WWYD - Plans seriously downsized

[siren0119]

Looking for some suggestions that we may not have thought of, or if this would be worth the $$.

We had big plans for a Disney vacation that got derailed by several life events - long story short we didn't have the money to take the trip we wanted, but we had already paid for the flights and were able to get hotels arranged for much less money than our onsite stay. So we're still going to Orlando, but we have some decisions to make on what to do with our time. We know that we can resort-hop and take part in any free events that don't require guest access. We will be at a hotel near DS and will have access to a pool and a character breakfast (that's a lot less expensive than the onsite resort meals!)

We also have $900 that was already tied up in a Disney Gift card. That money was spent and accounted for, and we know we can find ways to make good use of it while we are there even if it's not in the parks.

Some of the options we came up with:
1. Use the Dis GC for tickets to MNSSHP (one of our favorite things to do) and one DAH event - that would about eat up the full amount, but would give us 2 park visits while we're there.

2. Use the DIS GC for one or the other (MNSSHP or DAH) and use the rest for dining at the resorts and in DS

3. Skip the parks all together. (some things that came to mind would be mini golf at Fantasia, character meals at the resorts, waterpark pass)

What would you do in our case - knowing that outside of the GC spending would be limited? We are a family of 4 (me, DH, DS12 and DS10). We are keeping an eye on Groupon for nearby things to do in Orlando as well, and have no problem using public transportation to get around so we won't be spending a ton on Uber/Lyft costs. If you had $900 in dedicated Disney dollars to stretch on a family vacation, what would be your must-dos?

 

[Searc]

Looking for some suggestions that we may not have thought of, or if this would be worth the $$.

We had big plans for a Disney vacation that got derailed by several life events - long story short we didn't have the money to take the trip we wanted, but we had already paid for the flights and were able to get hotels arranged for much less money than our onsite stay. So we're still going to Orlando, but we have some decisions to make on what to do with our time. We know that we can resort-hop and take part in any free events that don't require guest access. We will be at a hotel near DS and will have access to a pool and a character breakfast (that's a lot less expensive than the onsite resort meals!)

We also have $900 that was already tied up in a Disney Gift card. That money was spent and accounted for, and we know we can find ways to make good use of it while we are there even if it's not in the parks.

Some of the options we came up with:
1. Use the Dis GC for tickets to MNSSHP (one of our favorite things to do) and one DAH event - that would about eat up the full amount, but would give us 2 park visits while we're there.

2. Use the DIS GC for one or the other (MNSSHP or DAH) and use the rest for dining at the resorts and in DS

3. Skip the parks all together. (some things that came to mind would be mini golf at Fantasia, character meals at the resorts, waterpark pass)

What would you do in our case - knowing that outside of the GC spending would be limited? We are a family of 4 (me, DH, DS12 and DS10). We are keeping an eye on Groupon for nearby things to do in Orlando as well, and have no problem using public transportation to get around so we won't be spending a ton on Uber/Lyft costs. If you had $900 in dedicated Disney dollars to stretch on a family vacation, what would be your must-dos?

I would do option 1, but also keep in mind, public transportation is very limited in Orlando, especially in the Disney area.

 

[iivye]

I would do option 2 and choose the DAH event. We did both MNSSHP and DAH last year (separate trips). MNSSHP was more crowded than a regular day in my experience and DAH was very low crowds. Both times were on trips where those days were the only time spent in the parks so I felt like with DAH we got a lot more bang for the buck.

 

[TravelandLeisure]

I would pick option 1 and just eat at cheap places off property.

 

[DisArmyWife215]

I vote option 2 but with MNSSHP. It's so much fun and it can basically be a full day, going from 4 to 12 AM. Not being tied down you could sleep in the next day and have a pool day and relax.

 

[DisneyGirlMI]

Can I offer option 4? I would do one of the DAH events, one day at a water park and then have a few dollars left for a couple of souvenirs at DS.

 

[fla4fun]

. . . keep in mind, public transportation is very limited in Orlando, especially in the Disney area.

I second this. You should go to the Lynx bus website and study maps and schedules now to see if you will be able to get around using them. There are limited Lynx buses that do run in and around Disney, so it’s not impossible, just kind of inconvenient sometimes.

