How do you afford it?

[eyor44]

I have always used coupons and am big on not paying full price for something if I don't have to.

My hobby used to be shopping, until I realized that I enjoyed visiting WDW for one week a year way more than shopping for things I don't need. So my priorities changed.

I also do rewards sites for gift cards.
Survey sites for gift cards or cash.
Collect alum cans.
All change goes in the piggy bank.
Look for deals.
and save a certain amount each month, based on the type of trip we are going to do.

Getting to Disney each year is my hobby now and I love it.

 

[Trinity524]

I work 60 hours per week on average and I am exempt. (No OT). I get a $5000 bonus for my hard work and I pay for my Disney trip right out of my bonus. It's a reward for my DH and DS3 who I don't get to see as much as I'd like. In this economy, I'd rather work 60, get paid for 40 with an annual bonus than work 0 and pray for work.

I don't coupon, but we don't eat out. I bring my lunch every day to work as does DH. I pay 110 a week for daycare when others pay 200.

I keep seeing above average or below average salary on this post. What is average?

 

[Colleen27]

I keep seeing above average or below average salary on this post. What is average?

Median household income in the US is around 49K. Median DIS income is considerably higher.

 

[DisneyAndRedSox]

I bought my Nana's old timeshare, it was a 20 year lease that was up in 2000 and they offered it for a good deal- and it is lifetime deeded. Since it is an older resort I don't have strong trading power, but I always go off-peak so I never have a problem getting a 2-br at a Marriott Resort (they would normally be $300 a night). I bought it before I met DH, so my Dad's name is on it with me and we split expenses.

I pay the Timeshare annual fee- less than $300, my parents pay the Interval Membership
My parents typically go with us and split the $139 exchange fee
During the year my Mom stocks up on restaurant gift certificates. If she spends a little less in the grocery store, she will add in a $25 gift certificate at the register (Chilis, Olive Garden, Outback, etc). She will end up with a couple hundred dollars.
Passes- we get an annual pass and plan out trips 51 weeks apart. When it is time to buy AP's I start posting on Craigslist like crazy.
DH was a consultant and we used to fly for free and get free Hertz rentals, but I would watch car rentals and flights like a hawk. So, if I got a good deal on a car I wouldn't 'waste' the Hertz points, etc...
If I do pay for a flight on JetBlue, I watch it constantly. If the price goes down they will put a credit in a travel bank. At one time I had over $100 in a travel bank.
Get rewards from Disney Visa for shopping in the parks

 

[ceemys]

My upcoming trip is my 3rd since 2006. I pay cash and save for a year normally. This time I got more money than what I expected for my tax refund. I paid for my Colt's season tickets (this is ALWAYS first!), paid off a loan and using the rest for our trip. My thing is...If I can't pay cash for a vacation, then I can't afford to go. I have savings that I am saving for a downpayment on a house and that isn't touched. We don't eat out but 2 times a month, car is paid off. Each do their own thing. But the 2nd poster is right. There are a variety of ways we each go on vacation.