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In Part Two of our Disney Vacation Showdown, Becky steps up to reveal her ultimate $5,000 Disney vacation plan. Will her magical itinerary outshine Lillian's? Tune in as Becky shares her strategies for enjoying enchanting experiences, mouthwatering dining, and unforgettable moments—all while sticking to the budget. Find out who comes closer to the $5,000 limit without going over, and join in the fun of this sisterly competition!

Port Orleans French Quarter with King Bed

November 4-9, 2024

6-Day Ticket no Park Hopper

With Disney Dining Plan (table service)

Total Available Credits: 10 SC, 10 QS, 10 TS

Bring granola bars & fruit for most breakfasts with coffee free from cantina with resort mugs

Day One: Monday 11/4

Arrive at hotel by noon - park, drop bags, secure passes

Bus to MK, ride as available

Lunch at Columbia Harbor House

Check into hotel around 5

Dinner at Boatwright’s Dining Hall at Port Orleans Riverside

Walk property after dark, maybe enjoy pool time

Keep it casual

2 QS

2 TS

Day Two: Tuesday 11/5

Epcot - guardians VQ

Beneigs for breakfast at Scat Cat

Other than guardians focus on food & wine & world showcase

Use snack credits at Food and Wine throughout the day

May take mid-day break back at hotel

Budget $80 for drinks (2 each @ $20 each)

Take advantage of one counter service credit with a drink for total of 3

7 SC

2 QS

Day Three: Wednesday 11/6

Hollywood Studios

Woody’s Roundup for Lunch - Table Service

Oga’s Cantina $40 for drinks

Dinner at Ronto Roasters - Ronto Wrap & Coruscant Cooler QS

Fantasmic

2 QS

2 TS

Day Four: Thursday 11/7

Magic Kingdom

Snack Credit breakfast cinnamon roll from Gaston’s Tavern - shared

Snack Dole Whips

Dinner at Liberty Tree Tavern

3 SC

2 TS

Day Five: Friday 11/8

Animal Kingdom

Lunch at Satu’li Canteen (rice & salad bowls)

The Animation Experience at Rafiki’s Planet Watch (included with park ticket)

After AK closes - Sangria University Experience at Animal Kingdom Lodge - $69-$79 each plus tax/gratuity - budget $200 (requires advanced booking)

Dinner at Sanaa at AKL - $22

2 QS

2 TS

Day Six: Saturday 11/9

Epcot - try again for Guardians - focus on Future World

Lunch at Sunshine Seasons (QS)

