How much do you spend on...?

[DisneyMomma81]

Have you visited Disneyland Resort? You're much closer *could drive fairly easily* have you seen the DLR board here? It's my favorite ~ check it out if you'd like.

 

[EMHDad]

Personally, I wouldn't "plan" on the yes program....I'd use it if it turned out to be available to me when I traveled. Tickets under the program are limited and spots fill fast, so do your budgeting assuming that you'll have full price tickets (or nearly full price tickets).

Boy do they fill fast! We signed ds5 up on the first morning of open registration. (Planned our vacation around the Y.E.S. program for the savings). Anyway, within like 3 weeks the class was closed. Almost 4 months out and the class is full within only a few weeks. But, if you can plan it in from the beginning, it should work. It did for us.

 

[shell8558]

Hey Gumbo!

I booked at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and I went with an owner. We have always stayed onsite, so this will be our first experience offsite. But, it is much cheaper! It has a full kitchen, washer/dryer, and several waterslides, pools, and lazy rivers. And it is located next to CBR, so technically we are still very close! We are saving $1000.00 compared to last year and this does include several table service meals in the parks. If you want more info , let me know.

 

[crisi]

Boy do they fill fast! We signed ds5 up on the first morning of open registration. (Planned our vacation around the Y.E.S. program for the savings). Anyway, within like 3 weeks the class was closed. Almost 4 months out and the class is full within only a few weeks. But, if you can plan it in from the beginning, it should work. It did for us.

I'm glad it did. But as I understand it, spots for groups are filled before open enrollment even happens, which means if Scout troops have filled up the week you intend to go, there won't be any open enrollment that week, even if you planned around it. And if your trip hinges on cheap YES tickets, that could create a budgetary problem. Unless you are willing to book the YES tickets and then the airfare/hotel and vacation time. Its also completely possible that Disney could significant change or even cancel the program.

 

[blessedby3]

I can tell you how our October 2012 trip is shaping up! There are 5 of us going.
YES tickets (5) 8 day base--$932
Bonnet Creek 7 nights (2BR)-$833
For food, I budget $100/day-$800 (I have over 1/2 of this prepaid already from Gift cards and reward dollars)
A couple of extra TS meals -$200
We are driving down (havent figured out gas costs yet)
Parking at WDW x 7--$98

total...$2863

 

[SnowPeas]

TBH, those numbers are not going to do you much good. They're from 4 years ago. Airfare, tickets and resort costs have not stayed constant. If you want to know what airfare will be, then go online and check tickets from your airport to Orlando for the dates that you want to travel.

If you want to know what a resort room will cost your family, go to Disney's website, enter your dates and choose resorts to look at.

There are plenty of ways that people can help you to economize at Disney. But it really isn't possible, even knowing your kids' ages, to tell you what it's going to cost.

Please understand that I am not an idiot. I get it. I am fully aware that those numbers are not going to be my numbers. It was, as stated, an example. Furthermore, I AM looking, and I AM researching, which is why I asked the questions in the first place. This is PART OF MY RESESRCH! Lastly, I am NOT asking for someone to tell me whet MY cost is going to be. I am looking for folks who are willing to share with me THEIR budgets, experiences, and so on. I have no budget, I have no dates, I have no start whatsoever other than an idea: we want to go to Disneyworld!!

Have you visited Disneyland Resort? You're much closer *could drive fairly easily* have you seen the DLR board ...check it out if you'd like.

I have, indeed. Its the happiest place on earth, who could stay away? This trip is about more than Disney, unfortunately. We want to go to US, the beach, etc and invite some family along to join in some of the activities. We shall see how it all pans out. The DLR section is a bit...different...then it is over here. Lol. Thanks, very much, for the advice, though!

And thank you, everyone for taking the time to respond.

 

[SnowPeas]

I can tell you how our October 2012 trip is shaping up! There are 5 of us going.
YES tickets (5) 8 day base--$932
Bonnet Creek 7 nights (2BR)-$833
For food, I budget $100/day-$800 (I have over 1/2 of this prepaid already from Gift cards and reward dollars)
A couple of extra TS meals -$200
We are driving down (havent figured out gas costs yet)
Parking at WDW x 7--$98

total...$2863

Ugh! Wanna trade hometowns?? Flying just adds SO MUCH to the vacation. Boo!! One question I have is, if your children are participating in the YES program, do adults get the same price for tickets, or must we pay full price?

