Taking first disney trip in Sept!

[kkelly1235]

Hi there! There is a LOT of info on here!

I am as frugal as they come, so it's hard for me to plunk down all this money! But I know it will be sooo worth it.

Here's what I've come up with:

5 for 3 park hopper tickets, airfare, hotel and car for 5 days, 6 nights for 2 adults 3 kids comes to $2412. That's not including the discount we get for the volunteer a day blanket donation we did.

Does that sound like a good deal? Like I said, we've never done this before, I'm going in blind!

Also, is it a good idea to get the disney diner plan? (I think that's what it's called)

And are there any deals out there about dining with the characters? I have three little girls, they would just die if they got to eat with a princess.

Thank you!!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

It looks like a pretty good deal. If you are traveling between Aug. 15 and Oct. 2 they are offering free dining and that includes 1 TS (table service), 1 CS (counter service) and 1 snack, each day for everyone with tickets. The best place to meet the princesses is at the Epcot Akershus. It is less expensive than Cinderella's Royal Table (MK) and there are more princesses. It counts as 1 TS whereas CRT counts as 2 TS.

 

[tlrudy377]

If you are staying at a Disney Resort, I would give thought to omitting the rental car. If you're staying on property, use Disney's Magical Express from the airport and then the bus (monorail, boat) transportation to get to the parks, water parks, and Downtown Disney.

While a car does give you maximum flexibility for your daily agenda, I think for your first trip to the world (congratulations), traveling in and around that area can be a little tricky, especially after a long day at the parks when all of the other cars are leaving.

 

[Alesia]

When are you going?

I would skip the car. Unless you are flying into Sanford.

I would probably skip the park hoppers, too. It would save you $250. If you get there and really feel that you need to hop, you can add it at any time during your trip.

As far as the dining plan goes, it really depends on your family. Will you want a table service meal every day? For some people, it is a necessity. For others, it's a waste of valuable park time. Another question to ask your self: Are you big eaters? Portions at WDW are huge. Your family may be able to share meals.

We were there for 9 days and only had 3 TS meals, which was perfect for us. We usually shared two meals between the 3 of us and still had food left over. We ate what we wanted when we wanted and ended up spending $600 less than we would have if we had bought the dining plan.

 

[Metro West]

 

[kkelly1235]

We are going to Disneyland from Sept. 6-12.

Disney Crazy Debbie, how can I find out more info about the free dining and that includes 1 TS (table service), 1 CS (counter service) and 1 snack, each day for everyone with tickets?

Like I said, I'm new, I have no idea where to look for things haha!!