Help planning a budget trip

[avic77]

I am trying to plan a Christmas gift Dis Trip for a family of 2 adults 1 15yr old and 2 under 9. i got a quote from travel agent for $3591.93 (end of feb) 2 rooms at All Star movies 6day plus dine. I know POR would be cheaper but we hated being cramped in POR 2 yrs ago so it is not an option. Would it be better to stay off site and pay out of pocket for a couple character meals or is that price a good deal? Last year I had same days and hotel but for less then 3k but we couldnt go, so im a little disappointed in this years quote.

 

[Justsyd2]

All-Star Music has a family suite that you should look into. It would probably save you some money on the rooms, and you should be able to get the 5/2 deal for that time period.

According to the WDW website...I get $3260.74 including the QSDP for 7 nights.

 

[gillenkl]

I'd hop over to the Camping at Disney board. They could point you to renting an RV at Fort Wilderness - the owner comes and does the setup for you. Never used the service but have heard good things.

 

[tink2dw]

Go to www.MouseSavers.com and check out all the current WDW deal that are available. There are several great money savers.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Have you looked into Windsor Hills? A 3 bedroom condo during the holidays runs around $150/night there.

 

[DisneySouvenir]

I know that the Lindfields, about 5 minutes from Disney Property rents most of the time for about a $100 a night.

We rent ours out through 1st choice villa rentals, and they have others which would work as well

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Actually for us the 2 rooms came out less than the Family suite. But it was close. Edited to add in the off season the perks of the extra hours are really worth staying on site. Be sure to check out here on the first page or Mousesavers as there are discounts out for that time.

Have you used the dinning package before? Many disagree with me but I find it more expensive than doing food on my own. But it really depends on how important food is on your trip. My kids 10 and 17 are happy with 1 Character meal and really would be fine without it but it seems like part of the vacation. We did WEGOSHOP for breakfast, some lunch and snack foods. We ate counter service for the rest. Frankly imho Disney food is not that special - some of the restaurants are really fun and different but a lot of the actual food is more Applebees quality. So we have quit doing a sit down every day and now just do maybe a couple in the 10 day trip. Just a different way to think about it.

Also remember if you are there in February the parks will close early and a sit down meal takes some time away from touring.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

It looks like your TA already got you the 5/2 deal that Disney is offering at value resort for February but for 6 nights instead of 7. An AllStar Family suite would actually cost more than two rooms. $3512 for QSDP and $3818 for the DDP.

A cabin at FW using the same discount code (but pay for 4 get 3 free) would run $3464 for the QSDP and $3770 for the DDP. The advantage of the FW cabin would be that you would have a full kitchen to use for preparing a quick breakfast or a light dinner. Dropping the dining plans would bring the cost to $2769. And as a bonus, you could stay 7 nights plus get 7-day passes instead of 6 and pay the same price! It might be worth considering.

Of course, you could stay offsite in resort rooms or a condo and you will pay less for that. But you will pay to park ($14/day), will not get EMH or DME, and unless you drive to Orlando you will most likely need to rent a car. Ticket prices will be about the same as what you would spend with the 4/3 or 5/2 deal.

In the end, it really depends on how much staying onsite means to you and whether you can find a good deal at an offsite location.

 

[avic77]

We drive in so we will have a car. DH said he did really enjoy a couple years ago stayng on site parking the car and not worrying about it. He hates driving in areas he doesnt know. He also liked the DDP and knowing it was all taken care of. Thats why i am leaning that way. I know i can do offsite for less money.
I thought parking was 11 ill have to recalculate with 14 parking!