Of course this is the first question on every one's mind - how much is this going to cost me? And, every family is very different in what they want/need in a vacation. Below is a checklist of questions to keep in mind when you are planning your trip, along with a few tips and things to remember. All of the information below will be discussed further in future blog posts, this is basic information just to get you thinking about your vacation needs.
1. Are you flying or driving?
Since we are from Canada, we always fly. Driving is not an option. However, we do use Air Miles and Aeroplan miles to assist us with our multiple trips. If flying, do not forget to budget for bag fees. This can add a significant amount to your tickets. For example: West Jet has two free bags, but United Air charges $25 US for the first bag and $35 for the second bag per person EACH WAY. So if you take two bags each there and 2 bags each home, your family of four is spending $480 on bag fees alone! We often do the "suitcase inside a suitcase" trick on the way there bringing only 3 bags for the three of us. On the way home, we will have 6 bags (2 each). Do not forget to watch the weight and size of your bags as well as anything over 50lbs is subject to a hefty fee.
If driving, consider your hotels, food, gas, etc along the way. Do not forget to account for your time. If you have limited vacation days and spend 2 days driving there and 2 days driving home, then you have spent a lot of your valuable vacation time just driving. Is it worth it when you consider that flying gets you there in just a few hours?
2. Will you rent a car or use Disney Magical Express?
Renting a car is reasonably priced in Florida, but you do have to do some research and look for deals. We have found that the best deals are using visa.com promotions and renting from Alamo. It is important to note that if you are staying onsite at a Walt Disney World resort parking at all Walt Disney World theme parks is free.
Disney's Magical Express is a bus service provided for all on site guests that provides transportation from Orlando International Airport to the various Walt Disney World resorts. This is a free service that is included in your package when you book through the Disney website or a travel agent. Once onsite, there is bus service from every resort to every park also provided at no charge to Walt Disney World resort guests. Essentially you would not ever have to drive on your entire vacation. However, there are some down sides including transferring buses in order to get from resort to resort and occasionally there are long lines for each bus.
3. Will you stay Onsite or Offsite?
This is likely this biggest decision you will make and there is no right or wrong answer. We love to stay onsite as you are immersed in Disney. However, we do have a small family, so that make a big difference. Families of 5 are very limited to their hotel choices on site and families of 6 or more are even more limited. If you have 6 or more in your family, I would consider staying offsite and perhaps renting a condo or house. Remember, if you are staying offsite, you will have to rent a car as Disney Transportation is for resort guests, and you will have to budget an additional $14 US per day for parking at the theme parks.
There are many perks besides the transportation and theming to staying onsite. This includes Extra Magic Hours (special times where only Walt Disney World resort guests are allowed into the theme parks) and access to the Disney Dining Plan (a food plan that allows you to get significant discounts on onsite dining - remember there are 139 restaurants to try!!).
3a. If staying onsite a Walt Disney World Resort, what category of hotel?
There are four levels of hotels in Walt Disney World: Value, Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa. They all offer varying amenities and of course, you get what you pay for.
We have stayed at Disney's All Start Movies Value Resort all three times and LOVE it!! But it is not for everyone. The rooms are very small (being a family of three this is okay) and the amenities included are very basic (no refrigerators in the room, no waterslides at the pools, etc). But, if you are one of those families were a pool and a bed in a clean environment is all you need - then you will enjoy the atmosphere at the Value resorts.
Moderate resorts offer a little but more space, some additional dining options, and other additional amenities. Deluxe resorts offer even more including on site character meals and are in prime locations (such as right on the Monorail route or with rooms offering castle and fireworks views). For families that are planning to spend a little bit more time at their resorts, these may be better options.
4. Food - Dining Plan, Pay as you go or make meals
Food is going to be a big expense, there is no way around it. There are many options, but I will always recommend the Disney Dining Plan. I will cover this more in a later post, but each day each person will get one Table Service meal (meaning a sit down meal or buffet), one Quick Serve meal (meaning one fast food or cafeteria style meal) and one snack. At first glance it looks like you are missing a meal each day, but I have to say, the portions at Walt Disney World are huge! And sharing meals or eating only two meals a day with a snack is very realistic!
If you are going to stay off site, making meals is an option. Walt Disney World parks do allow outside food in (with some rules and restrictions) so packing snacks and sandwiches for the family is possible.
5. Park Tickets - How many days, and optional add ons
Park tickets are a big park of the budget and it is very hard for most families to spend that kind of money. The biggest tip is the more days you go, the more you save. So a 10 day ticket is just a few dollars more than an 8 day ticket. You can also add options such as Park Hopper (meaning you can "hop" from one park to another in the same day) or Water Parks & More (meaning you also get access to the two water parks and Disney Quest in Downtown Disney). To start, determine how many days you are going for and how many of those days will be in a Disney park.
6. Other things to budget for
Many small things are forgotten and that is what can ruin an overall budget. We try to plan for everything. Again, all of these topics will be covered in more detail in further blog posts.
- Gas if renting a car
- Photopass - Walt Disney World's photo option
- Souvenirs and spending money
- Stroller rental (if needed)
- Special Occasions (birthday cakes, etc)
- Tips (tips are NOT included in the dining plan)
- Refillable Mugs - another great Disney Resort perk
- Parking at local Airport or cabs to local Airport
- Spending money on travel days
- Special Events (Mickey's Not So Scary Hallowe'en Party or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party)
- Other extra services (Bibbidy Bobbity Boutique or Characters in Flight).
As always, if you have any questions or have anything to add, please feel free to leave a comment.
~~Happy Planning!!~~
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