Anniversary Trip on a Budget Pre-Trip Report

[WeLuvBuzz]

DH and I will be in the world November 8-15 to celebrate our 21st Anniversary. This trip took a lot of planning to pull it off due to financial constraints. Many years ago we decided to send our children to private high school. While it is worth every penny we spend, our tuition bills for high school and college this year will be over 50k. This puts a huge crimp in the vacation budget. Thus, with careful planning we are completing the whole trip for less than $61000 out of pocket. Below is how we will do it:
Airfare – direct flight from Cincinnati to Orlando paid for with frequent flyer miles. $0.00 out of pocket
Car Rental – Payless car rental $135 for the week. All but $10 of this will be paid with a visa gift card received as a present. $10.00 oop
Gas – received a $10 gas card for a promotion. As our total driving distance will be less than 40 miles total this should cover our needs. $0.00 oop
Accommodations – We own a timeshare and traded for a 2 bedroom, two bathroom, full kitchen, washer and dryer, balcony, and sitting area condo less than a mile from the main gate. While we would love to stay on site, this fits our budget. Our annual maintenance fee of $450 was paid back in January and I consider that a normal household expense as I pay it every year. The annual exchange company cost was paid for using credit card points. The exchange fee of $169 is applied to the trip. $169 oop
Condo Food – On the way to the condo we will pick up some cans of pop. adult beverages, snack items, breakfast items, and spaghetti for lunch. $50.00oop
Park Tickets – Several trips ago we bought 10 day MYW park hoppers with no expiration and wp& m. We still have 7 park days and 4 waterparks left and will use two theme park days and one wp day on this trip. $0.00oop
MVMCP – We will be attending on 11/11. Total cost of $107 and change was paid for using Disney Reward dollars. $0.00 oop
Meals/Parls – We have the following reservations/meals planned and what parks or other entertainment corresponds with the day
11/8 Arrive in afternoon and dinner at ESPN to watch college football
11/9 lunch and dinner at F & W Festival $80.00 (MGM/Epcot/MK)
11/10 lunch at waterpark $25.00 (waterpark visit)
11/10 Boma Dinner $80.00
11/11 Kona breakfast $35.00 (visit DTD and DVC tour)
11/11 Earl of Sandwich lunch $20.00
11/11 Pecos Bill Dinner $25 (MK for MVMCP)
11/12 O’Hana Dinner $80 (sleep in and visit resorts to shop & view dectorations)
11/13 Flame Tree Barbecue lunch $25 (AK/MGM/Epcot)
11/13 Le Cellier Dinner $80
11/14 California Grill Dinner $120.00 (whatever we want during the day)
Total $570.00 of which $400.00 will be paid using Disney Reward dollars
11/15 morning flight home
$170.00 oop

All of the above totals $399.00. That leaves $200 to cover any extra food/snack expenses that pop up and a few small souvenirs. I still think we can have a great time even if we are on a tight budget.

[TINKERBELL_82]

Thus, with careful planning we are completing the whole trip for less than $61000 out of pocket.

When I first saw this number I nearly fell on the floor! :laugh:

It sounds like you have a really great trip planned, and don't have to sarcifice much considering your budget! I'm a meticulous planner as well, and super budget concious too!

Have a great time on your trip!!