New here and looking for info to save on Disney vacations

[Pbc561]

Hi all,

New to the site, and would like to find some info on saving money on a Disney vacation, particularly with lodging. I'll describe my current strategy, and hopefully some of you could add something, correct me, or point me to some resources.

I usually go to Disney within the first two weeks of August and December. As much as I'd like to stay on property, the cheapest I can find a Disney resort with a FL resident discount is around 101-127 (all star resorts). Off property, I've been able to find some decent-looking hotels such as Comfort Inn on Irlo Bronson. I'd like to keep the daily lodging cost below $90, preferably $80. So if any if you have found some nice, inexpensive hotels to stay at, or discounts that can be used on lodging, I'd live to hear.

To the best of my current knowledge, my best option is to stay off property, try to find a FL resident discount, or at least do the non-refundable pre-pay discount, which usually knocks the price down $10-20 per night.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Pbc561

 

[Fantabulously Cherry]

Welcome!! I normally stay on propert, so I can't offer advice on off proprty. I get the emails from Disney when they offer a percentage off their rooms or free dining. There is a board on here to help those who want to do Disney on a budget.

 

[RHMH]

Have you tried Hotwire?

 

[jesswindsor]

Welcome!!!

 

[edawg95]

Welcome!! I normally stay on propert, so I can't offer advice on off proprty. I get the emails from Disney when they offer a percentage off their rooms or free dining. There is a board on here to help those who want to do Disney on a budget.

Thank you!

 

[lovetoscrap]

Keeep in mind that if you are planning to drive to the parks you will have to pay for parking. I am not completely sure how much parking is per day now but it may make that off site price closer to staying onsite. Also beware of hidden resort fees which can increase the price at some hotels.

 

[kdb]

Hi all,

New to the site, and would like to find some info on saving money on a Disney vacation, particularly with lodging. I'll describe my current strategy, and hopefully some of you could add something, correct me, or point me to some resources.

I usually go to Disney within the first two weeks of August and December. As much as I'd like to stay on property, the cheapest I can find a Disney resort with a FL resident discount is around 101-127 (all star resorts). Off property, I've been able to find some decent-looking hotels such as Comfort Inn on Irlo Bronson. I'd like to keep the daily lodging cost below $90, preferably $80. So if any if you have found some nice, inexpensive hotels to stay at, or discounts that can be used on lodging, I'd live to hear.

To the best of my current knowledge, my best option is to stay off property, try to find a FL resident discount, or at least do the non-refundable pre-pay discount, which usually knocks the price down $10-20 per night.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Pbc561

I think you should rethink the strategy. We always stay on property, however, my wife and I just finished a 4 day getaway and I used Starwood points at a Sheraton to stay off property. Understand the cost breakdown-

1. are you renting a car? At least $40 per day added to your overall charge.
2. rent or drive- gas cost. You most likely will use $20-$30 in gas over the course of a normal trip- just driving to and from parks and hotel.
3. Beware of hidden parking fees that hotels dont tell you about off property. We had a $18 daily parking charge on top of the room fee.
4. The current parking cost per day is $17 for each park. Understand that if you go to MK in am- you pay $17. If you leave and drive to DHS for evening and park there- another $17. So you then have to make sure you use transportation internally and leave your vehicle. Which means whatever time you leave the last park at night- make sure your "vehicles" park is still open for transportation to and from!
5. Going the first two weeks of August, you are (as you know) hitting the busiest time of the year practically. So you will most likely be parking in the way way back and standing in transportation lines. While they do run parking lots fairly smoothly- I was impressed- you still have to account for it.

There are a lot of hidden costs that would more than make up the difference in your range ($80 for an off prem room all the way up to $127 for an on prem value. An overall difference of $47 per day.) In my mind- not worth the hassle- stay at a value resort and let Disney worry about transportation. Besides- one of the joys of being at WDW is to be immersed while you are there. Leaving the WDW "Magic" even just to sleep for the night- takes something away from the experience. And that experience is worth $47 in my book.