I still want to know how y'all can afford to go all the time!!!

[Partridge4ever]

We joined DVC so we can go at least once a year, but so far we've managed 2x a year (3 last year because DH had to go to Orlando on business). We drive instead of flying. We eat usually breakfast and dinner in the room (not huge meals, but quick stuff). We limit our sit down meals to 1-2 per trip. I order the kids meal at counter service restaurants. I make lemonade and we bring that into the parks in our mugs, so we don't spend $2.50 a piece on soda. I bring glow sticks from home, use the same autograph book and pen each trip, and bring small Disney toys to give the kids every couple of days. They can spend their own money on a souvenier if they want. We're pretty frugal the rest of the year. No cell phone for me (DH has to have one for work, but he gets reimbursed), basic cable only, clothes from Wal Mart instead of the mall. We don't eat out a lot. Gosh we sound like misers, but it's not that bad. We're going next weekend for DD's birthday instead of having a party. It'll only cost us gas and food, so it's really not that much more expensive than Chuck E Cheese for 30.

I know that many people only get to go once in a lifetime even w/careful planning. We never went anywhere when I was a kid. Right before my dad walked me down the aisle on my wedding day, he looked at me w/tears in his eyes and said I'd grown up too fast. He said he always meant to take me to WDW "next year," but "next year" never came. I may have other regrets when my kids are grown, but that won't be one of them. lol

 

[WIcruizer]

It's all relative really. Some people go on a Windjammer cruise every year, and I couldn't afford that. Some have a Lexus SUV and/or $500,000 home. We all have our own means, and our own priorities for spending money.

But WDW can be as pricy or cheap as you make it. You can drive vs fly. You can stay at a $30/night hotel or $300/night. You can go to the parks 7 days or 2 or 3. You can spend hundreds a day on souvenirs, food, etc. or you can spend $20 a day.

 

[SlightlyGoofy]

Fantasia, I am a grandma and after looking at those beautiful kids of yours I might have to insist that I get to do a bit of spoiling while I am there. Don't need breakfast. Not having a grand daughter to spoil might I take yours to get a Minnie dress? Has long been my dream. Have even considered lingering around the shop and watching for a special child who might dream of owning a dress and play fairy Grandmother. With my luck someone would think I was a stalker or something though. LOL

My dream job at Disney would be to be one of the ladies who gets to babysit in the room and read stories and watch Disney movies with the kids. Closest thing to heaven.

I tutor area children in how to read and seeing their eyes light up when they 'get it' is the greatest joy there is.

I promise that I will never, ever tell anyone else on the DIS about your spare room. (grin)

Slightly Goofy/Linda

 

[harleyquinn]

This thread is reallu great!

I'm always suprised that DVC always shows up on the how can you go to WDW so many times? threads.

I really want to buy into DVC, but with the annual maintainance fees I know I'll never talk DF into it. Beyond that I know that DVC would just make me spend more money b/c I'd be "home" as much as I could.

That said I will still always wish that I could have the thought in the back of my head that I will be going to WDW at least twice this year and I will be staying in an amazing delux level resort.

*sigh*

 

[RHONDALEE]

2 words : SECOND JOB

My full time job pays the bills
My part time job buys the frills

 

[4mickeyfans]

Back to your original post ~

When I first found the DISboards, I was just like you! I thought my passion for WDW which had brought me there 6 times in 10 years was impressive.

I was completely amazed - make that overwhelmingly jealous!- that so many people are able to go so many times a year!

Soon, I found that the "pixie dust" on these boards turned my jealousy to pure admiration. While I still can't go as often as I'd like - I'd live and work there in my ultimate fantasy life- , I am happy to hear from my new friends here all about their wonderful experiences.

Of course this is easy for me to say now...I leave for our first Disney Cruise this Saturday.

Anyway, what I wanted to pass along to you is this:

There have been some wonderful tips on this thread to help you get to WDW more but if you're like me, they might not pan out in the foreseeable future...I've been trying to talk DH into DVC for years, and every year we regret not having bought AP's because we end up going 2x within a calendar year - oh, the savings we've missed!

DVC, AP's. second jobs, and cutting out all other expenses might not be realistic for you - they're not for me!


So, what I do is spend every bit of free time here

I share experiences, relive memories, and gain valuable insight for my next trip, no matter how far away it may be.

I strongly recommend planning your next one, even if it's 2 yrs. away - check out some of the countdown clocks - you won't be alone!


Then you won't feel as "left out" when all these lucky people get to go on their 4th trip of the year.

 

[SuBeat]

I remember when I first started reading these boards wondering why all these people had APs when they didn't even live in Florida! Now I am one of them. Buying APs last year (they were Christmas for DH and I, kids still got toys) has allowed us to have 2 trips so far, and one more in the works.

