How long does it take...

[disny4fun]

you to save for your disney trip. It seems that it always takes us 2 to 3 years for us to save enough money to go for 1 week.

Any special saving tecniques??

 

[welovemickey]

We usually pay for the trip in small increments. First, I reserve the campsite and put down the necessary deposit. I then send in more payments when I can. To buy the hopper passes, I go to the Disney Store and buy one or two passes at a time. That way we're not putting out a couple of thousand dollars at one time.

Everything is usually paid for about 3 months before the trip and then I only have to save spending money.

Hope this helps.

 

[sandieb]

Hi - I used to wonder why we couldn't afford vacations without a lot of struggle. My DH is a railroad engineer and I am a nurse, and we should be able to do this. About 10 years ago I opened a vacation account in my credit union at the hospital. I have a set amount deducted from my pay into that account. Then when I have some extra money (a refund, a present, or a little extra at the end of the week), I deposit it in my account. I was surprised how fast it grew. And because I wanted to go on vacation so badly I NEVER used it for other purchases. One year I deposited my extra money from being "on call". Anyway, we just bought into DVC at the Beach Club Villas with my vacation savings. I brought the balance to zero (and then some - needed to use $ from our real savings). But I am at it again to save for our trip next year!
Finally, I really liked staying at the Wilderness Cabins...we could eat many of our meals there, and it really cut down on expenses. Also, we don't like going out for every meal. Then, when we did go out, we didn't worry about the cost so much!
Good Luck! Sandie B. from Freeland, Maryland

 

[Disney Campers]

I am going to copy this thread to the budget board, you might get some additional ideas,

 

[disneefamily]

Disnee Dad Says.................................We also opened an account at our credit union specifcally for vacations. It is anchored by two checks I get in February from work, one for unused sick days,and one for not being in the company health plan. That is close to $1000 we can count on each year. Every unexpected dollar goes in here, the presidents tax rebate, an escrow refund, any rebates on purchases($50 for a scanner etc.), birthday gifts etc. It really adds up.

 

[jennymouse]

I will have saved & planned for 10 months for our upcoming October trip. 9 nights either CBR or AKL standard view depending on codes. We're doing extras like Discovery Cove & MNSSHP.

For last years trip, I only planned saved 3 months in advance, but we stayed at ASMu for only four nights...no extras.

 

[Campingbuddy]

We bought a Disney bank years ago and keep it in the den. The whole family contibutes all change (nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies) to this bank. Each week my wife an I each put $5 to $10 in also. You would not believe how quick it adds up. We also put rebates and any extras we get into it. A great way to save and because it's in a Disney bank we know exactly what it is for.

 

[Campingbuddy]

We bought a Disney bank years ago and keep it in the den. The whole family contibutes all change (nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies) to this bank. Each week my wife an I each contibute $5 to $10 also. You would not believe how quick it adds up. We also put rebates and any extras we get into it. A great way to save and because it's in a Disney bank we know exactly what it is for.

 

[twoksmom]

Great ideas!!! April