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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Go on the website and price it out. A room can be $109 a night, or it can be $509 a night. It just depends on where you stay. Under 3, tickets and buffets are free. You can definitely do it inexpensively!
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Posted 7/23/18 3:00 PM  |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by TwinMommyToBoys
I have 1.5 years before they are 3! We are just beginning to look but I can’t fathom spending 6-7k. I have a platinum Amex and plan to look for hotels/ flights with my points. I have about 200,000 points I’ve had that I haven’t touched for a few years (thankfully they don’t expire) but I have no clue if that will even cover 1 night! Even if we went around 2, we plan to get 1 plane seat and 1 lap seat. They need space so that will be extra too! Thanks for the feedback!! I feel like it’s disney or replace things around the house!!!  why does it need to be so expensive?!
That is more than enough for plane tickets. That is about 2k worth of flights, and it's not that much. I wouldn't stay offsite at Disney though. Pain IMO, especially to get to the MK. Book a room at a value (Pop Century is good, rooms just redone), book your flights for free, and get your tickets on a discount site like Ticketsatwork.com if you have that, Undercovertourist, etc. Don't park hop, do one park a day. Order bottled water/snacks/breakfast items from Instacart/Amazon Prime Now etc. Your kids are young, so you don't have to work around their school, and can go during the non peak times!
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| Posted 7/23/18 3:04 PM |
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FirstMate
My lil cowboy
Member since 10/10 7789 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
I went in November with my 3 kids, 2 of which were toddlers at ages 1 & 2. We stayed at the Polynesian. We were probably up around $8-9K, keeping in mind I didn't buy park or airline tickets for my 2 little ones. We were there for 7 nights. It included the dining package.
We had an awesome time but I'm 100% sure it was because I paid for the convenience of the Polynesian. If I had to keep folding up the stroller to get on the bus or commute from off premise, I don't think it would have been as great of an experience. It made life easy for me and that was worth the cost to me.
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| Posted 7/23/18 3:48 PM |
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lululu
LIF Adult
Member since 7/05 9508 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by TwinMommyToBoys
I have 1.5 years before they are 3! We are just beginning to look but I can’t fathom spending 6-7k. I have a platinum Amex and plan to look for hotels/ flights with my points. I have about 200,000 points I’ve had that I haven’t touched for a few years (thankfully they don’t expire) but I have no clue if that will even cover 1 night! Even if we went around 2, we plan to get 1 plane seat and 1 lap seat. They need space so that will be extra too! Thanks for the feedback!! I feel like it’s disney or replace things around the house!!! why does it need to be so expensive?!
That is more than enough for plane tickets. That is about 2k worth of flights, and it's not that much. I wouldn't stay offsite at Disney though. Pain IMO, especially to get to the MK. Book a room at a value (Pop Century is good, rooms just redone), book your flights for free, and get your tickets on a discount site like Ticketsatwork.com if you have that, Undercovertourist, etc. Don't park hop, do one park a day. Order bottled water/snacks/breakfast items from Instacart/Amazon Prime Now etc. Your kids are young, so you don't have to work around their school, and can go during the non peak times!
We stayed off property twice and it was actually really convenient. We were less than 20 minutes from MK, 10 minutes from epcot. It took us less time to get there than from some of the farther on-property resorts. We also paid a fraction of the price even with the rental car included, and we had much nicer accommodations (3 bedroom suite with full kitchen and living room for $250 a night during Spring Break). We always paid the extra $20 for premium parking and it takes you right up front to the gate of the park.
The first time we were booking something off property I thought it would take away from the "Magic" of disney but my kids didn't miss anything by staying off property.
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| Posted 7/23/18 4:10 PM |
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MST9106
My life:)
Member since 6/06 9589 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
I just came back from an 8 day stay on deluxe Disney property, 6 day park hoppers plus the middle dining plan, spending money and plane cost us $9K for 4 people. And I thought I got a good deal on everything, which I did, but it all adds up quick. Staying off property is definitely a best doable option if you want to do it on budget. This was our first time in Disney and we wanted a full splurge experience, which we did have and enjoyed ourselves very much. My kids are 6 and 11 and I wouldn't spend this kind of money if they were any younger than that.
