Ways To Support Your Walt Disney World Habit

I admit it, I have more than a habit…I have an addiction. After a recent relocation to Central Florida, I have found myself in the Disney parks and resorts about twice a week. Even though I have an annual pass and can use my pass holder, Tables in Wonderland dining discount card and my DVC discount, one thing remains very, very clear: Disney is expensive! Though we try only to have 1 meal at Disney every two weeks, family came for vacation recently. We had 3 meals on property which included 1 breakfast and two dinners and we spent close to $200 for two. It had me thinking about ways to support my Disney habit, well addiction, and how I can save up for my visits! Of course, I know I am lucky to live so close, but hopefully these tips can help locals and out of towners alike!

Vacation Jar

My friend has a Disney vacation jar that she and her kids decorated on display on their kitchen counter. She and her husband agreed on a dollar amount that has to be in the jar in order for them to make their next reservation. Over the last year, she has found that her kids will put their pocket change in there almost daily. Her son put some of his recent birthday money in there and after coming to his party at the house, her parents dropped $25 in the jar. It’s probably not the fastest way to save for a vacation, but the money is only used for their family time together and the whole family will feel like they contributed to an awesome vacation. Do you use a swear jar? Maybe that would be a good idea if you are trying to kick that habit and go to Disney more!

Skip the Coffee

It’s no surprise that having your morning cup o’ joe at home is way less money than the popular coffee spots. You might not be ordering the expensive Venti Frappuccino, but a simple cup of coffee can run a buck or two. If you could skip your morning cup and use the standard machine at work or buy a bag to brew at home for ¼ less price per cup, you could actually save some serious cash. In just 6 months, averaging 5 cups purchased per week, you’d have almost $200 if you drink the small cup and a whopping a little less than $600 if you skip the Frap. I’m sure there are other things you can skip to save for Disney instead, like I have started cooking a lot more and cut three meals out per week to one special Disney meal.

Get the Disney Rewards Visa

With 1% cash back in Disney reward dollars on anything you purchase, I have started using my Rewards Visa like a debit card. Anything that I’d normally do with cash, I simply charge to my Visa. Then, I keep a running tab on myself and transfer money from my checking into my savings account. When my statement comes each month, the money is ready and waiting in my savings account to pay out. It’s actually exciting to see my rewards piling up and I love using my “free” money at Disney.

Ask for Disney Gift Cards

It’s become a joke in my family, but when they ask me what I want for holidays or my birthday, I always tell them “I don’t know!” One year, my mother called for an intervention. She sat me down and told me that it made her crazy that I never know what I want, but in reality, I have everything I need. So, she asked me what my favorite place is and it took me no time to respond “DISNEY WORLD!” After this chat, I have been getting Disney gift cards from my family and it has become the perfect gift. It’s great that my gifts allow me to choose my own personal entertainment and experiences. These gift cards can go a long way to helping you afford a Disney trip and help you avoid getting socks for Christmas!