Help for a newbie who REALLY wants to go to WDW

[blessedmommyX4]

Hello, my name is Jenn and I am new here. I would really like for my family to be able to go to WDW next year. We were very fortunate to go to DL last year but it was mostly on credit and we are still paying that off.

I know NOTHING about WDW! I did go once as a child, and I loved it!! I have a friend that has offered to GIVE us their timeshare next year. It will cost us $100 to reserve our date and then another $100 to upgrade to a bigger condo since there are 6 of us.

When is the best time go to? We homeschool so I won't have to worry about the kids missing school. How do I plan disney on a budget? How much does it even cost? or how much would you guess? We spent at least $5,000 on Disneyland and we did it really cheap. There were a lot of "not enough money" We would love to fly but we may have to drive and I am not sure our van will make that trip.

There is so much to this board, I don't even know where to get started!

I appreciate any input!! I'm not sure who loved DL more- me or the kids! I teared up our last night and didn't want to leave! lol

Thank you!!
Jenn

 

[disneynutt1225]

By staying offsite, you won't have access to Extra Magic Hours (extra hours the park stays open for resort guests). This is not necessarily a deal breaker for some, but it will limit your park hours if you choose to go during an off peak time. You will be able to use Disney transportation to get around at the WDW resort as that is a free perk to anyone with a valid theme park ticket.

If you fly, you will more than likely need to rent a car, if only to get from your hotel to Disney property. Some hotels offer shuttle service to and from WDW, but your best bet for reliable service is to rent a car to get from A to B. There are many codes out there to get discounts on rental cars. Check out the Budget Board and subscribe to Mousesavers to get the newsletter that will give you discounts for your vacation.

Buying park tickets is usually cheaper when you purchase via a vendor (but try not to buy them off of eBay because you never really know if you're getting a used ticket or not). Mousesavers has several vendors they recommend to get tickets from at a discounted rate. You can also try through AAA if you are a member.

The time of year you go generally depends on what your preferences are. Can you handle the heat? Do you want to see the Christmas decorations? Do you prefer being able to spend time at the pool (yes, they are heated, but they're still cold getting out of during the winter months)? If none of the above matter to you, than pretty much any time of the year is a good time to go.

Finally, read, read, read. These boards offer a tremendous amount of information. You don't even necessarily need to purchase any of the many guides that are out there if you don't want to. Definitely do your research and you will be able to find a "best fit" for you and your family.

 

[Christine43]

Hi Jenn, I am relatively new here too and I'm no expert but I'll tell you what I did when I wanted to plan. I read three or four trip planning books on DW and followed their advice very carefully. I mean, I highlighted things that were important to me, planned meals and ADRs, planned which park to go to each day depending on extra magic hours etc. Highlight anything you need to refer back to. I like the Unofficial Guide and Passporter Guide to DW particularly. We flew but the sooner you buy your airline tickets, the less you'll pay and some airlines are less expensive than others. I did an extensive budget plan that I made myself stick to and we're doing the dining plan which is the only way I can afford to bring my kids to character meals. I budget so much for souvenirs etc. for each day and when it's gone, it's gone....no bargaining when the kids want something else and they became much more wise on what they chose when they knew I meant it. I also rec. you read a lot here and ask specific questions as you go along, it's very helpful. I hope this helped!

 

[blessedmommyX4]

Oh, I would LOVE to stay on-site! I was just thinking the condo thing would be less expensive. How much does it cost to stay on site? If we did that, we wouldn't need a rental car, correct?

Also, we can take the heat but would prefer to go when it is a bit cooler. When we went to DL it was in the middle of August and wasn't so bad. We are in Oklahoma now and are used to it being humid. I would prefer to go at a time that is not as crowded. The Christmas one sounds really nice, but I am guessing it is a lot more expensive.

Are there times that are cheaper to go than others?

I am sorry for all the questions but I thank you for the responses!

 

[blessedmommyX4]

Hi Jenn, I am relatively new here too and I'm no expert but I'll tell you what I did when I wanted to plan. I read three or four trip planning books on DW and followed their advice very carefully. I mean, I highlighted things that were important to me, planned meals and ADRs, planned which park to go to each day depending on extra magic hours etc. Highlight anything you need to refer back to. I like the Unofficial Guide and Passporter Guide to DW particularly. We flew but the sooner you buy your airline tickets, the less you'll pay and some airlines are less expensive than others. I did an extensive budget plan that I made myself stick to and we're doing the dining plan which is the only way I can afford to bring my kids to character meals. I budget so much for souvenirs etc. for each day and when it's gone, it's gone....no bargaining when the kids want something else and they became much more wise on what they chose when they knew I meant it. I also rec. you read a lot here and ask specific questions as you go along, it's very helpful. I hope this helped!

Great advice! thanks!!

What are ADR's?

Where do you find those guides you were referring to? The ones you really liked...

May I ask how big your family is and what your budget was? I guess this is my biggest up in the air thing- I have no idea how much to even tell my husband it would cost!

