Help! Trying to be frugal for a x-mas trip...

[wendynflorida]

I am new to this board and have tons of questions! I haven't had much time to lurk on any of the boards, but hope to over the next two weeks (our trip is 12/6-12/10).

I am looking for ideas to keep expenses low with tickets, food, & souv. if possible, make our trip convenient on everyone (3 small kids - 2, 4 & 6 yr old), and take advantage of as much christmas stuff as possible.

Any suggestions or links to archived messages appreciated.

Peace,
wendy

 

[angel*lady]

You might want to go the the outlet mall in St. Augustine. There is a Disney World outlet store there that has AWESOME deals! We live in the JAX area too and I always go there before going to WDW and pick up t-shirts and other goodies! They carry all sorts of stuff for all ages that were originally sold in WDW. Most things there are marked down at least 50% lower than in the parks. I believe that it is called Character Premier or Character Warehouse. (I can't remember at the moment!) It is located in the Beltz Outlet Mall (the indoor one on the left hand side as you are going south on 95. It is located right by the food court. There are also two of the stores in the Beltz Outlet Mall in Orlando (at the end of International Drive).

Take care!

 

[capthooksmom]

Hi Wendy!

Our trips will overlap a bit. Hope ya'll have a great time.
I'm sure you will get lots of tips from other Disers on tickets and less expensive Christmas ideas. I will give you a few I have on food and souvenirs.

I don't know where you're staying, but from your location, I'm assuming you're driving.

Food: Don't eat breakfast at WDW. Bring things like fruit, muffins, poptarts, cereal bars, cereal, donuts, etc. (whatever your family likes). If you're staying in a room with a coffeemaker, you can use the hot water from it to make oatmeal, hot cereal or grits. We also brought a cooler and used ice from the ice machine to keep juice, water, drinks and milk cold. We ate breakfast each day before we left. We also brought our own snacks. Usually we would have a snack in the park and then eat a big dinner (or vice versa). A lot of the meals may be large enough for the kids to share. One adult portion that they could share might be cheaper than 2-3 children's meals. I think some of the food courts at the resorts have toasters and microwave ovens you can use. We really didn't have time to do this in the mornings. Again, I'm just telling you things that worked for us.
For souvenirs, I'll tell you what I'm doing for this trip. I went to our Disney Store and found all kinds of things on sale for 50% off. I'm going to fix them up ahead of time wrapped in coordinating tissue with the note of which character they're from. Example: a stuffed Buzz lightyear would come from Buzz. Each morning as we're leaving out my DH will walk out with DS and I'll put this on the bed for DS to be waiting for him when we get back. To curtail spending during the week, (I know he's going to want to buy something and that's part of the fun) I'm going to tell him to wait until we've visited all of the parks and he's seen everything-then we'll buy. He'll have $20.00 in Disney Dollars to spend on whatever he wants. This is our first time to go for Christmas, so I can't really help you out on that part of the question. Have a great time!!

 

[wendynflorida]

Thanks for the replys so far.

We are staying at the Wyndham Palace. Anybody ever stay there? We are following my husband there on business (that's usually the only way we will go to Orlando with paid hotel). I plan to call the hotel today and see what my options are for micro./fridge etc.

I am more worried about ME wanting to spend too much on souvenirs and food. I do like the idea about buying souvenirs at the end of the week. My brother is going with us and he will usually get them something.

So I'm thinking I could save a lot of money buying groceries for breakfast (my weakness when it come to eating out), snacks and lunch and eat dinner out. Will groceries be cheaper here in Jax or is it about what and what.

capthooksmom, I'm originally from Baton Rouge! Lived in Watson for about 3 years too. I run into someone I know or someone from BR just about everytime we go to Orlando.

Peace,
W

 

[jmclester]

Welcome to the DIS boards!!
One of the largest expenses for my family of 4 budget is the meals that we eat at the parks. We almost always have lunch at the parks and then back to the hotel for fast (and less expensive) carryout from Kissimmee. My advice there is to plan to eat at the counter service restaurants where kids meals are served (you can even eat a kids meal....it comes with a small drink, too!!) Sugesstions are:
MK - Pinnochios Village Haus
EPCOT - Electric Umbrella
MGM - Backlot Express
AK - Never have lunch there

There are websites that give you menu prices of all the WDW restaruants. This is very helpful when budgeting. Also, carry your own water bottles and refill at water fountains located throughout the park. At $2.25 a pop, this will save you big bucks!

Good luck and have a great time!

 

[capthooksmom]

Originally posted by wendynflorida
Thanks for the replys so far.

We are staying at the Wyndham Palace. Anybody ever stay there? We are following my husband there on business (that's usually the only way we will go to Orlando with paid hotel). I plan to call the hotel today and see what my options are for micro./fridge etc.

I am more worried about ME wanting to spend too much on souvenirs and food. I do like the idea about buying souvenirs at the end of the week. My brother is going with us and he will usually get them something.

So I'm thinking I could save a lot of money buying groceries for breakfast (my weakness when it come to eating out), snacks and lunch and eat dinner out. Will groceries be cheaper here in Jax or is it about what and what.

capthooksmom, I'm originally from Baton Rouge! Lived in Watson for about 3 years too. I run into someone I know or someone from BR just about everytime we go to Orlando.

