[Chat] Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

[Gandalf75]

With money being tight for many people. What are the first things you cut back on when you visit DLR?

And are you local or far enough away to need a hotel?

I wonder what people are cutting back on and how different it is based on local vs. out of town.

[plagued]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

haha from the looks of the crowds during the summer, it seems like people actually CELEBRATED the recession by all going to Disneyland.. :X

[Red Leader]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

My girlfriend and I only eat on site unless it's absolutely necessary, otherwise we'll head off and eat lunch at In n Out.

[plagued]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

in seriousness, i wouldn't call it "cutting back" since i've always done it.. but i do try to not eat at the park. bringing in a couple bottles of water and some sandwiches/snacks can save me around $20 each visit (or going to McD's or In&Out offsite for a great $5 meal)

[brand42]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

I guess it means I'm doing alright when I haven't really cut back on anything. I'm local, btw.

[Datameister]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

I always have to be careful about not going too frequently, since I don't have an AP, and I'm not the wealthiest guy. On my average trip, I'll pay for public transportation (taking the cheapest route, even if it takes an extra 30-60 minutes), the park ticket (with a lovely discount), and one meal (complemented by homemade sandwiches, various little snacks, and a water bottle that I regularly refill for free). The average trip thus costs me something like $115, not including the food from home, which I would have bought anyway.

[WeWantsTheRedhead]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

My boyfriend and I are actually driving down from the Bay Area just do to a quick overnight trip. Mostly just to see the Halloweentime stuff. We plan on bringing pretty much all our own food, spending $0 on souvenirs. Between hotel, gas, and a little spending money just in case- it will cost us EACH $100. We split the cost of gas and the hotel room. We want to do a more extensive trip in December, so that's what we're saving for :]

[vfire]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

a water bottle that I regularly refill for free

Do you fill at the fountains? Those look nasty. Or can you ask a CM to fill it inside someplace more hygienic?

[Bob Weaver]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

Go on your birthday, taking just 1 person with you.
Stay at the Super 8 motel or some similar place.
Eat a huge breakfast, fill up on iced mocha at the 7-11, or eat at the Costco food court.
At the park eat only snacks, not whole meals - the Dole whip will keep you from getting hungry and thirsty, and will supply you with carbohydrates to keep you going.
Don't buy any souvenirs, just take pictures of ones you like and order them online later.
I guess now the park will never hire me.

[All4dISNEY]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

We've definitely cut back. Used to we'd hit the parks half a dozen times a year. This year we cut back to two family trips.

[h2opolodad]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

Instead of having AP all the time, we have gone one year with a pass, then one year without a pass. We definitely do NOT like the year without the pass, but i think it makes us appreciate the DLR more when we do have the passes.

[brand42]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

Do you fill at the fountains? Those look nasty. Or can you ask a CM to fill it inside someplace more hygienic?

If you don't like the fountains in Tomorrowland Terrace or the outside area of El Zocalo, for instance, you could also refill with water from the soda fountains in Redd Rocket's and El Zocalo, respectively.

[michelle*]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

I'm not tempted much by the souveniers. I have an AP and parking, so I just spend a few bucks on a snack and a drink.

[kaykay07]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

i dont eat at work lol so i can go to DL and get vinylmation dolls

[Sorcerer's Apprentice]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

Food, I could stand to loose a few pounds.

Do I really need another Disney Tshirt/jacket? But a few pins are required.

[splash114]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

We go to DLR every fall and probably won't make it this year. My wife and I are working the numbers and can probably hanldle a couple of nights at a hotel, but the tickets are a killer for 6 3-day park hoppers. Between my wife and I we're still employed, but have had to take a combined 32% cut in paycuts. So, some things will have to go. I think DLR will be a casualty this year. We went last year and got a great deal from priceline.com (The Hilton for $41/night). We bring fruit and water with us and utilize the lockers.

[HeyThere]

Re: Downsizing your DLR trips in this economy

Honestly, the recession hasn't hit us, thankfully. We still only do cheap one night trips, or day trips throughout the year and save for one all out trip.