I've blown our budget... and I'm bad with money but at least we're going to Disney.

[hsmamato2]

A cab for those few "we need to get somewhere its hard to get to on buses" would be cheaper than the car.

I wouldn't go. But since that is not acceptable to you, I'd downgrade EVERYTHING you can to the cheapest possible thing you are willing to do. I'd get rid of all dining plans unless they are free and go for a grocery delivery of mostly shelf stable foods - and pack a collapsible cooler or two. Drop the hoppers for day tickets. But I have a really low tolerance for debt risk and hate watching my money disappear in credit card interest with a passion.

yes...this. add to this if you could still switch to value w/ qsdp it would be more feasible......

 

[hsmamato2]

also to add. since you asked what I would do well,if this were me (it wouldn't be,but I'm using my imagination)
I would use my airline tickets b/c I couldn't get my money back- stay at values, get free quick dining,and use disney transport. And buy an umbrella stroller for $20 bucks and bring it with me for free. And pack a box of cereal in my suitcase,purchasing milk at the gift shop for breakfast. ANd I'd have a great time,because I'd know that hotel choice isn't about a 2 year old,it's about what I am happy with. And I'd be happier knowing I wasn't digging myself in deeper into debt. And relying on a bonus in the future to pay it off.

 

[Texashokies]

Personally, I would go for a value resort, skip the rental care, and skip the dining plan. If you must have a dining plan, go for the regular one rather than the deluxe.

 

[tinkerpea]

Hi
we have stayed in Value's twice(POP) Deluxe once (very expensive 3 wk trip at AKL but worth every penny)

And we are doing SSR this next trip, we always have to get 2 rooms no matter the resort as we take me mum with us " she has the boys for us a few nights a wk and she took me as achild so Im repaying her now"

The 1st yr we stayed POPfor 2 wks and LOVED IT didnt get the DDP as we didnt really know about it, Ive been to Disney around 20 something times but always stayed at I-drive with my parents then I had my own family so we stayed on site

Anyways Not having the DDP ment we spent nearly all our spending money on food, at its not like we had TS meals 3 times a day it was only a few each wk!! plus the kids was only 15 months and 3 yrs

The next time we stayed Pop again but we paid OOP for DDP and it was our wedding we had extended family with us,we ate a TS everyday and plenty of CS we wouldnt have had half as much fun if we had to pay each meal OOP its such a great feeling to have all your meals paid for and to only have Tip to think about!!

Final time we stayed at AKL with free DDP that trip was AMAZING we got upgraded to 2 savannah rooms for the whole 3 wks! I was now a pro at the ADR's and it made a huge difference BUT our 3 boys who was aged 5,5,8 asked to go bk to POP half way through the trip and whilst i LOVED AKL and cant wait to stay again Pop had more of a Disney feel for the boys and even us!!

We are going to SSR these time as we got an amazing 35%of deal for a 2 bed with free DDP again This trip is a surprise,Well we ended up in a right mess the last few wks, Dh military leave was cancelled and same as you our tickets was non refundable we could change the date for £120pp and with 6 people that was alot of money plus with Dh leave we could only do October so the fare went up too.......we was looking at £2300 just to change the flight
we called Disney to see if they had availability for some new dates and they told me they might have to move us half way through,Anyways when we looked at the price we thought Ok we will down grade,as we love POP or AOA They wanted £1800 more to downgrade because 1.the deal on hotel was making SSR cheaper slightly and 2.we would of had to pay for the DDP OOP!

we then realised we couldnt afford our trip I was devastated as Im pretty sick and really wanted the holiday for after my Op in 2 wks we thought about a CC and like you we could of paid it off with in around 4 months but we didnt want to be in debt and have NEVER owned a CC in our lives.

it was heart renching to think we had been planning and paying off our trip for over a yr and now we would lose it PLUS everything we had paid so No holiday and nothing to show for the £7000 already spent

Luckily Virgin waived the fee and we found a great deal on the flight with them plus disney had availability for our dates at SSR with free DDP but i totally understand that Cancelling is not an option for you guys and nor is getting rid of the DDP in favour of QS or NON at all!

