How do you all DO it?

[MsLefty]

We just got back from 5 days of Disney a couple weeks ago. That was our first real vacation in 10 years. I see many of you go at least once, and sometimes multiple times a year. How do you DO it? Do you save, save, save on everything else? Do you always stay value? Drive instead of fly? Live withing walking distance? Is this the one and only vacation destination for your family? Did you win the lottery? Is your last name Disney... or Eisner? LOL! But seriously, any tips to make this a more frequent occurrence for us common folk?

 

[disney queen]

we are disney vacation club members. therefore, our lodging is taken care of. also, we are annual passholders; so, we are not shelling out for a pass everytime. sometimes when we go we will stay on an AP rate. we live in the houston area and fly to orlando. that is how we do it. DVC and AP.

 

[DisneyMin]

We live close enough to drive. We're about 1.5 hours away. 2nd,,usually when we go,,we just go for 2 nights,,sometimes not even going to the theme parks,but just doing the downtown disney shopping stuff and swimming at the hotels. Because we're Fl residents,,we usually can get good rates on rooms. No fl resident rate,,we don't go. We also get rates on tickets sometimes,,like now they're offering a play 4 pass-its $109 for 4 days. But it expires in June,,but thats ok for us. We're going in March for 4 days because my brother and son are flying in from Colorado. I tried explaining to him the rooms are cheaper in May,,but we're going in March. LOL. We're hoping to join the DVC soon! And yes,,its basically our only vacation spot.

 

[Bill From PA]

WDW is a yearly thing for us, with a week in Myrtle Beach in June to kick the Summer off. I start planning the next trip as soon as I get back from the current one. I reserve the hotel first, putting one day's rent on it. We'll buy the airfare from 6 months to 2 months out, usually having that paid for before we leave. I'll buy the tickets last, unless I get word of a price hike forcing me to buy at the lower price. I'll look for codes on these boards for WDW resort room discounts and for deals on rental cars. I've changed room ressies as many as three times in the planning for a visit to get beter rates. The car rental switches I've lost track of. Hopper Plus tix can be had on the 'net for 7 percent less that at the gate. All that, plus my 'kids' are pretty well grown. I'm treating the extended family to a week in WDW next month, but that will probably be the last of that. Bargains can be found for travel, rooms and tickets and this vacation is a priority. Plus we eat grass and tree bark the rest of the year.

Bill From PA

 

[twinmomplus2new]

We used to travel to Disney once a year. Then in 1999 we purchased DVC. Our points enabled us to go twice a year. Then someone referred me to Mousesavers where I discovered the joys of CODES!!!!! Thus began my downfall The combination of DVC, and Annual Pass and AP rates makes it cheaper for me to take my kids to Disney then to Say Hershey park for a week. even factoring in the airfare, it comes out cheaper.
Last year we went 4 times. That was not cheaper. However we are getting to school age where they can not be taken out anymore(at least for the older 2 kids. So we are cutting down... We will take one trip In either December or October each year. And then May or August depending on the fall trips time frame.

Example December 03, DVC 5 nights(paid) 2 nights AP rate for the weekend. Annual passes for all paid.
August trip Universal only... 82 dollars for 5 day pass Kraft promo. Entertainment rate on hotel.

December 04, DVC 5 nights AP rate for 2, renew annuals.
October 05, passes are still good..DVc (paid) 5 nights and 2 at an AP rate.

As for airfare I always follow the Southwest specials. and rack up frequent flyer miles. Southwest has a new Visa and I just earned 1 free ticket that we will use in December. it's a great perk for Money I am spending anyway!

 

[GailT]

CAHRGE CHARGE CHARGE simply and easy. I go every year, I love it, lets me excape from my everyday life, as soon as I get there, I don't have time to think about what is happying at home or what I am going back to. I do fly, am spoiled so only stay at the deluxe, what else can I say , life is to darn short I work all yr, pay bills and do nothing extravegant for myself so my trip is for me.

