Orlando resident planning a family vacation

heathernoel · Post by **heathernoel** » Feb Thu 28, 2008 10:46 am

We live less than 30 mins. away from WDW. We are hoping to take our complete family (I am expecting our 4th girl

in August) for a week in March next year.

We are planning to stay on property...the whole 9! Is the $1600 package worth it?

yodiwan1 · Post by **yodiwan1** » Feb Thu 28, 2008 9:52 pm

so, you live in orlando, but you want to stay on disney grounds instead of at home?

Post by **js3901** » Feb Thu 28, 2008 10:32 pm

heathernoel wrote:We live less than 30 mins. away from WDW. We are hoping to take our complete family (I am expecting our 4th girl in August) for a week in March next year.

We are planning to stay on property...the whole 9! Is the $1600 package worth it?

there are a few things to keep in mind with the $1600 package that they advertise on TV and such. the first is a quote directly from the official website:

Package prices are based on 2 adults, 1 junior and 1 child occupying one standard room. The number of rooms allocated for these packages may be limited. Theme Park tickets are for one Park per day.

So, based on this, you can only have 2 adults, one child , and one junior. if you have more kids than that, the price will increase. Also, the tickets are single day, non-park hopper/add-on tickets. the package also does not include any meals or anything. just the room and tickets.

you would need to weigh the options that are given to you based on your family's needs.

heathernoel · Post by **heathernoel** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 7:52 am

Blah. That's true. Maybe I can shove the baby and the now toddler in a suitcase. LOL

Yep! I wanna stay on grounds. First, with an infant, a then 3.5 year old, and a 7 and 9 year old, staying on grounds is convenient for down times. Hubby can take the older two while I take the younger two for naptimes, and rejoin them.

Plus, there's nothing like getting the whole experience. That's not to say we won't be cutting corners where we can, like bringing our own snacks, and supermarketting it sometimes....

jcodirewolf · Post by **jcodirewolf** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 7:54 am

Yea I've spoken on this forum before about the "$1600 package". It's really quite insane. like when you buy a new car do you really think the ONE you want is the $10k "base model"?

So the $1600 package is...

o mid-week
o off-season
o standard room (PopC or all-star)
o one park/day tickets

Now the truth is for what it sounds like you need, my parents are in Fla and we have extended family get-togethers there once a year. You can do better, depending on what "clubs" you belong to AAA, SoG/Military, DVC, AP or Florida residents. They all get discounts and you should see what each is offering.

My guess is you aren't a DVC member, but you could get a Fla Annual Pass, durning the off-off-season they often run special deals just for Fla Residents. And you could join AAA, I don't know ifyou are active duty Military but there is Shades of Green.

johno

yodiwan1 · Post by **yodiwan1** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 12:21 pm

i still just dont understand why you dont just save a few hundred bucks and stay at home if you are les than 30 min. away. how long do you intend to go for?

jcodirewolf · Post by **jcodirewolf** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 12:42 pm

Even that close there are a number of reasons. I doubt they are 30 minutes from the MK turnstiles. They are 30 minutes from property would be my guess. Which really means you are an hour or so from the front gates, after parking and trams...

If you are going for several days then you get the benefit of not having to drive home and in, you get EMHs, you get a place to send your purchases to, for little kids you get a place fro them to nap, you get access to the pool...

johno

heathernoel · Post by **heathernoel** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 2:15 pm

Exactly...and as a former cast member, I always wanted to stay on property. I want to see the fireworks from the balcony of my hotel room, or check out the laser lights from my room.

It's also going to be hubby and my way of celebrating the completion of our family

reiki1 · Post by **reiki1** » Feb Fri 29, 2008 3:50 pm

I am also a former cast member - nothing beats staying on property. If you have any contacts left on property - you might reach out to them to see if they would help you get discounted rooms and Main-gate entrance. Otherwise your best bet would be to make an initial investment in two items:

Florida Resident Seasonal Pass and Disney Dining Experience card (only for Florida residents - purchase seasonal first and you get the dining experience at a significant discount). Since you worked at Disney you already know that going during peak is less than desirable (especially with little ones). The seasonal pass will pay for itself in 2 days. The dining experience will pay for itself in about 2 -3 meals depending on how much you eat. both of these are good for 365 days (with some blackouts) and will give you an excuse to come to Disney just to eat or take the kids in for something like Star Wars weekend or Pirates and Princess parties or just come for Mother's day.

In an event - nothing beats letting someone else doing the cleaning and cooking for a few days!

I would also highly recommend going to Saratoga Springs and getting a massage or pedicure there are discounts with your seasonal pass.

ENJOY!!!!

yodiwan1 · Post by **yodiwan1** » Mar Sat 01, 2008 12:44 am

I guess, i view it al different cause I am still tight on cash and I look to save whatever I can. How old will your youngest be when you are there btw?

heathernoel · Post by **heathernoel** » Mar Sat 01, 2008 6:53 pm

Around 6-8 months

We have taken our kids that young before... It doesn't bother me...but breastfeeding is best in a hotel. LOL

Great Recs! Thanks! I will print these out...

Heck..who isn't tight on cash these days? But, giving the kids this experience is SO worth it.

Subsonic Radio

Orlando resident planning a family vacation

Orlando resident planning a family vacation

Re: Orlando resident planning a family vacation