My mil has enough airline miles to fly the 4 of us down to Florida, and to cover the cost of a nice hotel with suites plus a rental car. We would probably stay a week.

About how much money do you think a family of 4 will need to pay for food and admittance to Disneyworld, Epcot, etc?

If we go in November my dd would be free one day on her birthday so that should help a bit.

If you go book by 7/26 and go before 10/3, you can get the dining plan for free. This should give you all the info you need Walt Disney World&reg - Walt Disney World&reg - Special Offer

ETA: we're going next Sunday- that's the only reason why I know this! LOL!

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Disney dining plans are only availble to people staying in Disney hotels.

I wouldn't use the Birthday free ticket. You will do better getting the merchandise card that day which would give you $75 to spend in the parks (on that day only at selected stores) that could cover some nice suveniers for your kids. I say this because you are going to need multiple day passes anyway and say you got a 7 day pass for everyone and only a 6 day for the birthday girl, you would be saving far less than the $75. Be sure to register the birthday girl online before the trip.

I am not sure how much the tickets are but you can easily find the price online at Disney.com. As for food, I would count on at least $150 a day unless you are able to eat some meals in the hotel.

I am going to Disney in August and am looking for any good pointers and money saving options! Thanks!

If she can get a disney hotel then you could get the dining plan free, that would be a huge savings!

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt

Disney meals are quite large, often to big for kids to finish. We often have our kids either share or I will get a salad and share the kids meals with them. Souveniers at disney are expensive. If possible, pick some up before you go and give them to the kids when you get there. If you plan to collect autographs, I highly recommend buying the books ahead as you will often find many characters at the gates and will miss a great opportunity if you have to run around looking for a book once you enter the park.

I like to give my kids disposable cameras to take their own pictures while we are there.

Many people bring water into the parks but it is unnecessary. A glass of water is free at all Disney restaurants and many stands. Just be sure to ask for a glass of water and not the bottled stuff.

We always bring cereal and poptarts with us for the kids for breakfast. Dh and I will pick up a muffin or something small. Not only does this cut down on expenses but it allows us to get moving quicker.

When the boys were little I used to bring a small container of bubbles to keep them occupied in the cheque lines.

[If you plan to collect autographs, I highly recommend buying the books ahead as you will often find many characters at the gates and will miss a great opportunity if you have to run around looking for a book once you enter the park.

I like to give my kids disposable cameras to take their own pictures while we are there.

Many people bring water into the parks but it is unnecessary. A glass of water is free at all Disney restaurants and many stands. Just be sure to ask for a glass of water and not the bottled stuff.

Thanks! Great ideas!

Also, my kids are 6 and 3..what are things that people suggest we MUST do an what can we pass on?

You should check out tripadvisor, they will have a lot of advice for you.

Epcot: One attraction I would recommend for your kids is the Kim Possible missions at the World Showcase. My 7 yo loved that. Also Innovetions has a lot of neat stuff for kids. The Living Seas is great for kids too.

Magic Kingdom: Don't overlook Tom Sawyers Island. This is a great spot for kids that many people miss. Also the TTA ride near Buzz lightyear is fun for little ones. If the Dumbo ride is to long, you might try Aladins carpet ride which is basically the same thing. Forget the Swiss Family Robinson Tree house, alot of climbing for nothing.

Disney Studios: The Animation studio is quite fun for kids. The voyage of the little mermaid is also a good show. Don't miss the muppet 3D show and the Honey I shrunk the kids Playground.

Animal Kingdom: Kilominjara safari is a must. Also, Rafikis jungle trek (I might have the name wrong) is worth the train ride for kids this age as are the animal walks near the safari. The bugs life 3D will likely scare the kids so you might want to bypass that. There is also a good playground in dinoland.

I left out the main attractions because I know others will guide you to them

There are a number of websites with people who are a little over-consumed with Disney, but they certainly can provide you with a lot of information.

With little kids, I love the convenience of staying on site - it just makes our life easier because we aren't stuck in traffic, we can go back to the room and rest - all over a better deal. I don't think you can use miles for rooms in Disney, but you might check out using them at the Swan or Dolphin hotels - both very nice and on-site, but they aren't Disney owned? However, I do think they have the buses that can take you around, and you can walk into Epcot or the Studios. We love taking a break in the afternoon and recharging so we can stay up for fireworks. Even my 3 year old was still awake most night this year after we took a late nap.

If you want some great pictures, try to book a character meal or two. That was a huge hit with little kids. The Disney site has links into them, and will tell you what characters will be there. You do have to call at 7am (Florida time) 90 days before to get a reservation. I wouldn't spring for Cinderella's castle, but if you have a princess, there is a nice meal in Epcot where you get to meet 5 of the princesses - I think it was around $100 or more for my family of 5, but we were on the dining plan. You can find menus with prices for every restaurant on the properties on some of the websites.

This is not a trip to fly by the seat of your pants - planning is key. I had the first trip planned for us by a pro, and it really took the pressure off. I learned a lot and was able to get us through the second trip without any problems. I loved the Disneyworld trips - my kids talk about it every single day, so it was worth every headache and all the money spent. Have fun!!!