Peace,
W

Oh, you were just like 15 minutes from me. Look for us at WDW. We'll be the ones in the LSU gear !

 

[wendynflorida]

bump

 

[CheapMom]

OK- so your husband has some business to do while you are there- so if you want to do a character meal plan it for when he has to work- that way you are only paying for 1 adult and 2 kids. Also- check and see if you will have the option of purchasing convention tickets. If so you can get odd tickets that are unavailable to the general public - like 2 day park hoppers or after 2 pm tickets. Since you are only going to be there 5 days (and 2 of those are arrival/departure) you may not want to do a full 4 day hopper plus for everyone.
With convention tickets and maybe 1 night at MVMCP you can probably create a more customized park hopping itinerary for yourselves. I highly recommend the character outlets for souvies.
Good luck

 

[cinamin27]

Originally posted by wendynflorida

So I'm thinking I could save a lot of money buying groceries for breakfast (my weakness when it come to eating out), snacks and lunch and eat dinner out. Will groceries be cheaper here in Jax or is it about what and what.

From JAX here too, if you hit any of the nearby Publix's or even the Winn Dixie on 535, you can plan for prices to be pretty much the same $ for $ that you spend at the same stores here. I prefer Publix over Winn Dixie & both will be about the same distance from the hotel you will be staying at. To get to Publix - go to the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd, take a right on to 535, get in the far left lane, go under the I4 over pass & the next main road on the left will circle you around to the Publix. To get to WD, go to the end of Hotel Plaza Blvd & take a left on to 535, WD will be just a few miles down on the right hand side of the road. Dont forget your WD rewards card (I usually forget )

 

[FIRE ANT]

Eating in the park is a lot of fun, but can really EAT up your budget. (sorry, I had to say it.)

One way to save on food is to eat breakfast in the room. Then take snack foods (we like the cheese and crackers) and candy as well as an empty water bottles or cups in a back pack. If you snack you will be less hungry at lunch. Also after lunch you can snack and since the parks close early in December is it usually no problem to wait until you leave to eat dinner.

Also if you arriving in the park in a car, you might connsider taking a cooler and eating lunch tailgate style.

 

[leebee]

Look for convention tickets at www.disneymeetings.com You do know that kids 2 and under get into the park for free, kids 3 and under eat for free at the buffets in WDW. Lots of Christmas stuff to see at the resorts- all are decorated and have their own trees and you can roam around soaking up the pretties for free. Electrical water pageant is free, can be viewed from Polynesian beach at 9, works its way around to Contemporary by 10. Go to Downtown Disney (stay OUT of World of Disney if you want to really save money..LOL). Lego store has building area, Potato Head store has computers where the kids can make Potato Head postcards for free (nieces 3&6 yo love this). Go to www.ghirardelli.com, sign up for g-mail and tell them you have a store within 50 miles and they'll send you a buy one get one free coupon for SUNDAES!!! (this has an expiration date so only sign up within one month of your trip). DTD will be all decorated for the holidays and there is usually free entertainment- school groups singing carols, high school bands, etc. Go to Boardwalk Inn, walk thru and out on to the Boardwalk. Lots of fun, especially at night, street entertainers, face painting, one man band, etc. Ride the friendship launches from the Boardwalk over to MGM and back, or go to POFQ and take the boat to Downtown Disney.
Your kids are kind-of young to get the full advantage of MVMCP as the park is open from 7-midnight, $36 advance price for adults, $25 for kids (but you don't need a regular park admission...). This is a good way to see MK without the crowds IF you can stay up late enough to wait for folks to leave, but your kids might not be the best company by 10pm! Make sure they see Fantasmic and Osborne Lights at MGM. In epcot, in the plaza behind Spaceship Earth(the big golf ball) there is a fountain with about 100 spray jets that are color-and-spurt coordinated to Christmas carols. Also look for the fiber optic pavement when you are in this area at night...kids love this, it is kinda like walking on Pixie Dust! Also look for Santas in each pavillion in world showcase (epcot) and for the various kid's tables, where they can make a craft or decorate a mask with CM's from the various countries (free- except for park admission!). Food-wise, you really can share counter service meals. We are big eaters and one double cheeseburger combo with an extra bun feeds two people at lunch. Servings at most locations are huge, and sometimes family meals are available that serve lots (Pecos Bill's used to have a whole roast chicken with mashed potatoes for about $15). Go to www.allearsnet.com and check out the menus and prices to help with budgeting lunch. Remember at counter service, adults can eat kids meals for lunch, leaving space for that mickey bar you are going to eat later that afternoon anyhow! BTW, young kids don't get the idea of eating a huge late b'fast and skipping lunch, so don't decide to splurge for a late character b'fast and then going without eating until supper. Your little ones will clamour for food before your PS, happily eat one piece of toast (maybe) at the character meal, then want lunch at the usual time...TRUST ME, the most expensive meal my DD ever had at WDW was at the CP when she was 5...$9.99 plus tax and all she ate was one slice of toast!

