Major distress/ not sure what to do??

[Bee]

Everyone is friendly here... Pictures would be great. Dont know where we will be staying yet for sure. Unfortunately we have had credit difficulties in the past so a Disney card is out of the question. But, thanks for the idea..

B

 

[karinbelle]

Another hotel option is using Priceline. I do this for our October trips. We only stay at "Resorts" and we've gotten the Hilton for $60/nite and Wyndham for about $70/nite. They are within walking distance of Downtown Disney and there's bus transportation to the parks from the hotel and from DD.

The only downside is that the reservation is unchangable and nonrefundable. I think they do have an "insurance" option now with an additional fee.

Karin

 

[erinch]

Bee--
Do you sell stuff on ebay?
It's a bit of a hassle to get started, but you could very possibly make several hundred dollars at least in ebay sales of household "stuff" between now and October

 

[disneymom727]

Bee--
Do you sell stuff on ebay?
It's a bit of a hassle to get started, but you could very possibly make several hundred dollars at least in ebay sales of household "stuff" between now and October

That is a great idea! We are doing that as well to earn extra money. WE made about $20 already by selling just a few CD's. We are also participating in a neighborhood yard sale next weekend.

 

[kdtwiss]

have you looked into renting DVC points as others suggested? It really does seem like it could save a bundle. As far as the dining plan - yes you may be able to eat cheaper on your own, but for us (and we really are not well off financially) the nicest thing about the dining plan was choosing places we would not otherwise be able to go to because of the cost. As someone said - you can addthe dining later - who knows maybe you will get lucky and they will extend free dining! I did some mystery shopping before our last trip, made about $300 which paid for our bday wishes cruise and some of our rental car. You could look into that. I think as far as souveneir shopping - let the girls make some money helping out around the house and that can be their spending $$, when it's gone - it's gone. You will still have a wonderful vacation! We just got MYW base tickets which save quite a bit. No park hopper for us - do we really need more than one Disney Park in a day? Keep us posted!

 

[hopesmommy]

Bee - I am soooo sorry to hear about your DH. I completely understand. I have been planning our FIRST family vacation since February. We booked our trip to WDW staying at POP with tickets and dining in April or May. Lucked out and got the dining free. My DH had TWO back surgeries at the end of June. So the walking is a problem. I am glad we booked POP because it has its own buses to the parks. Also, you can rent a wheelchair at WDW for the day or the entire lenghth of your trip. Or you can rent one through an outside service. The resorts have wheelchairs you can get possibly for free (first come first serve). PM me if you need the recommendations my TA sent me. Also, if standing in line is a problem you can ask for a special pass for the rides at the guest relations.

I hope everything works out well. My DH is just glad we are still going even though he will not be able to do everything he wanted. Our DD (3) is a BIG daddy's girl and DH is wrapped around her finger.

 

[Bee]

have you looked into renting DVC points as others suggested? It really does seem like it could save a bundle. As far as the dining plan - yes you may be able to eat cheaper on your own, but for us (and we really are not well off financially) the nicest thing about the dining plan was choosing places we would not otherwise be able to go to because of the cost. As someone said - you can addthe dining later - who knows maybe you will get lucky and they will extend free dining! I did some mystery shopping before our last trip, made about $300 which paid for our bday wishes cruise and some of our rental car. You could look into that. I think as far as souveneir shopping - let the girls make some money helping out around the house and that can be their spending $$, when it's gone - it's gone. You will still have a wonderful vacation! We just got MYW base tickets which save quite a bit. No park hopper for us - do we really need more than one Disney Park in a day? Keep us posted!

I am looking into more ways to save money.. We looked at the DVC boards but it looked very confusing. So we just moved to the All Star Movies/101 Dalmations.. Still no food plan.. 1st have to come up with the $1000 by eom to pay for the rest of the vacation then I worry about getting the dining added back on.

BEE Thanks again everybody!!

 

[3DisneyKids]

Yes, you do hear bad things about the AS resrots if you read lots of boards...but you also read lots of GOOD things, too. The biggest thing that you will find about the *** is that they tend to be the loudest resorts, as this is where many large groups stay. Otherwise, they are truly a great value. Food Courts are cheap (for WDW, that is) and usually decent enough.

Also, if you want to save money, try going for a AAA discount...10% off your room, so that helps. If you are not a AAA member, think about joining, as you will still come out ahead. I think a basic membership is about $35, and you'd save at least $100 off your room total. Every little bit helps, right?

Try these sites to:

mousesavers

affordabledisney

Good luck.

 

[Bee]

We are AAA members so we are already getting the discount. Thanks for the suggestion though!!

B

 

[HopperFan]

I think your kids will love it ! Ultimate Disney themed resort.

Our last few trips were deluxe, so wasn't too sure I would be happy in Jan at ASMo. But we were going for marathon and park, didn't think it would matter and wanted to save the money. Was pleasantly surprised that the whole family liked the hotel. We were in Mightly Ducks (just past 101 Dal) and our room had been newly renovated. It had it's own quiet pool and laundry right there. Be sure to utilize that pool if the theme pool is alittle bit busy.

We ate all counter meals last trip, and found the ASMo food court very good. We caught on to order spagetti kids meals for all, then a large salad to split and we had a very reasonable meal. Many meals are huge and easily split, even in the parks.

