, just left it there for another family to take

I hadn't thought of leaving it there. I may do that.Its hard to find room for it in the van on the way down there and near impossible on the way back.

I found my Disney notebook! I had the $ amount wrong on the food.Here is the budget that I have so far...

Tickets-$1375
Room for 2/12-??
rooms through Hotwire 2/13 & 2/14-$75
condo-$200
gas-?? will split with GM
tolls-?? not sure yet what they are
Counter services and offsite meals-$400
Table services-$350

This is a picture of Rachel seeing the castle for the first time on our 2007 trip.

 

[portocall]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.

 

[Trentmom]

Aww, love look on Rachel face when she sees the castle

 

[Trentmom]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.

It is never too early to start


Take it from someone who knows


started the pre trip for my Oct 2008 trip in Aug 2007

 

[dismom9761]

I hear you on the stroller. We don't use one at home either as my little guy is 4 and we don't go where he can't walk much. Since he will be two weeks shy of five when we go, and I don't want to pay Disney's rental fees, especiallly with the price hike, I think I will get him an umbrella stroller. But maybe I need to look for something cheaper, that would be a good place to hold our junk until he needs it later in the day...

We are going in November, and I think it is too early to start our pretrip report, but I am chomping at the bit.

I found that Rachel was hard to push in an umbrella stroller. I like to have a big basket too.

Never too early for a report...

Aww, love look on Rachel face when she sees the castle

yes,I love that picture.

It is never too early to start


Take it from someone who knows


started the pre trip for my Oct 2008 trip in Aug 2007

Do you have a trip report from that trip???

 

[Trentmom]

I found that Rachel was hard to push in an umbrella stroller. I like to have a big basket too.

Never too early for a report...



yes,I love that picture.


Do you have a trip report from that trip???

My links never work right, but lets try this:

http://http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1928931

If that does not work, we are located on the Community Boards, since we talk too much

The start of our title is Sharky and QM............

In the first post, I have listed all my updates, so you skip our chatting, to get your caught up.

I have only done the first 4 days....such a slacker

If my links in the first post to the updates do not work, I have put the page number where to find them

Hope to see you there

 

[Sarilas]

I just invested in two lightweight or umbrella-ish strollers myself. My 1 year old definitely needs it and I have a feeling my 3 year old will end up begging to be held a majority of the time. We found strollers with a sun shade and a basket that still fold up like the little umbrella strollers do- SCORE!

I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!

 

[dismom9761]

My links never work right, but lets try this:

http://http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1928931

If that does not work, we are located on the Community Boards, since we talk too much

The start of our title is Sharky and QM............

In the first post, I have listed all my updates, so you skip our chatting, to get your caught up.

I have only done the first 4 days....such a slacker

If my links in the first post to the updates do not work, I have put the page number where to find them

Hope to see you there

Thanks! I will find you and read up on the trip.May be Friday though...

I just invested in two lightweight or umbrella-ish strollers myself. My 1 year old definitely needs it and I have a feeling my 3 year old will end up begging to be held a majority of the time. We found strollers with a sun shade and a basket that still fold up like the little umbrella strollers do- SCORE!

I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip!

Hi! Thanks for reading.Sounds like you got the perfect strollers. When Rachel was three she rode alot.Her little legs couldn't keep up and I was doing good to get myself around the parks without trying to carry her.


trip update- I told myself shopping would be kept to the bare minimum for this trip. Then I found sales on Disneyshopping and crocs.com. My crocs order came in and the kids were soo excited! I got Rachel four pairs(they were all half off) and two didn't fit.The Alice style seems bigger than the regular Disney crocs.Also Rebekah's were way too small.She needs the women's 8/9. I can't believe how much her foot has grown.Peyton is happy though.Instead of sending the red Mickey crocs back he gets to keep them.Yep,my DD9 is passing down outgrown shoes to my DS11.Something not quite right about that scenario.

I would post pictures of the new shoes but my camera is broken.