 

[Marionnette]

Please understand that I am not an idiot. I get it. I am fully aware that those numbers are not going to be my numbers. It was, as stated, an example. Furthermore, I AM looking, and I AM researching, which is why I asked the questions in the first place. This is PART OF MY RESESRCH! Lastly, I am NOT asking for someone to tell me whet MY cost is going to be. I am looking for folks who are willing to share with me THEIR budgets, experiences, and so on. I have no budget, I have no dates, I have no start whatsoever other than an idea: we want to go to Disneyworld!!

Did I ever use the word "idiot" in my responses? Please don't put words in my mouth. My points was, and remains, that there really is no value in gleaning information that is 4 years old, covers vacation times during value season if you plan to travel at Christmas time or shows transportation expenses for driving from PA when you expect to fly from a remote airport on the west coast.

This is part of your OP:

I would like to know how much I am looking to spend, total, for a family of 2 adults, 3 kids (see ages above). I come at everything monetary from a worst case scenario because I figure it is better to over budget then to end up not having enough. Plus, when I bring money home from a vacation I feel like I have saved money, and who doesn't get excited over that??!

Point being, while I can appreciate a great deal, I am not looking to hear how you spent nothing on food because of FD and so on. I think that is awesome! But not really helpful to me if I go when that isn't offered. Now I have saved $1,000 less then I actually need, see?

So my question is, just what kind of response DO you want? I could give you a budget from the time when my kids were the same age as yours. Disney didn't have MYW tickets or a dining plan back then. We flew RT for less than $100 pp between PHL and MCO. I bought meal tickets for a discount at a now-defunct buying group. And as a member of the Disney Club, I was entitled to a pretty nice room discount at CSR. It was also close to 10 years ago, so how much use would that kind of information be to you or anyone else today?

IOW, if you want to make a budget, you cannot base it off of old data and deals that no longer exist. And you already know that but for some reason, you stated that the information from 2008 was exactly what you were looking for?

 

[SnowPeas]

Did I ever use the word "idiot" in my responses? Please don't put words in my mouth. My points was, and remains, that there really is no value in gleaning information that is 4 years old, covers vacation times during value season if you plan to travel at Christmas time or shows transportation expenses for driving from PA when you expect to fly from a remote airport on the west coast.

This is part of your OP:


So my question is, just what kind of response DO you want? I could give you a budget from the time when my kids were the same age as yours. Disney didn't have MYW tickets or a dining plan back then. We flew RT for less than $100 pp between PHL and MCO. I bought meal tickets for a discount at a now-defunct buying group. And as a member of the Disney Club, I was entitled to a pretty nice room discount at CSR. It was also close to 10 years ago, so how much use would that kind of information be to you or anyone else today?

IOW, if you want to make a budget, you cannot base it off of old data and deals that no longer exist. And you already know that but for some reason, you stated that the information from 2008 was exactly what you were looking for?

I want what previous posters have given me, and what I have asked for multiple times: how much THEIR vacation has cost THEM. If you do not understand and therefore do not wish to participate, that is ok! Or, if you think your information is too dated to be helpful, then don't offer it. That is ok! I am doing something in the way that makes sense to me and do not feel I need to justify it. For my purposes, the PP is exactly what I am looking for, and I greatly appreciate the effort of those willing to supply the information I asked for - even if they might not "get it". Just as I appreciate your opinion and responses. I feel, though, that this banter isn't productive to either of our causes. I would judt like for people to tell me how much their vacations cost them. Do you have a break down of a vacation you would like to share with me? I would love to see it! I'm sure it would be a great help for what I am trying to do, you seem to really know your stuff!!

 

[noahdove]

