Planning Budget Vaca - Tips/Advice Needed

[The Packards]

Hello!

I'm just looking for some friendly advice/tips for planning a budget WDW vacation for 2 adults & 2 children (ages 10 & 12) in November 2004. We're planning on staying 4 nights and 4 days. Our goal is to keep everything around $2500 (this would incl. Hotel, Airfare, Park Tickets & Spending Money).

I've priced airfare, hotel and tickets online and think I've found reasonable prices. Our plan is to stay at the All Star Music Resort and to purchase 4 day Park Hopper passes seperately and in advance because it looks like we'll only want to visit MK, AK and MGM. We are also going to book our Airfare on our own through Expedia. Based on all of that, it looks like I've got the price to around $1,850, but that does not include spending money.

Any tips on ways to save money? Any discount codes? How much money should we plan on bringing with us for food/fun for a 4 day stay?

TIA!

 

[ceecee]

I don't think the room only codes are out for Nov if there will be any....you can book using AAA rate if you are a member. We watched Expedia for several years and have always done better just checking USairways site.
Remember too, you can share food if you aren't big eaters. DH and I share a lot or I will buy a kid's meal along with DD. You'll save a lot on your food budget if you bring along some snacks, drink water instead of soda and do counter serves most of the time.
If you are paying that much to fly, you may want to add an extra day. I can't imagine doing it all in 4 days, of course Epcot is a must for us! Even if you do parks for 4 days it's nice to have a day off to enjoy the resort and pool.

 

[bobcat]

Besides this site there are two others I would recommend. www.allearsnet.com has a menu database and you can get an idea about how much meals will cost you. www.mousesavers.com will list all the hotel discounts as soon as they are out and many other money saving ideas. With these three sites you should be prepared and save some money.

I'm curious why you don't think you will visit Epcot? I really love AK but it closes so much earlier than the other parks that you can park hop and take in an evening at Epcot. With the ages of your kids they may really like Mission Space and Test track. Besides Illuminations is amazing and Epcot is beautiful at night. Park hopping will only use one day on your passes.

You will get a lot of answers about how much money to bring for food and spending. If you don't plan on buying a ton of souvineers or eating at expensive restaurants then $100/day should be fine. I budget $75/day for one adult and two kids 9 and 12. Using the menus on allearsnet will give you a good idea of what you will spend.

 

[powellrj]

we have been watching airprices for our trip in oct and most airlines are only booking discounts throught oct 29 ( we need later) prices will be going down on most airline tickets soon, so just keep watching!

 

[canwegosoon]

It seems like the $650 you have left will be enough for just spending money, but I would check out the menu's to make sure. You could also take advantage of the Q&C vouchers. Don't forget the transportation costs from airport to disney and back(you are at the break even point to take a towncar). Also the parking fees at your airport if you are not being dropped off. We usually budget a $100 for spending money and meals per day, but my children are much younger than yours (so you might need a little more $$ on food or get the vouchers). Also that a code or other discount comes out for you.

 

[Soupermom]

I don't think anyone has mentioned getting the Ulitmate Guide to WDW. (UG) In addition to the websites listed above, I found this book to be a big money/time saver! Also, you may want to consider applying for a Disney Visa. My family of 2 adults/2children are going next month and thanks to the UG, Disney Visa (we amy off in full every month), mousesavers.com, and the DIS, we will be spending only $1,500 for four nights at the ASMu, 5 day ultimate hopper passes and airfare. Plus, through Disney we get $100 Disney dollars at check in plus a few other little freebies. Of course I'm bringing more spending money, but our whole trip will be around $2000 and I don't think we're skimping at all!

Have a great trip, and great fun planning!

 

[Weluvdisny]

Speaking of disney visa, in the mail today I got the latest disney rewards magazine and on the back it had a special limited-time offer.

Use the special phone number and key code and get $50 free disney reward dream dollars when you apply for the disney visa card.

I just might have to apply for another card just to get the deal!!
I worked hard (spending money is sooo difficult, LOL) to get my reward dollars and now they are just giving them away!

 

[shame711]

Disney web site is only offering $25.00. Do you have that phone number and key code?

Thanks!

 

[STL_MOM]

I as well would like that phone number and/or code if you have it.

Thanks!

 

[Soupermom]

Just checked my newsletter...phone number is 1.888.215.3051; code is 6Y7911. Note: cardholder gets the rewards when they use their Disney Visa card for the first time. Good luck!

 

[Weluvdisny]

Thanks Soupermom for sharing the info!

I brought my rewards newsletter to work today and had to make many copies of the page with the phone number and code on it for everyone.

It's a great offer! With the way the gas prices are going, I use it twice and I earn $1. Yipee!!