Okay so we know we are NUTTS!! HELP!!

[hookedonpooh]

Okay so I have a huge issue!! My sister and I want to take our 3 kids to disney next week very short notice. I managed to book a room at Port Orleans Riverside online not the best price but a room. Now to pull this off without a 2nd mortgage I need HELP!! Does anyone know of any discounts from the 17th to the 24th of yes March! I know I am crazy but I really want to pull this off! My sister and I have had a tuff couple of years and lose of our Dad.

I am going to call Disney and talk to them but I use to visit here often and thought maybe someone might could help us get the cost of everything down. We need everything driving so if cheaper can go off site to eat?

We just need some family fun roller coasters and all!!

Thanks in advance for any help you might have!!
Michelle

 

[lizzygreen]

Check the "We love Bonnet Creek" thread over on the orlando hotels and resorts board. Right next door to Carribean Beach - not disney owned, but as close to the parks as many disney hotels. If what you see on that thread looks interesting to you, get quotes for a 2 bedroom condo from vacationupgrades.com, vacationstrategy.com and farrell. Of these 3, vacationstrategy is the newest company and has the fewest reviews, but you can find some reviews on the owner - Humaira Bourne - on VRBO. I got a great rate from her for my trip in April. I'm not sure of the contact info for Farrell, but I'm sure you can find it in that Bonnet Creek thread somewhere. You might find that staying at Bonnet Creek is cheaper than a moderate. Don't go directly through Wyndham - I understand prices are much higher. If Bonnet Creek works out for you, you will have a kitchen - which can be used to reduce food costs. You will, however, have to pay $14 a day for parking so factor that in. There is a shuttle from Bonnet Creek to the parks, so you could look into that. There are sample shuttle schedules on the thread as well.
Tickets - look into threads on the YES Program. I've never done it, but if you can get your kids into a class (if they are the appropriate age), the Yes tickets are a significant savings. I've never done it, but from reading about it, I intend to look into it for future trips. Good luck!

 

[Gumbo4x4]

Definitely look offsite for cheaper lodging.

 

[2disneyboys]

Windsor hills is offsite (5 min drive away) if staying offsite is an option. We have stayed in a 3 bedroom townhouse, splash pool, full kitchen 3 bathroom for $800 for 7 nights. Since we shared with my sis, we split the cost so it only cost each family $400

U will save a lot eating offsite, but u can do onsite eating cheap also. Share meals (servings are huge) bring in some snacks.

Have a great time .

 

[pigletto]

Like the others have said, if you don't mind staying off site, Windsor Hills or Bonnet Creek are probably your best options. You'd still be nice and close, but would have kitchen facilities for saving on meals. Even if you ate a big breakfast before leaving your hotel, and then ate when you came back, you'd only need to buy lunch in the parks.

Also, I know that when it's so close to the travel date the vacation condos can be had for some reduced prices. They want to fill those places. With it being March Break I don't know about availability but I'm sure someone here can tell you how to look! I see websites mentioned all the time for vacation rentals.. the names just escape me right now

If you must stay onsite (which we always do so I understand) have you thought of a value resort and maybe the counter service dining plan?

 

[hsmamato2]

do you mean save on the room? b/c it's already booked or doyou want a cheaper room? if so, the cancel and rebook at a local condo as per the pp's....
just pop the kids in the car and drive,buy your meals offsite,pack lunches,eat breakfast in your room.....

 

[HayGan]

You aren't going to be able to get a deal on tickets at this point. You can order from Undercover Tourist using the Mousesavers link to save a few $. If the ticket cost is really prohibitive, maybe consider doing only 1 day at a park and then possibly taking in some of the other attractions that Disney has to offer that have less of a per day cost (Disney Quest, water park.) You could even consider some other Orlando options. US/IOA would have a much cheaper per day cost than Disney. You could do 4 at US/IOA for less than $150 per person.

I would really suggest staying offsite. As others have said, you should consider a condo/timeshare/house in order to utilize a kitchen to save on your food costs as well it will likely be cheaper than the room at POR.

 

[gillenkl]

Being this is the budget board most people plan and save versus whipping a trip out of air on a tight budget especially during spring break - unless they have some disposable income. Have you considered going in August during free dining? or stay offsite. I'm not clear what you think calling Disney will do?

 

[Pembo]

Another vote to stay offsite...go to windsorhillsrent.com, put in your dates and you will get offers from owners. It's only 5 mins to the AK from WH, a very easy drive and the pool has a slide. That's a requirement for my kids.

 

[DisneyLoverUSA]

I am just curious if OP is even reading these posts or will even come back. JOINED IN 1999, 4 posts total. That's pre-planning right there!

 

[figmentswife]

A couple of more ideas to save a little money last minute.....get a Target Debt card - you get 5% off all purchases - after you decide how much you will be spending WITH DISNEY - go to target and buy Disney gift cards in that amount. I paid for our Disney trip last week and - YES - in Disney gift cards. Saved $140 doing so.

Also, call Disney and ask if there is a pin in either you or your sisters names - You never know. Also another place to check rates would be Swan/Dolphin.

 

[gillenkl]

OP, what did you decide?