How do you afford multiple trips/year?

[senorak]

Not that I'm checking into everyone's personal finances....but how does a family afford multiple trips to WDW each year? Granted, we haven't been there since '93; so we are "going all out" on this trip---family of 5, staying Poly Lagoon concierge----but even so....till we add in airfare (yes, I got what I consider a "great rate"---but still upwards of $1000), hotel room (again, being a family of 5 eliminates staying at some of the "supersaver" resorts) and tickets, we are talking several thousand dollars. And in order for us to make the most of our money, we really need to take at least a week at a time (not worth it to pay the airfare for only a few days time). I have saved "mucho dinero" by using the tips from this site....and I am forever grateful to each and everyone of you! But, now that this year's trip is planned (mid-Aug.)----I am "itching to plan another". Being a teacher, I am limited as to what time of the year I can travel---either summer vacation (HOT!HOT!HOT!) or holiday breaks (CROWDED! AND HIGH PRICES!). Just wondering how other "medium sized" families plan their trips....every year, every other year, or more often? I know that once my kids experience the "magic"; they will want to return!

DEB

 

[NCRedding]

I have a vacation account in a money market. Each week I set aside an amount of money to go to the vacation account. Then I only use this money for vacation. Its painless, I don't even notice it. I also add up my change and deposit it in that account, and any extra I get usually goes into my account. It adds up quickly. DH and I decided before our marriage that travel was very important to us, so we don't live in the biggest house or drive the newest car, or own every new gadget, We spend that money on travel instead, feeling that memories and the time spent together are worth more than any material possession. I'm glad we have this philosophy--we shared it with DH's parents and traveled often with them, including a wonderful trip to Scotland last July. Now, both of his parents have passed (quite young and unexpectedly), and we have wonderful, and funny memories that keep them alive in our hearts, and in our daughter's heart also. It is a matter of priority with us. Enough preaching--especially since I feel as though I am preaching to the choir.

 

[lovingthemouse]

Hi - in response to your multiple trips question - right away i noticed that you are a teacher like us, so you should check into the Swan and Dolphin hotel FAQ on this board. What you will discover is that they offer teacher discounts on room rates - $129, standard room (with $99. rates for teachers throughout the end of this year- you need to call and check ahead for this low rate). That is a wonderful savings! When you consider what you would pay for these rooms, and what you will be paying for yours, a difference is automatically seen. Also, check on the transportation board - there are airfare discounts everywhere for this summer. In addition, check the boards and look at all the car rental discounts. When you start adding these savings up, they may spell an extra vacation for you. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[lookingforward]

NCRedding, I loved what you wrote! I also think that sharing wonderful times and places with my family is a high priority. I have often been asked why I travel so much. Noone can ever take the special moments and memories from me. My children will not be young forever and will have families of their own someday and I want to enjoy them now. Even if we could not plan more than one trip a year it would be okay. That trip, the planning, the memories....priceless!
We are starting something new next year. SInce our boys are getting older we have decided to let the kids pick one place they want to visit every year. They have to research, plan, budget, etc. and we will go as a family. As for saving, the money market and putting aside some $$ each month is crucial. They are talking about Paris, so I am mentally adding up our frequent flyer miles! Also, we decided to cut way, way back on our eating out. We went from twice to three times a week to three times a month. That money adds up very quickly!

 

[mirlow]

I feel like I'm just like you Deb We are going to Disney in 12 days and I keep thinking about when we can go again after that! I keep on reading about great resort rates for the winter, and airfares are great for December too. We are buying an annual pass so I keep thinking we should go again since our tickets will be paid for. The only problem is we are going all out this trip staying at the Polynesian LV concierge and AKL concierge and I'm afraid we are going to like it a bit to much I don't know if it would be hard for us to stay at other places to save the money? There are 5 of us and we have a baby so I don't know if I could give up the easy access to the monorail? I did see that there is an AP rate for the contemporary for $139 I feel like I just can't get enough of Disney. It is such a great place to go for our family vacation. Maybe if we make it a shorter stay and don't rent a car we might be able to pull off another trip this year.

