I have been challenged!

[mickeysaver]

My co-worker has two teenaged sons and a daughter in college. She wants to take them and her DH to WDW for a 4 night 3 day tour. They don't have a big budget. I have promised her that I will work to find her the best deals. She has a discount postcard for $69/nite at the value resorts. The kids are not big into souveniers. So, this is what I have so far.

Gas Round Trip $300
Park Admission $164.28/person for 3 days $812
Food $200/day $1000
Hotel 2 rooms with 3 in one $688
Total is roughly $2800

She only wants to spend $2500. How do I shave off $300?

The boys are big eaters. I can't see that she is going to get much cheaper on the food budget, even using the AK Meal Deal one of the days. She wants to do something fun like the Ice Cream Social too.

There is a small chance that the college aged daughter will not want to go along. That would make this budget fit perfectly, but I just can't figure out how to shave off that

 

[Laura]

One question, when you're spending over 2 grand to go on vacation, does $300 really matter? :lol:

 

[Laura]

Ok this is my last reply - I promise!

Why does she want to spend $140 per night just to stay on site in a dinky hotel room?

If you go to www.familiesfirst.com you can rent a 3 bedroom home (with kitchen, 2 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, a pool, a garage, washer and dryer) for $140 per night midseason. The same price she is paying for 2 tiny rooms with no amenities.

About 2 years ago I went to Orlando with a total of 5 adults and 2 babies and we rented a 3 bedroom home from families first and it was AWESOME. It was the nicest place I've ever stayed. I'd take it over a Disney Value resort anyday if I was travelling with a bunch of people.

Plus if they did that they could eat breakfast at the house which would save money, have a light snack and a late lunch in the park, and then eat dinner when they get back at night, which would also save money. You could easily shave $300 that way.