The Best Money You Ever Spent?

[Snoopymom]

It was a splurge for us...O'hana's to see Wishes on New Years Day, very memorable, great food, fun atmosphere!

If this question is asked a year from now, I hope I can say a few nights at The Wilderness Lodge, lol.

 

[poffles]

Definitely Annual Pass.

As arminnie said, it allowed me to enjoy the parks in a very relaxed way. I only used it for the single two week trip that year (2000) but worth every penny and we went to a park every single day either to do rides or just stroll the world.

Buying one for the next trip in April 2005.

 

[CheapMom]

I have a little extra budget money left for our trip next year and I am getting some great ideas. (When I started the thread I purposefully didn't ask for vacation specific answers just because I thought people might have some interesting things to add but these ideas are great)
PS: Coincidentally, Last night my sister-in-law uttered these exact words: "Best $20 I ever spent"
She was referring to Finding Nemo on DVD, without it she would never get to take a shower. (She has a 1 and 2 year old who love it)

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I agree with a prior poster. Our Ap's are the best money ever spent. I have taken 4 trips on one AP. Booked rooms for family going with me at great AP rates for them. And it is so relaxing to run into the parks for a few hours or even to get somthing in a store and not feel lkie I am wasting a day. it has made our trips go at a much slower pace!

 

[Bubbleboy]

Buying into DVC. Guarantees that we will be going back to WDW for the next 38 years.

Bubbleboy

 

[HaleyB]

Right about now I am thinking it is my umbrella, it is pouring out.

Really, the resident seasonal passes in California. That would be for Disney. Non Disney would be my trips to Europe.

 

[dgaston]

I think it's the money I spent for the Specialty Cruise on our last Christmas visit. I don't have a photo, but the big grin on DS15's face when he drove the boat is really engraved in my heart. He was just so happy!

 

[Madi100]

Also the $150 it cost me to get all my rolls of film developed once we got back from our trip.

It's good to see there is another one of you out there I spent just as much. DH was not happy. Oh well. It's making a great scrapbook.

The best money we spent on our trip in January was the Illuminations Cruise. It was perfect! Captain Ron was the BEST!

Cinderella's breakfast is another best money spent.

 

[CheapMom]

Originally posted by dgaston
I think it's the money I spent for the Specialty Cruise on our last Christmas visit. I don't have a photo, but the big grin on DS15's face when he drove the boat is really engraved in my heart. He was just so happy!

What is the Specialty Cruise?

 

[Tiggerlover91]

This may be weird to you as it's totally un-Disney related, but the best money I ever spent is that 1999 VW Jetta outside my apartment building! I will drive that car til the engine falls out! I'm at 106,000+ miles and I've heard of many who have driven their VW WAY beyond that mark with very few problems.

 

[ceecee]

The best money we ever spent was our first Disney vacation! The $49.00 rate at the ASMO hooked us, we have wonderful family memories.....
$$ wise Character breakfasts, autograph books, ulitimate hopper (yes, the freedom to go for a few hours to the parks without wasting a day on your hopper) The masks at Epcot DD has made, we have four hanging on her wall. I did like our photo in front of the castle, it was worth the $$.
I could go on...........as you can see I think Disney is good $ spent on a vacation. We have taken others and spent the same or more and had none of the magic.

 

[kadaten]

Two things...

Annual Passes (for obvious reasons)

Disney Dining Experience for FL residents...has saved us GOBS of money on meals...was able to use it to save big bucks for our family reunion in December!! Family was so happy with my planning and saving tips I get to plan a summer trip for all of us (although to the beach, not Disney)! But will be using the DDE again in May when DH, DD, DS and I all go back.....3rd trip on this annual pass, with possibly another late summer/early fall

Katie

 

[Yzma and Kronk]

Family Magic Tour at MK - great tour, loads of fun, good value.

Sunrise Safari at AKLC - if you are ever in conceirge - don't miss this.

Rootbeer Float at AK Dinoland - it was about $3.50 - yum! and a really cute mickey spoon/straw to keep!

Pal Mickey - we have so much fun with him at the parks and at home. (another good value is the bottle strap we bought - we use it to carry Mickey around) DS and I do "Mickey's joke for the day" each morning when he gets up. A great way to start the day!

 

[ripleysmom]

DVC

 

[dgaston]

for Cheapmom: Specialty Cruise is just another name for the cruise that allows you to see IllumiNations. They don't guarantee the fireworks, just the time slot (although I think cancellations of IllumiNations are very rare).

Before the fireworks the pontoon boat cruises from the Yacht and Beach Club marina by the Swan and Dolphin down to the Studios and then back up to park under the International Gateway Bridge for IllumiNations. Each time we've gone, the driver has allowed younger folks (or those that wanted to) to steer the boat.

 

[jenr812]

Another great thread Thanks! I'm reading it and taking mental notes

 

[abbyndrewmom]

Best money I ever spent is on my 2001 Surburban keeps my family safe in all this winter driving!!!!

For Disney the best money decision I made was in 2001 to change our reservation from Beach Club to Coranado Springs. By doing so we were able to spend more money on Character meals and souveniers. We had an excellent trip and never once regretted our decision.


Allison

 

[ScottOKW2K]

Two things - Annual Passes and DVC.

We started our first trip with the former, and had purchased the latter sight unseen before the second trip. We've never regretted either.