 

[mickey7861]

We are a family of 4. We always start planning the "next" trip before we go on this one. I too teach and my kids are 18 & 16, too old to miss school for trips, so we go in the summers or vacations too. We buy AP's and we own DVC. Last year we went for 18 nights starting 8/10. We stayed at DxL and CS on good, not great rates ($129). Then in April we went for 6 nights (still on same AP) stayed outside , couldn't get a WDW room or DVC unit for this last minute trip and paid $45 night. This summer we are staying for 15 nights (same AP's)
2 @CBR ....$99 (AP rate)
5 OKW ......points
2 Poly........$179
5 VWL........points.

So we've had 3 trips for a total of 39 nights on one years AP.

 

[melissaga]

I'm surprised I didn't see this answer here already (though I only scanned the other responses). Our answer to multiple trips to WDW is the Disney Vacation Club. It's something we avoided looking into b/c of previous bad experiences with pushy timeshare sales people and concerns over having to use the same week all the time (not true with the DVC). Curiousity eventually got the better part of my dh and he went on the tour and checked it out. Even still, we went home and thought about it looking for the always present "catch." After a few months, we went ahead and bought our points. We only have a small number of points compared to many folks and we are currently a small family. On the points that we have now, we can go up to 3x each yr for about 5 days (2x/yr is more likely) and stay in a studio (room size equivalent to a room in the deluxe resorts but includes fridge, microwave, and other amenties). We have a stay coming up in a one bedroom (a 2+ room suite really) which includes a full kitchen, living room, washer/dryer, and jacuzzi. If we choose to go less often, we could do even larger rooms and take more family with us. At the rate we are going, it will pay for itself in about 4 yrs. If you only go every other year, it will pay for itself quickly as well. (Depends on whether or not you finance, etc).

A business associate has 7 children. He was actually our referral to the DVC. They've members since the earliest stages of the DVC. Not all the children travel with them anymore, but they still go every 2-3 yrs and stay in a Grand Villa (the largest DVC accomodations). Those include all the amenities and 3 bedrooms in addition to the main living area which has fold out couches as well.

 

[Blondie]

Here's how we do it--our trips in 94,95,11/98, 8/99, and 1/00 were business trips for DH!

He actually could do these things in other states, but I push the ones that are in Orlando!! He also qualifies for the gov't. rate, or overflow rates at Shades of Green. If not, we'd be staying offsite on I-4 somewhere!

His employer picks up most (if not all) of the hotel expense, plus they give him $50.00 per day for food.

And that is how we do it!

 

[senorak]

Thanks for the quick replies...and lots of good ideas! We do currently own a week timeshare (which we have been using in the Poconos here in PA (since two of my kids are under 6 and we didn't want to have to travel too far). I will definitely look into DVC......although I know we could trade to get a timeshare resort near WDW....I am spoiled and with my 3 kids I insist on being "inside WDW" (preferably on the monorail) or within easy travel distance of the parks.

I do my fair share of traveling (yes, I too have been bitten by the "travel bug"). As a foreign language teacher, I lead yearly tours of Europe (London, Paris and Madrid) this year, so I get to travel "for free" (tho it is a "working vacation). And in addition to our timeshare week, I try to take the family on "mini-getaways" to nearby areas several times/ year.

It's just that once my children experience the magic of WDW....I know they will want to return often (as I do....don't know how I've managed to stay away for almost 8 years...tho I guess I was waiting till my youngest was at an age he could truly "enjoy" the parks). These boards have indeed saved me thousands off the regular rack rates and for that I am most grateful. Will have to do more research on the DVC....that is beginning to sound like the way to go (and the AP). Thanks.

DEB

 

[BobF58]

Some of the obvious basics:

Unless the airfare is really cheap, we drive (19 hrs from LI).
Use All-Stars or AP rates (or both).
Bring stuff for breakfast in room.
Use refill mugs.
Sometimes make and bring PBJ sandwiches for lunch.
Usually use counter Service restuarants. Especially in EPCOT WS where counter service is just a subset of the sitdown restuarant menu.
If you make at least two trips in a year, AP is worthwhile (however having it makes you want to use it more).
Don't buy stuff in park gift stores. note what you want, and at the end of the trip, go to World of Disney and get DC or AMEX discount.