We're a one income family. DH's salary pays the bills and he has a business on the side that pays for the trips. We drive, use discounts where we can, and pay for our room up front to spread out the expense a bit. The trips are our big treat. We don't exactly do without the rest of the year, but the trips are a priority compared to what we know others spend their $ on.

With few exceptions, we've always believed that if we can manage to go to WDW, pretty much anyone can. It's just a matter of what is important to you.

 

[djm99]

I am pretty new to Disney. This summer will be my third trip as an adult, wife and mother. My family and I go once a year. We stay off site, and pay a little at a time. Next year I have every intension of staying on site. Both of my visits we stayed in a timeshare, so our stay was paid up front. This year we are renting a house at Windsor Palms. We are sharing with another family (a 6 bedroom) so our cost was cut considerably. We are paying a little bit at a time for this summers vacation. The owner of this home takes paypal, so it was very easy to pay him.

I purchased my Disney tickets (3-day hoppers from Alamo, when I got my income taxes.) I've also purchased travelers cheques from AAA (if you walk in and your a member they are dollar for dollar - no fees, taxes, or shipping). I bought my Universal/IOA tickets from AAA too. I bought them one at a time.

I buy gift certificates at local restaurants (that are also in Orlando). Restaurants like Chili's, McDonalds, and Outback are restaurants we usually visit. If I happen to go to Walmart/Kmart and return something I just ask for a gift card that I can use in Orlando area for needed items. If I'm at the mall, I'll buy Disney dollars, even if its just $10-$15 dollars at a time. Once the new meal vouchers come out I'll buy them a few at a time. The first year we went we flew on Southwest Airlines "friends fly free" program. My family of 3, along with friends (family of 3 too). We all flew round trip for $801 for all 6 of us.

Of course last year we couldn't find a flight that inexpensive, so we drove. We had so much fun driving last year; we will do it again this year. We stayed overnight in Atlanta, GA (about 6 hours outside of Orlando) in a Marriott. Marriott's have gift cards that you can buy online and use at any of their hotels. This year I found rooms at a brand new comfort inn outside of Atlanta for $99 a night, then I happen to check Travelocity.com for their prices on this same hotel. It was only $40. I emailed the company and they have a policy of matching another sites prices less 10%. So now we have those rooms at $36 a night. My brother, who lives near this area, said it was a nice hotel.

Whenever I get the opportunity to pre-buy something I do. So lets just say I'm working for my vacations to Disney. For my family planning is EVERYTHING and its "my job" to make sure we have a wonderful vacation every time. If you are willing to keep a secret I'll tell you something - I LOVE PLANNING. It’s almost as fun as being there. And I'll even admit that I'm almost saddened after the vacation because the planning has stopped. But thank God for a wonderful husband, who allows to plan for a new vacation. That means that it’s back to the drawing board and starting all over. Next year will be even more exciting to plan because we will stay onsite.

So to make a long story short, the reason so many people can go as often is because they plan very well. I don’t think most are “rich”, but just great planners. Well, even if they are rich, I'm not - far from it.

 

[burnsoc]

Another DVC'er here. Joining DVC has put us in a different mind set. We know we own points and have to use them, so it becomes when and where we will stay, and not do we want to spend all that money on a vacation. My DW has also paid our maintenance fees by selling on ebay, and once your lodging costs are paid for it doesn't seem that expensive. We both work long hours with long commutes, so we need that vacation every couple of months to see each other more than an hour a day. And we have more fun at WDW than anywhere else. Now that I think about it, I don't feel I go enough!

 

[kamgen]

We are extrememly blessed to be able to go to WDW as many times as we do. We do make sacrifices/choices that allow us to do this.
First and foremost, we own DVC. This is the best thing we ever did. Without it, we would never be able to go as often as we do (which is at least 2 times a year).
Other things we do: we drive (18hrs in the car, costs us less than $250 for gas and food on the road). This saves us a lot of money, since we would want to rent a car and air is not cheap.
Next, we don't have fancy tv's, new computers, and for a about 3 years we only had one automobile. We don't buy a lot of new clothes, and when we do, we shop sales and steer clear of pricey name brands. Same with grocery shopping. We clip coupons and only shop sale priced items. We also keep our utility bills low by not running the heat too high or the a/c too low....and we commute to work.
Sounds crazy to some, but it is worth it to us! We love vacationing and have made it a priority!

 

[tinkie]

You are all amazing.....now I get it....You are SMART and that is how you do it!!!

I'm learning a lot here about the cost saving tricks and great ideas for pre-buying, budgeting and planning ahead.....I guess my problem is that when we vacation we get the idea one day and the next day plunk down all of the money at once! No wonder we only do 1-2 a year (and not near as expensive as a Disney trip for a family of 5) My only problem is food - I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to settle for food in the room (at least for lunch/dinner).

I really appreciate all of the great advice! I stand in awe of you OH GREAT DISERS!!!