Keep the Cinderella meal - your princesses will love it

The parks involve alot of walking. You may want to consider renting a wheelchair, if nothing else he would be able to rest himself between rides/shows. Read on the Disabilities Board, there are often folks in your same situation asking questions there on how to make for a successful trip.

ps A hint we used with the kids when younger. We gave them Disney Dollars @$25 each to hold until the end of the trip when they could pick out a souvenir that they really wanted. We usually shopped at World of Disney in DTD because they carry so much. The would window shop the whole trip but no one ever asked for stuff. Made for many peaceful trips !!

 

[momoftwins]

I quickly read thru the posts, but do you really need 8 day tickets? You certainly won't need them for the day you depart for your cruise. I have 9 yr old DD and DS, and they still need a break from the parks (so do we - it's a lot of walking!). I would also give up the park hopping/no expiry feature if it meant I could still go.

I agree with the other posters on the meal deal. Although it is nice to have meals paid for, again I would look at alternatives. Could you bring some food with you? Perhaps use WeGoShop who will do the shopping for you? Ship some items down to yourself might be an alternative. I am not quite sure how cheaply you wanted to go. You know we have used all of the strategies here to save money and it did not change the fun we had on the vacation one bit.

On our down days we do the pool, Downtown Disney, ride the monorail. visit the hotels, go to the Boardwalk area - rent bikes, play golf etc.

I know on these boards somewhere was a big long thread on things to do that are free or very reasonably priced that do not involve using a park ticket.

Have fun planning!

 

[Bee]

I guess I should have mentioned in my update...
I have gone back to the 5 day passes, because I dont need the 8 days since we are cruising for 3 days. When I originally posted I was considering dropping the cruise completely.. but found with the money I had already spent for the cruise it was cheaper to finish paying it off. I was/am more concerned about the money needed now or in the near future than the money I had already paid off.

Thanks for giving me some positive feedback on ASMO. Needed to hear that for sure.
Not sure how it will work with hubby, since he is having difficulty with his foot but we may just have to do the parks at a slower pace. Want him to have a good time also.

Everyone is so great.. by the way as things stand we will be at ASMO 10-22 to 10-27 cruising 10-27 to 10-30 on the Wonder! Cant wait.. still hoping all is going to work out.

 

[J and R's mom]

.. We looked at the DVC boards but it looked very confusing...

Hi Bee,

Although I think you all will enjoy AS just fine, I figured I'd go ahead and give you some numbers on the DVC stuff. Sometimes it's worthwhile and sometimes it's not. I still think it might be cheaper to go the value resort route, but if it's close, the DVC studios are very spacious and come with kitchenettes (microwaves, mini fridge, sink, access to free washers and dryers) and might be worth the extra money.

A studio at OKW for five nights (10/22-10/27) costs 53pts. Points rent for about $10 each (and sometimes even lower--like $8/pt) so that brings the total to $530. Since there are no taxes and fees involved, that's it. $530 is what you pay. Period. HOWEVER, if you go the DVC route, you will not be able to purchase a dining plan. It's not open to room-only reservations (which is what DVC is).

Here's a link to the floorplan of the OKW studio. http://advc.disney.go.com/media/dvc/languagespecific/eng/resorts/oldKeyWest/floorPlans/studio.jpg Here's WDW's website for OWK so that you can check out other floorplans and amenities. All rooms come with a balcony by the way. http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/resorts/resortLanding?id=OldKeyWestResortLandingPage

I have no points to rent out, but many folks on the following thread do (http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29) and anyone posting on that thread that is renting points can walk you through the steps and work something out with you. But because it's pretty close to the time for your vacation, there may not be much availabilty, but they can check for you.

 

[jtopp]

go on your trip. you will never enjoy a trip as much as a family vacation at WDW. Stay at the All Star resorts. Great little rooms for a discounted price. Enjoy the trip. Excellent transportation is provided, so you can get around very easily. As your DH is disabled, you sould be able to get your insurance company to pay for a wheelchair for the trip. Use it. There is a lot of walking on a WDW vacation, and not having to worry about your DH discomfort avoids a major problem. WDW is very handicapped accessable, and you will not be viewed as outcasts if he has something to help him along. good Luck.

 

[D L and K's Mom]

Don't forget you may want to request a handicapped access room on the boat and at the hotel. The rooms on the boat are not very large and it is very hard to get a wheelchair in the room (the doorways are not wide enough) If you hubby is in a chair he will definitly have a problem. Also how many are there in your family? Are there 4 or 5? I am asking becaure quite a few of the handicapped rooms in WDW will only hold 4...this may be a problem for you. I hope your DH is up and around soon and I hope all works out GREAT for your trip.

 

[allaboutmm]

I'll be sending you happy thoughts Good luck

 

[Bee]

Hi it's Bee again!

Update***

We paid for the remainder of our trip yesterday. We bought DH a new pair of tennis shoes with great support. He is adament about not using a wheelchair. So, it will be slow going. We did get the dining plan and made reservations. We are eating at Chef Mickeys for dinner on 10-22. We are also eating at CRT and going to Hoop- de - doo.

Now, not even sure if the other family is going or not. They still havent paid so who knows.. not too worried about what they decide anymore.

Anyway, thanks all for your support. Everyone was so nice in giving helpful advice. Now all I have to pay for is MNNSHP and a rental car from resort to boat and boat to airport.

55 days and counting... cant wait!

Thanks, Bee