Anyone who lives in Florida...or as been there?

gidget1978

Cathlete
Hi Gals,

I got it in my head last night that I think it is time for us to take a trip (next year, give me time to save) and I want to go somewhere while DD is still young and will enjoy it, plus she will still remember it.
I would like to book a trip to Walt Disney world but I don't know much about it.Is it cheaper to stay right on the resort then it is to stay out side of it? I can't book anything right yet b/c the airline or the resort won't take any bookings that aren't in this year.
Im pretty sure it will cost me between 8-10,000 canadian for this trip and thats just to go and not have to worry about money.This is for food, air fare, hotel and everything.I am planing on saving most of this or even half over the next year.
Anyway...any info on these resorts would be great. I have no clue what I am doing!
Lori :)
 
When my daughter was five years old, we took her to Disney World. At that time, it was cheaper to stay in a hotel that was outside of the resort. I hope that you go on the trip this year, and all of you would have a blast. It was so much fun.
 
$8,000-10,000 for Disney and Florida? You must be joking! Sorry, but that just sounds crazy to me. People don't spend that much to go to Europe, for crying out loud.
 
Shelley, she said 8,000 to 10,000 canadian money. I don't know how much it is in US money as I've never been to Canada before.

When I went to DW as a kid, we stayed at a hotel off the resort as it was cheaper. I don't know about now so I'd check into it. Usually it's expensive unless you get a good deal. Hope you go though. It was a lot of fun when we went.

Lisa
 
Yes, I realize that. Seeing as I'm Canadian too. And it's not all that different. $10 Canadian is about $8.75 U.S.

Lori, you can get some really good car/hotel/Disney ticket deals if you shop around. And lots of them are Canadian $$ at par.
 
hey, Lori! DH and I went to Florida a few years ago and including the hotel, flight and food we spent about 1,000 give or take but we didn't do anything else, so I guess that really doesn't help you does it? :p I haven't been to Disney World in about 20 years, so I don't know how much that cost, but I do know that everything inside Disney is WAY more expensive than outside the resort. One of my girlfriends just got back and the spent $2,000ish American with only her daughter, but they did the whole shebang, including the princess breakfasts. I think they stayed for four days, I will have to get back to you on that. It sounds like fun, though and I know that DD will love it! October is a great month to go because it isn't too busy or hot.

Missy
 
Shelly, Im going to look into this but I wanted to have enough that I didn't feel as if I was counting every penny. And its not going to be cheap getting off of this island either.
Lori:)
 
Lori - tripcentral.ca is a really good travel website.

March is the most expensive time to go, unfortunately, because of March Break.
 
Just did airfare for fun for next Jan and it will be about $2500 for all 3 of us.

Anyway...any sites I should see..and so on would be greatly appreciated.I will worry about the cost more later.I want to take in all we can while we are there.
I know this is alittle early to be askin b/c it is a ways away, but I will print off the info I get from you gals and keep it in a folder so I can look things up later.
Lori:)
 
> I know this is alittle early to be askin b/c it is a ways
>away, but I will print off the info I get from you gals and
>keep it in a folder so I can look things up later.


It is better to start looking into this now, when you will have plenty of time to plan for it. Then you won't be running around like a headless chicken a month before you want to go. After all, Noah didn't wait until it started raining to build the arc! :)

Missy
 
Thanks, I will look into this when I have time and my boss isn't around}(
The reason I assumed it cost so much was b/c one of my co-workers as went a few tims and he said I wouldn't need 10,000...but I would need a fair bit, around 7-8, so I was going by what he said.I just don't want to go and feel like I am pinching the dollar...if ya know what I mean?:)
Lori:)
 
The book "Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney" is great it gives you estimated prices for hotels, the parks & food + lots of tips about the attractions & rides.

My experience has been it can be very costly, the admission to the parks & food inside & outside the parks is expensive and not very good for the price. I think you would do better with a package deal that would include airfare, hotel & possibly passes to some of the parks.

I've heard the best months to go are October, January & May. Christmas & March are probably the most crowded.

Debbie D
 
We went and blew about 5000. for 3 with food.
Stayed in Disney. You don't need a car if you do this. You can just hop on the busses. You get in the parks an hour earlier in the am. than if you stay out.Food is a little more pricey in Disney, but are you going to leave the parks to eat.You get a hopper pass so you can go to multiple parks in 1 day.
We would say hit majic kingdom in am.Eat lunch, go to the water parks (June very hot), then go back to majic Kingdom or Ebcott at night. We rented a car and didn't use it.
We spent about 200 a day on food and drinks and shopping.
Depends what you eat.
There are alot of deals out there.
We stayes at the carribean. It was nice. There are now Condos. I liked the yaught club(ritzier). I would never go and stay out of the parks after staying in. Get on line and check a travel agent. there are alot of great places. Some are more children oriented than others.
You will love it.I think it was amazing.
I also heard the cruise is even better. Like 3 day cruise then 5 day at the parks?
Check it out.
Anne

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?p=999&gid=8227804&uid=3969941
 
Hey Lori,
I live in Orlando, about 30mins or so from disney depending on traffic. The is a new deal where if parents buy a 2 day park hopper online children under 9 years old get in free. Not sure it will help but I heard it on the radio again this morning. When I get off work I will try to send you some more information about hotels and stuff.
Candi also lives down here and might be a better source of information. Sometimes there are good deals and coupons in flyers I see around town too, I'll start keeping an eye open. Wish I could be more help..
I'm sure you all will have a blast.
~Angel
 
Lori- If you plan to make it a Vacation you DD will always remember stay on Disney property! I have been to Orlando/Disney every year since I was 7(now 32). My grandparents use to live(now passed) in Orlando and when we visted every year we would go over to Disney. Since I have grown up DH,DS,DD and I go and stay at one of the resorts which is soooo much diffrent. When you stay on property your completely engulfed in the complete Disney experience 24/7 and it is just wonderful, as stated above once you take the shuttle to Disney from the airport you no longer have to worry about transportation, you just walk out of your room find the nearest bus stop(disney transportation,several per resort) and jump on and it will take right to the front gate. You also get exclusive stuff for staying at the Disney resorts like early entrance to the parks(1 hr early) or you can stay up to 1hr later than the general public on certain nights. There are so many more perks for staying on the property. It may cost more but I would say it is soooo worth it. Sorry I rambled on but I am passionate for Disney :D
 
Lori,

I just have to second what Anne said -- my family did a Disney cruise last summer, and it was wonderful! The ship has every bit of the Disney magic; everything is very well done. Since you're saving and planning far in advance, it might be fun to look into one of the packages where you cruise and have time in the parks -- the best of all worlds!

Whatever you decide, I know it will be a wonderful memory-making trip for your whole family!

Allison
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top