How much should be plan for?

[floydfamily4]

I have decided that I want to go to California for a visit. Not just any visit but I want to really do it up. With Disney of course! I would like to go to Disneyland and Sea World and do a cruise from California. I'm forty and haven't been to California so it might be my only chance. I want my husband and twins (6) to also join me on this adventure. So, my question to the Disexperts is how much moolah do I need to start saving for now? I'm a homeschooler and am able to go 'off season'. I want it to be warm though - I like the idea of laying by a pool Has anyone done such an adventure and want to share I look forward to hearing from you

Dawn

 

[HydroGuy]

I have decided that I want to go to California for a visit. Not just any visit but I want to really do it up. With Disney of course! I would like to go to Disneyland and Sea World and do a cruise from California. I'm forty and haven't been to California so it might be my only chance. I want my husband and twins (6) to also join me on this adventure. So, my question to the Disexperts is how much moolah do I need to start saving for now? I'm a homeschooler and am able to go 'off season'. I want it to be warm though - I like the idea of laying by a pool Has anyone done such an adventure and want to share I look forward to hearing from you

Dawn

Be careful with off-season. See "What You Should Know About Off-Season at DLR" www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18462889

As for cost, it depends on what you mena by "do it up". The nicest hotel to stay is the Grand Californian - but that can run you $500 a night. Do you want to do it up at the GCH?

Not knowing any more details than that, I will instead start from a more bare bones cost for a four day stay at the resort.

1. Hotel room for four people and five nights - $700

2. Entrance tickets four day parkhoppers - 2 adults x ($220) + 2 kids x 200 = $840

3. Food - depends on your style - get a hotel with a breakfast and then you need to pay for two meals a day. I would recommend one sit down meal and one light and fast meal. Cost per day for a family of 4 - $125. So total food cost is $500

4. Incidentals, special events like Fantasmic or World of Color dining, character meals, souvineers, treats and ice cream, etc., will all cost more

Total cost not counting incidentals or transportation - a little over $2000.

 

[floydfamily4]

Thanks for the info! I was thinking like a WDW person and planning for off-season so the info is great. My plan was to do the the So Cal City Pass for the parks and try to take advantage of as much as possible. If I could do the Grand Californian that would be great but we may just do the disneyland hotel which looks nice as well. Thanks for responding!

 

[helenb]

The advantage to off season is the cruise price. Right now Disney is offering 'kids sail free' on the 7 day cruises out of LA for this Fall. You can check the Disney Cruise Line website for a price quote.

Do you have a Disney Visa card? That will get you some nice discounts/packages, plus when you use it you earn 'Disney Dollars' to spend at the parks or on the cruise ship.