The girlfriend and I are trying to pull off the cheapest 3-night trip possible.

[Luvchefmic]

Let me rephrase then...

The cheapest trip possible that doesn't involve us staying at a disgusting motel.

Still not doing your homework Plenty of " not a disgusting motels " Example:

3 nights king room $201.00 (plus 12.5 % tax) you have to add but just making a point NICE places out there very close to property

http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/fai...id=9bd102481ad6299ee7544d83a3f172c89cb0a273X5

Of course you still have to pay parking at the parks and you won't have a dining plan but when you really want to do something " on the cheap " you find a way

 

[Sappermont]

It will be hot, but doable. We went the last week of August and found it hot, but doable. Then, the next trip we went the third week of September and found that it was still hot, etc. but it cooled down more at night. My husband even put a long sleeve shirt on at one point. Have fun and congratulations!

ETA: I was able to deal with the humidity I HATE humidity so much so that I moved to Colorado where there's practically 0% humidity most of the year! Have a blast!

 

[FINFAN]

Congrat's on your engagement and I think the impromptu trip is an excellent way to celebrate. ( DH proposed to me (impromptu) during a trip to WDW/FL after college so I may be biased) but it was great having that time to ourselves before all that input from family and friends. It let us really enjoy the moment, KWIM?
My thought's on the trip would be to really think about what you want to do in 3 days, if rides, the DP takes up a lot of time. I know it's tempting because it is a good deal when staying in a value resort, but just saying, it is a time sucker.(plus you won't want to waste MNSSHP time at TS so if doing DP, plan eat a time consuming meal earlier) if you want to enjoy relaxing more and cool themed restaurants, go the DP route.
Going during options 1 and #2 MAY be a bit less crowded than later, simply because of the FD plan which will bring in some folks and the closer to Halloween for the MNSSHP. If you don't do a park during the day of MNSSHP you can beat the heat a bit, enjoy the pool at the resort, have a nice meal and know that while it will still be humid, and hot, at least the party is when it's dark out for the most part.
Also think about what commitments you have at work before/after the whirlwind weekend, maybe f you know you have a lighter week, book then.
No matter what, you will have your future bride by your side and it will be a blast!

 

[marmalade]

Let me rephrase then...

The cheapest trip possible that doesn't involve us staying at a disgusting motel.

$420 per person for a 3 night stay, 2 day park tickets, the Halloween party AND free dining sounds like a pretty cheap vacation to me.

We have gone multiple times over Labor Day weekend and it is HOT HOT HOT. We are from NY and we manage to survive the heat and humidity though, enough to go back during the same time frame.

 

[marmalade]

Still not doing your homework Plenty of " not a disgusting motels " Example:

3 nights king room $201.00 (plus 12.5 % tax) you have to add but just making a point NICE places out there very close to property

http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/fai...id=9bd102481ad6299ee7544d83a3f172c89cb0a273X5

Of course you still have to pay parking at the parks and you won't have a dining plan but when you really want to do something " on the cheap " you find a way

After you factor in parking, gas and the cost of food, is it really cheaper?

 

[I-4Bound]

Just keep in mind that you can do a short trip WAY cheaper than $800 for a quick 3-night stay offsite, especially if you are driving your own car. Of course, that's a personal preference. My definition of a cheap trip is generally a lot cheaper than that, but I don't have a problem with booking a $35/night hotel off Hotwire. It's all about personal preference, just wanted you to be aware of cheaper options. Have fun!

 

[ksloane]

Congrat's on your engagement and I think the impromptu trip is an excellent way to celebrate. ( DH proposed to me (impromptu) during a trip to WDW/FL after college so I may be biased) but it was great having that time to ourselves before all that input from family and friends. It let us really enjoy the moment, KWIM?
My thought's on the trip would be to really think about what you want to do in 3 days, if rides, the DP takes up a lot of time. I know it's tempting because it is a good deal when staying in a value resort, but just saying, it is a time sucker.(plus you won't want to waste MNSSHP time at TS so if doing DP, plan eat a time consuming meal earlier) if you want to enjoy relaxing more and cool themed restaurants, go the DP route.
Going during options 1 and #2 MAY be a bit less crowded than later, simply because of the FD plan which will bring in some folks and the closer to Halloween for the MNSSHP. If you don't do a park during the day of MNSSHP you can beat the heat a bit, enjoy the pool at the resort, have a nice meal and know that while it will still be humid, and hot, at least the party is when it's dark out for the most part.
Also think about what commitments you have at work before/after the whirlwind weekend, maybe f you know you have a lighter week, book then.
No matter what, you will have your future bride by your side and it will be a blast!

