Help with budget About This Page:

[srsatkowiak]

I tried a search through posts, but couldn't find anything to help me. Basically I am looking for some help developing a realistic budget for a potential trip this summer. DH and I have never been to DLR or even California so we don't really know what is a "deal" and what is "normal".

We are looking to go in August (15th-23rd time frame) because that is one of my forced vacation weeks. We want to spend some time in the LA area and San Diego seeing the sights and relaxing too. Right now I have about $1000-$1500 to "spend" on this trip (does not include flights). Is that realistic enough for hotels, food, tickets, maybe a car, etc. I plan to take advantage of priceline as a lot of you suggested so I am hoping that will help to bring the cost down. I also plan to buy the 2009 passporter too for tips.

We are easy to please people and don't need top of the line stuff to have a good time. We like to vacation on a budget if we can so any tips would be appreciated.

[Tricia]

Originally Posted by srsatkowiak

I tried a search through posts, but couldn't find anything to help me. Basically I am looking for some help developing a realistic budget for a potential trip this summer. DH and I have never been to DLR or even California so we don't really know what is a "deal" and what is "normal".

We are looking to go in August (15th-23rd time frame) because that is one of my forced vacation weeks. We want to spend some time in the LA area and San Diego seeing the sights and relaxing too. Right now I have about $1000-$1500 to "spend" on this trip (does not include flights). Is that realistic enough for hotels, food, tickets, maybe a car, etc. I plan to take advantage of priceline as a lot of you suggested so I am hoping that will help to bring the cost down. I also plan to buy the 2009 passporter too for tips.

We are easy to please people and don't need top of the line stuff to have a good time. We like to vacation on a budget if we can so any tips would be appreciated.

I have recently booked a trip to DL after a few weeks of research, Aug is primetime and expensive and DL will be crowded. I think you a little low on budget numbers. How many days at DL or other parks? I think you should post more details about what you really want to see and do, so others can help you crunch numbers.

[scottjs]

Hi there. You are in the right place. I believe you might be able to save some money if you plan for after Labor Day. Will that work?

We stayed at a motel right across from Disneyland for about $100.00 a night. There is also a Denny's and IHOP off property. I can give you more information about the motels that are around there if you want. Would you be interested in a packaged deal?? Sometimes they are cheaper.

At any rate pick up a Passporter when you can. They talk about budgets and such things. And ask a lot of questions here. Very friendly group here.

And I love San Diego. Its about a two hour drive(Rental Car??) You have got to go to the zoo.

[srsatkowiak]

Dates can not be changed. As I said these are my forced vacation dates. I work in the auto industry so when we shutdown for two weeks in the summer that is my vacation unless deemed otherwise by my boss. The other week is the 4th of July and I already have that planned. I fully understand that August is prime time, however that is out of my control when it comes to my vacation allowance. I would rather use the time since I am forced to than have to comp time and go later...I will lose more money (and my time) that way.

I only plan to stay in the DL area for two maybe three days then heading to San Diego for the rest. Staying off the property for sure at DL. We also don't plan to stay all 7 to 8 nights, maybe 5 DH says that he would like to go to the zoo and the wild animal park the rest of the time we just want to relax see the city and hang out at the beach. I looked into the City pass and it seemed like a good deal, but he isn't into Sea world and he said maybe to Universal (gave me the been there done that look)..DH would rather see the sights around Hollywood.

Flights and rental car are not part of the budget (yet) because we have miles and cc points we are using for those. I have checked that out already.

I wouldn't mind a package deal, however from what I have researched they are more expensive than doing it all seperate. IMO, in this case, it isn't like WDW where you benefit from a package.

Anyhoo...I will crunch numbers some more and see what I can do. I can be very froogle. Most of our big vacations are under 2k (side from our honeymoon) so I am optimistic. Thanks!

[scottjs]

There are a number of good motels right across the street from Disney. I suggest you stay in one of them. You can also take a train from Los Angeles to San Diego if your so inclined. A car in Los Angeles is essential. Unless you go on a group tour. Or take a taxi. Its a very big area. Super Shuttle goes to a lot of tourist places. You might check them out.

[tigersprinkles]

motel6 is only like $65 a nite about 3 blocks away from dl

[Tink and co.]

You might try a package deal through getawaytoday.com or Costco.com (if you're a member). My kids and I (4 adults, according to Disney) including airfare/supershuttle/park tickets/character breakfast went over Memorial Day weekend (3 nights) for a little less than $1200. So, your budget is do-able. I'd try a package (we've always found it cheaper unless we had an AP) for just the Disneyland portion and then book San Diego. Both of those websites have San Diego deals too.
Pay attention to parking costs for Disneyland area hotels. I feel it's worth it to pay $10 extra a night for walking distance lodging rather than pay parking (something like $12 a day now) in the Disneyland parking garage, or to pay a fee for parking at the hotel/motel and then pay for the ART shuttle to the park.
If you go a la carte, buy your park tickets in advance. It always saves money (and time).
In the past we've gotten good package deals through airline websites, too.
Do you have rewards points you could use for rooms?


The upside of going in August, very little, if anything will be down for rehab.

In general we can do a quick, inexpensive trip to DLR easily, as long as we stay away from the Disney Resorts (but we them!).

[devilsrule2004]

yea i used priceline and saved nudreds for our family trip. its really great

[srsatkowiak]

I plan to try/use priceline for the hotels. I have for other high traffic locations and had great success. I just never thought to use them for DL until someone suggested it on here.

I do have reward points that I could use for hotel rooms, but I get a better deal if I use them for the flights and the car because it is pretty expensive to fly to CA from MI, plus we are using a combination of FFmiles and cc rewards.

I should look into my AAA membership for discounts on tickets for DL and all the other parks. I know I get discounts for WDW, but don't know about DL.

[srsatkowiak]

Thank you to all who helped. I looked into AAA and they have a southern california backage that seemed pretty affordable. You know I pay for that membership each year and never use it. This time it might come through for me.

I will report back to share my findings!

[DebiDebiDebi]

Sounds like you are headed in the right direction! I hope the planning goes well and you are able to come in UNDER budget!!!