Disney Vacations

Luekas asked:


Me and a couple friends want to go to Disney World next summer and we were thinking of using Travelocity. Anyone know if when you plan a vacation with them if that includes the passes to get into the park?

Gabriel

link it together asked:


I plan on going to disney world in December 2009. I plan on staying there for about a week (6 - 8 days). It’ll just be me (21) and my 4 year old cousin. So when should I start planning it? And what are some tips that you can give me on saving money and traveling with a 4 year old? Also when should i start preparing him for this vacation? Should I start watching alot of disney movies with him now?

Elaina

Craig Smith asked:


Disney World is a much sought-after destination for family vacationing. However, with all of the activities and sights to see at the Magic Kingdom, the bills could pile up as high as Space Mountain. Even with the tightest wallet, a family of four could spend thousands to see Cinderella’s Castle. If you and your family are planning a trip to Disney World, saving every penny will allow you to see more parks and spend more time in the Kingdom. A budget-friendly Disney vacation can be yours - and these five tips can help make that a reality!

Tip #1: Go for the package deal.

Millions of people visit Disney World each year. So, of course, Disney has a number of package deals available to help make your stay more convenient. Many people opt to instead stay in other non-Disney hotels, plan budget meals, and so forth, but the truth is that you can save a lot of money by simply making your trip centered on Disney. The packaged deals they offer really do help you save money.

Tip #2: Compare your travel options.

Some families choose to drive instead fly when going on vacation. However, with gas prices through the roof, this may not be the best option. It depends on a number of factors including the efficiency of your car, the distance to Orlando, the size of your family, the ages of your children, and the time of year during which you plan to travel. If you have a small family, want to travel during the off-season, and live far from Florida, heading to the airport may be your best choice.

Taking a train or bus to get to Disney World is another option many families choose. A bus or train is a great choice if your children are older and you live within a reasonable distance from Orlando. The key to finding the best price is to research and compare options. If possible, also work with a travel agent to find the best prices in a package deal or group discount. If you want to make the most budget -friendly choice for your Disney World vacation, be sure to explore every travel option before packing your bags.

Tip #3: Check into Disney Club prices for accommodations.

Some families visit Disney World more than just once, and, if your family qualifies, being a member of the Disney Vacation Club can save you money. This club is not equivalent to owning a timeshare with Disney, but you get “points” for your membership, which can then be redeemed at any one of their many club resorts, which are only available to club members. It is important to note that this is not a real estate investment. It is simply a way to save money and make the most of a Disney World vacation if you live nearby and plan to travel to the Magic Kingdom more than once..

However, even if you don’t have the resources to do that, the Disney Club may be able to help you. Points expire after a certain period of time, so if a member cannot make it to Disney, it is possible to sell the points. Once you purchase these points, Disney accommodations become available for a reduced rate! Do your research, and, if the points can help you save, buy some for your family vacation.

Tip #4: Buy a meal plan and eat off-site for the meals not covered.

Food is expensive in the Magic Kingdom, and, you are not permitted to take your own food into the park. If you plan to spend the entire day exploring Disney World’s parks, you will most likely dine at them as well. While time may fly when you’re having fun, hunger does not, so consider one of Disney’s meal plans, which is part of the vacation packages they offer. With the meal plans, you pay one set price for a certain number of dinners and snacks per day. That means you can get more for your money! Another option is getting your hand stamped and leaving the park for lunch. Orlando does have some great family options that are less expensive than food in the park itself. So, perhaps this would be the best option for your family.

Tip #5: Buy Disney Dollars online.

Disney Dollars are exchangeable at a 1:1 rate, but only in Disney itself. You can use them for most souvenirs and food in the parks, as well as in some non-park stores. Many people like to buy Disney Dollars to give their children a “Disney allowance” for items at the park, which is a great idea. However, if you buy them online ahead of time, it is possible to save some money. Because Disney Dollars cannot be used anywhere else or exchanged back to regular dollars, people who have them left over usually sell them for less than a 1:1 rate.

