Need ideas for rasing $300 for our trip to WDW

[MaleficentandGoons]

I already said I wouldn't go if we can't afford it. no need to get snarky. I , the items I am selling on e-bay are things bought to be sold there at a later date, like Disney Crocs bought at Big Lots for $10 and sold for more. I'm not selling all our possesions.

I'm not trying to be snarky, please don't think that. Your post about clothing being worn and...i just think it's a bad idea. I can see from previous post of yours that the reason that you home-school is because you think that's what God wants you to do. God also helps those who help themselves. You don't need to be with your kids 100% of the time to teach them. My real advice: Send the kids to school, get a part time job, help your husband out a bit and ENJOY LIFE!

 

[Minnie]

I already said I wouldn't go if we can't afford it. no need to get snarky. I , the items I am selling on e-bay are things bought to be sold there at a later date, like Disney Crocs bought at Big Lots for $10 and sold for more. I'm not selling all our possesions.

I don't see any of the posts as being "snarky".....

Please reconsider this trip. Considering how difficult it has been to save this amount of money I would definitely cancel. Also considering how lean your budget seems already based on your other comments this is just not the time.

I would be very worried about car trouble, illness, or other emergencies and then where you would be????

 

[disneymom3]

Just be sure your children do know that this is extremely budgeted, and souviegners wil lnot be bought. I might even skip DTD, as it is mostly shops, and other ways to spend money.

Yes, I agree with this. There are several things you can do for free. Ride the monorail to Epcot and around the resorts, go to the sing along campfire at the campground, the petting zoo etc. (Actually, I don't know if that has a fee.) Watch the fireworks and electrical light parade.

I think DTD would be annoying rather than fun. At least with my kids, it would be hard to go in shops and not get anything at all. We don't spend a lot on stuff to bring home but no options to me sounds like no DTD would be better.

 

[disneymom3]

^ If so, maybe this realization that she can't afford something she would love to do because she doesn't want the kids to go to Public School will put things into priority. This kills me, if it's true! She would rather have to sell positions and camp in a tent with 6 people rather than send kids to school and find a part time job that might allow them to enjoy some nice things. Public Schools are not that bad and you can ALWAYS school choice!

Had to respond here. First off, I would do a LOT more than sell stuff on ebay to continue homeschooling my kids. Like sell my plasma if I had to. Seriously. YOu have no idea what the OPs reasons are for homeschooling.

Secondly, we LOVE camping in a tent. We are already planning our dates for next spring. My youngest lives for roasted marshmallows and DD and I who are not good sleepers, love listening to all the sounds we hear around us. There was a really weird bird we heard last weekend actually that we are still trying to figure out. Lots and lots of people like camping. As verified by how very hard it is to get reservations at some state parks.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I'm not trying to be snarky, please don't think that. Your post about clothing being worn and...i just think it's a bad idea. I can see from previous post of yours that the reason that you home-school is because you think that's what God wants you to do. God also helps those who help themselves. You don't need to be with your kids 100% of the time to teach them. My real advice: Send the kids to school, get a part time job, help your husband out a bit and ENJOY LIFE!

Wow, people get more judgemental on these boards every day. She is following the path she sees fit for her religion and her children. She is helping herself by selling things not needed in her home.

The thread is titled "Need ideas for raising $300 for our trip to WDW", it isn't "tell me how to raise my children and run my life".

She has stated that if she can't come up with the money there will be no trip. I don't think it is the best idea in the world either, but it is HER decision to make and I respect that.

OP, I hope things work out for you, whatever path you take .

 

[allison443]

I think what would concern me is that the OP has known about the upcoming disney visit since February when they did the service project and got the GAD tickets. In the six months since then she hasn't been able to save the $300 so I think it might be difficult to do so in the next two months.

It does sound like OP is doing everything possible, so maybe it will work out.
OP if you are able to make it, I agree with the others about skipping DTD. That's mainly shopping, right? As for the other resorts, at AKL you used to be able to see the animals if you visited the resort. Maybe you could check if that is still the case. Also Ft. Wilderness has lots of activities too.

 

[hoffmann2828]

Wow, people get more judgemental on these boards every day. She is following the path she sees fit for her religion and her children. She is helping herself by selling things not needed in her home.

