A thought for budget-minded folk...

[blestmom]

I just wanted to share some thoughts for other budget-minded people. I just got back from a 2-week trip to Disney (I know...that doesn't sound 'budget'...but I'm coming from Alaska and with 12 hours flying, a longer trip just makes sense). I have 5 kids so we stayed in the cabins and ate a lot of meals there. (DH couldn't come...he's a teacher)

Anyway, what I wanted to share was that this was my 'dream' trip. I had always dreamed of all the 'special' things to do. I researched Disney boards and books, and planned what I thought would be the best trip ever. After getting back and reflecting on things, I find that the best memories of the trip are not the meals out or the special events. They are the little things that are basically free or very inexpensive.

For example, we had a couple of dinners planned out. With 6 of us, it wasn't cheap. We found that our favorite meal was homemade peanut butter and jelly sandwiches eaten over at the picnic tables at Tom Sawyer Island. What a quiet and peaceful sanctuary!

I know that when we go back, I'm planning way less 'extra' stuff, and just letting the simple joys be sufficient.

Happy holidays!

 

[annsteere]

Yep. Of all our trips the very best memory is DD curled up with her Dad in a double hammock at the Carribean Beach watching Epcot's Illumination fireworks in the night sky==free, and priceless!

I try to remember not to be so busy "getting my money's worth" that I don't allow time for magical loitering. You can miss a lot of the joy by being a CommandoMom with her 3X5 index card showing what attraction you should hurry to next. (I know.)

 

[sanctus]

Thanks for the reminder! I have to stop myself when I start overplanning and remind myself that it's better to see a few things *well* than a ton of things that turn into one big blur by the time I'm home.

 

[Kristi1357]

DH and I were just discussing this very thing on our 9 day trip this December. Our most memorable moments at WDW were nothing to do with the parks, a ride, whatever. Some of our best:

- arriving at ASMu a couple days before our WDW wedding. After checking in and starting to walk to the food court, we ran into aunts, uncles, friends that arrived before us! The food court was pretty quiet and it was so much fun meeting up with everyone and just plain hanging out.

- Having fun at the WL pool on DH's surprise 30th bday trip. We went with SIL/BIL since DH is a twin and it's SIL bday too. 4 adults acting like kids..

- Watching the ELP from the beach at the Poly - FREE and a must-do every trip. Get some snacks in the lobby and find a hammock or a couple lounge chairs.

I can't think of anymore off-hand - but this is exactly what DH & I talked about many times during our recent trip!