Disney World can fill your imagination but it does not have to empty your wallet in the process. There are many affordable options you and your family can take advantage of in order to place this vacation in your price range. Do your homework, do some research, and you should be able to find a Disney World option that works for best you. Above all else, have a great time, and enjoy your stay in the Magic Kingdom!



Solomon

Common_Sense2 asked:


My first Disney vacation in Orlando, FL this year in July with my family and wer’e staying in a Disney resort (All-Star Movies) and NOT renting a car. I want to know how far is Kissimmee from where we’ll be staying? I’d like to save a few bucks on eating outside of Disney’s property and a few other attractions….but, will we need a rental car to do that? How far is Kissimmee from there? And what attractions are in Kissimmee if any? I have a 15 y-old girl and 3 y-old girl.Thanks in advance for all of your answers.

Calvin

Ian Wilkie asked:


Are you the kind of person who dreads holidays? Is this because you find it a hassle to plan and book a holiday? Well, worry no more. There are agencies available who will do all the booking, and planning for you and make sure you have a wonderful time at your chosen destination.

Families with children will love visiting the Disney World in Florida, as these are not only fun but there is so much to see and explore keeping them occupied for a week or even longer. If you are planning to go on the Cheapest Disney World Vacation in 2008, you must start planning right now.

You can touch base on any of the websites available to sort out details for you and simply pack your bags and be ready to board the bus or car. If you intend on going in February or March, you can book your trip now and save upto $300 - $400 with advance booking and package deals. At times there might be special offers for Visa card holders or for annual pass holders. By saving on this, you can book yourself into a luxurious private villa in Orlando area overlooking the beach and relax. This will again help save more money, but if you stay within the campus, the only advantage is your travel to the park will be shorter and easier.

Before you pack your bags, make sure to check out some of the Walt Disney forums or news groups to get an idea about the place. This comes in handy for first timers as they get overwhelmed upon entering the place and lose track of time and money, ending up with a big hole in their pockets.

Talk to your friends and family about what they did or did not do to fine tune your plan to make the most of the Vacation. If you decide to opt for the Cheap Disney Vacation Club, you can use the resorts located in and around Orlando area and within the park for a fixed duration. Everything from a one bedroom bathroom studio apartment to a three bedroom villa is available for rent. If you are a member of the Disney Vacation Club you get a few extra perks like valet parking at a few locations inside Disney World and discounts at certain restaurants. These are where you have already bought the rights to use the resorts by paying a lump some payment, but make sure to understand the terms and conditions mentioned therein.

For those who are not comfortable carrying around cash when exploring the Magic Kingdom or the MGM Studios, you can pick up enough Disney dollars to use while staying here. If you plan on eating in the restaurants, make sure to be a member of Disney’s Dining Experience Club, through which you can claim upto 20% off and enjoy other benefits. By planning wisely and thinking your trip through, you can save a lot of money and yet not compromise on the fun factor.



Ashlee

B C asked:


Hi,
I would like to start thinking about/planning a Disney vacation for June 2009. It will be for a family for four (one child, 5 years old, and one child just under 3 years old). We would obviously like to get the most bang for our buck. I don’t want the best hotel…but I absolutely insist that it is clean. I tried to look up stuff on the internet but it all seems so overwhelming about where to start. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

Bryce

walcz asked:


My husband and I are looking for a fun vacation just for the two of us and want to live it up. We’d like to stay at a Disney resort but are having a hard time spending the big money. Any suggestions on how to save a buck?

Molly

Dear Prudence asked:


My family and sisters family and parents (6 adults, 3 children) would like to plan a vacation to disney in florida. What is the best website/agent/resource to use to do so? I want to make sure I am get a fair price and also legitimate travel assistance.

Lastly, for those that have been there, are there houses or condos or something that can be rented that are big enough for all of us?

THANKS!
I guess I should add that Disney states that all of their resorts are soldout for that timeframe. Any suggestions on where to go to look for accomodations?

Simon

Janice McSherry asked:


It may be hard to believe, but you can enjoy a vacation at Disney World in Florida and stay in plush accommodations at bargain prices. You don’t have to win a lottery or contest to get the discount accommodations, either. The secret to it can be expressed in three words “Disney Vacation Rentals.” These are three to seven bedroom homes located within 15 minutes of Disney World that vacationers can rent a on a daily or weekly basis. In case you are not familiar with Florida vacation option, then let me walk you through it.

