Trying to plan first trip for Aug 2016-- help please

[ma2ma]

First off, the USD-CAD exchange is killing me.
I'm actually considering throwing the towel on the whole thing and canceling for another time, but calmer thoughts have prevailed and I'm trying to scale back the scope a bit.

First plan was to go for 8 to 9 days, split stays at AoA and PopC with DDP for the first 4 nights, cram in ADR character meals for the first 5 days and go OOP for the rest of the time. We were planning on using Disneyyouth Individual Enrollment classes to get 1 adult/2 student 5-day passes and get another 5-day base ticket using airmiles. Actually cashed my miles and so I have a 5-day base ticket sitting at home. Also dropped a one-night deposit with AoA to book my stay just because.

This was in June. Then the dollar kept tanking and I also did more research and found that the whole thing was scaring me off.

But now, I'm thinking of only going for 5-6 days, staying offsite, 3-day base park tickets and possibly no DP. Is this too drastic? Is there middle ground?

We have 6 yr-old twins who can drive relatively well. (DH (driver) not so much, heheh) But plan on flying out of BUF on Southwest (2 free luggage) and booking those flights as soon as they're released.

So, all you wonderful experts, how'm I doing? Keep planning this way? what would you do different?
Budget is big-time concern, because I don't like spending extra when I don't need to.

 

[hdrolfe]

When in August are you planning to go? There is often free dining promotion offered at that time. Though since you already have a ticket I guess that wouldn't help much. There may be a room only discount offered then too though, but not for an AoA LM room usually. And you could combine an Orbitz discount with a room only discount. I used Orbitz to book two nights before my cruise in February, ended up at AoA because it was the only value left (talk about last minute lol), but I still got 15% off the room which was great, and transportation was so easy.

I am trying to plan for the last week of August, before Labour Day, and am not counting on free dining, but have 3 "plans" for dining, I've gone through the various menus to see what we like and get an idea of prices, then I have three versions, one if we get free dining, one if we upgrade the free dining, and one if we pay out of pocket "as cheap as possible". With the dollar, I like to have the options as my CDN funds are fairly set, but what that will mean in terms of USD is so variable!

I am not an expert But I am watching for the same time period, I do like that I can book a package and cancel it up to 30 days before, or move it, if the dollar really does fall too far.

 

[minnie mum]

If your decisions are primarily budget driven, then staying offsite will be cheaper, even with having to pay for parking. But I would reconsider shortening your trip so drastically. You really cant see enough in under 5 days.Off site means that you are not eligible for the dining plan. But you can buy groceries so that you can have breakfast in your hotel room. Buy your own snacks and beverages/bottled water ( no glass bottles) and bring them into the parks with you. Limit your TS meals in the park. There are CS restaurants with very good food and they are considerably less expensive.

We have 6 yr-old twins who can drive relativelywell. (DH(driver) not so much, heheh)

I didn't know they'd started allowing 6 year olds to drive, but that brings up another point. If you are staying offsite you'll need to rent a car. I'd start looking for special codes or coupons for discounts on rental cars now.

 

[thr33boys]

First off, the USD-CAD exchange is killing me.
I'm actually considering throwing the towel on the whole thing and canceling for another time, but calmer thoughts have prevailed and I'm trying to scale back the scope a bit.

First plan was to go for 8 to 9 days, split stays at AoA and PopC with DDP for the first 4 nights, cram in ADR character meals for the first 5 days and go OOP for the rest of the time. We were planning on using Disneyyouth Individual Enrollment classes to get 1 adult/2 student 5-day passes and get another 5-day base ticket using airmiles. Actually cashed my miles and so I have a 5-day base ticket sitting at home. Also dropped a one-night deposit with AoA to book my stay just because.

This was in June. Then the dollar kept tanking and I also did more research and found that the whole thing was scaring me off.

But now, I'm thinking of only going for 5-6 days, staying offsite, 3-day base park tickets and possibly no DP. Is this too drastic? Is there middle ground?

We have 6 yr-old twins who can drive relatively well. (DH (driver) not so much, heheh) But plan on flying out of BUF on Southwest (2 free luggage) and booking those flights as soon as they're released.

So, all you wonderful experts, how'm I doing? Keep planning this way? what would you do different?
Budget is big-time concern, because I don't like spending extra when I don't need to.

Welcome to the Dis

What is your budget?

