Planning a trip to WDW and am looking for tips/money saving ideas....

[Lachesis00]

Im sure we will keep busy. If I find a cheap enough hotel we might even stay 2 weeks depending on $$$ how much we can save between now and then.

We're looking at around $2000 for tickets to Universal, WDW, the waterparks, Cirque du Soleil, and then Im not sure what else would be fun for a 12 year old boy He loves big rides....
$2000 for plane tickets, I have no idea how much to set aside for food costs. Last time we had the meal vouchers. And of course extra goodies....

We have our name tags from DL with all of our pins pinned on the neck chain thingy. Now if I only knew where they were. We moved last year and so Im sure it's boxed up.


One thing we loved were the water bottle holders. Man I wish I could buy some more before we go. Shipping to Alaska is amazing tho. (from a commercial business)

 

[jcemom]

I'm not sure if this is helpful, or what anyone else's experience has been, but... I purchased my tickets (7 day park hopper plus) from floridaorlandotickets.net. They were 298.00 for an adult including all taxes, with no service charge. That was cheaper than I could find them anywhere else (most other places quoted prices, THEN added taxes/service charges). It was an extremely smooth transaction and I got my tickets in the mail (along with a bunch of other coupons, planning info, etc.) in about 4 days.

 

[Lachesis00]

Hmmm the link doesnt work for me... I really want to check it out!!

Ohhhh here it is Thanks!! See what I can find

 

[splashmt]

yes, you will save so much money making your own plans and searching for good deals......... why once I surfed the net for hours to save $6 on a rental car!!! Boy was I excited! Now, I get on this board EVERY night just to read and enjoy people's posts. Good luck to you, and have a great time!

 

[Snow Brite]

Hey Rachel in Alaska! I am Jennifer in Alaska! Cool! Literally!

I wanted to echo what tink2dw said about Alaska Airs flight. They will start in May, so that should work for you. Alaska Air also flies to Miami. Continental flies from Anchorage to Orlando and that is who we went through and got the Alaska miles instead. And we got a terrific deal last May and got the tickets for about $325 EACH ROUNTRIP from Anchorage! So $650 sounds like WAY too much. If the money is really an issue on the ticket then try Southwest, but it is a realllllly long trip, most of a day from here to there, so I would reccomend the most comfy airline and seats you can afford.

I also wanted to say that we drove around while we were down there. No land locked here, but it was still an experience for us hicks! They have toll roads (you have to PAY to drive there! LOL!) and really BIG freeways with exits and everything. But I did it and survived and think it was good to have that freedom to go where we wanted when we wanted. The signs are very easy to read and my kids LOVED the billboards (yep, definitely hicks!).

It was almost too hot for us in May, so I cannot imagine August. It would have to say you would be better in the fall too. And takes lots of fans and water bottles, etc.

While its controversial, I did take my daughter out of 2nd grade for 10 days. But its a small school, small class, and her teacher gave her lots of interesting vacation related homework. She had to figure out and pay for three meals and then count the change, keep a journal, find our location on a map, interview 2 people about where they were from, stuff like that. I think it was educational for her in a way that was fun.

Good luck on getting the vacation and have fun.

Jennifer (in Alaska)

 

[Lachesis00]

Sadly we're in Juneau. Alaska Airlines is THE only carrier to fly out. IF we're lucky and thats a huge IF we can get to Seattle for $300RT (right now it's $585 to Seattle RT) and then we'd have to pay from Seattle to FL. Im hoping Alaska will come out with some decent fairs. Im checking now, to Orlando, and then I will check Miami (how far apart are they??).

We've driven in Seattle but both of us have a small clue how to drive around. If we could get a car with one of those satalite tracking systems, then I would think about it. LOL

While prices can change, I don't think they will drop in 1/2... especially w/Alaska being our only carrier out of Juneau.


OK cheapest right now is $697 to Orlando from Juneau. Per person.

$671.08

P - Rules Alaska Airlines 66
Juneau (JNU)
7:46 pm Thu, Nov 06 Seattle (SEA)
11:06 pm, Thu, Nov 06 Coach, Boeing 737-200
Nonstop
American 2802
Operated by American Airlines Seattle (SEA)
12:55 am (Fri, Nov 07) St. Louis (STL)
6:32 am, Fri, Nov 07 Coach, Boeing 757
Nonstop
American 2800
Operated by American Airlines St. Louis (STL)
7:49 am Fri, Nov 07 Orlando (MCO)
11:12 am, Fri, Nov 07 Coach, Boeing MD-80
Nonstop



