How to Plan A Disney World Vacation On A Budget

Our Family Trip 9/08

Saving money on your next trip to Disney World is much easier than you may think. My family and I have gone twice in the last year and are planning our next trip right now. I have been to Disney World 8 times in 10 years. There are many things you can do that are easy to save a bundle and make your trip hasslefree. Have the best vacation of your life.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with internet access
• a little spare time

Instructions

1. 

   Always Book through Disney! I am on my 8th trip, always cheaper, better deals!
   First is accomidations, personally I think the value resort is the best option because you are never in your room. As long as it is clean and comfortable you are set. By the time you get bac at night from the par you are ready to sleep. I reccomend Disney's Pop Century Resort because it has it's own bus from the parks. The three ALL STAR Resorts share a bus so seating can be a hassle.

2. 

   Now for your tickets, Two words- HOPPER PASS!! I don't care if you are there 2 days or 10. You can go from park to park no sweat. I personally have bought the Waterparks and more, however never again. I feel it is a waste of money. If you want a waterpark go to a waterpark. The money you saved with the value resort will cover the difference for the Hopper pass and then some.

3. 

   Next the dining plan. I suggest The Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining Plan because you can go to select caracter dining locations with the kids. They love eating with the Disney crew floating around and the caracters make it a once in a lifetime experience. If you book around March you can get the dining free in August and September travel Last year 2 adults 1 Child for 9 nights 10 days at value resort with airfare was $2127.57. Free dining was the best!!
   This includes:
   Room accommodations of your choice
   The room accommodations you select are included in the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining.
   Magic Your Way Base Ticket
   All Magic Your Way packages include a Magic Your Way Base Ticket for entry into one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks for each day of your ticket. Customize your ticket by adding days, the Park Hopper® Option, the Water Park Fun & More* Option or the No Expiration Option in any combination that meets your needs.
   One table-service meal per person, per night (ages 3+)**
   One adult table-service meal includes one entrée and one dessert (lunch or dinner only), one juice (breakfast only) and one single serving non-alcoholic beverage, or one full buffet.

   One child table-service meal includes one appetizer, one entrée, one dessert (lunch or dinner only) and one single serving non-alcoholic beverage, or one full buffet.

   Two table-service meals will be redeemed per person dining for Private Dining, Cinderella's Royal Table, Dinner Show or Signature Dining

4. 

   Lastly if you are flying be sure to check around for the best deal on tickets and watch for baggage fees- Southwest is economical and lets you check 2 bags per ticket free.
   Magical express is the way to go!!

   Skip baggage claim! Let our complimentary Disney's Magical Express service** take your luggage from the plane straight to your room at the Walt Disney World® Resort while you ride in hassle-free comfort to your Resort hotel. Add this service to your vacation today! We also offer rental cars, limo, and town car services. Just select the Add Ground button to choose your ground transportation for this offer

5. Now for the payment-OUCH!!
   Not nessesarily, if you book in advance you can make payments, full amount to be paid 45 days prior to visit. $200 deposit is required on all trips and if you book airline through Disney the airline ticket price must be paid in full.
   Say your total (no airfare) is $3000 and you are going in 7 months $200 deposit and $127.27 a week or $254.50 biweekly you are done.

6. Lastly give each person a budget. Before you leave be sure each child old enough to understand the concept of money has an allowance. This way they have to really think about that overpriced dollar store toy prior to buying it. Another thing we do is tell our 6 year old to wait until the end of the week then he can go on a shopping spree. This way he thinks about it all week first. September 08 we went and He had saved $112 from allowances, we contibuted $88 so he had an even $200, he filled a suitcase with his treasures. You can do really well on suveniers if you keep your eye on the prices and free offers in each store.

7. 2009 Disney lets you in free for your birthday. Buying a package, no sweat- plan to go at a time when there are several birthdays. We are going in March, my mom is 11th my son 16th, perfect- Disney gives $200 gift card for traveling between February and end of March and Mom gets a $75 gift card in lieu of free addmission and my son gets $63. Same as one day addmission base ticket price. So we end up with a total of $338 in extra spending money. Including our airfare, hotel and meals we are spending $3403.37 for 3 adults and 1 child. It is like Disney is giving us 10% back in spending money.

Tips & Warnings

• Some airlines accept paypal

• If you do the dining plan keep in mind to call and get reservations for your table service meals- LIberty Tree Tavern was our favorite caractor dining.

• Pack some snacks and drinks in your bag, they do not care if you bring your own stuff into the park with you.