You really have to run the numbers on multiple scenarios to see how you can get the most bang for your buck.

I got a really good deal for our trip next month through a travel agent and when I ran the numbers to compare against staying off-site, it was still cheaper to stay on-site for us.

If it's any consolation, it seems like you're on the right track for planning a Disney vacation. You'll find lots of diser's (myself included) who constantly re-evaluate and change plans.

I'd consider going for cheaper accommodations over cutting the trip short. We did the meal plan once and while I'm glad we tried it (dollar was at par then), we don't feel the need to do it again. Also, it's much cheaper for us to go OOP. We only have a couple of ADR's this trip so we won't have to dish out too much money on tips either.

Good luck and happy planning

 

[ma2ma]

Thanks everyone for your quick replies!

Would it be better to change my AoA-LM to PopC for the whole time and hope for a dining or room discount to pop up later?

Another question: if I were to book a flight+room package at an onsite using Air Transat or something, is it still considered onsite? Can I use the transportation? Can I add dining plans?

At this point, I've kept the 5-day base ticket but it's not activated. If I were to only go for 3 or 4 days do I just eat the wasted days? What options do I have to change it?

I didn't know they'd started allowing 6 year olds to drive, but that brings up another point. If you are staying offsite you'll need to rent a car. I'd start looking for special codes or coupons for discounts on rental cars now.

hahah, thanks for that! and thanks for the rental cars tips. I'll keep an eye out.

I'm overwhelmed with all the possible iterations. I have other friends that tell me to stay at an offsite, but geographically onsite. Flight options from BUF vs packages from YYZ. Aaahhh!!! too much toomuch!

 

[hdrolfe]

Personally I wouldn't want to switch resorts mid-trip but that's me I stayed at AoA and the LM were quite a walk from the buses and food court area, but the room was fairly quiet and my son and I really enjoyed the walk through all the different areas. It was early February though so coming back from an evening swim was COLD. We wanted to try out the main pool, well someone did any way. We walked over to POP and it looked really nice, I plan to stay there next time, though I am also considering All Star Sports (it's cheaper, and usually has the same discounts as POP is likely to have), but again, that is one option as we get closer, and once I put a deposit down I can change it later. I have a spread sheet with all the options flight prices, room only, packages, tickets (5 or 6 or even 4) and what meals... it's a little big now lol. I also got a quote from the magic deal and am keeping that in mind as the rate was pretty amazing, to stay at a deluxe, but probably out of my budget.

You could consider a package through Air Canada or WestJet, they do offer packages with dining plans, tickets, etc and seem to be at a good rate (plus you pay in CDN so no extra fees on exchange). They should also offer the free dining or whatever, they currently have the Stay Play Dine discounts. They are still considered a package, and onsite, you can still use transportation. They should book that for you, but I did my own last year when I booked with Orbitz, there was a link I used and put in my information for flights and it was super easy.

For the ticket, I think from when you use it you have 14 days to use it up. So if you only go for 3 or 4 days, you might not want to use it. I know you can pay to add on to it, but don't think you can exchange it for a lesser ticket.

It is all a little much eh? I know when we'll be going to Disney but I am hoping to squeeze something in during the winter and am still trying to decide between a cruise or another Disney trip, or something else entirely. So many choices! Which is both great and a little overwhelming at times. Good luck deciding!

 

[dancin Disney style]

You didn't mention dates but mid August changes to value season....resort rates are lower and promos are usually available.

There are plenty of ways to save a few dollars and make WDW affordable.

I would not shorten the trip. Find another area to cut an expense or two or possibly even pick up a little part time work between now and then(if possible). Last year I started booking a room only through Orbitz, first linking through Ebates. Orbitz will offer the same discount that WDW offers PLUS they have codes to get you an additional 15% off, up to $150. Ebates will get you some extra cash back....last year I earned $35 just from my resort booking. Then on top of all that Orbitz has Orbucks which you earn towards a future booking.....I earned $28 there.

As far as split say goes.....I'm not a fan. I prefer to unpack and be settled. I think if your only vacation agenda is WDW , then stay onsite and enjoy the bubble even if it costs a little more.

You already have the one park ticket through Airmiles...you can't downgrade that ticket but you didn't pay cash OOP for it so it's a win. Try to accumulate enough miles for another ticket or two. I have not paid for park tickets in at least 8 years. I manage to earn enough AM for 1 or 2 tickets per year. That is a huge savings. If I had to pay for tickets we would not go every year.

