10/23/2008 12:19:45 PM

There is a great website called allears.net that gives lots of helpful tips. Also, Disney now has an expert "Mom Panel": http://disneyworldforum.disney.go.com

My family went last year during the "Year of a Million Dreams". My son actually got stopped by one of the dream teams members.

Susan

10/23/2008 12:28:01 PM

We accumulate Disney Rewards Dollars by using our Disney Visa card throughout the year. We've used our Disney Dollars to purchase theme park tickets, Disney merchandise and meals while on vacation. Another great benefit is their Character Meet N Greet at EPCOT. Cardholders are treated to a 'One on One' meeting with the characters, as well as a complimentary 5x7 photo. You can visit their website for more information disneyrewards.disney.go.com/.../...rtbenefits.html

Enjoy your vacation!

Alex

10/28/2008 4:33:18 PM

We are going to Orlando next week as well. We are purchasing theme park tickets before we go to save some money. Plus we are renting an Orlando Villa for the 7 of us. By doing this we save money on accomodations and food because we buy food at the local supermarket and cook our own meals in the comfort of a fully operational kitchen.

Have fun! We are going to!

Brianna Otto

10/28/2008 4:45:53 PM

Hello Debbie~

I am a Disney and family travel specialist-- and a mother of four boys--I know where you're coming from.

I always advise my own clients, and I do a ton of research there myself to check out www.mousesavers.com
Great discounts on lots of components--sincerely check for information on Universal passes there. I think they are
the best available.

Have you got a place to stay yet? There are some great off-property hotels/condos for larger families.
Of course with seven, you're even bigger than my 6...but I think staying at least where someone
does your housecleaning for you is a must! That's what makes it a real vacation right?
I'm a huge fan of staying on property just for the bonus perks and at this time of year, the rates aren't bad.
Connecting or side-by-side rooms would give you the benefits of the resorts, which is a way to stretch your vacation dollars.

My kids love a visit to the Boardwalk, Downtown Disney and you can do those on a non-park day, to get the vacation feel without the expense.

And on park days, at least for Disney, have a good plan and plan on going til you drop! That's the way to make the most of the expense in my opinion.
I give my clients customized touring plans from www.touringplans.com and suggest a finely tuned system of fast passes.

Since you'll have your own vehicle--eating at restaurants that aren't in the parks is always a great way to save money. But I think the Universal Meal
Deal is actually pretty decent (and you don't have to buy one for everyone really) .

If you're a Mom on a mission, like I sometimes am, I will even endure a timeshare presentation to get free or greatly reduced park passes for extra things.

Lastly, if you like the beach at all, I recommend a day trip to Cocoa or Daytona--we loved New Smyrna Beach and I am happy to recommend many things out there
if you're interested.

Love my Mailpound!!
Have a great vacation,
Molly

Molly

10/28/2008 5:20:24 PM

Great comments thus far so no need repeating... other then I will say taking a day at the beach away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando is a smart move to break up the week and cut cost some.

My other tip I will share is to share food ... yes you have boys and most have empty pits I know, but sharing meals and having smaller meals is one way and prevents some from getting too ill on rides. Or switch it up have a dinner type meal at lunch time when it is a bit cheaper and less crowded to speed up time for the meal and then have lunch type stuff like sub sandwiches shared in the evening. Can always get snacks outside parks too also cut food cost as well. Parents leading by example by sharing meals help kids follow along as well.

Most of all enjoy the magic have FUN and yes cut cost as you can but don't ruin the trip being too stingy with a buck here and there... you only live once and cannot take it with you ...

Smiles Expect Miracles... Shane

Shane

11/3/2008 6:21:59 PM

Hi Debbie..I could not help but wonder where and how will you book your vacation ?? Hopefully not on-line and directly with Disney, when you could be using the travel services from any of the Travel agents that support Mailpound!!

Otherwise, if you are able to get TA discounts there are so many perks out there for you. Discounts at Vacation rentals and a few free passes.

Just a thought...
Thanks,
CJ
cj@personaltouchvacations.net

Cathy Johnson

11/12/2008 7:49:30 PM

This is really cool! I'll have to come on more often! Also,park hoppers are always really good to hit more than one park in a day. I know from experience that MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom don't need more than a few hours,and park hoppers are a lot cheaper than buying more full day tickets!

Ali D.!!!

11/22/2008 2:13:12 PM

Check out this article for great budget tips.

www.cnn.com/.../index.html

Nicole

12/3/2008 10:28:51 PM

im planning on heading to Orlando soon. mainly because of the blog.
.

Fanimation