If you are staying at a value, the free dining will be quick service so won't take much time at all.

I say go for it. I think that sounds like a cheap trip, and I'm jealous. We are going for a long weekend in October and not getting off that cheap.

 

[maryandtyson]

I really don't think the heat will be that much of a factor. Start walking now to build up your tolerance. If you live in LA, it shouldn't be a big deal. There are lots of places to cool off. Since the Value resort free dining is the QS plan, it won't be a time suck. We love having meals prepaid anyway. Since you are driving, pack waters and snacks so you don't pay a lot for those. You can use snack credits for breakfast items like: oatmeal, cereal, a pastry...

This will be spontaneous fun. Enjoy it! Responsibilities and children come along soon enough and you won't be able to do things like this. Go for it!

 

[Luvchefmic]

After you factor in parking, gas and the cost of food, is it really cheaper?

It COULD be My point was OP thought under $100 a night =disgusting motel
I would be bringing sandwiches in with me and drinks lots of ways to do cheaper

All in all it's his decision and it's another tool to determine where to stay for less money We have had tremendous success " on the cheap" with that website














Originally Posted by Luvchefmic View Post
Still not doing your homework Plenty of " not a disgusting motels " Example:

3 nights king room $201.00 (plus 12.5 % tax) you have to add but just making a point NICE places out there very close to property

http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/fair...72c89cb0a273X5

Of course you still have to pay parking at the parks and you won't have a dining plan but when you really want to do something " on the cheap " you find a way

 

[Nohal]

After you factor in parking, gas and the cost of food, is it really cheaper?

I was going to post this also. Don't forget the time it takes to get to and from the parks.

Sounds like a great vacation to me. QS is great you can eat where and when you want. All Star food courts are also very good.

It will be hot but you will be in and out of rides and restaurants you should be fine. We go in Sept every year and manage quite well and we are from up north so not as used to the heat as you.

Congrats on your engagement.

 

[FINFAN]

If you are staying at a value, the free dining will be quick service so won't take much time at all.

I say go for it. I think that sounds like a cheap trip, and I'm jealous. We are going for a long weekend in October and not getting off that cheap.

I really don't think the heat will be that much of a factor. Start walking now to build up your tolerance. If you live in LA, it shouldn't be a big deal. There are lots of places to cool off. Since the Value resort free dining is the QS plan, it won't be a time suck. We love having meals prepaid anyway. Since you are driving, pack waters and snacks so you don't pay a lot for those. You can use snack credits for breakfast items like: oatmeal, cereal, a pastry...

This will be spontaneous fun. Enjoy it! Responsibilities and children come along soon enough and you won't be able to do things like this. Go for it!

good point! We only did FD once and a while ago so I forgot that it is QS for value. If you choose not to get DP~get QS meals to split (Tangerine Cafe' in Morocco comes to mind or Cosmic Rays) however your budget works best, get the free ice/water in the parks as your drinks. When hot we don't tend to eat as much as we do drink, and do lighter mini meals, basically "grazing" thru the day lol.
Unless spending the grand(including gas/msc expenses) will hurt , I'd say to go.

 

[ksloane]

good point! We only did FD once and a while ago so I forgot that it is QS for value. If you choose not to get DP~get QS meals to split (Tangerine Cafe' in Morocco comes to mind or Cosmic Rays) however your budget works best, get the free ice/water in the parks as your drinks. When hot we don't tend to eat as much as we do drink, and do lighter mini meals, basically "grazing" thru the day lol.
Unless spending the grand(including gas/msc expenses) will hurt , I'd say to go.

Oh yes! The free ice water is a big deal for us any time of year. We bring a Brita water bottle and keep it full of water. They put it in a cup...we drink a few drinks...what we want at that point, and then pour the rest in the bottle so we don't have to worry about it spilling and carry it for later.

Also, check out the QS menus before you go and have some ideas of where you want to eat. There is a lot of "the same" at the QS restaurants, but if you do your research, you can get some great meals.

