Doing Disney World on a budget?

Has anyone done it? Is it even possible? As it stands, the cheapest I can get is $1900 which includes a 3-Day Magic Your way with park hopper, and water parks. Free ground transportation, and the Magic Your Way Plus dining package. That's $1,389, with a flight from Priceline at $482.

ANYWAY - If I'm staying from July 15 - 18, do I need a 4-Day ticket because the resort is on Disney property? I can always call them if nobody knows off hand. Also, how much should we bring for spending money? From the research I've done, most people suggest around $150-$200 per person. Is it feasible to do less or should I stick with $150?


Also, whatever we decide, I'll make sure to advertise a meetup well enough in advance.

[hyyyper]

In 2008 I did the four parks in Disney in 2 days. We stayed on property to take advantage of the extended opening hours and free transportation. We managed to do everything we wanted. Although it was pretty intense, if you plan your day good, everything will go smoothly. Cost us about $250 each.

As for the daily budget, I'd say $60 a day is the absolute maximum. Don't each too fancy and you'll probably don't even need $40 a day.

Or, you can save like $1500 and just got to both IoA and USO and stay at like a Holiday Inn or something.

But seriously, if you're doing Disney on a budget, then you're not really doing Disney. Save up some more.

So, do you think $2100 would be enough for 2 people after all is said and done? My main concern is actually the length of my stay vs the number of days we'll actually be able to spend in the parks.

Well, there actually is this package deal going on... Have you simply gone to the Disney website and checked out their promotions?

I looked through them, but my wife and I are looking to go for our anniversary, which is July 16th. The good deals are for dates pretty far off from that.

Aw, I see... Well, honestly, if the anniversary thing works out, you definitely shouldn't try to take the cheap route. I would wait for Disney until you have a kid.

I can promise you that you will enjoy Disney way more when you have a kid experiencing seeing Cinderella's castle for the very first time!

I think you should consider USO and IoA for this anniversary. That way $1500 could go much, much further there than at Disney.

We do have a kid, but she's still too little to comprehend the magic of Disney. Neither my wife or I have been to Disney World, and I'm looking to go mostly for the heavily themed rides, because those are particularly awesome. Also, Star Tours.

Originally posted by NightwindElf

We do have a kid, but she's still too little to comprehend the magic of Disney. Neither my wife or I have been to Disney World, and I'm looking to go mostly for the heavily themed rides, because those are particularly awesome. Also, Star Tours.

Then save up for that! Since you have a few years, now is the perfect time to save up for that one day for her!

But, really, living in Florida, I can tell you that the themed rides are just that: themed. The only one that is exciting really is Expedition Everest, Rock n' Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror.

Seriously, do IoA and USO. They are much, much more geared for adult entertainment and exciting themed thrills! Plus, they are truly in Orlando versus Disney which is actually out of the way.

I think that you will have a much, much, more enjoyable time with IoA and USO + all of Orlando than just trying to scrape by at Disney. Plus, USO is near some very nice malls including a HUGE outlet mall that I'm sure your wife my enjoy visiting. Also, restaurants everywhere!!

Whatever you do, don't tell her there's a shopping mall anywhere in the vicinity. My other choice was SeaWorld with their park hopper deal. But their customer service reps are rather pushy when I call to ask specific questions about a trip I may or may not take to their park.

Ehh.. pass on Seaworld... It's nice and all, but it's nothing "special" and unique... Believe me, you're going to go to a mall. The turnpike and the road that servers USO/IoA is where the huge outlet mall is. So, having that $1500 used for USO/IoA will mean you have a LOT more money to spend on other things to do without the need to go cheap!

I could give her an ultimatum, too. Go shopping or go to the Harry Potter thing at Universal. Not a bad idea...

You can get a great deal for BOTH parks in which you can go back multiple days for a really good price! I'm sure she would love the idea of doing both.

Plus, Harry Potter World > Disney. FACT

Yeah...I throw things at the TV when she watches the movies. But I am looking at their vacation packages, and it's not bad. Honestly, I'm looking to act like a child for a week.

lol, Then do what you think is best for the both of you.

I gave my ideas, so now you just have to see what is the best thing to do!

Is the wet-n-wild add-on ticket worth the money?

Edit: I looked into it, and definitely not worth it.

Originally posted by NightwindElf

Is the wet-n-wild add-on ticket worth the money?

Edit: I looked into it, and definitely not worth it.

Wet 'n Wild? Definitely not worth it.

[Coasterkidmwm]

Do you even pay for anything?

Wait. Too young to comprehend the magic of disney? a good 70% of the parks are focused on little ones. Although i enjoyed going last year, i would've enjoyed it much more if i was in the age range of like 2-10, but thats just me i guess

Originally posted by Coasterkidmwm

Do you even pay for anything?

Not relevant. Go live in Arizona so I can have you arrested for tolling please.

[stoning]

[Coasterkidmwm]

I'm implying there are surprises on every occasion that need to be budgeted for and other things you're just not considering at all.

Originally posted by Coasterkidmwm

I'm implying there are surprises on every occasion that need to be budgeted for and other things you're just not considering at all.

I'm well aware of surprises during traveling, which is exactly why a budgeted trip to Disney could prove problematic.

That's why I offered my advice that would give them a considerable amount of spending money.

I'll chip in with my gold coin

Originally posted by CKidd

Wait. Too young to comprehend the magic of disney? a good 70% of the parks are focused on little ones. Although i enjoyed going last year, i would've enjoyed it much more if i was in the age range of like 2-10, but thats just me i guess

She's 18 months old. Most of the Disney stuff is actually for kids from about 3-10

[Coasterkidmwm]

Nobody remembers anything that isn't people related before age 5 anyways.