How to start planning for cheap??

[rainbowapplefizz]

My husband, daughter and I are planning our first trip (my first ever vacation!!) to Disney World at the end of March/beginning of April. We are so confused by how much needs to be planned, and we would like to do this as inexpensively as possible. Is there a place to get really good deals on the Disney hotels, or is it best to stay off site? Can we still take advantage of the dining plan and such if we stay at a non-Disney hotel? I am soooooo overwhelmed!!

Thanks!!

Lisa

 

[Tricia's mom]

Lisa,
It can be overwhelming... But don't let it... Keep it simple.. YOU WILL NOT SEE EVERYTHING.... It's impossible.

No , you can not get on the dining plan if you are not staying on property.

Are you looking to travel THIS year ?.. If so the problem is the end of march beginning of April is spring break around the country. It's is a PEAK time to travel and will not be the most economical .... I also think you maybe a bit late to take advantage of any discounts. I could be wrong.
You may want to change your dates. Maybe later in April....

When choosing a hotel take a good look at the Disney value resorts... Take into consideration how often off property buses run, how you will get to and from the airport.. If you rent a car the 14.00 dollar a day parking...
These are things to consider when booking off property. Disney really tries to be competitive with prices.... Time has some value.

Also some money saving tips is to use counter service meals... If you eat at a sit down do it during lunch.... Pack cereal bars and such for breakfast in the morning. Filtered water is free at all CS places. Bring snacks.

You didn't mention how old your daughter is ??

You must haunt the boards and you will be able to find tailed information that is important for YOUR family.

Planning is the best part sometimes.... Enjoy the beginning of your magical ride.

 

[growinupdisney]

You can still take advantage of some on site discounts the spring room only discount is still available.

Dining plan would probably not be the less expensive way to go....like pp said eat breakfast in room will save lots of time and $$

We are going same time it will extremely busy as long as you know this and have a plan you can have a wonderful time just realize you can not do it all in one trip and read the disboards and ask questions and you will be fine!



As far as staying on or off-site everyone is different. We prefer to pay slightly more to stay on site, we like to park our car at resort and not get in again til we leave to go home! We like the being able to use the disney transportation, we like being apart of Disney the whole time we are there. We have considered staying off-site every trip but ultimately stay on site!

 

[a742246]

If you have not visited the site www.allears.net and read "tips" I would do it.

For your fist trip to disney I would suggest you stay on site(for for full impact of Disney). Remember if you use disney you can use the magical express from the airport to a Disney resort for free.

I would also stop by a local AAA office and look at there brochures on Disney.

How long are you planning to go for?
How old is your daughter?

Good Luck!

 

[rainbowapplefizz]

Thanks all! My daughter is 6 1/2. The only reason we want to go then is mainly because otherwise, my husband won't be able to get the time off work. I was wondering, if I called to make reservations instead of going online, are they flexible with being able to offer small discounts or anything like that? I just want my and my daughter's first time there to be special!

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

You can book rooms thru AAA online.
To go during Mar/April you will pay a high premium since it is Spring break time and most of the hotels may already be booked. And dinning reservation will be hard to come by. Not to mention it will be very very crowded. So be prepared for that. With the new Fantasy land and given the fact that the park was filled to capasity by 11:00 a.m every day during the week of Christmas to the point that they were not allowing anyone else into the park. Plan to be at the park when it opens.
It may be more economical to stay off site.

 

[a742246]

My GD was 6 1/2 when we took her. Her favorites were meeting all the princesses. This is definitely one of the best age to go to disney.

To save you money you probably do not need to buy the park hopper option for the tickets. Jumping parks may be too much for a 6 year old. Our GD loved the resort pools as much as the parks, so keep that in mind.

Alot of people love Bonnet Creek if you want to stay offsite. You may want to read up on that if you are looking for an off site. http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2114303
You can probably get some good deals from ebay with this resort. But be careful and check feedback etc. or you can look up ken price.

My first choice for you is to try to stay onsite. Maybe POP or allstars resorts.

Anyway Good Luck!

 

[siskaren]

If you can start your trip April 2 or later, you can take advantage of this discount:

Walt Disney World Special Offer