So sad, it's all over!

[tink1978]

I go to WDW every year....I make reservations about a month after I come back and start saving money. All loose change and all one's go into a jar. I take about $500 from my tax return every year, have a yardsale at some point and then take $50 out of every paycheck. By the time my trip rolls around, I have plenty. I go during the value season (early January) and generally stay at a value resort (around $500 for a 7 night stay).

 

[djkeenan]

Here's how we can afford a trip to WDW every year:
We go in January (off season)
DING! Southwest Airlines discounted airfares
Car rental through Priceline.com
Rent a pool home direct from the owner (we pay $110/night for a beautiful 6 bedroom pool home just 3 miles from Disney, pool heat and tax included)
Buy groceries at Sams and Wal-Mart for 2 meals a day
10 day park-hopper non-expiring tickets typically lasts for 2 trips
Give the kids tickets and or Disney Dollars for birthday/Christmas

Some people really want someone to make their beds and cook their meals every day while on vacation. We understand that, but for us this plan works out just fine!

 

[DemonLlama]

We either use AP's discount or cast member discount when a good rate comes out, daughter works for the mouse. We also split the room, us and another couple. Take the Poly standard view at say 325.00, minus the AP discount 75.00 puts the room at around 250.00 divided by 2. Price for room for the night is $125.00 times 10 nights 1250.00. We look for value season and use daughters discount alot, its more than AP discount but we have the AP"S for going back twice in a year.

Ah, got it. It's easy for you. Not so much for those of us who don't have any way to split a room cost in half with another person (or use a CM discount). I just don't want the OP to underestimate things based on costs that really aren't realistic for most people.

 

[subtchr]

We either use AP's discount or cast member discount when a good rate comes out, daughter works for the mouse. We also split the room, us and another couple. Take the Poly standard view at say 325.00, minus the AP discount 75.00 puts the room at around 250.00 divided by 2. Price for room for the night is $125.00 times 10 nights 1250.00. We look for value season and use daughters discount alot, its more than AP discount but we have the AP"S for going back twice in a year.

Well, that's not "easy" if you don't have a daughter working there or a couple to split a room with...

And even if you consider your park passes "free" (because you have AP's), you still paid for the AP's at some point...

And that still only leaves $75/day for the two of you for meals and souvenirs, which is doable if you don't splurge on nice table service meals...

No big deal, just not workable for most people, especially families with kids.

Now excuse me, I have to go convince my kids to go work at WDW....

 

[jj1403]

We've stayed off site, cooked our own meals...

Also if you can go during the free dinning that's a huge savings.

 

[lookingforward]

We either use AP's discount or cast member discount when a good rate comes out, daughter works for the mouse. We also split the room, us and another couple. Take the Poly standard view at say 325.00, minus the AP discount 75.00 puts the room at around 250.00 divided by 2. Price for room for the night is $125.00 times 10 nights 1250.00. We look for value season and use daughters discount alot, its more than AP discount but we have the AP"S for going back twice in a year.

Thanks for your methods! I was with you up until the splitting the room with another couple. Family maybe...but another couple (for 10 to 12 days?)??? I would rather stay at POP (I LOVE POP) if it meant that. Just my opinion. Still you are lucky to have your daughters great discount.

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

Now excuse me, I have to go convince my kids to go work at WDW....

I have been working on this for a couple of years. I usually just get blank stares. Maybe it's because they are only 12 and 14.....