Did you stay on site? Or where did you stay?

ty

 

[Belle's Mom Tink]

Welcome Jenn, you are definitely in the right place to start planning for WDW. First it looks like you are already on the way to a "cheaper" vacation just by staying in your friend's time share. Since airfare might be an expensive idea, and you are not sure if your van will make it, maybe look into renting a van from home and driving it down. Just check to see the mileage allowances and do some math, it might be cheaper then flying and worth the money and annoyance to avoid car trouble! Like the others said read some guides, I am currently working on reading the unofficial guide for my trip next summer, and also search the DIS for ideas that might interest you, places to stay, eat, there are even money saving tips! You can find just about everything here and if you can't then ask! It also helps that you don't really have school for the kids to worry about since you home school, and maybe you can try and plan for when they offer the free disney dining plan! There is abunch more I could say but I'll let you explore, and remember you can always ask questions!! Happy planning!

 

[blessedmommyX4]

i found out what ADR's are- Advance Dinner Reservations. I believe this is what we did in Disneyland for character dining.

 

[disneynutt1225]

Staying in the Disney resorts doesn't necessarily mean more expensive. Again, depending on when you want to go. Early December is a great time to go if you want to see the Christmas decorations. Of course, the closer you get to Christmas, the more expensive it is. They usually take down the decorations during the first week or so of January, so even if you choose to go at that time, you will still see SOME of the decorations.

Since there are going to be 6 of you, you will probably have to get 2 rooms if you're staying at a Value resort. You might also want to look into renting points from a DVC member and stay in one of the many vacation villas on the Disney property (check out the DVC boards for more information on how to do that).

Don't feel bad about asking questions. That's what the boards are here for!

 

[fan of the TTA]

i think the best car rental company is called dollar rent a car. i will try and find out how much that is, and post it here. they have loads of cars to choose from

 

[beanjean]

The book is called Unofficial Guide to Disney World 2007 or 2008, either would be fine. I checked 2007 out at my local library. You can find the passporter guide on ebay, but I am not sure if that is available at the library. We just went to Disney World for the first time this past May and I got all my books at the library and read as much as possible not to mention staying on this site most of the time. For 2 adults and 1 10-yo it cost us a little over 1400.00 for our value resort for 7 days, 6 nights, and 4-day park hopper plus tickets but I got the hopper plus part free by getting a code for it. Go to the disney website and you can put in room only, tickets only or packages and it will give you a total of how much it will cost. We didn't do character meals or the dining plan. We spent about 50.00 or less a day to eat and we brought lunch meat and such for the room and ate breakfast in the room. We didn't buy drinks in the park except for a couple of times. We mostly just asked for free ice water and they don't charge for that. They do, however, charge for bottled water. Hope this helps a little.

 

[Jrabbit910]

Hi Jenn,
Welcome to the boards. You are in the right spot for a ton of suggestions and helpful ways to getting the most bang for your buck. As pp stated the time of year plays an important part in budgeting your money. Look at the value season dates on Disney and you will find the perfect time for you and your family to go. After you have the dates in mind that you want to go, get some quotes for price, check w/ a travel agent, search for discount codes, & by staying on the boards you can get an idea of what people that are going around the same time has paid. dreams unlimited is online and is wonderful in quoting out prices as well as checking codes for your trip. If pricing a package staying onsite seems cheaper then buying tickets, getting a rental and flying works out better then a package then you know which way you should go.
Also, there have been rumors around that disney is coming back with free dining next year in Aug/Sept... if that is something that is validated then you can save big there.
I wish you a ton of luck in planning and saving... Keep in mind your goals and you should be able to achieve it.

 

[swanwed6206]

Birnbaum's is a pretty good/informative guide. I think the 2008 edition comes out in late Sept/early Oct. You can usually get it at any bookstore for about $20. This site is really great for all types of information and you can try allears.net as well. Good luck and have a magical time!!!

 

[blessedmommyX4]

So I have been looking around and have gotten some great info.

I do have some more questions if you all don't mind answering them...

For the Free Dining offer (assuming they offer this again)- Can you get this if you stay off site? Or would we need to stay on site to be able to participate in this offer?

I am thinking my then 12 and 14yo would well cover the cost of the dining plan. If it is free, then that may cover the cost off staying onsite.

Which leads me to my next question... do any of the value resorts offer a place that 6 people can stay? or would i need to get 2 rooms. I really don't want to do that. I see some of the resorts offer rooms for 6ppl but they are more expensive.

I would really like to go early Dec. If we stayed in our friends time share place, it would make this more affordable to go at that time.

If we can get free dining while staying off site, I am thinking this is a near free vacation and then we could really save our funds and blow it up big next year by staying onsite!!!

jenn

 

[MomWith2Cinderellas]

So I have been looking around and have gotten some great info.

I do have some more questions if you all don't mind answering them...

For the Free Dining offer (assuming they offer this again)- Can you get this if you stay off site? Or would we need to stay on site to be able to participate in this offer?