 

[hyzdufan]

Guide to Going to Disney More Often

1. Stop buying groceries. Food is overrated. You can live on Disney spirit.

2. The kids don't need to go to college, so drain that savings account.

3. The only thing you need in your house is a television and a chair. Everything else is excess, so sell it.

4. Sell your car too. You can rent one when you drive to WDW.

5. Sell plasma, they'll pay you up to $400 monthly for donating.

Just some of my fine ideas, all in good fun, of course. Any other suggestions?

 

[tinkie]

Originally posted by hyzdufan
Guide to Going to Disney More Often

1. Stop buying groceries. Food is overrated. You can live on Disney spirit.

2. The kids don't need to go to college, so drain that savings account.

3. The only thing you need in your house is a television and a chair. Everything else is excess, so sell it.

4. Sell your car too. You can rent one when you drive to WDW.

5. Sell plasma, they'll pay you up to $400 monthly for donating.

Just some of my fine ideas, all in good fun, of course. Any other suggestions?

LOL! That is hysterical.....do you know, I saw an add the other day for $1,000 for egg donors and for one tiny nanosecond I thought..."Whoa, a couple of eggs and I'm in Disney" before I was zapped back to reality and it dawned on me how sick I've become!

 

[hyzdufan]

Originally posted by tinkie
LOL! That is hysterical.....do you know, I saw an add the other day for $1,000 for egg donors and for one tiny nanosecond I thought..."Whoa, a couple of eggs and I'm in Disney" before I was zapped back to reality and it dawned on me how sick I've become!

Well, look at it this way. When you're in Disney you might see a bunch of little tinkie's running around.

 

[zurgswife]

1. DVC
2. AP's
3. CC miles
4.Can't say No to myself


With DVC we save tons just by eating in the villa...with a full kitchen we probably eat 85% of our meals there...I didn't realize the huge savings until we stayed a few days at another hotel...3 days of meals for 6 was expensive and my kids don't eat much...

We usually fly but I always get really good fare...(actually it has gone up a little) but I compare $1000 for 6 to fly and getting there and back in about 6hrs and compared to driving ($140 gas, hotel $200, food $70, tolls $20, wear and tear on car and about 2days of time) I figure it is worth $550 to me to gain 42hrs of vacation time...

AP's we usually use AP's a minimum of 14days in a years time so for slightly more then a 7day hopper we get 7 days extra

 

[tinkie]

Originally posted by hyzdufan
Well, look at it this way. When you're in Disney you might see a bunch of little tinkie's running around.

If they are in Epcot, I guess I will recognize them by the mini-margaritas in their little tinkie hands!

 

[AdventurerKat]

For me, WDW is a priority. My main problem now is that as my kids are getting older, they are going to want to go all the time too!!! hee hee.

Most of my trips are with friends so costs are split. I buy an AP every year so I don't have to purchase a ticket each time and normally get a discount on rooms. I utilize and build up ff miles like there is no tomorrow. I also do rewards programs to try and get GCs to help with costs here and there.

I generally take at least one family trip and two "solo" trips a year. T

I have yet to fully convince my DH that DVC is a good idea, primarily because he isn't the WDW nut that I am. Which is sad because in the end, I am sure it would save us money. But I will keep trying. Or hope for a lotto win.

 

[Efastpitch]

Originally posted by tinkie
I'm shocked and amazed and bowing at your feet because I cannot fathom how everyone seems to be able to afford these annual and even twice-thrice-yearly trips!!!! Did you all win the lottery or what????? All I know, after reading the boards for some time, is I NEED to buy Disney stock!!!!! My hat is off to you guys - I wish I could do it!!!

We budget our money.

 

[Snoozan]

I don't buy AP's, but tend to get 5-7 day PH's and usually don't use up the days so about every other trip is "free" for the park passes. I also watch for the discount codes for rooms and am also a fanatic at watching airfares. I usually buy one piece of the trip at a time so I'm not paying the whole thing at one time. We're also not big eaters so tend to eat breakfast in our room and split alot of meals. We also carry in our own Diet Coke 'cause we have to have it from a can! We also carry in our own water.

Also, by going so frequently, you don't feel the need to buy all the souvenirs so that saves a bit.

 

[PatriciaH]

Vacation is a priority for DH and I. I am a travel agent so the discounts/commission back towards our trips help. We just got back from a Royal Caribbean cruise on the Mariner of the Seas and it was $378pp (balcony cabin) for the week! We drive a 94 Oldsmobile- we don't need anything fancy on these MA pothole filled roads We have no children as of now, no debt, and try to save and invest every month. We have a pet sitting business that we do on the side and we love it. We have been doing it for 2 and 1/2 years and have regular clients now. This brings in even extra money. I also try to sell things on Ebay when we don't need or want them anymore.