Teresa's DW Vacation Quest

[Grumpy's Old Lady]

I just listened to this week's Podcast show and Teresa was discussing her DW vacation quest for $2,500. Teresa said she doesn't need to get passes because she has annual passes.

I also heard January 13's show and Pete did say Teresa needs to book hotel, passes, and food for $2,500 or under and keep what she doesn't spend.

I think Teresa should consider buying the passes too, because the average family planning a DW trip doesn't usually have annual passes. We are usually just going once a year or every other year. Did Pete change his mind about the passes?

If we do have annual passes, then we usually would go to DW more than once in the year and wouldn't have to worry about budgeting $2,500 for a DW vacation.

I planned my 6-day DW vacation recently for four people and used Dreams Unlimited and it does help tremendously to use.

You are a great free tool to use. Thanks!

Rebecca

 

[jeanigor]

I would agree. The normal family won't already have passes. Adds to the challenge.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Teresa isn't going to be happy with us, but I have to agree. Tickets are big part of the trip expense. With $2,500, just hotel and food would be a breeze to do.

 

[newmouse2008]

I would agree. The normal family won't already have passes. Adds to the challenge.

Todd, Are you saying my family isn't normal?

I will ask Pete for clarification and contest rules..... be back later.....

 

[safetymom]

Looking forward to the answer. It might be a real challenge.

 

[jeanigor]

Todd, Are you saying my family isn't normal?

I will ask Pete for clarification and contest rules..... be back later.....

Depends if you mean your biological family or your 'other' family.

As part of your 'other' family, I can attest to its lack of normality.

 

[TXYankee]

Sorry Teresa, I think you have to budget for park passes. If you go the parks using your AP's then I think the cost of the AP's should come out of your budget. But if you do that, you can also get the AP perks -discounted rooms, buy tables in wonderland (do AP holders get free parking? Parking adds up if you stay off site)

When regular folks plan a WDW trip we have to consider how many days tickets can we aford to buy? Is a park hopper worth $50 extra or is it one park per day? Do we get a package, buy our tickets from Disney or buy then from a ticket agent.

Being a Townie you don't have to pay for airline tickets or a rental car so you do get a some break!

 

[corky441]

Sorry Teresa, I think you have to budget for park passes. If you go the parks using your AP's then I think the cost of the AP's should come out of your budget. But if you do that, you can also get the AP perks -discounted rooms, buy tables in wonderland (do AP holders get free parking? Parking adds up if you stay off site)

When regular folks plan a WDW trip we have to consider how many days tickets can we aford to buy? Is a park hopper worth $50 extra or is it one park per day? Do we get a package, buy our tickets from Disney or buy then from a ticket agent.

Being a Townie you don't have to pay for airline tickets or a rental car so you do get a some break![/QUOTE]

I agree - the park tickets & travel expenses really take a bite out of the vacation budget for "regular" folk. I think you need to at least factor in the park tickets to get a proper feel for the vacation planning ordeal

 

[newmouse2008]

I just got comfirmation from Pete, I will need tickets too.

 

[ImTooExcitedToSleep]

I just got comfirmation from Pete, I will need tickets too.

You're gonna have to go back to the drawing board.

Here's a money saver for the restaurants.....ice water with lemon and a couple packs of sugar makes a pretty good free lemonade.

 

[TXYankee]

I just got comfirmation from Pete, I will need tickets too.

At least he is not making you rent a car....yet.

BTW..I think the Swan and Dolphan sleep 5 with a roll a way (roll away has a fee)

 

[Phoenixblue]

I just got confirmation from Pete, I will need tickets too.

I know that is prob. a little frustrating, but much more authentic.

Maybe he will let you donate the tickets to charity and use your annual passes for your actual trip? How about do the Give a Day promotion and get one day of passes that way.

Have you pondered renting DVC points? That gives you a kitchen you use for quick meals or snacks and to save a few $$. Especially breakfast - that is our plan for our next trip, do breakfast a few times in our room and save those dinning plan points for signature restaurants or a show that takes 2 points.

Good luck Teresa!

 

[jeanigor]

I know that is prob. a little frustrating, but much more authentic.

Maybe he will let you donate the tickets to charity and use your annual passes for your actual trip? How about do the Give a Day promotion and get one day of passes that way.

Have you pondered renting DVC points? That gives you a kitchen you use for quick meals or snacks and to save a few $$. Especially breakfast - that is our plan for our next trip, do breakfast a few times in our room and save those dinning plan points for signature restaurants or a show that takes 2 points.

Good luck Teresa!

Most DVC'ers seem to be renting @ $10 per point here on the DIS. But maybe a TA might be able to get you something better. Can't hurt to look at many options.

 

[TXYankee]

When I went with my teen nephews (Big eaters) and my sister we had the Dining plan. She and are not big eaters and we often split a counter service lunch and maybe add a side salad. The Boys were happy to eat our extra counter meals and snacks.

 

[lttlmc3]

Sorry Teresa, the tribe has spoken!

 

[Phoenixblue]

Depends if you mean your biological family or your 'other' family.

As part of your 'other' family, I can attest to its lack of normality.

Yea!! Normal is boring . . .
Glad to hear we are not boring!

 

[klam_chowder]

I'm really interested in this challenge too. When I first heard about it I was How could she manage for a family of 5?!? DH & mine's first trip to WDW, staying at a moderate only, cost $4986 Not including gifts. But it was for 8 days...still I'm fascinated to see what magic Teresa works

Teresa, we have faith in you and looking fwd to some education!

cheers,

 

[jimmaher69]

I thought todays show was histerical!

When Kevin said "listeners were sitting in their cars in traffic screaming" I was actually in traffic at that moment.

I can help you out if you have questions....as I am sure hundreds of others can.

Good luck...and planning is atleast half the fun!

 

[WaltD4Me]

Did Pete say Teresa has to stay on property? I got an email today from Travel Zoo that the Comfort Inn by DTD has a special going to $45 a night and you get a free continental breakfast every morning !

 

[tjevans]

WaltD4Me, you beat me to it. I know all of us would rather stay on property, but you can get some good deals on the hotels/motels on 198. Back in my college days, I planned a disney vacation on a student's budget by staying there; I stayed in a nice chain motel for $25/night.