THE most common reaction I get about going to Disney World is how expensive it is. And, I always admit that it can be very expensive. You could probably spend a million dollars on a Disney World vacation, if you had it and wanted to spend that much. I, however, have not been sitting on secret millions. I live on a budget. I vacation on a budget.

I have priced many different types vacations for my family of 6 and I have almost always found a cheaper way to end up in Disney World. The deals are there. Find someone that you trust to help you find the right deal for you.

Some of the things we do:

1. Value Resorts: The resorts are where a large chunk of your budget will go. While I love staying at a variety of resorts, if the budget is tight, I will stay at a value resort and I know that I will still have the best time. The room will be perfectly fine and clean. We really don’t spend a ton of time in the room itself so as long as there is a clean bed to sleep in and a clean shower, we are good to go. That being said, none of the Disney resorts are bad. They are all well themed. They all have their perks.
2. Quick Services Meals: There are so many food options at Disney and QS is a great way to save money. And, usually much easier. Mobile order, walk up and pick it up when it is ready. I was recently diagnosed with a long list of food allergies. While eating has been interesting lately, I was exploring dining options for our next trip and realized how easy it would be in Disney World. A LOT of the foods I was already eating in Disney are allergy friendly. So, even the pickiest eaters should be happy with their options.
3. Don’t overbuy. This one requires some willpower. There is so much spending opportunityat Disney World but it isn’t absolutely necesary. I know it is hard to tell your kids no on vacation when all they want in that moment is a bubble want. I get it. You see the limited edition ears that are hard to resist. You smell the snacks and the cutest popcorn buckets on earth are right there in front of your eyes. But, ultimately, you’ll still have a fabulous vacation without those extras.
4. Discounts: Gift Cards. You can buy discounted gift cards at Target and Sam’s Club. Keep an eye on these and at times there are even bigger discounts available. There are even games you can play and surverys you can take online that will allow you to earn Disney Gift Cards. I do a lot of this while doing other things. Walking on the treadmill? Watching TV? Riding in the car? I’ll pull my phone out and earn some money, while I’m at it! It won’t be a ton but it all adds up!
5. Disney Premier Visa Card! THIS is one of my favorite things. I use it to book our trips, which allows for no interest payments for 6 months for us at this time. It also give you the ability to earn. Our redemption card once covered the cost of a one night stay at The Grand Floridian. The card currently earns a FREE Disney Dining Plan if you pay the $200 down with your card. Though I am not always a big fan of crreit cards, the benefits to this card are so well worth it, under the right circumstances. It really makes sense for us. There are so many perks!
6. Shop outside of the parks: Amazon is FULL of great options for Disney Souvenirs. We also love to hit up the Character Warehouse while we are in town and of course, the Lakeland Antique Mall and Recycling the Magic! There are all places where you can get Disney gear from shirts, ears, pins, magnets, cups, toys and more. You can also find some really good memorabilia and collectibles, if you’re into the history of Disney.

Overwhelmed? That’s understandble. Let us help! We are happy to pass along things we have learned along the way from our personal experiences to help you find the best option for your next situation! TravelingWithTheDollars@gmail.com