Pressed Pennies - Disney Budget Chat - April 2, 2003
AliciaG: Hello Pressed Pennies! Moley: Helloooo Pressed Pennies and Money Lovin' Guests! BetsyAnn: hey AliciaG Moley: I am sober. I had to be to execute my escape plan. disneylove: love too save money MargaretJ: OK lets start saving money for our Disney Trips Moley: Sounds good! Enter: SuzyQAliciaG: Let's, I've already spent far too much, lol LGCheri-Co: I'm ready! Moley: Hey Suzy! disneylove: goody July will be herer soon MargaretJ: You have decided you are going to Disney, now you need to save. LGCheri-Co: Hi SuzyQ SuzyQ: Phew! I just got in from the traffic - Hi All! MargaretJ: What are some ways you save for Disney? AliciaG: Hi Suzy disneylove: hi Suzy Moley: Amen, preach it, Sister Margaret! BetsyAnn: Hey SuzyQ MargaretJ: Do you have any special secrets you can share with us? Moley: Sell a kidney' LGCheri-Co: I buy Disney Dollars everyweek, even if it is only $10 disneylove: any change goes into a jar too be turned into disney dollers AliciaG: I'm currently selling some children't clothes at a consignment sale. I don't know if that counts, but it's purely for Disney money MargaretJ: Now Moley that really doesn't work, that is an Urban Myth. Moley: Love the change idea. Maybe I can keep my kidney LGCheri-Co: moley, I think that is illegal, didn't anyone tell you that? LOL BetsyAnn: pay a little each month towards costs MargaretJ: Change is one of the easiest ways to save, imo. disneylove: same here MJ BetsyAnn: I have one jar full now -- just need to change it into DDollars Moley: We must be especially diplomatic about not noticing Alicia's nekkid kids at WDW MargaretJ: I never ever give change to anyone & got one of those banks at Radio Shack a few years ago. SuzyQ: MJ, I use the MyPoints to earn Webcertificates. AliciaG: Do you guys take that to one of those conversion machines? disneylove: last trip we had almost $1000 in disney$ because of it MargaretJ: It is just habit to put that money in the bank everynight. AliciaG: LOL, Moley. They'll be dressed, don't worry LGCheri-Co: All of you that save change, do you wait and roll it all at one time, monthly, or take it to one of those change machine? Moley: I make a payment on vacation, just like a car payment. Pay it to savings. MargaretJ: disneylove I was surprised by how much change you can get in a year. SuzyQ: I started the change thing a month and a half ago and now I have just over $20 - that's almost half a room at ASMo!! disneylove: no roll it and take it too the disney store they always need it BetsyAnn: Take it to my bank - they have one of those machines - no charge MargaretJ: With the coin bank I roll as I get a full roll. Usually take to the bank when I get $200.00 & turn the change to Travelers Checks. SuzyQ: That's a good idea Disneylove, getting Disney Dollars keeps me from spending it LGCheri-Co: Really Betsyann? My bank makes me roll it disneylove: when we get $20 we head on over Moley: By the way, All Stars rocks for money saving room accommodations. MargaretJ: I too buy Disney Dollars. Enter: BarbD BetsyAnn: My bank likes me more than your bank likes you, LGCheri! LOL Moley: I do not believe in the Disney Dollars. I want interest from savings. BarbD: Hi MargaretJ: You are right Moley. AllStars have nice clean rooms. BetsyAnn: Hey BarbD LGCheri-Co: this is probably true Betsyann SuzyQ: Hello Barb - welcome! disneylove: hi Barb LGCheri-Co: * LGCheri-Co raises her hand to share about Allstars Moley: Oh BOY!!! Barb!! It's been too long, sister friend. Welcome! MargaretJ: Interest is nothing anymore though if you have regular savings. AliciaG: Hi Barb BetsyAnn: LOL - Doesn't believe in Disney Dollars -- Oh Moley LGCheri-Co: Hi BarbD, welcome, to the Bang for your Buck chat Moley: Well, that is a good point, MJ BarbD: I love bangs for my buck, lol MargaretJ: I even ask for Disney Dollars for my birthday and such. SuzyQ: Ok, so outside of saving change, any other fun ideas? disneylove: mousesavers LGCheri-Co: I changed our ressies for Dec from Fort Wilderness Cabins, to 2 rooms at ASMo and saved $500!!!! How is that for this pressed penny? MargaretJ: I also write $10.00 to myself each week in my checking account. Enter: WillCAD disneylove: they have a site with a lot of free stuff too do LGCheri-Co: disneylove, I live by mousesavers. AliciaG: I think it's a great move, Cheri MargaretJ: Cheri that is a great move. SuzyQ: Hello Will! Welcom to our chat!! AliciaG: You'll be glad you did, I think disneylove: hi Will AliciaG: Hi Will Moley: If you take money for lunch to work, go without your lunch one day a week and walk during lunch hour, you will save about 20 a month and lose weight, too. LGCheri-Co: Welcome to the bang for the disney Buck chat Will BetsyAnn: Hey Will BarbD: I generally charge my trip so I guess I need to pay attention here, lol Maybe next time Ill pre pay instead Moley: Hey Will!! WillCAD: Geez, I'm the only guy in the room. BetsyAnn: I have been taking my lunch to work SuzyQ: Now