[mustang80]

I found that purchasing tickets from the Disney Store is actually cheaper than through AAA. They are $217.00 for 5 day passes through the store, and $223.00 for 5 day through AAA. (These are adult 9 y.o. and up prices)

Also, if you are in or around Delaware like I am, there is NO SALES TAX! I'm going to take a "mall trip" with the girls when I get the child tax credit refund. Delaware is less than 30 miles away from me. It will save me over $50.00 in sales tax, much more than my gas to Delaware.

 

[SewCrafty]

Thanks Danielle, great tip! It would save dh and I about $40 after having to pay NY state sales tax! Now to find a Disney Store on the way down in Delaware!

 

[mustang80]

I'll find you one, Diana! Don't worry!

 

[homesteadmamma]

Great tip Danielle.

I've also read that if you have smaller kids, to buy some little trinkets before you get there (without your kids knowing) and when they want something, you've already got them because of the high prices for those little trinkets at Walt Disney World.

 

[SewCrafty]

You're right CJ. The price of trinkets at the parades is outrageous! :yikes: Dh and I wondered how parents could even afford to take thier kids. It is very expensive, but I have to admit I want to go again!

 

[Darlene]

This will help you find a Disney store. There is one in Albany.
http://disney.store.go.com/Images/I-Catalog/DS/Misc/StoreLocator/frame_welcome.html

 

[MANDERS]

Actually you don't have to go to the Disney store itself.Just call Disney all Park hopper tickets purchased in advance have some sort of discount.Meaning You pay more at the gate.Disney doesn't have and 800 # but you can call 407-WDISNEY for more info.Also call about those priority seating resses too esp for cindy's castle.The only thing about ordering from Disney themselves is there is a $3 shipping fee,But if you order multiple tickets its still $3.Hope this helped.

 

[MANDERS]

Oh man almoset forgot CJ's post.Yep it is cheaper,a whole lot cheaper.I make sure I'm the last one out of the room and then leave a gift on their pillow so they get it when they come back.This weekend I went to The disney store and got a ballet princess doll case for $4.49 reg $19.50,buss lightyear bubble gun for bubba for $6.99 reg $14.50.They are having thier semi anual clearance ,I went to disney store online and found ariel sandals for $3.99 but the shipping was $6!I'll wait till i go back to the mall.

 

[SewCrafty]

What a great idea Amanda! :clap:

Your children are going to have a great time!

 

[Michelle]

I will buy mine from the Disney store in NH (10 min away) since they don't have any sales tax there

I don't know if the pre-bought souvenirs would work with us. My kids aren't big Disney character fans (except for Toy Story), so when they see something they want, they would want what they are seeing right at that particular moment, and not something that I've already picked out back at the room.

Though I will certainly try something along those lines because I won't pay Disney's ridiculous prices for those little things.

 

[SewCrafty]

Chelle, I would definitely buy T-shirts and sweatshirts at home. You are looking at a minimum of $30 per sweatshirt on Disney properties. Just pack them in your bag and surprise your girls.

Hats are a must in Florida, the sun is much hotter than up here.

If you stay on Disney properties, each one has a food court type thing. Buy the big reuseable mug 1st thing you get there. They may seem expensive at first (around $6.00 each I think) but after the purchase price all drinks are free, just take your mug with you. These are good for hot or cold drinks and I just washed them out in the room.

Don't over pack! I learned this the hard way. Every Disney property has laundry facilities. You are going to need a break and most are by a pool, so while your children are swimming, throw a load of wash in. Buy your soap, dry bleach and softener at home where it is cheaper, doesn't take up any more room that one small outfit. There are lines to hang up wet bathing suits or air dry items in every bathroom in your room. Just above the tub, a line you pull out and attach to the other side.

As I think of more I'll let you know. Disney is one of my favorite places!! And I don't have kids!

 

[Michelle]

Great tips Diana, thank you Please keep them coming.

 

[SewCrafty]

A must read if you are going to WDW. You don't even have to buy it, go to a Barnes & Nobles grab a drink and sit in the cafe with pen an paper to get all the great tips. It tells you the best times to go to what parks, where to eat, etc.....

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=2VU6HNCS8K&isbn=0786853727&itm=1

From the Publisher
Expert advice from the inside source!
Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2003, the most respected and well-known name in travel guides, takes readers to and through the world's most popular tourist attraction. Since our guide is the only one that's official, this book includes the most accurate information on prices, changes, and new attractions for 2003. Highlights include the lowdown on Disney's latest blockbuster — Mission: SPACE — as well as a complete listing of all teh attractions that offer the timesaving FastPass option. Also included is an explanation of Priority Seating and tips on how to score a seat in the most popular dining spots. All the information you have come to expect from the world's leading travel guide, including prices, insider tips, valuable coupons, and much more, is here to help you make your stay a magical and memorable one.

 

[SewCrafty]

Another thing Chelle, and this is obviously your choice as a parent. It takes a lot of planning and saving (6 months to a year or more) for a Disney World trip. I may not tell my children we were going until 2-4 weeks before hand and after you have done all the leg work of gathering information, then include the children to help plan out your days and nights there. Don't miss the night parades they are fabulous, but that means some down time during the day so everyone (Mom & Dad especially) have the energy to keep going. WDW can be a very exhausting and fun filled vacation!

 

[Michelle]

Oh believe me, Diana, I won't be telling them until about a week before we're going. We've been saving for 3 yrs--it's been going really slow because of financial problems (pay cuts and unpaid time at my dh's work).

Now that he has a new job that looks to be more stable and is better paying, we are going to start setting money aside for the trip again.

The earliest we'll be able to go would be April 2004, and then the hot months hit, so who knows if we'll even be able to go in 2004 (need to plan around Kathryn's school vacations too).

 

[SewCrafty]

Another thing you don't want to miss is a Character Breakfast (or meal) They are the absolute most fun!!! It is only dh and I, and we went to one with Tigger and his pals, we have lots of pics, it was a riot and the food was good too!

 

[MANDERS]

chelle,they would love the character breakfasts.They have one in Cindy's castle this one is with the princessess,also a new one in Epcot in Norway pavilion has a princess breakfast too.It is expensive though $20 for adult and $10 per child (or around that)If you can't fathom spending that much on breakfst I think chef mickey's does luncha dn dinner too,so does the crystal palace in Magic kingdom(pooh tigger eeyore piglet)also check out The all star movies resort if your kids like toy story then they would love this hotel It has a 3 story tall buzz and woody.

Here's some links

www.magictrips.com (my fave)
www.disneypics.com
www.mousesavers.com
www.disneydollarless.com

Plan plan plan cause you can get lost in that place.Oh and I called CRO and they said tax is the same on tickets.bought from one store to another and even when you call disney.

 

[mustang80]

Light parade! Ooooh! Three more months til we go! :tigger:

 

[MANDERS]

Oh Danielle you are going to have a blast!You've got to see fantasmic too.Also go to www.disneyworld.com and look up the hours and they'll show you park times and parade and fireworks times.If you plan on going to all 4 parks you could see 4 different parades and 3 different fireworks shows.Oh and on the mgaictrips forum I'm Mama2Tink&Buzz

 

[Michelle]

Danielle/Amanda, how much are the park passes for under 9 yrs? Any idea? My kids are 6 and 3 (and may be 7 and 4 before we can go).

I am looking online for the info but not having much luck yet.

I want to get approx. costs on everything so I can start planning in more detail.