Going to Orlando in October....Need help saving money!

[Signature_Athletes 0]

Here is the situation. My wife and I have not been on a trip since we got married in Lake Tahoe back in 2004. We had a baby girl in March, so we were certain we would not go on another trip for about 5 years!

 

My sister calls up and says she has timeshare she needs to use up by the end of the year, so we were invited to their resort in Orlando from October 14-21st. They have a 7 month old and ours is now 4 months, so it should be an adventure.

 

Anyways, we are really pinching pennies right now with all the normal expenses when you have a baby, but this is hard to pass up. We do not have to pay for any of the resort so we just need to come up with the airline tickets, car rental, and other miscellaneous expenses (entertainment, food, GOLF).

 

I am hoping there are some geeks (or rookies) that could help me go through with this trip for as little as possible. Right now round trip flights from Minneapolis to Orlando run around $300. I have seen some as low as $270, but that is for some awkward times. For a car, I have found it will be about $200 a week for an intermediate size car and an infant seat rental. That puts us at about $800 for airfare and car. I would love to drop this about $100.

 

My brother-in-law and I would also like to golf a couple of rounds if any of you can give me some ideas of a decent course for under $50 (18 holes w/ cart).

 

Any other info on websites, discounts, cheap entertainment (we will probably avoid the Disneyworld/Universal type attractions), places to go, etc., I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[p.man 7]

Do you or your wife have a birthday coming up? If so, maybe you could get some cash that way.

I could never go to Orlando and not go to one of the theme parks.

That would be a must for me.

 

Here's to saving some cash.

 

Have A Safe Trip.

[Brown Eyed Girl 1]

Hmmm... is there any way you can get out of renting a car and just sharing with them? That would help out a lot on the budget. Since they have a little one too, I imagine in order for this to work, they'd have to have a minivan or an SUV to fit everyone... ?

 

just a thought.

[p.man 7]

Infant seat rental?

Can't you just bring one on the plane with you?

[randandy 0]

a week in orlando with the wives, a 7 month old and a 4 month old

 

a flight from minneapolis with a 7 month old

 

a rental car and car seat

 

cheap golf with your brother in law

 

no money

 

 

why is this so hard to pass up?

[Brown Eyed Girl 1]

Infant seat rental?

Can't you just bring one on the plane with you?

 

Yes, you can.

 

Not sure how much more it is to rent a car with an infant seat, but if it makes a significant difference, you may want to consider bringing your own.

[Signature_Athletes 0]

a week in orlando with the wives, a 7 month old and a 4 month old

 

a flight from minneapolis with a 7 month old

 

a rental car and car seat

 

cheap golf with your brother in law

 

no money

why is this so hard to pass up?

 

I sometimes wonder this myself! But really, my sister and brother-in-law are the best. We all love to have a good time even though the little ones have slowed us down. You are right, the budget is going to limit us, but it is still getting out of Minnesota in October. The whole goal for the girls is to be able to hang out by the pool with the kids and get some sun, the whole idea of fun for the guys is to be able to golf 3-4 rounds without the family! Works out great for all of us!

 

As for the car seat, we would bring our own, but we already plan on 3 suitcases, a stroller, and golf clubs. It sounds like we will be dishing out $49.95 for a week to rent the seat. Maybe we should buy one, use it for a week, and return it for store credit! We did this with a portable DVD player when we went to Tahoe (bought it in California, returned it in Minnesota). It ended up being a piece of junk, but ended up being a great idea (should have bought a good one). Cheap vacation, here I come!!!

[randandy 0]

I sometimes wonder this myself! But really, my sister and brother-in-law are the best. We all love to have a good time even though the little ones have slowed us down. You are right, the budget is going to limit us, but it is still getting out of Minnesota in October. The whole goal for the girls is to be able to hang out by the pool with the kids and get some sun, the whole idea of fun for the guys is to be able to golf 3-4 rounds without the family! Works out great for all of us!

