Newbie - need help budgeting trip

[lemondog]

Hi guys. I am new to this board, and so glad I found it! You seem like a really friendly bunch, and I need some help trying to budget our WDW vacation. This will be my first time going since 1992 (yikes!) and my first time with kids. After careful thought and the feedback of people on this site we plan to travel next fall (October?), when our older DD is 4 and our twins are 20 months.

So next step is figuring out how much to save. That's where I need help of the pros. Like I said, I haven't been in 12 years, and even then it was just 2 adults. We aren't made of money, so we plan to do some things to cut costs. Some impt. info:

-We are going to drive -- Orlando is about 12 hours from us.
-We are going to have breakfast and lunch in the room, along with a couple of dinners. We do want to do a Character breakfast one day, though (unless you recommend lunch??).
-We definitely want to stay on-resort
-Preferably want a room where we can cook meals (someone mentioned Fort Wilderness cabins?)
-Will have 3 kids + 2 adults in one room, so need something with adequate space
-Would like one dinner out as a couple, while the kids are with a sitter. How much should be budget for this?
-Any ideas for where to get the best rates on hotels, park passes, etc?

These are basics, as we are just beginning to plan, but any help you might give I would REALLY appreciate. Gotta know how much to stash in the piggy bank!

Thanks!
Angela

 

[Amirah95]

This is a project for Mad4...where are you?

 

[crazelion]

We are going to drive -- Orlando is about 12 hours from us.

You should be drive that in one day. Leave out early like 7:00am. should make by night fall.

I only live 10 hours from Orlando and able to drive in one day. Probably could 2 hours drive time off. If did stop by every outlet mall i see. . Plus I have drive through Atlanta. Which can be a traffic mess in it self.

Brings snacks for the car and some things to keep the kids busy.

Any ideas for where to get the best rates on hotels, park passes, etc?

Check ticketmania.com , mousesavers.com , allears.com . These sites right there is a excellent resource and answer alot your questions.

I them should mybe consider getting 2 rooms at value resort to save money.

Or another I idea is stay somewhere in a 2 bedroom condo with a kicthen. They have excellent condos for a good price. I know said want stay onsite. I was giving another suggustion and option.