Is $2500 do-able for a 5 day 4 ngt trip to Disney?

[DonnaL]

No such thing as missing the bus.......there's always another one within a half hour. Disney transportation runs continuously while the parks are open. It's not like staying at a hotel offsite where the bus only runs once or twice a day.
And, believe me, if your hubby has not been to WDW before.......he will soon realize he won't get bored....we've been going twice a year since 2000 and we still find things we haven't done yet......you can do as much as want or as little as you want. We've had trips we didn't even go into a park, but, just relaxed and hung out at the pool and then, out for dinner. AND, for a little more on your package price you could add the Water Park and More option, which would give you admission to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (there's your beach!) and also Disney Quest......awesome virtual playroom at Disney's West Side.

 

[mickeyplanner08]

I just think my hubby will be bored with it after 2 days. Myself and daughter would love to be there the whole time, I'm sure. I think I will have to talk him into it and scratch the car rental out. I'm just a little scared if we miss the bus at a scheduled time, that's all!

Don't worry....there's always another bus at Disney

Seriously, they run almost 24/7. They don't really have a schedule except in the very wee hours of the morning. Otherwise, you just get in line and hang out til the next one arrives that's heading where you want to go.

Seriously, start reading the Theme Parks board, the Resorts board, and the dining board, and you will find that there is TONS to do. Don't even think about trying to do it all.

Have your husband check out the maps for the 4 parks. You can ride, watch shows, and just have a great time as a family without leaving Disney. Of course, you've come to a board full of Disney-nuts, and most of us would rather live there than at our own home, so take all our info with the teensiest grain of salt

 

[Vivilove]

Oh well, I guess hubby will have to live without the beach....I prefer the pool and so does my daughter. He'll live, LOL! Thanks for letting me know.
My 5 yr old is a real trooper. She is like an energizer bunny, she just keeps going and going. I think we can do MK and AK (1 day dedicated to each, or MK and Hollywood) I don't know what the best ticket deal is for us. I know we probably won't be hopping from one to another within the same day. Thanks for the dining link, I guess I need to finalize things with hubby and see. We may need to push the dates back, so we can get the most out of our trip, it will get more crowded and expensive past May though, sigh....

You mentioned something about the beach, also.....the nearest beach to WDW is over an hour away.....however, some of the hotel pools are awesome. With a five year old toward the end of May you might be pushing it a little to try and do two parks in two days......don't forget if you buy a package.....as someone above said......there is a promo for Kids Stay and Play Free.....your park tickets are included for the length of your stay.....so you could do parks in the morning, hotel pool in the afternoon and then back to a park in the early evening......when it's cooler. If your hubby wants a beach experience you could always head to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon for a day.....on the bus.......cheaper than renting a car and driving over an hour. And eating at Disney can be an experience all by itself.......some extremely good restaurants. Check out www.allearsnet.com and click on dining.....you'll be able to pull up all the restaurants onsite and their menus. If you're seriously thinking about spending a few days elsewhere your $2500 probably won't go as far as staying onsite.

 

[Vivilove]

LOL! thanks

No such thing as missing the bus.......there's always another one within a half hour. Disney transportation runs continuously while the parks are open. It's not like staying at a hotel offsite where the bus only runs once or twice a day.
And, believe me, if your hubby has not been to WDW before.......he will soon realize he won't get bored....we've been going twice a year since 2000 and we still find things we haven't done yet......you can do as much as want or as little as you want. We've had trips we didn't even go into a park, but, just relaxed and hung out at the pool and then, out for dinner. AND, for a little more on your package price you could add the Water Park and More option, which would give you admission to both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach (there's your beach!) and also Disney Quest......awesome virtual playroom at Disney's West Side.

 

[sjs314]

Don't worry....there's always another bus at Disney

Seriously, they run almost 24/7. They don't really have a schedule except in the very wee hours of the morning. Otherwise, you just get in line and hang out til the next one arrives that's heading where you want to go.