THATS a great idea, Moley! MargaretJ: One other way I save is to round up in my checkbook. If the check is for 15.75 I write it for that amount but put 16.00 in checkbook. LGCheri-Co: yes, and I'll have a little privacy from the inlaws at night. LGCheri-Co: oops did I say that? sorry! AliciaG: And doesn't that red shirt look nice on you, Will ;-) Moley: Then you alone must uphold the Thrift Honor of the Male Gender. disneylove: me too BA then I just tuck away what I would have spent MargaretJ: Good idea Moley. BarbD: Tink One did save us a tom of money, she got an entertainment rate of about $150 for Portifino and then Beach Club was just a plain old rate of $250 maybe $225 I cant remembr now SuzyQ: You're not really the only guy, Will, my husband is lurking over my shoulders. ) MargaretJ: Anyone else have ways to help us save for our trips? WillCAD: Men aren't "thrifty", we're CHEAP. BarbD: LOL Moley LGCheri-Co: Will, it is good to be the token male!! We treat you really good! BetsyAnn: LOL Will disneylove: LOL WIll not my DH he likes too spend SuzyQ: Barb, I love YMJ! I work with Deb and she has saved us a ton on our last two ressies. BarbD: Margaret did you mention contacting Your Magical Journies to see what they can get? They seem to come up with cheaper rates than I ever do Moley: I agree with Barb. Having an internet Disney specialist travel agent can save some serious cash if you are staying moderate level or above. Enter: Tagrel LGCheri-Co: BarbD, that is a good dead Exit: Tagrel Enter: Tagrel AliciaG: Hi Tagrel BetsyAnn: Hey tagrel Tagrel: Hi All! disneylove: I think Tag is in wrong room MargaretJ: Barb no I did not, I usually book my own trips because I get great rates through my company. disneylove: hi Tagrel LGCheri-Co: Hi Tagrel, welcome to the Bang for your Disney Buck Chat SuzyQ: Hello Dave! AliciaG: Yea, you aren't running around the beltway in a ballgown worrying about the rates, Tagrel: And I'm not thrifty, or cheap! (and this is my bankaccounts downfall!) disneylove: don't book a package deal,cheeper too go on own MargaretJ: Barb is right though if you want someone to take care of your trips Your Magical Journeys is the only one to choose. Moley: Aha, more testosterone! You are not alone, Will. LGCheri-Co: ROFLOL Alicia MargaretJ: disneylove YMJ can help with that too. BarbD: Ok where do those smiley faces come from here? MargaretJ: What other saving tips does anyone have? BetsyAnn: disneylove -- that may be true sometimes -- although I can make a package deal work with me LGCheri-Co: I agree with the a la carte disneylove! Tagrel: (Click on the '?' to the left of the text entry area. LGCheri-Co: I gave up Starbucks! MargaretJ: How about helping your kids save for trips? BetsyAnn: you bet me tagrel! LOL Tagrel: SuzyQ: show off. BarbD: Also why do three of you have cuit little girls and two of you men icons?, Thanks Tagrel Ill look at that BetsyAnn: SuzyQ: ) Tagrel: WillCAD: I never used a travel agent before I found Magical Journeys, but I use them to book all my Disney rooms now. MargaretJ: I give my son Disney Dollars for Holidays. Tagrel: sick kids Moley: Cut down on some cable TV services. Most people oversubscribe to cable TV and don't watch everything they pay for. Use the saved dollars toward your trip. AliciaG: Mine have savings envelopes, and they also get Disney $ for doing big projects BarbD: Margaret I like the idea of Disney dollars for kids to save up disneylove: pay them in disney dollers LGCheri-Co: I'm thinking of putting Disney Dollars in the Easter Baskets Tagrel: Sorry, I'm messing up the chat! back on topic!!!! WillCAD: Barb, that comes from filling out your chat room profile. AliciaG: Cut out bad TV? MargaretJ: I always do that Cheri then Matt is responsible for his own buying at Disney. LGCheri-Co: I also have my children hit up the granparents for their spare change BarbD: Ok Betsey Ill try that, BRB Moley: Barb, that is from registering. Once you register with your gender you get an icon. This is registration for the chat, not just the board itself. Exit: BarbD disneylove: that is a good idea LGC Tagrel: I take my lunch each day. Save me TONS for the extras Tagrel: Ours get Disney Dollars for and save all year. SuzyQ: Perhaps I should ask for Disney Dollars for Anniversary Present! AliciaG: I'm sure taking your lunch is a huge savings MargaretJ: I would SuzyQ, I got $100.00 in Disney Dollars from one brother. disneylove: it's harder when they become teens they want cashj WillCAD: I gave my nephew Disney Dollars for his birthday and Christmas last year. LGCheri-Co: my DD is responsible for her own spending money at WDW, when it is gone, it is gone! This saves me lots of money MargaretJ: My son is 14 & he gets cash for lots of things but also give Disney Dollars too. Enter: BarbD AliciaG: We do that too, Cheri. It's amazing how much more selective they are. BarbD: HeyI figured it out MargaretJ: With Disney Dollars he won't blow it on a CD. LGCheri-Co: I've found that DD is