****Official August 2014 Thread****

[MeridaLove]

My first trip was in 1986 when I was 15, but I didn't go again until I was married with kids in 2005 - and that's when I fell in love with Disney! Since then we've been 4 more times and August will be my 7th trip

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

There was some discussion lately on the Facebook page about how much everyone's trip was shaping up to look like, cost-wise. Thought it would also be a good QOTD for here (or maybe not, I was a little when I actually crunched those numbers!!! )

QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?

Since we have varying number of trip lengths, family sizes, etc., break down your final number into a per person, per day figure for easy comparison.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?

Since we have varying number of trip lengths, family sizes, etc., break down your final number into a per person, per day figure for easy comparison.

Here's mine.

Family of 4 (two adults, two teenagers) 15 nights/16 days:

• Syracuse Park & Fly Hotel - $203.38
  
• Trip Insurance – free via our Visa benefits
  
• Roundtrip, direct flights (Jetblue) - $911.60 (this is the only figure not based on 4 people...DH's GF has paid her own flight)
  
• Car rental (SUV, National) - $501.77
  
• Fuel for rental car - $200.00 (estimated)
  
• Sheraton Vistana Resort Accommodations, 2 bedroom/2 bath Villa - $1,726.00
  
• Meals, snacks, tips and misc. supplies - $1,500.00 (estimated)
  
• Discovery Cove package including admission, parking, dolphin swims for each of us, private cabana, 6 x 8 souvenir photo, unlimited food and alcohol, ultimate photo package (with photo CD, dolphin swim DVD, prints, keychains, poster, photo frame and photo album), 2nd photo frame, tote bag, and personalized buoy delivered by a dolphin - $1,517.65
  
• Aquatica Admission – FREE with our Discovery Cove package (valid 14 days)
  
• Aquatica Cabana - $158.69
  
• Aquatica All-Day Dining - $51.12
  
• SeaWorld Admission – FREE with our Discovery Cove package (valid 14 days)
  
• SeaWorld All Day Dining - $112.42
  
• Gift card for the Cat Sitter - FREE (gift cards from Visa points)
  
• Typhoon Lagoon Admission – FREE (via our annual passes from last year)
  
• Typhoon Lagoon Lounger Rental - $55.00
  
• Daytona Beach Activities - $100.00 (estimated)
  
• SeaWorld Quick Queue Passes: - $81.00
  
• SeaWorld Animal Feeding, etc. - $50

GRAND TOTAL: $ 7,168.63

$112.01 per person, per day, 15 nights/16 days total

If MNSSHP does, magically, run on August 29th, that will increase our total to approximately $7423.63 (assuming a $60 ticket price, plus tax) or $115.99 per person, per day.

 

[msquoted]

I was hoping to get added to the Facebook group but I have a question first. Is the group a "secret" group? Since we are keeping the trip a secret from the boys until we leave we aren't really telling anyone about it

 

[BudgieMama]

OK....Question of the day!!!

When was your 1st trip to Disney, and what # trip will this be for you???

I'm sneaking back in with yesterdays... because this is our first trip! SO excited. I have a countdown on my wall at work, which I created in September when we booked. I've been so busy I've not crossed it off in about a week, so when I did it today, I noticed that I was over half of my wait done to our trip.

I'm finally going to meet Mickey!!

 

[Mousemommy1]

I'm sneaking back in with yesterdays... because this is our first trip! SO excited. I have a countdown on my wall at work, which I created in September when we booked. I've been so busy I've not crossed it off in about a week, so when I did it today, I noticed that I was over half of my wait done to our trip.

I'm finally going to meet Mickey!!

So exciting!!!!! You're gonna have a blast!!!!

 

[pigletto]

There was some discussion lately on the Facebook page about how much everyone's trip was shaping up to look like, cost-wise. Thought it would also be a good QOTD for here (or maybe not, I was a little when I actually crunched those numbers!!! )

QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?

Since we have varying number of trip lengths, family sizes, etc., break down your final number into a per person, per day figure for easy comparison.

I will have much more accurate numbers when I can finally book things
I am waiting on the good old tax return before I put down my deposits and book flights. It should be here this week. Since this was an unplanned trip, dh has asked that it not go over $3500. Tight.. but I think it's doable for just the three of us. It would definitely be enough if we did free dining in September, but I don't want to take the kids out of school for a week. So.. all that being said.. this is what I am looking at so far..

3 Disney adults (kids are 17 and 10)
7 nights Beach Club deal...$1400 (if I can get a mod much cheaper than that when deals are released we will be switching to a mod)

Upgrade the 2 day tickets I have to 7 day base tickets...$435

Flights, I have enough points to make some of them free but prices are high. I have to estimate here but I am guessing around ..$800

This leaves $835 for food (the kids will have their own money for spending) which seems low but we could do it with counter service no problem. I think though I will have money to add to that. If a 25% off code comes out for room only I could switch to a mod and spend $1121 and then have $1100 for food and spending for the week which I am happier with.