Dinner at Garden Grill

2 QS

2 TS

Total Food Credits

SC: 10

QS: 10

TS: 10

Package (hotel, tickets, dining plan) = $4,488.96

Tips at TS restaurants: $150

Additional Drinks $120

Sangria Event $200

Bread Service @ Sanaa $22

Total Vacation Cost: $4,980.96

By not having park hopper we were able to add an experience


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Part 1 - Lil takes the reins and lays out her ultimate Disney vacation plan. With a $5,000 budget, she crafts a magical itinerary filled with enchanting experiences, delicious dining, and unforgettable memories. Tune in to see how Lillian balances the magic and the budget, and stay tuned for Part Two where Becky presents her plan. Who will come closer to the budget without going over?
1 Base Tix 4 days - 627.69
1 BT 4d + MM - 812.69
Room only $2,185
Total $3,625.38
$140 for ILL
$919.50 food (including tax/tips)
$242 for extras
$46 Resort Mugs
Grand Total $4,972.88
Day 1 - DS/Resort - Stop @ Ft Wilderness by 8am for Horseback Riding! ($58.50 PP = $117) hotel @ 10:30am, check in & leave bags w/bell svcs - room prob won’t be ready - explore resort, take bus to DS. Walk around, lunch @ EET $40 (Bread Service $19.95, Boozy Slushy $12, Mango Lassi $5.95), boat to PO, explore, carriage ride ($65), beignets @ Scat Cat’s (3 Mickey Shaped for Nero $7.79, Baton Rouge w/RumChata for Lil $12.49) $21.50. boat to DS, bus to Coronado. Get luggage (give bell srvs $5), relax/enjoy the room. Go to Dahlia Lounge 8pm - watch fireworks, $61 (Shrimp Pil Pil $16.50, Calamari $16, Espumoso Punch $16). bed after that.
Day 2 - MK Tron ILL $40, Split a Cinnamon roll $6.99 from Gastons & 2 LeFou’s Brew $6.79 ($22 total), ride whatever we can (Peter Pan, Pirates, Haunted, Winnie, Small World, Carousel of Progress, Ppl Mover, Tiki Room, Thunder Mtn, Tiana’s), lunch @ Skipper Canteen $74 (Jungle Bird cocktail $15, Hardy Har Char Siu Pork $29, Cachacas $15), Try for Tron ILL for night time. Watch fireworks, late dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table ($84 pp, The Castle Flight $15) $230, hang out in the shops until crowds die down, bus to Coronado.
Day 3 - AK FoP ILL $30 Start w/Safari and work through other rides (Navi if the wait isn’t too long, Dino, Everest, Nemo and Fest of the Lion King). Lunch at Nomad Lounge (join walk-up list early!) $60 (Bread service $18, Pork Belly $15, Night Monkey Cocktail $15), train to conservation station to draw and pet some animals, then head out - search for DiVine on our way out! Bus to Jambo House, relax and explore the resort until we’re ready for dinner at Boma! $140 then go back to Coronado and possibly see fireworks from room
Day 4 - Rest - sleep in, relax by pool, Mosaic activity $50 ($25 each), bus to MK around 3pm and head to Poly to see if we can get into Trader Sam’s! (Kalua Pork Tacos $10.50, Dumplings $10, Skipper Sipper $6, Uh-Oa $26.50) $59, monorail crawl to walk around the resorts, then back to Poly to watch fireworks and elec water pageant from the beach - dinner @ Capt Cook’s $25 (Spicy Korean Chic Bowl $12.99, Thai Coconut Meatballs $10.49), monorail to MK and bus to Coronado
Day 5 - HS Rise ILL $40 Ride whatever we can, Ronto Wraps for lunch $25 for 2, Cold Brew Black Cat $6, Stop into free Chase card holder photo spot, Dinner at Brown Derby Lounge $55 (Escargot $19, Cobb Salad $25), watch Fantasmic then back to Coronado
Day 6 - EPCOT Cos Re ILL $30, check out of hotel before heading to park, leave bag at bell services. Ride whatever rides we can (especially Soarin), Stop into free Chase card holder photo spot, graze at Food & Wine Fest booths all day ($80 allowance), LaCava Avocado $21, explore world showcase, watch night time show and head home (after getting bag from hotel and tipping bell serv $5).

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This episode is slightly different from the rest, as we did not add a news segment at the beginning because... WE'RE IN DISNEY!!!! Yaaay!!!! Follow along on instagram for some highlights from our trip and sty tuned for our full trip report once we return!

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In this episode, Becky and Lillian dive into the enchanting world of character dining at Walt Disney World! From Cinderella's Royal Table to Chef Mickey's, they explore all the magical dining experiences where guests can enjoy delicious meals while interacting with beloved characters. Join them as they share insider tips, highlight their favorite character interactions, and provide recommendations for making the most of your character dining experience.

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1900 Park Fare

• Breakfast $54 Adult, $34 child
• Dinner $66 Adult $41 child
• Aladdin, Cinderella, Taina & Mirabel

Akershus - Epcot, Norway Pavilion in WS

• Princess Storybook Dining
• Breakfast $35 child, $55 adult
• Lunch & dinner $43 child, $67 adult
• Do check the menu, especially if you have picky eaters - buffet style

Cape May Cafe - Beach Club Resort

• Characters only at breakfast (Minnie & Friends in beach attire)
• Breakfast $30 child, $47 adult (dinner without characters is $27/$47)
• Buffet

Chef Mickey's - Contemporary Resort

• Classic Disney Fab 5
• Breakfast $34 child, $54 adult
• Dinner $66 adult, $41 child
• Buffet