picky and frrugeul if it is her own money Moley: Signing up for hotel award programs can get you upgrades. Starwood will upgrade you at the Swan and Dolphin, subject to availability, same with Loew's hotels at the Uni parks. disneylove: congrats and WB Barb AliciaG: Barb's a girl now! MargaretJ: OK now we have saved our money & we are on the way to Disney. Moley: Barb has a little dollface now, Well done, Barb! BetsyAnn: I was just going to suggest about a pre-set limit for stuff for the kids and maybe the adults BarbD: Tagrel: It really is. I was spending $5.00 a day. I save over $80 bucks a month now. And I have been control over what I eat. BAD fast food! SuzyQ: One thing my sister is doing with her boys is that she asked them at the beginning of the year if they would take half their allowance and put it towards a WDW vacation - they said yes and now she has a bonafide DisFund! MargaretJ: What about our favorite topic food. How do you save on food or do you even try? disneylove: we drive down and picnic for lunch saves tons on food LGCheri-Co: I'm also planning on saving money, by sending my kids shopping with Aunt Betsyann. LOL Moley: Before the trip or during, MJ>? WillCAD: I always try to save on other things, then I don't have to scrimp on food. BarbD: When I took my teenagers to WDW in 1998 I told them for a year they had to save for their own souveniers, I paid for everything else. They did pretty good saving about $200 each, The last two trips was just me and hubby SuzyQ: Good question, ML. We saved a lot of $ using Connections vouchers. MargaretJ: During the trip Moley BetsyAnn: Great idea SuzyQ Tagrel: If you have a fridge, buying water bottles at the store and then taking them to the parks saves a lot too. AliciaG: We eat most breakfasts in the room. We'll stock up on muffins, fruit, and juice boxes, and that saves a ton. BarbD: We save on food by sharing everything BetsyAnn: Breakfast in the room! MargaretJ: Now food is part of the vacation for me so I am not much of a scrimper here. Moley: During, there are lots of ways. WillCAD: Yeah, but buying a $7 Brita Fill-N-Go bottle will save you the cost of buying the water. Tagrel: We freeze a 3/4 full water bottle and then fill it before leaving. Stays cold all morning into the afternoon, even in Aug. LGCheri-Co: taking your own snacks into the parks helps, and also thwarts grumpiness while standing in line, but enough about me MargaretJ: We usually do not eat much for breakfast maybe a bagel so that is pretty cheap eats. Moley: Stand outside a Concierge Lounge and say, "Are you going to eat that?" BarbD: We also stopped at a store and bought Pepsi and water in Florida because I can only handle diet coke so long SuzyQ: tag, if you don't have a fridge you can pack ziplocks and pack water and soda in ice in one of the two sinks to keep cool. disneylove: LOL Moley MargaretJ: Moley stop making me laugh, I need to keep this chat on topic. Moley: Will's Brita idea is superb Tagrel: Yes. Breakfast in room. They brought a microwave to our room at Christmas. Never hurts to ask. AliciaG: rofl, Moley Tagrel: Moley! LGCheri-Co: ROFLOL Moley!, you crack me up BetsyAnn: you can get a cup of ice water from any counter service SuzyQ: I'm with ya, Barb, re: Diet Coke BarbD: Moley I wasnt too impressed with Consierge food, we got a free upgrade last May for that BetsyAnn: Moley AliciaG: We love the Brita bottles. Tagrel: We buy a bunch of snacks for the room, and pack them for a snack in the parks. LGCheri-Co: better yet Moley, why dont' you sneak in when a crowd goes in the concierge lounge and then say "I'm with them" BarbD: You guys are too funny Moley: Good on you on the upgrade, Barb. Where? WillCAD: If you have an insulated water bottle carrier on your belt, your water will not get hot. It won't be cold, but it won't get hot. SuzyQ: You can also bring Kool-Aid packets to add to the water for those kids (and big kids) who want something different. MargaretJ: How about fast food, any place where you get a lot for your money? BarbD: Tagrel I do the snack thing too, It helps me save some room in the luggage to come home, I never bring home uneaten food because I buy to much stuff BarbD: Moley Beach club, can you beleve that BetsyAnn: We take a collapable cooler for drinks and leftovers Moley: If your water bottle has a wide mouth, you can add ice chips. Disney will give you cups of ice at no charge. LGCheri-Co: I think Pecos Bills is alot of bang for your buck AliciaG: Never thought of the koolaid, that'll help keep the bad taste down. MargaretJ: I agree LG - that fixin bar is awesome. Moley: MJ, Columbia Harbour House combo meals are enough for two. WillCAD: My last couple of trips, I've been carrying less and less, meaning I will have to buy snacks as I go. Moley: Wow, Barb, I woulda figured that one for better eats. MargaretJ: Moley I love Columbia Harbour House, but my son eats alot so no sharing with him anymore. SuzyQ: I wrote this on the forum, but one of our favs is