Seriously, start reading the Theme Parks board, the Resorts board, and the dining board, and you will find that there is TONS to do. Don't even think about trying to do it all.

Have your husband check out the maps for the 4 parks. You can ride, watch shows, and just have a great time as a family without leaving Disney. Of course, you've come to a board full of Disney-nuts, and most of us would rather live there than at our own home, so take all our info with the teensiest grain of salt

I resemble that remark !

 

[Vivilove]

AWW thanks I can't wait, you all make everything sound so exciting even for Adults! I've been to Disney only once in my life over 18 yrs ago. I was 14 yrs old. I had a nice time with my cousin and parents.
I didn't know the buses ran all day long. I guess I was reading about buses of off-site properties that only ran like twice a day.

Don't worry....there's always another bus at Disney

Seriously, they run almost 24/7. They don't really have a schedule except in the very wee hours of the morning. Otherwise, you just get in line and hang out til the next one arrives that's heading where you want to go.

Seriously, start reading the Theme Parks board, the Resorts board, and the dining board, and you will find that there is TONS to do. Don't even think about trying to do it all.

Have your husband check out the maps for the 4 parks. You can ride, watch shows, and just have a great time as a family without leaving Disney. Of course, you've come to a board full of Disney-nuts, and most of us would rather live there than at our own home, so take all our info with the teensiest grain of salt

 

[DonnaL]

Excellent advice from mickeyplanner08 about the maps......most people don't realize how large WDW actually is until the first time they get there......some interesting trivia facts......47 square miles...about the size of San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan...of the 47 square miles only 35% has been developed. There are 4 theme parks, 2 waterparks, numerous golf courses, 2 mini golf courses, and 24 onsite hotels, plus Downtown Disney and West Side Disney, both shopping and dining venues, plus Ft. Wilderness campground, with tent and RV facilities, not to mention probably a dozen other hotels onsite,but, not operated by the Disney company. Just google WDW maps and believe me, you'll be amazed......

 

[StitchandPooh'sMom]

Using the % off link at the Disney site and adding 4-day base tickets, with the standard dining plan (one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per day), a standard room at Pop from May 22-26 is $1488.85. That leaves you $1000 for three plane tickets and incidentals. You really don't need a rental car if you are staying on property. Haven't priced tickets yet for those dates - it might be better to move your trip a day or two to get better airfare rates.

Link to the offer (I hope):

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....m&CMP=ILC-DPSpecOffWDWFY10Q3SummerROoffer0001


With the kids play and stay free offer for the same dates with the regular dining plan and a 5-day base ticket, a standard room at Pop is $1364.49. Link to that offer here (you will have to enter the info yourself for your dates):

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....s/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true

A five day base ticket is only $3 more per person than a 4-day base ticket, so no great loss if you don't use the fifth day (adn this plan is cheaper anyway).

Edited to add:

I just looked at Southwest from Philadelphia to Orlando, May 22-26. There are several flights offered at $99 each way. Total with fees for 3 tickets - $658.20. That still leaves $350 for a rental car if you want one, but you can take Magical Express from the airport for free and take a cab if you want to go somewhere. Or you can rent for a day from the Car Care Center at Disney - no need to rent for five days and leave the car parked most of the time.

 

[TnTWalter]

It looks like you're a newbie so you've got some reading up to do!

For sure....you must go to the rates board.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

Another great discount page
www.mousesavers.com

You'd be surprised your husband might really get into it. Each park has wonderful activities for all ages.

Go to the library or book store and get The Unofficial Guide to WDW. It's a MUST READ for first timers.

Walt Disney World is bigger than NY City so to go without a plan is asking for failure.

Oh and about pin codes...
The best way to get a pin code is to sign up for everything and anything on disneyworld.com Creat yourself a username, order personalized maps, get trip planning dvds, whatever!! I get pins often sadly have only used it once. They are not transferable to anyone else.

