A couple of tips for college students? - Walt Disney Boards - Message Boards & Forum Discussing The Genius Of Walter Elias Disney!

jesben27 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 02:51 PM

Hello - I was just wondering if anybody had a couple of tips for some college students on a budget who want to visit Disney over spring break next year - will probably leave the last weekend in Feb 2010 and have to be back the first weekend in Mar 2010. There will be three of us going - I've been there 4 times, one has been there once and it's the first time for the other. We're not the typical party kids, so we thought that for our first and last spring break away from home, Disney would be perfect. Lots of stuff to keep us occupied.

Even though I've been there a few times, my family has always stayed off site in a condo that they own- and we were really looking into staying onsite if funding permits so we wouldn't have to rent a car. I've also never used disney transportation. I've done a lot of research so far, but will need to do a lot more for this trip to happen.

So after my long introduction (sorry), I was wondering if anyone had any tips for us in regards to anything really - air fare, tickets, resorts, disney transportation, dining, etc. and how to do it on a budget? Thanks so much for all your help!

**DisneyNutMary** · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 03:28 PM

Hey Jess,
I think you can make staying onsite affordable if the three of you are willing to share one room. Go for a Value Resort to keep the room rate low, and try to book a package that includes room, tickets and meal plan. There are enough levels of the meal plan to fit anyone's budget.
I recommend you use a travel agent to book, it will not cost you any different if you book on your own vs using a TA. But travel agents can watch out for discounts, special offers, etc.

Any of the agents at Magical Travel would be happy to give you a free, no-obligation quote, and will be willing and able to help you tailor a trip that will fit your budget.

Good Luck and Happy Planning

**hms1016** · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 07:08 PM

If Southwest flies out of your airport, make sure you download "Ding" and watch for specials. The counter service meal plan is approximately $30 per person and currently includes a refillable mug for the resort, 2 counter service meals and two snacks per day. The nice thing about this is you are prepaying for your food, so you won't have to worry about money for food. You must stay at a Disney resort and buy the meal plan for the number of nights of your stay to purchase the meal plan.

kathiewe · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 08:36 PM

Here a tip about saving money on meals --

Breakfast -- If you have a fridge, buy some milk and cereal for breakfast. That way you can save your food money for lunch and dinner.

Table Service Meals -- Eat table service meals for lunch and quick service meals for dinner --- there is normally a big price difference and not much of a food/portion size difference. Also check out the lunch buffets as they give you great food options for a very reasonable price and then you won't want/need a big dinner.

Mugs -- If you stay on property buy a resort mug. It will give you all you can drink at the resort for your stay. We also take our mugs with us to the parks as they help keep drinks cold.

**hms1016** · #5 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009, 09:21 PM

Pack water in your suitcase. I packed a case of water in my suitcase on my last trip for the first time. This is only good advise if you are flying an airline, such as Southwest, that doesn't charge a bag fee. Pack items such as breakfast bars or snacks.

jesben27 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 12:49 PM

Thanks everyone! I will definitely keep this all in mind!

**MML** · #7 (**permalink**) 06-07-2009, 02:47 PM

Where do you live in PA? Airtran Airways now flies out of Harrisburg for only $74.00 one way, non-stop flight. You are there in 2 hrs.