WDW on my budget -- can it be done?

[Suz D]

1) if you take southwest, each fare paying passenger (5 people) get to check 2 bags for free. I could pack 2 kids in one suitcase, so I'm sure you can pack 4 kids in 2 suitcases, and then bring your own dried goods/shampoo, etc. so you don't have to stop at any stores down there.

So 1K for flights

The flights would be less than that if the were packing those kids in the suitcases.

 

[Suz D]

Have you tried Allegiant Air to fly? If you book during their Early Bird Savings the rates, you can get the rates for almost as much as can drive. For example, since September is off season, take a look at the comparable fares for first week of June from Allentown PA... Right now if you play with the numbers...if is less your driving cost. (Estimate $805 to fly for 5 tickets as 15 mo does not need one). Note it does fly into Sanford and not Orlando and would need a rental car.

So your cost is $575 + $1,000 tickets + $805 airline + $400 rental = $2,780... That leaves you over $1,200 for food.... YES it can be done!

Doesn't the luggage fee add up on Allegiant? Also, I would think you could drive and stay in a hotel on the way down and back for less than the $1205 it would cost to fly/rent a car.

But definately Yes to Yes!

 

[MinnieForMe]

Hi:
I'm an off site person! You should be able to find a Windsor Hills 3 bedroom condo or townhouse with private pool ( with your little ones - I would go without the private pool as it's just one more worry) for less than $500 for a week. It's so nice to have a washer/dryer with little ones. The townhouse we rented even had a stroller, pack n' play and high chair for use in the closet.

We took advantage of SouthWest's Visa special that gave us $800 in free flight this year so our round trip for 5 out of Rhode Island only cost us $450.

Check Budget for a rental minivan using code x474200 (it's a public code so no documentation needed). You should be able to get a week cheaply.

Tickets are always expensive but check out Undercovertourist.com.

You should be able to enjoy a week in Florida for well under $4000 if you are careful!

 

[DawnM]

Well, I am very cheap and can do Disney for all five of us for $1,500 for the week. But, we eat a lot of our own food, stay off-site in a condo and get YES tickets.

PM me your email if you want to see my detailed write up on how we do it.

Basically:

$250 gas for entire trip
$200 condo for the week (SkyAuction)
$800 tickets
$250 food (plus our normal $150 grocery budget for the week)

Dawn

PS: the details do vary for us depending on what tickets we buy, how much we eat out, etc.....

 

[PGHDisneyfan]

If you fly get the new Southwest CC from Chase. After 1 purchase you get 50k in free airline miles which should cover at least 2 tickets depending on the deal you can get on line. If you stay off site you can consider The Double Tree by Hilton just down the road from DTD they also have buses that run every 30 minutes (if you fly that is) Mears can get you to the hotel or you can rent a town car. Usually you can get a room at the Double Tree for $79 a night that time of year and they are an ALL suite hotel with nice big double rooms. If you need a car just go on price line I usually get us a full sided SUV in April for $200 Im sure you could get a minivan for that or less in September. Like some others said staying on property is an option for free dinning but you will pay full rack rate on your room. $4000 should actually get you a pretty darn good vacation. I think driving is your best bet. Just make sure your driver gets a nice long nap and drive all night while the kids sleep. Ive done it from Pittsburgh a few times.

 

[scnrc00]

I am new to this so can someone else show me the other threads that explain the YES program. I have 2 DDs 8 &11 and we are going in September and this sounds like something we would like to do.

 

[torinsmom]

I am new to this so can someone else show me the other threads that explain the YES program. I have 2 DDs 8 &11 and we are going in September and this sounds like something we would like to do.

This is the main thread that just got closed
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2332767

This is the new thread, but not much here yet...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2861293

The jist is that you register for a class that works for your kids' ages and your schedule. Dates are up through October, but registration is not open yet.

http://www.disneyyouth.com/individual-enrollment/catalog/?location[]=WDW&filter=startDate

You sign up and get tickets for your family at a discounted prices. Caveat is that the tickets are dated, non-upgradable and not refundable.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask here or on the new YES thread.

 

[julirina]

I am *loving* all of these great tips. I knew you would have ideas and suggestions for me. And I had no idea how much looking at condo and rental home photos could add another whole time-sucking dimension to my Disney planning!!

So right now we're leaning toward staying off-site. The kids loved the dining plan last time, but I think having their own rooms and a pool might sway them. To be honest, I don't think waiting in restaurants with a 3yo and a 15mo sounds like all that much fun anyway, so we'd probably end up doing buffets, which aren't really my thing. I'd rather cook (I love to cook!) and eat just one or two really nice restaurant meals. Flying vs. driving is still up in the air, but the more I talk it up, the more I think I'll probably be able to get DH on board with driving. I'll be investigating YES classes/tix and the transportation boards soon, too. You all are the best!

