$1550 (+ Airfare) 7-Night Budget Trip to Walt Disney World For a Family of Four

AS OF MARCH 2009

If you've read my "How Low Can You Go" article about taking a family of four to Walt Disney World on a budget of $1250, or even the article about the "upgraded" $1700 plan, you know the money doesn't go very far. Most people would not be willing to cut their vacation down to such a short visit and skimp so carefully.

Disney advertises that a family of four can do a 7-day vacation at Walt Disney World for $1600, but normally that includes ONLY hotel room and tickets, in the off season -- no meals or airfare.

However, there is one time of year when a family on a tight budget really can get a lot for a little money: during the "Free Dining" promotion. For the past several years this promotion has been offered for stays from mid-August through the end of September. In 2009, Free Dining is now being offered for stays August 16 through October 3.

The Free Dining package is the best deal of the year for a family on a tight budget. With this package, a "typical" family of four (two adults, two children under 10) can do an all-inclusive 7-night/7-day vacation at Walt Disney World for about $1550, plus the cost of airfare (or gas to drive to Disney World).

Here's how: book the Free Dining package with a 7-night stay in a Standard room at Pop Century Resort (or one of the other Disney Value Resorts), including 7-day Base Tickets. The Dining Plan (one table service, one counter service meal and one snack per day, per person) is included at no extra charge. If you're flying, the package includes Disney's Magical Express service, so your transportation to and from the airport is covered.

Your cost for the package should be right around $1,550 (plus tips on the free meals, which are not included).

Be aware that the price will be higher if you:

• add travel insurance (recommended since you're traveling in hurricane season on a vacation package).
• check in October 2 or 3 (those dates are in Regular Season, which has higher room rates).
• add any extras such as Park Hopping, Water Parks or No Expiration to your tickets.
• have kids 10 and older (their tickets cost more, bumping up the package cost).
• have more than four people age 3 or older in your family (Value Resort rooms only accommodate four, so you'll have to move to pricier accommodations).
• have more than two adults (18 and up) in the room (there is an extra charge for additional adults).

Also, if you have big eaters in your group, you may need to supplement the Dining Plan with additional meals, but most people find the plan includes plenty of food even though you're "only" getting two meals and a snack per day.

Be sure to budget a bit extra for incidentals such as bottled water (or you can use your "snack credits" from the Dining Plan for that) and souvenirs.

		To get the FREE Dining Package Offer, please contact Small World Vacations and request booking code RYH. You must book by 6/21/09!

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