 

[Carrieberry]

We try to go once a year, but my husband got laid off twice last year, so we did not go that year. We go every other trip just my DH and I, without the kids, and every other trip with the kids. We live in AZ, but can usually get airfare for around $200 per person. We usually stay in moderates with codes, or in value, but have recently (in Dec 2002) rented DVC points which allowed us to stay 5 nights at Beach Club Villas for the rack rate of a moderate. We loved that resort, so now we will rent points every trip. We rent the points for 5 nights, and save enough money to allow us to spend 1 or 2 extra nights at a deluxe (with a code) or at a moderate. I plan a year in advance (next trip Dec 2004) and over the span of the year, I pay off my room and take $150 a month extra out and put it aside for airfare. We buy our passes right before we leave with extra money from our tax return or Christmas and birthdays, and we take one whole paycheck with us just to splurge on the trip. We also have been known to sell off stuff on EBay to pay for our hoppers. We try to be as frugal as possible, but still enjoy ourselves the rest of the year so we can afford to do these trips. WE NEVER EVER EVER PAY RACK RATE we always use codes, and the key is to plan in advance so you know how much money you are going to need. I plan everything down to the dollar using the info on this site and www.wdwig.com so I know how much every meal will cost down to the tax and the tip (figuring $10 per adult for counter service and $6 per child plus tax so I budget $40 for each counter service meal to be safe). We never charge anything and we always end up having a great trip right on budget.
Our youngest son (5) is autistic and is completely obsessed with Mickey. He has only been to Disneyland and has not been to WDW yet. I don't care if I have to sell everything I own, I am taking that boy to WDW!! We just make the trips happen since they are important to us!

 

[skiwee1]

We go twice a year and always stay at the Poly. We drive or fly depending on what we feel like doing. I'm lucky in that DH has a good job to provide for my trips. We used to pay rack rate until I find these boards! Now I don't feel as guilty for spending all that money! LOL!

 

[Lexxiefern]

We went 5 times last year I am sure that will never happen again. We plan on at least 2, maybe 3 trips per year. We own DVC so that pretty much takes care of lodging. [although in september we are staying 3 nights at AKL and my disney reward dollars are paying for that]

We have annual passes - so don't have to worry about tickets.

I search around for the best airfare and rental car deals. I already bought my tickets for september.

It is definately not cheap, but our vacations are important to us. As far as vacationing other places, we will also be going to Europe [not sure where yet, but definately includes a trip to disneyland Paris] and Hawaii in the next 3 years. My DH wants to try other places besides WDW. Me, I would be fine just going to Disney

 

[kinggoofy]

I am sure you are not the only one. We have no children, so its easier for us to go to WDW.

We got married in 1993 and went to WDW for our honeymoon.
We bought a house , made improvements, basically we had no money.

We were not able to get back to WDW until 1997 and have been there EVERY year since. We were there twice in 02 and if not for an accident to our nephew in 03..we would have been back there twice last year too.

Now we are AP holders which is a whole lot cheaper than buying passes or tickets every time.

We are currently planning our annual August trip. Just waiting for codes to come out and airfare and rental car ..that kind of stuff. We plan to return for Thanksgiving too.

I will say this, these boards and the internet have helped us tremendously. If you have time and do your homework, you will be shocked at the amount of money you can save.

Example,
When we first went back in 1997, we left on a Saturday and returned home on a Saturday. Little did we know, the minute we checked in on the first Saturday, our UPH passes were activated.

We did not go to the parks the first day or the last day because of packing and going home. BUT...we were charged for the passes.

This also happened in 1998. Then I wisened up and came across WDWIG and this website.

In 1999 to 2001..we broke our ressie up into three segments.
First night room only, then the bulk of our trip with passes and the last night was room only.

We ended up saving $200 - $250 by doing it this way.

Now we get the AP rate. Room only.

By the way, we stay in moderates. POR is our summer home away from home and we usually get it for $89 - $94 per night. We used to stay for 7 nights ..now the last few times, except for Thanksgiving 02 , we stay 10 nights. (And my DW is pushing for an 11th night this year. 11th Wedding Anniversary..11 nights at Disney....she has a motto 11 / 11 )

Basically ,if you do your homework, you'll find the discounts and codes for EVERYTHING.

Check out WDWIG.COM and MOUSESAVERS.COM....

Mousesavers has great codes .

Remember, Disney is in it to make money. They are not going to advertise any of the discounts that are available unless its for a promotion.

Enjoy !!!!!!!

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We really don't make a huge salary, but we own our house and cars, which means we have more disposable income than many other people we know who make a lot more.

When our children were younger, we only went to WDW every 2 years, as they grew older (and as we had fewer bills) it became every year. Now only DD(14) wants to go on vacation at all, so we are able to make it twice/year, as airfare, tickets, food costs so much less!! We are AP holders also, which makes the resort expense easier.

We go to other places also, if I really push for DH and DS's(18,16) to go on vacation with us!! But WDW actually comes out cheaper for us in the long run, plus we love the way we forget the real world for just a little while!!

 

[onecoolmama]

RickinNYC posed a point as while back that I thought very true.

I dont think Disney vacations are any more expensive then going anywhere else on vacation. For example, if I took a trip to NY or someone took a trip to DC, San Fran, or paris....these are all extremely expensive and you will end up paying the same amount if not more then what you woud pay at Disney.