 

[melissapealo]

We've stayed on and off site. I'd say if you don't mind being cramped the the POR would work for you. The only place we've stayed offsite is Windsor Hills or Windsor Palms. Prices would be cheaper at Windsor Hills. We rented a 3 bedroom condo for 2 weeks and only paid 780.00. Of course if you stay offsite your going to need a rental car if you fly. The complex at Windsor Hills is really nice and you rent directly from the condo owners. They also have pool homes but I've never looked into them since there is a big community pool. You can certainly do Disney on your budget and have a great time.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

We have driven from Portland Or to Fla to go to disney back in the day. Driving isn't so bad if you have a plan, we have found like others that driving during the little ones sleeping hours is far easier and peaceful than when they are all awake.

We stayed at POR with free dining when we had 6 (one in pak-n-play) it wasn't that cramped to us but than again we didn't hang out in the room a lot. We did love the resort and the kids loved the pools and boat to DTD. We liked this foodcourt best of the resorts we've been to so far as well. My kids loved being able to do some of the fun restaurants as well as the character meals. Scifi and Teppanedo became ones they request now. The bathroom wasn't a problem for us but then again we tend to shower quick get ready out at the sink so we can make RD. Besides a few of my kids tended to be bathed at night as they got dirty throughout the day. So half were already clean and just getting dressed in the AM. It is true though that some people value space more we found on vacation it doesn't bother us like at home as we're tired from the parks and just all go to sleep sometimes DH takes a chair over into the sink area pulls the curtain and cathces up on work through his laptop. Good luck planning we're looking at a trip fall or winter as well to take our latest addition. I am trying to figure budget as well. Hopefully some good discounts like FD get announced soon.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

I am *loving* all of these great tips. I knew you would have ideas and suggestions for me. And I had no idea how much looking at condo and rental home photos could add another whole time-sucking dimension to my Disney planning!!

So right now we're leaning toward staying off-site. The kids loved the dining plan last time, but I think having their own rooms and a pool might sway them. To be honest, I don't think waiting in restaurants with a 3yo and a 15mo sounds like all that much fun anyway, so we'd probably end up doing buffets, which aren't really my thing. I'd rather cook (I love to cook!) and eat just one or two really nice restaurant meals. Flying vs. driving is still up in the air, but the more I talk it up, the more I think I'll probably be able to get DH on board with driving. I'll be investigating YES classes/tix and the transportation boards soon, too. You all are the best!

I love to cook as well but factor in the time going back to the room and making dinner than trying to get back out to a park to catch the nightime entertainment. If we were staying 10 days or more or going back in the same year like some people with AP's, the time lost might not be a factor but a week isn't enough time to catch everything as it is so I would factor that in if this trip is it for a couple years.

 

[torinsmom]

I love to cook as well but factor in the time going back to the room and making dinner than trying to get back out to a park to catch the nightime entertainment. If we were staying 10 days or more or going back in the same year like some people with AP's, the time lost might not be a factor but a week isn't enough time to catch everything as it is so I would factor that in if this trip is it for a couple years.

Other than MK, it literally took us 15-20 min. max to get back to our vacation home. We took a break anyway between 12 or 1 and 6 because it was so hot. We would come back to the house and have lunch(or pick up fast food on the way), swim, rest, watch tv, etc. Then we would have dinner and head back to the parks around 6. The parks were open late, so we had plenty of time to enjoy rides and attractions before they closed. We never have a problem doing everything in the parks that we want to do. We just get there at rope drop and utilize fast passes.

 

[Momma2PrinceNPrinces]

We did Dis last May for 5 nights. We got a 3 bdrm townhouse for $480 total. It was 3 adults and 2 kids, although DS was free. We drove from west of St. Louis (right under 1100 miles each way). We stopped only for gas, bathroom and dinner. We had coolers packed with drinks, snacks, lunchables, etc. I bought our tix off undercovertourist using the mousesavers discount. We did 1 nicer onsite meal a day, which was usually lunch, and ate dinners out too. We did do breakfast in the townhouse most days except for 1 character breakfast. Including spending $, tix, townhouse, gas and food, we spent a total of $2800-3000. Like I said, we ate out like 2 meals a day and they weren't exactly cheap meal either. So $4000 is definitely do able! Have fun!

 

[kwhite1022]

Probably not a popular idea, but when we went and my youngest was around the age of yours, she stayed with my parents for the week. Best decision I ever made. She got one on one time with them, something thats hard to come by, and I didnt have a toddler upset with the heat, or the waiting in lines. We all missed her, but all agreed, she would have gotten nothing out of the experience, and forced me to lessen the experience for my other childern. Now she is 6, and we are taking all 3 back, so she will have her magical time as well. Like I said, not for everyone, but it worked amazingly well for us.

 

[mrsklamc]

We've stayed on and off site. I'd say if you don't mind being cramped the the POR would work for you. The only place we've stayed offsite is Windsor Hills or Windsor Palms. Prices would be cheaper at Windsor Hills.

