Help planning trip-these are my ideas...

[pixeegrl]

Trying to plan a trip on a budget to Orlando is not easy but thanks to everyone here this what I have come up with. Late June or early July -Arriving in evening so we are staying off site at a cheaper hotel, waking up early and checking in at RPR and getting our FOL passes-these are a necessity in summer right?-
visiting IOA one day and US the next-passes will last until park closes night of our departure correct? Staying off site again to visit Downtown Disney-boys want to go to Lego store and maybe other Orlando attractions-they are not big Disney fans so not a big deal-are there any other money saving tips anyone can offer. Do yo think we will even need FOL passes this time of year? Would it be cheaper to stay longer off site and just visit parks for more days with out FOL passes? Thanks so much for your help! So glad I found this forum!
Forgot to mention we are buying 7 day passes cause even though we won't be there that long it seems the best deal!

 

[BrownDalmatian]

Trying to plan a trip on a budget to Orlando is not easy but thanks to everyone here this what I have come up with.

It's not easy, but it can be done, and we can help.

Late June or early July -Arriving in evening so we are staying off site at a cheaper hotel, waking up early and checking in at RPR and getting our FOL passes-these are a necessity in summer right?

Necessary? With two days? Hrm, maybe not necessary but it will certainly make your experience much more relaxed and fun!

visiting IOA one day and US the next-passes will last until park closes night of our departure correct?

Yes, the FOTL pass will work on the day you check out of the hotel, and it will work until the park closes.

Staying off site again to visit Downtown Disney-boys want to go to Lego store and maybe other Orlando attractions-they are not big Disney fans so not a big deal-are there any other money saving tips anyone can offer.

If the boys are not big Disney fans I would consider more time at Universal for sure, and more time in that general area (I-Drive area). I guess that's not really a "money saving" tip but just a general vacation tip.

Then again, even if they are not big Disney fans I think they'll have fun at Downtown Disney. There's a lot to do there. If you can do Disney Quest that's really a blast (not cheap, but for the price of admission I THINK you get to stay all day - someone correct me if I'm wrong!).

How old are the boys? There are other attractions they might like that are not as expensive. TONS of stuff to do on I-Drive (International Drive).

 

[pixeegrl]

If the boys are not big Disney fans I would consider more time at Universal for sure, and more time in that general area (I-Drive area). I guess that's not really a "money saving" tip but just a general vacation tip.

Then again, even if they are not big Disney fans I think they'll have fun at Downtown Disney. There's a lot to do there. If you can do Disney Quest that's really a blast (not cheap, but for the price of admission I THINK you get to stay all day - someone correct me if I'm wrong!).

How old are the boys? There are other attractions they might like that are not as expensive. TONS of stuff to do on I-Drive (International Drive).

The boys are 13, 10, and 6. What is Disney Quest?

 

[BrownDalmatian]

The boys are 13, 10, and 6. What is Disney Quest?

They'll probably like it. Here is some more info (and actually it's a lot more expensive than I thought, sorry):

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wd...rInteractiveThemeParkEntertainmentPage&bhcp=1

Category: Other
Location: West Side
Price Range:
1 Day DisneyQuest® Ages 10+◊ (Adult) $37.00 plus tax
1 Day DisneyQuest® Ages 3-9◊ (Child) $31.00 plus tax

Additional Information
Children under the age of ten must be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.

Guests wishing to re-enter DisneyQuest® on the same day will be invited to present their valid ticket or Resort ID with ticket entitlements and utilize the Ticket Tag system.

Due to limited space, strollers are not permitted inside DisneyQuest®.

There are plenty of other things to do that are not so expensive. Any more info on your budget? That might help us make better suggestions.

 

[ky07]

Not being mean to the Disney lovers out there and I like disney too but when it comes to being on budget I have found it easier to stay on it doing Universal and we have done it offsite also by using the hotels shuttle service if they offer free shuttle service and finding cheaper places to eat and the hotel we usually get through AAA or hotels dot com which the hotel we like is a universal partner The Doubletree on major blvd and has alot of places to eat that are not expensive .

