How much has the information from these board saved you?

[nicknamy1996]

Savings? It has cost me thousands!!!

My wife and I went to WDW on our honeymoon in 1996 (we loved Disney, but knew little about it at the time-compared to what we know now). Fast forward to about 3 years ago: We are sitting around with a 2 year old and a newborn thinking about a trip in 2006. Our tenth anniversary and we thought the boys will be a great age for it (5 and 7) It was perfect! But it was going to be expensive so we better start saving and doing some research. So I start looking around and find DISBOARDS!!! That was it!!! About 6 months later we are at WDW having the time of our lives. The kids were free(still under 3), it was cheaper in the off season, great weather, no crowds, discounts, reward programs, etc... Add in the tips and must do lists and it was a no brainer. Since then we have had 2 more trips, each one more magical than the one before and we are not even in 2005 yet, let alone June 2006 when we planned to take our first trip back to the World!

So it has cost me thousands and earned me enough memories to last a lifetime. But what about savings? Yea, I've saved a lot of money, but it saved me 5 years of my life that would have been "wasted" waiting to go, and that is PRICELESS!

Thank you to everyone of you who run, moderate and post to these boards!

 

[hookedup]

It's hard for me to quantify an amount but I will say that this board keeps me inspired and motivated and that in itself is priceless!

 

[PattiPB]

I have saved boatloads of money from all of the information on these boards!!! I've taken advantage of everything that's already been mentioned time and time again!

Just as valuable to me, however, are the non-monetary things I've gathered from this board!!! CRT ressie scramble, avoiding waittimes, character hangouts, monorail captain (my family still thinks I'm a genius for that one!), suggestions for arrival/departure day, free activities at Ft. Wilderness, etc., etc., etc!!!

I feel VERY guilty because I can't offer more on the boards. We go yearly (usually), and are DL AP holders, but can't offer nearly the insights some of the "regulars" can. This is an AMAZING resource!

 

[HenDuck]

nicknamy1996, you took the words right out of my mouth!

These boards have cost me countless $$! At first I thought we'd take DS to DL when he turned 5. Well, he went in April at 3 1/2 and is going again in December. My DM would like to take him next year again for his 5th birthday too!

But I have to say that our trip to DL in April was priceless and nearly perfect because of all the valuable tips I learned here. I really had no idea about character meals, princess story telling, where to find characters for picture taking, etc, etc. There were so many experiences that we had that were too magical that we would not have experienced had I not found these boards.

I also know that I can go to Disney for less money if I want to, or splurge and do it all. It gives me the peace of mind knowing that Mickey is never too far away.

You guys are the bomb!

Thanks to all of you. I feel like you are my Disney family. Those people who truly understand my addiction.

Much aloha to all of you!

 

[BethR]

This thread has made my day!

 

[mouskamom]

It's saved me a lot (and enabled me to go more often and then it costs my husband alot!) - but for Nov/Dec trip I saw the posts about the AP rates -was able to get in on that - so saved there & some wonderful member posted about the $199 price on the Richard Petty Driving experience - so saved about $200 on that alone - (although I wouldn't have even entertained the thought at almost $400) - I saved and am giving my DH a very cool Christmas present - Yeah - thanks to everyone who takes the time to post these great deals!!!

 

[Local_Girl]

Thanks to all who post on these boards, especially on this Budget Board with such great ideas on how to "do" Disney for less.

I agree with Nicknamy1996 and HenDuck, though...we have saved so well that it's actually cost us more than we would have spent in the long run! When I point out to DH how great the deals are, how much we can save, etc., he agrees that going to WDW is a good idea and affordable after all! Our best finds have been off site condos, FITS passes, and our soon-to-be-tried Brita bottles.

We have made some wonderful memories as a family and hope to make many more at WDW!

Thank you again!!

 

[kenziesmamaw]

What are CRT ressies?

 

[laurabelle]

Enough to inspire me to become a Dis supporter!
Thanks Dis!

 

[BethR]

Originally posted by kenziesmamaw
What are CRT ressies?

Cinderella's Royal Table reservations. The ones for breakfast are ESPECIALLY hard to come by!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Originally posted by PattiPB
I have saved boatloads of money from all of the information on these boards!!! I've taken advantage of everything that's already been mentioned time and time again!

Just as valuable to me, however, are the non-monetary things I've gathered from this board!!! CRT ressie scramble, avoiding waittimes, character hangouts, monorail captain (my family still thinks I'm a genius for that one!), suggestions for arrival/departure day, free activities at Ft. Wilderness, etc., etc., etc!!!

I feel VERY guilty because I can't offer more on the boards. We go yearly (usually), and are DL AP holders, but can't offer nearly the insights some of the "regulars" can. This is an AMAZING resource!

What is monorail captain? Are you referring to riding in front?

 

[PattiPB]

Yes, Lisa, I meant riding in the front of the monorail! When I "sprung" that one on my older brother and his two kids, he was stunned and shocked and downright GIDDY!!! The real captain gave them those business cards that say something like "Honorary Monorail Captain", and he carries it in his wallet to this day.

All my life, we saw people getting into the front of the monorail, and figured they were celebrities/concierge/paying extra...something we could never do. After that time on the monorail, nobody in my family has ever made fun of my obsessive planning again.

Yes, it's the simple things that make life special...

 

[Disneysnel]

Springing all your knowledge on those you go with makes their time so much more fun. I let Hubby chose pretty much where he wants to stay and eat and the rides he wants but I don't tell him anything else. I am like his own personal WDW guide and because of these boards we always have a magical experience in the Wonderful World of Disney!
I know I am so corny!
Thanks for all the magic, too guys!