 

[capthooksmom]

Look for convention tickets at www.disneymeetings.com You do know that kids 2 and under get into the park for free, kids 3 and under eat for free at the buffets in WDW. Lots of Christmas stuff to see at the resorts- all are decorated and have their own trees and you can roam around soaking up the pretties for free. Electrical water pageant is free, can be viewed from Polynesian beach at 9, works its way around to Contemporary by 10. Go to Downtown Disney (stay OUT of World of Disney if you want to really save money..LOL). Lego store has building area, Potato Head store has computers where the kids can make Potato Head postcards for free (nieces 3&6 yo love this). Go to www.ghirardelli.com, sign up for g-mail and tell them you have a store within 50 miles and they'll send you a buy one get one free coupon for SUNDAES!!! (this has an expiration date so only sign up within one month of your trip). DTD will be all decorated for the holidays and there is usually free entertainment- school groups singing carols, high school bands, etc. Go to Boardwalk Inn, walk thru and out on to the Boardwalk. Lots of fun, especially at night, street entertainers, face painting, one man band, etc. Ride the friendship launches from the Boardwalk over to MGM and back, or go to POFQ and take the boat to Downtown Disney.
Your kids are kind-of young to get the full advantage of MVMCP as the park is open from 7-midnight, $36 advance price for adults, $25 for kids (but you don't need a regular park admission...). This is a good way to see MK without the crowds IF you can stay up late enough to wait for folks to leave, but your kids might not be the best company by 10pm! Make sure they see Fantasmic and Osborne Lights at MGM. In epcot, in the plaza behind Spaceship Earth(the big golf ball) there is a fountain with about 100 spray jets that are color-and-spurt coordinated to Christmas carols. Also look for the fiber optic pavement when you are in this area at night...kids love this, it is kinda like walking on Pixie Dust! Also look for Santas in each pavillion in world showcase (epcot) and for the various kid's tables, where they can make a craft or decorate a mask with CM's from the various countries (free- except for park admission!). Food-wise, you really can share counter service meals. We are big eaters and one double cheeseburger combo with an extra bun feeds two people at lunch. Servings at most locations are huge, and sometimes family meals are available that serve lots (Pecos Bill's used to have a whole roast chicken with mashed potatoes for about $15). Go to www.allearsnet.com and check out the menus and prices to help with budgeting lunch. Remember at counter service, adults can eat kids meals for lunch, leaving space for that mickey bar you are going to eat later that afternoon anyhow! BTW, young kids don't get the idea of eating a huge late b'fast and skipping lunch, so don't decide to splurge for a late character b'fast and then going without eating until supper. Your little ones will clamour for food before your PS, happily eat one piece of toast (maybe) at the character meal, then want lunch at the usual time...TRUST ME, the most expensive meal my DD ever had at WDW was at the CP when she was 5...$9.99 plus tax and all she ate was one slice of toast!

Great ideas! We're going next week and you've added some must do's to our list.

 

[MELSMICE]

Just a few things that have saved us a few $'s here & there:

--Breakfast in the room (pop tarts, fruit, cereal, etc)

--I'm assuming you'll bring a stroller because your children are young so you can bring snacks into the parks, which is a real money saver. Bring enough money for one "special snack" in the park. Also, bring water bottles into the parks. You can get glasses of ice water at counter service & refill them - or refill at the fountains.

--When you eat counter service order a large drink with no ice & then ask for small cups of ice. This itself saves a few dollars each meal. There are 5 of us & we can order 2 large drinks between all of us.

--Sometimes kids counter service meals are enough for an adult with a small appetite.

--You can order a counter service meal without the fries & save money. We ate at Peco's Bills on our last trip & they took $1.50 off each meal if you didn't order the fries!!! We NEVER eat all the fries so we got 5 meals, but only 3 with fries. It was more than enough (plus, I'll let you in on a little secret - sometimes the "servers" put the fries with the meal anyway even if you order your meal without them!)

--I know you leave soon, but over the next few weeks save all your singles & use that for souvenir or snack money. You'll be surprised how fast singles can add up.

--Pack a soft sided cooler in your luggage not only to take into the parks, but also for the pool if you are able to do pool days. Take drinks, snacks & maybe even sandwiches in it.

Have a great time. Disney is expensive so don't worry yourself too much about the cost. Try to save where you can but enjoy yourself.

 

[jmclester]

Hmmmm.....thanks MELSMICE. I didn't know the option was there to order a burger without fries. We end up throwing away as many fries as we eat which is bad in ways other than the $1.50 savings. Thanks for the tip!!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Thanks for the link to Ghiridelli's! I just signed up for g-mail, hopefully will get a coupon before our trip.
Another option as far as the burgers go, my dh and I order a double cheeseburger with an extra bun. Just take one of the patties off the double, and you have 2 burgers for the cost of the bun (about .70 or so last time we went). Also, we bought a CASE of bottled water and it saved us a lot of money. The case was less than $10, and with each bottle in the parks at $2.25, that's a big savings.
We also buy the refillable mugs at our resort. We usually get our money's worth out of them, and they make good souveniers too!