 

[bubba's mom]

Trying to plan a trip on a budget to Orlando is not easy but thanks to everyone here this what I have come up with.

Late June or early July -Arriving in evening so we are staying off site at a cheaper hotel, waking up early and checking in at RPR and getting our FOL passes-these are a necessity in summer right?-

Yes...we always go the last week of June/first week of July...you WILL need your FOTL (smart move spending the night before in offsite hotel too )

visiting IOA one day and US the next-passes will last until park closes night of our departure correct?

yes...as the others have mentioned, your room key will not have charging privledges, but the date on it will be your checkout date and make it valid for FOTL that day until park closes.

Staying off site again to visit Downtown Disney-boys want to go to Lego store and maybe other Orlando attractions-they are not big Disney fans so not a big deal-are there any other money saving tips anyone can offer.

I would recommend while at Universal, you show your AAA card to restaurants and shopping establishments to receive your AAA discount

Do yo think we will even need FOL passes this time of year?

You absolutely will

Would it be cheaper to stay longer off site and just visit parks for more days with out FOL passes?

You COULD split your stay...some days onsite, some offsite.... Just remember, 1 night onsite gives you 2 days of FOTL. AND, the onsite hotels are more expensive on Fridays and Saturdays, however, the parks will be more crowded. If you choose to stay offsite at all, be sure to get to the parks EARLY (by 8am to the parking garage...gates will open 8:30)...if you get there early, you'll have a couple of hours of extremely light crowds and be able to do alot. Then, you can enjoy the offsite hotel pool during the afternoon.

Thanks so much for your help! So glad I found this forum!
Forgot to mention we are buying 7 day passes cause even though we won't be there that long it seems the best deal!

The 7 day pass IS the best current offer...hopefully you can use it more than just the 2 days (that you'll be onsite)

 

[pixeegrl]

Looks like we have changed it from this summer to December so that we can splurge a little more! Is it just as busy Christmas time as summer or worse?

 

[ky07]

Looks like we have changed it from this summer to December so that we can splurge a little more! Is it just as busy Christmas time as summer or worse?

Yes it is just as busy during christmas due to alot of people like the stuff going on during christmas

 

[pixeegrl]

We are not reserving hotel yet but with such great ticket prices-7 days/2 park-should we go ahead and get them now? They don't expire do they but the offer may not be around forever?

 

[FireandIce]

Yes...we always go the last week of June/first week of July...you WILL need your FOTL (smart move spending the night before in offsite hotel too )




yes...as the others have mentioned, your room key will not have charging privledges, but the date on it will be your checkout date and make it valid for FOTL that day until park closes.



I would recommend while at Universal, you show your AAA card to restaurants and shopping establishments to receive your AAA discount




You absolutely will



You COULD split your stay...some days onsite, some offsite.... Just remember, 1 night onsite gives you 2 days of FOTL. AND, the onsite hotels are more expensive on Fridays and Saturdays, however, the parks will be more crowded. If you choose to stay offsite at all, be sure to get to the parks EARLY (by 8am to the parking garage...gates will open 8:30)...if you get there early, you'll have a couple of hours of extremely light crowds and be able to do alot. Then, you can enjoy the offsite hotel pool during the afternoon.



The 7 day pass IS the best current offer...hopefully you can use it more than just the 2 days (that you'll be onsite)

WOW! She's good !

 

[bubba's mom]

Looks like we have changed it from this summer to December so that we can splurge a little more! Is it just as busy Christmas time as summer or worse?

Define "going in December".... like the week between Christmas and New Years...or the the weekend before/week of. When the kids are out of skool the week between, it's busier than summer...and more expensive for the hotels too. If you're going the week(s) before...not as busy.....haveta think about the kids out of skool

We are not reserving hotel yet but with such great ticket prices-7 days/2 park-should we go ahead and get them now? They don't expire do they but the offer may not be around forever?

Yes...get your tickets now...they could be gone in a flash....they've been around for awhile, and with the summer coming, who knows if they'll offer it or something better....or worse!!! They are good forever until you use them the first time.