There are only two exceptions that I can see...if you go to the beach for a week, spend the whole time on the sand ans eat sandwhiches most of the time..or if you go camping (neither of these would I ever consider a vacation for me) you can vacation for cheap.

But I am the type of person that goes to the beach and Scuba dives, rents a boat and goes tubing, whale watching, the boardwalk, and miniature golfing...and I am not a fan of cooking on my vacation..so I just assume eat out the whole time. And I just wont camp..so the beach ends up being more expesive for me trying to fill my days..where at disney my entertainment everyday is taken care of!

How do I do it..I go off season, I plan it about 7 months ahead of time I save like crazy and I EBAY! And that seems to pay for it all.

However, I went in Oct and I am not going again until Dec becuase I am trying to relocate and buy a house this year. So, Disney can be put on hold for a few months for a house!

 

[nigel-bigel]

The most I ever did was 3 trips within 12 months.

I bought an AP for the first trip, which also saved us aLOT on rates at the YC. A few months later I took my mon, who had never been. The AP saved us alot again on hotel, (BWI) plus my admittance to the parks were already paid for.

Finally, the third time we went was just before the passes expired, so we could still use them for my admittance, but we got an INCREDIBLE rate of $60/night for a suite at the Dolphin. (Becha that'll never happen again!).

The trip with my mom was all on credit card, and was kind of a pain paying off, but it was totally worth it. My mom is getting up there in years, and I am sooo glad we didn't wait. She said it was the best trip of her entire life.

Anyway, you are seeing a common thread in all of our responses... the Annual Pass! Not only does it cover your park admittance for a year, but saves you a ton in hotel bills.

Of course, they aren't cheap, either. If you plan to pretty much go every year, you take one trip at the beginning of your annual pass, and one just before it expires, so your trips are like 51 weeks apart but you get all the benefits with only having to buy it once.

Lots of people mention DVC, but that kind of confuses me. I mean, you have to pay for those, too, right? And I can't imagine most people pay for them in full. So what...? Are they paid every month like a house payment?

Nicole

 

[crisi]

Some DVCers have mortgages just like a house. Some paid for their memberships in full with cash.

Keep in mind you have very little idea how much people make or what their financial obligations are. As someone said, not having a house payment can free up a lot of cash for vacations. So can living a relatively modest lifestyle but making $150,000 a year. Living within means helps a lot of people travel - no credit card debt and old cars.....so does living outside their means and just not caring about the debt.

 

[colleen costello]

My parents bought DVC for our family to use, put in in my name "So the nursing home doesn't take it..." We travel together and have a ball. We buy annual passes or park hoppers ahead of time and use the dollars from my Disney Visa to help pay for those. We drive down because it is cheap and buy lots of groceries when we arrive. We eat breakfast in the room and bring little snacks into the parks. I bring my Brita water bottle into the parks (refillable). For every nice Disney meal, we eat two meals at Perkins, where kids eat for under $3 and the total bill with tip is under $30. This is a good thing about having your vehicle... You can eat offsite! We buy the refillable mugs for drinks at the pool, and since we know "we'll be back," we don't buy TOO many souvenirs...

My children are little and we are so glad to be at WDW that none of this feels like "sacrifice." We splurge on a few things each trip, like a meal at BOMA or Whispering Canyon Inn. I have found that there are a lot of wonderful FREE things to do at WDW (boats, visiting resorts, etc) and if you are careful, you can stick to a pretty reasonable budget. All this is possible because of my parents' generosity. DVC has been the best gift because we all enjoy WDW together!

 

[CamColt]

Since I realized that I dont mind driving for 24 hours straight, we have taken a couple more trips than we would have if that wasnt the case. We dont always drive, but it is an option if we need a "cheap trip". Plus we really enjoy ASMO and have no problem staying there or splitting our stay between there and a few nights at a deluxe.
We have gotten APs this year and while we originally thought that would save us money by taking 2 yrs worth of vacations on 1 set of passes, but we did end up taking a 3rd trip in between our 2 originally planned ones. However, with the APs, we got great rates a deluxe hotels.
We also usually charge everything. We know how much debt we can handle and wouldnt go crazy, but we also have no problem charging. This is usually paid off with DH's bonuses and our tax refund.

 

[WeLoveThePoly]

We were lucky enough to visit WDW each year from 2000-2003 but we aren't going in 2004. We moved into our new house in November and bought lots of new furniture. We figured we'd be responsible adults (boo hiss) and pay off the furniture instead of going to Disney this year.

