Quick budget trip - is it possible?

[thebigkahuna]

I'm thinking about a quick budget trip to Disney. Just for the day ( ok, ok a LONG day )

I live close enough to drive & would spend the day, then drive home, so no need for a hotel.

I would need a rental car, as I would prefer to not add miles to my (older) vehicle.

Every time I start to add up the costs, it seems to burst through the term "budget" & land somewhere in the "pretty darn expensive for a day trip" area.

Even if I choose to fly, the cost of the flight rounds out to be the cost of a rental car - And gas for a rental is pretty close to transportation from the airport to Disney & back.

I was thinking of buying an annual pass, but the start-up cost (down payment plus monthly payment; and yes, they charge both on the same day) is actually MORE than what I would spend on a day ticket.

And this is all before I think about food costs & buying trinkets & all the other things I *need* from Disney! LOL

I need a bit of a Disney fix - a nice "pick me up" to feel like I'm doing something magical for me (besides the magic of paying bills. thats not as magical as one may think! ) but it seems like it's cost prohibitive. (especially for us budgeteers)

Have you gone budget? What did you do? What did you *not* do?
I'm trying to get ideas incase I'm overlooking something huge. I'd really like to go.

TIA!

 

[cluvsdisney]

I really can't imagine how airline tickets would cost the same as renting a car for the day. I would check priceline for the car rental or look for coupons on Mousesavers or see if you can get a deal with AAA.

I don't understand what you mean about the start up cost and monthly payments of an annual pass. I had one in the past and we paid for it in full on the date of purchase. If you are able to make frequent trips to make the AP worth it you will save money after that intial cash outlay and future trips won't feel as expensive.

I would forgo souveniers on this trip since you'd be purchasing the AP and know you'll be back to pick them up at a later date or keep it super cheap like a pin or even a mickey shaped rice krispie treat to enjoy at home later. And the same for meals...bring in snacks and beverages you can carry, maybe have one meal in the parks but keep it inexpensive to offset the other costs.

Remember, everything will be there and you don't need to see, do and by everything in one day. The AP along with being close by gives you the freedom to slow down while you are the parks because you can easily be back in a couple of weeks.

Have fun if you decide to go for it!

 

[thebigkahuna]

I really can't imagine how airline tickets would cost the same as renting a car for the day. I would check priceline for the car rental or look for coupons on Mousesavers or see if you can get a deal with AAA.

I would need to leave earlier than I could rent a car - and would return later than I could drop it off - so the car rental would be more along the lines of 2 & 1/2 to 3 days, depending on the hours the rental place is open.
Examples I found: car rental for 3 days = $85.00... R/T flight = $109.00. Not the *same* but pretty close. Also, car would need gas, flight would need transportation to/from the parks.

I don't understand what you mean about the start up cost and monthly payments of an annual pass. I had one in the past and we paid for it in full on the date of purchase. If you are able to make frequent trips to make the AP worth it you will save money after that intial cash outlay and future trips won't feel as expensive.

I was looking at the program to "flex-pay" for an annual pass. The charge is a one time of approximately a day pass (around 70 $) and it states that "later in the day" they will charge the monthly fee (another 25 to 30 $). Thats about $100.00 - more than a day pass - and who knows when I would be able to go back (due to my schedule)
Paying for an annual pass in full would defeat the idea of this being a budget trip!

I would forgo souveniers on this trip since you'd be purchasing the AP and know you'll be back to pick them up at a later date or keep it super cheap like a pin or even a mickey shaped rice krispie treat to enjoy at home later. And the same for meals...bring in snacks and beverages you can carry, maybe have one meal in the parks but keep it inexpensive to offset the other costs.

Agreed. Trinkets can wait. Although I know I will want to purchase some things, I would keep this area under check. Honestly, with the AP costing so much, even on the flex pay plan, I think a day ticket might be a cheaper option!

Remember, everything will be there and you don't need to see, do and by everything in one day. The AP along with being close by gives you the freedom to slow down while you are the parks because you can easily be back in a couple of weeks.

Have fun if you decide to go for it!

Unfortunately, between my schedule and the cost of the AP, I wouldn't be back in a few weeks. (which is why I'm leaning towards a day ticket.)

Thanks for your input!!!

 

[cluvsdisney]

ITA! For a $25 difference, I would totally fly instead of drive. It's a hard call with the tickets. But I love quick trips like that - they are a bit frivouls but you need that once in a while. Good luck deciding what to do!

 

[lovemygoofy]

I can understand about needing to treat yourself here and there. I don't understand blowing the budget on a day trip that involves such a process of flying or renting a car for 3 days.

Make your own magic wherever you are. Go out for a show or a nice picnic or whatever else local events are in your area. Save your money and then go for a long weekend when you have the money for it.

I just think this day trip is too complicated and too expensive to be justified.BTW I find great irony in you starting the no buy thread and then wanting to do this day trip.

 

[thebigkahuna]

ITA! For a $25 difference, I would totally fly instead of drive. It's a hard call with the tickets. But I love quick trips like that - they are a bit frivouls but you need that once in a while. Good luck deciding what to do!

