WHAT is wrong with my budget??

[pinoke]

Could it be that we cannot take our WDW vacation for under $3500 without airfare?
Here's the story:
-Two real adults, one Disney kid adult
-We are DVC members, but this year cannot use our points. We are okay with that though, as we have often found that our dining costs us a ton, so we are hoping to score FD next fall. We are also so done with those sofa beds!
-We are trying to stay for 8 nights, as we are not night people- so are only at the parks a few nights to get that special experience ( not commando at all)- and feel like we lose the first day traveling and often leave early on the last.
-I have priced out a moderate resort, but would want a preferred room due to walking concerns. Some are already gone for the week in Oct we want, but I got a price of around $3100 choosing a 6 day WP and more ticket. I'd like to stay with at least that, as last year we had 3 torrentially raining days and DQ saved us ( plus we like a WP day). Also due to rain, I am not thrilled with a moderate. With a DR, there is always an option of walking around indoors, getting something to eat, etc. Getting out of our room We have had some bad wash out days on our last 3 fall trips!
- I've priced the first 3 nights at a VR, then switching to a deluxe….$3700ish
-We could do a RD instead of FD, but it hasn't added up to be a better deal for us. We LOVE Boma ( own at AK) and would do a character meal or two. We figure at least $1000 for food unless we eat CS tons, and we enjoy getting out of the heat and having a nice sit down meal on vacation.
-I am so tempted to try a DC as it seems like the same price ( although one less night)…

 

[Marionnette]

Could it be that we cannot take our WDW vacation for under $3500 without airfare?
Here's the story:
-Two real adults, one Disney kid adult
-We are DVC members, but this year cannot use our points. We are okay with that though, as we have often found that our dining costs us a ton, so we are hoping to score FD next fall. We are also so done with those sofa beds!
-We are trying to stay for 8 nights, as we are not night people- so are only at the parks a few nights to get that special experience ( not commando at all)- and feel like we lose the first day traveling and often leave early on the last.
-I have priced out a moderate resort, but would want a preferred room due to walking concerns. Some are already gone for the week in Oct we want, but I got a price of around $3100 choosing a 6 day WP and more ticket. I'd like to stay with at least that, as last year we had 3 torrentially raining days and DQ saved us ( plus we like a WP day). Also due to rain, I am not thrilled with a moderate. With a DR, there is always an option of walking around indoors, getting something to eat, etc. Getting out of our room We have had some bad wash out days on our last 3 fall trips!
- I've priced the first 3 nights at a VR, then switching to a deluxe….$3700ish
-We could do a RD instead of FD, but it hasn't added up to be a better deal for us. We LOVE Boma ( own at AK) and would do a character meal or two. We figure at least $1000 for food unless we eat CS tons, and we enjoy getting out of the heat and having a nice sit down meal on vacation.
-I am so tempted to try a DC as it seems like the same price ( although one less night)…

There's nothing wrong with your budget. That's what it will cost to get what you want. 8 nights at a moderate resort in a preferred room is not going to come cheap - even in October. 6-day tickets for 3 people with WPF&M is not going to be cheap, probably accounting for more than a third of that $3100 and even more if you have hopping, too.

Sure, there are ways to bring the amount down, but they would involve compromising on the things that you seem to value in a vacation.

 

[pinoke]

But doesn't that seem crazy? That's without paying for a meal- or our flights!

 

[ssawka]

Since you are DVC, you could look at renting points from another member. Also, if you get a 1 BR you could use the kitchen to cut down on your food costs. If not, I guess you'll just have to pay it if that's what you want. DW is not cheap!

 

[hsmamato2]

I'm not sure what you're asking OP Are you asking why it costs what it costs (without discounts) or are you asking if you can trim your budget?
If you want to trim your budget you have choices, either wait for a discount sale when you want to travel,or trim the extras off your current plans.... there isn't any other option
The cost is what it is, unless you can find a deal...which is pretty easy to do, if you watch and wait for sales,etc.

 

[wiigirl]

Since you are DVC, you could look at renting points from another member. Also, if you get a 1 BR you could use the kitchen to cut down on your food costs. If not, I guess you'll just have to pay it if that's what you want. DW is not cheap!

x2

 

[sksjasams]

There is really not much you can do about ticket prices. The one area you have control over is where you stay.

You could likely get a very nice and spacious 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo rental at Bonnet Creek for only about $600/week. It would nearly rival a deluxe resort and you would be saving over $3000 with that one simple compromise! That would allow plenty of room in your budget for nicer dining options and renting a car.