In my experience prices are cheaper at Windsor Palms...YMMV

 

[DawnM]

If you go off-season many of the parks aren't open past 8pm at the latest anyway.

We aren't big night folks and we push hard all day and leave around 6pm. In November, we stayed two nights. One to view Fantasmic and the other to view the Osborne lights.

So, we ate in the parks those two nights as I recall, but we got counter service.

Other days we go all day and then leave around 6pm or earlier and head back for late dinner.

On vacation I don't do a lot of cooking. I had thought of taking a crock pot (we are staying in a condo, so no flames!) but we didn't. We have easy meals like spaghetti, pre-made salad, pizza, eggs and pancakes, hamburgers, baked potatoes with toppings, that sort of thing.

We eat b-fast in the condo, take our lunch and heavy snacks in a backpack cooler, and then eat dinner in the condo. It can be done.

Truth be told, it isn't that I don't like eating out or even solely about the money, I just can't eat out for an entire week, I feel sick when I do.

Dawn

I love to cook as well but factor in the time going back to the room and making dinner than trying to get back out to a park to catch the nightime entertainment. If we were staying 10 days or more or going back in the same year like some people with AP's, the time lost might not be a factor but a week isn't enough time to catch everything as it is so I would factor that in if this trip is it for a couple years.

 

[julirina]

Probably not a popular idea, but when we went and my youngest was around the age of yours, she stayed with my parents for the week.

My youngest will most likely still be nursing at that point, so leaving her home won't be an option. And she doesn't add anything to the cost, so there's no issue there, either. But I appreciate the input!

If you go off-season many of the parks aren't open past 8pm at the latest anyway.

We aren't big night folks and we push hard all day and leave around 6pm.

....

I had thought of taking a crock pot (we are staying in a condo, so no flames!) but we didn't. We have easy meals like spaghetti, pre-made salad, pizza, eggs and pancakes, hamburgers, baked potatoes with toppings, that sort of thing.

This sounds exactly our speed and style. My kids are worn out by the end of a regular day...at the end of a Disney day they'll be toast. I know a lot of folks like to break up the day with an afternoon rest, but I think my whole family would rather enjoy a fun day, push through the afternoon slump, and head back for dinner and a swim and a good night's sleep. We might stay for fireworks or a show one night, but I definitely don't see us closing down the parks all week. And with little ones, anything I can do to keep the routine normal (or as normal as possible when you're on overload at Mickey's house!) will only help when it's time to go home.

I really dig the idea of taking the crock pot to a condo/rental house. How nice to walk back in the door and have dinner ready and waiting!

 

[budafam]

I didn't read through all of the suggestions but I would look into Bonnet Creek which is INSIDE Disney's gates... no, it's not Disney's property but you're just as close as the other resorts and you get a FULL kitchen, living area, separate bedrooms. We just rented a 2 bedroom condo from there for $693 for the entire week. Can't beat that! Then you have the option of making your own meals which would save you tons!!!

They also have free bussing to the parks so you wouldn't have to worry about paying for parking each day ($14 a day!)

 

[KelnRon]

We are the best budget travelers ever! We are also a family of 6. Our next trip:

Flight - $54.90 roundtrip total each! (On Spirit) _ $330 total for all of us

Rental Car: $ 187 mini van for 8 days

Resort - $601 for 7 nights @ Silver Lake. 2 bedroom, 2 bath, full kitchen/washer & dryer plus 2 - 2 Day Touch of Magic Tickets. (Yes, it does include a timeshare presentation & we are good w/ that ... been there, done that. Its not for everyone, that is how we can afford it)

Coke Rewards is giving out 12 sets of 4 tickets to Universal Studios everyday. I won 4 last month so that is a free day at the parks for us. (we have to buy one child ticket). I played 1X a day ... you can play up to 5X though.

We eat breakfast nearly every day at resort. We eat some meals ... sandwiches etc (we don't cook on vacation though) at resort. We usually eat out for dinners.

While saving on everything above that allows to go and enjoy ourselves on the trip!

It can be done! We love to plan and find low deals. It takes patience but it's worth it for us. Our budget ways allow us to go at least once a year. So to answer your question YES you can go for under $4000!

 

[alisonlee3]

I have done POR and Windsor Hills with 4 kids. We are going again in May and renting a 4bd pool house at WH for $1,000 for the week. POR was ok. Room was tight and the worst was having one bathroom! We would go swimming and then back to the room and have to wait for everyone to shower. And I hated the buses!!! Never again would I do that. Too many people cramped in there. And we were the last stop in POR coming back from parks at night. Also food was very expensive.
Windsor hills you can get 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, own kitchen, washer dryer. ANs the best is putting the little ones to sleep and letting older kids watch tv in living room or go in the pool. It works so much better for my family.