getting that double bacon cheeseburger and ordering and extra bun for $.80. The condiment bars are great! LGCheri-Co: wonder if you could just ask 'em for a plate and just eat free off the fixin's bar? LOL BarbD: Will cad can you beleve we do a two week trip with carry on only. Its my husband and I., We each tow one roller suitcase and I wear a back pack in lieu of a purse AliciaG: I have always been thrilled with the chicken strips meal you get at any WDW fast food restaurant. Very good and filling WillCAD: Whenever you resort hop, visit the ice machine and fill your bottle up with ice. MargaretJ: SuzyQ I love that idea, may have to try it on our upcoming trip. BarbD: Moley I think Im too pickey when it comes to continential breakfasts BetsyAnn: Me. too - will I want to get down to one suitcase inside another going so I can get more stuff at WDW disneylove: fixin bar=salad Moley: Will, I'm with you on that. I'm down to my Passporter neckpouch and maybe water on a hot day. SuzyQ: Thought of that, Cheri, but husband wouldn't let me do it WillCAD: Barb, I meant in the parks I carry less. I've always tried to pack light. LGCheri-Co: Alicia, and the kids chicken fingers gives you almost the same amount of food as the adult meal LGCheri-Co: LOL Suzy! they embarass so easily MargaretJ: How about other fast food places that are good deals. Moley: Suzy, that extra bun thing is inspired. WillCAD: Mostly it's because my camera weighs about 100 lbs. BarbD: Oh in the parks we carry only a water bottle , a snack in my pocket and thats about it. My first trip with my kids I did carry a backpack. I prefer to snack at the hotel and eat real junk food in the parks MargaretJ: Anyone ever order a kids meal for themself? AliciaG: Moley can carry about 20 things on her, and only look like she has the PP pouch on. That woman is James Bond...I swear! Tagrel: With kids we still have a backpack. It gets tossed in the stroller. I long for the day that we don't need those strollers, but also dread it! BetsyAnn: I have a four inch square purse that I have taken to the purse -- so then must but stuff! disneylove: I did breakfast Moley: I have not, MJ, but I was with an adult who did this last trip. SuzyQ: I order kids meals from time to time because I don't have a large appetite. LGCheri-Co: I have ordered a kids meal for myself, when I'm just wanting a snakie pooh and not a heavy lunch BarbD: Margaret if I order a meal it would be a kids meal but normally I share with Hubby, I had Gastric Bypass surgery 4 years ago so I eat very little WillCAD: I'm not a big eater (for a guy who weighs 250), but I always get an adult meal. MargaretJ: I have on many occasions order a kids meal for me. Especially kids breakfast at All Stars. disneylove: night all LGCheri-Co: * LGCheri-Co wishes she didn't have a large appetite Tagrel: My DW has ordered the kids meals. They didn't mind at all - she asked first. Moley: At Le Cellier. The server said it is not normally done, but she would allow it for our meal. Exit: disneylove LGCheri-Co: nite dinseyloe Enter: poly Moley: Counter service kids meals are never a problem. WillCAD: I try to get on a schedule, and eat at particular times each day, that way I don't need so many snacks in between. MargaretJ: So it seems many of your order kids meals at Sit Down restaurants. SuzyQ: Hello Poly! AliciaG: Hi Poly BarbD: I cant even finish a kids meal BetsyAnn: Hey Polly Moley: Hey there, poly!!!! poly: hi guys ! Tagrel: Do they still have meal tickets at AK? Tagrel: Hi Poly LGCheri-Co: Hi poly LGCheri-Co: they did last Sept Tagrel, and it was a great value MargaretJ: Do you try to save by eating your big meal at lunch when prices are cheaper? BarbD: AN example of what we would do is go to somewhere like Peco Bills, order a hamburger meal, I would take a small piece off it and I love those pickles so I eat lots of those Moley: brb phone call. SuzyQ: DH and I almost always eat a good breakfast (we think that the moderates have the best deals on hearty bfast) and a dinner with one snack (i.e., ice cream, cookies, fudge) between. Exit: Moley Tagrel: Those meal tickets were a good deal. Cheaper than the kids regular meal, and included water or popcorn and icecream later. BetsyAnn: Try to just do two meals a day at WDW WillCAD: The biggest way I stretch my food dollars is to eat at buffets. All you can eat. MargaretJ: We almost always try for the big meal at lunch. LGCheri-Co: I'll amen that one Will! poly: we avoid the buffets. our girls aren't big eaters and we pay adult prices for them. it is a waste MargaretJ: Will I have a hard time paying $50.00 for a buffet for 2. We like buffets like Boma though. BarbD: When I was heavy I use to love the buffets but now they stress me out because I cant take my left overs out with me. I generally eat and then eat a littel more a half hour to hour later LGCheri-Co: Our biggest meal is usually breakfast, my kids love the character breakfasts, so we fill up and just eat lite the rest of the