Please help...very confused on tickets!

[dudedisney]

Our trip is for Oct 7-15. We're getting in late on Fri and leaving early on Sat morn so we will have 7 days for activities.

Rest of group is buying 7 day hoppers but we are planning on doing Universal (they're not) and also we'd like to doing some golfing (which they're not interested in).

I think we should just get the 5 day hoppers for us four but I'm being pressured to get the 7 day since it's 'only $6 extra' apiece.

What do you think? Since we're also being pressured to NOT go to Universal because we're told it's not worth it, I can't really say that $24 is a great reason to not get the passes.

I don't see us going back to DW anytime in the next 10 yrs frankly since this trip is going to put us so far in debt, hubby will have to dip into 401K (can you tell we've had arguments on this?) and so I'm saying we need to do what we can while we're there but I also don't like paying for something I won't use either.

Which hopper: 5 or 7? I ask the experts...

 

[crow11ad]

I say go with the 7 day. It is just mearly dollars to get the extra days. You still could go to Universal and then when your done, come back and catch up with the group if they are at a park.

 

[unixadm]

If the price is that close, go for the 7 day. You may spend the day in Universal, then you could go back into MK or Epcot to meet up with the rest of your group for dinner or to see the fireworks.

 

[Goofy4]

Our group of 13 has 7 day tickets even though there's a chance we'll only use 5. That "what if" factor for 30 something $$ won me over.

 

[umaangel00]

I would get the 7 as well. And if you don't think you will use them, then add the non-expiry option once down there. That way, you can ALWAYS use them later. I personally do not think Universal is worth it. We went there in March and I regret it.

 

[milmore104]

Why not just get the 5 day passes and if you need more days add them on while your there. I know it's only $24 but to me that's another t-shirt or meal. We are going for 10 days but leaving really early Sun. morning so no parks that day. We currently have 7 day passes and have 9 days were we can go to parks but we may go to the water parks for a day or 2 or maybe resort hop, site see and relax. I know the difference isn't much it's not the point of our reasoning really. It's the fact that I want to relax this trip and take our time. So if we only go to the parks for 7 days that's fine by us.

Disney has made it real easy for us now. You can easily add on the extra days at your resort or any QR booth at any park! Have fun and enjoy your vacation!!!

 

[Camping Griswalds]

I would go with the 7 days as well. You say you won't go again for a long time, but I've heard lots of people say that!!! They are usually the ones that end up going every 2 years at least. The days won't expire if you don't use them, so when you get home put them in a safe or a safe deposit box.
We really liked Universal and Is of Adventure. We too will be doing both in Jan. We're staying for 10 nights and buying 10 day no expiration passes. We figure its cheap enough (just a couple of dollars more) to go from 6-10days. We figure 10 days there at Disney, we'll probably use 5 entrance passes, a couple of the plus options, a day at Seaworld and 2 days at Univ/Is of Ad. We just plan on putting the extra unused options away for another trip.
Our kids are going to be in 7th, 3rd and just an 18mo this trip. Who knows between sports and school when we'll get to Disney again, but I know we will someday. And hey it will be cheap because the tix will already be paid for even if its 10 years from now!!

 

[umaangel00]

I agree with the above poster. You said you won't go for a LONG time but DH and I said that in March due to the financial aspect. We said we would bring our children when we had them but that wouldn't be for a long time. Guess what! We are going again in March. LOL

 

[jarw00]

Thats how Disney gets you! It's just nother $6 for each ticket even though you know you will never use it. I would examine my schedule and see if I could use the extra days to just park hop for a couple extra hours. If not don't get them. We all spend time trying to get free stuff from Disney (pins with purchase etc) but many of us won't think twice about spending an extra $24 on tickets we don't need. That could be a great souvenir. We got the 10 day no expire, because will plan to go at least once a (depending on how good the deals are in Sept.) year and will get use out of the tickets.

 

[NancyIL]

I would go with the 7 days as well. You say you won't go again for a long time, but I've heard lots of people say that!!! They are usually the ones that end up going every 2 years at least. The days won't expire if you don't use them, so when you get home put them in a safe or a safe deposit box.
We really liked Universal and Is of Adventure. We too will be doing both in Jan. We're staying for 10 nights and buying 10 day no expiration passes. We figure its cheap enough (just a couple of dollars more) to go from 6-10days. We figure 10 days there at Disney, we'll probably use 5 entrance passes, a couple of the plus options, a day at Seaworld and 2 days at Univ/Is of Ad. We just plan on putting the extra unused options away for another trip.
Our kids are going to be in 7th, 3rd and just an 18mo this trip. Who knows between sports and school when we'll get to Disney again, but I know we will someday. And hey it will be cheap because the tix will already be paid for even if its 10 years from now!!

Unless you have the non-expiring park hoppers that cost more, unused days DO expire! Ticketmania's 7-day expiring park hopper is $234 for an adult, and the 8-day is $233! I realize you don't need 8 days...but since it's a buck cheaper than 7...that's what I'd get!

If this trip is really going to put you far into debt, I hope you're getting budget tips from the budget board. Also check out Mousesavers - www.mousesavers.com

 

[NCombs]

Get the 5 day now if you feel better about it. You can add the extra 2 days on while you are at Disney if it turns out you will use those days. You don't have to do it now.

