lonibrown

We are a family of 5 (2 adults, 3 kids 6,8,10) looking to visit Walt Disney World from December 8th - 12th 2009. We didn't want to spend over $4000.00 for the entire trip. Any suggestions of nice hotel off property ( on property can be very expensive), other money saver tips for this trip. Is this a good time to go? Greatly appreciate it!

missypie

Get thee to mousesavers.com, also disboards.com and tourguidemike.com.

If you haven't already, price your 5 day passes (or 4), then see how much money you'll have left for hotel and food.

montereybob

Because of the slow economy Disney has been giving some great bargains at their hotels such as free meal cards and 7 nites for the price of 3. So don't rule them out. Call them and ask what promotions they are running during the week you plan to visit.

321go

Seconding what montereybob said. Call Disney. They're been running all kinds of deals this year.

BTW, that's a GREAT time of year to go. Everything will be decorated for the holidays, the crowds will be much lighter than usual, and the weather is usually very nice.

Suebeehoney70

This post is showing up in the Michigan category - you will get more results if it's moved to the Florida category!

good luck!

tom_creans_daughter

'is this a good time to go?'....absolutely! Less crowds/lines, mild weather (for us, one sprinkle of rain); the Christmas decor is beautiful!

and, yes! - check for on site deals - we loved deciding to leave the park and go to the hotel pool - and be there, via monorail in just Minutes! (time vs money, with Kids)

stumpworks73

All solid advise so far. I agree that you should shop one of the moderate priced on-site hotels. Caribbean Beach or Coronado to name two. You get to use Disney's transport system. You don't need a rental car. You will get your best price on park passes by including the room in the package. The parks have extra hours for Disney hotel guests. Your young kids are going to want mid-day breaks. If you are off site by the time you get the car, drive back to the hotel, return and park again you'll spend hours turning around that could be 10 minutes on site. If you try and push young children through long days at the park, you'll regret you ever came.

Yes, you can find lower room prices, but when you consider the entire deal from Disney, I think you get a better vacation staying at one of their properties.

If you stay off site, do your homework on the hotel. Many Disney area hotels are now aging properties and some are absolutely unacceptable.

persimmondeb

If you are driving, especially if you are intending to do non-Disney things, moving mid-trip can be practical, and your children are probably old enough that it is not a nightmare. We did that the first time we went to Disney, spending several nights at a suite hotel off-property, and then moving to Port Orleans for the actual Disney visit. That worked very well, allowed us to buy the dining plan (which while possibly not the absolute cheapest way to eat-will allow you to predict your food costs).

zlaor

We got a good deal through Small World Vacations agency (Disney pays them, you don't). 7 days, 8 nights @ Animal Kingdom Lodge + park tickets for the whole time + dining plan for four for $2,600.

Could have been several hundred dollars less if we didn't stay at the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

missypie

No matter where you stay, make sure you visit all of the deluxe resorts and see the deocrations. While at Epcot, you can walk or take a boat out of the world showcase exit to see the Beach Club, Yacht Club and Boardwalk Inn. While at the Magic Kingdom, take the monorail to see the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian. If you have time, take the boat ride from the Contemporary (or your car) to see Wilderness Lodge. Drive to the Animal Kingdom Lodge.

The decorations are amazing. There are large gingerbread structuures, etc.