Going in 5 days ..need TIPS!!

[BrandonsMom1]

Hi everyone,
Can't wait to head out in 5 days. I haven't been to Disney World since 1990 and DH and DS have never been. My son is 11 months old. Just need a lot of good tips about MK and Epcot. Do any of you bring your own lunch into the park? How does that work out? We REALLY have to be budget concious..What are some tips for saving money but having a great time? Thanks a bunch!! Tara

 

[capegirl]

Yes you can bring your lunch into the park. Also remember that you can get free ice water at any of the fast food counters. If you don't want to lug your belongings around the park a locker would be a good investement. I believe the cost is $7.00 and you get $2.00 back when you turn in your key. One of the best ways to keep costs down is to have breakfast in you room. If you are staying at a WDW resort, a fridge is extra, but you can purchase milk & juice at your resort store in the am, or keep it on ice.....so if you bring along cereal, breakfast bars etc., you'll be all set.
Another important thing to know is that you can always order a kids meal, or you can split a regular size meal.
You could also try the Trails End Buffet at Fort Wilderness. They offer breakfast, lunch, or dinner....its not too pricey, and there is a large assortment of food . This place is a great escape, and easy to get to from MK . You will enjoy the boat ride over there, and there is also a nice little petting zoo nearby that your little one will enjoy.
A good spot to eat your lunch while in Epcot would be probably in "The Land"...there is a food court in this building...nice relaxing place to cool off with your 11 month old. Of course Epot is so huge it is better to do Future World, go back to your resort and rest, they do World Showcase in the evening especially if you intend to stay for Illuminations.
I suppose I could go on forever....but I'm sure you'll do just fine.
Have a wonderful time!!!!

 

[StephMK]

Check out the budget board, there are tons of great tips. You can do a search on anything particular you want to learn & you'll get a long list of posts that apply.

Open up a word doc & cut/paste the good stuff so you don't freeze up & forget when you get there. I've also read you can buy a double burger & extra bun (less than $1) then you can split into 2. You can find all kinds of ways to budget & save money. I've been learning all kinds of cool stuff I'd never have known for our first trip too.

Enjoy your trip!!!

 

[Gomez Gang]

We eat breakfast in our room every day and save TONS of money. Our gang consists of myself, DH, 2 DDs and 1 DS
(5 people) x $5 for a fast food breakfast = $25/day x 7 days= $175!!!

We also drink water unless a meal comes with a drink......water is good for your body AND your wallet!

If you want to have a sit-down meal everyday, make it your lunch--it is cheaper and many times the same size as the dinner. You can tour the parks before and after. Then go for a rest to your room and have a lighter dinner. After that, return to the parks.

 

[riopooh]

You didn't say where you are staying but the WDW hotels have refillable mugs - We originally balked at the $10 but after we were staying 4 days and got refills morning, noon, afternoon and night (and then some) so I felt we got our money's worth - plus I still get a smile daily when I fill for the ride to work eight month later!

We also brought snacks (breakfast bars, goldfish crackers and paenut butter and jelly sandwiches) with us at all times - my 9yo DS didn't want to stop to eat and the 3 yo munch along in her stroller.

Alot of the kiosks also sold fresh fruit - huge apples for $.60 - a welcomed treat that I din't feel bad about.

 

[Grendel]

my girls are older now...but when they were very young( stroller age ) we would pack a backpack with snacks...peanutbutter crackers...raisins...apples...and juice boxes and bottled water. Just having those around saved us alot of between meal snacking etc. Where you have a young one and will most defintely have a stoller i Imagine youll have some extra space for storing little things like that.

oh..and a side tip....bring talkabouts, nextels whatever.....i cant remeber how many times we would seperate just so one of us could go on a ride or into a store...and the other would be stuck with a grumpy child but we couldnt go anywhere becuase we were wating on the other one....once we got the talkabouts everything was much less hectic( saved my marriage )

 

[dbail2]

Don't forget a lightweight small umbrella in your fanny pack and we buy those $1 ponchos to carry around all the time it saves alot of $ instead of the ponchos.

 

[sydsdad]

Take FULL advantage of the child care facilities at the parks


Most people don't realize how useful these well kept secret havens are--

Find out the locations in each of the parks, they're free of charge and are PERFECT
for baby and mommy breaks (physical and mental)

ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!!!