I am a Disney World fanatic. I go there every single year anywhere from 1 to 3 times. Well I’m also a frugal living expert and I’ve learned ways to save money so I can keep taking a Walt Disney World resort vacation year after year. It is possible to take a Disney World vacation on a tight budget….. So let me help you with some ways to get up the cash to go!
1) Set your goals. You’ll need to determine the total amount needed for travel. Then, divide that amount by the number of weeks or months you have until your trip. Now you’ll know how much you’ll need to save so you can stay on track. Set your monthly and weekly goals and write them down.
2) Save your coins. Over the next 6 months to 1 year (depending on how long you have before your big event) spend only “paper money” and each night you and your spouse will empty coins in a special piggy bank. Be sure to find a picture of your vacation spot and tape it to your jar for a good reminder. Make deposits into a vacation savings account at your local bank on a monthly basis
3) Use a rewards credit card. This particular method requires nothing on your part except a small change in your bill paying habits. Ok, 1st make a list of all of the bills that you pay on a monthly basis. Contact each one and find out if they accept Visa or Master Card for payment. Now use a “rewards” card (The Capital One No Hassle Card is a good one but Chase and Discover all have rewards cards as well) to pay all of your bills every month (no more online bill pay where you receive nothing at all for doing so & no more writing different checks). If you’d like even more “rewards” pay ALL of your expenses each month using your rewards credit card. Be sure to pay off the balance each month. If you carry a balance from month to month then the interest will negate your rewards so you have to be disciplined to use this method. Now use your rewards to pay for your airline ticket or travel expenses.
4) Cut something out. Go through your budget and your expenditures and look for things you can cut out. If you aren’t sure where all of your money is going work with your spouse to save EVERY receipt over a 2 week period. Afterwards you’ll have a good idea of what you can eliminate and then save that money. You’re looking for things like: dining out, coffee shop stops, take- out food, video rentals, cable tv etc. Don’t think of it as an elimination of something you like. Consider it a trade for a trip instead. Ask yourself, “Would I rather stop for coffee or go on vacation?” If you aren’t disciplined consider post it notes in your car, on your computer and on the refrigerator as little “reminders.”
5) Involve the Kids in your plan. It’s easy for moms and dads to cut things out but when it comes to kids parents frequently hear “I’m starving” or “I’m thirsty” when rushing from school to ballet lessons, for instance, and they just can’t say “no.” Engage your kids in the vacation plan and come up with a strategy to avoid pit stops for fast foods and pricey drinks at convenience stores. Consider keeping a cooler in your car with drinks and energy bars to keep everyone happy until you get home.
Have you heart about my series Disney World on a Tight Budget?
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 1
- Deciding when to go, best months for vacation, park crowds, weather, swimming etc
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 2
- What to bring with you on your trip, rentals, Disney clothing, foods, Disney vacation club rentals (included checklists I’ve made)
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 3
- Where to stay, free hotel breakfast or stay on Disney property with Disney free transportation, deals, how to find them
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 4
- How to save $ for your trip, coupons, rebates, cutting back, using credit cards with reward programs
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 5
- Should I drive or fly, pros and cons, costs involved
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 6 A (big topic 2 parts)
- What to do when I get to Disney, Kid friendly fun, planning out your vacation days
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 6 b
- What to do when I get to Disney, Kid friendly fun, planning out your vacation days
Disney on a Tight Budget Part 7
- Purchasing Disney World Theme park ticket, deals etc
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