Spring Break '08:
Four Florida Escapes for Under $2,000

By Jackie Perrin

Got an itch to get out of town this Spring Break season?

If you’re wondering how far you can go on a limited budget, you may be happily surprised. While ascending airfares will claim a large portion of your Spring Break vacation budget at this late date, if you’re willing to drive—or cut a few days off your getaway—you can enjoy a great vacation on limited funds.

To help you make the most of your money and your time, we’ve rounded up four Florida family Spring Break escapes that are big on wow factor but low on pre-planning legwork. The price tag for each is just $1,700 or less for a family a four. Prices are for two adults and two school age children, ages 6 and 9

Experience: Family Magic at Walt Disney World

Where: Orlando/Lake Buena Vista, Florida
One-way drive time from western New York: 19 hours
The deal: $1,201 for four nights and five days at Walt Disney World Resort

What better time to visit Walt Disney World than in 2008, the Year of a Million Dreams? Through AAA, you’ll get four nights in a Value Resort (such as Pop Century, All-Star Music or All-Star Sports) and five day park passes for two adults and two children (with a free upgrade to Park Hopper Status and Water Park and More option). Add the basic dining plan (which includes meals and snacks), and you’re only up to $1,666—still well under budget and with money to spare for mouse ears.

Super souvenir: Custom Family photo book. ($50-$69). Download your favorite Disney vacation images (taken by a Walt Disney World photographer during your visit to the theme parks) to a custom classic bound photo book: See www.aaa.com (in western New York, www.nyaaa.com/travel/disney.html). To book a Magic Your Way package directly, call 407-824-4321 or visit DisneyWorld.com.

Planning pointer: Wondering how best to navigate the World with your kids? Visit www.disneyworldmoms.com and pose your questions to the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. In an online forum, the team of Walt Disney World-savvy parental advisors (eleven moms and one dad) answers your questions on everything from the best spots to breastfeed your baby in the theme parks to how to stretch a tight vacation budget.

Budget stretcher: From our friends at AAA: The least expensive times to travel to Walt Disney World Resort are early May, late August, the first two weeks of December, and the entire months of January and September. “I have had families travel in September for less then $1,700, with air included,” says one agent. “This is because normally Disney releases a “free dining” promotion for travel in September-and then they partner up with AirTran to offer discounted air on top of that! So it can be really a good time to go if you don’t mind taking the kids out of school.”

The limited time free dining plan has been announced. Book by June 22, for this special deal:
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/special/offerDetail?id=08_Q4FreeDineBroadCharacterOfferPage&bhcp=1

Experience: Aqua Adventure at SeaWorld’s Aquatica

Where: Orlando, Florida
One way drive time from western New York: 19 hours
The deal: $1,724 for four days SeaWorld Orlando theme parks (Sea World and Aquatica) and four nights four nights at Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld/International Center

Be among the first to experience SeaWorld’s Aquatica, a South-Seas-inspired water theme park, while staying at the #1 best value U.S. hotel for families (according to the TripAdvisor.com’s 2008 Traveler’s Choice Awards). The Residence Inn Orlando SeaWorld Aquatica Package includes length of stay tickets for two adults and two children ages 3 to 9, good for SeaWorld and SeaWorld Aquatica (opening April 4), accommodations in a 616 square foot one bedroom queen suite with a full kitchen, daily breakfast buffet, and full use of recreational facilities including a resort style pool, playground and basketball court.

To book: Call 1-800-889-9728 or visit the web site and request the “SeaWorld & Aquatica” package.

Travel tip: Ten additional Orlando Marriott properties and a number of other area hotels are participating in SeaWorld promotions. For more lodging and ticket options, visit the SeaWorld web site at http://www.MarriottVacationPackages.com/SeaWorld or call 888-922-7829.

Budget stretcher: If you’re looking to combine airfare with lodging, or require only a room, check out the deals at www.airtran.com and www.jetblue.com. As of mid-March 2008, the airlines were offering discounts of around $80 per room per night.

Experience: Stretch out in a spacious vacation home, and make your own Orlando itinerary

Already have your tickets for the theme parks? Have a big family or just in need of a respite from the crowds? Check out the rentals at All-Star Vacation Homes. Choose from 150 Orlando area homes and town homes, many with family-friendly amenities like game rooms and private pools.

Budget stretcher: The company is currently offering discounts ($150 off) on stays of five nights or more in select properties.

Travel tip: Before you go, check out the corporate blog at http://blog.orlandovacationnews.com, which offers some valuable (and low on hype) Orlando insider tips.

To book: Call 800-592-5568 or 407-997-0733 or visit www.allstarvacationhomes.com. For additional options, visit Discover Vacation Homes at www.discovervacationhomes.com.

More Orlando Ideas

Experience: Soak up sun, surf and solitude on the Florida Gulf

For surf, sand and solitude, head to Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast, rated the 2007 destination of the year by TripAdvisor.com. Anna Maria Island encompasses three beach towns: Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach and Anna Maria Island.

If you want to get a true taste of island living, and spread out with your family, consider a private rental property. For $800 per week, stay in a duplex on Holmes Beach, convenient to the Pier, shopping and free island trolley, which will deliver you to the beach pronto. Luxurious beachfront homes are pricier, but it’s possible to find a rental within your budget—like this bayfront three bedroom three bath Bradenton Beach home for $1,400 per week. Add some small change for sand toys, and you’ve got a bargain getaway.

Budget stretcher: Off season, when hotel and rental rates are lowest, typically runs from mid-August through mid-December. If you can travel during this period, you’ll save up to $500 on a weekly rental.

To locate a rental: Visit Florida’s Gulf Islands at www.floridasgulfislands.com.

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© 2008, Jackie Perrin

Jackie Perrin (a.k.a. Moms on the Move!) is a freelance journalist residing with her family in upstate New York's apple country. She contributes regularly to travel and parenting media.