 

[jann1033]

maybe since i am not a golfer...i guess i wonder why you would go to disney and golf ( that you can do lots of places) rather than use that ton of money to go to a park you can't go to anywhere else and only spend $6 for ( but then like i said, tiger woods i'm not and to each his own)

 

[Camping Griswalds]

Unless you have the non-expiring park hoppers that cost more, unused days DO expire! Ticketmania's 7-day expiring park hopper is $234 for an adult, and the 8-day is $233! I realize you don't need 8 days...but since it's a buck cheaper than 7...that's what I'd get!

Sorry, I was just assuming that if she went for the more day option that she (the OP) would purchase the non expiration option to use for future use.

i also agree with another poster, that you could meet back up with your group and end up staying for several hours after golf or "off" days at extra magic hours etc. So that could be another way you could use the tix.

 

[dizplanner]

Sorry, I was just assuming that if she went for the more day option that she (the OP) would purchase the non expiration option to use for future use.

The problem with adding the non-expiration option to 7 day tickets is that it will add not only the $24 from 5 to 7 days, but $220 for the non-expiration. $244 is alot for a "maybe" trip.

 

[Camping Griswalds]

The problem with adding the non-expiration option to 7 day tickets is that it will add not only the $24 from 5 to 7 days, but $220 for the non-expiration. $244 is alot for a "maybe" trip.

Well I agree if you are looking at it for a short term idea. However as I posted before, I still think the extra days with no expiration is a better opinion. Just my opinion though.

 

[nutsforgolf]

Here is the answer, which combines everyone's suggesstions....

Buy a 5 day, expiring hopper. If you decide not to go to Universal or decide you need extra days, you can upgrade them at the gate or hotel for the same price as you could today. You can even add the non-expiring option too, but keep in mind that they charge you for the total days that are printed on the ticket, not the unused days left.

 

[dudedisney]

Thanks for your opinions.

I have been checking out the budget board every day since this trip came up and I've cut corners every way I can think of, thanks to you guys. As for the golf, I believe they have the Fastasia minature golf courses? All four of us enjoy golf so it's something special we had planned instead of the more expensive breakfast (which my kids do not seem interested in).

There's no way I'm getting the 'no expiration' option. And yes, I've heard it ad nauseam 'once you go, you'll have to go back again and again.' Perhaps. But it won't be anytime in the next couple of years for financial reasons if nothing else. This trip is putting quite a strain on us in more ways than one.

If I sound bitter, I am trying not to. I am sure we will have a wonderful time no matter what we end up doing. I just do not care for the position I am in right now of someone else planning a trip that I am paying through the nose for and causing some turmoil within my family. Resentment does not make for a happy traveling companion!

Thank goodness I found these boards to help me through this and perhaps find a little magic in the mess.

 

[wekhogan]

Hi -
I went right past your ticket question and focused on the fact that you are dipping into your 401(k) plan to pay for it. I hope someone has told you that not only will you pay income tax on the withdrawal, you will also be liable for a 10% penalty tax for early withdrawal.
Can you make your trip a little shorter than the rest of your group's to save?

 

[Stitch1962]

Go for what you feel is necessary to do your trip to its fullest. If you feel you need to add on more days, then you can always do it within the 14 days after the 1st use of the ticket.

Although I don't golf, I have friends and relatives who LOVE to play the Disney courses.... the treatment you get from the Castmembers is outstanding.

Don't let anyone pressure you into something you aren't sure you need, no matter whether is is $6 or $600. Buy what is best for you and go from there!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Dipping into a 401k is serious business. Under no circumstances would I do that. I know it's not what you want to hear but dipping into a 401k is not a good plan.

But because you're likely going to do it anyway, I would try to do things to minimize the dipping. I would cancel Universal, and add a Disney day or two as the cheaper option. You're only going for 7days. Don't try to get the whole place in (including Universal) in that timeframe. It's just not going to happen. I know you're not likely to get back soon but I'd still enjoy what you do to its fullest rather than try to do everything and not enjoy paying for it later, nor running yourself ragged trying to squeeze it all in

How long between now and your trip? If it's a month or two than get creative.
1. Garage sale. Sell those old toys and stuff you no longer use. You can get some bux there. Even if it's just a few bux, any dollar you can avoid dipping into your 401k is actually a dollar and 40 cents well earned.
2. How long between now and go time? If it's a couple months or more you can temporarily stop contributing to your 401k (yes you'll pay taxes on that money but you will take 70% of it or so home on your paycheck and you won't pay penalties)
3. Any balance left on the credit cards? I don't endorse charging them up but anything is preferable to dipping into the 401k. Even going to your credit union and getting a trip loan. I don't know the terms of Disney financing nor on what it is offered but consider it. It's better than dipping into the 401k. The only thing I wouldn't do is a check into cash type deal... That 500% interest is a Witch. Nor would I do one of those car title loans.
4. Sell something to a pawn shop. Do not pawn it. You'll get more money with an outright sale.

If you've already done the dipping into the 401k and it's a loan, do these things when you get back and pay back that 401k loan asap.

Do not get the non expiration. Better for a day or two to expire than dipping even more into the 401k to pay for non-expiration. Again... BAD PLAN!!!!. I'd seriously look into getting non-hoppers as well. Save some money there. Hopping might be a good option, but considering you'd be dipping into a 401k to pay for it, you don't have that luxury. It can be done without hopping and you can still have a great time.

I know alot of it isn't what you want to hear but when we're talking dipping into a 401k, you've not only got to cut fat, you've gotta think about cutting lean and raising some money.