Cinderella’s Royal Table - Magic Kingdom

• Princess Dining
• Breakfast $42 child, $69 adult
• Lunch & Dinner $84 adult, $49 child
• Menu to choose from

The Crystal Palace - Magic Kingdom

• Winnie the Pooh and Friends
• Breakfast $30 child, $48 adult
• Dinner $61 adult, $40 child
• Buffet

The Garden Grill - Epcot the Land Pavillion

• Rotating Restaurant
• Mickey, Goofy, Chip & Dale
• All you can eat family style
• Breakfast $30 child, $47 adult
• Dinner $62 adult, $40 child

Hollywood & Vine - DHS

• Disney Jr. Stars Breakfast
• Minnie and friends Seasonal Dining for lunch and dinner
• Buffet
• Breakfast $30 child, $47 adult
• Dinner $63 adult, $40 child

‘Ohana - Polynesian Resort

• Lilo & Stitch Breakfast only
• All you can eat family style
• Breakfast $30 child, $49 adult
• Dinner $62 adult, $40 child (No characters)

Ravello - 4 Seasons Resort

• Goofy and Friends only Thursday and Sunday at Breakfast
• Buffet
• Breakfast $32 child, $52 adult (Children are ages 3-12 at Four Seasons!)
• Decent option if the times work, you’re staying off property, and you have kids up to age 12
• No Disney Dining Plans Accepted

Storybook Dining at Artist Point - Wilderness Lodge

• Snow White, 2 of 7 Dwarfs, option to meet Evil Queen
• Dinner only
• Dinner $65 adult, $39 child

Topilino’s Terrace - Riviera Resort

• A la Cart breakfast with Mickey and Friends
• Adult $49, child $30

Tusker House - Animal Kingdom

• Buffet
• Mickey and Friends on Safari
• Breakfast $30 child, $47 adult
• Dinner & Lunch $62 adult, $40 child

Hoop De Doo - Fort Wilderness (honorable Mention)

• All you care to enjoy family style
• Dinner Theater
• Dinner Only
• Adult $66-74, Child $39-44

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• Categories:
  • DVC Villas
  • Deluxe
  • Moderate
  • Value
• DVC
  • Boulder Ridge
  • Copper Creek and Cabins
  • Polynesian Villas and Bungalows
  • Boardwalk Villas
  • Villas at Grand Floridian
  • Old Key West (1st DVC Property!)
  • Saratoga Springs
  • Riviera
  • Bay Lake Tower
  • Animal Kingdom Villas - Kidani Village
  • Animal Kingdom Villas - Jambo House
  • Beach Club Villas
• Deluxe
  • Grand Floridian
  • Contemporary
  • Polynesian
  • Beach Club
  • Boardwalk Inn
  • Yacht Club
  • Wilderness Lodge
  • Animal Kingdom
• Moderate
  • Carribean Beach
  • Coronado Springs
  • Port Orleans - Riverside
  • Port Orleans - French Quarter
• Value
  • All Star Sports
  • All Star Movies
  • All Star Music (Family Suites option)
  • Pop Century
  • Art of Animation (Family Suites option)
• Perks to staying on property
  • Extra Magic Hours (some Good Neighbor hotels like Swan and Dolphin also benefit from EMH)
  • Disney “Bubble”
  • Transportation
  • Quality/Consistency - you know what you’re getting
  • Wonderful customer service/Pixie Dust moments
  • Free parking
• Cons to staying on property
  • Expensive!
  • Can’t escape Disney if you’re sick of it and need a break (I’ve never had that problem)
  • Crowds - especially All-Star resorts - cheer competitions, etc.
  • Over-the-top theming - not everyone’s cup o’ tea
  • It can be nice to have access to full kitchen/multiple bathrooms, outside of park transport with larger family or if kids get sick
  • Can be very expensive with larger family as you may need multiple rooms
• Good non-Disney alternatives
  • Lake Buena Vista Resort and Spa
    • Multi-bedroom same price as value room most of the time
    • Pirate ship pool
    • Close to restaurants & shopping
  • Air B&B, VRBO
    • Real house
    • Private pool
    • Plenty of space