IMHOP i would change to POP or another Value Pop is by far the best in my eyes or even AOA if you can afford it the LM rooms like amazing we are hoping to add 2 days before Universal at AOA.
I would keep the DDP for your ADR'seating is an important part of my holiday and Id hate toeat QS the whole time.
I would NOT hire a car to be honest its pointless if on site the buses are really good,and if you stayed POP it has its own bus (no share with other resorts) and has always had plenty of buses for each park every 10/15 mins even more fequent at times!
I would NOT rent a stroller those prices are insane! By a cheap umbreller stroller when you get there Disney even sell them for around $40 but you can get them for $20 or so at walmart etc

I hope you get the trip you would like and have No more problems

 

[adisneymama]

Is it just me or does it seem as though OP isn't really wanting anyones advice? Maybe just how I'm reading it but it seems OP shoots down everything that has been suggested... Did I miss something?

 

[Tiger926]

I kind of agree.

She seems to have very expensive tastes...800/month for fast food (how much does she also spend on groceries?), Deluxe Dining and was price checking Beach Club Villas, yet her thread title suggests that their budget is in serious shape as they can't afford the trip.

I think they can't afford the trip, but since they are used to putting it on credit, they were going to do that and pay the trip off as they were able to, but perhaps for a minute, she got nervous about it as it sounds like they have had a few emergencies as of late, and that is when she started her thread?

Everyone has given great suggestions as to how she can save considerable money on her trip, just by changing or downgrading a few variables, but she seems to come back to being disappointed in doing that, and really seems resistant to make any changes at all to the original trip.

Not sure what OP is going to decide at this point? Tiger

 

[badblackpug]

WOW. In the end you have non refundable tickets so what can you do. I would never stay value but if you have no other choice stay value. I wouldn't rent a car. It's silly when you are staying on site and there is FREE and RELIABLE transportation. Would you be able to stay at Art of Animation?

If you've never stayed at POFQ you wouldn't understand It really is a beautiful resort and great for small kids. It's not about the room it's the pool, playground, food court and boat ride availability! There is a difference, those who say there isn't are a bit in denial.

Also why not talk to your husband? This is his vacation too maybe he will have some ideas? This is YOUR trip and as much as everyone here on the DIS has awesome , helpful advice YOU DO have to make a decision for your family.

I've stayed at values, mods, deluxe, and DVC. I have stayed at POFQ twice. I didn't care for it either time. I really don't see enough of an "improvement" over a value to justify the increased cost.

Actually, this year we "downgraded" from a DVC villa to try an AoA suite because the reort looks so interesting.

 

[pookybean]

At POFQ I can see not having a car becuase at least we can get to DTD without using a bus.

Last time we were at POFQ (stayed at POR but at at POFQ) we waited over an hour to get the boat to DTD. They would drop off but not pick up at FQ, said they had to go to POR first to drop off/pick up. 4 times the boat came back to us full and we could not get on because there was a line. They would take maybe 2 or 3 people from FQ at a time.

Moral of the story is, the boat is nice, but we could have gotten there faster on the bus! LOL

I understand your dilemma, ditch the car and stay at POP anyways. You will be so happy that you actually made your vacation that i doubt you will miss it!

 

[Traveliz]

Last time we were at POFQ (stayed at POR but at at POFQ) we waited over an hour to get the boat to DTD. They would drop off but not pick up at FQ, said they had to go to POR first to drop off/pick up. 4 times the boat came back to us full and we could not get on because there was a line. They would take maybe 2 or 3 people from FQ at a time.

Moral of the story is, the boat is nice, but we could have gotten there faster on the bus! LOL

I understand your dilemma, ditch the car and stay at POP anyways. You will be so happy that you actually made your vacation that i doubt you will miss it!

I LOVE the boat at PO BUT last month we waited over an hour at Riverside for the boat to DTD and it would have been the same coming home. We decided to go with the buses coming home and actually had a pretty long wait there seeing many other buses repeating.

Liz

 

[Tiger926]

I've stayed at values, mods, deluxe, and DVC. I have stayed at POFQ twice. I didn't care for it either time. I really don't see enough of an "improvement" over a value to justify the increased cost.

Actually, this year we "downgraded" from a DVC villa to try an AoA suite because the reort looks so interesting.

We have stayed at almost every resort on property as well, and we find a bit of difference between Value and Moderate, but depending upon the price, and how busy it is, it may not be worth it. We do find a huge difference between Moderate and Deluxe/DVC Villas though. Incidentally, hope you enjoy your stay at AoA!

We were not impressed with our room at PO, and the boat to Downtown Disney took forever, but the resort and the pools are nice. So, it would depend for OP just what her priorities are, as the savings could be enough.

I LOVE the boat at PO BUT last month we waited over an hour at Riverside for the boat to DTD and it would have been the same coming home. We decided to go with the buses coming home and actually had a pretty long wait there seeing many other buses repeating.