The thread is titled "Need ideas for raising $300 for our trip to WDW", it isn't "tell me how to raise my children and run my life".

She has stated that if she can't come up with the money there will be no trip. I don't think it is the best idea in the world either, but it is HER decision to make and I respect that.

OP, I hope things work out for you, whatever path you take .

Thank you! I was just reading and thinking what you just posted!

This poor woman came her just asking for tips and now people are assuming so much (like just because she buys 2nd hand clothes they are practically in rags).

If you can't say anything nice.....

 

[Brooknwdw]

You stated four nights at the campground..maybe you could cut it down to three or even two nights.
Since money is tight right now you could just go long enough to take advantage of your GAD tickets, then plan a longer trip later when things aren't so tight.

 

[JenniJ]

I really don't have any ideas of how to raise money other than what is already been posted. What I can suggest is to ensure your car is properly tuned and take as little as you can. This will increase gas mileage and can save money on gas. If you were thinking of packing all your food, not sure if this is possible for the campsites, but can you buy your groceries at one of those stores that ship to Disney. I have heard about them but never looked at the site myself, so I don't know how those prices fare in comparision with places like Aldi or Target. If the campsites allow for receiving shiped items, maybe shipping some heavier things could agian cut down the weight in the car and increase gas mileage.

Can you you and the kids do yardwork for neighbours? You could turn it into a science math and fitness lesson all in one.
Hope I stirred up some ideas that could help. Good Luck!

 

[hipchickie]

The thread is titled "Need ideas for raising $300 for our trip to WDW", it isn't "tell me how to raise my children and run my life".

perfectly said

 

[hoffmann2828]

You stated four nights at the campground..maybe you could cut it down to three or even two nights.
Since money is tight right now you could just go long enough to take advantage of your GAD tickets, then plan a longer trip later when things aren't so tight.

I agree - maybe take it down a night or two? Is there any discount codes out for FW campsites? I don't camp so I'm not sure of prices, etc.

Don't give up, you can make it work.

I would also go scouring goodwill and other places like that - I found phenomenal deals on some kid stuff there (new in box bounce house and new in box little tikes kitchen) that I sold at a HUGE profit days later on craigslist.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

If you homeschool, maybe there's another mom who needs help teaching a certain subject or tutoring? Could you get a part time job? Could you even send the kids to school temporarily so you could get a job and then continue with homeschooling after?

Is there any way to get a discount on the ticket for the three year old?

I guess everyone's concern is that you seem to be living on the edge, lean budget, without $300 for the trip. What if you get a $400 medical bill or car repair bill or you end up with a plumbing backup. Our recent plumbing issue cost us $350, so it seems that the best financial advice would take into account long term not just short term goals. Although, I have to say since you did hte GAD program, I really hope you find a way to go! I'm rooting for you!

Just another note, I know some places gave special desserts to GAD volunteers. I saw a few, but IDK how you get them, if you show a pin or certificate or whatever. I assumed they were free, you might want to research that.

 

[Nayan]

I think what would concern me is that the OP has known about the upcoming disney visit since February when they did the service project and got the GAD tickets. In the six months since then she hasn't been able to save the $300 so I think it might be difficult to do so in the next two months.

This. While I love budget trips I always make sure I have enough in the bank for any emergency that pops up. What if your car totally fails to the point you're stuck at Disney? Do you have enough to rent a car to get home? Do you have enough saved to actually replace the car or get it fixed? Trust me, depending on the type of car if something like transmission goes out it can be over 1k. What about a medical emergency? If you truly do not have enough of a safety net money-wise I would pass on the trip.

 

[mrsklamc]

Awful lot of assumptions being made here. If I didn't have to have professional clothing a lot of my stuff would be threadbare too, just because it's not a priority to me. Who said they DON'T have an emergency fund and just don't consider Disney an emergency? Maybe they have a zero based budget cause they're trying to be debt free. She never said she HAD to sell her old gold to pay bills, just that she did. I sold some old gold to pay off stuff sooner when it certainly wasn't a necessity. Maybe she made a deal with her DH that the trip wouldn't come out of their 'regular' budget.