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| Posted 7/23/18 4:53 PM |
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mommy2be716
LIF Adult
Member since 1/16 2921 total posts
Name:
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Disney vacation cost?!
depends on when you're going. Your boys will be free until they're 3, so you're just paying for you and dh. 2-3k is a reasonable estimate. definitely can do it for 2 at one of the cheaper resorts.
Probably would wait until they're closer to 3 to go though. I'm really big on disney, and it's not worth it when they're under 3 years old IMO. I'm bringing DD next summer, a week before she turns 3
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| Posted 7/23/18 7:19 PM |
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mommy2be716
LIF Adult
Member since 1/16 2921 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by TwinMommyToBoys
I have 1.5 years before they are 3! We are just beginning to look but I can’t fathom spending 6-7k. I have a platinum Amex and plan to look for hotels/ flights with my points. I have about 200,000 points I’ve had that I haven’t touched for a few years (thankfully they don’t expire) but I have no clue if that will even cover 1 night! Even if we went around 2, we plan to get 1 plane seat and 1 lap seat. They need space so that will be extra too! Thanks for the feedback!! I feel like it’s disney or replace things around the house!!! why does it need to be so expensive?!
I think most airlines make you buy a seat if they are 2 or over. I know Southwest does.
So you'd have to go BEFORE they turn 2 if you want to do a lap child.
Just something to keep in mind.
this- over 2 and you pay for a seat. you'll need to do 4 plane tickets
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| Posted 7/23/18 7:22 PM |
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Depends on what you consider a Disney Vacation. We took my daughter around her 3rd birthday, so she was free. We only did 2 days in Magic Kingdom and spent 1 day touring Disney Springs (free!). No food plan. We gad to pay hotel and we got a great deal on a moderate room for the 2-3 nights we spent there. It was cheap and awesome.
However, I decided I wanted to do all 4 parks this time, got free dining and a lower hotel room but it's def going to run us for a family of 3 for 7 nights $8,000 probably all said and done with airfare, etc.
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| Posted 7/23/18 10:33 PM |
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ChristinaM128
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 4043 total posts
Name:
Christina
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
I’m not saying Disney is cheap, but once you’re there, other than souvenirs and food, there’s little you have to pay for. I just went into the city for a day, and between cab rides and random tipping and things, it cost us a fortune. $100 bucks unplanned for. Tickets to broadway costs a fortune. If you stay on Disney property in a value hotel (which is cheaper than any clean hotel in the us) you have free tip-free transportation, once you’re in the park, all your entertainment is included. Your ticket covers EVERYTHING. Just saying....
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| Posted 7/24/18 7:09 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by ChristinaM128
I’m not saying Disney is cheap, but once you’re there, other than souvenirs and food, there’s little you have to pay for. I just went into the city for a day, and between cab rides and random tipping and things, it cost us a fortune. $100 bucks unplanned for. Tickets to broadway costs a fortune. If you stay on Disney property in a value hotel (which is cheaper than any clean hotel in the us) you have free tip-free transportation, once you’re in the park, all your entertainment is included. Your ticket covers EVERYTHING. Just saying....
OMG yes to the Broadway show tickets.
I have yet to take my daughter because I just can't spend over $100 a seat (plus service charges!) until I am 100% sure she will appreciate it.
Half the times she gets bored in a movie.
No way.
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| Posted 7/24/18 8:49 AM |
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dianadrw
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 2092 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Use your Amex points for your plane tickets. Stay in a Disney moderate hotel (I recommend Port Orleans French Quarter). Do 5 nights instead of a whole week and go in November or the first week in December. You'll be at about $3K + food/spending money.
ETA: Don't use your Amex points for a Disney hotel if you can help it. It's generally not a good use of points since it's not a one for one exchange. It's more like a 3 for 1. At least in my experience.
Message edited 7/24/2018 9:13:01 AM.
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| Posted 7/24/18 9:10 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
I have been many times and never spent close to 6-7k. And that included a Deluxe stay.
Like others have said, go during "value" season. Everything will be cheaper.
There are different schools of thought on staying onsite versus offsite. I don't think driving to the parks is that big of a deal, even MK. If you don't need a fancy pool or onsite dining you can find cheap hotel rooms even during peak times. There are plenty of cheap places in Kissimmee that are clean and have pools, continental breakfast, etc. We have stayed offsite on trips that we planned to rent a car anyway to visit family and definitely saved by staying offsite. You can also eat more cheaply offsite.