Liz

Last time we were at POFQ (stayed at POR but at at POFQ) we waited over an hour to get the boat to DTD. They would drop off but not pick up at FQ, said they had to go to POR first to drop off/pick up. 4 times the boat came back to us full and we could not get on because there was a line. They would take maybe 2 or 3 people from FQ at a time.

Moral of the story is, the boat is nice, but we could have gotten there faster on the bus! LOL

I understand your dilemma, ditch the car and stay at POP anyways. You will be so happy that you actually made your vacation that i doubt you will miss it!

ITA! The boats to get to Downtown can take forever. We take the boats a lot from OKW and SSR, and found the boat service from PO to be very slow, and jam packed!

Still wondering what the OP is going to decide? Tiger

 

[badblackpug]

We have stayed at almost every resort on property as well, and we find a bit of difference between Value and Moderate, but depending upon the price, and how busy it is, it may not be worth it. We do find a huge difference between Moderate and Deluxe/DVC Villas though. Incidentally, hope you enjoy your stay at AoA!

We were not impressed with our room at PO, and the boat to Downtown Disney took forever, but the resort and the pools are nice. So, it would depend for OP just what her priorities are, as the savings could be enough.





ITA! The boats to get to Downtown can take forever. We take the boats a lot from OKW and SSR, and found the boat service from PO to be very slow, and jam packed!

Still wondering what the OP is going to decide? Tiger

Oh, there is a HUGE difference between DVC and the other resort categories. I meant that I didn't see enough difference between FQ and the values to account for the difference in cost.

 

[Tiger926]

Oh, there is a HUGE difference between DVC and the other resort categories. I meant that I didn't see enough difference between FQ and the values to account for the difference in cost.

Yup, I understood what you meant.

Just was stating that for us, we can see it in the higher categories as well, but like you said, it depends on the resort if you notice that much of a difference between Values and Moderate. We actually noticed a bigger difference in Value vs Moderate when staying at Coronado and Caribbean Beach, then between Values and PO.

Hope OP is working through her decision making process! Tiger

 

[Daisy-J&D]

I kind of agree.

She seems to have very expensive tastes...800/month for fast food (how much does she also spend on groceries?), Deluxe Dining and was price checking Beach Club Villas, yet her thread title suggests that their budget is in serious shape as they can't afford the trip.

I think they can't afford the trip, but since they are used to putting it on credit, they were going to do that and pay the trip off as they were able to, but perhaps for a minute, she got nervous about it as it sounds like they have had a few emergencies as of late, and that is when she started her thread?

Everyone has given great suggestions as to how she can save considerable money on her trip, just by changing or downgrading a few variables, but she seems to come back to being disappointed in doing that, and really seems resistant to make any changes at all to the original trip.

Not sure what OP is going to decide at this point? Tiger

I'm the OP...

I understand that people have been offering suggestions (which I appreciate but am under no obligation to abide by) however my original question was would you change your vacation plans for only $470 in savings. I didn't say "Help me cut as much cost to this vacation as possible". That said, I think it's unfair to say that I'm just ignorning people's suggestions and will do whatever I want. I think I provided that info clearly under MY TWO OPTIONS and by saying upfront within the second post that I was unwilling to cancel DDP.

btw, when did I ever say Deluxe Dining Plan? Or beach club villas?

Since it seems people are horrified by spending $800/month on takeout,, here's the breakdown: DP and I both work in Downtown Toronto and we BOTH eat on the go for Breakfast and Lunch. Yes, it's a bad habit but it's what we do. We each spend about $15 a day at work. That's a combined $600/month. The rest of the take-out would be weekends at Restaurants as a family. For our family the bill is usually around $70 with tip.

Our decision at this point is that for our family the savings of $470 are not worth it and the responses on this thread actually DID help me make up my mind. I guess what this means is that we have high risk for debt, are a bit careless but feel that since we're going to be spending debt money either way, we shouldn't reduce our vacation to something we wouldn't enjoy for such a small amount of savings (IN OUR OPINION) Our main consideration in this decision is that we're going to skip going next year despite wanting to take DD every year and also take lunches to work on a trial basis to save money that way. Obviously we're not financially in trouble, we're just drained from unexpected events this half of the year... there is a difference.

 

[cornflake]

I think two things are kind of interesting...

