Unexpected Trip in January....Budget friendly or not

[karice2]

Just decided to take a completely unexpected trip in January for MLK weekend. A friend of mine works for one of the airlines and can get us free airfare. I have an annual pass and as a reservist, they can get the 4 day park hopper pass for $138.

Here is the dilemma. It is their first time ever going to Disney, I really want him to experience all that they have to offer so of course I want to stay onsite. I made a deal with him that I would pay for hotel since he is getting us there for free and buying his own tickets. Just a caveat, I don't want to stay at a value resort so either Moderate or Deluxe. Probably Deluxe.

He agreed to pay for rental car as well. I was just there in December but didn't get as much Disney time as I wanted so this is like a bonus.

Does this sound like a budget friendly deal?

 

[klacey1]

To make it budget friendly, there's really no need for a rental car. Take ME to the resort and the buses to the parks.
Also, staying Moderate or Deluxe isn't really budget-friendly, but if it's important to you, go for it. Since it's a holiday weekend, I don't know if there are any pin codes to be had. For Mods, I'd recommend POR (our fav!). As far as Deluxes go, WL and AKL are the cheapest. I prefer the former since it's more centrally located for a short trip.

 

[AmongMadPeople]

I would consider taking the trip if I had the money sitting around and really wanted to go. However, I suspect all categories of resorts will be slim pickings less than a month out. Even if you can get into a deluxe you'll only have more expensive categories available. Price something up and then I guess it depends on your definition of budget friendly!

 

[Marionnette]

Just decided to take a completely unexpected trip in January for MLK weekend. A friend of mine works for one of the airlines and can get us free airfare. I have an annual pass and as a reservist, they can get the 4 day park hopper pass for $138.

Here is the dilemma. It is their first time ever going to Disney, I really want him to experience all that they have to offer so of course I want to stay onsite. I made a deal with him that I would pay for hotel since he is getting us there for free and buying his own tickets. Just a caveat, I don't want to stay at a value resort so either Moderate or Deluxe. Probably Deluxe.

He agreed to pay for rental car as well. I was just there in December but didn't get as much Disney time as I wanted so this is like a bonus.

Does this sound like a budget friendly deal?

Sounds like an almost even trade. You can try for an AP discount on the room. Codes AU6 or PV9 may work for your dates. Rates will be a little higher than other value season rates because its a weekend and a holiday at that. Plus you'll have to budget for meals. Do you have TiW? Or would you be booking the AP holder dining plan?

 

[karice2]

Did some pricing.

Saratoga springs Studio villa for $796.
Carribbean Beach Resort is $493.

I do have TiW. Also have a Giordano's and HOB gift certificate that I got for $4. So that is two meals.

He wants to have a rental car so that we can go check out stuff in Orlando. Plus it is so much easier to get around the parks with a car. Pricing the car it is only $131.

 

[disneymom3]

Sounds fun. If you can afford it, the CB rate doesn't seem too bad.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

Did some pricing.

Saratoga springs Studio villa for $796.
Carribbean Beach Resort is $493.

I do have TiW. Also have a Giordano's and HOB gift certificate that I got for $4. So that is two meals.

He wants to have a rental car so that we can go check out stuff in Orlando. Plus it is so much easier to get around the parks with a car. Pricing the car it is only $131.

Don't forget about the special military room rates for 2011. 30% off values, 35% off mods, 40% off deluxes. You'll have to call for prices and availability.

 

[Kat77]

OP- sent you a PM