And...
When you go the next time, I would seriously look into renting a DVC villa...through an owner not disney reservations. That way you could say rent Beach Club Villas with the awesome pool or Animal Kingdom Lodge with the animals for about $150 a night since you could get a studio! Crazy awesome.

Happy reading!

 

[Vivilove]

Thank you so much again, will go look up the maps.

Excellent advice from mickeyplanner08 about the maps......most people don't realize how large WDW actually is until the first time they get there......some interesting trivia facts......47 square miles...about the size of San Francisco or twice the size of Manhattan...of the 47 square miles only 35% has been developed. There are 4 theme parks, 2 waterparks, numerous golf courses, 2 mini golf courses, and 24 onsite hotels, plus Downtown Disney and West Side Disney, both shopping and dining venues, plus Ft. Wilderness campground, with tent and RV facilities, not to mention probably a dozen other hotels onsite,but, not operated by the Disney company. Just google WDW maps and believe me, you'll be amazed......

 

[Vivilove]

I will go and check out those links, thanks for all your hard work and advice.

Using the % off link at the Disney site and adding 4-day base tickets, with the standard dining plan (one table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack per day), a standard room at Pop from May 22-26 is $1488.85. That leaves you $1000 for three plane tickets and incidentals. You really don't need a rental car if you are staying on property. Haven't priced tickets yet for those dates - it might be better to move your trip a day or two to get better airfare rates.

Link to the offer (I hope):

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....m&CMP=ILC-DPSpecOffWDWFY10Q3SummerROoffer0001


With the kids play and stay free offer for the same dates with the regular dining plan and a 5-day base ticket, a standard room at Pop is $1364.49. Link to that offer here (you will have to enter the info yourself for your dates):

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....s/processEngine?process=false&pageRender=true

A five day base ticket is only $3 more per person than a 4-day base ticket, so no great loss if you don't use the fifth day (adn this plan is cheaper anyway).

Edited to add:

I just looked at Southwest from Philadelphia to Orlando, May 22-26. There are several flights offered at $99 each way. Total with fees for 3 tickets - $658.20. That still leaves $350 for a rental car if you want one, but you can take Magical Express from the airport for free and take a cab if you want to go somewhere. Or you can rent for a day from the Car Care Center at Disney - no need to rent for five days and leave the car parked most of the time.

 

[Vivilove]

Thanks so much. I did sign up with the site about 2 years ago and got the personalized maps and all but then I had to cancell my trip due to a work-related problem. I still get emails from the site hear and there but never noticed a pin code. I will probably sign up again with a different email addy.

It looks like you're a newbie so you've got some reading up to do!

For sure....you must go to the rates board.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=93

Another great discount page
www.mousesavers.com

You'd be surprised your husband might really get into it. Each park has wonderful activities for all ages.

Go to the library or book store and get The Unofficial Guide to WDW. It's a MUST READ for first timers.

Walt Disney World is bigger than NY City so to go without a plan is asking for failure.

Oh and about pin codes...
The best way to get a pin code is to sign up for everything and anything on disneyworld.com Creat yourself a username, order personalized maps, get trip planning dvds, whatever!! I get pins often sadly have only used it once. They are not transferable to anyone else.

And...
When you go the next time, I would seriously look into renting a DVC villa...through an owner not disney reservations. That way you could say rent Beach Club Villas with the awesome pool or Animal Kingdom Lodge with the animals for about $150 a night since you could get a studio! Crazy awesome.

Happy reading!

 

[Vivilove]

How funny, I just checked my email and on Monday Disneyworld.com had already sent me a PIN code and offers the following deals.

Hungry for a Disney deal,
Family?

Good. Because we're about to offer you a great one...one that makes for a tasty and convenient way to enjoy Disney meals and snacks throughout your stay!

Enjoy the Disney Quick-Service
Dining Plan, FREE

when you purchase a 4-night/5-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package that includes accommodations at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Theme Park tickets! For stays most nights now through 8/14/10.