First, the repeated reference to the $470 as "such a small amount" and wondering if it's even worth it to bother for "only" $470, etc. - while also dismissing the option to change the entire deal, because that'd cost $600 and you're not going to just throw away $600!! Which is, obviously, $130 more than "such a small amount."

Second, the "Yes, it's a bad habit but it's what we do." thing seems to be a mantra through the thread about most spending stuff. Well yes booked that but that's what we want, yes spend that, which is probably nuts but, , that's what we spend...

Which does indicate money just burns a hole in your pockets and you don't care. Which, whatever, but the thing isn't titled 'would you switch from....' it's titled 'blown our budget.... can't afford vacation' which inspires more analysis than the question.

 

[tinkerpea]

I'm the OP...

I understand that people have been offering suggestions (which I appreciate but am under no obligation to abide by) however my original question was would you change your vacation plans for only $470 in savings. I didn't say "Help me cut as much cost to this vacation as possible". That said, I think it's unfair to say that I'm just ignorning people's suggestions and will do whatever I want. I think I provided that info clearly under MY TWO OPTIONS and by saying upfront within the second post that I was unwilling to cancel DDP.

btw, when did I ever say Deluxe Dining Plan? Or beach club villas?

Since it seems people are horrified by spending $800/month on takeout,, here's the breakdown: DP and I both work in Downtown Toronto and we BOTH eat on the go for Breakfast and Lunch. Yes, it's a bad habit but it's what we do. We each spend about $15 a day at work. That's a combined $600/month. The rest of the take-out would be weekends at Restaurants as a family. For our family the bill is usually around $70 with tip.

Our decision at this point is that for our family the savings of $470 are not worth it and the responses on this thread actually DID help me make up my mind. I guess what this means is that we have high risk for debt, are a bit careless but feel that since we're going to be spending debt money either way, we shouldn't reduce our vacation to something we wouldn't enjoy for such a small amount of savings (IN OUR OPINION) Our main consideration in this decision is that we're going to skip going next year despite wanting to take DD every year and also take lunches to work on a trial basis to save money that way. Obviously we're not financially in trouble, we're just drained from unexpected events this half of the year... there is a difference.

Hi i completley understood what it was that you was asking and didnt see either where you said you was on the deluxe plan maybe since you wrote DDP they thought it stood for deluxe dining -plan instead of just DP dining plan i normally always write DDP for just disney dining plan to
I would have said that if you was in bad trouble financially that you should save where you can and to be honest your thread title suggested you COULD NOT AFFORD the holiday at all not that you was having a small blip with your income but could still afford to do what you wanted either way!!

Im pleased that you have sorted out your plan now I would NEVER have given up the TS dining plan as i said in pp its too important to me our holiday is just as much about the dining experiences as it is the Parks

I hope you manage to save up your lunch money to make up the difference butif you dont you have a plan!
we also eat out at least every wk end and some nights (NOT EVERY WK)depending on schedule we are trying and (failing ) to cut these out but its not too big a deal if we dont we just wont have as much spending money

 

[Daisy-J&D]

I think two things are kind of interesting...

First, the repeated reference to the $470 as "such a small amount" and wondering if it's even worth it to bother for "only" $470, etc. - while also dismissing the option to change the entire deal, because that'd cost $600 and you're not going to just throw away $600!! Which is, obviously, $130 more than "such a small amount."

I don't mean to sound totally annoyed at this point, which I am, but I don't see any relationship between the $470 and the $750 (true amount, not $600).

For $470 we'd be staying at a Moderate resort. We're paying for the upgrade to a moderate hotel with that money.

I don't see how you could ever say paying $750 on a cancellation fee is the same? That would be throwing away money... Why would I ever want to pay $750 to use my $1200 plane tickets on another date? It's practically the same cost as flying a second time!! Even if it was $600 and only $130 difference from the "$470" at least I'm GETTING SOMETHING for the $470!

 

[tricia]

The airline is Air Canada...

People had asked about the stroller cost... this is their policy:

A stroller with a collapsed diameter not exceeding 25.5 cm (10 in) and a length not exceeding 92 cm (36 in) is allowed, in addition to your carry-on allowance, regardless of destination. It can be checked at the gate to be delivered to you at the aircraft door at the end of your flight.

Because gate facilities in airports are not designed to accommodate them, large, heavy strollers will need to be checked in and will count as one piece of baggage toward the maximum number of checked bags allowed by your fare type. Large strollers are also subject to space limitations, and there is a risk that they cannot be accommodated in the aircraft.