day WillCAD: They took away my favorite buffet, though, Akershaus in Norway. Tagrel: We saved a LOT eatting at San Angel Inn and Le Cellier for lunch vs dinner. And it was PLENTY for us. AliciaG: Boma is well worth it! BetsyAnn: Good point Tagrel MargaretJ: Yes but $50.00 for a buffet is alot. BetsyAnn: Bomas - zebra domes YUMMMMM AliciaG: I'm not a big eater, but I think I got my money's worth at Boma poly: best lunch on property is Liberty Tree. portions are huge. my husband and i share the entree LGCheri-Co: I think the best buffet for your money is Trail's End Buffetteria Enter: Moley WillCAD: Most WDW buffets are now over $20, so I have been cutting back on them. But even the sit-down places are getting up there. BetsyAnn: how about just ordering a salad or soup and a dessert Tagrel: Everyplace seems so cheap after we get home from WDW! BarbD: I have never been to an AK lodge restaurant yet, Everyone talks so much about it so it must be good MargaretJ: San Angel Inn has a burrito that my son always has to have made special. It is enough for 2 when they make it by order. LGCheri-Co: what is a zebra dome? sounds like something stinky AliciaG: I think I had all 5 types of soup BetsyAnn: I got to agree with you about Liberty Tree for lunch poly BarbD: Moley did you fall out? SuzyQ: If you (adults) want to go to a buffet, but have kids, try asking for a side dish or kids menu instead. I worked at ohanas and we always let kids order macncheez for about $5 instead of kids buffet price. Moley: LOL, Cheri! MargaretJ: I loved Boma SuzyQ: That's funny, Tagrel, Del and I think Disney is so cheap compared to the prices in Seattle! Moley: No, I had a phone call. poly: when did you work at ohana SuzyQ? BetsyAnn: Zebra domes - chocaolte, mousey things with a little liquere in them Tagrel: we haven't tried Liberty Tree yet. Need to fix that this trip! WillCAD: Zebra Dome is a great chocolate mouse desert at Boma. It's fabulous! BarbD: SO true Suzy MargaretJ: Do you budget desserts for your trip? Moley: Especially good tip for little kids, Suzy. Tagrel: We live in a pretty low cost area! AliciaG: Zebra Domes are a chocolate/mocha mousse type thingy LGCheri-Co: that's good to know about O'hana's suzyQ, MargaretJ: My son thinks he has to have dessert after just about each meal at Disney. BetsyAnn: Yes - must have dessert! LGCheri-Co: ummm, I'm all about anything with liquour in it! BarbD: Margaret our desserts are from places like Main street Candy shop, or Frances Bakery. I really havent budgeted a trip yet but need to start since my husband lost his job this past Aug SuzyQ: Poly- I worked there for one year in 1996. BetsyAnn: Thanks Alicia -- I could not remember what else was in them LGCheri-Co: and chocolate is just icing on the cake! Moley: So sorry to hear that, Barb. WillCAD: Rainforest tends to be a little cheaper than most of the WDW restaurants. Big portions, too. Tagrel: I didn't know that Suzyq. I love 'Ohana, but the kids weren't thrilled. I can probably talk DW into that again now! MargaretJ: We are pulling for you Barb, need to be helping you plan. poly: ok, did you know marilyn ? BarbD: Suzy did you like working there? Im convinced someday Ill retire from my real joba nd move there to work, Even if its just to pick up trash Moley: We went to Disney one year right after Bob was downsized and we used many money saving tips and still had a wonderful time. MargaretJ: I find that I can trick my son into not eating so much if I let him have dessert. We share desserts. LGCheri-Co: I love Rainforest! But DON'T get the take home glass for your cooky drinks! $14 arghh BarbD: We went last May, it was my 40th birthday, there was no clue he would be laid off then either WillCAD: I never get desert when I eat in a restaurant. I never have room. MargaretJ: I too love Rainforest Cafe. I think they have good food & very large portions. BetsyAnn: lol LGCheri -- she loves the Rainforest drinks BarbD: We have rainforest here in Seattle but no where near as good as Disneys SuzyQ: Barb, I loved it!!! That's how I got my Disney bug. MargaretJ: What about going offsite to save for meals? LGCheri-Co: Crossroads is a great place for offsite dining Moley: If you have a car, that can work. Enter: DisneyPam BarbD: One time we went to Las Vegas and went to rainforest, my husband saw the Volcano and ordered it for us. It was enough for 6 people. We waisted so much food that day, lol LGCheri-Co: Hi DisneyPam BetsyAnn: Hey DisneyPam! DisneyPam: hey kids AliciaG: Not happened yet, we are too wrapped up in the whole Disney thing so far to leave the property. It would probably be a huge savings though WillCAD: Sonnys BBQ on 192, near Medeival Times. GREAT BBQ pork, beef, chicken, sauces, and cheap prices. Tagrel: There are a ZILLION restaurants just off property on 535 and (is it) 92. TONS Moley: Hey Pammy!! MargaretJ: I have to admit it, but we never have eaten offsite since we started staying onsite. Too many restaurants I want to try. BarbD: Suzy I