Check out the sample pricing on these
Disney Resort categories.
Enjoy savings of $127 per adult!

For stays most nights 4/11/10-6/3/10


Select Disney
Value Resorts
$ 499 *

per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room.



Select Disney
Moderate Resorts
$ 655 *

per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room.




For stays most nights 6/4/10-8/14/10


Select Disney
Value Resorts
$ 530 *

per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room.



Select Disney
Moderate Resorts
$ 689 *

per adult based on adult double occupancy in a standard room.





*The number of packages available at these rates is limited. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same package. Tickets are for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. No group rates or other discounts apply. Offer is nontransferable. Advance reservations required.

Scurry and book through 4/30/10!

 

[Vivilove]

Only problem is I don't think we will have the funds by 4/30, Eeek! Too bad I don't have a credit card to use. I hope they send me more emails like this with upcoming deals.

 

[aceys_h0ney]

You only need $200 a book a package. You don't have to pay the whole amount right away! I hope you are able to book!

 

[arihillfarm]

Welcome to the DIS! It sounds like staying on property may not be the best or most budget friendly option for you this trip since you plan to spend at least half your time doing things other than Disney. I would recommend a reasonable hotel that offers a buffet or extensive continental breakfast to help save some money or get a condo (I know of some nice ones that are pretty reasonable and give you two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, W/D, etc.) where you can prepare some of your own meals, at least breakfast. The problem with the dining plan for you is that you must stay on property and buy the dining plan for every night of your stay and it sounds like you won't be around at least two days to eat on property. You could also do a split stay and get the dining plan only for the days and nights you'll be staying in the parks, but then you'll likely have to change rooms halfway through your vacation. You could also do a shorter stay on-property and get some place less expensive for the other nights off property, maybe even closer to the beach. For your budget though, even with airfare, I think it is do-able.

-Astrid

 

[sjs314]

Congrates on planning your first trip to Disney, but I just wanted to say I can not imagine only spending 2 days in the Parks... Our first visit we did 4 days and there were only 2 Parks MK and Epcot and believe me there was so much to see and do we could have spent a week easy.

 

[SunnieRN]

I just think my hubby will be bored with it after 2 days. Myself and daughter would love to be there the whole time, I'm sure. I think I will have to talk him into it and scratch the car rental out. I'm just a little scared if we miss the bus at a scheduled time, that's all!

I thought my son in law might be bored also. His first trip to an amusement park of any kind, was to WDW last year, on Spring break, with throngs of crowds! He was on R&R from Iraq. We were there for 14 days.

I thought he would hate the food, buses, crowds, the amusement parks. Guess what? He really LOVED it! All except for the crowds. We had good strategies however and never waited in line for more than 15 min.

The difference was his children. My grandsons had SO much fun, that Daddy had a great time also!

A typical day was to get up EARLY, get to the park BEFORE it opened, have fun at the park until it got too hot, or the kids got too tired, or it got too crowded.

We would then head back to the resort, eat lunch and swim, nap, watch movies, go to a playground, go to downtown disney, or do nothing at all.

We did the Quick Service dining plan. You get two counter service meals a day. 2 snacks a day, and a refillable mug to use at your resort for soda, coffee, tea, cocoa etc.

We figured that we didn't want to be tied down to reservations, paying tips for that many days, or trying to contain a 1 and 3 year old through that many meals.

There is a huge amount of choices, even with the quick service plan. Pizza, burgers, chicken and ribs, just chicken or ribs, salads, breakfasts, hot dogs, fish, Schwarma platters and MORE!

If you want to have a nice sit down meal each day, the regular dining plan includes 1 table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack each day. Either way you can't go wrong.

You can make dining reservations on the disney website, so before you decide which dining plan you want, try to get reservations you are interested in, prior to booking.

Do be aware that some restaurants are signature restaurants and require TWO of your table service credits, which will mean you have less meals overall.

