Tips for Cheap Trips?

[twinnstar]

Hey, Im editing what I wrote because I think I perhaps wasnt clear.

I am hoping to go on a trip in 2014 with 4 people, including myself. We would like to stay at a resort along the Monorail, with the dining plan, and stay for about 6 days. I realize this is by definition expensive. My family has made these "rules" growing up. Its just the way we like to experience disney, thats all. We dont go every year, so we save up. I am not looking for a cheap solution, but instead any tips for booking for cheap-ER. If the trip turns out costing $7k, saving $300 would be a big deal to me, for example. I am not very savvy on booking the trips - I usually always book via disney.com. If anyone has any advice on how to book, when to book, etc, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[dreamfinder]

Do you really need the dining plan? With the added costs to the 2013 plans, and the 2014 increases that will most likely be coming as well, it is becoming much harder to justify the cost. Look at menu prices and see if you really will save anything. If you haven't gone for a few years you may not be aware that the gratuity is no longer included, and some plans no longer include appetizers as well.

To best maintain your rules, look to rent DVC points at BLT. You will have at least a kitchenette, if not a full kitchen. The rental should be cheaper than a room. Then get delivered/bring groceries with you. Do breakfast in room. Carry snacks with you. Then feel free to splurge for a TS dinner. Buying your tickets now through a reseller like Undercover Tourist would let you lock into their discounted rates now, instead of paying the 2014 ticket prices.

 

[twinnstar]

IF a special deal free dining etc..or room discount..you can call Disney and they will make the adjustments..for that matter since you are looking at 2014 Id set up a savings account now and start putting aside some money monthly towards the trip..

Oh really, they would honor that!? Sweet! I was wondering that, too. If I book more in advance would it be cheaper? or it doesnt really matter?

 

[twinnstar]

Do you really need the dining plan? With the added costs to the 2013 plans, and the 2014 increases that will most likely be coming as well, it is becoming much harder to justify the cost. Look at menu prices and see if you really will save anything. If you haven't gone for a few years you may not be aware that the gratuity is no longer included, and some plans no longer include appetizers as well.

To best maintain your rules, look to rent DVC points at BLT. You will have at least a kitchenette, if not a full kitchen. The rental should be cheaper than a room. Then get delivered/bring groceries with you. Do breakfast in room. Carry snacks with you. Then feel free to splurge for a TS dinner. Buying your tickets now through a reseller like Undercover Tourist would let you lock into their discounted rates now, instead of paying the 2014 ticket prices.

I myself have gone recently, just not with my family. We like to do the dining plan cause we have some people in our family who wont let us eat table service, get desserts, have treats, etc to cut costs, so, even though it might be more expensive, the dining plan for us works because its already paid for - and we can just have have a good time, and no one is fighting over the $$. In fact, thats why all our "rules" were put in place haha...to stop the grumpies in our family from ruining the vacation My sister and I have gone on trips alone and just did a budget of cash before, and that worked well for the two of us, but wont for other members of our family. We've done the packing sandwiches, making snacks in the off-site room thing - and it def saved tons money, but it made my mom a big grumpy pants, and then my dad would be an even bigger grumpy pants because he wanted to spend money when the first grumpy pants didnt (whew!) This trip will be me and my husband, and my sister and her fiance - and the two of them are my parents incarnate. haha! I understand that it doesnt work for everyone, but it does for us!

 

[twinnstar]

I grew up staying only at the Contemporary and never leaving property myself. We were not rich by any means, but WDW was literally the only vacations we took growing up, and my family saved to be able to do it.

Exactly!!! Same here. I never went anywhere else growing up. We even drove to Disney (From NY), didnt plane it! I hope no one is getting the idea that I am rich, cause I surely am not hahaha... we just know how our family operates, and since we are spending so much, we want to make sure we have a perfect vacation! we save up cause we love Disney!

 

[sgtmgd]

Oh really, they would honor that!? Sweet! I was wondering that, too. If I book more in advance would it be cheaper? or it doesnt really matter?

Booking that far in advance isnt cheaper..as most discounts..free dining wont be available that far in advance...but yes Disney is good about making those adjustments once you see a dicount that is happening during your trip window. By booking that far in advance however and only needing a 200.00 deposit it alows you to have ample time to pay off the trip

 

[Joshua&CalebDad]

Thanks! Im def going to look into renting DVC points, didnt realize that could be a way to save! A question about the "mystery discount code" - would the title of the email give away that there was a code inside? I get a lot of Disney emails that I sometimes just delete, I wonder if I need to open them all and graze through?

The subject line of the e-mail may or may not state that a Pin code is attached. The last e-mail to my wife had the subject line, "Oh my! We forgot your Walt Disney World savings PIN last time." Remember the key thing is to look where the e-mail is from it is from. If the e-mail is from "Disney Destinations" then more than likely it has some sort of deal attached to it.

I would definately open up the e-mail and take a good look at it. The e-mail will have links on it to check on the specifics of the deal. The Pin Code itself should listed somewhere in the body of the e-mail, usually towards the bottom.

Good luck with this.