Thanks! I agree about needing to just bust out of the routine once & a while. Sadly, my routine is gonna stick - I've decided against going.

 

[thebigkahuna]

I can understand about needing to treat yourself here and there. I don't understand blowing the budget on a day trip that involves such a process of flying or renting a car for 3 days.

agreed! Which is why i was asking for ideas and or previous examples of how others have done budget trips. Thought maybe there was a big piece of the puzzle I was missing.

Make your own magic wherever you are. Go out for a show or a nice picnic or whatever else local events are in your area. Save your money and then go for a long weekend when you have the money for it.

Very good advice, thank you.

I just think this day trip is too complicated and too expensive to be justified.BTW I find great irony in you starting the no buy thread and then wanting to do this day trip.

great way to describe it - very accurate.

And just because I *want* to save money doesn't mean I don't know how to spend it!! Why do you think I need the support of the no-buy thread??!!??
I am trying to have "no spend" days, but that doesn't negate my vacation fund - just because I'm on a budget doesn't mean I'm doomed to never taking vacation again. I was looking for budget-y ideas to keep the cost of a one day trip to a minimum.

Without getting into a lot of detail, I really need a break, and I would LOVE some Disney time. If there was an easy way to get my behind to Disney & have it be as budget - friendly as possible, I really wanted to hear options.

thanks all!

 

[csharpwv]

Sometimes it's better to just get a hotel - you can find some hotel that provide local transportation for $40-$50 a night - and sometimes even less! That's cheap!

Did you consider the train? So many folks forget you can take a train into the Orlando area - it's usually 20-40% cheaper than a plane (in some cases!)

Find a travel partner to split the cost with - even if you don't spend the day in the park together - you can still split the cost of a rental car if that's a cheaper option. If it's a friend, you can always split the cost of a hotel room as well!

Affordable food is very easy to find! Think vegetables, sandwiches, fruit, and other things that are very easy to pack and carry!

If you live close enough to make it a day trip - you live close enough to justify the cost of an annual pass (in my opinion!)

Just think- if you lay out the cost of an annual pass over a full year - and you go once or twice a month even for just a day - your costs are covered! PLUS your AP covers your parking costs, and gives you a ton of discounts throughout the resort on food and merchandise.

Plus - the AP discount gives you incredible deal on Disney hotels, access to pass holder events, and the list goes on!

If you only guy a day ticket - you will go once - but if you buy an AP you will make time to go!

We bought into DVC for the same reason - it's never a question of "IF" we are going on vacation this year - it's the question of "When"!

Here is another thought - buy a multi-day pass and get the no expiration option - so your future trips will at least be discounted!

There are so many options!

So many people think that any trip to Disney is an expensive trip - BUT - it doesn't have to be!

Great planning saves a lot of money!

Enjoy life - money comes and goes - but your sanity is worth an investment of any cost!

LIVE LIFE!

 

[DawnM]

But if you fly, it isn't exactly faster.....drive to the airport, wait, fly, then not only would you need a ride from the airport, but you need to add in THAT cost to/from the airport as well.

If you live 30 min. from the airport, get there an hour early, fly, then wait for a ride, then drive 30 min. or more to the Mouse, you are looking at a few hours of air travel, not saving you much.

Car rental you said was for 3 days, not sure why you need it for 3 days if you are going for only one.

I think you are finding all sorts of reasons NOT to go, so in your shoes I would wait until you are sure you will go back before getting APs at all.

Sorry you didn't get in on the GAD program, that would have covered your downpayment for your AP.

Dawn

 

[DawnM]

Sorry, didn't see this first.

You know, you could wait until Sept and get the new week day only Florida Resident AP. It is only $160, but is limited.

Dawn

Thanks! I agree about needing to just bust out of the routine once & a while. Sadly, my routine is gonna stick - I've decided against going.

 

[thebigkahuna]

Sometimes it's better to just get a hotel - you can find some hotel that provide local transportation for $40-$50 a night - and sometimes even less! That's cheap!

very good idea, but I wouldn't be staying over night. Thanks for the idea tho!

Did you consider the train? So many folks forget you can take a train into the Orlando area - it's usually 20-40% cheaper than a plane (in some cases!)

the train takes longer than driving! Plus, the flight R/T was only $109.00 - hard to beat!

Find a travel partner to split the cost with - even if you don't spend the day in the park together - you can still split the cost of a rental car if that's a cheaper option. If it's a friend, you can always split the cost of a hotel room as well!

A great idea, but I need the alone time this trip -

Affordable food is very easy to find! Think vegetables, sandwiches, fruit, and other things that are very easy to pack and carry!

I would have carried food for sure - maybe one sit down meal as a treat -

If you live close enough to make it a day trip - you live close enough to justify the cost of an annual pass (in my opinion!)

Just think- if you lay out the cost of an annual pass over a full year - and you go once or twice a month even for just a day - your costs are covered! PLUS your AP covers your parking costs, and gives you a ton of discounts throughout the resort on food and merchandise.