love all Rainforests, Ive been to 4 of them but Downtown Disney is the best one so far Ive been to AliciaG: Hi Disney Pam! LGCheri-Co: Welcome to the Bang for your Disney Buck Chat, DisneyPam poly: We always seem to end up at the same restaurants- Tagrel: Hi DisneyPam MargaretJ: Alicia I agree with you. WillCAD: Tsk, tsk, saying that Crossroads is off-site is like saying Hillary Clinton isn't a politician. DisneyPam: I need to get bang for my buck LGC...since I don't have any bucks coming in at the moment! LGCheri-Co: I know one thing I am NOT leaving without trying this time. The Kitchen sink at Beaches and Cream. I don't care the price, I'm having me one of them! Moley: <snort> Will WillCAD: When you go off-site, go just a little farther and you'll find much better prices on food, souveniers, and everything else. BetsyAnn: oh Will Moley: Pammy, your green font is hard to read, darken it a bit. DisneyPam: Yeah...I realized that Moley... AliciaG: We've decided on that kitchen sink thing too, Cheri. How can we pass it up when we'll be right there? \ Tagrel: DW wants to try kitchen sink. We love B&C Moley: Bahama Breeze is supposed to be good. Think it is in the vicinity of Crossroads. DisneyPam: The problem with off-site, IMO, is that so many of the restaurants are the same thing you can get at home. If you're on vacation, don't you want something special to the area? MargaretJ: I love Beaches & Cream. Enter: DisneyChic MargaretJ: I agree Pam SuzyQ: We love B&C *with* Connection Vouchers! Moley: Hi DisneyChic! BetsyAnn: Hey DisneyChic LGCheri-Co: I've never been to Beaches and Cream, but after seeing it on Great Hotels, I Have to to WillCAD: Sure, Pam, but that's not the way to save money. MargaretJ: Any more ideas for food budgeting? Exit: AliciaG SuzyQ: Welcome DC! LGCheri-Co: Hi Disneychic, welcome to the Bang for your Disney Buck chat Enter: AliciaG Moley: oops, got to go. Thanks and night all! Tagrel: They are long ESCPECIALLY at 10pm. That is after Iluminations, and MANY people go there then. Try around 11am for lunch. Empty. Exit: Moley DisneyChic: Thanks, sorry I'm alittle late Tagrel: night moley! BarbD: in 1998 we tried to eat there and they said no food can leave the place and it was so booked solid, now they let you remove food form the premises but the lines are still so long LGCheri-Co: bye Moley AliciaG: chat wouldn't let me post, tried going out and in again. Tagrel: Hi disneyChic LGCheri-Co: AliciaG are you bouncing? AliciaG: Yes, it worked! AliciaG: NIght Moley MargaretJ: True Tagrel. A group of us had ice cream after the Illuminations Cruise & it was crowded. We ended up at takeout window & ate outside. DisneyPam: I suppose so, Will...but....I'd still rather either get something on-property or at least something with a local flavour AliciaG: Pretty much like Tigger, LGC MargaretJ: How about budgeting for souvenirs? LGCheri-Co: LOL Alicia AliciaG: Pins, Pins, Pins, they are my downfall poly: we wait and shop at DTD for our discount LGCheri-Co: I use my annual passholder discount or my disney club discount BarbD: Margaret now you caught me, I really have a problem there, Im a shopaholic and I have my first grandaughter. I couldnt resist. She was so cuit as Minnie mouse. BetsyAnn: Pins are a very dangerous hobby! WillCAD: I budget for souveniers buy buying everything in sight, then figuring out how much is left for food. MargaretJ: Oh Alicia I agree but I bought a few this year at the 75% off sale at Disney Store. Tagrel: Well, we would wait and buy everything at DD, using Amer Exp 15% discount. That's gone now... poly: pins- i bought tons of clearance pins in Jan and Feb for our trip AliciaG: The kids get their own souveniers, John and I usually will get one nice thing like a shirt or a watch, but those dang pins! LGCheri-Co: lol Will BarbD: Tagrel so is there no more discounts at DD? MargaretJ: I too shop at Downtown Disney to get that discount. BetsyAnn: Will SuzyQ: Pressed Pennies are a cheap one for kids. BarbD: I did get the 15% off with MK card, but thats gone, I have an american Express but thats gone too? poly: I have a CM friend taking us shopping in August -woohoo, big discount DisneyPam: But at least you can still get the 10% for DVC, can't you, Tagrel? Tagrel: I think the Disney Club still gets 10% until 12/31/03 LGCheri-Co: Did you also know that you get a discount at Rainforest Cafe with your annual pass and maybe disney clug Tagrel: If you are still a member. SuzyQ: We used our AP at DD for a discount at WoD BarbD: Ok it was 10 not 15%, Tagrel: And only at certain Disney owned stores (like World of Disney) BetsyAnn: * BetsyAnn raise her hand - still a member until 12/31/03 at DC MargaretJ: We are taking some newbies with us this year for part of our trip. One of the boys is 7 so I bought him an Autograph book, pen & little light up flashlight here. BarbD: How much is the AP discount? AliciaG: I was hoping the new Disney Visa would offer many of the same perks as the DC, haven't heard