Not sure if I can get this trip cheaper...

[Figment1990]

Yes, thanks much

No problem! I like a good discount challenge. And I learned something new too (about the military tickets and the room + dining without tix option for Military). I think you have done a great job getting the trip planned for your family. Best wishes for a great trip!

 

[SandrA9810]

Yeah, I didn't know about the whole military discount extent. But it's been brought up before how cheap it is to get annual passes through the military.

And with the 40% discount on the room... I don't think they could do much better with free dining. But then again they'd be getting it for 5 people for each room.

It'd cost about 100-200$ more to do the cabins (3 cabins vs 4 POR rooms). But I'm a huge fan of the fort, and I'd take any excuse to stay there. It'd definatly give you some extra space to spread out, and let the kids be a little noisy without disturbing the neighbors. Toss the kids in the bedroom, and the parents can sleep on murphy bed... or something like that.

 

[TnTWalter]

for family.

Thanks. I searched military AP but didn't find anything.

Trish

 

[dunningdisney]

If your Dad wants the dining plan because he wants to pay for everyone's food--would it be cheaper just to give each family a certain amount of money credited to their room, or everyone charges to Dad's room charge.

My experience with the dining plan is that it is a lot of food, and sometimes have trouble eating it all.

Just a thought on trying to save some money, but could I suppose costing more depending on everyones eating habits.

However it works out, have a blast!

 

[anabelle]

If your Dad wants the dining plan because he wants to pay for everyone's food--would it be cheaper just to give each family a certain amount of money credited to their room, or everyone charges to Dad's room charge.

My experience with the dining plan is that it is a lot of food, and sometimes have trouble eating it all.

Just a thought on trying to save some money, but could I suppose costing more depending on everyones eating habits.

However it works out, have a blast!

My dad, nephews, brother and sons are actually really big eaters. Us girls hardly eat anything at all. I usually end up giving credits to my boys. I kind of figure it will balance out.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

Here are the ages of each family

Brother #1 : 2 adults, 3 children, 17, 15, 12
Brother #2: 2 adults, 3 children - 12,9, 6
Me: 2 adults, 3 children - 16, 15, 12
Parents- 2 adults only

Here is what I have 6 nights/7 days at POR
4 rooms booked. I have the 30% room for mom and dad so I only have to buy 2 non-discounted tickets. The remaining 3 rooms are 40% under military rate that allows me to buy whatever tickets I want. All the girls are taking a YES class, so will buy YES discounted tickets for them and military tickets for everyone else. My dad insists on the dining plan so SOG and off site are not options.

I checked the suites at All Stars and there are no discounted military ones left.

What are YES tickets?

 

[Donnainnj]

Just an FYI on the Yes tickets, read a post recently that they are not upgradeable, if you get them make sure you buy the full amount of days that you could want. I think that poster had an issue because of a travel delay. They wanted to upgrade and go into the park an extra day and it could not be done. (I had never heard of them before that post)
Donna

 

[mdrob214]

for family.

Thanks. I searched military AP but didn't find anything.

Trish

Check out Shades of Green--they sell discounted tickets there

http://www.shadesofgreen.org/WDW.htm




Magic Your Way Tickets

A Military Identification Card or Department of Defense Identification Card must be presented at time of puchase. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Prices and entitlements are subject to change without notice. Original Shades of Green tickets can only be upgraded. Any tickets reprinted at the WDW parks can not be upgraded.
Annual Pass (Adult) $480.00 (Ages 3-9) $424.00
Premium AP (Adult) $607.00 (Ages 3-9) $536.00

 

[auralia]

VERY IMPORTANT you are only allowed to purchase 5 military tickets per military memeber so you can only buy 5 tickets unless you are both Active duty then you can purchase 10! they do keep track of this and enforce it... 5 tickets per military member, no more.

 

[anabelle]

Just some info for those that have asked.

YES stands for Youth Education Series. Disney has Open Enrollment during June and July. There are a variety of classes that children from grades 3 - 12 can take to enrich their Disney experience. When you enroll in one of these classes, you have access to discounted ticket packages. The classes are best suited, IMO, for kids between 3rd and 6th grade. We have several young ones in the group that would truly benefit from the classes. So we have included them in our plan. All the moms want to attend the class so they will have YES tickets as well. Sorry I should have made that clear.

Because we have booked 3 rooms under the Military room discount, we can add dining to those rooms without having to add tickets. The intent is that a military member can purchase up to 5 Stars and Stripes $99 tickets instead. These tickets can be upgraded to add hopping or Water parks and more, but you can not add park days.

We have signed up for GAD as well. Thanks to all who suggested it. Those one day tickets can be used by the ones using the military tickets so everyone will have 5 day tickets.