Tips and Tricks on How to Save at Walt Disney World
Missy RyanNovember 17, 2016I love Walt Disney World as much as the next Mickey fan. I would go every month if my finances would allow me to (with all 5 kids and husband in tow)! If I was a Florida resident I would be sure that a life goal would be an annual pass holder. Eventually I would retire and extend my career by working part time at the park.Unfortunately, at the end of the day, when my magical bubble bursts and reality sets in, I remember I live in Maryland. Therefore my trips are not as often as I would like and my commute to be a cast member would not be ideal, obviously. With that being said, I have and continue to figure out ways I can save and cut corners in order to keep my travel to WDW alive and active. Having a large family as I do makes the saving challenge exactly that, a challenge! Being creative and patient is the key.Having young children allows me to take advantage of kids clothing sales. You would be surprised at the quality of the items and sometimes even new items sold at a fraction of the original cost. To make the sales even more beneficial, I also take advantage of selling items and clothing that my children have outgrown or no longer play with. With the checks we receive, we turn around and then buy a Disney gift card. Did you know that Disney gift cards never expire?! They can also be used to put a deposit down on your trip (WDW only requires $200), make payments, buy merchandise at the parks and food. To make the deal even sweeter, you can purchase the gift cards at Target or Sam’s with a small discount included when you use your red card or membership card. Some grocery stores offer gas points which ends up in free gas depending on how many you buy, but I enjoy the discount at Target best and love putting saved money back into the Disney jar. Keeping along the same lines, we also ask friends and family to give our children Disney gift cards for birthday presents, Christmas and other celebrations. Our children also do chores and are required to save half and the other half they can budget for Disney cards which they use for their own spending money. Cards can only be used for and in Disney so no dipping or spending them in other areas!
Couponing our way to Disney has been another huge help. If it is not on sale, we do not buy it. When we use coupons, we take the saved cash and again put it towards our trip. As a family we are very selective with what we buy and how our money is spent. We know if we splurge on a big ticket item it only sets us back further from our Disney goals.Planning for a trip takes time and thought. We research deals and start details as simple as clothing as early as possible. I have to admit, that is a big part of the trip I fully enjoy so it is very important I work matching shirts into the budget. I usually look for coupons to local craft stores where I buy T-shirts and create a Mickey themed short for everyone to wear. I also shop local stores like Target and Walmart. They typically have cheaper Disney themed shirts and when seasons are over you may get lucky and find a few on the clearance rack. I have found shorts as cheap as $1.00.It is never too early to stock up on discounted crafts, adhesives and shirts. This type of shopping will all help you with your long term goal.Thinking outside of the box will get you further than you think. Not everyone needs a traditional Disney autograph book. Bring a white pillow case, an ornament, shirt, doll, wooden letter that represents your name and a rainbow of sharpies. You will not save money, but your autographs will go a long way! How fun is it to see your tree sprinkled with autographed ornaments!?Recently an interesting tip has been circulating Facebook and Pinterest pages. It is being said that if you fill a 2 litter soda bottle with dimes that you are likely to reach a goal of $500-$700.00.
A few months ago I took on the challenge and decided when I pay with cash that depending on the change I would request it all be in dimes. I also have cashed paychecks and ask for 5-$10.00 be returned in rolls of dimes.Being as the dime is the smallest coin it is difficult to see much progress being made. However, I have to remember to be patient as my goal grows. With each dime, day, dollar, gift card and sale, I know as a family we are building towards our vacation goals.These strategies may not be for everyone and may need an individual and personal spin. They may take shorter for some to accomplish and longer for others. The idea is to have a plan and works towards it together, as a family.I am always eager to help families plan and begin their journey as they work towards their plan. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or added tips at missyr@wishesfamilytravel.comI look forward to helping you meet your goals for a magical family vacation!You may also follow me at FacebookHappy saving!!