of any mdse. discounts yet though Tagrel: 10% for DVC isn't good at DD - only 'The Disney Store' BarbD: My DC expired 2/28 BarbD: I did get the new visa too LGCheri-Co: * LGCheri-Co raises her hand to Disney Club member till 12/31 also Tagrel: Me too, Alicia - Pretty sad that Amer Exp gave a discount, but not the DISNEY card! Geez. SuzyQ: AP is only 10% I think, but it is still a discount. MargaretJ: I also found that if you look in the back of most stores there are clearance items at Downtown Disney that can really save you money. Tagrel: we are good until the end of the year too. AliciaG: Yea, and Tagrel subliminally forced me to use it to get that darned pin Tagrel: in DC BetsyAnn: They loose money on me with the Disney Store discount! LOL DisneyChic: I love the clearance, I can buy more and more MargaretJ: DC member until 12/31/03 also. SuzyQ: OOOOh! I just remembered a great deal in DD, getting wine and whatnot at the Gourmet Pantry. Very inexpensive and lots of good selection. WillCAD: Nothing beats the markdowns at the Disney outlet stores off-site. LGCheri-Co: I can vouch for that Betsyann AliciaG: Yea, and you got a free lanyard with the white glove treatment too. Not much, but at least a token offer. Tagrel: hehehe. We charged the downpayment on our 2004 cruise. Now THATS a good first purchase. I should have gotten a BAG full of pins to sell on Ebay! MargaretJ: I usually buy Christmas presents during my summer trip. If you buy alot you can have shipped to your home tax free. BarbD: Man I want to go shopping now, DId you know California has a Downtown Disney too now? Too bad its still about 19 hours to drive there for me DisneyPam: I love the outlets...they're the best. And they just had a tent sale at Belz...Disney and Uni had tents - Disney was 70% off original price and Uni was 70% lowest price. BetsyAnn: SuzyQ the Gourment Pantry has some good stuff MargaretJ: Long drive Barb SuzyQ: Another way to find clearand items is to just ask a CM. We used to tell people all the time where we knew of discounts. MargaretJ: I read someone this week that a couple of Disney outlet stores in Orlando closed. SuzyQ: that would be clearance LGCheri-Co: DisneyPam, how do you get to the belz outlets? Is it near Crossroads? DisneyPam: Not anymore, BetsyAnn...they got rid of all the good stuff there. BarbD: We did the shipping thing, but it did take something like 5 or 6 weeks to get our stuf BetsyAnn: Really Pam! DisneyPam: Really, Margaret? Hmmm...I'll have to check that out. MargaretJ: I can not remember where I read it, but it was this week. BarbD: The no tax more than paid the fee to ship it BetsyAnn: I am bummed - one of my favorite places SuzyQ: Beltz outlets are just off I-4 - I believe the same exit as Universal, but other side of freeway. Tagrel: My wife says we are GOING to Beltz this year! MargaretJ: I got the Monorail 2 summers ago & had shipped home, it took less than 5 days. WillCAD: Belz is all the way at the north end of International Drive. It's a couple of miles north of Universal. DisneyPam: BetsyAnn...it is more like a glorified cafe now...they have almost no merchandise...just food. Didn't see much wine selection. Tagrel: Do that have a website? Beltz that is? LGCheri-Co: I think we pass them on I - 4 on the way in MargaretJ: For those of you who stay in Villas do you find that saves lots on food? WillCAD: All the malls where the outlets are have web sites. I have them saved, hold on I'll look them up. BetsyAnn: That is too bad -- I loved to shop in there! BarbD: Want to hear something funny but almost embarrising? My kids are grown and on their own now. I have more Disney toys now than ever when they was home. I have both Californi and WDW monorail, the California Adventure Roler coaster, the train., several rides that the monorail set off to work MargaretJ: I would think I would save by being able to bring food back & put it in the fridge. WillCAD: Here's Belz http://www.belz.com/factory/locations/orlando/ Tagrel: It can MargaretJ. We get lots of breakfast and lunch stuff. Usually eat out once per day. Or twice at most. AliciaG: Sounds like a fun place to play, Barb BetsyAnn: A frig would help with left overs< Margaret Tagrel: Cool Thanks Will! WillCAD: Here's Orlando Premium Outlets, just off I-drive near SeaWorld http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/store_listing.asp?id=17 SuzyQ: Gourmet Pantry has wine in the coolers in the back of the store. They aren't full bottles, but fifths. They also have champagne and pina colada (sans that ice). Only about $3-4 a bottle - cheap compared to the lounge. LGCheri-Co: You need a Disney ride room set up BarbD BarbD: MargaretJ: What about concierge? Does that really save you money? AliciaG: Will, you multi-task so well! Tagrel: Some people cook ALL their meals in the Villas, but we enjoy going out at WDW. BarbD: I have a disneyworld room out of one of the kids room and a Tigger room out of the other kids room Exit: DisneyChic Tagrel: I love having