Budgeting for WDW...How do all of you do it?

[ehsween]

Hi all,

I was wondering if any of you have some suggestions on how to cut some costs at WDW. We last went to WDW in Jan. 2002 with our 3 children. I want to go again this coming winter, but there's just a few hurdles. For example, my husband doesn't want to go until winter of 2006 because he wants to get a few other bills paid off first.

There's just one problem with going at that time. I have been taking college courses in pursuit of working in a school system. By the Fall of 2005, I will be trying to get a job in that field and if I succeed, I won't be able to go to WDW in the Winter of 2006. Except for during Christmas/Spring/Easter break which is not desirable for either of us. We both want to go in the off-season with our children one more time before I do get a job.

So, we are already cutting costs considerably by doing the following things:

1. We're driving and not flying
2. We're probably going to stay in a very inexpensive hotel like we did last time (LBV Comfort Inn- very plain, but clean and suitable to our needs)
3. We get in free to WDW (Big cost cutter--our SIL works for Disney as a manager who overssees 10 leaders and 120 cast members)
4. Last time we were there, BIL and SIL took us to the Crystal Palace, but insisted on buying our dinner (big cost cutter again) which I'm not planning on happening this time, so maybe no character meals this time

After all of this, we're still having a hard time deciding if we really can afford it because we do live on a limited budget (or at least we should be-- lol!)

So, do any of you have any ideas on ways to cut more costs? Come on, there has to be some really thrifty people out there. For example, one idea might be to bring our own drinks and snacks. The only problem is then you end up carrying around SO much stuff. What are some other ideas?

 

[Miniefan]

I save our change, and all money I find lying around the house, or in the laundry, I give my kids a weekly allowance which they save to take to WDW for their souvenirs, and I have an envelope for each of the character meals I want to do, and each week I put $10 in each envelope, you could do less, or more whaterver you can, Other than that I book room only and buy tickets seperately, use AAA, or Fl resident codes, bring foods that are easily made in room, or reserve a hotel that has a full kitchen, use coupons, figure up what I plan to spend each day. There are tons of ways to save, if you stick around the boards long enough you will figure them out, but I really think you would get a better response for your question if you post it on the budget boards.
Hope you can find some of this useful
Kim

 

[MonorailDude]

If you buy any drinks, make sure to buy at least one refillable mug so that you may get FREE refills.
Most restaurants are pretty expensive so if you are hungry try finding a place where you can have a buffet and maybe even bring home some food for your next meal.

 

[ehsween]

I'll try posting there too. I've never been to that board, in fact I didn't even know it existed. In the meantime, if any of you have ideas, shoot away!

I do like the change saving idea though.

 

[MELSMICE]

This is the Budget Board that you have posted on - LOL!

As far as budgeting, here are a few of my ideas:

--Saving change is a great idea. You won't believe how fast it adds up.

--Also save as many singles as you can. Turn them into Disney $'s if you have access to a Disney Store. This way you can only spend them in WDW.

--You talked about an inexpensive hotel off-site, but also look into a WDW value resort. You may be able to get a code during the Fall. Also, if you took your own vehicle to the parks you would save on the cost of parking if you're on-site or you could take Disney transportation. With gas prices the way they are, you might be able to save a little there!

--Because you would be driving, you can bring bottled water, soda, snacks, etc. I would also look into the cost of a fridge/cooler that you plug into your car lighter outlet & that has an adapter to use with regular electric. You can use it on the trip there & also take it into the room to keep things cold. I think you can find them at Wal Mart.

--Eat breakfast in your room - cereal, yogurt, fruit, etc.

--Give each family member a fanny pack & an insulated drink holder. When you go into the parks pack the fanny packs with snacks (ziploc snack bags work great for this) & then everyone can take a water bottle. Refill it at the water fountains.

--When ordering counter service you can get a sandwich without the fries - this saves about 50 cents per meal - for 5 of us we can get away with about 3 orders of fries. The other 2 meals we ask for sandwiches only. You can also get a cup of ice water when ordering a meal, instead of getting some soda, or split a drink.

--If you will be spending time at the pools, have things to make sandwiches for lunch. We do PBJ, lunchmeat, etc. and string cheese, cheese & crackers.

Of course, allow for a few treats each day.

WDW can be done on a budget & you can still enjoy all the magic.

 

[kmb34me]

Hi we havent gone yet but this is what we've saved money on so far

1) saved almost $425 staying off site at HIFS instead of Disney value resorts.
2) not sure how old your kids are but I bought a few things to bring with us like
glow sticks (bought at dollar store 6 for $1)
little battery operated fans for the kids to carry around.
if I see disney t-shirts and shorts (right now Target has some clearenced) I get them to give to the kids
Brita filter water bottles so we dont have to buy drinks
3)bring snacks
4) I put all my disney money into a ING account, a little bit higher interest, easy accsess online, yes you can take it out but you have to wait 30 days, so its not so easy to take out less tempting to use it.
5)I have a disney notebook were everything is writen down, all my codes, hotel costs, codes (got one for free breakfast) and so on.
6) I think good planning it the best budgeting tool you can have, I have been planning and researching everything for almost a year. I want it to be fun but I also dont want to spend "that" much money either.

Good luck
Kristen

 

[tmli]

For me I make choices everyday that add to my Disney fund. I will decide to stay home and rent a movie instead of going to the movies...that saves almost $40 for 3 of us. That $40 goes away. I have a $100/week for my food budget. If I spend less because of sales, coupons etc. the difference goes into my disney fund. I will decide on a less expensive pair of shoes to save more money. Also, for mothers day, birthday, xmas my family knows to give me money towards my disney fund.

I sacrifice alot through the year to get to Disney....but that's me. Some people think I'm nuts but oh well!!

All that being said, you do still need to have a little cushion in your income/budget to be able to take any vacation and make these choices I've talked about.

 

[powellrj]

If you want a character meal without the price, try the Ice Cream Social at the Garden Grill. Its about $7xx per person for a sundae and you get the characters. Eat breakfast in your room and eat your evening meals off-site. We have taken snacks in the park with us so you can save money there too. Don't buy your groceries at Goodings when you get there.