 

As for the car seat, we would bring our own, but we already plan on 3 suitcases, a stroller, and golf clubs. It sounds like we will be dishing out $49.95 for a week to rent the seat. Maybe we should buy one, use it for a week, and return it for store credit! We did this with a portable DVD player when we went to Tahoe (it ended up being a piece of junk, but it is a great deal). Cheap vacation, here I come!!!

 

the best vacations my wife and i had was when were were completely broke. i envy you in that respect.

 

im listening to rem, 'its the end of the world as we know it'

 

just read 'the road'

 

get. and enjoy.

 

and if it feels like fun, spend more than you planned. you can always save money on those forthcoming sucky vacations

[Let Da Big Dog Eat 40]

First, go to clarkhoward.com. There is a book he recommends on how to do Disney and other attractions cheaply (I don't remember the name of the book but have used some of it and highly worth the price).

 

Second, always reserve the cheapest car. They will always try to talk you up to a larger model. Refuse. Then, you will find out that they are out of all the craptastic ones and upgrade you for free.

 

Third, in route to motel (sounds like you are not staying at a resort), stop at a grocery store and get b'fast and sammich makings stuff (microwavable oatmeal, cereal, milk, and beer, Margarita makings, etc.) and healthy snacks (fruit, dried fruits, granola bars etc.). The biggest place one can save on a vacation is food and drink. What's the difference between getting wasted on Margaritas down by the pool or in a bar? About $60-$100.

 

Forth, it sounds like you are really trying to shave $ here, so I would suggest you consider renting just 1 car. Am guessing that you are staying in Kissamee which is the cheapest place close to Disney. What's the downside? One of the men goes and rents the car while the rest wait for luggage. By the time the rental is done luggage will be there. Kissimee is like 30 minutes from the airport. 2 rides. Take the women, kids and what luggage you can first trip. Let them check in and go back for your friend and the rest of the luggage while the women do whatever they want and make a 2nd trip. Same on return. During your stay, car rides will likely last 15-30 minutes so one kid sits on a lap (worst case scenario). Who cares? Just make sure the A/C is pumped before you get in.

 

PS: I expect you will go to some of the attractions. Make sure you take frozen juices (so they stay cold), snacks (see above) and water bottles. The prices for any of the above will give you gas.

 

Last, reserve car on airgorilla.com and buy their insurance ($20/day). First, you know the final price in advance. Second, if you get into a wreck or the car is vandalized you are responsible for every day it takes to fix it as well as the time you used it. This is the cheapest way out there to insure that you will not be ripped off for weeks in a garage as they don't care if it's fixed and rented because it is rented to you and you are paying. Your regular insurance co. will not pay for it. Airgorilla is on the hook for this fraud.

 

GL and enjoy!

[TommyGavin 790]

i just paid $4800 for a week (family of 4) Orlando - including 2 child seats w/ rent a car.

 

I guess I aint no help.

Had a BLAST though!!!!!!

(also did NOT stay at Disney Resort)

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

1. Bring your own car seat. The ones in the rental cars stink.

2. There are a ton of golf courses in the area within driving distance that are better. Get away from the Falcon's Fire, Hawk's Landing places and look for the Orange County (great courses) and some of the lesser known courses (Diamondback)

3. You can look at buying used tickets online for Disney or Universal. The premise is that people buy 5 day passes and only use 4 days since it is essentially the same price and then they sell the extra day online. I have never done it and we are going in November and we are not using them, but it could save money.

4. Check with Costco, BJ's, Sam's Club. I know that BJ's offers discounts on car rentals.

5. See if anyone in the family has extra airline miles. Don't hit up your sister since she already hooked you up.

[Bert 1,128]

Golf is cheap at the Disney courses if you play after 10:00. Played Magnolia and Eagle Pines cost $55 per round.

 

If you play Magnolia or Palm don't buy beer at the club house or from the beer carts. Beer is $3.75 at the club house and $4.75 from the beer cart for a 12oz. When you walk out the back of the club house on your left kind of out of the way you will see what looks like a half way house but it is actually the "Pool Bar". This is the place for you. Beer cost $3.25 for a 16oz.

