A budget-friendly Disney trip

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Next year, Robert and I are planning a trip to Walt Disney World together. I guess I won the war, after all! Despite all the progress our lives have made, we still live on a tight budget. Our trip is a year away, but we already have to save every extra penny we earn. As vacations with just the two of us are so rare, I want to make sure that we are able to have fun and relax during our trip. I don’t want to worry about whether we can afford dinner or that extra souvenir from the gift shop. So I took some advice from fellow Disney travelers, as well as completed some of my own research, and I’ve discovered ways to make the most out of your money on a Walt Disney World trip.

AAA benefits - If you have AAA, they offer packages for Disney vacations. According to the site, you can save up to 25% on Magic Your Way Packages, as well as differing discounts for the Disney hotels. For example, if you stay in a resort close to Downtown Disney, you can save 15% most nights. You can visit this website to see the savings available during your travel dates.

Disney World savings - Every few months, Disney will offer savings on their packages. In-fact, Disney offered a 30% savings on a vacation package twice this year. The deals change frequently, but you can see what’s available now by clicking this link.

Disney Dining Plan - While a Disney Dining Plan costs more up front, it will save you money during your Disney trip. The Disney Dining Plan works a lot like a campus meal plan. You choose a dining plan that fits your budget and dining styles, and when you head to the park, you can redeem your meals at any of Disney’s quick dining or full-service restaurants (depending on the package you buy). You even get a resort refillable drink mug for the stay.

Disney payment plan - A payment plan may not change the price of the trip, but it does allow you to book the trip and pay later. All you have to do is pay a $200 deposit, and from there, you pay when you can and however much you have. There are no monthly installments or minimum payment amounts. The only rule is you have to pay the balance 45 days before your trip. For more information, you can visit the deposit and payment procedures listed here,

I am already so excited for our trip. Not only because we are going to Walt Disney World, but because we rarely go anywhere on our own. Even our honeymoon was a family trip because of the second wedding. We’ve only been able to afford weekend getaways alone and now we’re finally making plans for a 7 day trip together.

In the meantime, my best friend surprised me with a ticket to Disney for my birthday. Our birthdays were in March and April, so for a joint celebration this fall, my friend, her sister, her cousin, and I are heading there in just over two weeks! That will definitely cure my Disney itch until next year.

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