We are planning an 8-day trip for June 2005 and as soon as we get the dates pinned down I'll be calling for my Poly reservations. Then I'll start sending down payments each month and watch for codes as the date gets closer.

Last year was the first year we flew down instead of driving - that 16-hour drive is hard! We got flights on ATA for $200/person.

We used the FairyTale Package last year but we usually just buy PH tickets - buying one every couple of months (there's 3 of us) to spread out the expense.

Debbie

 

[KELLY]

Hi
We go once a year to Disney. As soon as I get back from one trip I start on another. Last year was my Honeymoon so we went for 10 days so nice. This year just my mother and I are going we are staying at POR with a discount I'm going to see if i can get POFQ instead I like the smaller resort. Next year 2005 my husband and I are going on the Disney Cruise. We always go in May or Late April. Like mose people always use codes and I never stay offsight, but staying offsight may save you some money. Food is were we spend are biggest budget. Yes even fast food at Disney adds up we only eat twice a days so we do one nice meal and one fast food. You use up to much time I find if you do two sit down meals a day. Codes codes and discounts. Kelly

 

[dreamflight99]

Vacationing @ WDW~ for everyone of us...this means something different. This is why there are value resorts, mods and deluxe, to fit any income. The same way with travel, Limo's or rental cars, First Class airfare or coach, etc. There are always economy vs. luxury levels of service available.

When there is a WILL, there is certainly a WAY to fit any budget. Personally, we live by an aphorism: "PLAY...is VERY SERIOUS WORK." Therefore, we WORK hard, to PLAY harder! (LOL). We take our vacations very seriously, and travel frequently throughout the year. The longest sojourn we indulge is our annual Florida visit. We stay more than two months, and visit U. Studios, the beach and WDW during this time. We also take Disney Cruises and trek around to Key West and the Gulf beaches. Not everyone has the time which life permits us, and we thoroughly enjoy these extended trips.

We begin planning, as many do, as soon as we return from a summer vacation. We are currently about 5+ months away from our next departure...and all I have to solidify (and pay for) is the rental vehicles. I prefer to pay for everything in advance, and merely set aside extra spending $$$ for the time we are traveling. It works out wonderfully well...and permits us the freedom to truly relax and enjoy the time we share together.

How and IF you go to WDW, all depends on the importance and priority of this travel in your lifestyle. Like everything else in life (taxes, insurance, etc.), if you make it a "MUST"...you will find a way to go! ENJOY.

TTFN...DF99

 

["thegirls"]

MsLefty ~

My secrets are really NO secret to this board!! I use the Starwood Card for the Dolphin and Swan. I use AP's for room discounts and have ALL family members give my kids (and myself) disney dollars for Birthdays, Holidays and report cards(only the REALLY good report cards!).

An example....Disney Dollars 'earned/saved' this past trip were over $400.00 combined!! I earned 2 free nights at the Dolphin for use by june 04 and only purchased 1 AP because I staggar our purchase of everyone's by 4 month's.(kinda like a car insurance installment payment...at least here in NJ!).

We USED to go 2x's a year but we are now up to 4x's a year. Yes it is our only true Vacation destination. Fortunetly we know lots of people who own beach houses at the shore and can also do this in a day trip senerio. So technically we do have a second vacation destination....just one that does not take away too much $$$ from our Disney Obsession!!

I AM a single working mom of two children(DD12 and DD10). I do all this on a Teachers salary!!!!! It CAN be done!! My advise...

--Join the Starwood Club...It saves TONS of $$$ on your current stays and builds up points/cash incentives pretty darn quick!
(Incidentaly I do not really like the facilities at that Swan/Dolphin but I use this discount on the first few days of our trip when everyone is too excited to notice and also we look that much more forward to our next hotel..usually a Disney Deluxe.)

--Get at least one Ap. A childs AP is good enough for the discounts!

--When asked "what would you like for a present?" say DISNEY DOLLARS!!!!

--drive at least every other trip if at all possible. If not join a FF program. ( Airtran is a decent one)

--While in Disney do all the FREE things..ie:Campfire at Fort Wilderness, resort entertainment and (minimal cost) playing in the Contemporary arcade.(this IS our souveniors for our trip!)

--And finally if you get your children involved, the 'saving' concept can be fun...Kinda like Bill in PA said " We eat grass and tree bark the rest of the year"!!! But NOT in DISNEY!!!

I do all this because I have never seen my kids more HAPPY RELAXED AND LOVING than when we are vacationing at the Happiest Place on Earth!!!!!!!

Good Luck bargain hunting and welcome to the Club...I AM DISNEY OBSESSED!!!!