Next Trip

[sconnell]

We just got back from our first trip with DD. We have decided that next time, we will be staying in the park. So, what's the least expensive way to do that? We won't be able to go until next year, DD will be 3. Help! Codes, discounts, I know nothing...

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Hi neighbor! If you want to stay cheaply onsite, value resorts are the way to go. We usually stay at ASMo, but this visit we're trying POP. My dd loved ASMo, especially Buzz and Woody! As far as discounts, we have AAA and AP's, so whichever one is available is what we use. Watch this board and mousesavers.com for discount codes....Hope you guys had a great first trip!

 

[sconnell]

Oh, we did Kirstin's Mommy! How long do ya'll usually go for? How often do you go? How old is your DD? Do you have any other children? How much do you usually spend on your trip, total? DH is asking how much we need to save. What time of year do you usually go when it's not a reunion?
I'm so glad to talk to a neighbor! You only joined a month before me, but you are seriously out doing me on the posts!
Where are you thinking about putting DD in school? (I was reading another of your posts.)

 

[sconnell]

sorry, I got so excited that I double posted! And make that a year and a month. Boy, does time fly!

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We usually go for at least 7 days, although we're going back in Dec. for a "quick weekend" to celebrate dd's 5th birthday. Since we spend almost $200 on her birthday last year at Flying Frogs, we figured, since we have AP's we'd rather spend that money at WDW. Plus, it's decorated for Christmas what better time to go? The time of year we "usually" go varies. The last trip we did US/IOA only in Sept. (we also have AP's there), trip before that was WDW to go trick or treating w/Mickey for Halloween in Oct., year before that was for my birthday in Sept. So, I guess usually fall is when we go. This trip is going to be a little more expensive since we are staying for 8 days, and had to factor in the cost of AP's. Here's what I have so far:
Gas: $80 it usually only takes one tank there and one tank back
Resort: $695 at POP for 7 nights with AP rate
Tickets: $1124 2 adult and 1 child's AP
Water park tickets: $100 We don't have PAP's
Food: $800 (budgeted $100 per day, but have since bought some vouchers so it will probably be less than that)
Souveniers: ????? We're going to hit the outlets to help out with this!
So, grand total of.....$2800....not too bad since I have the resort, tickets and most of the food paid for already!

I think we're going to send dd to St. Peter the Apostle. I was raised Catholic and went to Catholic school all of my life, plus, it's close by so my mom can pick her up if I need her to.. Glad to "meet" you too! Have you lived here all your life? I was born here, but my dh is from Nebraska, he was stationed here in the Army. His mom warned him some "southern girl" was going to grab him, and I guess she was right!

 

[sconnell]

Well, I was born in Savannah, but my parents soon moved to Jekyll Is. Do you know where that is? It's below St. Simon's Is. Anyway, my DH and I moved here recently. I was asking about school because I work at Calvary Temple, across from Memorial.
Your next trip sounds great! We are expecting #2 so we are trying to keep the spending down a bit. Our next trip won't be until next fall. We like to go in Dec., our anniversary is in Dec. Or DD will be 3 1/2 next Dec. and we will probably wait 'til then to go back. I don't want to take the baby, but I won't want to leave it for a while. And the summer is too hot for me to enjoy the park. So that leaves fall.
DH and I usually stay off site, but this time with DD we decided we must stay inside until our kids are older. ASMo looks great, but I think we could only steal away for a Mon - Sat. I don't think we would do the water parks just yet, but the packages all include at least an UPHP. When I add the cost for
5 nights at ASMo $430
2 adult & child PHP for 5 days $644
that's a total of $1074

Plus food $550 min
Gas ???
Souviners ???

I'm thinking, wow, that adds up fast. Especially since we will be paying for her now. This past trip was great! (under 3)

Do you have any tips for getting a cheaper rate on ASMo? How early should we book for Dec. 2005?

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

Small world! I work for Baker's Pride Bakery, right around the corner from you guys! Also, my boss' son goes to school at Calvary, so we do lots of cakes and stuff for you, and I know a couple of the teachers there as well. Yes, I know where JI is, we've only been down there to the water park a couple of times. Usually just pass through on the way to WDW! I know what you mean about paying for your dd this time, this is the first time we've had to pay for ours as well. Kind of puts you in shock at how much they charge for the little ones doesn't it? Not much less than an adult ticket. Do you have AAA? It can help save some on the price of the room. Also, check out ticketmania.com for cheaper tickets...I always tell everyone to get them there, NOT from Disney. If you sign up for the mousesavers.com newsletter they sometimes have great deals on tickets for newsletter subscribers. As far as booking, I've been booked for our August trip since late Nov. I just wanted the extra time to pay on it. We're putting off having our second child for the moment, since this is such a big trip for us I wanted to be able to enjoy it. But, dd has been asking for a little sister! I've even had her teachers at daycare ask if I was pregnant! When I say "no" they say, "Well, Kirstin says you're going to have a baby"...good grief! My mom says "I can't believe you'd put off having a baby due to a vacation" but this is a lot of money for us and I would like to enjoy it!

 

[sconnell]

I'll have to look into AAA and ticketmania. Thanks! Getting ready for work, talk to you later.