[Signature_Athletes 0]

First, go to clarkhoward.com. There is a book he recommends on how to do Disney and other attractions cheaply (I don't remember the name of the book but have used some of it and highly worth the price).

 

Second, always reserve the cheapest car. They will always try to talk you up to a larger model. Refuse. Then, you will find out that they are out of all the craptastic ones and upgrade you for free.

 

Third, in route to motel (sounds like you are not staying at a resort), stop at a grocery store and get b'fast and sammich makings stuff (microwavable oatmeal, cereal, milk, and beer, Margarita makings, etc.) and healthy snacks (fruit, dried fruits, granola bars etc.). The biggest place one can save on a vacation is food and drink. What's the difference between getting wasted on Margaritas down by the pool or in a bar? About $60-$100.

 

Forth, it sounds like you are really trying to shave $ here, so I would suggest you consider renting just 1 car. Am guessing that you are staying in Kissamee which is the cheapest place close to Disney. What's the downside? One of the men goes and rents the car while the rest wait for luggage. By the time the rental is done luggage will be there. Kissimee is like 30 minutes from the airport. 2 rides. Take the women, kids and what luggage you can first trip. Let them check in and go back for your friend and the rest of the luggage while the women do whatever they want and make a 2nd trip. Same on return. During your stay, car rides will likely last 15-30 minutes so one kid sits on a lap (worst case scenario). Who cares? Just make sure the A/C is pumped before you get in.

 

PS: I expect you will go to some of the attractions. Make sure you take frozen juices (so they stay cold), snacks (see above) and water bottles. The prices for any of the above will give you gas.

 

Last, reserve car on airgorilla.com and buy their insurance ($20/day). First, you know the final price in advance. Second, if you get into a wreck or the car is vandalized you are responsible for every day it takes to fix it as well as the time you used it. This is the cheapest way out there to insure that you will not be ripped off for weeks in a garage as they don't care if it's fixed and rented because it is rented to you and you are paying. Your regular insurance co. will not pay for it. Airgorilla is on the hook for this fraud.

 

GL and enjoy!

 

Our resort condo does have a full kitchen, so we should be able to buy most of our food at the grocery store and maybe go out to eat once a day. This should save us a ton. Funny that a family of 4 was $4800 and I am trying to keep it under $1200 total! I have my work cut out even though we are only 3 (well 2.5).

 

As for the insurance, $20 a day ($140 for the week) is a lot to throw away. I have owned a car for 16 years and never used car insurance. I would love to think I can make it 7 days in Florida. Of course, with my luck, I will get smashed up right away! I just can't seem to justify that kind of money for a week.

 

Good info so far in here. I especially like the saving on the booze/beer ideas! Let's keep it coming

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

First, go to clarkhoward.com. There is a book he recommends on how to do Disney and other attractions cheaply (I don't remember the name of the book but have used some of it and highly worth the price).

 

Second, always reserve the cheapest car. They will always try to talk you up to a larger model. Refuse. Then, you will find out that they are out of all the craptastic ones and upgrade you for free.

 

Third, in route to motel (sounds like you are not staying at a resort), stop at a grocery store and get b'fast and sammich makings stuff (microwavable oatmeal, cereal, milk, and beer, Margarita makings, etc.) and healthy snacks (fruit, dried fruits, granola bars etc.). The biggest place one can save on a vacation is food and drink. What's the difference between getting wasted on Margaritas down by the pool or in a bar? About $60-$100.

 

Forth, it sounds like you are really trying to shave $ here, so I would suggest you consider renting just 1 car. Am guessing that you are staying in Kissamee which is the cheapest place close to Disney. What's the downside? One of the men goes and rents the car while the rest wait for luggage. By the time the rental is done luggage will be there. Kissimee is like 30 minutes from the airport. 2 rides. Take the women, kids and what luggage you can first trip. Let them check in and go back for your friend and the rest of the luggage while the women do whatever they want and make a 2nd trip. Same on return. During your stay, car rides will likely last 15-30 minutes so one kid sits on a lap (worst case scenario). Who cares? Just make sure the A/C is pumped before you get in.

