I’m Going To Disney World

After some debate about how much to spend and how long to stay and weighing numerous date ranges and ticket/dining options, we are officially teed up for a trip to the wonderful world of Disney. I booked everything myself online, but I can see why so many people rely on travel agents for Disney trip planning.

Someone I know who takes their family to Disney World about once a year told me a couple of weeks ago there was no way I could get there for under $10k. Well, to him I say “HA!” because I am getting us there for less than half that.

Here’s the breakout:

Round trip air fare on Southwest for 4 (including tax and fees) = $868.00

5 nights at the Wilderness Lodge (woods view with bunk beds), 5 day park admission with Park Hopper option, Deluxe Dining Plan = $2946.12

Trip insurance = $133.90

TOTAL = $3948.02

We are going during one of the Value Seasons when prices are lower anyway, but the big coup was finding the deal on the dining plan. Disney is offering their basic dining plan for free with lodging and park tickets for a limited time, and the special offer allows you to upgrade to the deluxe dining plan for the cost of the difference between the two plans. I think it comes out to about $32 per day per adult (and less per kid) for three meals and two snacks a day per person plus a bunch of free crap like photos and a refillable mug. The basic dining plan includes one snack, one counter service meal and one table service meal per day, so you still end up paying for your third meal, plus you have to keep track of counter versus table service meals. Too complicated.

We will use Disney’s Magical Express shuttle service to and from the airport, so we won’t have to pay for a rental car or taxi while we are there. I’ve read mixed reviews, but I’m willing to try it to save the extra money.

I figure we will shell out somewhat more than this. They also have certain dining options that aren’t included in the dining plan. For instance, I had to pay for reservations to the Spirit of Aloha dinner show that my older daughter wants to see. We may leave the girls at one of the kid clubs one evening and have dinner at one of the signature restaurants that don’t accept the dining plan. And I’m sure we will be badgered into buying the girls at least a couple of ridiculously pricey souvenirs. But all things considered, I feel like we got a pretty good price.

So now I just need to plan our days. I’ve decided to take the centrist approach. That is, determine in advance where we will spend chunks of each day (morning, afternoon, evening) and the occasional meal but otherwise go with the flow. I figure we will do afternoon breaks at the resort and let the girls play in the pool, with mornings and evenings spent in the parks. We’re doing breakfast at Cinderella’s castle one morning and the Aloha show one evening, and we may try to do the Magic Kingdom parade and fireworks the first evening we are there. Any tips or suggestions for “can’t miss” activities or rides, let me know.