Whatever you decide, your daughter is the PERFECT age to get lost in the magic that makes a WDW trip so incredibly unique! Once your husband sees your daughters joy, he will NEVER want to leave!

 

[Vivilove]

You only need $200 a book a package. You don't have to pay the whole amount right away! I hope you are able to book!

Really! I didn't know that! So when I go to book my trip on disneyworld.com They only charge the intitial $200 and then when do we pay the balance? Thanks for that info.

 

[Vivilove]

Welcome to the DIS! It sounds like staying on property may not be the best or most budget friendly option for you this trip since you plan to spend at least half your time doing things other than Disney. I would recommend a reasonable hotel that offers a buffet or extensive continental breakfast to help save some money or get a condo (I know of some nice ones that are pretty reasonable and give you two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, W/D, etc.) where you can prepare some of your own meals, at least breakfast. The problem with the dining plan for you is that you must stay on property and buy the dining plan for every night of your stay and it sounds like you won't be around at least two days to eat on property. You could also do a split stay and get the dining plan only for the days and nights you'll be staying in the parks, but then you'll likely have to change rooms halfway through your vacation. You could also do a shorter stay on-property and get some place less expensive for the other nights off property, maybe even closer to the beach. For your budget though, even with airfare, I think it is do-able.

-Astrid

Well, I think we are leaning toward just staying on the property now, the beach is over 1 hour away and it would just make more sense to stay put, especially with such a short trip. So, hubby will just have to suck-it up

Congrates on planning your first trip to Disney, but I just wanted to say I can not imagine only spending 2 days in the Parks... Our first visit we did 4 days and there were only 2 Parks MK and Epcot and believe me there was so much to see and do we could have spent a week easy.

I know the stay won't be long, we'll have to enjoy whatever we get, but hopefully we'll have about 3 full days now. When I went back when I was a kid. We only went 1 day to MK 1 day to Sea World and 1 day to Universal and I still had a great time and remember the fun I had, but I'm sure the more time you have the better. I would prefer to take my time, rather then pack it all in, but money and time does not allow for that...bummer. Thanks for your reply.

I thought my son in law might be bored also. His first trip to an amusement park of any kind, was to WDW last year, on Spring break, with throngs of crowds! He was on R&R from Iraq. We were there for 14 days.

I thought he would hate the food, buses, crowds, the amusement parks. Guess what? He really LOVED it! All except for the crowds. We had good strategies however and never waited in line for more than 15 min.

The difference was his children. My grandsons had SO much fun, that Daddy had a great time also!

A typical day was to get up EARLY, get to the park BEFORE it opened, have fun at the park until it got too hot, or the kids got too tired, or it got too crowded.

We would then head back to the resort, eat lunch and swim, nap, watch movies, go to a playground, go to downtown disney, or do nothing at all.

We did the Quick Service dining plan. You get two counter service meals a day. 2 snacks a day, and a refillable mug to use at your resort for soda, coffee, tea, cocoa etc.

We figured that we didn't want to be tied down to reservations, paying tips for that many days, or trying to contain a 1 and 3 year old through that many meals.

There is a huge amount of choices, even with the quick service plan. Pizza, burgers, chicken and ribs, just chicken or ribs, salads, breakfasts, hot dogs, fish, Schwarma platters and MORE!

If you want to have a nice sit down meal each day, the regular dining plan includes 1 table service meal, one counter service meal and one snack each day. Either way you can't go wrong.

You can make dining reservations on the disney website, so before you decide which dining plan you want, try to get reservations you are interested in, prior to booking.

Do be aware that some restaurants are signature restaurants and require TWO of your table service credits, which will mean you have less meals overall.

Whatever you decide, your daughter is the PERFECT age to get lost in the magic that makes a WDW trip so incredibly unique! Once your husband sees your daughters joy, he will NEVER want to leave!

I hope you are right, LOL! I really want this trip to happen and for all of us to enjoy it! I know my DD will love it, but hope hubby doesn't become a party pooper!! KWIM Thanks so much for your reply and info.