No matter what I decide to do, the $3500 will work out to $145.83 per day, per person.

 

[IndyDisney]

Hey all!
Needed to update my dates! Had to change from Aug 16-23 at POR to Aug 2-9, still at POR. Wife's school is starting a week earlier than usual.

Oh, and I got all of the ADRs I wanted......19 of them. Highlights include Ohana, 2 Breakfasts at Crystal Palace, Chef Mickey's (B), Sanaa (L), 1900 Park Fare (D), Be Our Guest (D), Akerhus (D), CRT (L), Kona (L), Via Napoli (L), Whispering Canyon (D), Cape May (L & D) and others.

Now it's on to optimizing some Touring Plans and trying to wrap my head around this new con-fangled FP+ dealie.

Hope all are well.

Cheers,
Indy

 

[WAHkoMom]

I'm sneaking back in with yesterdays... because this is our first trip! SO excited. I have a countdown on my wall at work, which I created in September when we booked. I've been so busy I've not crossed it off in about a week, so when I did it today, I noticed that I was over half of my wait done to our trip.

I'm finally going to meet Mickey!!

CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

I will have much more accurate numbers when I can finally book things
I am waiting on the good old tax return before I put down my deposits and book flights. It should be here this week. Since this was an unplanned trip, dh has asked that it not go over $3500. Tight.. but I think it's doable for just the three of us. It would definitely be enough if we did free dining in September, but I don't want to take the kids out of school for a week. So.. all that being said.. this is what I am looking at so far..

3 Disney adults (kids are 17 and 10)
7 nights Beach Club deal...$1400 (if I can get a mod much cheaper than that when deals are released we will be switching to a mod)

Upgrade the 2 day tickets I have to 7 day base tickets...$435

Flights, I have enough points to make some of them free but prices are high. I have to estimate here but I am guessing around ..$800

This leaves $835 for food (the kids will have their own money for spending) which seems low but we could do it with counter service no problem. I think though I will have money to add to that. If a 25% off code comes out for room only I could switch to a mod and spend $1121 and then have $1100 for food and spending for the week which I am happier with.

No matter what I decide to do, the $3500 will work out to $145.83 per day, per person.

$200 a night for Beach Club is an excellent cost .

We haven't factored in shopping or spending money into our budget either, as like your DK's, our DS has his own cash. What DH and I will spend shopping depends on how good the deals are .

 

[Disneylover99]

QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?
.

This was a tough question Gina, since I tend to book things one at a time without looking at the the total costs. But you've forced me to look at my finances, so that's actually a really good thing.

My estimates are really rough since I still haven't figured out how I will get there. I may be be adding on days and/or shaving off days at the end depending on if we fly or drive.

Airfare - $1200 (4 people) that's the amount I'm hoping to spend on airfare or that will be gas/hotel money for the drive down

Resort and 2 day tickets for 13 days - Approx. $3100 this includes free dining for 10 days at POFQ and a room only stay at POFQ for 3 days before free dining kicks in plus we have AP's that will expire on Aug. 27th so we will save our two day tickets for next time.

Tips, Food for 3 days, Drinks, etc.... $700

$5000 total for 13 days
Works out to $96.01 per person per day

Add on another $250 or so to our total for MNSSHP if it happens.

 

[disneygrl704]

Originally Posted by Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina
QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?
.
My total isn't exactly accurate because it doesn't include food or gas. I only figured in what I have booked so far.

Aug. 9-16 AOA LM room
5 day tickets
BOG dinner
1900 Park Fare Breakfast
2 adults 1 child

$83.16/person per day

We will book dining if some kind of deal comes out but most likely not since we are staying in LM room and they don't get discounts. I have already started saving gift cards for our meals and gas so that will help with some of the cost.

 

[njforumrider18]

WOOOOOO Just booked for Aug 27. to Aug. 31, short trip, but any time in WDW is better than time at work!

 

[pigletto]

This was a tough question Gina, since I tend to book things one at a time without looking at the the total costs. But you've forced me to look at my finances, so that's actually a really good thing. My estimates are really rough since I still haven't figured out how I will get there. I may be be adding on days and/or shaving off days at the end depending on if we fly or drive. Airfare - $1200 (4 people) that's the amount I'm hoping to spend on airfare or that will be gas/hotel money for the drive down Resort and 2 day tickets for 13 days - Approx. $3100 this includes free dining for 10 days at POFQ and a room only stay at POFQ for 3 days before free dining kicks in plus we have AP's that will expire on Aug. 27th so we will save our two day tickets for next time. Tips, Food for 3 days, Drinks, etc.... $700 $5000 total for 13 days Works out to $96.01 per person per day Add on another $250 or so to our total for MNSSHP if it happens.