None of the items avove detract from our enjoyment of the trip.

 

[Misti]

Hi senorak!

This year may be four trips for me. It is easier for us financially because we don't have kids. Two guests in WDW in much less expensive than an entire family. Plus, the fares out of my hometown are extremely competitive. We usally pay around $150 RT, nonstop. I also find discounted room rates and always travel in "off-peak" seasons. We also save a bit on dining. We are not big eaters and typically eat breakfast and dinner or breakfast and lunch.

Happy planning!

 

[Lcm2108]

Hi-

I have to say, having an AP or PAP really "burns a hole in your pocket!" We had an AP last year and went 4 times and have a PAP this year and will take our 5th and final trip (on that AP) next week, July 22-29.

I love to stay on-site so we usually start the trip at one of the All Star Resorts before moving up to a deluxe resort, which is ALWAYS at a good AP rate! We usually stay 1/2 the nights at AS and the other 1/2 at the deluxe hotel. As much as we enjoy the deluxe resorts, the All Stars have food courts which save us a bundle!
Sure, the rooms are smaller than the deluxe but thats ok with us.

As far as for getting there, we drive from Lafayette, Louisiana, which is around a 12 hour drive.

We eat breakfast in the room. We do our "big" meal at lunch when the menu is cheaper than it would be for the same dinner. We use the food court refillable mugs for coffee, coke, etc. We bring them back on subsequent trips and they have paid for themselves many times over.

If we get souveniers, we get them at the Disney outlets.

I would rather go more often and stay at the All Stars than just go once or twice and stay in deluxe resort. That (and food) is where one can control the spending.

For our trip next week, I'm spending approximately $1000. We have the tickets, we are driving, staying at the ASSports ($510, with tax, for 7 nights), and having breakfast in the room. I'll bring snacks and we'll use food court and counter service the whole week. (We've ate at most of the sit downs, trying to keep budget down and dont want to gain weight this time.)

We are not rich people and my DH and I both work full time. We've been about 13 times and my worry is the kids-DD 14 and DS now 6, will not appreciate it over time. After this trip, we will try to take a break from Disney but I don't know how long that will last!

Lisa

 

[Kate-n-sam]

We went in Dec of 2000, airfare compliments of MIL who lives in West Palm and pays for us to visit her once a year. From there we drove to WDW for 5 days off-site and flew back from Orlando. While we were there we purchased APs because we knew we would be doing the trip of a lifetime in March with friends. We stayed in a 2 bdr villa at VWL for 8 nights (ouch). When we left we thought we wouldn't return for a very long time...we are still paying for that one. BUT.....with the new AP rates we are yet again going back in Oct for 6 nights. I was able to get $93 airfare, and the WL for $150/night. We figured this would be a "vacation" trip...lots of pool time and relaxation, maybe 3 or 4 hours a day at the parks. We will have breakfast in the room a small lunch and a nicer dinner. No large souveniers, no character meals. So, hopefully we can keep this trip under $2000. I say charge now figure it out later. But this is really it....famous last words....

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We are taking our 3rd trip to WDW this year in September. January our trip was expensive. We stayed at the BWI and did the DCL also. My mom came along with us though and shared the expensives. In April, DH and I went alone. We had free airline vouchers and stayed at the Swan. Since I'm a nurse we got the great rate. We ate "cheap". Only splurged on one meal at the California Grille and did counter service the rest of the trip. In September was a spare of the moment trip. We got the 20.00 a night rate at the Courtyard by Mariott in DD and got airfare for 190.00rt. Which from Pgh. is pretty cheap. Though we are very flexible when we can travel. I work "casual" as a nurse and pick my schedule. DH can usually go on the spare of the moment also and DS is not in school yet. As for the money, I went back to work exclusively to go on vacations. The money is put in an account and its not touched for any other reason.

 

[ducklite]

We have several tips and tricks.

1. Disney Vacation Club. We pay about $700/year in dues, this gives us enough points to spend 12 nights off peak in a studio.