I am thinking my then 12 and 14yo would well cover the cost of the dining plan. If it is free, then that may cover the cost off staying onsite.

Which leads me to my next question... do any of the value resorts offer a place that 6 people can stay? or would i need to get 2 rooms. I really don't want to do that. I see some of the resorts offer rooms for 6ppl but they are more expensive.

I would really like to go early Dec. If we stayed in our friends time share place, it would make this more affordable to go at that time.

If we can get free dining while staying off site, I am thinking this is a near free vacation and then we could really save our funds and blow it up big next year by staying onsite!!!

jenn

Welcome Jenn! You will find a wealth of information on the Disboards!

The free dining is offered to people who stay on site. For that matter all dining plans are for people staying on site.

Like some others have said, if you stay on site you have access to extra magic hours, Disney magical express from the airport, and you have Disney transportation to the parks and resorts in WDW. You would not really need a rental car if you stayed on site.
You really need to look at what the extra costs would be to stay at your friends condo. Than look at what it would be to book at package at WDW. Whatever comes out cheaper is the route to go.
You can also rent Disney Vacation Club points. That allows you to look for a 2 bedroom for all of you to stay in.
January for us turned out to be more cost effective. We are going in January again, because we really enjoyed going in this month!
Whatever you decided just remember you will be at WDW!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

Welcome Jenn,

You have made a wise decision by joining DIS because these people know what they are talking about.

Read the Birnbaum Unofficial Guide and it will give you the rates for peak season, what dates those are, etc. You can also get it on line at the official www.disneyresort.com site.

Free dining is usually offered in late August and September and it is a bargain.

One of the value resorts just renovated some rooms into suites and I think it sleeps 6 people. Check it out.

You could cut cost, too, by ordering a grocery delivery to your room by the Green Grocer. I have never used this service myself, but I read of it often on here and people who rent the villas often do this for breakfast, etc.

Hope this helps.

 

[mrincredible2008]

I NEED MORE INFO ON THIS GROCER THAT DELIVERS TO THE RESORTS. THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE IS GETTING WATER THAT IS DRINKABLE. ALSO 7UP CANT BE FOUND ON THE PROPERTIES. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT ON THIS SERVICE.

 

[byoung]

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I NEED MORE INFO ON THIS GROCER THAT DELIVERS TO THE RESORTS. THE BIGGEST OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE IS GETTING WATER THAT IS DRINKABLE. ALSO 7UP CANT BE FOUND ON THE PROPERTIES. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT ON THIS SERVICE.

This is information that I found concerning grocery delivery:

• Pre-Order and Pick Up - TheAlbertson's supermarket at 12981 S. Orange Blossom Trail (Orange Blossom Trail exit from SR 417) will allow you to fax a list to them at (407) 857-0132. They will have your order packed and ready to pick up! You can call them at (407) 857-5666 for hours and details. (If you use Happy Limo to get from the airport to your hotel or condo, you can request a grocery stop on the way, and they do use this Albertson's.)
• Delivery - Goodings, an upscale supermarket located close to Walt Disney World, allows you to order online and have the groceries delivered to most hotels and resorts in Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, International Drive, Celebration or Kissimmee. There is a $50 minimum order and a $20 handling charge.

This was from the Mousesavers.com

Hope this helps.

 

[TSNCS]

I planned my first trip this April, and I read, read, read!!!! I think I read every post on this site! Check out tourguidemike.com as well. Totally worth every penny, and we went during spring break, one of the busiest times!

My MIL has a timeshare in Fla, and by running the numbers, it ended up costing around the same staying onsite in a value on the dining plan vs. offsite, renting a car, and bringing money for food.

My advice is just read up, great advice on this board, check out mousesavers.com, too. Love that site! Good Luck!

 

[Epcot82Guy]

Welcome to the DIS!

I think you could really have a trip for a pretty affordable price with what you have. A few suggestions I have:

First, I really second the early December idea. Seeing WDW at the holidays is really great. Also, the crowds are lighter, and the weather is more condusive to being outside than the summer months.

I think your time share option is a good one. That's a great deal. If you decide to drive, then having your car is great (it is $11/day to park FYI). Unfortunately, most Disney accomodations won't sleep 6 comfortably without being quite expensive.

If you would prefer flying (which is my usual route), I might suggest this as an option:

Using a 6 day trip as the baseline, get a rental car for the first four days. Use the timeshare during that time ($50/day). Then reserve a Disney hotel for the last 2 nights. When you check in, drop off the rental car (make sure it's one that has a drop off at DTD), so you don't have to pay for it. Disney transportation is free, you could stock up on a couple days worth of groceries on the way to save on food costs, and you can get free transportation back to the airport after your stay on ME. It also would give you a taste of staying on property while cutting the costs.

Usually, during these times, the Values and Moderates cut their rates down, so you can get some pretty good deals (allowing you to get 2 rooms). And, if not, if you have AAA, you can get a 20% discount if you book through them regardless.

I know that seems a bit involved, but it may be an option that gets you on property and may save you a few hundred dollars in the long run.