Now, If you know anything about planning Disney World vacations, then you know that there is a wealth of blogs, message boards, and Disney fans out there to fill your head with information. I love information, but I will admit it can get a bit overwhelming. Stay on site? Of site? Pre pay meals with the dining plan or pay as you go? Oh, not to mention that people begin booking their Disney restaurants up to 120 day in advance? Did I mention this is last minute?
Of course, I have been kicking the idea around for about two years now. I knew we were going, I just wasn't sure when. Spring break is not the cheapest or slowest time to go but by going before my little girl turns 3 we will be saving the cost of a ticket for her and that is a huge savings. That is the incentive. Saving money. We will going with a strict and rather wimpy budget but go we will!
I wanted to stay on property and it was in my budget. Then the value resorts started filling up and sent me searching for alternatives. We will be staying off site at a not so fancy ( read cheap) hotel. Note the fancy Disney resort photo- we wont be staying there! Our little budget saver hotel has free breakfast and that will save us a good deal of cash. Which, we will of course turn around a spend on expensive Disney food or trinkets.
We are also planning to save money by driving (instead of flying), bringing plenty of snacks and water, and taking advantage of what ever freebies we can find.
I have started our touring plans for each park. I don't have all of those completely laid out yet. I do know which parks we will visit on what day, and I have booked one restaurant so far. My brain may be steaming a bit from all the information on touring plans, fast passes, parades, and shows.