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Genie+/Indiv LL

• $15-39 pp/day
• ILL $7-23 pp/ride

• Savi’s Workshop
  • $249.99
• Droid Depot
  • $119.99
• Tron
  • $89.99
• Lego Minifigure Factory
  • $11.99
• Magic Bands/+
  • $35-64 (resort guests get discount if ordered ahead of time)
• After Hours Events
  • Mickey’s not-so-scary Halloween Parties
  • Glow Parties
  • After Hrs Events
  • Xmas Parties
• Desert Parties/Fireworks Dinner Pkgs
  • Seats & Sweets
    • Adults $119-129
    • Kids $75 (3-9 yrs)
    • Need park ticket
  • Pre/post fireworks dessert party
    • Adults $99-109
    • Kids $59
  • Celebration At the Top - Sip, Savor, Sparkle
    • California Grill at Contemporary
    • $129 pp
• Memory Maker Photo Package
  • $185 Adv purchase, $210 day of
  • $75 for 1 day
• Pontoon Boat
  • Up to 10 ppl
  • $49/half hr
  • Available at
    • Bay Lake Tower/Contemporary
    • Beach Club
    • Grand Floridian
    • Yacht Club
• Canoe & Kayak Rentals
  • Ft Wilderness
  • $15 pp
• Fishing @ Port Orleans
  • Indiv $6, Fam up to 6ppl $15
  • 30 mins
• 2 or 4 hour guided fishing excursions up to 5 ppl
  • $235-455, $100 per Addle hr
• Surri Bikes
  • 2-4 ppl
  • $25/half hr
  • Available at
    • Boardwalk
    • Old Key West
    • PO Riverside & FQ
    • Saratoga Springs
• Bike Rentals
  • $9-20
  • Available at
    • Boardwalk
    • Old Key West
    • PO Riverside & FQ
    • Saratoga Springs
• Mini Golf
  • Adult $19
  • Kids $12
• Golf Courses
  • $50-150
• Horse-drawn Carriage Ride
  • Ft Wilderness & PO Riverside
  • $65
  • 25 mins
  • 4 adults or 2 adults & 3 kids
• Pony Rides - Tri-Circle D Ranch@Ft Wilderness
  • $10-15
  • Ages 3+
  • Under 80lbs, 48" and shorter
• Horseback Riding - Tri-Circle D Ranch at Fort Wilderness
  • $65 pp/45 mins
  • Ages 9+
  • 250lbs and under, 48" or taller
• Archery - Fort Wilderness
  • $49pp/75 mins
  • Ages 7+
• BBBoutique
  • 3-13 yrs
  • Packages:
    • Carriage $99.95
    • Castle $199.95
    • Deluxe Castle $229.95
    • Signature $450.00
    • Encanto $179.95
    • Knight $20.00
    • Deluxe Knight $79.95
• Harmony Barber Shop - Main St. Magic Kingdom
  • My First Haircut $28
  • Child's Cut starts @ $20
  • Adult Cut starts @ $21
  • Beard Trim $8

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Get ready to do Disney on a budget! Becky breaks down some different ways to visit the Most Magical Place on Earth without breaking the bank. From finding affordable accommodations and dining options to making the most of free or affordable activities and entertainment, she offers practical advice to help you plan a budget-friendly trip to Walt Disney World. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Disney veteran looking to save some money on your next trip, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you make the most of your Disney vacation budget.

