Photodog

Saw a televison report several years ago about companies and the perks they offer for those who invest in their stock. I don't know if Disney or their parent company would have an offer like this or not. May be able check it out by calling a broker. I do know my friend works part time for a Disney store and gets big time discounts for himself and family as well as close friends. The discounts are for admission and lodging. Might be able to find such a "friend" or take a parttime job long enough to get the discount.

Lee4

There's always lots of debate about staying on or off-property. I've done it both ways and enjoyed both. If you really want to save $$, you would need to go off-property. We stayed off-property in the summer and had no problems with parking, leaving during the middle of the day and returning, etc. Be sure to allow some down-time for yourselves; the parks are big and very tiring. It's a great idea to take a mid-day break.

I'd recommend a (rental) car so you will be able to get away from WDW for some meals and to be able to pick up bottled water, soft drinks, snacks, etc. from the grocery store. If you decide to stay on-property, you can save a some $$ just by eating off-property. Consider eating a big meal each day off-property and maybe just snacking while in the parks. The local I-Hops are always cheap for breakfast and give you tons of food. There's a great tex-mex place called Chevy's (across from Disney Village) that's inexpensive and gives you more than enough food.

Another good tip is to carry a backpack into the parks so you can put snacks and water in there. WDW will not make you get rid of these things, and you'll save a few $'s that way. You can also refill the water bottles throughout the day at the fountains in the parks.

As so many others have said, www.mousesavers.com is a great website and you can find discounts that way. Another good site is www.mouseplanet.com. I highly recommend the book, "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World." This book will give you SO many great tips on touring the parks, saving money, eating at great places, etc.

One more thought--I think you should go to Animal Kingdom. Just do it first thing in the morning and get on the Safari Ride FIRST. You will beat the crowds and get to see the animals when they are out and about. Have a great trip!

rjw_lgb_ca

Hi, Heavens! RE: Using frequent flier miles. Don't count on it being easy-- the airlines make cashing them in a hassle for popular vacation destinations. However, if you can't use them for the flights, you might be able to use them to defer the cost of lodging, rental cars and what-not.

My big money saver when I went to WDW (I know, why when I live in Long Beach, 15 minutes from the original? I was visiting friends in Orlando) was the generosity of a cast member who got me in for free. They have a certain quota of "comp" entries they can use-- and he cashed in his to get me (and a friend) into the park. Barring that, I'd listen to whatever mousesavers.com has to say.

But for a special trip, I'd just say "to hell with it" and spend the money. I'm going all-out for my 40th birthday trip-- and why not? We're all worth it! C'mon-- go nuts!!

gail

Unlikely you will be able to use FF miles for a family around Christmas or Tgiving.

One of the other reasons we like staying off property is that after a few days, we are totally "moused out" and do not want to live, breathe and sleep Disney 24 hours/day.

Don't limit yourself to WDW, though. Our son heads off to college in the fall - I usually plan our family vacations, had one in mind - he vetoed it and we are all going on a cruise instead (not in my wildest imagination could I have pictured this kid on a cruise - live and learn!)

Jayne1973

We took our three teens (including our high school senior) in 2000 and found a great deal for lodging in a condo in Orlando. I just found it surfing the net and booked it for $450 for six days. It was brand new, two bedrooms, sleeper sofa, full kitchen, screened porch, washer-dryer, pool... really nice! When we got there we found out it was a time-share and they tried to get us to listen to their spiel but we just said no and they left us alone.

I think eating in the park is generally a rip off. The food isn't anything special and it's overpriced. The fewer meals you eat there, the more money you'll save and you'll probably have better food, too.

We've been twice and it was least crowded the first time around, which was around December 12-15. It gets crowded when you get close to Christmas.

bennnie

Heavens - I had previously recommended staying at Coronado Springs. But since you are coming from Southern California it might not "magic" to you. It has a Mexican theme and for we New Englanders it was really fun and different. By the same token, when we stayed at the Beach Club ( a WDW deluxe hotel) with a New England theme it was pretty ho-hum for us.

But WDW has a wide variety of hotels from the budget to the deluxe and timeshare condo style units also. Definately go to wdwig.com (now known as allears.net or something like that) to check out pictures of the hotels. That will go a long way in helping you decide.

The Unofficial Guide is a great source of info also. Its very tongue in cheek but the info is accurate- though they are tough on the restaurants.

I would strongly recommend that you spend a little time researching before you put deposits down on anything. The Orlando area has a lot to offer and can be overwhelming. Research can make the difference between an okay trip and a really great one. There are a number of websites out there that offer a great deal of info (this isn't the best site for WDW info). I relied on them heavily and turned what could have been average trips into some very happy memories.

audra

I'm the proverbial budget queen and there are many ways to save. But there are some things in life that you can NOT put a price on, and this is one of them. Absolutely stay on Disney property.

Regardless of how wonderful an amusement park may be (Islands of Adventure, Cedar Point may have better coasters) there is nothing like Disney World. It is magical. And to get the full magic, stay on site. We prefer the All Stars, not really for the price but because they are Disney themed. (although they're considered budget and yes they are small -- but how long will you be in your room anyway?)

Many of the other Disney resorts are very nice but frankly, they could be located anywhere on the face of the earth!
But at the All Stars, especially Movies, there is no question where you are! Even dh and I prefer staying there because when we're at Disney, we're all kids!(And I can't honestly recall ever being 'moused out', as the week goes by so quickly!)

Hope you have a great time.

cmeyer54

Not sure how many are in your family but most disney properties have a limit of 4 to a room - another option might be the wilderness 'campground' - you actually get an RV that's on site. We stayed off site our first two trips and have stayed on site the last three...and that is as the kids got older. proximity to the park, not worrying about getting a spot, early entry, all worth it to us. There is so much to see at Disney, you'll fill a week without leaving the parks and may not need a rental car at all. Our favorites have been Magic Kingdom and Epcot - Disney Studios are ok and can be done in less than 6 hours. There are some nostalgic parts of the Disney experience that are timeless - we were there between Thanksgiving and Christmas one year, the decorations are gorgeous, epcot had an 'around the world' exhibit of crafts, traditions, etc.

Disneyfan

I've done both - stayed on site and off site. If Disney is all you plan to do, staying onsite is wonderful (but very expensive). We rent a townhouse in Kissimme that's 10 minutes from Disney, 15 minutes from Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure.
You can get lots of help on this website: www.rusmarproperties.com.
Your family could get a fully furnished place where you can relax and everyone has their own bedroom for the price of a one-room hotel!
Your college daughter would enjoy Islands of Adventure/Universal Studios--lots of great shows and thrill-rides.
We went to a Disney park one day, Universal Studios the next and back to a Disney park the next;etc.
There are loads of places to eat along 1-95 and a 24 hour Super Wal-Mart less than a mile from the townhouse. Like one of the other entries, we bought snacks, breakfast items and the like, which helps the budget. Park Hopper Passes enable you to go to Animal Kingdom in the morning and Epcot that evening without the cost of two admissions. Good Luck!