We have done some fancy trips and some budget trips. I would go on a tight budget, and have, with no problem. Currently I don't feel like we really fit any of those 3 because we live 3 hrs from WDW and have AP's. I've gone every week this year, practically all day trips (budget except for gas). This weekend we're doing SOG and the Poly. In June I'm going back to AKL Kidani for 2 nights, and we're thinking of booking either a week at Bonnet Creek or 4 nights on site for July 4.
Our family of 5 has, up until recently, stayed offsite in condos. We had a timeshare (sold) while the kids were growing up so we could go every year. We don't like to be crammed in hotel rooms, and one son is disabled, so we have to drive to take all of his stuff. My family is HIGH maintenance about having space, and going for a week without a kitchen and laundry sounds pretty inconvenient. lol! I remember one trip after doing plenty of Disney table service, I made sloppy joes at the timeshare, and everyone was so excited to have a home cooked meal instead of restaurant food. The kids thought it was one of the best meals of the trip. In that way they are easy to please.
We have done budget trips and splurge trips, and sure I'd love to be able to
afford to splurge, but I'd rather go more often. I can't imagine feeling good after
a trip if I hadn't watched what I spent. We don't need souvenirs (clutter). Pictures are the best souvies.
I like the Passholder
DDP package that has been coming out in the Fall, but when I priced
free dining, the room cost so much more than I would normally pay that I didn't feel like the "free" dining was a big bargain. It's not good enough for me to take a kid out of high school, much less college. Passholder or military rates are my best bet.
What condo do you get a 2 bedroom for under $50/nt? We like Westgate Lakes or Bonnet Creek, neither of which are close to that rate.