Im checking Miami next. To Miami we're looking at $1000+

$985.20

P - Rules Alaska Airlines 62
Juneau (JNU)
10:45 am Thu, Nov 06 Seattle (SEA)
4:26 pm, Thu, Nov 06 Coach, Boeing 737-400
Two stops, Lunch
Alaska Airlines 482
Seattle (SEA)
5:37 pm Thu, Nov 06 Los Angeles (LAX)
8:11 pm, Thu, Nov 06 Coach, Boeing 737-700
Nonstop, Food Served
American 234
Operated by American Airlines Los Angeles (LAX)
9:45 pm Thu, Nov 06 Miami (MIA)
+ 5:30 am, Fri, Nov 07 Coach, Boeing 757
Nonstop, Snack



To go to Seattle it's $389.00 right now from Juneau. Another $298 from Seattle-Orlando (don't know the carrier... going through hotwire.com)

 

[jcemom]

I think it's something like 250 miles from Miami to WDW (ballpark figure). I don't know if your airline flies into Tampa or Jacksonville, but it may be worth a check as they are closer. Of course, being smaller airports you probably can't get flights into them, huh?

 

[Lachesis00]

Well we COULD get other carriers in. We had MarkAir (I think it's a westcost airline, that went out of business) and Delta, but AlaskaAir drops their prices to NOTHING (like $89RT to Seattle {compared to $400+ normally)


We do not drive either so..... Miami would not be good for us.

 

[cati]

We are going in April - 7 nights. This is what I did. Let me first say I do not do the presentation tours at Timeshares. That is just not for me. Go to
http://www.tug1.net/cgi-bin/forumdi...orum=Florida&number=11&DaysPrune=5&LastLogin=

If this does not work just type in www.tug1.net
Click on the classified ads at the top. Go to the Orlando Florida section for timeshares for rent.
I just rented a 2 BR/2BA at Orange Lake Country Club for $650.00. This unit has a washer and dryer in the unit. It has a full kitchen (great for cooking meals to save money - or if you are like me - I'M ON VACATION TOO... LOL - Has all kinds of pools, etc. I stayed at Vistana Resorts last year for $800.00 for a 2 BR/2BA - even had its own jacuzzi in it. You rent directly from the owner or a person who has a week up for rent. You work it out with them to sign an agreement so you know everything is legal. I found that I like having 2 BR even though there are only 4 in our party. The kids get their own bedroom and I get mine. Timeshares are beautiful and clean. I am VERY picky about cleaness especially with children.

When you rent from an owner you DO NOT have to do a timeshare tour. You can always rent a car in Florida - there are alot of good deals there. You can get one right at the airport for about $100.00 a week (may be more depending on the time you are going). These timeshares take about 20 minutes to get to the parks. It really is not a bad drive and we drive 12 hours to get to Orlando. We live in a VERY small town - doesn't even have a traffic light - LOL. So, when I say the traffic is not that bad - it really is not. Some say it is - it may just depend on when you go. But for $1000.00 for the whole week, a full kitchen, living room, 3 tv's, 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a screened in porch and add in a car. I dont think you can go wrong!!

Good luck. You are going to have soooo much fun planning this. If I can help you just let me know.

 

[Lachesis00]

Better yet... My best friend Lea and her husband and daughter are thinking of going with us if they can find a good deal. Luckily flying is no problem, she works for a sister carrier of Alaska and pays just taxes.

Cati how long did you rent it for?? Thats a good price. Plus Lea and Mike DRIVE in FL

 

[Snow Brite]

I like to go to Expedia and use the Fare List. It lists all available fares from one place to another. Then you can look and see what the restrictions are, etc. It seems easier than randomly typing in dates and times and trying to get the fare to the lowest point.

Using that I found a Continental flight for $524.40 from Juneau to Orlando. I guess Alaska must do the Juneau to SEA leg. You HAVE to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but you are at the beginning of your planning, so that could work for you. This fare is available for the coming year, so it would work for your trip.

I also found an Alaska Air flight for $303 to SeaTac and then connecting flights seemed to be there in the $197-200 range, but these are only available close in, so if you are considering November that would not work.

$525 is better than the $697 you were working with, but might only be an indication that prices are going to go down. I personally feel that the flights Outside are WAY pricey right now, and HAVE to go down soon. It is normally easy to find a flight from ANC to SEA in the $250 range and now you are lucky to get one in the $350 range. It is really not fair, as this is the only way OUT that doesn't take a week of driving and some people have to go.

I think you should sign up for Alaska Air's email newsletter, check their e-specials every Tuesday at 4pm and sign up for Expedia's email service where they tell you the best fares for the destination you choose every week. Then just make it a habit to check everyday when you are on the computer. Chances are you will get an awesome deal at some point.

