Easy Luxury Vacations

posted by Joyce on Apr 18

In yesterday’s post, I explained the benefits of staying at a Disney resort. Another really good option is camping since Disney has the facilities on their grounds.

• Camping at Disney

If you like to “rough it” you might want to consider the camping facilities on the park grounds.

Fort Wilderness offers guests the opportunity to stay in air-conditioned cabins or secluded campsites for tents and RVs.

There is a concierge desk and laundry facilities.

They also have miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, and nature trails ready for exploration.

• Extra Costs

1. Flights

Of course, the prices listed in yesterdays’ post for the resort packages don’t include getting to Orlando. You’ll have to book your own flight or make arrangements to drive or take a train to get there. Because of the airport shuttle service, I highly recommend the airline option instead of driving.

2. Beverages

The first thing to do after checking in at a Disney resort is to purchase a souvenir travel mug. This mug allows unlimited drink refills during your stay at any theme park and at your resort and will save you a ton of money on coffee and soda. Unfortunately, the refills don’t include the tropical drinks, but it’s well worth it anyway!

3. Other Accommodations

You can also choose to stay off the property in a close-by town like Kissimmee or in Orlando proper. The advantage to this is you can book an air/hotel package that will probably be less than what you would pay utilizing Disney’s resort advantages.

By staying off the property, you can also take in the other sights Orlando has to offer such as Universal Studios and Sea World.

The disadvantage is that you will possibly have to arrange your own transportation to the parks, although some hotels have an agreement with Disney to use their shuttle buses from their hotels. Check with your hotel regarding shuttle service.

4. Theme Park Tickets

You may also have to purchase your theme park tickets separately. Disney, however, does have many different packages that make it affordable and you can pick and choose the parks you visit. If you’re not especially interested in seeing the Animal Kingdom, you don’t have to purchase that entrance ticket.

• General Money-Saving Tips

Most of the parks will allow you to bring in small coolers. Bring in your own bottled water or soft drinks or pack a light lunch to avoid the high prices at the restaurants. You can also bring a backpack with you which is a good way to bring in your own snacks to keep the little ones from screaming for French fries or cotton candy which come at a premium price.

I do, however, highly recommend having one meal at a sit-down restaurant inside the park. The prices might be a bit steep, but the portions are generous and you’ll get a much need rest while you enjoy good food. Eat at off-peak times to avoid long waits and enjoy great service.

If you have little ones who love the Disney characters, schedule a character meal to thrill them. Do this first, though, because space is limited and they fill up fast. Don’t balk at the price – the look on your little one’s face will be well worth the money spent.

You will, of course, want to have souvenirs to remember your time at Disney. In the park, these can be quite pricey. A great money-saving tip is to look for outlet stores in Orlando. They sell official Disney merchandise at huge discounts.

Above all, HAVE FUN! You’re on vacation in the happiest place on earth. Enjoy yourself and your family along with everything that Disney has to offer!

Get your copy of The Ultimate Disney World Savings Guide to find out how to save BIG on vacations at Disney World.