Help with budget on Mommy & me trip, pleeze

[fam4jc]

Hi. I had a short trip planned with myself my two dd's my friend and her ds. She just canceled (again) this morning. Now I am trying to figure out how to do the trip with only myself and my dd's (5 & 8).

concerns: 12 hour drive (we were going to split the driving and do it in one day) If I drive by myself it will add two more nights hotel up and back. The girls would LOVE to fly.

So here is my budget so far:
April 3 through 8
Had FW cabin reserved for $1008 (AP code & tax) my have was $500
Tix for girls $300 (will really buy 10 day myw w/out expiration for Dec trip)
Food was $400 with the cabin - now I'm guessing $700 (we love the character meals)

I need to #1 to switch resorts. I can't afford the $1000 by myself. Availability will be a factor.

If we fly - Independance Air 3 seats $400, add rental car ??? or other transportation to WDW?

I'm a little flustered. I need to make my plans today before I loose the window of opportunity on the cheap air IF we are going to fly.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[adisneymama]

First of all, call the resorts and see where there is availability. Your DDs would probably love Pop Century and since it is a value resort would probably help with your budget.
I would recommend flying since you will be alone with the kids. A 12 hour drive is not a good idea alone. Just my opinion. If you don't plan on leaving Disney property other than going to the airport, I would not worry with a rental car, but you might want to price it to compare to the cost of Disney transportation. On the other hand, if you do get the rental car you can easily leave Disney property to eat meals and save some money there.
HTH! Have a great time!

 

[justlikeeyore]

I agree the POP is a gr8 place to stay. Mears transportation to-from airport is around 29.00 for adult reound trip dont know child prices

 

[fam4jc]

Thanks for your help! I just called and changed to POFQ. With the deposit I already paid (my friend hasn't paid any yet) It was only $366 ($580 total). That's only $80 more than my original budget. I am happy with the rate. I wanted pop but couldn't get it. So okay by me and this way we have a fridge and coffee maker.
I think I will fly. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[HM]

Doesn't Disney have free transportation to/from the airport now for resort guests? Look into that to save transfer fares too.

 

[fam4jc]

I don't think that starts until May but I will double check on that!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

The Magic Express free transportation from the airport to the resorts doesn't begin until May.

You could probably get a towncar for less than a rental car. If you're only going to WDW and back to the airport, this might be a good idea. They'll meet you at baggage claim and handle the luggage for you (a real PLUS when you're handling young children on your own). They'll even make a grocery stop for you so that you can pick up a few things for that refrigerator.

Sorry about the friend baling out on you. She's lucky to have a friend like you who can roll with the punches. Have a great time during your girls' trip.

 

[bobcat]

If you fly having a town car pick you up at the airport is great with little ones. They meet you at the baggage claim area and will help with your luggage. No worries!

Where in S. Carolina are you driving from that it would take you 12 hours? It only takes me 17 from Ohio. I'm a single mom and I drive from Ohio at least once a year. 12 hours is my breaking point and we will stop for the night at that time. I have never had a problem driving that distance solo and never felt unsafe, but not everyone is comfortable with that. I would think from S.C. you could do it in one day if you wanted to.

 

[RobinMarie]

Mears Transportation: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and the Disney resorts at $29 roundtrip for adults (12 and older) and $21 for kids ages 4-11. Kids 3 and under are free.

Post for a coupon, there seems to be a few out there. That's how I mailed mine away. (saves 3$)

My dd and I stayed at POFQ last summer, just the two of us. I used a couple of vouchers and did quite well on food costs. I thought the food at the food court was pretty good!

Also for a cheaper character interaction, substitute the Ice Cream Social at Epcot for a big meal. I find my dd doesn't eat enough at the meals to justify some of the large costs.

Good luck!