 

[FINFAN]

Awful lot of assumptions being made here. If I didn't have to have professional clothing a lot of my stuff would be threadbare too, just because it's not a priority to me. Who said they DON'T have an emergency fund and just don't consider Disney an emergency? Maybe they have a zero based budget cause they're trying to be debt free. She never said she HAD to sell her old gold to pay bills, just that she did. I sold some old gold to pay off stuff sooner when it certainly wasn't a necessity. Maybe she made a deal with her DH that the trip wouldn't come out of their 'regular' budget.

I agree, and honestly, others have posted looking for ideas on how to raise extra $ for vacation without being given a *reality check*.
OP I also think the idea of tutoring or any other type of help you can offer as a home schooler. Around me, the tutors command a minimum of $25 an hour ( and even if it is a 45 min session) which would add up VERY quickly! I have noticed a lot of adds for pet sitters or dog walkers as well. Last minute, I know, but with Labor Day weekend upon us, maybe you or your kids can quick advertise their availability for this if anyone is going away in your neighborhood...or even offer super deals like mowing a lawn for $10 ( around here $25 is a minimum) lemonade stands for the little kids to help out too...even car washing/vacuuming. As a homeschooler do you have any textbooks you can sell? I know you probably have already done that for this years items, but just in case. Your Ebay idea is good and I would shoot for a garage sale for sure. I hope it works out. I think that your family should enjoy their GAD tix after helping out others.

 

[DawnM]

I have been ebaying like crazy lately. I have gone to yard sales and thrift stores and found things that I know can sell for 10 times the price on ebay. In fact, I made $500 this past month. Of course, I have to pay for the items up front and there is no guarantee they will sell, but I have done fairly well.

I also homeschool. I do some online scoring to bring in a little extra, but it isn't that much the work is BORING! I prefer to buy and sell things for our extras.

Could your older kids do some yard work for neighbors maybe? Pet sit? I have a neighbor girl pet sit when we go. She is a teen and only charges $10/day but I usually pay her $100 for 8 days just as a little extra.

Dawn

 

[Nayan]

Not an assumption on the car issue. The OP said her husband didn't think her car was reliable enough for a local paper route, so taking that statement does he think it's be reliable enough for a long trip to Disney and back? While it's nice to think that things don't go wrong, sometimes they can (and do!). Reality checks are bummers but it's better to be prepared and if you can't afford an 'oh darnit!' moment then it's best to not take the trip.

 

[DawnM]

Well, there is a lot I could say about this, but I think the OP already knows what she should be doing family wise. What I will say to YOU is that the OP has a 3 year old. Unless she has a career to fall back on (ie: good income), getting a job will only be paying for childcare, defeating the entire purpose of working.

Dawn

I'm not trying to be snarky, please don't think that. Your post about clothing being worn and...i just think it's a bad idea. I can see from previous post of yours that the reason that you home-school is because you think that's what God wants you to do. God also helps those who help themselves. You don't need to be with your kids 100% of the time to teach them. My real advice: Send the kids to school, get a part time job, help your husband out a bit and ENJOY LIFE!

 

[karice2]

I am not going to comment on whether op should be going to Disney on such a thin budget. It is her choice.

A lot of people have said some things about the car not being able to make the long trip since the car is not reliable for a paper route. Just my two but a paper route requires a lot of stop and start which is proven to be murder on a car. Brakes, transmission and all that other stuff that goes with it.

Highway miles are completely different and way less taxing on the car. So a car may overheat by doing stop and go driving but be perfectly fine for a long drive on the highway.

So OP, good luck on your endeavor. I do want to learn how to camp in a tent but not brave enough to do so.

Kim

 

[karice2]

I hate doing laundry. More than cleaning toliets, washing dishes or mopping floors, I hate doing laundry. The time it takes to do the laundry is not worth it to me.

I pay to have the laundromat to wash, dry and fold my laundry. I pay by the pound.

This is definitely something that you can do. Charge a flat rate for the service and I guarantee someone will use the service. To avoid raising your electric bill, you can go to Laundromat and use the industrial washers and dryers there. Get a huge load done and just the time to fold.

I provide my own detergent because I have a preference but you can get the cheapy stuff to do the other peoples.

I would pay just for folding of laundry. I would pay $45 bucks for someone to fold 4 loads of laundry in regular machine.

If I were looking to bring in some easy cash, I would use my trusty scale and charge $.75 per pound.

Just a thought.