the fride and fullsize freezer. And a bag of Microwave popcorn while watching the Electric Water Pagent in front of WL is the BEST! LGCheri-Co: With the $500 I saved on my reservations, we can't eat out and it doesn't matter about the kitchen BarbD: Margaret we got to stay at COnsierge for free, after a few days we was so tired of the same exact foods for breakfasts, they did have dinner stuff there but we only made it back once in the hours they was open poly: Margaret, we eat breakfast in the lounge, take advantage of my pepsi adn water. DisneyPam: SuzyQ - have you been since they changed the store? I went the day after the change and was so upset that I may have missed that area. SuzyQ: Barb, I told you that we just moved by you . . .we are making one room our Disney Office! SuzyQ: OK, I'm back on track for saving. WillCAD: Here's the LBV Factory Stores (BEST outlets) http://www.lbvfs.com/ LGCheri-Co: I hate to cook at home much less vacation, so, double prizes for me! MargaretJ: poly do you find that you still eat dinner out? AliciaG: speaking of concierge...just found out today that food services might be limited during our first concierge stay, due to the move ;( SuzyQ: When did they change it, Pam? We went in February this year. poly: we ahve never eaten dinner in the lounge BarbD: ALicia I noticed at Beach CLub the consierge food was very limited in hours too poly: try to make it back for desserts MargaretJ: OK time is almost over for the official chat. DisneyPam: It was early March, I think...first week maybe MargaretJ: Any last minute tips to help us save at Disney. AliciaG: This is because they are moving the lounge from Hawaii building to Tahiti building during our stay BarbD: We did get nighly desserts too but after 6 days or so we was bored with little variety from day to day poly: alicia,it will be fine. they will be sure to please as the change is an inconvenience to guests BarbD: I say save money by booking with YMJ (If they cant save you money dont book it) , share meals and even treats so you can have more variety MargaretJ: Question about Brita bottles. Where can I find the filters? I found the bottles but not filters. SuzyQ: What a bummer, Pam. We were really looking forward to some cheap drinks . . . er . . .a lite apperatif! AliciaG: try drugstore.com BetsyAnn: I find filters at Target MJ DisneyPam: they might still have some of that Suzy...I'll try checking it out if I'm at DD anytime soon. MargaretJ: Thanks Alicia WillCAD: WalMart carries them MJ. So does Amazon.com. MargaretJ: I can not even find the bottles at Target here. BarbD: You know we didnt even rent a refrigerator for our water and Diet peps. We emptyed the honor bar and when we left we refilled it with their stuff, NO one complained to us aboutthat Tagrel: We saved a bundle on tickets by getting Annual Passes last August and then using them for this July as well. Not to mention hotel and restaurant discounts. Love the AP. Nice to come and go as you please. SuzyQ: GOOD idea Barb! BetsyAnn: If you don't find any MJ - let me know and I will look here BetsyAnn: I think so LGCheri and also lots of ice helps AliciaG: Love the AP, but it is so good at pushing my buttons and pulling my strings. DisneyPam: I agree with that Tagrel...I definitely give my AP a good workout! My Uni one as well. WillCAD: Yes Cheri. When I drink Disney water from the Brita bottle, it tastes just like a good bottled water. It's amazing. BarbD: We are lucky to save money at teh base, last time we got Stars and stripes passes I guess it was a good savings according to Tink 1 LGCheri-Co: but then you walk around with a purple mustache. LOL BetsyAnn: That is a great deal you got MJ MargaretJ: Thanks Betsy DisneyPam: mmmm....KoolAid from JellyRolls is great! ooops...wrong kind of KoolAid. ;-) MargaretJ: Well guys thanks for making our first Budget Chat here a great success. BetsyAnn: LOL Pam LGCheri-Co: ROFLOL DisneyPam SuzyQ: Thanks so my lovely co-hosts!!! BarbD: LG I agree, I come form WA state and our water is so good to drink right out of the tap. Florida water is bad AliciaG: Thank you guys. You were awesome hosts! I had a lot of fun. LGCheri-Co: Thanks MargaretJ and SuzyQ, you gals did great! poly: hear hear, Margaret !! BetsyAnn: You all just took part in the first Topic Chat at Sharing Disney Magic -- thank You! poly: way to go, SuzyQ BetsyAnn: Thanks SuzyQ, MargaretJ and LGCheri Tagrel: Thanks chat team! Glad I got to make it! Good stuff!!!! MargaretJ: I hate Florida water. My hair always looks like crap. BarbD: Good job chat hosts LGCheri-Co: Nite all! I've lives to save tomorrow! AliciaG: Woo Hoo, first official Sharing Disney Magic chat!!! SuzyQ: Barb, the first week I was living in FL, I almost couldn't take a shower because it smelled so auful to me! BetsyAnn: And next week Parks on Parade with Tiltawhirl, Moley and BetsyAnn BarbD: I just love this site WillCAD: Thanks, guys. This was a great chat.
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