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Creative Ways to Save for a Disney Trip

Avatar photoSeptember 14, 2023 by Sarah Lemp

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!

FIND DETAILS HERE

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.

DISNEY-SAVINGSDownload

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.

Category: Disney Parks
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About Sarah Lemp

Sarah grew up in Michigan, taking trips to Disney World as often as she possibly could! She began writing about Disney vacation planning advice in 2012 when she started her blog, All Things with Purpose. Sarah and her family recently moved from the Motor City to Orlando, FL and are now living the Disney Passholder life!

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Sharing some of my favorite AMAZON dresses to wear Sharing some of my favorite AMAZON dresses to wear to the Disney parks! I like wearing lightweight dresses that feel casual but also a little bit princessy. And why not!? All linked in my Amazon shop. Find it in my stories and in my profile.
Comments overhead while walking around the Polynes Comments overhead while walking around the Polynesian Resort with 40th birthday balloons: “40 was ok. 50 killed me.” “No way! 40?” “4 was a good year. Oh, there’s a zero!” “Have a magical day!” and “Wait, when is your birthday again?” (said by my 15 year old son). Happy birthday to me! I’m officially 40!! 😆🥳
Why should you choose to stay at @grandlegacyhotel Why should you choose to stay at @grandlegacyhotel while visiting Disneyland?? Here’s a few reasons we love it:

💜 Walkability - We did not rent a car while we were in Anaheim. Grand Legacy is literally across the street from Disneyland, and just a couple blocks away from countless shops and restaurants. 
💜 Value - You can’t beat the price when you look at all you get while staying at Grand Legacy compared to other area hotels.
💜 Amenities - Our luxury plus room included a mini fridge, coffee maker and microwave, which is almost a necessity when staying multiple days. There are also beverages and snacks in the lobby, a pool, hot tub, and laundry facilities.
💜 Great for Families - We have stayed here with our family as well. There are lots of great options for families, including connecting rooms.
💜 View - There are many spots on property where you can view the Disneyland fireworks at night. Even though our room was not advertised as a firework view room, we were still able to catch a glimpse of them. There are rooms available with even better views of the theme parks and fireworks. We also enjoyed watching the fireworks from up top at @thefifthoc where they dim the lights and play Disneyland music during the show. 

#grandlegacyhotel #grandlegacy #disneyland #disneycreators #disneyadult #disneylandfamily
Happy World Princess Week!! *SAVE FOR LATER* We w Happy World Princess Week!! 
*SAVE FOR LATER*
We were honored to be a part of a special princess event at @waltdisneyworld last year. This year, you’ll find special treats at each of the Disney parks and in many of the resorts. Who is your favorite princess and why? 

Here’s where you can meet your favorite princesses at WDW (subject to change):

EPCOT
- Aurora (in France)
- Anna and Elsa (in Norway)
- Mulan (in China)
- Snow White (in Germany)
- Belle (in France)
- Princesses you may see at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall include: Belle, Aurora, Snow White, Tiana, Ariel and Mulan.

MAGIC KINGDOM 
- Cinderella (Princess Fairytale Hall)
- Tiana (Princess Fairytale Hall)
- Rapunzel (Princess Fairytale Hall)
- Ariel (Ariel’s Grotto)
- Belle (Enchanted Tales with Belle)
- Princesses you may see at Cinderella’s Royal Table: Cinderella, Aurora, Jasmine, Snow White and Ariel
- Multiple princesses seen in parades throughout the day 

ANIMAL KINGDOM 
- Moana (Character Landing)
- Pocahontas (on a river boat)

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS 
- Live Action Ariel (Walt Disney Presents)

RESORT HOTELS
- Snow White (Storybook Dining at Artist Point)

Did I miss one?? Let me know!

#worldprincessweek #ultimateprincesscelebration #disneyprincess #disneycreators
I felt like this footage deserved a permanent home I felt like this footage deserved a permanent home in my feed 😆 Pay close attention to Jay’s face as he prepares to ride Rise of the Resistance for the first time!! This ride has remained my favorite ride at Disney World since it opened but I have never been able to convince Jay to ride it. He does tend to get motion sickness on rides, and had said he would ride it if the wait was less than 10 minutes. I figured that meant he would never get to ride it, but the other night after a storm, the park had cleared out and we saw a 10 minute wait right before closing!! Jay now says it’s his favorite ride ever - his previous favorite was Frozen 😁

#batuubound #galaxysedge #starwars #disneycreators #riseoftheresistance #batuu #brightsuns #wdw #starwarsfamily
🧡AHSOKA!!!!🧡 Thank you @disneyparks for host 🧡AHSOKA!!!!🧡
Thank you @disneyparks for hosting us at an awesome Ahsoka Tano fan event last night to celebrate the release of @ahsokaofficial on @disneyplus 

We bounded as some of our favorite characters, built a droid and rode the best ride in the galaxy (Rise of the Resistance), before grabbing some blue milk and screening the first two episodes of Ahsoka, the new series coming to Disney Plus August 23rd. You are going to LOVE this show! 