Plus - the AP discount gives you incredible deal on Disney hotels, access to pass holder events, and the list goes on!

If you only guy a day ticket - you will go once - but if you buy an AP you will make time to go!

We bought into DVC for the same reason - it's never a question of "IF" we are going on vacation this year - it's the question of "When"!

Here is another thought - buy a multi-day pass and get the no expiration option - so your future trips will at least be discounted!

I agree! but I was just looking for a cheap quick fix for this trip - not really considering a future trip, just some instant gratification!

So many people think that any trip to Disney is an expensive trip - BUT - it doesn't have to be!

Great planning saves a lot of money!

I agree! thanks to you & the others who have posted money saving ideas & tips!!

Enjoy life - money comes and goes - but your sanity is worth an investment of any cost!

LIVE LIFE!

how very true this is. Thanks

 

[thebigkahuna]

But if you fly, it isn't exactly faster.....drive to the airport, wait, fly, then not only would you need a ride from the airport, but you need to add in THAT cost to/from the airport as well.

If you live 30 min. from the airport, get there an hour early, fly, then wait for a ride, then drive 30 min. or more to the Mouse, you are looking at a few hours of air travel, not saving you much.

Wow, I hadn't even thought about wait times or flight delays - good reminder!

Car rental you said was for 3 days, not sure why you need it for 3 days if you are going for only one.

I would be leaving before the rental place opens, and returning after the rental place closed. So, I would need to rent the night before, use it for the one day & return it the following day.

I think you are finding all sorts of reasons NOT to go, so in your shoes I would wait until you are sure you will go back before getting APs at all.

LOL, actually I have a million reasons why I want (and need) to go.
I was looking for ways others have gone & done a day trip as budget as possible.

Sorry you didn't get in on the GAD program, that would have covered your downpayment for your AP.

Dawn

Oh I wish I had done that also!

 

[thebigkahuna]

Sorry, didn't see this first.

You know, you could wait until Sept and get the new week day only Florida Resident AP. It is only $160, but is limited.

Dawn

Thanks for mentioning this - I didn't know about it - but I could only go on a weekend day.

Thank you though!

 

[Pumbaa_]

I saw you are not going

if you change your mind , and decide to fly, consider getting a room for a night. Cheap AP rates exist and then you could use DME

hope your Disney happens soon

 

[sbell111]

Many car rental places allow you to drop the car after hours.

 

[aceys_h0ney]

If you rent the car from the airport aren't they open 24/7? That could save some money on the rental even if it means driving a little further out of your way to pick the vehicle up.

Also if you have an Entertainment book or can get ahold of one they are full of rental car coupons. We used one in a pinch when we needed a car last year, I want to say it took 1 day off a minimum 3 days rental or something like that.

Do your sit down meal for lunch which are typically cheaper then dinner.

 

[sbell111]

Many car rental places allow you to drop the car after hours.

 

[SunnieRN]

I am also on4 the "No Buy Thread", but I see the wisdom in taking time to relax and have some down time tto keep on track the rest of the time!

If I lived "close enough to drive", but could only drive if I rented a car, I would save the driving time, energy and gas $$. I would fly, but instead of staying offsite, I would spend the night at Disney in a value room.

Flight $109
Value Room $ 90(?) Don't they have a FL resident discount?
QS dining $ 36 (Correct me if this is incorrect please)
"Trinkets" $ ? Personal
Airport txs $ 0 Magical Express
Ticket $ 70
1 TS Meal $ 40 ? Depends on where you eat and choices.
Total $345 + trinkets for a weekend "getaway"

One park day, one relaxation day (DTD or?) This would feel like a real "get away" and a fun/relaxing trip. If you have been on budget and saved money over past months, maybe it is time!! Life is short and being responsible allows indulgences at times!!

Also the main reason to get a budget in place, pay down debt and save money, is to be able to do some of the things you enjoy!! I say if you can afford it, will enjoy it, then go for it!!

I will say that I am feeling very meloncholy today. It is 3 years today that I lost my Mother to cancer. She passed 6 days after her diagnosis. There were things she wanted to do but didn't get to. It wasn't $$ issues, but health issues. Life is short!

 

[thebigkahuna]

I saw you are not going

if you change your mind , and decide to fly, consider getting a room for a night. Cheap AP rates exist and then you could use DME

hope your Disney happens soon

Very kind of you thank you for your good wishes
I think I will wait and go for a longer stretch of time...POFQ looks like such an awesome place to stay!

 

[thebigkahuna]

If you rent the car from the airport aren't they open 24/7? That could save some money on the rental even if it means driving a little further out of your way to pick the vehicle up.

Also if you have an Entertainment book or can get ahold of one they are full of rental car coupons. We used one in a pinch when we needed a car last year, I want to say it took 1 day off a minimum 3 days rental or something like that.

Do your sit down meal for lunch which are typically cheaper then dinner.

I didn't remember the Entertainment book, thank you!
I didn't check the airport car rental places, because, well, if I'm gonna drive to the airport, well.....