Suggestion for College Students

[Hippychickali]

My BF and I are college students and are working with a very small budget. Are there any suggestions from other college students on ways that we can save money and still have fun? Thanks in advance.

Ali

 

[Rippington'sFan]

Maybe if you open up your question to "Everyone" rather than looking for answers just from college students you might have lots of luck here. People here are awsome and will share all kinds of ideas with you to help you. Just a thought. LOL

 

[ammdc7]

My girlfriend and I are also in college, we went down over the christmas break and did it rather cheaply as I understand it. The first thing we did was find a code for the resort stay. We got to stay at the brand new Pop Century (and were one of the first I might add!) for $62 a night, don't quote me on that... but that included the taxes and what not. Now this was the off season but if you can get a code that's the best money saving advice. We have also stayed off site for about $50 in peak season so you have to either give up staying on property for price, or save and stay off. Now the tickets are where the money goes! we got the ultimate park hoppers for the length of our trip (2 day passes) for about $150 each I think. So that's a lot. But hey it's worth it if you add up going to Pleasure Island twice, three different parks and everything you can imagine! Ok food: Spend $30 before you go at Sam's Club and get everything like ham and bread, soda, chips snacks -grenola bars and stuff... This will save you at least $150 for a three day trip. We ate this stuff on our 2 day trip there and saved even more. Budget a little for one meal at the parks and snack on what you brought in your backpack, and your good to go. Man... I'm sorry that's long but we really did Disney World for about $500, including 2 people, two nights at other hotels, and of course off season. So I hope that helps, let me know if I can help with anything else!

 

[ammdc7]

I just reread your question, and forgot to add, the best part about this being a college kid is that you have to realize that this is one of your last trips before the real world--- so make the best of it! We did, we ate as were driving (ooooh scary!) took pictures of everything that moved on the way down and gave everything the great American College try! We stopped at a gas station where there were some shady characters, so I got out to get gas and if you remember the Chevy Chase movie where he takes his family to wally world and they pull up in East St. louis, there's the gun fire, well I felt like that and told my GF to "roll 'em up!" Crud like that. Just live poor on the way down and a little there and you'll get so much out of the trip by just letting go of everything... It really is the best way to experience Disney, because you don't expect everything to be perfect and it turns out to be just that!! !!

 

[ammdc7]

Originally posted by ammdc7
I just reread your question, and forgot to add, the best part about this being a college kid is that you have to realize that this is one of your last trips before the real world--- so make the best of it! We did! we ate as we were driving (ooooh scary!) took pictures of everything that moved on the way down and gave everything the great American College try! We stopped at a gas station where there were some shady characters, so I got out to get gas and if you remember the Chevy Chase movie where he takes his family to wally world and they pull up in East St. louis, there's the gun fire, well I felt like that and told my GF to "roll 'em up!" Crud like that. Just live poor on the way down and a little while you're there and you'll get so much out of the trip by just letting go of everything... It really is the best way to experience Disney, because you don't expect everything to be perfect and it turns out to be just that!!

 

[ammdc7]

MEssed up on that last one and it won't let me delete... Sorry

 

[Lewisc]

Are you driving or flying?

 

[Hippychickali]

I'm going to be flying.

Rippington'sFan, I have been taking all the suggestions from everyone and have found some useful tips. I didn't find it necessary to post something saying, "Can everyone tell me how to save money?" since that is the point of this forum. Perhaps I phrased my question wrongly. I guess I just wanted to know if there was anything specifically of interest to those in their early twenties. Sometimes there are certain hangouts that people our age tend to congregate at different locations, for example. I didn't mean to be exclusive.

Ali

 

[jgates]

This sounds kind of hokey, but my college son still loves a great game of mini-golf!!!! You can play on-site at Disney or a bit cheaper at Pirates (2 locations I believe). If you do not have a rental car (that can be a challenge if you are under 25!!!) then I would suggest doing Disney. Take a bus to the Swan/Dolphin if there is not direct transport to the mini-golf and walk to the one facility. About 7 minutes from either the swan or the dolphin.