To end the night, we all gathered in front of the Millennium Falcon to light up our Ahsoka sabers! 🧡
#ahsoka
First time in Vegas! It’s been fun to see everyt First time in Vegas! It’s been fun to see everything, but in reality, we came for the cheap flights and close proximity to the National Parks 😆 We’re celebrating our anniversary today with dinner at the (Vegas) Eiffel Tower, but we’ve been on the go everyday seeing the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree, and Zion National Park! The heat is no joke, it has actually made me appreciate the weather in Florida 🤣
💜20 years of adventures with you💜 💜20 years of adventures with you💜
Our 20th anniversary trip is officially off to a g Our 20th anniversary trip is officially off to a great start!! We are so thankful to be here together. When we first started talking about going away for our anniversary, we were coming out of an incredibly challenging time in our life and barely making ends meet. Our best idea was to attend a timeshare presentation to get a free hotel stay (anyone else been there? 🙋🏻‍♀️). We’re grateful for some very special people in our life that encouraged us to make plans and helped make it possible to think a little bit bigger. We will be packing in as much fun as we can, with a road trip to Palm Springs, Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Joshua Tree and Zion National Park. We added on a stop at Disneyland and are proud to be partnering with the @grandlegacyhotel for the next couple days. This is our second time staying here, but the first time without kids!! We love the Grand Legacy because it is stylish and modern, but also affordable. It’s located RIGHT across the street from Disneyland and just a block from all kinds of shopping and entertainment. They had a beautiful anniversary basket waiting for us when we arrived and we enjoyed dinner with a fireworks view last night at @thefifthoc ✨
We tried the infamous dill pickle milkshake at the We tried the infamous dill pickle milkshake at the EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival! It’s one of those things that you just have to try! We were surprised how NOT disgusting it was. It started sweet and has an interesting flavor, but it wasn’t terrible. Find it at the Brew-Wing Lab at the Odyssey. Which is a cute, Muppet, themed food lab with all kinds of tasty concoctions!

🥒 BOOK YOUR TRIP TO EPCOT USING THE LINK IN MY PROFILE TO SAVE MONEY ON DISNEY TICKETS AND HOTELS!!
POLLY HAS SOLD!! Taking suggestions now for the n POLLY HAS SOLD!! 
Taking suggestions now for the next subtle Disney theme we should do in an RV! 👇🏻

#glampingwithpolly #rvrenovation #rvreno
What’s your favorite Disney Channel original mov What’s your favorite Disney Channel original movie?? Mine go waaay back before High School Musical. As a kid, my favorites were Brink and Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century. The Disney Channel is celebrating their 40th anniversary (I turn 40 this year too)!! We’re excited to watch the new Disney Channel original movie, The Slumber Party, now on @disneychannel and @disneyplus #theslumberparty
MOM’S NIGHT OUT AT EPCOT
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five stars, would recommend - Food and Wine with friends! If you’ve never experienced the EPCOT Food and Wine Festival with your girlfriends, call 1-855-GET-AWAY immediately and book your trip!! 

Thank you @getawaytoday and @thehappiestclubonearth for inviting us to experience such a fun night!!

The EPCOT International Food and Wine Festival is officially here and there is so much to see and do (and eat and drink). Are you going this year??

#tasteepcot #disneycreators
We love the SEA LIFE Aquarium at Great Lakes Cross We love the SEA LIFE Aquarium at Great Lakes Crossing in Auburn Hills, Michigan! There are SEA LIFE Aquariums nationwide, so check out visitsealife.com to find a location near you. It’s a great time to visit SEA LIFE Michigan because Shark Days are here all week (July 23-29)! Discover new shark facts during a Summer shark talk, and dive into more fun with a sea of shark activities. Come see the sharks – including Florence, the 6ft Nurse Shark, in the breathtaking Ocean Tunnel. Get the ultimate shark selfie as they glide just inches away from you for an unforgettable shark encounter.

CoComelon is also making appearances until August 13! This meet and greet is included in the regular ticket price. For an additional fee, you can schedule a behind-the-scenes tour to see how they care for and feed the sharks at SEA LIFE.

Thank you to @sealife_michigan for inviting us this week! I sent my sister and her kids to check it all out and they had a lot of fun!
Polly is officially listed! We have a couple littl Polly is officially listed! We have a couple little things to do today, but I’ve been anxious to get her on the market before the Summer is over. What do you think?? Do you see the Polynesian Resort theme coming through loud and clear?? 
#glampingwithpolly 

**DM me for the link to the Marketplace listing with all the details!**
Happy National Dole Whip Day! #glampingwithpolly Happy National Dole Whip Day! 

#glampingwithpolly #dolewhip
We’re working on exterior paint this week!!

I’m so happy with how these colors are turning out! I found the cutest Dole Whip decal to put on the door. We still need to finish the exterior paint, replace the awning fabric, finish interior paint, install a new kitchen faucet, and about a million little things. 

If you’re in the market for a small trailer, send me a DM!

#rvrenovation #rvreno #rvexterior
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Happy National Ice Cream Day!! This was my favori Happy National Ice Cream Day!! 
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#nationalicecreamday #disneystyphoonlagoon #typhoonlagoon
Progress on Polly, our Polynesian Resort themed RV Progress on Polly, our Polynesian Resort themed RV! After several hours of taping and lots of touch ups later, it’s almost done 🤪
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