You could try it this one trip and if you hate it, go back to onsite next year. Bonnet Creek is on Disney property, so it seems like a great option for you.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Marionnette]

But doesn't that seem crazy? That's without paying for a meal- or our flights!

Yes, it seems crazy - especially when you are accustomed to not having to pay directly OOP for your accommodations. You could rent DVC points or look for a points transfer that will make that part of your stay more affordable but it will still cost you $$. The tickets that you want, even with the UT discount, are going to cost $1K+. Unfortunately, Disney is not a cheap vacation, especially when you have definite "must haves".

 

[jimandami]

I also wanted to point out that your split stay option between a value and a deluxe would be difficult with free dining. You would have to book two separate packages, which means paying for two sets of tickets. Just wanted to be sure you are aware of that.

 

[velvetsqueeze]

There is really not much you can do about ticket prices. The one area you have control over is where you stay.

You could likely get a very nice and spacious 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo rental at Bonnet Creek for only about $600/week. It would nearly rival a deluxe resort and you would be saving over $3000 with that one simple compromise! That would allow plenty of room in your budget for nicer dining options and renting a car.

You could try it this one trip and if you hate it, go back to onsite next year. Bonnet Creek is on Disney property, so it seems like a great option for you.

Enjoy your trip!

You beat me to the punch! If you can't use your points, there's no point (pun intended) in staying on-site for that much money. A condo at Bonnet Creek plus a rental car (find a discount code!) still won't equal half of the room cost. Also, there's no guarantee you'll get free meals with your stay as Disney keeps changing who can get free meals and when they can get them.

Also, be sure to eat breakfast in the room! Yes, the breakfast buffets are nice. But are they really worth the cost? Eggs, bacon, toast, coffee, and juice in the room won't be more than $20 for everyone!

We are a family of 3 going in March during spring break season (everything's high dollar), and our budget with flight, rental car, park tickets, park parking, souvenirs, groceries for breakfast & snacks, and meals should be around $3,600.

 

[pinoke]

I think we will consider staying offsite. We wanted to do a first US trip, but it was too expensive when those tickets would be much more than adding the same # of days onto Disney.
We were thinking that FD would be great- as we like to splurge on vacation and eat at nice places ( which we don't do at home) and since we were paying for the resort and payed $1000 last year for food. But I still had sticker shock
We have never stayed at a VR, and I thought that would be a great option to save some money-BUT I totally forgot about the ticket/ free dining connection -thank you!
I drive and cook a lot at home ( don't we all?) and thats always part of the fun of staying at WDW for us. I don't mind at all waiting for a bus and not worrying about how to get wherever. When we did SW and DC before we took Mears…
I get a little anxious about trying to find good/safe local places to eat, but I suppose many do it. Last year our one day we rented a car to go offsite it was pouring so hard we literally couldn't drive. It took us 2 hours to get from Gator World to the DTD car return place….We found DTD ( had never been) but the car rental was hidden in a hotel without signs on the street….A really bad experience as the roads were washed out and driving was dangerous for an hour or so...

 

[pinoke]

A couple of people mentioned Bonnet Creek- is that the whole name? I see a couple and am not sure which one you're referring to…thanks!

 

[pinoke]

…and how do you get a 2 bedroom for $600 /week???

 

[kkandaj]

I'm sure they are talking about Wyndham Bonnet Creek, which is right next to Caribbean Beach Resort. They also have shuttles that take you to/from the parks, lazy river, several pools, activities, restaurants, etc. We stayed in a 3 bedroom/2 bath in May of 2012 for $800 for the week. We rented points through a company, but some people rent through eBay. It's gorgeous and we'd love to go back!!! There is a huge thread on the "Orlando" part of the DIS called " the we looooove bonnet creek" thread.

ETA: just saw that the shuttles are no longer free. We drove most of the time to the parks, which still only took 10 mins or so.

 

[sksjasams]

Yes, it's Wyndham Bonnet Creek. I did a lot of reading on disboards about different owners who rent out units for Bonnet Creek.

When I was booking, I got quotes from:

Vacation Upgrades
Vacation Strategy
Sun or Snow Vacation Rentals
Farrells Vacations
myresortnetwork.com - owner Aaron Washburn
myresortnetwork.com - 5 star resorts

Just try googling for their websites. The best quote I received was from Aaron Washburn. He was extra nice and very prompt and helpful with communication and any questions I asked. Unfortunately, we ended up cancelling right at the 21 day mark because my DH ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. We lost $100 cancellation fee, but have the rest in credit to use in the future.

Aaron has his own website now:
http://www.washburntimeshare.com/Timeshare-Rentals-Elkridge-MD.html

Again, I would highly recommend him and his prices were the best.

Good luck with your decision!