Creative Ways to Save for a Disney Trip

Imagine strolling down Main Street USA, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of Disney magic, with Cinderella Castle towering in the distance. A Disney vacation is on the bucket list of many, but the cost can often feel prohibitive. However, with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of determination, you can make your dream Disney vacation a reality. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various creative ways to save up money for your Disney adventure, offering top tips, innovative ideas, and practical money-saving advice to help you embark on the trip of a lifetime.

Set Clear Goals

Before you start saving, it’s essential to set clear financial goals for your Disney vacation. Determine your budget by factoring in all potential expenses, including travel, accommodations, park tickets, food, and souvenirs. Once you have a budget in mind, set a realistic savings timeline to achieve your goal. Having a clear goal and deadline will keep you motivated and focused on your savings journey.

Cashback and Reward Programs

Maximizing cashback and rewards programs can help you save on everyday purchases. Here’s how to do it:

• Maximizing credit card rewards: Use credit cards that offer cashback or rewards points on your regular expenses. Be sure to pay off your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges.
• Utilizing cashback apps: Download cashback apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Honey to earn money back on your online and in-store purchases.
• Joining loyalty programs: Sign up for store loyalty programs to receive discounts, special offers, and exclusive deals. Many retailers, including grocery stores, offer loyalty rewards.

DISNEY REWARDS CREDIT CARD

We first signed up for our Disney Rewards Credit Card while shopping at Disney Springs in Florida almost 16 years ago! We were staying locally with Grandparents and hadn’t made any plans to go into Disney World. We discovered that my husband and I could both sign up for a card and receive it right there on the spot AND that we would both receive a $200 statement credit after an initial purchase was made. At the time, that total of $400 covered the cost of tickets for our whole family. I think the credit is even higher now!

After the initial bonus credits, we’ve used this card throughout the year and looked at it as a Disney savings account. As long as you are careful to always pay off your balance, credit cards can offer some really great perks. The points that it accumulates are good towards park tickets and Disney merchandise. Being a card holder also gives you extra discounts at the Disney Store and other promotional packages at resorts and more. There are also special photo spots and character meet-and-greets set up just for cardholders within the parks. PLUS you get a super cool looking Disney credit card with the design of your choice!

BUY DISNEY GIFT CARDS AT TARGET USING YOUR REDCARD

This is a little tip I’ve heard a lot of people use over the years. If you have a Target REDcard that gets 5% off on all purchases, you can buy Disney gift cards in the store that are then able to purchase tickets, food or merchandise inside the Disney Parks! It’s not a huge savings, but it does add up.

BUY DISNEY GIFT CARDS AT COSTCO OR SAMS CLUB

Another way to get your hands on discount Disney gift cards is at warehouse stores like Costco and Sams Club. You have to keep your eyes and ears open for these however, since they don’t carry them year round.

START A SAVINGS PLAN OR USE A 52 WEEK SAVINGS CHART

Make a plan at the beginning of the year and stick with it! Using a savings chart can be very motivating because it helps you visualize your progress and the end goal.

Download the PDF version of this chart here: 52 Week Disney Savings Plan

OPEN A VACATION FUND OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT THAT MAKES AUTOMATIC DEPOSITS

Most banks or credit unions can work with you on setting up a vacation savings plan. Even if you’re only depositing $5-10 a week, it can really add up over time. We have our checking account set up to automatically put money into savings every week.

GIVE UP A MEAL THAT YOU WOULD NORMALLY EAT OUT

Do you have a pretty regular weekly habit of eating out on a particular day? What about stopping for coffee in the mornings? Don’t forget to involve your kids and ask what area they think you could cut back. Pick a meal that you would normally eat out and eat a sandwich instead. Make coffee at home and drop a couple bucks into a bowl instead. If everyone in your family is on board and motivated to go to Disney World, the odds of sticking with a plan will be much better.

SELL STUFF

Before a big trip, we always look around and take stock of things we might be able to sell on Facebook Marketplace or Ebay. Some things we’ve sold over the years include: beds, electronics, dressers, couches, designer purses, ugly Christmas sweaters, kids toys, books, collectibles, you name it.

SAVE YOUR COINS!

This is a way to get the whole family involved. My kids love collecting coins and seeing a jar fill up with money. They also love to take it into the bank or store that has a counting machine and cash it all in! Most grocery stores have a Coinstar machine that takes a small percentage of the total, or you can check with your credit union or bank to see if they offer a counting service for free!

A Visual Motivator

Create a Disney fund jar to make your savings journey more tangible and motivating. Here’s how to do it:

• Creating a Disney fund jar: Find a clear container and label it as your “Disney Fund.” Place it in a visible location where you’ll see it daily.
• Celebrating small wins: Celebrate your progress when you reach each milestone. It could be as simple as treating yourself to a Disney-themed dessert or watching a Disney movie night with your family.

Toy Story Pig – Belle  – Minnie Mouse – Olaf – Cars – Giant Coke Bottle
Automatic Counting Jar – Adventure Fund

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

Is someone in your immediate family in the military? Disney is known for offering some great incentives and discounted packages to members of the military. Check here for current offers: Disney Military Discounts

STAY UP-TO-DATE OF CURRENT PROMOTIONS AND OFFERS

Keep checking in with Disney to see what promotions they are running. If you’re looking for a package deal that includes airfare, hotel, food and tickets, there may be a promotion running that makes it worth your while. Check here. One year, Disney gave out free tickets in exchange for volunteering at local shelters. My husband and I volunteered at a food bank and received a free one-day ticket into any park! It’s hard to plan around things like this, but if you’re motivated, staying up-to-date on promotions like these might just score you some tickets!

Conclusion

A Disney vacation may seem like an expensive dream, but with determination and creativity, you can make it a reality. By setting clear goals, cutting everyday expenses, earning extra income, and utilizing various money-saving strategies, you can build your Disney fund and embark on a magical adventure. Remember, every small effort adds up, and your dedication to the savings journey will be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime. So start your savings journey today, and before you know it, you’ll be walking down Main Street USA, with Cinderella Castle beckoning you toward the enchanting world of Disney magic.