Does your room have a fridge and/or microwave? Consider using the amount you budget for weekly groceries at home to buy sandwich fixings and breakfast items to have in the room to reduce your food costs. Since you would be spending that money for the same thing if you were home, it shouldn’t burst the budget. Lunch can be cheaper than dinner if you are eating out, and if you are near Disney Springs, you may be able to access off property restaurants by walking. That might give you more flexibility in regards to spending your gift card.

As far as the parks go, have you asked the children how they would feel about going to the water parks as opposed to the theme parks? At that age, they might prefer waterparks, depending on what time of year you are visiting (August vs. October). If choosing between MNSSHP and DAH, I would probably pick MNSSHP. Part of your time before the party could be used getting creative with costumes.

I am easily entertained and I have done Disney trips without hitting the parks even though I have an AP. There are lots of things at DS and at the resorts to do for fun, depending on your interests.

 

[siren0119]

I would do option 1, but also keep in mind, public transportation is very limited in Orlando, especially in the Disney area.

Thanks! I've looked at the Lynx system, it seems to be pretty robust given how large Orlando area is - have you had a different experience using the bus system?

 

[siren0119]

Does your room have a fridge and/or microwave? Consider using the amount you budget for weekly groceries at home to buy sandwich fixings and breakfast items to have in the room to reduce your food costs. Since you would be spending that money for the same thing if you were home, it shouldn’t burst the budget. Lunch can be cheaper than dinner if you are eating out, and if you are near Disney Springs, you may be able to access off property restaurants by walking. That might give you more flexibility in regards to spending your gift card.

As far as the parks go, have you asked the children how they would feel about going to the water parks as opposed to the theme parks? At that age, they might prefer waterparks, depending on what time of year you are visiting (August vs. October). If choosing between MNSSHP and DAH, I would probably pick MNSSHP. Part of your time before the party could be used getting creative with costumes.

I am easily entertained and I have done Disney trips without hitting the parks even though I have an AP. There are lots of things at DS and at the resorts to do for fun, depending on your interests.

Thank you! We generally plan to get groceries for breakfasts and lunches in the hotel room when we go down anyway, so that's the norm for us. It is a HUGE help in stretching our vacation dollars! We've done MNSSHP the last couple of visits and the kids always enjoy it - so I might have to just call that a "must do" as I think they'd be disappointed to miss it.

I agree that there's a LOT to do that isn't in the parks which will make keeping busy easy - I'd be happy just lounging by the pool every day, but my kids might look for other entertainment after a few days LOL.

 

[Anchored]

I would do an after hours event. Not only are they WAY less crowded, and you can do more, but they also include all of the popcorn, soda, and mickey bars you want! That might help alleviate the ask for treats later. I would also choose a Water Park. Cheaper than MNSSHP and it will be hot enough clear through November. Mini golf is great. If you can make it to the outlets, the Character Warehouse has Disney Parks products for 50% off +
Also, check Groupon for cheap tickets to Aquatica. I saw them for like $30 recently. We also got the Aerophile hot air balloon ride at the Springs from Groupon

Some other free DISNEY events I recommend checking out:
Chip and Dale Campfire sing along at the Fort
Free tour and food tasting at Boma and Jiko
Spending the afternoon at AKL. You can see the animals, decorate cookies, get face painting, and more.
Ride the monorail/boats/skyliner

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Monykalyn]

Double check the timing on using public transport for getting around-sounds like an exercise in frustration. And keep an eye out for car rental rates-they can often be found for pretty cheap-and will make things much easier! Plus you could add in a cheap beach day trip to the week.

 

[Searc]

Thanks! I've looked at the Lynx system, it seems to be pretty robust given how large Orlando area is - have you had a different experience using the bus system?

No, we almost exclusively use Disney transportation or uber/lyft, but I've seen plenty of posts about how limited it is over the years around Disney.

 

[davper]

I know this one is a hard pill to swallow, but I would likely postpone the vacation. Yes, I would eat the cost of the flights. But I would rather have that disappointment then doing 1 or 2 abbreviated park days and then trying to find things to do on the cheap using public transportation. I think you will find it more frustrating and stressful from the moment you leave your house. And I only see that ending badly.

