How long?

[smilie]

How long does it usually take you to save for a disney vacation? I've been thinking (a lot) about secretly saving for a trip to DW without telling my husband. I can't put a lot back each week or he'll wonder where it's going. But I'm usually the one who pays the bills and things like that. I just want a basic vacation. Stay at one of the value resorts and probably just get a 4 day hopper pass. We would probably drive instead of fly. Just wondering how long it took others to save?

 

[PratersloveDW]

It all depends on how much and where you plan on eating and what sort of momentos you would want to get. We always estimate spending an average of $150 a day. That includes everything: food, drinks, clothes, toys, WHATEVER! Somedays we would spend more and others we would spend less. You should look through this site and also at disneyworld.com to check out restaurants and prices. Make sure to give yourself extra money for any mid day snacks or drinks you may want.

If you want to save money, try to go during one of disney's down times. You can generally find really good prices in February. Also, look at sharing meals. You may need to eat more snacks in a day but you can still end up saving a good penny with sharing. Best of luck and let us know how it turns out!

 

[lc1965]

When do you want to go? Where do you want to stay & how long? How do you want to eat? Are you souvenir buyers? Do you want to go to dinner shows? Do you like water parks or DTD? Have you ever been to WDW before? And, of course, the big ones: how much money to you make & are you able/willing to take on more work for more money?

It's all very individual, but you can get prices online & of course you've found the best place for info about trip planning. Do you have access to a spreadsheet program? I find them very helpful in budgeting. Most importantly of all, try to think of EVERYTHING or you might get a nasty surprise. For example, most people don't realize that soda at WDW is over $2 per bottle (I think up to $2.50.) You think that's minor until you realize that your companion is a soda junkie & downs 4 bottles every day for 7 days. And so on.

I generally don't recommend financing trips, but rather saving & paying your bills when they arrive.

Good luck -- I hope you make it to WDW very soon!

 

[2minnies]

Take a look at www.mousesavers.com to get some ideas to help save too.

 

[Doodlebug939]

For my family for example, we save for about 12-18 months for a trip. I break down where we want to stay into 10 monthly payments for a 12 month trip. That way the last two months I know that the expense of the hotel it taken care of. My husband wont go to Disney if it is not paid for with cash. I use the credit card to charge the initial deposit and then pay it off. I enjoy sending Disney money every month. Some people would rather hold it in a savings account. But I would be too tempted so I just send a check or money order.

But really I think it depends on your families financies. Some people can save for a trip in 6 months and others it is 12, and even longer. But I have to admit that I love going to Disney but I also love the wait because I can dream about the vacation. We are going in a few weeks and then we wont go until Nov 2006. So as soon as they open up those room reservations then I will book and start paying again.

I think the biggest thing is believing that if you focus on the trip then you can make it happen and it doesnt matter how far away the trip it. Best of luck to you!

 

[Helene]

We've been on a schedule of going once a year. Upon return from one trip, I immediately begin planning the next. I've been able to do it thanks to the tips I learned on these boards.

I generally try to get the park hoppers paid for first, then I work on lodging and finally the flight. I consider those the "Big 3" and the other budget stuff (food, souveniers) I worry about less as I have more flexibility in those budget areas.

Helene