Personal Question- How do you do it?

[LukenDC]

I think that it really depends on one's values and priorities. Travel is important to me and I take two big vacations a year---one international, the other domestic. The trade off is that I rely on public transportation (I live in a major city) and I have a studio apartment. I also do not have children to support, which makes a big difference.

That said, Disney is very expensive. I could enjoy ten days at a comfortable hotel in Paris for half of what I am paying for my eight day trip to WDW (6 nights Poly, 2 nights Dolphin). I have never been to WDW, so I hope that after all is said and done that I will leave believing that it was money well spent.

 

[jeast]

We're poor. We have struggled for several years due to son being unable to manage daycare (illness caused asthma problems).

Things are better now but we still struggle. I work part time as a Server to make ends meet and stay at home w/2 kids. However, now that DS is 5, we decided that we NEED to do a vacation every year. Life is too short and you can make things happen if you simply DECIDE to do it. I have been saving my measly paycheck and a certain amount extra every week. Sometimes I have to pick up an extra shift to make the correct amount in the savings account but I am determined. Mind you, I have to plan ahead for a year to make a vacation like this doable. Next year we might do something cheaper. But for now, Disney, here we come!

 

[scoutsmom99]

When I go to Disney I'm just paying for myself, but I still have to save for it I don't make a ton of money working in retail, but I try and save $50 a week from my checks for Disney. Also any other birthday money, grandma money, part of my tax return, or money I get for helping my brother out goes into my Disney pot.

 

[qtwns]

Keep reading these boards. You will gain so much knowledge on how to have a great/economical WDW vacation. Also, you will learn so many tips that when you go your trip will be so well planned and easy that you will all have the vacation of a lifetime! Good luck and have fun planning and dreaming about your trip.

 

[lab_girl]

How do you all do these vacations? ...i just wonder what we are doing wrong... its taken my husband 17 years to talk me into spending so much for this eeny weeny vacation we are taking... What are we doing wrong?//

Nothing wrong, we don't take a vacation every year either. As you can see by my signature - we haven't even been to WDW yet! We are saving up for 2 years so that our WHOLE trip will be paid for in full. (including spending money). Every year we do go SOMEWHERE, but, sometimes it's just somewhere close and inexpensive!



I LOVE Smilies (can you tell?)

 

[DisneyDotty]

Gotta agree with other posters regarding priorities. We've made vacations our priority. No regrets. (Not now, anyway. Ask me again when we're retired... )

 

[dixipixi]

In our family, its myself, DH, our DS (12), and I have 2 stepchildren DD(19), and DS (16). My stepson now lives with us. Both DH and I work in his family's business. He is the main breadwinner.

We own our home and land and only have one car note. We have the usual utilities and bills associated with home ownership. We do not have any credit card debt. Having said that, I should say that we live in a modest home in the country and housing around here is not nearly as expensive as in some other parts of the country.

Having two boys, I have a pretty good grocery bill every month. They are also constantly outgrowing and destroying clothes and shoes...so there goes a lot of our $$$

I found it helps for me to "scout out" our trip about 18 mos. in advance. That way, I know how much it is going to cost and I can begin to plan. As soon as we return from one trip, I begin making payments on the next.

We started out making a trip to WDW once every two years. We recently started going once a year. I hope to start going twice a year within the next year or two. We find that WDW is a wonderful place to bond with your family and de-stress and unwind.

When it comes to WDW, I have to have my hotel and tickets paid for in advance and enough cash saved to cover our food, souveniers, etc. We do not charge anything that we cannot pay off that same month.

It may not work for everyone, but I have found that keeping our debt under control frees up extra cash within our budget.

 

[Harmony]

I agree with many of the posters...if it's a priority...then it's "do-able."

Sure we can have a bigger home, or newer, more expensive furniture but my kids won't remember the kind of sofas they had growing up (can you?) but I know they will NEVER forget our trips to WDW!

 

[Dan Murphy]

Welcome to the DIS, Shelby. The DIS will help you cut costs, a LOT. Enjoy.

 

[Eeyore2003]

I used to pay allot. Full price for deluxe resorts etc. But now I try to get the best deals and a Disney Vacation will cost me anywere from $1500.00 to $2000.00, although in July and October, I think I did it for less than that. I still stay at Deluxe, but I rent points from DVC owners sometimes, also because we went enough days last year we became AP holders and then took a vacation using AP rates.

We also have a Disney Visa and I charge everything and then pay it up every month, so we usually have enough money for several meals. We've also gone enough that we are very picky about souvineers and stuff like that. This November it will be expensive, I'm taking my 8 y/o neice and having raised 2 boys, I'm going "girl" crazy and treating her to the spa, and the My Disney Girl Tea, and I'm sure she'll get totally spoiled.