WOW! She's good !

Why thank you.... I've been around the block once or twice....

 

[pixeegrl]

Thanks "mom" I just bought our tickets just in case but are still up in the air about when we are going for sure. At least hubby can't back out since we just spent almost $500 on tickets! (JK Hubbyy) Hotel prices for November seem more reasonable and maybe not as many people?

 

[FireandIce]

Looks like we have changed it from this summer to December so that we can splurge a little more! Is it just as busy Christmas time as summer or worse?

Bubba's mom is correct. I was there this past December 19-24, and there were no crowds until that Saturday (22nd), after that, it was mobbed. I felt bad for those poor souls stacked like sardines in line, as I breezed through with express.

 

[FireandIce]

Why thank you.... I've been around the block once or twice.... [/QUOTE]

once or twice ayy

 

[bubba's mom]

Thanks "mom" I just bought our tickets just in case but are still up in the air about when we are going for sure. At least hubby can't back out since we just spent almost $500 on tickets! (JK Hubbyy) Hotel prices for November seem more reasonable and maybe not as many people?

Good for you....your husband won't let THAT money go to waste It's not as crowded in November...at least till Thanksgiving....

Here's my thoughts on the FOTL: We usually stay the end of June/early July...FOTL is always needed, as most waits get to an hour.

We stayed onsite Feb. 1st & 2nd in 2007 (a Friday and Saturday). That Friday, the EP lanes weren't even open.... (we didn't feel special) due to lack of crowds.....however, they WERE open on Saturday....definately needed it that day....busier. So, bascially, when the hotels are cheap, the lines aren't bad cuz it's not as crowded. When the hotels are more money...the parks are busier....and you are paying to not stand in line and use FOTL

Just my 2 cents worth.......

Why thank you.... I've been around the block once or twice....

once or twice ayy

oh...ok.....you got me at least 3 or 4 times

 

[mckymama]

Would you be interested in staying at a condo? That's what we're doing in April. There are 6 of us, so the condo is much cheaper and we can eat alot of meals there. We're staying at a really nice place on Universal Blvd., so we're close to the parks. I'm not sure about the rules on these boards as far as posting the name of the place (even though I'm not at all affiliated with the place). If I get the okay from someone, I'll post it. Or I can send you a PM if you want. We're paying $900 for the week, and our place has over 2000square feet, three bedrooms, beautiful kitchen and living area, flat screen T.V.'s in every room, etc. Of course, we can't get FOTL passes, but this made more sense for our family.

 

[bubba's mom]

Would you be interested in staying at a condo? That's what we're doing in April. There are 6 of us, so the condo is much cheaper and we can eat alot of meals there. We're staying at a really nice place on Universal Blvd., so we're close to the parks. I'm not sure about the rules on these boards as far as posting the name of the place (even though I'm not at all affiliated with the place). If I get the okay from someone, I'll post it. Or I can send you a PM if you want. We're paying $900 for the week, and our place has over 2000square feet, three bedrooms, beautiful kitchen and living area, flat screen T.V.'s in every room, etc. Of course, we can't get FOTL passes, but this made more sense for our family.

A condo makes perfect sense for your family...you are 6, legally, (in a hotel) you can only sleep 5. At Universal onsite hotels, you'd need 2 rooms OR a suite that accommodates more than the 5 (which, usually means a couple of rooms anyway...).....

As far as staying offsite, if it's spring break, you'll have to go early to beat the crowds. Like mentioned before, park hours are a good indication of how crowded they expect the parks to be. If it won't be busy in April, you'll be good to go with the condo....and you can always buy Express Passes at the parks if it's busy...but, they are only good once per attraction.....

 

[calgarygary]

We were staying onsite last year at roughly the same time that you plan to visit. We ran across many people who were having a horrible time with the long waits especially for the more popular rides. We always shared with them the benefit of staying onsite - it makes a huge difference at that time of year.

 

[pixeegrl]

Thanks everyone, I think we are gonna try and go for Christmas. Staying on site I think we will be okay having FOTL passes. I'm sure I will have tons of other questions!