Almost every child and child at heart wants to visit Disney at least once. But your bank account is screaming. Right now Disney is doing everything possible to get more visitors but when I reviewed the “deals”, a family of four is still looking at $2,895 for 5 days with a park hopper pass, 2 quick service meals a day and an upgraded room that includes a mini kitchen at a value Disney hotel. Then add in your travel costs. Disney is a great company and who wouldn’t want the “guest attention” that one should receive on each visit but in today’s economy, what’s a parent to do?

Orlando is one of the greatest places for finding alternative housing – there are scads of houses and condos for rent – and usually for around $600 for a week - that’s one more night than the Disney deal. You would still save after paying to park on a daily basis in the themed areas. Condos and timeshare rentals are great because they are usually spacious and have a lot of amenities that are useful for keeping kids and adults alike relaxed and together. My personal favorites are Marriott and Hilton Resort Vacations – usually I can find a timeshare rental for about $125 a night and they have so much to keep the kids entertained. (Rentals do not require listing to the presentations!) This also keeps the vacation cost low since you can eat some of your meals at the condo rather than having to eat every meal out. We usually plan one meal in each day for 3 days and 2 meals in for 3 days. There’s grocery shopping less than ½ mile from both resorts and the meals don’t have to be excessive. Just eating breakfast in or grabbing pizza for dinner on the way back from a day of sightseeing can mean a big difference but they all have grills as well as full kitchen facilities so get fired up for your favorite burger or steak.

I then suggest that you buy a 1 day pass to DisneyWorld (which is running $79. as of today but looking around for deals can possibly save you about $5.) I don’t suggest you do Disney on the first day – build up to it to make it unforgettable. Make the most of the “Disney Day” by getting an early start and staying for the fireworks – they are truly fantastic. On another day, plan to take in a meal at Disney Downtown, this can take the place of a meal out as well as some really fun sight-seeing. The kids will want souvenirs but they’ll have a lot of fun and you won’t have to carry the souvenirs around all day at the park. Think of it as a huge outdoor mall with unique stores and sights.

Next add a SeaWorld/Aquatica package for $89.00 if bought online. It’s actually an unlimited pass for 14 days so play away no matter how long you stay.

For added fun get a Boggy Creek Airboat Ride for $21.75 per person, a ticket for the Morse Museum (an absolutely beautifl collection of Tiffany glass & artworks – including the full size chapel Tiffany built for the world’s fair) which adds another $3.00 and finally a dinner show ticket for the Pirates Dinner Show ($43). If you’re into it you could add in a Ripley’s Believe It or Not ticket for just $17.75, it won’t break the bank or a Kennedy Space Center ticket for $36.50 but definitely cut something else – this is a ¾ day trip.

Of course you have the swimming pool and hot tub where you are staying – with no extra charge and if you chose a timeshare resort – there are almost always activities like movies, ping pong, video games, weight rooms, etc.

Housing $600.

Entertainment tickets $815

Parking $ 30.

Food $450.

Total $1,895 or $79. a day per person INCLUDING FOOD