Well, let me have some input. In 2008 airfare was $262 per person.3 of us, Room at All Star Sports $ 424, Dining $200 for adult. Hopper pass $276. I know I brought granola bars along and we had ice cream everyday At a cost of maybe $2.50 each. I also had left tips daily for mousekeepers, and dining. I used Allearsnet.com to figure cost of meals and filled the tip envelopes for dining before we left from home. 2 of us 2009 Pop Century for $558. We had free dining this year, Flight cost $270.39 per person. With the airfare I included all taxes, fees etc. I also pick our seats for $6.00 each. I use Magical express to and from the airport I also, carry extra ones for Bell service,for any other person that may help me out. I pay $ 1.00 per person for mousekeeping daily, same for ME person helping me with any carry on etc. They handle the checked baggage so no cost there. Now, this year it will be different, our room will be way more as we are staying at AOA the newest resort and that will cost $ 1715.76, Hopper pass for adults: $ 324.93, Dining $299.94 per person. There will be 2 adults, 1 teen and one 5 year old. Again we will use ME so no car expense. I also, will allow $5.00 per day extra for snacks, we are on the dining plan so this extra is for most likely will be for our "parade" snacks We have no meals in the room as I feel that this is my vacation and I don't want to clean up or fix it I am not a souvenier person so I only buy myself usually one thing and I try NOT to go over $25.00. I do buy little snack type souveniers to bring home to families at the tune of $5.00 per family x 5 families. Don't forget the post cards and stamps, I bring stamps from home along with address labels for each card. Now, here is another expense at the post cards range from $.75 to $1.25.I usually send 6 post cards. I don't know if that helps you or confuses you, but, I try to keep records for my own sanity Happy planning and have a magical time. Oh, yes, I do rent a stroller for our whole time and this year it will cost $85.60 for our 6 night stay..Again have a memoriable time..If, you consider the cost of photos after you get home, well, last year I went well over budget at a tune of $60plus..worth every dollar oh, yes, before we leave, I buy glow in the dark items for all ages, from 2-34, they bring Pixie dust and lots of smiles from not only the ones holding them or wearing them I do also, make tee shirts for several days, and actually, the shirts are cheap and I make so many I don't keep track of the cost for those nor the transfer sheets I use to make the shirts.Most all trips were for 5 day park hoppers, 6 night stays at the resorts, and for dining, each time: 1 TS,1CS, and 1 snack per person per day.

 

[momto2inKC]

I want what previous posters have given me, and what I have asked for multiple times: how much THEIR vacation has cost THEM. If you do not understand and therefore do not wish to participate, that is ok! Or, if you think your information is too dated to be helpful, then don't offer it. That is ok! I am doing something in the way that makes sense to me and do not feel I need to justify it. For my purposes, the PP is exactly what I am looking for, and I greatly appreciate the effort of those willing to supply the information I asked for - even if they might not "get it". Just as I appreciate your opinion and responses. I feel, though, that this banter isn't productive to either of our causes. I would judt like for people to tell me how much their vacations cost them. Do you have a break down of a vacation you would like to share with me? I would love to see it! I'm sure it would be a great help for what I am trying to do, you seem to really know your stuff!!

Did you happen to check the thread I mentioned in my post on the Resorts board that has PAGES upon pages of exactly the info you're looking for??
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2513348

 

[HeatherC]

Family of five here too. We are going for 11 days in April. Here is basically what we are spending.

Airfare...$1100
10 nights in a three bedroom at Bonnet Creek. $1100 ($110 a night including taxes).
$100 parking ...just guesstimating.
5 days passes...roughly $1250
Food/ spending money...budgeting $2000.

We go almost every year for at least ten days and average $4-5000.

Hope this helps!

 

[Marionnette]

I want what previous posters have given me, and what I have asked for multiple times: how much THEIR vacation has cost THEM. If you do not understand and therefore do not wish to participate, that is ok! Or, if you think your information is too dated to be helpful, then don't offer it. That is ok! I am doing something in the way that makes sense to me and do not feel I need to justify it. For my purposes, the PP is exactly what I am looking for, and I greatly appreciate the effort of those willing to supply the information I asked for - even if they might not "get it". Just as I appreciate your opinion and responses. I feel, though, that this banter isn't productive to either of our causes. I would judt like for people to tell me how much their vacations cost them. Do you have a break down of a vacation you would like to share with me? I would love to see it! I'm sure it would be a great help for what I am trying to do, you seem to really know your stuff!!

Okay, here ya go...my cheapest Disney vacation ever (early Dec. 2009):

Cheapest trip?

Two adults, 4 nights at a SSR studio, dining plan, 10 day park hoppers for $735 before tips and shopping. We used old tickets with a few days left on them and saved the park hoppers for another time.The price was an internet error but the company honored it.

2 RT flights using FF miles. Only had to pay the 9/11 fees which was $10 total for 2 people. A neighbor drove us to the airport and my daughter picked us up when we got back. We took ME and used Disney transportation to get around.

Tips amounted to about $40 cash (mousekeeping, ME drivers and skycaps). We used our KTTW cards for charging the tips at tableservice restaurants and then paid it off using gift cards that I had earned thru rewards programs.

The total OOP cost for that trip was under $800 for 4 nights.

Or perhaps, this one from August 2011 would be more helpful?

