How do you afford to go

[C.Ann]

I have to agree about staying off-site.. Contrary to what some might have you believe, the "magic" of Disney isn't in the resorts - it's in the parks.. For me in particular, it's standing on Main Street, looking straight ahead to Cinderella's Castle.. Watching the absolute joy in the eyes of the little ones when they see Mickey or Minnie or Cinderella for the very first time.. The fireworks over Cinderella's Castle - and TinkerBell in flight.. Having the parade stop right in front of you - and Dopey coming over to take your little one by the hand to walk in the parade for a bit.. The CM that "pins" your little one - and announces it's a "Magical Moment".. That's the TRUE magic of Disney!!

On our last trip we were able to stay for two weeks - and not only did we spend 6 days enjoying Disney World, but also a day at Universal Studios and a day at Sea World as well.. Actually, we also had tickets to Islands Of Adventure too, but due to the weather (a tropical storm that reeked havoc and kept us inside for an entire day) and world events (the tragedy of 9/11, that forced us to drive home as opposed to flyng back home) we "lost" two days of our trip and couldn't fit everything in.. We were able to shop for souveniers (many of which were purchased for a song and a dance at the Disney outlet stores) - spend an evening in Old Town - participate in two character meals in Disney World - have professional photos taken in both the Magic Kingdom and Sea World - and in general, just do as we pleased - all because we opted to stay OFF-SITE as opposed to on-site..

Lodging is a big chunk of your budget so please don't feel pressured to stay on-site with the thoughts that you're going to "miss the magic" if you don't.. Millions of people stay off-site and never feel as though they have missed a thing..

Good luck - and I hope you get there real soon!!

 

[Blueberry]

I have to agree, you can do a cheaper first vacation if you want to go sooner and maybe do a big onsite vacation in future years if you can go more than once..Onsite stays are wonderful but NOT CHEAP for WL and all...

Here is a comparision..WL is like $139 a night for a room. My entire stay at a decent off site hotel, right near the maingate is $280 including tax for 8 nights this coming fall. I have a fantastic internet rate. You could maybe go sooner with an internet rate off site than a deluxe hotel onsite..just my 2 cents.

If you do not want to get a part time job, consider taking in kids during the day and doing child care if your kids are home all day..Kids love the playmates and the money adds up pretty quickly too...

 

[crisi]

Well C.Ann, I'll say that the magic of Disney can be gotten without staying on the onsite resorts. But the onsite resorts do give you the magic of Disney. Goofy doing your wake up calls, the towel animals (if you are fortunate enough).....

But I do agree that you can have a wonderful vacation offsite - and particularly for any commando style trip. You just don't spend that much time in your room or around your resort.

 

[crazelion]

Watch for the Courtyard by Marroitt in Downtown Disney special for 2004 when the hotel rate is 20.04 a night per room. that way you can stay on site for a cheap price.

Watch the Dreams Unlimited discount hotels page they have some excellent disconts on the page in the 40.00 a night range at decent hotels.

Visit the Orlando hotel and Attractions board on the top of the page there Best and Worst hotel thread that will help alot.

I have stayed both onsite and offsite it's a personally preface. The reason that I like onsite it's not for Disney Majic like eveyone thinks. It's because of the transportation. I know once I get to the hotel that I won't have to get a car to drive anywhere gives me peace of mind.

I have a bad habit of getting lost in a strange city. That alone it's price I pay to stay onsite. If get a good deal on a offsite hotel I will jump on the hotel. Example the Courtyard by Marroitt in Downtown Disney for the Labor day weekend. Was going for the July 4 and staying on site but could not pass up a good deal. It's save me 300.00 dollars.

 

[MK Familystone]

Make an active plan Now as if you were going this year
so you will have a foundation of prices when bargains
come into view.
ex. airfare, hotels, cars
I suggest you surf the car websites and write down the date and prices for a minivan which with your family size would need for supplies and picnicing between parks.
Plan around present and future school vacation weeks,
some people go before or after the major vacation weeks and summer.
ex. we went 2nd week in June when the boys were preschool years off peak season.

You will be planning activites around the youngest member of your family as to which parks, rides and attactions most of your time will be used plus PARK PASSES COST. (AGE RESTICTIONS)

You never indicated that you had visited WDW before,
if your first time.
I suggest HIFS as a base of operation where A suite is a plus and close to the parks, then visit the hotels that you are interested IN on the off day from the parks or on the way home from the parks ex. Swan,dolphin, Allstars, Music, WL, DVC suites.

THE MAGIC WILL HAPPEN!

ENJOY!

 

[Debbie]

I suggest HIFS as a base of operation where A suite is a plus and close to the parks,

I love all the suggestions to get you there on this thread. Add the fact that you get a microwave and minifridge at the HIFS and free breakfast for all, we found this the way to go. You can get entertainment rates that are reasonable-even in the summer it was less than $100 this year. And the activities for the kids are great!

Planning is, of course, key, and you sound like you have a start.

As to magic, C.Ann is right!!

<center>the true magic is being with your family at Disney. </center>

Have a wonderful time planning, and a terrific time when you finally get there. You will remember the magic in your kids' eyes forever!

 

[joyfull]

I got a job at night to pay for my first trip to disney. My husband wasn't so excited about going and really didn't want to spend the money. So I got a job just to make the money to go. It was great. I only worked for 5 months and then went on the best vacation of my life! Now im hooked and so is my hubby.