 

[Rippington'sFan]

hippychickali, no problem. I didn't mean any harm by it and I didn't want to sound like I was telling you what to do. I just noticed that you weren't getting many responses at the time I looked at your post and I thought people may have looked at you post thinking you wanted only responses from college students.
Good Luck with your trip planning. I'm sure you will find all the information you need from all the nice people here. If I can add anything I think will help you I will post again also.
Enjoy your trip

 

[maggiew]

Well, it hasn't been that long since I've been a college student and now I teach college students, so I am still "in touch". At least I like to think I am.

First, I would drive down if possible to save money. I didn't notice where you were from, but usually driving saves LOTS of money. Although if you can get a good deal since its only the two of you, it might not be so expensive.
*edited. I just saw that you are from Canada and driving might not be the best idea.

Second, I would stay off site and bid for a hotel on priceline (another reason to drive so you can have the car). I remember what kind of places we stayed in when I was in college, so I think you can bid on a 2* and up and be happy since it will only cost around $20 a night.

Third, go during VALUE season if you stay onsite. This will make your onsite stay cheaper, even without codes, etc.

Fourth, buy tickets before you go from a ticket broker. There are many recommended places on these boards. And you don't need to buy a ticket for each day you plan to be there. You could plan on spending a week at WDW and get a 4 day hopper PLUS. Spend 4 days at the parks and one day at a water park. Then spend a day or two exploring the resorts, etc.

I think college students would like Disney Quest (but that costs extra unless you have an ultimate park hopper). I think you only need to be 18 to get into Pleasure Island to dance (but you wouldn't be able to drink) so if you like clubs and things that is another option. Walking around the boardwalk is fun and free (provided you can control yourself with buying stuff). Also a water park like Blizzard Beach (costs extra unless ultimate park hoper).

If you like thrill rides, try MGM. That seems to be a favorite with teens/college students. There is Tower of Terror and Rock and Rollercoaster. You may also like Star Tours. Potentially Indiana Jones, if nothing else but for the "cheesiness factor".

If you like to explore different cultures, I think you would like EPCOT. Plus Test Track is there and Mission Space, so those are thrill ridey too.

Go to Magic Kingdom just for the Disney factor. You would probably like Big Thunder Mountain RR and Splash Mountain. Also Space Mountain and Buzz Lightyear.

You probably wouldn't be so into Animal Kingdom.

You can eat counter service pretty cheaply. Burgers/fries and drinks run $8 or so. If you decide to try a sit down place, you can always order an appetizer and entree to share. Or get a pizza to share at Mama Melrose in MGM, etc. You can get a rotisserie chicken meal at Cosmic Rays in MK for cheap and share that.

I'm not sure if this all makes sense. I am just randomly throwing things out there. One thing I do know is that "Real Life" approaches very quickly. Take this time and enjoy it while you can.

Maggie

 

[GEM]

My boyfriend and I made several trips spring break trips when we were in college. Here is what we did to make it possible on a college student's budget -

-Stayed off site. We got pretty decent hotels for around $50 a night. Try priceline.

-We drove. It was about 20 hours each way, but it wasn't bad at all. We actually really enjoyed the road trip!

-We took picnic supplies for the drive down and stopped for picnics instead of at restaurants. We also went shopping when we got there and got food for our room, so we could eat breakfast in the room before heading out in the mornings - stuff like ceral bars, fruit, muffins, juice, milk, etc. We took a cooler with us. We also bought stuff for picnics on the way home.

-In the parks, we stuck with counter service places for lunch and had dinner off site someplace like Denny's.

-We didn't really buy any souvenirs. I think I got a hat and he got a t-shirt. That's pretty much it. We took lots of pitures, though, and those were the best souvenirs!

Anyway, they definately weren't our most deluxe trips, but we had a blast both times!!

Have fun!

 

[Hippychickali]

Thank you all for the suggestions. Very much appreciated. I think I'll really have to explore Pleasure Island and DTD. I'm 23 so I can do just about everything except eat off the senior's menu. Once again, you've all been quite helpful.

Ali