Yes the kids will be disappointed. But they will get over it and WDW is not going anywhere.

 

[Frantasmic]

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but why doesn't one parent take the kids to the Halloween event, then the other take them to the DAH event. I know the whole family isn't at either, but you would save the two adult ticket prices for another entire family event somewhere. And a parent gets to relax one evening on their own.

 

[js]

This may not be everyone's cup of tea, but why doesn't one parent take the kids to the Halloween event, then the other take them to the DAH event. I know the whole family isn't at either, but you would save the two adult ticket prices for another entire family event somewhere. And a parent gets to relax one evening on their own.

I also like this idea and with two kids that age, I would hate to be so close to Disney with them without going to the parks.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Resort hopping, watching fireworks from outside the park, visiting AK lodge and watching the animals. Look at rental car rates the closer it gets to your travel dates you should be able to find a good deal on a car. This way you can go to other places outside of Disney and eat meals at cheaper places. By the time you pay for a pickup/drop off for one visit to one place and tip both drivers you could be spending the same amount that a daily rate for a rental car would cost you. Plus you will need a way to get to and from the airport. Plan to have breakfast in your hotel room will save you a lot of money. Having a car will allow you to go to the store and pick up stuff to eat in your room.

One other thing to do that is fun and free is see the Yee Haw Bob show at Port Orleans. It takes place in the evenings at the River Rooster Lounge and it loads of fun and family friendly. You can get a whole pizza at the quick serve at POR for dinner and then catch the show. Look him up on You Tube there are a lot of video's of him

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I would reconsider the public transit and costs associated with uber or lyft. We have found rides at disney and surrounding for not much money. We stayed offsite on a trip a few times back at Gaylord Palms and most of our rides were $6-9 for a family of 4. Not much with tip at all. I would not rely on Orlando Metro buses to get you around with kids. Too much standing around in the weather waiting on them and then navigating the routes. I would either plan the days out so you use as few rides as possible or find a cheap rental. Most agencies have compacts for around $15-$25/day. Not sure how long the trip is but that's always another alternative if the cost doesn't get too high.

I like the after hours events, we've never done MNSSHP but have done MVMCP and really enjoyed that. I would not skip the parks all together, I think that would be too hard with kids, mine are the same ages as yours. I couldn't imagine telling my girls, we will be minutes from disney but not go (unless we were going to Universal). I know they'd be bummed. I'd go with option 1 or 2 to get some park time in. Not sure how long your trip is, but if you can get two days of parks in over a 3-5 day trip, that's not bad at all.

I know that Old Key West does a formal resort tour that's guided at no cost. I'm pretty sure WL does too. I know that that most of the resorts have hidden mickey hunts too. I don't know if your kids would be into that, mine would tell me to get lost if I think they're doing that

Resort/monorail hopping could be fun too. You could do a monorail crawl and maybe split dessert at Poly or another resort at a lounge. Add in some pool time and mini golf and that sounds like a really fun trip!! Good luck.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I know this one is a hard pill to swallow, but I would likely postpone the vacation. Yes, I would eat the cost of the flights. But I would rather have that disappointment then doing 1 or 2 abbreviated park days and then trying to find things to do on the cheap using public transportation. I think you will find it more frustrating and stressful from the moment you leave your house. And I only see that ending badly.

Yes the kids will be disappointed. But they will get over it and WDW is not going anywhere.

That's another possible suggestion and I totally agree when referencing the public transit situation. They wouldn't lose the flights, they would just have to pay the change fee and any increase in fare cost when rebooked later. BUT, and it's a big but, if they've told their kids already, that would be hard as a parent to go back on your word. I'd be hard pressed to go back on what I told my kids we were doing but it really varies I suppose.

 

[jo-jo]

Since money is so tight and you need to keep track of costs, don't forget the parking fees at disney.

 

[chipndaleluver]

Option 2. My husband and I have used Lynx buses before to get to Sea World, and they work just fine. You just need to visit the Lynx website and make a plan. I would definitely ask your kids what is more important to them, then you all can make a plan. Resort hopping can take hours and that helps as something to do for sure. We have gone with a tight budget too, its not easy but it can be done.