Staying on property is super convenient and a real treat in a lot of ways. Even though I don't mind driving it does "feel" like an easier vacation onsite. You pay for the convenience, though, unless you stay Value, but then you have a motel like property - tiny rooms, etc.
We've done it both ways and if you have to go cheap I don't think you're missing out on that much. MK is MK no matter where you sleep that night.
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| Posted 7/24/18 10:05 AM |
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luvmykids8
LIF Adult
Member since 9/15 2050 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by dianadrw
Use your Amex points for your plane tickets. Stay in a Disney moderate hotel (I recommend Port Orleans French Quarter). Do 5 nights instead of a whole week and go in November or the first week in December. You'll be at about $3K + food/spending money.
ETA: Don't use your Amex points for a Disney hotel if you can help it. It's generally not a good use of points since it's not a one for one exchange. It's more like a 3 for 1. At least in my experience.
This.
Use your points for flight and I would do 5 nights.
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| Posted 7/24/18 10:28 AM |
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Budjeg11
LIF Adult
Member since 4/11 2642 total posts
Name:
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Disney vacation cost?!
We went in January over MLK week for a little over 4K
Family of 4- 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3
We did the middle level dining plan
Here was our breakdown:
Plane Tickets for 4- $550
6 night stay at moderate hotel - $1,300
Florida Resident Annual Pass Tickets- $900
Dining Plan $1,100
Misc- Souvenier, Tips, BBB, Ubers for Convenience, 1 OOP meal $300
We did as many character meals as we could have wanted in our time there, got whatever snacks we or the kids wanted and splurged on ubers for convenience. We could have stuck to the bus system, done fewer park days, stayed at a less expensive resort, skipped the dining plan and not done all of those character meals and probably done the trip for $3,000.
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| Posted 7/24/18 11:50 AM |
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lightblue
LIF Adult
Member since 1/17 2249 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Depends on when you go, how many days, what type of resort etc....
I went this past November over Veteran's day weekend. We paid about $2,400 for 5 nights hotel at a value resort, 3 days of park tickets (no park hopper), and meal plan (the one with 1 sit down and 1 quick service per day). That was for 2 adults, 1 child and a 2 year old (so she was free).
The flight cost me another $1,200 but had I waited to book, I could have saved $400 because the fares ended up going down a few months before our trip....
Sometimes they come out with promotions for certain dates as well...
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| Posted 7/24/18 2:24 PM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by Budjeg11
We went in January over MLK week for a little over 4K
Family of 4- 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3
We did the middle level dining plan
Here was our breakdown:
Plane Tickets for 4- $550
6 night stay at moderate hotel - $1,300
Florida Resident Annual Pass Tickets- $900
Dining Plan $1,100
Misc- Souvenier, Tips, BBB, Ubers for Convenience, 1 OOP meal $300
We did as many character meals as we could have wanted in our time there, got whatever snacks we or the kids wanted and splurged on ubers for convenience. We could have stuck to the bus system, done fewer park days, stayed at a less expensive resort, skipped the dining plan and not done all of those character meals and probably done the trip for $3,000.
When you do uber with a child under 3 do you hold them? There is no car seat i assume?
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| Posted 7/24/18 3:05 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by b2b777
Posted by Budjeg11
We went in January over MLK week for a little over 4K
Family of 4- 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3
We did the middle level dining plan
Here was our breakdown:
Plane Tickets for 4- $550
6 night stay at moderate hotel - $1,300
Florida Resident Annual Pass Tickets- $900
Dining Plan $1,100
Misc- Souvenier, Tips, BBB, Ubers for Convenience, 1 OOP meal $300
We did as many character meals as we could have wanted in our time there, got whatever snacks we or the kids wanted and splurged on ubers for convenience. We could have stuck to the bus system, done fewer park days, stayed at a less expensive resort, skipped the dining plan and not done all of those character meals and probably done the trip for $3,000.
When you do uber with a child under 3 do you hold them? There is no car seat i assume?
In some cities you can request an Uber with a car seat.
