When my daughter was little, I took her to Disney when she was 2 years old and again at 5 years old. She loved it but she barely remembers it. I made scrapbooks of those trips to always remember them by. That was a different time, a different husband, and a totally different financial situation.
For those first couple of Disney trips, I skimped and saved and went the cheapest route. It seemed so expensive and there was no money left over for souvenirs or for nice meals. We went to an all-you-can-eat buffet in the morning for breakfast and then didn’t eat again until we left the parks and then it was fast food. No Disney resorts…just a cheap hotel down the road. My daughter was allowed one “prize” for the whole trip. She picked a stuffed animal from the Aristocats.
But I did it! I made it happen! We experienced Disney World not once but twice on a very tight budget! And that is what I'm trying to say...it can be done. Yes, all the extra frills are nice, but with some planning and frugalness, you can do it.
MY 10 BEST TIPS FOR GOING TO DISNEY WORLD ON A BUDGET are...
Don't go during the busiest time of the year. Steer away from when kids are out of school and holidays.
Stay off site - find a clean, nearby hotel.
Find a hotel that offers complimentary breakfast. Eat before you hit the parks!
Take snacks and pack a lunch.
Make your own souvenirs before you leave home. Buy shirts from a craft store with a 40% off coupon and get your creative juices flowing.
Not the creative type? That's ok, shop for things ahead of time at the Disney Outlet or even Walmart. If you have small children, surprise them with a cute Disney toy or shirt during your trip to cut down on the urge to buy pricey souvenirs in the park.
Drink lots of water! First it keeps you hydrated and second, it's free. Just about every food stand will give you a free cup of ice water.
If you're going to eat at Quick Serve meal, order the entree only. Those combos are pricey and will eat up your budget.
Don't pay for parking. Many area hotels offer free shuttle service to the parks. Or take an Uber. There are many coupon codes for a free Uber rides. Try one out and get dropped off at the transportation center. From there you can jump on a bus, monorail, or ferry to get to the park of your choice.
You'll be surprised at how much money you can save by following these tips and I'm sure you can come up with many other ways as well.
SO MANY WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR DISNEY WORLD VACATION
Fast forward a few years and I had another kid, a divorce, and a rough couple of years.
After the divorce, I didn’t think I would ever be going back to Disney. I was a single mom, nickeling and diming it to just get by. There was no Disney in sight for us.
But eventually, the clouds parted and my prince charming came along. Just like in a Disney story!
And thank goodness he loved Disney as much as we did! He couldn’t wait to take us to Disney World. I on the other hand had “Disney Denial”. That is that long ingrained feeling that Disney isn’t really an option for us anymore and we can’t afford it.
He said I was in “Disney Denial” until we actually arrived on the property and even then there was a bit of disbelief.
So with “Faith, Trust, and some Pixie Dust”, that feeling is in the past (thank goodness!) and now we go every year. (I still try to watch my budget though.)
To us, Disney is that happy place…that magical place…our second home.
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