Need advice on keeping it cheep

[DawnM]

As for YES tickets......as an FYI, if you can find a GROUP to go with, you can still get the lower cost, even for the adults attending.

It isn't always possible, it wasn't for us last year, but this year we may be able to work it out.

I am not sure of the numbers.....is it 15 total or 15 kids total or something. Then you can get the group rate.

Dawn

the tickets are the main expense of the trip $1k or more....

OP you've gotten lots of good info. Good luck.

Trish

 

[indimom]

OP, this may or may not help you with the cost. It depends on your personal style, but I thought I would share how we are swinging our super budget Orlando vacation this year.

First. I've been using the Disney Visa for all my monthly expenses since 2010, so almost three years. This will cover two days plus WP&M, AND our five nights at Ft. Wilderness. (Obviously your trip is coming much sooner and you may be adverse to using CCs, but I'm just throwing it out there.) We could have done different ticket options, but my kids LOVE the water parks and I thought we would appreciate them more than the parks since we're going to be camping and it's going to be HOT.

I got another CC deal and am now using that card. This will earn me $800 in rewards that we are going to use to cover two nights at Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. We might be able to cover a meal or two on there as well. (Again, some people are adverse to using CC rewards. But it works for us since we pay off monthly. Nice perks to be had if you can manage it.)

That leaves us with three-day tickets to Universal for 4 adults: $600.
Plus Food and Gas. We'll eat 1-2 meals a day from our cooler. We typically drink water in the parks, and bring our own snacks. I expect to stay under $1,200 for the entire trip.

 

[dsneprincess]

I would plan on breakfast in room, carrying lunch, snacks & drinks to park (esp. lunch for kids) & if on property staying value. Check prices at all, as they are not all the same. You will have enough room with 2 small kids & how much time do you really spend in your room at Disney, KWIM? I agree with bringing stuff that you will need from Walgreens- ponchos, portable fans, spray bottles, etc. Since you are driving, character wharehouse is a good bet for cheap(er) Disney official souvenirs. Last time I found WDW sweatshirts for $8 for adults, I can always find closeout childrens stuff. Also check for off the beaten path stuff that is not necessarily Disney branded. DN got a $12 stuffed hippo at African Outpost in Epcot she adores. I would also think about going prior to oldest reaching 3, that 3rd ticket price is a HUGE savings right there.

 

[disneysmiles]

DawnM - skyAuction.com I'm going to have to remember that one. Great tips!

www.ourcheapdisneyvacation.com has some great tips to if you are tip digging right now.

I got the little carribener (the clippy thing) spritzer fan they recommended, and it worked perfect for the parks. Don't remember the name but they have a link to it on Amazon on thier page. Those huge spritzer fans they sell in the parks are overpriced and kind of obnoxious to carry around. I know you are going in september but it can still get hot!!!

Also +1 for allears.net for food prices and recs for the cheap yet only at disney type food. Read Zebra domes, Tonga toast, and Dole whips. MMmmm. It adds an element of fun to find some of those foods around the parks and resorts.

Good luck!

 

[danygirl]

OP -
Bring a stroller for your older child, too. Or rent one from one of the local companies (Kristin at couponingtodisney has some links for this, plus lots of other tips). Those little legs get tired! We even ended up renting a double when my middle one was 8 and the youngest was 5 - she got hot and grumpy from walking. Bringing your own will save you the $$ from renting.

We stayed in DTD last trip - kind of the best of both worlds - there is park transportation from the hotels all day and night at regular intervals, we could see the fireworks from the hotel, there was a Disney store in the lobby and they sold tickets too (time saver!) and the prices are lower than on site. One of the hotels is a suites hotel with free breakfast, google Downtown Disney hotels and check rates. The Hilton there even does the extra magic hours.

Over the years we have tried a lot of options - cheap offsite hotel (you get what you pay for, but my parents were there the same week and we mooched off their concierge floor amenities at the Hilton) - which was gross but we didn't spend time there, On Site at Fort Wilderness cabins - which was great but pricey. Offsite at a condo (even did the time share thing one day) which was great - we had our own room, I was able to heat up pizza at night, and the price was right, and this last trip was DTD at the Best Western. Frankly, that Best Western was the best deal and I will probably book us there again.

 

[manning]

A money saver I use is to take an insulated bag and bring our own bottled water. But, only if you are bringing a stroller to hang it on. Too heavy to carry. It can get extremely hot and constantly buying drinks gets very expensive. All the quick service restaurants will also give you a cup of ice if you request, but the tap water is not so good.

If you have the room get a Brita filter pitcher. The water is much cheaper than bottled water.

 

[Sheaboys]

Go during value season, if free dining is available it is great. But price it out, meaning, will a room discount be better for you then free food. For me Free dining out ways room discount (even with 2 rooms) since we are a family of 7.

Since your driving, stop at super walmart just outside of Disney, get your water, snacks, breakfast food (pop tarts, muffins etc). I packed snack crackers, fruit snacks things like that in my crossbody bag. For the kids to snack on in a pinch in the parks or bus.