Hello, Couponing to Disney readers! Carrie-Agent with Destinations in Florida, here again today to share some Frequently Asked Questions about Walt Disney World. If any of you attended the live FAQ chat I hosted earlier this week, thank you! We had a great conversation, and it was so awesome to chat up Disney for an hour with some of you. Plus, we gave away 2 Disney Water Park tickets during the chat. Be sure to join us for the next one! So, we’re almost to the end of 2013. Wow! And that means that even though Christmas is on the forefront of our minds, gearing up for a New Year and our vacation plans for 2014 aren’t far behind. Have you started thinking about your 2014 vacation? Are you thinking a trip to Walt Disney World? Disneyland? Or maybe even a Disney cruise or Aulani? No matter what your destination, I am happy to help you plan a fabulous trip for your family! So, today, let’s talk about getting your money’s worth at Walt Disney World. After all, isn’t that what Couponing to Disney is all about?
FAQ #1: How do I know the best time of year to visit Walt Disney World?
If you want to choose the best time to visit Walt Disney World, I would recommend going in January, February, May, and October. First, the weather in Florida during these months which will make your trip more enjoyable all around. Also, some of these months fall in the “value” or “regular” season at Walt Disney World, which means the resort rates will be lower. The crowds during these months are some of the lowest overall. If you are traveling to Walt Disney World, you want to see as much as possible, right? So be sure to visit during these months.
FAQ #2: I would like to bring my own snacks and drinks into the parks. What do you recommend I use to carry them around, and what are some easy snack ideas?
The Disney parks allow you to bring in your own snacks and drinks to the parks. I recommend using a soft shell backpack cooler for your snacks and drinks. Add a few water bottles, and some granola bars or small boxes of dry cereal. Or, you could bring some grapes or snack crackers as well. Many resorts have refrigerators, so you can easily keep your water bottles cold before you set out for your day in the parks. Also, counter service and kiosks in the parks will give you cups of ice if you ask them. Stroller rental companies, such as Kingdom Strollers, will deliver cases of water to your resort when they bring your stroller. Also, Garden Grocer is a great resource for having some simple groceries delivered to your resort upon your arrival.
FAQ #3: How can I save money on meals in the parks?
Our family has benefited from sharing meals while we eat. The portions of food at the Disney parks are so large, that the 5 of us have an easy time sharing 2 or 3 entrees at meals. We try to do a quick service for lunch, and then enjoy a buffet for breakfast or dinner. Throw in a few snacks during the day, like I mentioned above, and your dollar or dining credits will go very far!
FAQ #4: Does Disney offer a payment plan for packages?
Making payments here and there is an excellent way to keep on track with your budget. Remember, the farther in advance you book, the longer you have to pay off your trip. If you book a vacation package, you are only required to put down $200 as a deposit, and your trip must be paid in full within 45 days of your arrival date. Some guests choose to book their room only, and that requires a deposit of one night’s rate plus tax. Then, when they are ready, or a discount comes available, they add their tickets and dining onto their room. You can make payments on your Disney package anytime you choose. Buying gift cards at your local grocery store, to reap the benefits of gas discounts, is also a great way to pay for your Disney vacation.
FAQ #5: What value or moderate resorts would you recommend for our family? We are a family of 5, and we want to save some money on our resort room.
For families on a budget, Disney offers options at both the value and moderate tier of their resorts. For the value category, I would highly recommend either 2 rooms at Disney’s Pop Century Resort or a family suite at Disney’s Art of Animation resort. In the moderate tier, Port Orleans Riverside offers rooms for families of 5. Of course, there is always the option of two standard rooms as well. If you can book these under a special offer through your Disney travel agent, they can be very affordable.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!