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| Posted 7/24/18 3:06 PM |
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TooSoontoTell
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/11 501 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by b2b777
Posted by Budjeg11
We went in January over MLK week for a little over 4K
Family of 4- 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3
We did the middle level dining plan
Here was our breakdown:
Plane Tickets for 4- $550
6 night stay at moderate hotel - $1,300
Florida Resident Annual Pass Tickets- $900
Dining Plan $1,100
Misc- Souvenier, Tips, BBB, Ubers for Convenience, 1 OOP meal $300
We did as many character meals as we could have wanted in our time there, got whatever snacks we or the kids wanted and splurged on ubers for convenience. We could have stuck to the bus system, done fewer park days, stayed at a less expensive resort, skipped the dining plan and not done all of those character meals and probably done the trip for $3,000.
When you do uber with a child under 3 do you hold them? There is no car seat i assume?
They have Uber Minnie Mouse cars/SUVs in WDW, that you tell them you need a car seat and the car that comes has a car seat.
Message edited 7/24/2018 4:07:58 PM.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:07 PM |
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TooSoontoTell
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/11 501 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:09 PM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
Wow- really? What age are the child priced seats for???
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:10 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
Wow- really? What age are the child priced seats for???
I'm curious also, and how much was the discount? We fly ALL the time, and I've never heard of a child price. Only a discounted price for a child who is under 2, who could fly free, but you are purchasing a seat for.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:13 PM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Posted by b2b777
Posted by Budjeg11
We went in January over MLK week for a little over 4K
Family of 4- 2 adults, 1 child and 1 under 3
We did the middle level dining plan
Here was our breakdown:
Plane Tickets for 4- $550
6 night stay at moderate hotel - $1,300
Florida Resident Annual Pass Tickets- $900
Dining Plan $1,100
Misc- Souvenier, Tips, BBB, Ubers for Convenience, 1 OOP meal $300
We did as many character meals as we could have wanted in our time there, got whatever snacks we or the kids wanted and splurged on ubers for convenience. We could have stuck to the bus system, done fewer park days, stayed at a less expensive resort, skipped the dining plan and not done all of those character meals and probably done the trip for $3,000.
When you do uber with a child under 3 do you hold them? There is no car seat i assume?
They have Uber Minnie Mouse cars/SUVs in WDW, that you tell them you need a car seat and the car that comes has a car seat.
Uber Minnie Mouse cars are $20 per trip, maybe $25 now. So, while it's cute, it's not necessary to get around WDW.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:14 PM |
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TooSoontoTell
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/11 501 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
Wow- really? What age are the child priced seats for???
Ages 0-11. They offer limited seats on each flight and you need to book it over the phone. I Don't know why but this is the policy. So I found out after I Bought my infant and child a seat at the regular rate. Ask about Child fares . I have heard it can be as much as half the price but it really depends on the flight. And that wasn't the case when I questioned for our flight (eve though it was too late). It was just a hundred or so cheaper.
Message edited 7/24/2018 4:19:13 PM.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:18 PM |
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Pomegranate5
LIF Adult
Member since 2/11 4798 total posts
Name:
Pomegranate5
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
Wow- really? What age are the child priced seats for???
Ages 0-11. They offer limited seats on each flight and you need to book it over the phone. I Don't know why but this is the policy. So I found out after I Bought my infant and child a seat at the regular rate. Child fare. I have heard it can be as much as half the price but it really depends on the flight. And that wasn't the case when I questioned for our flight (eve though it was too late). It was just a hundred or so cheaper.
We tried this for a flight to Orlando once and it was only a few dollars cheaper. so it definitely depends on the flight I guess.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:20 PM |
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TooSoontoTell
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/11 501 total posts
Name:
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Re: Disney vacation cost?!
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by TooSoontoTell
Value resort, go off season, buy plane tickets for all including the kids (you will be sorry otherwise), use your bonus points for airline. FYI - Southwest has child priced seats but you need to call to book these, you will not get the rate online. I learned the hard way.
Wow- really? What age are the child priced seats for???
I'm curious also, and how much was the discount? We fly ALL the time, and I've never heard of a child price. Only a discounted price for a child who is under 2, who could fly free, but you are purchasing a seat for.
Child fares do exist! Google it and call them to verify next time you plan to fly.
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| Posted 7/24/18 4:20 PM |
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