 

[portocall]

Great deals on the crocs. I love that Peyton is accepting hand me downs from his sis... I can't wait until my 9 year old ds outgrows his current pair, they are so comfy and my size. With the way things have been going, it will be next month!

 

[aldisneygrl]

Hi Amy!

How exciting! You are getting to go again! Budget or not it is still Disney!

 

[DisMomAmy]

Hi Amy!! What condo are you guys staying at? Or do you not know yet? We do the condo thing and in order to get a better condo we wait until 60 days before to make our exchange. More condos become available to us at that point. I usually get up at midnight and make the exchange. We'll hopefully be staying at Marriott Grande Vista again or Horizons by Marriott. I'll know for sure at the end of February. I love having all the space of a condo - it should work out great for you, especially where you will already have your own car with you - we have to rent one for the length of our stay. Don't forget to add parking at the parks into your budget - it's $12/day. Sorry...

As far as the stroller thing goes - we will be renting a single stroller at each park. Last year (Oct 07) we rented a double which worked out great. Alex was 7 and Zachary was 4. The price has gone up SIGNIFICANTLY since then - it was $18/day now it's over $30/day for a double. This year Alex will be 8 1/2 Zachary will be 5 1/2 so we'll get the single and they can take turns or use it as needed. Alex gets tired easy and can use his own space - especially for things like waiting for parades, etc. Plus, I like having somewhere to stash our "stuff" when we go on rides.

Thanks for sharing your money saving ideas - I think we'll borrow some of those. I think it's a great idea to have everyone contribute.

Can't wait to read more as you plan.

 

[dismom9761]

Great deals on the crocs. I love that Peyton is accepting hand me downs from his sis... I can't wait until my 9 year old ds outgrows his current pair, they are so comfy and my size. With the way things have been going, it will be next month!

Hi! I will be getting Rebekah's outgrown shoes soon.I better start buying her the good stuff...

Hi Amy!

How exciting! You are getting to go again! Budget or not it is still Disney!

Hi! I am getting excited now that Christmas is over and I can start planning more. With my Christmas money my ticket is almost paid for. My birthday is next week and I have told my family all I want is money.

Hi Amy!! What condo are you guys staying at? Or do you not know yet? We do the condo thing and in order to get a better condo we wait until 60 days before to make our exchange. More condos become available to us at that point. I usually get up at midnight and make the exchange. We'll hopefully be staying at Marriott Grande Vista again or Horizons by Marriott. I'll know for sure at the end of February. I love having all the space of a condo - it should work out great for you, especially where you will already have your own car with you - we have to rent one for the length of our stay. Don't forget to add parking at the parks into your budget - it's $12/day. Sorry...

As far as the stroller thing goes - we will be renting a single stroller at each park. Last year (Oct 07) we rented a double which worked out great. Alex was 7 and Zachary was 4. The price has gone up SIGNIFICANTLY since then - it was $18/day now it's over $30/day for a double. This year Alex will be 8 1/2 Zachary will be 5 1/2 so we'll get the single and they can take turns or use it as needed. Alex gets tired easy and can use his own space - especially for things like waiting for parades, etc. Plus, I like having somewhere to stash our "stuff" when we go on rides.

Thanks for sharing your money saving ideas - I think we'll borrow some of those. I think it's a great idea to have everyone contribute.

Can't wait to read more as you plan.

Hi! I am not sure of the name of the condo.Thats pretty bad,huh?My friend booked it and she did send me an email a long time ago.I will get more info when she gets back in town.

Thanks for telling me the parking fees.I was going to look that up.

I can't believe the stroller rental is so expensive! Glad I have one to take,though I am worried about everything fitting in the van.

I will be posting pics soon! DH gave me a camera for Christmas!! Also today I was cleaning out closets/kids' rooms and started packing. My family thinks I am loony but I found a bunch of shorts and Disney shirts.I saw no reason to pack them into storage only to have to find them again.

Now that Christmas is over I will be doing some major planning and will be posting here alot more.Gotta keep it all straight...