How To Save Money Before and During Your Disney Vacation

I often get asked how my husband and I are able to afford so many trips to Disney, so I am going to share with you a few easy ways that work for us on saving (or earning) money prior to our trips and also some tips on saving money during our vacation. Snacks, Meal Sharing and Drinks: If you drive to Disney a great way to save some money is by bringing along snacks and drinks. I will never forget on one trip I had decided to save all my receipts and when we returned home, I was shocked when I saw how much money my husband and I had spent on food and drinks for just the two of us... I can only imagine it can really add up if you are a family vacationing together, especially with kids. Trail mix, chips, nuts, granola bars and fruit such as apples, oranges, etc., are great options to keep in your room for a late night snack after a full day in the parks. Granola and/or breakfast bars are a great option to snack on in the morning while heading out to the parks. You can also make up "snack bags" ahead of time in ziplock bags for each person and toss them in your backpack or tote and take them with you to the parks for snacks in between meals. Consider buying these items at warehouse clubs such as Sam's Club, BJ's, Costco, etc., in bulk to save money.

If you are flying, and don't have the space to pack items, consider using a grocery delivery service such as Garden Grocer. Basically, for a small fee, you can have your items delievered to you at your resort. It is more expensive then going out and buying these items yourself, BUT it is still cheaper then buying these items at your resort or in the parks. Also, bottled drinks that you bring along or purchase from a grocery delivery service can be kept cold in your resort room refrigerator. It is so important to hydrate yourself, especially on those hot and humid days in the parks. Take advantage of the FREE water at the counter service restaurants in the parks. The cost of drinks in the parks can really add up, so the free water can be a good savings. Consider purchasing a Length of Stay Refillable Insulated Souvenir "Mug" at your resort and enjoy unlimited FREE refills of fountain drinks, coffee, iced or hot tea. If you are "resort hopping" you can take your mug along and get refills at other resorts as well. If you purchase a Disney Dining Plan you will get a Refillable Mug included in the dining plan cost. Please note that the mugs can not be used in the parks for free refills at this time. Also worth mentioning is, as you are heading down Main Street USA in The Magic Kingdom, head to The Confectionary... often times you can catch cast members giving out free samples. My husband and I have found that when we snack often throughout the day we are not as hungry at meal times, so often, for breakfast and lunch, we will split a meal, thus saving us money (or allow us to splurge on a special dinner or character dining). Our favorite place to have breakfast for a great value and a very filling meal is at Sunshine Seasons Food Court located in The Land Pavilion at Epcot. We split the Adult Breakfast Platter which includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes and cinnamon french toast bread pudding for only $9.99. Disney Gift Cards: Purchasing Disney Gift Cards prior to your trip can also save you some money. Warehouse Clubs such as Sam's Club, Costco, BJ's, etc., often sell Disney Gift Cards (or packs of Disney Gifts Cards) at a discount, with savings anywhere from 4-6% off face value. The savings can really add up when you are purchasing the discounted Disney Gift Cards to pay for your vacation! Grocery stores will sometimes offer gift card incentive offers such as a free gift card with a purchase. For example, our local Publix grocery store will occasionally offer a free $10.00 Mastercard, Visa or gas card with a minimum $50.00 grocery purchase. Even though the promotion may state a free Mastercard, Visa or gas card, my local Publix allows me to opt for a Disney gift card instead (don't be afraid to ask at customer service or ask for a manager) which is great because I am getting that free gift card just for buying groceries that I needed anyway. Whenever a store offers this my husband and I will split our shopping and go through the line seperate so we both get a free Disney gift card. Cha-ching $20 FREE Disney money makes me happy! Disney Gift Cards can be used to put a deposit on your Disney vacation, make payments on your vacation or pay your vacation in full. Getting discounted, or better yet, FREE gift cards can also be used for shopping or dining while on vacation and are accepted at your resort and most locations in the parks. Cashback Portals:

If you do any shopping online then make sure you are signed up for sites that offer cash back on your purchases. I often shop online from places like Amazon, Department Stores, Target, Walmart, etc., and the cash back earnings really do add up and you can use that cash for your next vacation or use it to purchase the discounted gift cards I mentioned above. Use a Travel Agent: Yes, you read that right. Using a Travel Agent not only takes the stress of planning your vacation away, it can also possibly SAVE YOU MONEY! When you book your Disney Vacation through me, my services are FREE to you and it does NOT COST YOU ONE SINGLE EXTRA PENNY booking with me vs. booking direct with Disney because I get paid my commission from Disney. AND... as your Travel Agent I will continously monitor for any Disney promotional discounts that are offered from time to time and if/when one becomes available that your vacation is eligible for I can apply the discount, thus saving you money. Once you are booked Disney is not going to notify you that there is a new promotional discount that you may be eligible for and they will not automatically apply it. That is one of the biggest perks of booking through a Travel Agent, like myself, that specializes in Disney Vacations. I would love to assist you with your next Disney Vacation and offer you a FREE, no-obligation quote. Just email me at tina@wishingonastartravel.com Follow me on Facebook to keep up with the latest Disney News and Special Offers (make sure you LIKE the page so my updates appear in your News Feed: https://www.facebook.com/TinaAndScottAtWishingOnAStarTravel/