Disney vacations are magical experiences during which guests make memories to last a lifetime. But for most people, Disney vacations require a lot of saving and are a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. It is true that Disney vacations can become quite pricey, but there are still ways to make them possible for the average family. With the right amount of preparation and saving you and your family can enjoy the Disney vacation of your dreams. If you wish to travel to Disney World but are on a tight budget then here are a few tips for saving up for a Disney vacation.
Plan as Far in Advance as Possible
When saving up for a Disney vacation, the most helpful thing to have on your side is time. Disney vacations can be booked up to 499 days in advance, all you need at the time of booking is a $200 deposit, the rest of the expense is due 30 days prior to check-in. Because of this, it is helpful to book as far in advance as you can manage in order to have plenty of time to save up. Some guests treat their Disney vacation balance like a monthly expense and pay little by little until it is entirely paid off.
Use Disney Gift Cards
Did you know you can pay for your vacation using Disney gift cards? Disney gift cards are not only valid for theme park tickets, but for restaurants and gift shops within all Disney parks as well. Some families find it beneficial to grab the occasional Disney gift card during typical grocery shopping trips or Target runs, and the total of the gift cards adds up over time to create spending money for their Disney vacation.
Look for Special Offers and Deals
Disney is always offering deals for vacation packages throughout the year. Popular special offers include free dining, discounts on hotels, and discounts on park ticket packages. These special offers and deals typically involve booking during specific time frames and for a certain amount of nights or days in the parks. Keep an eye out on the Disney website for any special offers and deals that might be available during your desired vacation window.
Determine Your Spending Budget and Consider Additional Expenses
In order to determine how much money to save up, you must first determine what budget you will stick to for your trip and consider any additional expenses. Will you be staying at a value, moderate, or deluxe resort? How many days in the parks do you desire? Do you want to park hop or stick to just one park per day? How many meals do you plan on eating per day, and are you interested in any Signature Dining Experiences? These are all things to consider when determining how much money to save for your vacation.
Any additional expenses must be considered as well such as transportation to Florida, transportation from the airport to Disney World, money for tipping your servers and housekeepers, stroller rental, and money for shopping and souvenirs.
Book DVC Rentals
A great way to save money while saving up for your Disney trip is by booking DVC rentals from a trusted site like DVC Shop. Booking DVC rentals means you get the best of Disney Deluxe Resorts accommodations like Disney’s Bay Lake Tower and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, at an affordable price. With DVC rentals you and your family can stay at a deluxe villa for a much more affordable price than booking directly with Disney, and you still enjoy all of the amenities and perks of being a Disney resort guest.
How do you save up for your Disney trips? Give us your best tips in the comments below!
Featured Photo: Emily Murray.
Written by
Megan Woodard
Contributing Writer
Megan was born into a Disney family. Her first trip to Disney World was when she was only 18 months old. Now as an adult, Megan loves to share the magic of Disney with her two toddlers. Keeping up with Disney news and Disney World knowledge is a fun hobby for Megan. Disney World is her favorite place to be and continuously brings back her childhood joy.
