parking

[Terry's Angels]

I really respect the OP for two things:

1st she asked IF there was any way for her to park without paying. She knew that it wasn't a real possibility but was willing to ask for the advice of the people here to let her know of the feasibility (or not). It takes a lot of courage to ask a question when you know that you probably won't get the answer you want.

2. She was willing to realize that it was not fiscally reasonable to take the trip when she wanted. I think that was really mature and responsible choice. IMHO she wasn't rude when she said she realized that a trip wasn't finanically possible for her family this year, she was just expressing her feelings (and a little disappointment).

I think that everyone's advice was very reasonable and well explained and I also agree with the belief that if the parking budget is going to be an issue it is important to reevaluate the trip overall. But IMHO let's also give the OP a break and show a bit of compassion when talking about the subject.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Terry's Angel is right.

OP, I didn't think you were (or are, or will be) rude, I just took your post as being somewhat sarcastic - and yes, there IS a difference.

Okay, so, let's see how we can help you save up the $70 (or so - again, we don't know how many days you'll actually go to the parks) in time for your trip. Is there anything you can bypass for the next couple of months?

Dinners out? Maybe if you go out once a week, cut back to once a month for the next few months?

Movies? Ditto. DVD rentals? Check your local library. They should be free.

Anything you can sell on Ebay, or if you don't want to get involved in 'that', how about Craigslist.net? It's free classified ads with sites all over the country.

Switch to store brands on some items? I like Walgreen's soap, and many health & beauty aids are actually packaged by name-brand manufacturers (e.g. Listerine).

Go through pockets, unused pocketbooks, under the seat of your car for change. I just found a dollar bill under my floor mat.

What about staying at one of the Hotel Plaza Boulevard properties? I think the Best Western can accommodate five people per room, and it's under $100 a night much of the time. AND you've got the scheduled bus transportation you were considering using anyway.

Um, what else? Cut out soda/pop for a while. Drink water. Can you save by making your kids (and your DH, and yourself, if applicable) lunches instead of buying the school lunch or eating lunch in a restaurant? How about two days a week?

Have a yard sale.

Go to SeaWorld. Check first, but the last time I was there, parking was free... that's IT! I'm serious - if it's still free, park there and take the Lynx bus to the Magic Kingdom. Nope, never mind - it'll cost more than $10 a day for the five of you.

I honestly don't think anybody meant put off your trip until next year; more likely (speaking for myself, anyway) a few weeks or a couple of months.