 

PS: I expect you will go to some of the attractions. Make sure you take frozen juices (so they stay cold), snacks (see above) and water bottles. The prices for any of the above will give you gas.

 

Last, reserve car on airgorilla.com and buy their insurance ($20/day). First, you know the final price in advance. Second, if you get into a wreck or the car is vandalized you are responsible for every day it takes to fix it as well as the time you used it. This is the cheapest way out there to insure that you will not be ripped off for weeks in a garage as they don't care if it's fixed and rented because it is rented to you and you are paying. Your regular insurance co. will not pay for it. Airgorilla is on the hook for this fraud.

 

GL and enjoy!

 

Some good things, but skip the car insurance. Biggest rip off ever. Use a credit card that provides protection and/or have it covered on your own insurance.

 

Also, you don't want kids sitting on a lap. That is unless, of course, you are not concerned about that wreck that you just talked about above.

[Signature_Athletes 0]

Some good things, but skip the car insurance. Biggest rip off ever. Use a credit card that provides protection and/or have it covered on your own insurance.

 

Also, you don't want kids sitting on a lap. That is unless, of course, you are not concerned about that wreck that you just talked about above.

 

I just realize that. I was given the advice to get insurance for the car, but not spend the money on the car seat. Have them sit on my lap and hope the car insurance covers the injuries

 

Protect the car, not the child! GOOD STUFF!

[Let Da Big Dog Eat 40]

I think you should take your own car seats and use them to and from the airport. But, any other traveling you do will likely be 15 minutes or less and never exceeding 30 mph. I never worried about the kids for that type of trip as any accd you could get into would be very minor. But, I am older and come from a generation where car seats weren't considered much of a safety issue.

 

As far as the ins goes I guess I did not explain the problem. There's a big scam in the industry now where you pay their highest daily rental fee for the entire time the car is in the shop. A vandal could key your car and you could be liable for $40 or more a day for an indefinite period of time. Yes, the ins is a ripoff but the "in the shop" scam is a far greater risk. And, your ins or CC does not cover this scam.

[swamp dog 0]

here's how to save a lot of money: don't go to orlando in october.

 

other than that...

 

if you have a platinum visa card (or any decent card), they should insure the rental car if you put it on that card. don't assume this, though--check with your credit card company before doing this.

 

if you do a lot of traveling and renting and you don't have a card with this feature, get one.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

I think you should take your own car seats and use them to and from the airport. But, any other traveling you do will likely be 15 minutes or less and never exceeding 30 mph. I never worried about the kids for that type of trip as any accd you could get into would be very minor. But, I am older and come from a generation where car seats weren't considered much of a safety issue.

 

As far as the ins goes I guess I did not explain the problem. There's a big scam in the industry now where you pay their highest daily rental fee for the entire time the car is in the shop. A vandal could key your car and you could be liable for $40 or more a day for an indefinite period of time. Yes, the ins is a ripoff but the "in the shop" scam is a far greater risk. And, your ins or CC does not cover this scam.

I would be interested to see info (link?) on the scam in question. I rent cars all of the time and have never experienced it or even heard of it.

 

As far as the car seat thing, we are talking about two infants. Car seat at all times is mandatory. Failure to do so is a "go to jail, directly to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect $200" type of thing. Take a car seat and use it all of the time.

[Let Da Big Dog Eat 40]

Didn't know car seats were mandatory now. Been quite a few years since I had little ones.

 

"Also check to see if your personal insurance pays for "loss of use." If not, the rental-car company will happily bill you $250 or so a day while the damaged car is being repaired."

 

Link

 

From fodors. I am sure I could find more.

