Disney on a Budget-is it possible?

Posted by Felicia Wednesday, February 17, 2010, under | 3 comments

Money is tight--there is no denying it. But even with money being tight, it doesn't stop my husband and I, along with our kids, from wanting to enjoy the "highlights" of life. With summer only a few months away I have been thinking about taking a trip to Disney while out little ones are still "little". As I am researching more and more, I can just tell it isn't going to be feasible to us right now. There is just no way to justify the thousands of dollars it would cost for the trip. The hotel, parks, food and souvenirs would just leave us broke. Sure, we would walk away with the memories to last a lifetime, but that money could be used in so many other ways right now.

Both of my kids are Disney fans, from Minnie and Mickey to Buzz and Woody, they have it all down. My husband and I grew up with Disney as well and both argue which movie was the best of our time, The Little Mermaid or The Lion King. Although we both have come to agree that Aladdin is our collective favorite. My husband had been to Disney when he was younger, but I had not. He took me a couple years after we got married, and I will tell you I may as well have been a kid again! It was so wonderful and exciting and I did not want to leave. I felt as though I could just live down there and be happy the rest of my life.

A trip to Disney is not only a dream come true to our kids, but a fantasy world for us as adults. To go and be in that magical place is just a wonderland. Sure, we have tried to scrimp and save, but something always comes up. Isn't it always that way? Whether it be an air conditioner going out, a refrigerator on the fritz or a car deciding to call it quits, it's always something. While I suppose we will get there again someday, our kids are growing up so fast. How wonderful would it be to be able to plan a trip every year, so your kids could practically grow up in that magical place? This year would have just been so wonderful for our kids to go. Disney would be so big to them and just so magical. I know I have used that word so many times, but there is just no better way to describe Disney. An enchanting world where dreams come true for little hearts and wishes.

We have tried to find ways to put money back, to plan a trip, but it just doesn't seem to be a dream come true for us. At least not this year. I will keep hoping though and keep planning my "frugal" trip, if you can call it that. If frugal means not staying in the best hotel they have to offer, I can deal with that. It just doesn't seem like you can avoid eating there unless you want to spend most of your time on the buses and traveling, and if you have to eat there...well you may as well plan on spending just about all your money on food. They really have a great dining plan, but again, it is going to cost you a lot of money. Great idea if you can afford it.

It can't hurt to be prepared if it ever does happen and who knows, maybe there is a way to go to Disney for cheap. I am open to ideas if anyone wants to share! My best one right now it to enter contests and WIN a trip! :)

One Response to "Disney on a Budget-is it possible?"

  1. Hopegirl Says:

    coke rewards is offering a free disney trip giveaway for 4. mycokerewards.com (you get codes off of the caps)

  1. Shannon Says:

    Winning a trip would be great. Having grown up just 20 minutes from the Land of the Mouse I have a couple tips. First of all take advantage of Disney's promotions!!! This year if you give a day of service you get a day free at a park. This is a great deal. I just looked into it and in my area there are tons are opportunities. Go to disneyparks.com to learn about options in your area.

    Besides the cost of the parks, there are hotel costs. DO NOT stay in a Disney hotel. There are literally hundreds of motels and hotels within a 5 mile radius of Disneyland. There are even several within walking distance (1 mile or less) that are affordable.

    Plan to only eat one meal in the park. Eat breakfast at the motel or at fast food before you enter. Maybe bring a picnic lunch into the park for lunch and splurge on a dinner in the park. Or vice a versa. Park food is way pricey. Pack a backpack with snacks and water bottles too for in between meals. This is how we always do D-land.

    My other advice is to check your local classifieds or Craigslist for people selling the other half of their park hopper tickets. It's a great way to save on ticket costs. Do one park one day and the other one the next. I sure hope that you are able to make it happen because Disneyland really is so fun and magical for kids. We are planning a trip next month with our 4 and 2 year old and they are so excited!

  1. Renee L. Says:

    While I'm not the biggest fan of Disney myself, I do know how much my son loves it. It would be awesome to find a frugal way to make the trip. I have to admit, that I did go to Disney Land once back when I was a teen and even then, it was really fun! I can just imagine how fantastic it would be to a smaller child! The comment about me has lots of great ideas and can certainly save some money. Perhaps a trip down there isn't so far out of reach? Granted, I can keep trying to win a trip too! That would solve everything! :)