SuzyQ
11-09-2005, 01:43 PM
Disney on a DIME
by Chris and Kristal Carlson
Reviewed by BetsyAnn & SuzyQ
Disney on a DIME is a refreshing way to approach a trip to Walt Disney World. It takes you through each part of planning your trip by giving you ideas on alternative travel and how each break down. From travel, rental cars, where you will stay, how to choose your room types, how to save money for the trip, food costs and how to pretty much fix a budget for your food, you will be able to make great money-saving decisions!
The authors guide you on how to make each choice based on the facts, your budget and not so much on your heartstrings. This book is all about making smart choices to make your dream of going to WDW come true.
We really enjoyed reading this book and found many reasons to recommend it. Here are the top 10 reasons why:
10. They offer great ideas on ways for you and your family to earn and save money for your WDW trip.
9. If you live within driving distance to WDW, they share extensive advice on how to budget air travel versus driving.
8. This book is easy to read. The authors are straight forward and to the point which allows the reader an opportunity to gather a lot of information with minimal effort!
7. While the authors state that this book is not meant to be a WDW guide book (with extensive descriptions of parks and resorts) they do offer valuable hotel descriptions to assist in making your resort decision.
6. The onsite vs. off site discussion is very well explained. There is no judgment on which is better - both sides are discussed pro and con - let your pocket book be your guide!
5. The list of 101 things to do for next to nothing at WDW – It is terrific to have stuff like that all in one place!
4. Every good travel book has packing lists - this book is no exception. The lists are extensive and comprehensive - if you are flying you may need to make choices about what to bring - but hey you have the list to make those choices by!
3. The Food Choices options also in Chapter 9 - ok let’s face it we just love chapter 9!
2. Chapter 9 - Sample Budgets! This shows you very concrete ways you can make choices.
1. For the first time Magic Your Way ticket options are written in a way that is easy to understand! Now that is saying something!
It would be good to note that when this book went to press, Disney was still developing the Annual Passholder Best Rate Program. So, if you are an AP holder and are interested in booking a room using these discounts, please refer to the Passholder website Walt Disney World Passholder Website (https://secure.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/passholdersGate?id=PassholdersGatePage).
For someone dreaming about a family trip or a solo trip for that matter, Chris and Kristal do a good job of helping you see that making your dream a reality is just a matter of planning. If you follow their tips we are sure you can save money on almost every part of your trip.
If you are looking for a planning book with a lot of common sense (cents) for those first time WDW travelers in your family or circle of friends, then we highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading Disney travel books, then tell Santa to add this to your list.
stickeypost
by Chris and Kristal Carlson
Reviewed by BetsyAnn & SuzyQ
Disney on a DIME is a refreshing way to approach a trip to Walt Disney World. It takes you through each part of planning your trip by giving you ideas on alternative travel and how each break down. From travel, rental cars, where you will stay, how to choose your room types, how to save money for the trip, food costs and how to pretty much fix a budget for your food, you will be able to make great money-saving decisions!
The authors guide you on how to make each choice based on the facts, your budget and not so much on your heartstrings. This book is all about making smart choices to make your dream of going to WDW come true.
We really enjoyed reading this book and found many reasons to recommend it. Here are the top 10 reasons why:
10. They offer great ideas on ways for you and your family to earn and save money for your WDW trip.
9. If you live within driving distance to WDW, they share extensive advice on how to budget air travel versus driving.
8. This book is easy to read. The authors are straight forward and to the point which allows the reader an opportunity to gather a lot of information with minimal effort!
7. While the authors state that this book is not meant to be a WDW guide book (with extensive descriptions of parks and resorts) they do offer valuable hotel descriptions to assist in making your resort decision.
6. The onsite vs. off site discussion is very well explained. There is no judgment on which is better - both sides are discussed pro and con - let your pocket book be your guide!
5. The list of 101 things to do for next to nothing at WDW – It is terrific to have stuff like that all in one place!
4. Every good travel book has packing lists - this book is no exception. The lists are extensive and comprehensive - if you are flying you may need to make choices about what to bring - but hey you have the list to make those choices by!
3. The Food Choices options also in Chapter 9 - ok let’s face it we just love chapter 9!
2. Chapter 9 - Sample Budgets! This shows you very concrete ways you can make choices.
1. For the first time Magic Your Way ticket options are written in a way that is easy to understand! Now that is saying something!
It would be good to note that when this book went to press, Disney was still developing the Annual Passholder Best Rate Program. So, if you are an AP holder and are interested in booking a room using these discounts, please refer to the Passholder website Walt Disney World Passholder Website (https://secure.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/passholdersGate?id=PassholdersGatePage).
For someone dreaming about a family trip or a solo trip for that matter, Chris and Kristal do a good job of helping you see that making your dream a reality is just a matter of planning. If you follow their tips we are sure you can save money on almost every part of your trip.
If you are looking for a planning book with a lot of common sense (cents) for those first time WDW travelers in your family or circle of friends, then we highly recommend this book. If you enjoy reading Disney travel books, then tell Santa to add this to your list.
stickeypost