2. AP's, they easily pay for themselves. Not only are they a once a year expense for admission, but also they give lots of discounts.

3. No souveniers. If you go a lot, you'll find that you don't buy many souveniers.

4. Disney Vacation Club. We eat breakfast in our room each morning, with a teenager this saves us $25 per day or more.

5. AP's, AP rates at hotels in off seasons can save some 40% off of rack.

6. Track airfares and pounce when they drop.

7. Frequent flier miles, depending on where you live, and your spending habits, get a credit card that gives FF miles. We earn at least one ticket a year on our purchases.

8. Budget. We actually have out "vacation fund" in our monthly budget.

9. Grocery Store. We stop at a grocery store for bottled water, snacks, beer/wine, etc. on the way to WDW. That saves a huge amount of money.

Anne

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

We have always gone every two years ('96@WL, '98@GF, and '00@PR Concierge), but this year we did ASMu, and will be doing CR/YC for NYE '01/'02, and GF Concierge next summer (may also take 1 more trip next year - hopefully at the GF). We usually don't get discounts (only DC when we do), but I hope to get an AP for my nights in January. (I already know not to expect anything for my GF Royal Palm stay).

I guess it just depends how the money situation is to decide what we can afford.

 

[Buckleybunch]

We have been lucky enough to do at least two trips a year.
I give the AP the credit for that. For me the cost of the AP is the most expensive.
We also get the discounted room rate. Which helps out a lot. I would also stay off property ( not my first choice) to be able to go to WDW again.
We drive, because it's too expensive for us to fly. So depending on the time of the year, we drive straight through. Which saves on the hotel down and back.
We bring snacks, and water ( some times pepsi). This year we are going to bring more snacks to fill the tummy ( apples oranges) besides buying them in between rides.

We also don't have all the newest gagets in our house. So besides our children's softball games( travel) we don't do a lot of extra stuff. Next year we might cut back to one trip to do some other things. Wisc. Dells and Mt Rushmore.

 

[ROOKIE2WDW]

haha, no fair i was asking a question similar to this question and my post got moved to the the budget board....NO FAIR =). I think mine was a little more personal though.

 

[princess angel]

we don't have any children - yet, and don't plan on having any for atleast another 4 years.
DH and I both work full time, and have both been pretty successful the past couple of years. we do have a house, so that eats up a lot of $$$, but we make our wdw vacations a priority!
We put $$ away every week in a separate acount for our trips.
we have AP's, and we are dvc members!
we became members on our last day of our very first trip to wdw together in 1997. we weren't even married yet, but we were engaged.
We use dvc points for most of our long vacations, and pay $$ with AP discounts for the resort for our long weekends.
It's not easy, because we don't like to skimp while we are there, we love all the expensive restaurants!!
however, it's true as someone else said, that the more often you go, the less souveniers you buy.

the main reason we go so often is because we are so busy during every day life, that there is hardly any time for us to spend real quality time together!
we have only been married three years, and we love our vacations in wdw, it gives us the time we need to spend together, and a fantastic time everytime!!!
what wonderful memories we're making!!!!
"Priceless" and worth every penny!!!!!!!!

only 3 days til WDW!!! yipeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[chris1gill]

We are DVC members, and we pay 900.00/yr in maintenance fees, and the initial buy in converts to $372.00/yr... This gets us 12 nights in a 1 bedroom villa in early December....

We took advantage of a few nights at an AP discount so we could extend our stay a bit longer, but this is definitely not common for us to do.....

We buy the annual passes that cover the 4 parks... and we go the following year 11.5 months after we activate our passes... so we get at least 2 long vacations out of that....

We eat our breakfasts & most dinners in our villa (we do eat a couple dinners out), we eat most lunches out, mostly counter, a couple table service though.....

We don't really have Souvenier costs to speak of, we go back to frequently for that sort of thing LOL....

I always try to get the best rates on flights... Last year was 109 per person, in September it's 129 per person & I haven't booked December yet, but I have 600.00 worth of Southwest Air certificates I only paid 167.00 for... I'm pretty happy....

That's all I can think of at the moment!!!