Suggestions wanted for possible trip...

[wasabi girl]

Hi everyone! I'm sort of new to the budget board...I've got a couple of questions you all may be able to answer. My Dad was just given the diagnosis of not having leukemia or cancer of the blood (phew!) and I'm thinking of planning a family gathering to WDW. I'm going this December on a dream vacation sort of thing and boy I'd love to be able to do that again but I don't think so (I've been saving for this one for two years) so here are my questions:
1. Is there any real advantage to being a "magical gathering"?

2. What do you think of the resorts in the downtown Disney area (like the swan and dolphin) vs. official Disney hotels?

3. Food budget...if we stay in a non official hotel, the savings on the room should greatly contribute to the food budget, right? (I don't mind paying for table service meals...ease is important to my Dad) Is conciege level worth it (dollar wise?)

4. Are discounts ever available to the downtown disney area hotels (the on-property is very dear to my Dad)?

5. Any suggestions would be appreciated. The group would be 9 of us: Me, DH (50) DDs (21 & 18), Brother, his wife, my neice (14), and of course the parents! 72 and 62.

I'd love to do a big trip but Dad has an unknown blood disorder and I don't want to wait another 2 years, next year would be great...so all of your suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[staci]

I would look into renting some points from a dvc owner. they you could stay at a nicer hotel without spending too much money. weeknights are cheaper when renting points. weekends take more points. The location of the dvc cant be beat.

Otherwise you could go with 3 value rooms. consider the time of year you can go. try to pick a less busy season as the prices are lower for rooms.

GO TAKE YOUR TRIP!!! Even without your dad's blood concerns, you never know when it will be too late. Take the time to do it now

 

[bettyann29]

Sorry I dont have any advice to give you on the budgeting part, but definitely take this trip if it is possible.. my dad was diagnosed with a blood disorder.. at first it was thought he had leukemia and then thank goodness that it wasnt.. Its something with the platelets in his blood and he has never been the same.. he will be 76 this birthday and I hope to have him around many more years, but you just never know.. We are planning a trip to the coast next year for my dad as that is something he is wanting to do next year..

 

[canwegosoon]

Magical Gathering-I have never done one, but I think you can get special tours, and a special Illuminations viewing area

DTD-(Swan/Dolphin) Great if you are staying on Starwood Points(you could stay for free at one-I think at the Swan). They have Disney bussing and are a longish walking distance to Epcot. Both really nice. There are discounts (teachers/nurses/govt employees etc).

Food Budget: If you are going to do a package, you might want to get the food plan. This way you have a sitdown and a counter service every day. Other wise you might want to consider getting an AP for the DDE (your whole party would be covered for 20% discount(or even the DDE without the AP, I just think it's a little more expensive but for a group your size, well worth it) as well as you could get BRP (but you need to book 60 days out-I couldn't tell from your post if your December trip is still on or if you are going to change it now that your dad is not as sick as once thought. There are Affordable packages available so that is also a possibility if you check in before the 19th.

Staci suggested renting points from DVC owner. You could get a 3 brm, or 3 studios(OKW has the largest rooms)...but if you are talking about this December...you should start looking into accomodations ASAP.

Finally you might want to consider staying at hotels that are either very close to parks (like BW/BC/YC/WL) or a Monorail away like (GF/Cont/Poly). I know that some blood patients get tired quickly. You should take that into account if that is a concern.