 

[MeanestMomEver]

Do it!

You say it's just an appetizer trip. And it's a great deal. Don't go into it thinking you have to be in the parks 12 hours a day. Spend your mornings at the pool til it rains. Then shower, nap go to MK til it closes! If you're only there 5-6 hours, so what?

Give yourself a theme project to work on. Maybe take selfies on every attraction you visit. Or create hidden mickeys for her and see if she notices- like with your dirty socks and underwear on the floor or blobs of toothpaste in the sink.

And I saw that little slip---you "proposed" a trip is this a little foreshadowing for us?

 

[kellyg403]

I think a 3 day impromptu trip for 400 a person is awesome actually!

As for the heat, traditionally we hit WDW in the fall/winter as Christmas is our favorite time of year to see the parks. This year, I did a girls only trip with my granddaughter and a friend last week. I was really worried about the heat and touring since we don't usually do the summer. It was WONDERFUL. Yes, it was very hot in the day time. It made Epcot miserable. However, we learned really quickly to utilize the mornings and nights to our advantage. In the evenings when the showers had passed through it was nice with a breeze. We closed down MK on quite a few times!

So, my vote is to go, and know it will be hot. Take advantage of the evenings and mornings. Spend some time around the pool in the afternoons or rest up for those nights. I would do a summer trip any time now.

I also think if cheapest way to go is what you are looking for, staying offsite may save you some lodging dollars, but factor in parking and food you may break even. Staying onsite is easier when the plan is to break in the afternoons. We have stayed offsite once only and while it was enjoyable, I prefer the onsite stays. But, we are a little more flexible, know we can't do it all and are willing to change things as we go to make the stay enjoyable.

Regardless of your choice...have a wonderful time!

ETA: The Halloween Party is one of the best experiences! I loved it even more than I love MVMCP.

Kelly

 

[wdwjeffc37]

You will be at Disney and I'd rather be hot at Disney than at home anytime. I think that staying offsite could be cheaper but the convenience of onsite would more than make up for it. If the 840 is in your budget I say go for it.

 

[katt789]

In terms of costs:
I would personally do the first option with no dining plan. If you're only there for 3 nights, you might not be eating that much food, I know I wouldn't.
Roughly $10.00 a meal at a QS location, so $30 a day (each) plus maybe snacks.
I would go cheaper, and spend the $50 ($25 each) to get groceries delivered to the hotel for breakfast & snacks, and that'll save you some extra cash on food.

Secondly, I LOVE Sept, we're from Canada and haven't had any problems with the heat or humidity that time of year. Yes its hot, yes its humid, take a midday break in the parks by hitting up some indoor attractions, resturants, stores to soak up the AC and drink a ton of water and make sure you have sunscreen & you'll be golden!

 

[disnut8]

My husband and I (married just over 32 years) have vacationed a ton of places. Some of those places haven't been that great and we just shared a story about one of those places with others at a recent get together (looking you Winnipeg!). BUT - no matter what the temperature is or what you get to do or don't get to do, the important part is that you are together and living your life. Sure, our trip north wasn't that great but there were so many other adventures we had together. I guess my point is - you can't decide the future and you can't change the past. So live in the present and do what YOU want to do.

 

[Sparkly]

A few night stay just as a taste of Disney before the big trip sounds so much fun! I would give anything to go back, can't wait until next March!!

We did a 7 night girly trip in Feb because I just couldn't wait until March 2015 and we had a blast. We got to do the table service DDP and spent long long days in the parks.

 

[mousefan73]

You are from LA and are wondering if the humidity in Orlando is that bad?? Seriously I think you have the same at home.

We are from Europe and go each year over labor day weekend... it sucks the humidity. not anything we are used to. but we deal and its not that bad...

The only thing I miss is being able to do outdoor dining and enjoy it.. depending on the weather, for me its too humid and I need the AC...

Anyways.. it's like childbirth, the humidity.. afterwards you dont really remember.. focus only on the nice memories...

and for that price. DO IT,, before you have babies and your costs double.!!!

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Let me rephrase then...

The cheapest trip possible that doesn't involve us staying at a disgusting motel.

Yeah because all offsite hotels with bigger rooms, interior corridors and free breakfast are "disgusting". Of course in your $800 I get a few extra disgusting days at the Fairfield Inn.