We went through trying to find a stroller (borrow or buy) that met those requirements last year. The 36 inch length is very small - they're essentially saying you can gate check an umbrella stroller otherwise pay to check your stroller.

We have 2 Strollers - A Peg Perago Pliko Switch and a Phil and Teds. Neither come close to those requirements and even trying to buy a new one wasn't succesful!

Unless one of the Canadian's that commented can confirm they got their stroller through that was larger, I'm hesitant to try.

I have flown with both a double stroller and a sit n stand that were much bigger than those measurements. No one actually pays much attention to the stroller. Just bring it to the gate, and before they start boarding the flight ask the gate agent at the little counter there for a gate check ticket for the stroller. Then when you board walk it down the jetway and fold and leave at the airplane door.

I've flown AC with a Pliko P3 withought any problems. I think it's the same size as the Switch? I've seen plenty of BOBs, Bugaboos, Uppababys and even double City Minis gate checked. I just ask for a gate check ticket and no one has ever even looked at the stroller.

Yep ^^^^^^^ what she said.

 

[luvmy2babies]

I noticed that too about the deluxe dining plan. I thought it was the regular plan, but was beginning to think I missed something when I kept seeing people mention that.

I’m usually really good at just answering the original question, but, I admit I did say switch to the value plus drop the car, MNSSHP and bring your own stroller because you could save even more than the $470. I know what it is like to have these plans you are attached to and suddenly find yourself trying to figure out how to make it happen after things get thrown at you. For me switching the resort made everything work.

To me though, $470 is a lot of money. Add $30 to that and you have our spending money for our trip this week. It’s going to cover tips for our TS meals, BBB (+ tip) for my daughter, food for my 2 year-old at the rare times when we can’t share or are not at a buffet, extra drinks and souvenirs.

I hope everything works out for you.

 

[Daisy-J&D]

I have flown with both a double stroller and a sit n stand that were much bigger than those measurements. No one actually pays much attention to the stroller. Just bring it to the gate, and before they start boarding the flight ask the gate agent at the little counter there for a gate check ticket for the stroller. Then when you board walk it down the jetway and fold and leave at the airplane door.




Yep ^^^^^^^ what she said.

Thank you both for confirming this!! Our Switch is about the same size as the Pliko P3 (I think it folds wider due to the reversible seat) so I guess we'll bring it! I would NEVER have thought we'd get away with it!

I guess the worst case scenario is checking it... which is only $25 more anyway.

 

[laughinplace199]

I'm the OP...

I understand that people have been offering suggestions (which I appreciate but am under no obligation to abide by) however my original question was would you change your vacation plans for only $470 in savings. I didn't say "Help me cut as much cost to this vacation as possible". That said, I think it's unfair to say that I'm just ignorning people's suggestions and will do whatever I want. I think I provided that info clearly under MY TWO OPTIONS and by saying upfront within the second post that I was unwilling to cancel DDP.

btw, when did I ever say Deluxe Dining Plan? Or beach club villas?

Since it seems people are horrified by spending $800/month on takeout,, here's the breakdown: DP and I both work in Downtown Toronto and we BOTH eat on the go for Breakfast and Lunch. Yes, it's a bad habit but it's what we do. We each spend about $15 a day at work. That's a combined $600/month. The rest of the take-out would be weekends at Restaurants as a family. For our family the bill is usually around $70 with tip.

Our decision at this point is that for our family the savings of $470 are not worth it and the responses on this thread actually DID help me make up my mind. I guess what this means is that we have high risk for debt, are a bit careless but feel that since we're going to be spending debt money either way, we shouldn't reduce our vacation to something we wouldn't enjoy for such a small amount of savings (IN OUR OPINION) Our main consideration in this decision is that we're going to skip going next year despite wanting to take DD every year and also take lunches to work on a trial basis to save money that way. Obviously we're not financially in trouble, we're just drained from unexpected events this half of the year... there is a difference.

OP, I realize that you did not ask for advice on how to cut costs on your trip, but given that the title of your thread stated that you can't afford your trip, I think people are just trying to help.

Personally, I don't get how you can state that you can't afford your trip and then talk about a savings of "only $470." That is a pretty significant amount, especially for someone who is currently having some money issues.

I don't recall if somone mentioned Beach Club Villas, but I recall your post where you were considering a night at Beach Club. Typically, a night in a room at Beach Club is the same price as a night in a studio at the Beach Club Villas, so someone might have just gotten the two confused. No need to take offense.

Anyway, since you've made a decision you're happy with, I hope that you and your family have a wonderful time!