First of all, all the homes that are available for rent are fully equipped. They are fully furnished and the kitchens are ready for you to use. All of the homes have private or community swimming pools and some also have spas and game-rooms. Other amenities include air conditioning and heating, home entertainment systems, wireless Internet, big screen TVs and more.

The homes are located in resort communities that are within 15 minutes of Disney World, and some of them are as close as a five minute drive to Disney World. The homes are not only conveniently located close to the theme parks, they are also well served by nearby restaurants and shopping plazas. The convenient location combined with great amenities makes for a winning combination in luxury and comfort, but this is just the beginning.

The greatest benefit of the Disney Vacation Rentals is the amount of space that you get. Instead of cramming into one or two hotel rooms you can stretch out in a spacious home with three or more bedrooms. Your children can have their own bedrooms and can sleep soundly and everyone can have the space that they need to be relaxed and comfortable.

Did I say that the large amount of space that you get is the greatest advantage of staying in a Disney Vacation Rental? Well, I could be wrong because you may consider the amazing rentals prices to be the biggest attraction of the vacation rentals. Let’s take an example. Suppose you are traveling with your family and even a few friends. You could opt for a four bedroom, two bath rental. You can get it within a price range of $125 to $135 per night. That’s right you get a large, fully equipped luxury home for the price of one room at a hotel! The variation in price depends on the time of year that you book your stay. The holiday periods of Christmas, Thanksgiving and New Year are the peak periods and the prices are a bit higher then.

If you are coming with five or six people in your group, then the per-person nightly rates are truly affordable and indeed, amazing. So, don’t worry about accommodations for your visit to Disney World. Select and reserve a vacation rental home, and get on with the task of planning an unforgettable vacation in Orlando and Disney World, Florida.



Luca

Ian Wilkie asked:


It is that time of the year when the family looks forward to the family vacation. Vacations taken with the entire family is a treat and when you take time away from your busy schedule to spend a couple of days with your children and parents, it means a lot to all. There are various options available for your trip, but the one place all of us fantasize about visiting is the Walt Disney World.

This year, you have taken the time to plan it out and got all details of your Walt Disney World Resort vacation chalked out. Everything from the flight tickets to your accommodation has been carefully chosen and booked weeks in advance to save money and get the best services available. Going to Walt Disney World in Florida is what every child and adult dreams of and tries to make happen at least once in their lifetime. The sheer thought of the various rides, the facilities available and the discount Disney Vacation Club offers are all enough to make it one memorable trip.

Once you have made up your mind about where you are headed, there are a few things to bear in mind like;

1. Planning - With calculated planning, you will be able to save hundreds of dollars. To get the most out of your Disney World vacation, make sure to book your accommodation in advance. You might get good deals, and if you can get together with some friends, you can get a package deal. There are various private homes and condos available, that you can rent depending on your holiday duration. Elite homes, in central Orlando, are an excellent option, there are homes with private swimming pools and other services and the place is within walking distance from Disney World.

Apart from this, food is an item that could drain your wallet. So plan ahead what kind of food your family likes, food inside the park might be expensive. You can also carry your own food, to use the money saved on other luxuries, like taking your daughter to The Magic Kingdom and Cinderella Castle or visit Disney-MGM Studios and The Sorcerer’s Hat. Make sure to educate your children about sticking to the budget and splurging once in a while is allowed.

Besides saving money and time, this Orlando trip will be fun packed and exciting for all the members of the group with the best in store for them. You could even organize for your child to receive a phone call from Snow White or get an autographed picture from Minnie Mouse.

2. Enjoy and Have Fun - The main objective of any holiday is to enjoy yourself and be able to enjoy the small pleasures offered at the Discovery Island. Or take a journey through the Oasis, where you feast your eyes on the exotic flora and fauna, the waterfalls and streams. While trying to save money, don’t get caught up in it too much and make it the cheapest Disney World vacation.



Conor