If you have the time, seriously consider driving to WDW. A family of four can save money this way. The exception to that would be if you drive a really large vehicle such as a Yukon/Tahoe. That said it is still possible to get decent flights from BUF that can cost a very similar amount to the drive. You do have to be flexible on the days/times you fly.

As far as the DDP goes....if you can get it for free as part of a promo then it's worth while(that does require a package that includes park tickets) but paying OOP for it often costs you more. It all depends on what/how you eat. You can select 1 or 2 important character meals to go to and then just stick to CS. You may find that having a bunch of ADRs really takes up a lot of time. Depending on your kids, eating on demand may be the best way to keep things fun and easy. Nothing worse than a hungry kid being told 'no you have to wait and hour to eat'.

 

[ma2ma]

Lots of food for thought. Thank you all!

I really like the spreadsheet idea....may have to start my own.

 

[caisland]

Welcome to the Disboards!

We have done the drive all the way and also flew from Manchester NH with Southwest. Much prefer to fly and save 4 or 5 days travel.
Give a lot of thought to the discounts in late August for Free Dining. Should be out in April or early May if not sooner.
Staying on site means either Disney transport or free parking for your rental car.
Tickets are probably the most expense part of things especially with exchange.
Rooms at Pop are only about $115 per night in August.
Comes down to your budget really.

We stayed 6 nights in 2006 for about $1,700 US including tickets and free dining at AS Movies

7 night stay at CBR set us back $3800 US this year.

Love Southwest too!

Planning is half the fun.

 

[alc571]

You should know that when you're considering AoA-LM, those rooms are rarely (if ever) discounted and they're never included in Free Dining. Just food for thought.

I would not shorten the trip to save money. The relative cost to staying a day or two longer, is negligible. I've actually found that sometimes there is no difference, because if you fly certain days of the week, you save money you would spend on the additional night at the hotel.

Flying out of Buffalo could save you money, or it could not. You have to consider the exchange rate on top of the cost of the ticket itself, plus the extra 2.5% your credit card will charge you for the foreign transaction (unless you have a Chase card).

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

My thoughts will probably be MUCH different than the masses, but I'll offer them up anyway.

Personally, we're huge fans of offsite. You could get 7 nights in a two bedroom, two bathroom villa at Sheraton Vistana Resor for the week of August 26th for $749 via Skyauction ($769 with the admin fee.....and that includes all taxes). 1260 square feet of SPACE with two full baths (one that has a jacuzzi tub), a full kitchen with breakfast bar, 3 flat screen TV's, a screened in balcony, in-suite laundry, free wifi, free parking, and a whole host of resort amenities (7 pools. 6 hot tubs, 13 tennis courts, 2 volleyball courts, 2 basketball courts, several playgrounds, arcades, and the list goes on). We've never had a problem getting a good rate on a vehicle, so even with a rental and parking, you'd be saving a good chunk of change.

Offsite will save you on dining, particularly for a family of 4. You can eat healthy breakfasts in the villa (a huge savings, both time and money) and dine offsite for dinners (you will be amazed at how far your money will go at offsite places.....chains like Chili's and Millers Ale House, which we don't have hear at home, offer some awesome food at shockingly affordable prices especially when compared against Disney dining).

We all vacation better when we are better rested. We don't rest when when we're all stuck in one small room to sleep. At the end of a long, tiring day, with two six year olds, I would want to put them to bed and enjoy a glass of wine on the balcony or a movie with my spouse while the kiddos sleep soundly in another room in their own comfy double beds. I also like being able to get up and make coffee in the kitchen in the mornings without rousing the rest of my family.

So yeah, I wouldn't want to shorten my trip, I would much rather stay offsite and apply the savings to make my trip as long as I'd hoped. Or longer!!

Also, just a suggestion.......August is hot. Ridiculously so. If you can add the water park and more option to your tickets, it would be well worth the cost. Some of our best August vacation days have been out of the hot theme parks and splish splashin' at Blizzard Beach or Typhoon Lagoon.

 

[grantclaire]

I am with Gina on staying offsite! Love the two Vistana resorts. When my kids were young we rarely went out to eat and sometimes they just wanted to stay in the pools! You could rent from owners or I have booked direct from Sheraton and have got some good deals. Flying out of Buffalo can save you a lot as well. Good luck with the planning.