This will be a "budget" trip for just 2 of us. We have spent upwards of $5K for a week for 2 adults and 3 juniors at a deluxe resort.

Ground transportation in Philly -to/from the airport - $110
Breakfast at the airport - $20
airfare - 2 RT tickets free w/ SWA Visa ($40 for Early Bird Check In, $20 for 9/11 fees, $69 for annual fee for credit card) - $130
DME - free
4 nights at YC w/convention rate = $715
Tickets - We have leftover days on 10-day non-expiring hoppers but the value is about $56/day per ticket. We'll use 3 days. - $336
Food - estimating $150 per day for 5 days - $750
Tips - skycaps, DME, bellhops, Mousekeeping - $60
Souvenirs - maybe $100, we're not big souvenir people

Total cost - $2231

But, we already have $1400 in rewards dollars from our Disney Visa to pay for the food and the room. Plus, since the tickets were paid for about 5 years ago and I have a Merchandise gift card from our last trip, the actual OOP cash costs are much lower.

There's also this one from Jan. 2012:

Transportation to the airport = $0 My husband is dropping us off. We're 20 mins. from the airport. I'm not factoring in the cost of gas.
Pet sitting = $0 Oldest son is still home from college. It's the least he can do for me. Besides, they're his dogs, too!
Airfare = $75 for 3 RT tickets. 2 were purchased using the bonus awards that I got from SWA for getting their Visa last spring. The third was paid for with points from the Diner's Club Mastercard that we use to pay for business expenses. The $75 covers 9/11 fees ($5 RT x 3) and Early Bird Check In fees ($10 pp each way).
Room = $715 I rented 55 points from my brother @$13/pt. (which is kind of high but that's what I offered since he could use the money). I felt that giving him the money was better than giving Disney my money. This way, it all stays in the family! That was enough to get 5 nights in a Kidani studio with a standard view.
Dining Plan = $773.10 That's the 2012 price for 3 adults, 5 nights. I send my brother a scan of the backs of 5 gift cards to call member services and add the dining plan to our stay.
Tickets = ~$250 Which is really low and I'm sort of cheating here. My daughter and I have non-expiring multi-day passes that I purchased back in 2005. We will be using those. I also have a 1-day base ticket from a free dining trip that we took in 2006. I'll be giving that to my niece so that she can upgrade it to either a 6 or 7 day hopper. Once used, the ticket will have a gate value of $90.53 (inc. tax) and that will be applied to the price of the upgraded pass. My niece has offered to pay for her own ticket.
Souvenirs = $0 It's not as if we will not purchase souvenirs. But I have a "Merchandise" gift card that Disney offered a deal on when my husband and I went in 2009. The deal was $475 for a $600 GC. It never expires. I still have over $400 on it.
Tips = ~$150 I'm figuring around $10 for the Skycaps, another $10-$15 each way for DME and about $100 for tableservice dining. There is no maid service when you stay on DVC points, so there won't be any Mousekeeping envelopes this trip.
Car Rental = $145 I have a standard size sedan reserved at the Car Care Center. Cost is $103. Even if I have to fill the tank completely, it shouldn't cost more than $40.
Misc. = $400 This is to cover food and beverages in the airport, the cover charge at Jellyrolls, any alcoholic beverages at the pool or with dinner (the girls are both 21), and a grocery run for a couple of items we will want in the room for breakfast.

Total Price is in the $2500 range. Out of that, I estimate that actual cash OOP will be $935 ($715 for the DVC rental, $75 for the airfare, $40-$50 for tips, around $45 for the car and $50 for misc.) The remainder will be covered by gift cards in one form or the other.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

SO sorry!!! What a ding dong I am. The kids are 11, 9, and 7! Also, if you remember I did not ask what you think *I* should do, I asked what YOU do. I, too, do not know my budget, whether or not I will eat in my room, if I am renting a car, etc. Hence me asking the question about how YOU vacation.

Also, all of the researching in the world will not tell me what you, specifically, do. I am no dummy, I fully understands that I will not be doing EXACTLY what you do. I get that I will not be going on your family's vacation. I am searching for real figures, from real people who took real vacations. I have got the rest covered!

