Let's face it...travelling to WDW can be very expensive. Even if you decide to stay at a value resort, the $$$$ adds up (ka ching ka ching $$). I NEVER dreamed that I would be going to WDW this November...let alone be able stay at a deluxe resort. I was laid off almost 2 years ago due to the sluggish economy and haven't really been able to find decent work since (I've been working part-time as a temp and work has not been steady at all). More than anything, I really needed my Disney fix! My last trip was Dec of 1999..much to long to be away from my beloved Disney friends! So, I needed to come up with a good plan..a plan that would enable me to save a little faster than normal. Here's how I did it:
1. Had the kids save up their own allowances, along with their birthday gift money, Christmas gift money, and any other money they were given (grandparents are always giving them money to put into piggy banks for getting good report cards, etc.). I had a talk with my kids and said "you really do not need any more toys that end up at the bottom of the toybox..so why not save your money for something great..like a Disney trip!" And they were all for it. In a little less than one year, they saved enough money for their own plane tickets and some sit-down character meals!!
2. Get a "change jar/bottle". Each day or week, we would all place left over pennies, dimes and nickels (sometimes dollar bills) in a large container or bottle. Every month I would empty it and roll the coins. You would be surprised how fast these turn into dollars! So far those saved coins has enabled me to put aside tip money for mousekeeping and bellman services and to pay for my refillable mugs and e-ride tickets!
3. Clean out your closets, drawers, basement and garage and have a yard sale. Again, you'll be surprised at this money making adventure. And if you don't sell everything the first time, then have another yard sale (my neighbor has one about every month and always gets customers!) Again, that money will add up!
4. Yard Sale not your style? Then try to sell those items on EBAY. That's what I do. I'm an avid EBAY seller, and this is how I've saved ALOT of my money to go on my trip. I sell all kinds of things..mostly items my kids have outgrown such as books, games, CD's, clothing, toys and much much more. You would be surprised what people would buy and pay (I picked up a set of model kits at a flea market for about $3.00..and turned around and sold them on EBAY for $45!!). So, with this EBAY money I made, I was able to put a nice little "chunk" towards my vacation package.
5. Did you get a tax refund? Consider using it towards your trip. I know...this is a personal issue. Many people who do receive a tax refund want to pay off bills, do some home improvements, buy a new car, etc. But, I look at it this way: family quality time and togetherness is the most important thing to me. So I decided to put aside those home improvement projects for another time and take a great vacation instead!
6. Bottle Deposit Return: In my state (Massachusetts), we have a 5 cents bottle deposit on returns. About each month, I would take all my soda cans/bottles, etc. and turn them in. I get a few bucks here and there...and again, this does add up. These extra dollars can be put to good use...for snacks and drinks, etc.
Here's some other methods you could try as well:
1. Here's one I've done in the past...Open a vacation savings account and put as much or little into it each week. Credit unions also offer specific vacation accounts as well. I chose to put in $20 per week (and had it deducted from my paycheck).
2. If you have working teens in your household who are travelling with you, see if they can contribute out of their paycheck each week a little bit of money towards the trip as well. Even if it's only a few dollars...it helps.
I'm sure many of you can also come up with more of your own ideas too.
Good luck and happy vacation!!!
Lynne