[TommyGavin 790]

you cant sell remaining days for your disney pass - you are fingerprinted the first day you access the card and it must match up each day.

SO DONT BE SCAMMED INTO BUYING SOMEONES USED PASS

[Signature_Athletes 0]

you cant sell remaining days for your disney pass - you are fingerprinted the first day you access the card and it must match up each day.

SO DONT BE SCAMMED INTO BUYING SOMEONES USED PASS

I would never by a pass like that. I do like to search eBay for deals, but I didn't think they would be able to sell off remaining days of passes. Honestly, we are going to avoid the spendy attractions while we are there. We are bringing a 9 year old (my niece), but she has already been to Disneyland 2 times. We may do Sea World or a water park type of thing. If we do, can I trust coupons from eBay or vouchers, or should I avoid them all together and look for deals elsewhere?

[Cdub100 3,894]

www.Airtran.com

www.thrifty.com

I fly them when ever I can. They have all new planes and good service. Also take your car seat with you. Just check it as baggage. No need to redt on from the car company. Check thrifty for car rental their compact is a Dodge Caliber which should have plenty of room for you.

 

flight details

Departing: Monday, October 15, 2007 $89.00 - Coach

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) Flight 851

6:15 AM 9:41 AM

Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Orlando, FL (MCO) Flight 832

11:32 AM 12:59 PM

 

Returning: Sunday, October 21, 2007 $136.00 - Coach

Orlando, FL (MCO) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) Flight 848

7:00 AM 8:28 AM

Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) Flight 860

9:20 AM 10:59 AM

 

 

Departing (Coach)

Airfare / passenger $82.79

Taxes / passenger (details) $27.01

Subtotal / passenger $109.80

x 2 passenger(s) $219.60

[Signature_Athletes 0]

www.Airtran.com

www.thrifty.com

I fly them when ever I can. They have all new planes and good service. Also take your car seat with you. Just check it as baggage. No need to redt on from the car company. Check thrifty for car rental their compact is a Dodge Caliber which should have plenty of room for you.

 

flight details

Departing: Monday, October 15, 2007 $89.00 - Coach

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) Flight 851

6:15 AM 9:41 AM

Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Orlando, FL (MCO) Flight 832

11:32 AM 12:59 PM

 

Returning: Sunday, October 21, 2007 $136.00 - Coach

Orlando, FL (MCO) to Atlanta, GA (ATL) Flight 848

7:00 AM 8:28 AM

Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (MSP) Flight 860

9:20 AM 10:59 AM

 

 

Departing (Coach)

Airfare / passenger $82.79

Taxes / passenger (details) $27.01

Subtotal / passenger $109.80

x 2 passenger(s) $219.60

This would be a pretty amazing deal. I looked it up right now and it went up $50 overnight. I will wait until after 11:00 pm tonight and see if that goes down again. I have found in the past that later in the evening, rates do drop..

[Cdub100 3,894]

This would be a pretty amazing deal. I looked it up right now and it went up $50 overnight. I will wait until after 11:00 pm tonight and see if that goes down again. I have found in the past that later in the evening, rates do drop..

 

 

I just checked and the same deal is there

 

851/832 6:15 AM 12:59 PM 1 stop View seat availability $89*

848/860 7:00 AM 10:59 AM 1 stop View seat availability $139*

[Signature_Athletes 0]

I just checked and the same deal is there

 

851/832 6:15 AM 12:59 PM 1 stop View seat availability $89*

848/860 7:00 AM 10:59 AM 1 stop View seat availability $139*

 

Yeah, I think that is probably what it was in the previous post, but only the departure from Minneapolis was included. So it comes out to be about $270 with tax and fees.

[Cdub100 3,894]

Yeah, I think that is probably what it was in the previous post, but only the departure from Minneapolis was included. So it comes out to be about $270 with tax and fees.

[Mephisto 15]

Going to Orlando in October....Need help saving money!, Need flight, car, and golf for as little as possible

 

Start focking walking.