My husband is a doctor, though, and I'm a SAM to two college boys. BUT we are putting both through college, plus I went to college this year also for a one year webpage design class, so we really don't have money to spare. Without the vacations we'd go stark raving mad. Like one DIS'er put it, some people pay a shrink, I'd rather have fun at Disney. We just need time away from the stress. We don't exclusively do Disney, and our other favorite is Colorado.

DH also has to attend conferences every year to keep up points for a test he has to take every 7 years, so for at least two vacations a year we combine that with vacation and then part of it is paid for. Like in November, he's attending a medical conference Fri/Sat/ and Sun AM at the Boardwalk Inn Conference Center, then part of our trip will be paid for that way too.

I think it's a matter of creativity in planning and priorities in how you want to spend your money. The most important thing is that we have made wonderful memories for our children and that is the most important thing to us. We also never fly, also saves money, lots of "quality" time getting to do stuff and know your kids traveling for hours in the car. We also make our "trip" fun, not just drive wildly there and back. We stop at nice things along the way too. There's so much of the United States to see and enjoy that way, and it makes travel time fun and interesting for the kids.

 

[MiJo]

My DW and I were married for 14 years before we took our first BIG vacation, which was to WDW with our 3 kids (1990). We took out a loan for the trip but it turned out to be well worth it. We stayed outside in a Comfort Inn. Now, we have been back 5 times since '99 and we have stayed on-site each time. Of course, our "kids" are grown now so it has been just the two of us. We save $20/week in a vacation club and we use our weekly food budget for our meals once we are there. We book the whole trip ourselves using deals we find here on the DIS and on other boards. We usually stay in a Moderate resort for 5 or 6 nights with our total coming to just under $2000 or so (including flights from PA). When we went in January, our R/T flights from Philly to Orlando totalled less than $215!! We stayed at POR in a King bed room for $110/night and we got a discount on our Hopper Passes by using Ticket Mania. We don't go overboard with meals, usually eating in the food court for breakfast and eating our big meal mid-afternoon when prices are lower. We have also done a couple tours while at WDW (The KTTK and the Segway Tour), so it's not like we don't do the little extras for enjoyment. I know we have friends who spend just as much for a week at the Jersey or Maryland shores in the summer. We would rather be at WDW! By the way, during off seasons, you can get a value resort for less than $60/night. That's no different than a Motel 6! For us, every trip has been worth every cent!

 

[SammieG]

we were given a time share apartment by someone who couldnt manage the fees, and we swap in for one in Orlando.. plus we also bought another week somewhere else with a bonus my husband got.

My husband travels extensively and we use his airmiles to travel to the US twice a year. our vacations cost us about $150 for accomodation, and just the tax on the flights... plus car hire, and the cost of the park tickets (which we use for at least two trips, sometimes three)

I would say that without food or spending money our trips (which are each about 17 days long, from the UK) cost is just over $1000 per trip.

 

[mommykds]

but a lot of people are just willing to sacrifice for Disney.

My family (Me, DH, & 3 kids under 9) would fall into this catagory. We are a single income family & I am a SAHM. We live in a small home in a middle class town.

We sacrifice everything for Disney, that's the only way we could afford our trips. I cut coupons, buy only when it's on sale, buy in bulk, do not eat out alot when home, "make do" with what we have, no new cars here, & we have decided to try not to "keep up with the Jones's". Alot of my friends have bmw's & lexus's, they live in huge houses that look like marble casinos (IMHO), get a manicure's every week, & have beautiful clothes. (hey I'd love a manicure too but its just not in our budget)

I on the other hand buy clothes at target or walmart, live in a modest cape style house, drive an older minivan that has no power windows or fancy additions. I try to be very frugal with all things so we can afford a big blow out trip to Disney each year or every other year. When we are at Disney there is no budget..we eat where we want & shop (alittle) for sovineirs. All the things we don;t buy during the year we save so we can have fun at WDW.

I would suggests the value resorts when $ is tight unless you are more than 4 going together because then you need 2 rooms. I'd also suggest getting 1 AP for you & MYW tickets for the family so you can take advantage of the AP rate on resorts. Maybe you can check out the dining plan or the DDE (if you get an AP) which gives you 20% off meals. I hope you enjoy your trip.

 

[Leota]

Like everyone else here says, it is a matter of Priorities. Family Vacations are as much of a priority to me as food,clothing & shelter.

For awhile, those vacations were short, driving area vacations such as Toronto, Philly etc.... Then we started being able to go to WDW every 2-3 years. When I went back to work part-time, we were able to take bigger yearly vacations. We generally do WDW once a year, sometimes we go several times in a year, but then skip a year or two. When we are going to go every year, we go within an 11 month period & make use of annual passes. Generally when we have passes, we go at least 2x ,if not 3 or 4, within that year.

