Update canx aug disney trip, :<

[pandora174]

Hi, I finally saved & saved & we're going 3 days at the POP Aug 3 to Aug 6. I'll be DH, me & DS 6. So I got a great code for $74 for the POP, $129 Fl resident tickets ! So my buget busters ao far is the stroller. DS has a mild developemtal delay but we found that if we get the double stroller he stays in instead of running around, is more comfortable for him & us. So what is the cost in this ? Also planning on buying mister fans & ponchos ahead of time. Take bottled water, drinks for us at the park. But DS does better when he gets a reward for a specific behavior (like time to eat, or let's do this ride that he'll love but thinks he'll get scared) but Disney prices are high. Any suggestions on what I can get, he loves anything that lights up, where can Ifind cheap Disney "surprises" that I can whip out at those "moments". Any other budget ideas are welcome !!
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Above is my original post. I had the budget in line even got the hotel priced out but yesterday my car was vandalized (key job) & on the way home a flat which left some body work damage. Thankfully I have a low ded. since it will be 2 incidents. But here's the kicker. We sat DS down all excited about Disney & he looked at us & said "oh but I rather go to BG & stay at one of those fancy hotels you get momma" !!! Last Dec we went to BG & I got through priceline a 4 star hotel & I did the same for spring break for SW. So budget wise BG is ALOT cheaper, we still have a few months left on our AP's & I checked & the hotels in Tampa are dirt cheap (checked "other" website that shall remain nameless) &4 start hotels are going for under $50 ! I also would get 30 % new deal at BG for an adult entree if we eat at the park after 5 pm since they have late summer hours. I love BG & so does DH but kinda were hoping DS would be excited about Disney. I showed him pictures, he kept saying "nah BG has Jungala & Dinoland" I am raiising a weird kid here LOL So budget wise I crunched the number & the BG trip is like nothing compared to the "economy" Disney trip. & since we had the undexpected expense of the car now & DH so graciously reminded me of Father's Day I guess it's BG here we come ! & realistically I DO have to buy school supplies, uniforms etc so it's the smart thing in this economy to skip Disney but I think " I "wanted Disney more than them. Oh well.... I'm sure DS wll have a blast but I'm a little down b/c I was already planning a Disney trip

 

[semo233]

How about an autograph book and pen? You can get these at the dollar store. Sharpies are best for the character's big hands to sign with. Target's dollar section might have some too.

A penny press book. Then you can give him nice shiney pennies whenever you feel you need to reinforce a behavior. Take it from a Behavioral Therapist....you need to give the pennies immediately after the desired behavior for it to work and they are easy to pull out of a pocket. Then, he can do a penny press and put it in his book. It would not only a nice keepsake for his Disney trip, but like a trophy for how good he was!

 

[squirrel]

The stroller rentals are about $31 day for the double. I know that someone had a special needs stroller on the DisAbilities Board. The other option is renting from an offsite rental - Orlando Stroller Rental

I go to the $1 store or Michaels and get glow necklaces/bracelets for the evenings.

 

[brymolmom]

I would bring a stroller from home. Then ds can get used to it before you go. Those doubles are way too expensive for my liking.

Also - in addition to water - bring sandwiches and lots of snacks to the parks. You could bring one of your son's favorite treats (chocolate or grapes or whatever) - and that could be his reward when needed - avoiding buying things.

Definitely bring some light up toys or glow sticks with you and put them in your backpack to pull out as needed.

And, most importantly, HAVE FUN!!

 

[pandora174]

Update, I know kinda silly since so many people can't even plan a trip but I was all "Disney" happy. & thankfully I had lovwered our deductibles (started during that last year at the beginning og hurricane season, justin case) that while pist at the vandalism & tire blow out, very grateful no one hurt. I'm just counting my blessings. & I really do like BG (not better than Disney though) & the staying at a 4 star hotel vs the POP has some advantages. I'll just keep telling myself that over & over again

 

[a1tinkfans]

WHAT is bg?????????

 

[HeatherFeather]

Wild guess here, but maybe Busch Gardens???

 

[pandora174]

Wild guess here, but maybe Busch Gardens???

Thanks, yes Busch Gardens !

 

[yeahdisney]

We like great wolf lodge. Actually for my son's birthday we were in disney and he said. I told you I wanted to go to Great wolf lodge and chucky cheeses. Shesssssssssh. So anywho we got a pretty good offer $129 from farm bureau for IL $129 a nite for great wolf lodge. I asked the kids would you rather go to Great wolf lodge 2 days or to our water park here (2slides!) three times. They picked the water park here. Okay Dokey saves us a 4.5 hour ride each way.

 

[mtomlin66]

Pandora174 I sent you a PM with a question.

 

[lizziepooh]

Since you were really planning on Disney, had already made the plans, and it is only for 3 days, couldn't you just tell DS that this trip is Disney and we'll go to BG again the next time? (assuming you can afford Disney). I'm sure your 6 year old would have fun at Disney.

 

[SandrA9810]

yeah, but it's best to go now, since she already has the tickets covered for busch gardens.

And if you've already bought your disney tickets, i'd hang on to those, cause who knows how much prices will go up before you get here.

 

[pandora174]

yeah, but it's best to go now, since she already has the tickets covered for busch gardens.

And if you've already bought your disney tickets, i'd hang on to those, cause who knows how much prices will go up before you get here.

No BG it is since we have the AP for a few nore months & I haven't bought the Disney tickets yet. On hind sight he really doesn't like dark rides since last year he did not enjoy Universal & any of the dark rides even the kiddie ones so BG is more his fit for now. I'll work on him some more & maybe next summer when he's 7 !

 

[budbeerlady]

Save the Disney trip for next year if you have the BG APS, or rent a car and drive over to Disney for a day.

I know what you mean about Tampa. We got a awesome 4 star hotel before our cruise in May for $47 (I am still doing the happy dance and we have been home for a month) !!!!! The look on peoples faces, mainly sister in Law when they see in our photo book where we stayed is priceless, they dont have to know I paid $300 less than the room rate.

We want to go back this winter to Tampa with DD and take her to the aquarium. It was better than Shedd's, she would go nuts! (We bought tickets across the "street/ parking area" for only $16 from the cruise place in the plaza) Then check out BG and the Tampa Zoo for a long weekend. Its not Disney but it would be so much cheaper!!!!!!

http://www.flaquarium.org/