Okay, I know this was mentioned on the yahoo group a while back, but does anyone have money saving tips for Disney world..ANY help would be appreciated!!! Thanks!
I grew up in Florida and was forced to go to Disney several times a year when company came; Make sure you bring silly things that the kids will beg for while you are there. They had water bottles with the fans on them, with strap that went around your neck. My kids were hot and everyone had them... they were almost $20 each!!! I later found similar ones at Walmart for $3. (I have them in stock for next time!) We also bring snacks and water bottles to fill at the fountains. Pick up some Mickey soulveniers before you go. If needed, bring your own strollers, theirs are expensive to rent. We leave for lunch, hit Denny's or something, go back to the hotel to swim in the pool (let little ones take a nap) and then go back. We are rested, refreshed and have more money in our pocket. Plus we missed the hottest hours of the day. If you have the time and the patients you can do those time share tours. They are a royal pain in the neck, but you get awesome prizes. (Free tickets, free food etc) I just tell them 100% upfront that I am not interested and just want the prize. They appreciate the honesty, dont try real hard to sell and are eager to get to the next prospective buyer in line (since they work on commission.) If you give them any glimmer of hope you are stuck there another few hours. Some of the places have great entertainment for the older kids that was well organized with great security measures. Good luck and have fun!!
I looked into the timeshare deals, but the whole reason we are going is b/c my hubbie has a food show in Orlando that week and his company is paying for the hotel, so we figured why not..But since my husbanc cannot attend the "tout: with me due to the food show, we dont qualify for the tickets. Leaving the park to get food amd naps sounds like a great idea, I was already thinking about packing lunch until I found out you couldnt bring food in.. This biggest expense so far is gonna be the flight and park tickets? Anyone have good cheap resources?
hmm, there really isnt another way to get cheaper tickets. (they dont need to be willing to lower them) I would call a travel agent and see if they offer any kind of flight/ticket deal. What about ebay or craigslist for tickets? I think the problem is if someone buys multi-day passes they are now in your name and some parks require a thumb print to use them. (Bush gardens does now). Maybe someone else will have an idea. Sorry.
I found this site to be very helpful when we planned our trip a few years back. They even have a budget forum. www.disboards.com Another good one is www.mousesavers.com Good luck and have fun!
I would check with the hotel you are staying with. Also if you are a AAA member you might get a discount if you ask. I save $100's of dollars a year with my AAA card.
I took MM a few years ago, just the two of us. I drove and saved a ton of $. It was about a 10-12 hr trip depending on how many times you stopped, and we made a big deal out of stopping at South of the Border, and St. Augustine, and all the little roadside places. You may want to consider doing that, even if you decide to do it as a two-day drive, the hotel expense would be cheaper than flying.
we went this time last year. Drove, and stayed at a Howard Johnson off grounds for $50/night. It was about a 10 minute drive to the main gate so not to bad. We took waters with us and sandwiches in a cooler and went to the car for lunch. We got the 3 day park hopper pass. Went to Magic Kingdom 1st day. Animal Kingdom morning of the 2nd day, and Epcot 2nd hald of 2nd day. Went to MGM morning of 3rd day, then back to Magic Kingdom 3rd day afternoon. Look at parade scheduels for each park. Our son was almost 4 1/2 and was a real trooper we all loved it. He feel asleep at the Epcot Fireworks the one night. We were watching and looked down and he was a sleep with all the noise. Have fun it is great!
MApe, if you are a LF customer and have a greenpoints card check out their website you may find some savings there... www.greenpoints.com