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Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids ages 3-9)

• as inexpensive as possible
• Tickets $400-600 pp depending on pkg & dates Total: $1,600-$2,400 - we're basing our numbers on the lower cost 4-Park Magic Tickets
• Based on pricing for 9/15-9/19/24

Rosen Inn International $73/night ($396 total)

• Basic motel room
• Safe & clean
• Groceries $70
• 2 QS meals/day $336-416
• Snacks $6 pp/day = $96
• Total food for 4 days $502-582
• Parking $120
• Total $2,698

Lake Buena Vista Resort Village & Spa $130/night +property fee ($698.28 total)

• 2 bedroom suite
• Full kitchen
• Fun pool
• Washer/dryer
• Groceries $150
• 1 QS meal/day $168-208 total
• Snacks $96
• Total food cost $414-454
• Parking $120
• Total: $2,863.28

Air B&B $125/night $742 total

• 3 bedrooms
• Private Pool
• 30 min from Disney
• Entire House
• Groceries $150
• 1 QS/day $168-208
• Snacks $96
• Total food costs $414-454
• Parking $120
• Total $2,916

All Star Sports

• Room & 4 Day Package with Quick Service Dining Plan - $3,436.64
• Groceries - $40 (cereal, fruit, some snacks, water, juice boxes)
• Milk at the food court - $5 for 2 low-fat milks total $20
• Total: $3,496.64

Other factors to consider

• Driving vs flying
• Tickets will be cheaper if you are a FL resident
• If flying, car rental or ground transport
• if grandparents tag along, you can get a 3 bedroom at Lake Buena Vista Resort Village and Spa for about $30 more a night and share the room cost.
• Time of year/ deals being offered

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Join Becky & Lillian as they dive into the world of dining plans at Walt Disney World! They break down everything you need to know about Disney's dining plans, including how they work, the different options available, & the best tips and tricks for maximizing your dining experience. From choosing the right plan for your dining preferences to making the most of your dining credits and snagging coveted reservations, Becky and Lillian share their insider knowledge to help you plan the perfect dining adventure at the Most Magical Place on Earth.

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Price (as of 4/1/24):

• Quick Service (2 QS & 1 Snack per night of stay)
  • Adult $57.01
  • Child $23.83
• Disney Dining Plan (1 Table Service, 1 QS, and 1 Snack per night of stay)
  • Adult $94.28
  • Child $29.69

*All dining plans include 1 refillable resort mug pp for duration of stay - retails for $21.99 +tax

Valuation of meals:

• Adults:
  • TS $60
  • QS $23
  • Snack $6
• Children:
  • TS $12
  • QS $7
  • Snack $6
• Need to be staying on-property & buy package or be an Annual Passholder and apply AP discount

Who could benefit?

• • already plan on eating at Disney restaurants and/or at the parks
  • enjoy an adult beverage with meals
  • have children ages 3-9
  • prefer all-inclusive feel

Who should skip it?

• • plan to bring/cook your own food
  • don’t enjoy alcohol or specialty beverages
  • don’t like character dining
  • family doesn’t eat much/like to skip meals
  • on a tight budget
  • planned to order off the kids menu instead of full-priced QS
  • planned to share meals w/ partner/friend

Best ways to optimize meal plans

• • Use table service for character meals (but NOT breakfast because it’s cheaper)
  • Avoid 2 credit experiences! Those include:
    • Cinderella’s Royal Table (all meals)
    • Be Our Guest (lunch & dinner)
    • Storybook Dining
    • Akershus (lunch & dinner - bfast = 1 credit)
    • Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue
    • Le Cellier
    • Tiffins
    • Flying Fish
    • Hollywood Brown Derby
    • The Boathouse
    • Jaleo
    • Paddlesish
    • Jiko
    • Morimoto (dinner only)
    • Narcoosee’s
    • Citricos
    • Cape Town Lounge
    • Toledo
    • Topolino’s Terrace (dinner only)
    • Yachtsman
  • Get adult or specialty beverage w/every TS and QS meal
  • Use QS credits for entrees $15 and above
  • Don’t use snack credits on anything under $6
  • Visit QS without children’s menus so you may order a regular entree

Other tips:

• Gratuity is NOT included! Don’t forget to tip for Table Service!
• Save 5-6% on gift cards at stores like Target, BJs, Sam’s Club & Costco
• Make advance dining reservations ASAP
• Credits expire @11:59 pm on day of check out - may use remaining credits after check out
• Mugs may only be refilled @ resorts
• Everyone registered to room has to opt in & applies for entire length of stay.
• Children on dining plan must order off children’s menu