Here's a Strategy....Relax!

[RayRay13]

Watching the 2/4 Podcast where they were discussing posts from people who felt the magic was gone. It made me a little sad. What I hear in those posts is runaway expectations. You may have to do some advanced planning but would you not plan any vacation in advance? FP+ the top 3 rides you want, pick a restaurant and book it and enjoy the rest of your day. You might not get everything you want but that's life. This is especially true if you have small kids, are on a tight budget, or can't stay long. It's hot, crowded, expensive, and sometimes you'll have to wait. Do not make it worse by leading your family on a death march. I have been there. After many trips with babies, kids, husband, stroller, cheap off-site hotels, overdrawn bank accounts, and unfulfilled expectations, I have made some discoveries that have allowed me to appreciate the Magic more now than ever before. I have stopped requiring my husband to go because he hates it and Magic can only do so much. My kids are 12 & 7 so no more strollers. I get the best room in the cheapest on-site resort and I get the dining plan. Staying off-site adds hours of schlepping to an already packed day and the savings is negligible when you have to pay for parking. I make my reservations 3 months in advance and pay $200 down and a little each check and I never discuss the cost with my husband.
I have a budget but I use coupons throughout the year to buy laundry soap, shampoo, body wash, and paper products. I paid a little over $30 for a years worth of Tide so fresh produce and meat seem a lot more affordable when you don't have to buy anything else. I sock away my change and the odd $5 of $10 in a piggy bank so I have money for ice cream in the park which I will let the kids eat for breakfast if they want. I focus on seeing them happy and I have realized how much my attitude affects them. I know I'm not going to get away cheap but if we don't have fun, we'll never get our money's worth.

 

[MeanestMomEver]

Yeah.

I hope I never ever see another stressed out "FP runner" bolting through the park, bumping into people and throwing up his hands in frustration because someone with a stroller isn't moving fast enough to suit him. Is that guy really having fun? Or is he just "winning?"

 

[RayRay13]

Exactly!!

 

[wendybeth75]

Well Said!

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

Great post !

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Staying off-site adds hours of schlepping to an already packed day and the savings is negligible when you have to pay for parking.

This one I don't understand.

A two bedroom, two bathroom villa at SSR for our dates is more than $700 per night.

Our two bedroom, two bathroom villa at Sheraton Vistana Resort is under $125 per night.

That's a $575 per night difference on a comparable offsite room. Parking is $15 a day. Even factoring in the daily price of a rental vehicle and you're still $500 ahead each and every day of your stay.

 

[MickeyChix]

I'm with you. Actually by being able to plan your fast passes ahead of time and have your meal reservations ready to go I think it allows more time for the magic to happen! Remember when we had to cut out an hour and half to get a good spot for a parade--FP for a great spot. And I don't know what was up with this guy rushing around other than it being his own fault for either not giving himself enough time to get where he needed to go or scheduling things way too tight.

Either way, the a magic is up to us and what we are open too. The minute we say it's not there anymore......well it won't be. Disney gives us the tools to believe---it's up to us on how we do so!!

 

[RayRay13]

As I mentioned, I stay in value resorts on site so it's usually $20 to $40 more per night. Ex. All star Music preferred room in May 2013 was $95 per night. Off site hotel that I'd be willing to sleep I. Would cost at least $65 per night. So for $30 extra a day, I get in and out if the parks, almost door to door service in less than a 1/2 hour usually. For me it works out better.

 

[MickeyChix]

I'm with you. Actually by being able to plan your fast passes ahead of time and have your meal reservations ready to go I think it allows more time for the magic to happen! Remember when we had to cut out an hour and half to get a good spot for a parade--FP for a great spot. And I don't know what was up with this guy rushing around other than it being his own fault for either not giving himself enough time to get where he needed to go or scheduling things way too tight.

Either way, the a magic is up to us and what we are open too. The minute we say it's not there anymore......well it won't be. Disney gives us the tools to believe---it's up to us on how we do so!!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

As I mentioned, I stay in value resorts on site so it's usually $20 to $40 more per night. Ex. All star Music preferred room in May 2013 was $95 per night. Off site hotel that I'd be willing to sleep I. Would cost at least $65 per night. So for $30 extra a day, I get in and out if the parks, almost door to door service in less than a 1/2 hour usually. For me it works out better.

The savings might be negligible if you are willing to stay in the cheapest value resort room. But if comparing apples to apples, for what many folks enjoy offsite versus similar space and amenities onsite, the savings can be enormous.

 

[sethschroeder]

Yeah.

I hope I never ever see another stressed out "FP runner" bolting through the park, bumping into people and throwing up his hands in frustration because someone with a stroller isn't moving fast enough to suit him. Is that guy really having fun? Or is he just "winning?"

I hope I never have to dive out of the way because the person with a double wide stroller just doesn't care who is in front of them and just pushes pushes pushes....

 

[RayRay13]

That is exactly my point. If something will make you enjoy your vacation more, do it. I really like staying on-site but I am on a budget so I do choose the best room I can get in a value resort. It may not be everyone's cup of tea.

 

[WILDERNESS FAN 55]

This one I don't understand.

A two bedroom, two bathroom villa at SSR for our dates is more than $700 per night.

Our two bedroom, two bathroom villa at Sheraton Vistana Resort is under $125 per night.

That's a $575 per night difference on a comparable offsite room. Parking is $15 a day. Even factoring in the daily price of a rental vehicle and you're still $500 ahead each and every day of your stay.

Sounds like you paid book price on SSR. Try renting from DVC owner you'll save money then you can stay on property.

That is exactly my point. If something will make you enjoy your vacation more, do it. I really like staying on-site but I am on a budget so I do choose the best room I can get in a value resort. It may not be everyone's cup of tea.

Stayed in values many times and as long as your on property you get all those extras like EMH and dining plan (sometimes) free parking and just all that WDW Magic. No off site property can compare. It's not just a vacation it's a DISNEY vacation

 

[Ofinn]

I would hate to go on a family vacation without my husband so that would not be Magical. There is also nothing Magical about a Disney value resort IMHO. I would never hide the cost from my husband so I guess your style is not magical for everyone.

 

[RayRay13]

Stayed in values many times and as long as your on property you get all those extras like EMH and dining plan (sometimes) free parking and just all that WDW Magic. No off site property can compare. It's not just a vacation it's a DISNEY vacation

Yup!

 

[RayRay13]

I would hate to go on a family vacation without my husband so that would not be Magical. There is also nothing Magical about a Disney value resort IMHO. I would never hide the cost from my husband so I guess your style is not magical for everyone.

This post was not intended to challenge your opinions about value resorts, marital finance, or travel companions. It is simply what works for me and my family. I am certain that your can stay in better resorts with a happier family and a more Magical experience which must make you feel terrific. Congrats on your success!

 

[bella2117]

Great post!

 

[RayRay13]

Great post!

Thank you

 

[LadyRayado]

Excellent post!

And PS, I left my DH at home for MNSSHP last September and will probably do so this coming September. He isn't that into Disney, our trip next week will be enough for him for, oh, the next five years or so. I totally get it.

 

[Rebekkap]

Excellent post!

And PS, I left my DH at home for MNSSHP last September and will probably do so this coming September. He isn't that into Disney, our trip next week will be enough for him for, oh, the next five years or so. I totally get it.

I've left mine at home the last couple of times I've done Disney - once solo and once with my aunt! I'm also leaving him behind to do Disney with my sister in May.

If someone's not into it, they're not into it. And we're really pleased to see each other when I get home