near last minute trip planning help/questions?

[wyng]

hello all,

the family (my dad) has just decided we (he) want a disneyworld trip this year.
lookin at around aug 23-30
11 people (7 adults n 4 kids - ages 1 - 8)

we'll more than likely use 2 of days for a universal trip

question 1 -
is 4 days a workable amounts of days to get through the main parts of disneyworld at that time of the season?
only 2 of the kids will have to be dragged by carts n whatnot.

question 2 -
we're thinkin of rentin a vacation home offsite instead of stayin onsite for the price and comfort (we don't mind the drive)
any suggestions for places to rent from OR avoid?

question 2a -
if there is a comparable place to stay onsite for 11 heads big n small, price being the important factor (my dad is cheap when it comes to places to stay), where should i check to see for availability at that time?

question 3 -
there are alot of options to get passes...
i got mine at the walmart when i went w/ friends a few years ago.
is walmart a better option than getting them at aaa?
or is there a better, cheaper, more convenient option?


that's all i can think of for now...

thanx for any help

- wyng

 

[stacy6552]

I reccommend staying on site and staying in a grand villa at a home away from home resort. if you wanted to split up its probably cheaper to stay in two cabins at ft wilderness.

4 days is enough to hit everything once, but youll have to skip something to see a water park, which I highly reccommend.

 

[wyng]

thanx for the tips stacy

will go and see how much two cabins at ft. wilderness sets us back for.


i hope it's better than 7 for 5 creams maker package quote i got for stayin at one of the all-star's
about $4500

that's a heckuva lot more than the off-site rental home quotes i've gotten.
about 3 times more...


thanx again...

anymore suggestions anyone?

- wyng

 

[wyng]

yeah i know i'm replying to my own post

the $4500 dreams maker package is still a darn great deal...
i forgot that it includes payment for ult. parkhopper passes.

the only thing i have a gripe about
is that they forced a 3rd room on us instead of just two
because the 2 babies (a 7month old and 1 year old)
put us over the head limit for 2 rooms.

i have time to hunt for a few more deals though

will still see how much them cabins will run me for

- wyng

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

I would strongly suggest staying on-site- especially since you want to maximize 4 days in the parks. You will waste a lot of time traveling back and worth to your hotel and with little ones you will need to take breaks in the middle of the day.

My second suggestion would be to price everything separately instead of looking at the package deals. It's usually cheaper this way. There are ways to save money.

Check out www.mousesavers.com for suggestions.

Also, you might consider renting points from a DVC owner. You could get a grand villa at Old Key West (sleeps 12) for $450 a night (that's 45 points for $10 a point) if you stay Sun-Thurs. The weekends are considerably more. You'd also have to have someone check and see if a grand villa is available at that time.
In a villa, you'd have a full-sized kitchen and washer/dryer. That would be great with small children.

 

[fam4jc]

Just throwing in my 2 cents... I would look for tickets on ticketmania.com they are a good price and include free shipping. You can get your universal tickets there also. Just don't purchase at the gates, you'll pay more.

I also vote for on site. It makes such a difference in the amount of time inside the parks and then you have acces to the bus system if you want to park hop during the day.

Do you belong to AAA or anyone in your party a teacher, nurse, or work for the gov? The Dolphin has great rates and it is a very nice WDW hotel in the Epcot area. If you belong to Starwood Prefered Guest program you may qualify for free ugrades, etc. It's worth looking into.

If there is one available, the DVC grand villas would be great! Those are really nice resorts. You would all love it.

There are hotels in downtown disney area that aren't disney hotels. I think someone has already suggested mousesavers.com. They have reviews of many of these properties.

Good Luck planning your trip. Have a great time.