Jennifer (in alaska )

 

[Lachesis00]

Im signed up. So far there are VERY few flights from Juneau to anywhere... :/ But I do keep a eye on Seattle-places....
I do think it's awful they price gouge us. If I wanted to leave tomorrow or with in the next 6 days.... it would over $800. Emergency or not. And to not have at least one other carrier really stinks. Absolutely no competition... and here we are the state capital.
And because of prices we do not travel out of state much. Last time it will be over 2 years in Nov (July 2001 is the last time we were south.

Now Lea is looking into renting a house which we would split the costs. Not sure if thats the way to go yet or not... but we're DEF checking into it.

It might be possible to leave on a Wednesday (the 5th)... I was thinking of late Thursday night (the 6th).

I will be so tickled if prices drop... if even to Seattle. The prices you see to/from Juneau have been this high for 3-4 years. Ever since Delta pulled out.
CHEAPEST we've ever found is during the summers, the red-eye... and I think it was still $298 w/o taxes, maybe it was $250 + taxes and came to $298.

I REALLY appreciate all the help I am getting from the boards... and Im thankful I have plenty of time to plan.
Funny enough my son who will be 12 wasn't dissapointed about not going in August... made me feel much better but he didn't dig the idea of sitting in the hotel a large part of the day. He hates heat (so do I, my husband likes it, which is funny b/c he is eskimo). LOL.

 

[Snow Brite]

It seems that the flights to MCO (orlando) are only going to be slgihtly more than the flights to SeaTac. My flgiht last May is a good example. The RT from ANC to MCO was $325. ANC to SeaTac was $275. There is no way we would get a flight from SeaTac to MCO for $50 RT so the straight through is the best bet.

Also, I cannot help but think that Alaska Air will be running specials on the new flight when it opens. If I were you, I would keep an eye on it. Also, rack up the Alaska Air miles. Do you have Safeway or Carrs? They offer 125 miles per $250 spent. There is the credit card, charge everything possible then pay it off at the end of the month for the miles. And it seems everyone here is happy to give miles for purchases from furniture to limos. Maybe you will be able to swing at least one free ticket or 1/2 off one.

If you haven't been Outside in two years then you are SOOOO due! I love living here, but gosh golly it is great to get out sometimes too!

Come check out the Rewards board here on the Dis also. Lots of good ideas there!

Jennifer

 

[Lachesis00]

We do have a Safeway card... how do I get them to add my milage to the card?? We got it before the days of that promotion.
Wish I knew. I just blew $60 there 2 days ago.

Im hoping b/c we go in the winter the costs will go down a bit. I think I got my best friend as excited as we are

::ff to look at the rewards boards:::

 

[cati]

Cati how long did you rent it for?? Thats a good price. Plus Lea and Mike DRIVE in FL

We rent for 7 nights. They usually are for a 7 night stay. If I can help let me know.

Cati

 

[Lachesis00]

 

[slayergrl1]

Hi Rachel!

I live in Florida and am a Disney fanatic so we go quite often. Although August IS hot it's not necessarily unbearable if planned well. For instance, carry spray bottles with fans attached - great for waiting in lines...and plan to go early to the parks (as soon as they open so the crowd isn't as thick). Make sure you know which are the indoor rides with ac and plan lunch for the hottest time in the day...also, carry nice n'clean wipes - they are cool on your skin and clean the dirt off too=)... and you can usually find them for traveling. We used to stay off property all the time but about 5 years ago we started staying on disney property and now that's our favorite way to go...we like to take breaks in the middle of the day, using disney transportation back to our hotel, and come back after a rest or hop to a different park. But when it's too expensive we go off site on International Drive or closer to Universal depending on what parks we hit...also, keep in mind that a lot of these parks now have different "misting" areas all over. And most have a few rides where you will get wet which is a great break from the heat...by the way, your son will definitely love Island of Adventure next to Universal Studios...and you'll get wet through most of this park (we try to avoid this park when it's too cold because then you can't enjoy rides like popeye or play in the Dr. Seuss water area)...

One more thing...I haven't used it yet but my cousin recently used priceline to rent her car and got a great deal...that may be another way to go...

Hope this info helps...

Denise in Miami

 

[Lachesis00]

Im pretty sure we're shooting for November... we're alaskans and anything over 70-75 is going to be WAY too hot for us. We're outside in shorts when it's 60 or even 55 LOL.

How far apart is Universal from Disney? Is it a easy drive? Any freeways? Im still up in the air about a car....