I am frugal at home, have a tight grocery budget, don't wear designer clothes, drive a new, but modest car. I use the library instead of spending money on books, movies & music. We have free or cheap entertainment at home - biking, hiking, board games etc... I save change & I play "The Disney Game". If I see something that I am tempted to buy, I equate the cost to the cost of a meal or a night's stay in a resort etc.... to see if I think it is worth it. Example: I am tempted to go out to dinner. That would cost me one night's dinner in WDW. Is it worth it to me to do that or would I rather cook a nice meal at home & save the money for our trip. A new outfit would cost me $150 - I could have a night in a resort for that - Which would I rather have?

Because vacations are more of a priority to me than to my DH, I have taken on the financial responsibility of them. I don't make a ton of money, I am just very careful & very focused about how I spend it. Luckily, his paycheck covers the big bills & major retirement/college savings. Mine covers the small stuff & I have alot of room to save on those bills. That allows me to be able to put away money each month for our vacation fund.

 

[SeeDisney]

Yes, I know what your mean about your thread. I know some people here in my town and they don't belong on the Disboard and they go to WDW two times a year!!!

I don't know how they do it either. I guess they're millionaires???

 

[powellrj]

we try to go every year, and some years we go nicer than others. Last year we stayed on site at Universal in a club level room, this year we are staying in an off site condo. We always fly, rent a car, have a few off park days, eat most meals off site and try to have the trip come in at around $2,000 for our family of 4. This year the air fare and condo were paid for months ago, we have been buying meal certificates and gift cards so they are all pre-paid and we have saved our extra money for our spending money. The only things not paid for are our sea world tickets and rental car.

There have been several years that money has been tight and we have taken timeshare trips. Hey its a vacation no matter how you get there!

 

[goofy4tink]

Another SAHM, with just the one child at home now. We tried the 'traditional' type vacations...a week or two at the beach, renting a cottage. But dh got very bored and would go back to work, joining us on week-ends. After my mother and I took my dd, then just 6, to WDW (my first trip also) back in '99 and had such a great time, dh decided that maybe he would like to try that also. We never looked back. He is type A and there is always something for him to do at WDW. He doesn't feel the need to go more that once a year tho. But it was his idea in late '03 to buy into DVC. We did and have had several trips back to WDW since then.

We do drive nice cars, but they are leased. I don't buy new clothes every season. We don't eat out a lot during the year and the movies are a once every few months type thing. We refinanced our house about 5 yrs. ago to a 15 year mortgage. That is a little hefty and tends to kill me every month. But worth it when dd gets to college age.

My mom passed away just as we bought DVC. We had been giving her a check every month to help with her finances. So, when she died, I took that money and put it toward my DVC payments. So, basically I pay just the dues now...about $80 a month. I try to spend less than $200 per person for airfare from Ma to Orlando. An AP is really worth it for us...spent $400 for one a year ago (August '04)..by the time it expires, 8/05, we will have 24 days on it!! That works out to about $17 a day. I try to budget about $1000 for all our other expenses in WDW...souveniers, food.

Do we go to WDW too often? Probably. In fact, I'm going back in late Nov for a solo trip. Meeting up with some other Disers down there. But, I will renew my AP and with a DVC discount on that, it will cost me about $150 for that trip and $150 for our trip in Oct '06!! So, there are ways you can cut corners. No one needs to pay full price at WDW. You can always stay in a value resort, build a cheaper park pass rather than get the most all-inclusive one. Keep reading these boards. You will get a huge amount of info...it will make your head swim...but keep at it. Your whole family will benefit.
And welcome!!!!!

 

[MickeyMouth]

We always use our tax refund for our vacation. Also, we feel that the family bonding time and the memories we create on vacation are more important than a fancy car, big house and other material things.

 

[crazywig]

1) we own our DVC outright so only paying the yearly fees.
2) annual passes (with new DVC discount! woo!)
3) small children (ages 3, and 8 months) who don't each much
4) Southwest Airlines. we often get rt tickets for about $115 each




by the end of this year we will have made 3 trips to disney. we are also 2 income family.

 

[Kristi1357]

1) we own our DVC outright so only paying the yearly fees.
2) annual passes (with new DVC discount! woo!)
3) small children (ages 3, and 8 months) who don't each much
4) Southwest Airlines. we often get rt tickets for about $115 each




by the end of this year we will have made 3 trips to disney. we are also 2 income family.

I could have written that response! Except we are a 1.5 income family. DH works part time. We work opposite shifts so someone is always home with DS.

We also clip coupons, stock up on sales, etc. We do have 3 vehicles, but one is a '96 Ranger that is paid off and ins. cost is minimal and worth it for doing house/yard work. We have a relatively small house also.

When DH gets more hours at work on a given week, I immediately buy traveler's checks with the cash - whether it's $100, $500 or more. I put these in the safe and "forget" about them until the next trip. That way, we have more than enough spending money before we leave on our trip.

I always wonder how people we know afford these huge, gorgeous homes, nicer cars, clothes, etc., and we can't. They probably wonder how we afford to go to Disney 2-3 times per year!

Kristi