Those who know me know that I am kind of a Disney dork.
(I really love Disney)
(I really, really love Disney)
(I really, really, really love Disney)
(You get the idea...)
We have been to Disney World several times and my husband and I both agree that it is by far the best vacation place for our family, and for the money.
Now I know that you are probably laughing right now and thinking that it is NOT a good deal for your money. But maybe that's because you haven't really looked into all the ways to save at Disney, and how to get the most for your money.
First, you need to keep an eye our for when Disney is offering a special. Usually this is in the fall and winter months, but the last few years, they have been offering good deals even into June. And speaking of keeping an eye out, you will notice a new tab to the right for Disney Deals! Yay!!! Now you can check back here whenever you are interested and find what deals Disney and other companies are offering on Disney World Vacations!
Also, if you are planning to do character meals while you are in the park, (which I HIGHLY suggest), make sure you check into the Disney Dining Plan, It is an add-on to most of the vacation packages (aka, Magic Your Way Package), but well worth the cost, Here is a link to more info. about the Dining Plan: http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/media/wdw_nextgen/CoreCatalog/WaltDisneyWorld/en_us/PDF/2011Dining.pdf
***A special Note: If you are planning to eat at ANY of the character meals, or sit-down restaurants, make sure to make reservation well ahead of time. You can make them up to 180 days in advance and they fill up quickly!
Another great tip is flying! You may think that driving would be much cheaper, but with gas prices these days, flying can be much more economical. AND, if you live in the Dayton area, Airtran often has non-stop flights from Dayton to Orlando for between $150-$200 round trip per person, (and Non-Stop is a lifesaver for parents with young kids!). Disney also has a service, (Magical Express), that will shuttle you from the airport to your hotel, and then back to the airport when it's time to go home, and take care of all your baggages etc.. Did I mention this service is completely FREE?!?
Below I have listed some other things we do to save money when we go:
-Buy Disney shirts, toys etc. at home ahead so you won't be tempted at the parks.
-Sign-up for a Disney Rewards Visa and purchase your vacation on it, (it is usually 0% interest for the first 6 months...just make sure you pay it off!). It will give you a $40 credit back on your card after your first use (your vacation purchase), plus 10% off merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the Walt Disney World Resort, 20% off guided tours, PLUS, you earn Disney Reward points and those points can be used towards free stuff in the parks!
-Pack snacks for your kids and pack them into your bags while your in the park. That way, you won't be tempted to spend big money for a small snack when the kids need something between meals.
-Plan your meal times so that it can cover more ground! Example: Do a breakfast buffet meal at 10:30am, which will cover both breakfast and lunch with a few light snacks until dinner.
-Buy cool Disney pens and autograph books at home before you go to the park! All the kids there have them and your kids will want one...trust me!
-Buy ponchos at home and bring them with you every day to the park. It rains for a little bit all the time at Disney (for a short time!), and purchasing ponchos for your whole family can get pretty pricey!
I really wish we were going back to Disney this year, but we are waiting until next year to go back. I think. Okay, so maybe there is a *small* chance that will change. No. We are waiting until next year. Oh my word I need to stop talking about all this before I get online and make reservations right this moment...
ANYHOW, since I *can't* go to Disney today, and I LOVE sharing all things Disney, I am going to be giving away the NEW 2 Disc Bambi Diamond Edition Blue-Ray Combo Pack (Blue-Ray Plus DVD in BD Amaray), a $25 Value!
There are a few ways to enter to win:
-Comment below about your love for Disney
-Comment below on some of the ways that you save money when doing a Disney Vacation
-'Follow' the Family Fun Mom blog
-Link the blog post on your Facebook page (make sure to leave a comment below letting me know you've done so)
-Link the blog post on your Twitter page, (again-comment below so I know you did!)
Winners will be chosen Monday, March 21st and announced on the blog! Good Luck and Have a Magical Day!
I really do love Disney. Mickey Mouse is my favorite. One of the bathrooms in my house has Mickey cups, holders, a Mickey clock and Mickey hanging on the wall. The grand component of the bathroom, however, is the Mickey Mouse shower curtain--the BEST!
ReplyDeletefulton12002@yahoo.com
The last time we went to Disney my son was only 3...and now two years later he STILL talks about it on a weekly basis. He can remember so many details that I have even forgotten. We love Disney tons, but I love it most for giving us some of the best moments we have had as a family so far. I will NEVER forget the look on my son's face when he watched the Disney Parade and ALL of his favorite characters walking down the main street waving at him! Priceless!
ReplyDeleteOur family saved money doing a lot of the things you said above... we packed a TON of food into a small cooler to save on eating at the different places. We bought our own light up glow sticks for the night parades at the dollar here before we left on our trip. I also went to hobby lobby beforehand and bought a super small scrapbook/album thing on clearance and decorated it with character stickers to serve as his autograph book... random stuff like that saves a lot in the end. :)
ReplyDeleteWe have learned first hand how Disney got the name "Magical Place On Earth". We love that when we are at Disney our kids don't fight. They get along and truly make the trip enjoyable for us as well!
ReplyDeleteWe use some of the same money-saving methods that both you and Beth mentioned. Here are a few:
ReplyDelete1. We purchased those light-up, battery powered
twirly things at Walmart for $5.00 ($15-$20
at the Parks)
2. We bought matching t-shirts at the Disney
store on clearance for $2.00 each!
3. We bought and brought princess dresses for
our daughter on clearance after Halloween so
we didn't have to spring for them at the
expensive price at the park!
4. Stocked up on glow sticks at the Dollar
Store for the Laser Light Parade
5. Packed snacks and refillable water bottles.
6. Took squirt bottles from home to cool us off
so we weren't tempted to buy frozen drinks
and treats at the parks!
These are all great ideas! Thanks for posting. We are going this summer for the first time! We are doing the park for 3 days and then getting on the cruise. I am beyond excited!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
:), Meredith meredo@sbcglobal.net
Just linked this blog post on my facebook...you are getting me super excited about Disney!! :)
ReplyDelete- Beth