Ok back when we only had 3 kids (now with 5 nothing is cheap) we could do WDW for a pretty reasonable amount of money.
Port Orleans Riverside is the best economical room for a family of 5, it is less than 2 value rooms and you get more ammenities at a moderate. I am not sure when the new Animation resort opens if that changes thing but I have heard they are priced higher than the other values so POR still will probably be your best value. A lot of people will say it's not enough room etc. but we had our 3 kids plus a toddler in a playpen and still thought it wasn't bad. It's a good value at free dining as well because values only get counterservice plan free and moderates get sit down one free. It is a vacation we don't expect to hang out in the room a lot and when we do since it is a vacation we are spending time together as a family so don't need as much space. The rate changes depending on seasons if you want to price things mousesavers.com has charts with the hotels rates for the different room views as well as seasons. That could give you a ballpark figure of how much to budget for hotels.

Ticket prices are the same until they raise prices so once again you can figure that budget easily. Ticket prices are listed on this website. We tend to do parkhoppers but no waterparks to keep costs down. If we're at a moderate we have a waterslide at the pool so we're fine with that. Parkhoppers are worth the cost as I figure the value of hopping away from the crowds and being able to just go in for the evening entertainment is cost effective. (for example Hollywood Studios is extremely crowded the days they have Fantasmic. So we go elsewhere in the morning and only go there in the evening.)

Dining is a major expense. If at all possible, for a first trip I would look at free dining, you can save money and still be able to eat at the funner restaurants (like character meals or SciFI etc.) Otherwise to add the dining plan is $51.54-$53.54 for ages 10 on up (depending on season) or $15.02-$16.02 for 3-9. The price of dinner at Chef Mickey's can get as high as $43 per person 10 and up in some seasons so dinig for 5 is going to be a big part of your budget if you eat on-site sit down meals.

We went from Portland OR(lived there for 10 years) in 2007 for free dining at POR for under 5,000 for 10 nights. This included airfare,souvenirs as well as the Halloween party tickets.

Just some things to start getting a ballpark figure.

 

[SnowPeas]

Did you happen to check the thread I mentioned in my post on the Resorts board that has PAGES upon pages of exactly the info you're looking for??

Indeed! In fact, it is why I am still online. That thing is 58 pages of numbers! Thanks, so much, for the recommendation! I appreciate your time.

Family of five here too. We are going for 11 days in April. Here is basically what we are spending.

Airfare...$1100
10 nights in a three bedroom at Bonnet Creek. $1100 ($110 a night including taxes).
$100 parking ...just guesstimating.
5 days passes...roughly $1250
Food/ spending money...budgeting $2000.

We go almost every year for at least ten days and average $4-5000.

Hope this helps!

It is very helpful. I now know that I should be looking into this Bonnet Creek place. It's been mentioned a few times, and seems to be quite the savings! More research means more ways for me to have the most magical vacation I can dream up. Thank you so much!

Okay, here ya go...my cheapest Disney vacation ever (early Dec. 2009):

The total OOP cost for that trip was under $800 for 4 nights.

Or perhaps, this one from August 2011 would be more helpful?

There's also this one from Jan. 2012:

See? I knew you knew your stuff. Look at all those savings! It is amazing that you are able to do trips at those prices. I'm quite impressed!

Ok back when we only had 3 kids (now with 5 nothing is cheap) we could do WDW for a pretty reasonable amount of money.
Port Orleans Riverside is the best economical room for a family of 5, it is less than 2 value rooms and you get more ammenities at a moderate. I am not sure when the new Animation resort opens if that changes thing but I have heard they are priced higher than the other values so POR still will probably be your best value. A lot of people will say it's not enough room etc. but we had our 3 kids plus a toddler in a playpen and still thought it wasn't bad. It's a good value at free dining as well because values only get counterservice plan free and moderates get sit down one free. It is a vacation we don't expect to hang out in the room a lot and when we do since it is a vacation we are spending time together as a family so don't need as much space. The rate changes depending on seasons if you want to price things mousesavers.com has charts with the hotels rates for the different room views as well as seasons. That could give you a ballpark figure of how much to budget for hotels.

Ticket prices are the same until they raise prices so once again you can figure that budget easily. Ticket prices are listed on this website. We tend to do parkhoppers but no waterparks to keep costs down. If we're at a moderate we have a waterslide at the pool so we're fine with that. Parkhoppers are worth the cost as I figure the value of hopping away from the crowds and being able to just go in for the evening entertainment is cost effective. (for example Hollywood Studios is extremely crowded the days they have Fantasmic. So we go elsewhere in the morning and only go there in the evening.)

