SandrA9810
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2005
- Messages
- 9,392
The problem with free dining, is you have to book it with a package. As a florida resident, they'll have an easier time getting a cheap room at a value and paying OOP for dining at quick service locations.
For tickets, there's a few options.
The dream 4 pass - 4 days for 99$, but it has to be used by 5/25. So unless they plan on going now, it won't help them much.
Play 3 pass - 99$ as well (i think). 3 days that can be used within 6 months. 1 park per day. So you're only talking about 15$ or so for each person for 3 days.
weekday annual pass - If they'd really like to visit disney for a bit longer, this pass is only 165$ per adult (so about 80$) to upgrade. It is a 1yr annual pass, but block out dates like the seasonal. So no summer, no Christmas/new years, no thanksgiving, and no spring break. As well, no weekends. It's great for adults, but it's block outs generaly coinside with school breaks. But having the annual pass will give them some better discounts, like at planet hollywood, rainforest cafe, world showcase in epcot. And as well as resort discounts (usually 35-40%, might be more if they're offering these discounts to the general public). And there's merchandise discount at DTD. As well as having an annual pass they can add the dining to the room without making it a package, but I don't know if this applies to free dining.
When we were poor and going to Disney...
We'd buy play 4 passes at the beginning of summer... just go for one day trips. At the end of summer upgrade to seasonal passes. Prices have gone up since then, but it was generally 125$ each time which really made it easier to afford. Plus having the play 4, we could go during the summer when seasonals were blocked out.
We'd stay at a cheap hotel along 192 using the travel saver book, eventually we moved to the campgrounds at Ft Wilderness for about 30$ a night (with AAA, Fl resident, or AP discount).
As florida residents, they have a lot of things to play in their advantage to make it a really affordable trip, since most florida residents don't go with MYW tickets (which eat up a big chunk of the budget).
ETA: just read about their love for camping. The fort is a great place to be, and makes disney even more affordable. You'll find most campers at the fort only spend 50% or less of their time at the parks. There's just something about being there, and so many things to do. Yes trail's end is still the cheapest buffet on property (17$ for lunch and 22$ for dinner, the last I checked). They also sell large cheese pizzas for like 13-14$, and so yummy.
A couple things, if they plan on going during summer time, hooking up a window AC unit to a tent is a major major benefit. As well as bringing along a mini fridge for having breakfast and snacks handy.
Truthfully if they got the play 3 pass, they could make three trips to the fort. Come in friday, leave sunday, and just spend saturday in the park.
For tickets, there's a few options.
The dream 4 pass - 4 days for 99$, but it has to be used by 5/25. So unless they plan on going now, it won't help them much.
Play 3 pass - 99$ as well (i think). 3 days that can be used within 6 months. 1 park per day. So you're only talking about 15$ or so for each person for 3 days.
weekday annual pass - If they'd really like to visit disney for a bit longer, this pass is only 165$ per adult (so about 80$) to upgrade. It is a 1yr annual pass, but block out dates like the seasonal. So no summer, no Christmas/new years, no thanksgiving, and no spring break. As well, no weekends. It's great for adults, but it's block outs generaly coinside with school breaks. But having the annual pass will give them some better discounts, like at planet hollywood, rainforest cafe, world showcase in epcot. And as well as resort discounts (usually 35-40%, might be more if they're offering these discounts to the general public). And there's merchandise discount at DTD. As well as having an annual pass they can add the dining to the room without making it a package, but I don't know if this applies to free dining.
When we were poor and going to Disney...
We'd buy play 4 passes at the beginning of summer... just go for one day trips. At the end of summer upgrade to seasonal passes. Prices have gone up since then, but it was generally 125$ each time which really made it easier to afford. Plus having the play 4, we could go during the summer when seasonals were blocked out.
We'd stay at a cheap hotel along 192 using the travel saver book, eventually we moved to the campgrounds at Ft Wilderness for about 30$ a night (with AAA, Fl resident, or AP discount).
As florida residents, they have a lot of things to play in their advantage to make it a really affordable trip, since most florida residents don't go with MYW tickets (which eat up a big chunk of the budget).
ETA: just read about their love for camping. The fort is a great place to be, and makes disney even more affordable. You'll find most campers at the fort only spend 50% or less of their time at the parks. There's just something about being there, and so many things to do. Yes trail's end is still the cheapest buffet on property (17$ for lunch and 22$ for dinner, the last I checked). They also sell large cheese pizzas for like 13-14$, and so yummy.
A couple things, if they plan on going during summer time, hooking up a window AC unit to a tent is a major major benefit. As well as bringing along a mini fridge for having breakfast and snacks handy.
Truthfully if they got the play 3 pass, they could make three trips to the fort. Come in friday, leave sunday, and just spend saturday in the park.
, I don't have any free ideas, but If you could tell me where they are staying or what, Our family would love to send them a grab bah or gift card to assist with somethings while they are there! If they are interested. Here's for more 
coming your way!
I dont care to much that they do not have alot of money...its not my job to tell them NOT to take their kids on vacation.Its not like they are poor and go every year and could be putting that money other places..they have NEVER been to wdw or anywhere else for that matter.They work and pay bills but I guess just can not get where most would like to be.They are what some would say poor (I wouldnt label them as that) BUT at least they are trying so if they need advice I will help them out.
people feel they can hide behind a computer and be rude and its ok...
