Yeah, I'm cheap...
Feb 25 '00 (Updated Apr 21 '00)
We decided to drive from PA and saved at least $1000, (for 5 people). I know 'cause my sister in law flew 2 months after we were there.
We went to WDW at the end of August. The kids had to miss 4 days of school, but the short lines were worth the "sacrifice". We picked this time because we knew it was a slow time, and because this is when the rates were low at the Travelodge we chose to stay at (the one behind the giant orange). It was under $30 a night for 2 double beds and a sofa bed. The room was clean and comfortable, and it was literally 5 minutes to DW.
Most days we had a buffet breakfast before going to the park, there were several within walking distance to our hotel. Also, we had cereal, milk, and fruit etc. in the room in case we wanted to just eat in. (note: we had to bring our own bowls and spoons).
When going to the park, we took a few granola bars, some fruit breakfast bars, and baggies of trail mix in case of hunger, small energy building snacks. Two days (out of the four) a late afternoon lunch in the park, one day hot dogs, one day a buffet at the German pavilion in Epcot. One day we left the park and went to BK, and on the other day we just waited until we got back to the hotel. On all days we had a later dinner outside the park at a restaurant on Irlo Bronson, (We really liked the Olive Garden, and hotel delivered Papa John's Pizza). Being on a hopper pass and being able to leave and enter the parks as we wanted, it was easy to leave for BK day and then come back to another park.
If you want to spend even less on food go to the local grocery store and pick up some cold cuts & bread. It's only a week or so usually, eat what's easy. Our room had a microwave so I did get some canned pasta for the kids for days we didn't go to the park. And I made a whole lot of PBJ's and put them in the cooler when we went to Typhoon Lagoon.
We brought canned soda from home, cases were really easy to fit in the van under the luggage, and we only took it out of the car as it was needed. Next time I will also bring water, the water in Fla. tastes icky!
I bought my tickets through the AAA and saved a little there, but when you're talking over $1000 for tickets the discount is worthy, (I should say that I got single day passes for Universal also for the price).
If you are susceptible to the heat I would recommend buying a spray water bottle, and extra batteries at home before you go. I must admit though that I took a small, sample size, hairspray bottle for my water, and a miniature fan, which fit in my fanny pack nicely when I didn't want to carry it. Even the fan-bottles on the strap get annoying to carry after a while.
One other tip, sunglasses on a string, you don't have to worry about putting them down and forgetting them, or carrying them after dark (or dropping them off the top of the Swiss Family Robinson's tree house and losing them).
Enjoy your trip!
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Epinions.com ID:
candlelite
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Member: Diane
Location: Olyphant, PA
Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
Mom of 2 college kids, and a junior high. Love the great outdoors.
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