Just a quick tip for you. I can not recommend enough that you have those two day tickets removed from your cards or bands and take an actual 2 day ticket home with you . If at any point you wanted to add them to your MDE account and book fastpass plus it is a nightmare if they are still on room keys . I've spent so much time and money on the phone with IT where they assured me they would get it fixed. My last word from them was in October when they assured me it would be done soon. Never was. I gave up and bought new tickets for our December trip so I knew I could have fastpass plus booked during the high crowds. It will save you a lot of headaches later if you can add them to your account and at least book 2 days of fastpass for your next trip Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[Disneylover99]

Just a quick tip for you. I can not recommend enough that you have those two day tickets removed from your cards or bands and take an actual 2 day ticket home with you . If at any point you wanted to add them to your MDE account and book fastpass plus it is a nightmare if they are still on room keys . I've spent so much time and money on the phone with IT where they assured me they would get it fixed. My last word from them was in October when they assured me it would be done soon. Never was. I gave up and bought new tickets for our December trip so I knew I could have fastpass plus booked during the high crowds. It will save you a lot of headaches later if you can add them to your account and at least book 2 days of fastpass for your next trip Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

Yes, thanks I know. We have an AP and we had free dining on our December trip so I went to guest relations before I entered the park and had them remove my two day tickets from my bands and put them on separate cards so they wouldn't be accidentally used instead of my AP.

I will do the same in August and bring my two day tickets home on separate tickets.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This was a tough question Gina, since I tend to book things one at a time without looking at the the total costs. But you've forced me to look at my finances, so that's actually a really good thing.

LOL, sorry about that . I figured if I was feelin' the pain, someone else might as well be feelin' it right along with me .

Your pp/pd figure is fantastic, though. Under $100 is amazing!

 

[msquoted]

QOTD: What is the total cost of your trip so far?

What we have budgeted / spent so far

Tickets : $1234 (this is for 5 days in Disney - no hopper passes)
Memory Maker: $200 (we would like to do the advance purchase for this, which would make it $149, but since we are getting our tickets trough the Disney Youth Education Series Program we're not sure if we will be able to get it ahead of time. Still trying to figure that out so for now we are just planning on paying the higher price.
Condo: $693 ( 3BR/2BA staying 8/9 - 8/16)
Gas: $575 ( This is an estimate of course. We are driving about 2200 miles round trip plus any driving we do while in Orlando).
Food: $500 (again, an estimate. We are doing breakfasts and dinner at "home". We have 1 TS lunch scheduled and will be splitting up the other lunches between CS and packed)
Souvenirs / Extras : $200 (again, an estimate. I plan on picking up "souvenirs" before we get down to the park like t-shirts, mouse ears, etc. I also am getting things like glow sticks, ponchos, etc. before we go. We still want the kids to have some spending money though)
Total: $3202
$106.73 per person / per day

Am I forgetting anything?

 

[Dwheels]

I love how some of use have tickers in the 4 month range!!! OK....Question of the day!!! When was your 1st trip to Disney, and what # trip will this be for you??? Me - 1st trip was in 1985 (I was 7) and this will be my 11th trip DH - his 1st trip was in 1989 (he was 12) and this will be his 10th trip DD9 - 1st trip was 2009, this will be her 5th trip DD7 - 1st trip was also 2009 and this will also be her 5th trip! How about you???

My first trip was almost 30 years ago!! November 1984!! This august will be my 19th trip and in December my whole family is going to Disney to celebrate 30 years of disney together! It will be my 20th trip!! Just can't get enough of Disney!
Me- 1st Trip 1984 I was 8! 19th and 20th trip this year!
DH-1st trip 1988 he was 12! This will be his 12th and 13th trip this year!
DS- 1st trip 2005 he was 2! This will be his 8th and 9th trip this year!
DS-1st trip 2007 he was 5 months old!! This will be his 6th and 7th trip this year!!

 

[Dwheels]

We all have such great Disney history!!! But this one made me cry. Even though I was lucky enough to go twice as a child, I never stopped wanting to go back and obviously did it as soon as I could do it on my own.... My DH and I have been together for 20 years this year (married for almost 12) and I'm not sure how much he realized that I was serious when I was 15 and said we would be raising our kids in Disney (you know, things kids young and in love say)....and we have!!!

My DH and I have been together for 20 years this year too! (Married 13) I sucked him into my disney lifestyle too! He loves it just as much as me!!

 

[pigletto]

Yes, thanks I know. We have an AP and we had free dining on our December trip so I went to guest relations before I entered the park and had them remove my two day tickets from my bands and put them on separate cards so they wouldn't be accidentally used instead of my AP.

I will do the same in August and bring my two day tickets home on separate tickets.

and in December I fully intended to do that, forgot, and still have these stupid KTTW cards.