Dining is a major expense. If at all possible, for a first trip I would look at free dining, you can save money and still be able to eat at the funner restaurants (like character meals or SciFI etc.) Otherwise to add the dining plan is $51.54-$53.54 for ages 10 on up (depending on season) or $15.02-$16.02 for 3-9. The price of dinner at Chef Mickey's can get as high as $43 per person 10 and up in some seasons so dinig for 5 is going to be a big part of your budget if you eat on-site sit down meals.

We went from Portland OR(lived there for 10 years) in 2007 for free dining at POR for under 5,000 for 10 nights. This included airfare,souvenirs as well as the Halloween party tickets.

Just some things to start getting a ballpark figure.

Wow, Training, you have been the most helpful of all because you are talkin' about a trip from right out of my neck of the woods. We're in Salem Thank you so much for taking the time to share all that with me. I can't wait to take all of this information and sit down with the hubster and start making a plan for when we think we'll be able to save the money by in order to go on our Disney vacation. Thanks, guys!

 

[momto2inKC]

Good that is a great thread!! I'm quite sure there is another one because that one hasn't been updated since August and i'm sure I posted about my last trip closer to the date we went.

 

[maplevale]

i am budgeting 4,000 for our family of 4

Us too. (But we have an infant as our fourth)

POR with Free Dining, 6 nights, 5 park days(no hoppers or waterparks) = $2200
Airfair = $1300 (for 3 - just some minor taxes on the baby)
Stroller rental, Grocery delivery for breakfasts, tips on table service meals, souvenirs will be about $500 more (I hope that's all!)

 

[EMHDad]

I'm glad it did. But as I understand it, spots for groups are filled before open enrollment even happens, which means if Scout troops have filled up the week you intend to go, there won't be any open enrollment that week, even if you planned around it. And if your trip hinges on cheap YES tickets, that could create a budgetary problem. Unless you are willing to book the YES tickets and then the airfare/hotel and vacation time. Its also completely possible that Disney could significant change or even cancel the program.

That is true. We were not about to book plane tickets or rental house until we were able to get the yes tickets. However, we still got great rates on both. In fact, the rental house rate is unbelievable. Also, if the Yes program is cancelled that day, we still get the YES tickets. We dont lose those. It still works out.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

Indeed! In fact, it is why I am still online. That thing is 58 pages of numbers! Thanks, so much, for the recommendation! I appreciate your time.



It is very helpful. I now know that I should be looking into this Bonnet Creek place. It's been mentioned a few times, and seems to be quite the savings! More research means more ways for me to have the most magical vacation I can dream up. Thank you so much!



See? I knew you knew your stuff. Look at all those savings! It is amazing that you are able to do trips at those prices. I'm quite impressed!



Wow, Training, you have been the most helpful of all because you are talkin' about a trip from right out of my neck of the woods. We're in Salem Thank you so much for taking the time to share all that with me. I can't wait to take all of this information and sit down with the hubster and start making a plan for when we think we'll be able to save the money by in order to go on our Disney vacation. Thanks, guys!

Small world we were in Tigard OR. It was our most magical trip ironically the next year we stayed at Deluxes but had several problems which were magnified in my mind because of the higher cost. Several years before that we did stay off-site at a condo. It was OK but we didn't want to take the time to get back to our car out in the boondock parking at the MK to go back for a break in the afternoon so we stuck it out until after the parade then when we left we got separated on the tram and at the time my cell was dead so I was wandering around parking with 2 of my little ones (2 and 1) in a stroller looking for my DH and 3 YO. By the time I found him we were all hot and dehydrated (unexpected heatwave for that time of year) and I couldn't meet him at the car because I forgot where we parked as I was paying attention to packing all the 3 kids in their respective strollers and making sure we had eerything for the day and getting in before the crowds etc. This of course was before DIS as I would have known to take a picture of our lot sign now. I know off-site is way cheaper for our size a family but on-site has been so easy for us especially with the kids and they love the excitement of the early morning bus for Early entry. Usually uncrowded as a lot of people sleep in as if my kids would let me at Disney. We get a lot done that first couple hours and usually hop elsewhere in the evening.
In fact we have booked free dining for this year now and I am going back and forth on whether to go then or in Dec. We have been to the Halloween party several times as we have done free dining several times but the savings sure does appeal to my frugal side. I'm hoping they offer some discount in Dec then I could switch so we could do the Christmas party only been to this one once.
Anyways, good luck on our planning. We're looking at heading that direction next summer as we miss DL (drove down 3 times when we lived there) so heading there next year for Carsland.