Is it possible?

[suslynn]

Is it possible to go to Disney world for 4-5 days in June or July with a family of four and spend only 2500 dollars? We do have access to the connections vouchers and can buy up to 40, but is that realistic at all? Any suggestions?

 

[princessmomma]

Welcome! You will find a lot of great information here.

It is doable! Now tell us more. Are you flying? What level of hotel would you like to stay? How many days would you like to spend in the parks? What are the ages of your kids?

Personally, I don't think the food vouchers are a great deal. For instance, my family will rarely order a coke and dessert with a meal, we will order extra fries or a salad, but not a dessert. Most places need you to order the most expensive thing on the menu, just to break even on your $11.75. Beaches and Cream is the only place I will use food vouchers again.

Also, if you are aware of Priceline, then the WDW Dolphin hotel is coming up for $70 a night most nights in June. This is a great resort hotel on the Disney property. Be sure you know all the rules about Priceline if you decide to bid. To compare, the Value resorts in WDW sell for $77.

 

[suslynn]

I would love to fly but don't think it would be feasible, so we will probably drive. AAA told me it wasn't possible, but I thought I would check here. We have 2 children (6 and 15). We would at least like a moderate resort on site or I was thinking even about the Holiday Inn suites off site. We would like 4 or 5 days in the Park-at least one day at each of the Parks-the water parks and Pleasure Island really hold no interest for us.

I am not familiar with Priceline-is that where you bid on the rooms?

 

[tar heel]

AAA is wrong. That's a pretty short trip -- I don't think you'll have any trouble at all coming in at that budget. Don't book a package, however. Book room only through Disney reservations and keep watching these boards for discounts. If a good one comes out, cancel your first reservation and make a new one. You should be able to stay four nights in a moderate and get passes for five days for around $1,500. That leaves $1,000 for the trip down and food and souvenirs. Should be plenty.

Since you're driving, make sure to bring breakfast and snack foods, bottled water, soft drinks, etc., with you. We also have a "no shopping" rules for convenience store/gas stations -- saves us $10-$15 every time we stop.

 

[suslynn]

I went to Priceline and couldn't find where I could look at any hotel in particular-how did you know they were going for a bout 70 a night? I am new to all this-so please forgive any newbie questions.

This would be our first trip there, so I am going knowing we won't be able to see/do everything.

Would a moderate on site be better than the Holiday Inn suites off site?

 

[roadtripper]

Hi--
You can certainly do Disney for 2500 driving w/ a family of 4. If you've never used priceline, please check out the www.biddingfortravel website before bidding. Be sure to read the hotel FAQ and the WDW FAQ on the site before asking questions-- they can get a little touchy over there, but the advice and deals are great. With Priceline, you need to decide whether you're willing to accept a resort hotel without knowing for sure which one you'll get-- some people don't like that. It is a matter of preference. We have gotten great deals and have not been disappointed. You might also try to rent points on the DVC rent/trade board on this site-- you'll get great accommodations at a reasonable price. Have fun planning the trip!

 

[princessmomma]

Go to www.biddingfortravel.com, scroll down to Orlando- Walt Disney World and click on that link. The next page that comes up will have a link that lists possible "resorts" that have been reported by other posters. Those listed are WDW Dolphin, WDW Swan, Hilton, Wyndham, Gaylord Palms and Marriott Orlando World center. If you would be happy with only of these choices, pm me and I will give you more instructions.

Also, the thing about Priceline is that the rooms are charged to your credit card immediately and they are NON CHANGEABLE and NON REFUNDABLE. So you must be sure you will be going or you will lose ALL your money.

I was nervous the first time using Priceline, but have booked 6 times and I have not been disappointed yet!

Good Luck with whatever you decide.

 

[sdamico71]

Hello!
$2500 is definately doable for Disney.
I would make a reservation for the timeframe you are looking for, and put the minimum down on the room (mostly 1 night to hold room, if that). Keep checking the discounts for the room.
About one week from when you plan to go, you can check Priceline and try to do Airfare and Hotel.
My parents and two teenage siblings went to Disney last summer, spur of the moment in August. Four nights, five days, rental car and airfare from Phila for less than $1000. They still had to pay for tickets to getin parks, but if you can get a cheap price through Priceline, it may be worthwhile to fly. We always drive from PA, but the drive does get old! It seems to take forever to get there.
If you plan to drive, don't forget you will need money for gas and two additional nights stay (one night for way down and one for night back)

 

[Mad4Mickey]

MOUSESAVER.COM will be your best friend while planning a Disney trip . Mary knows when and where the Discount codes are . She let everyone in on that Fairytale Package they had and I went for 8 days instead of 5 because Disney GAVE me the other 3 for free. Good Luck and I think it can be done . Watch the resort boards for discounts also .
Mishell

 

[powellrj]

it wouldn't be possible through AAA, but you can more than easily book the trip yourself. I would first decide where you want to go and what kind of tickets you need. After that you can see how much money is left and decide on your hotel from there. I would have to second the post about vouchers not being the greatest deal for all families. Check the menus and then decide if you would really get your moneys worth. We love to stay on site and have a car, because you can really find some great dining bargains all around Orlando. Eat breakfast in your room and bring snacks to the hotel and hang around the budget boards and you will find that your trip is very do able. With mousesavers help, you may find that you can even fly. We flew out of Indy last june for $106 rt per person, so it can be done!!

 

[mousefan]

can't believe AAA told you no.......It is doable! check you pm box sent you some info.

 

[suslynn]

Thank you all for your help. This has renewed my interest in planning the vacation-I was a bit discouraged after AAA.

 

[BelleBeautyandtheBeast]

Don't listen to the crazy people at AAA!!!! You have gotten lots of great advice. We will be going in July and spending 5 nights/6 days in Orlando. I have family in FL so we will be visting them also. There will be myself and my 3 kids (6, 4 & 2). I have about $2500 to spend and here is my projected budget:

Plane Tickets $750 ($187/pp, currently the tix are $230 and I am hoping they go on sale. I will increase my budget if I have to.)
Rental car $200 (Dollar)
Gas, tolls $50
Pop Century $555 ($99/night + 12% tax)
4 day Park Hoppers $530 (1 adult, 2 kids & 1 free kiddo under 3)
Food & Souvenirs Budget is $70/day $420 (we are light eaters and this should be more than enough and we are not big souvenir buyers)
TOTAL:$2505

Of course everyone's budget is different Just wanted you to see that I am trying really hard to do our trip for about $2500. We will only be spending 3 days at Disney then visiting family. I am buying the 4 day hoppers & saving the last day for our next trip.

About Priceline ... if you study and read everything about it you can get some great deals. Last summer we vacationed in Pennsylvania and Minnesota, I used Priceline for a number of our hotels and got great deals. Haven't been brave enough enough to use it in Orlando yet since we love staying onsite.

Happy trip planning!!!!!

 

[bobcat]

It is very doable for under $2,500. In fact that is my goal amount for each long trip for one adult and two kids. Do your homework and figure out how much you need to spend on your big items, such as park hoppers. Then you can adjust what you are willing to pay for hotel and food.