vacation loans
Is a Disney vacation possible without taking out a loan?
Family of four really, really, really wants a Disney vacation in Florida. Currently living in North Carolina. Any suggestions for making like a 6 day trip (4 days at the parks) without breaking the bank?
Yes, it is possible and all vacations should be budgeted this way (in a way where a loan is not needed). Start saving now. Have a neighborhood yard sale or sell unwanted items on craigslist to help out with this. Start a penny fund for the kids. Whenever they find lose change, they add it to a jar to go toward Disney.
You’ll want to visit during an off-peak season first of all. This would mean anytime between late January and mid March or late September through mid December. Park attendance is lower these times and resorts are cheaper state-wide.
If you really want to stay at a Disney Resort, expect to pay a minimum of $82 a night. However, Disney Resorts come with a lot of perks! You’ll have free transportation from and back to the airport. And you’ll have free transportation to anywhere on Disney property. You will also be able to take advantage of the Disney Dining Plan (available to Resort guests only) which comes out to about $50 a day, but allows each person to have 2 nice meals and a snack. You can also have souveniers delivered to your hotel for free if you stay on property.
If $82 a night is still out of your budget, then I recommend you stay off Disney property. I recommend the Lake Suites in Kissimmee. These are “condo-style” resorts which have full kitchens. A family suite is only $69 a night. You can purchase food at a nearby grocery store and make a lot of meals at your resort. This will save you a ton of money, rather than eating out every night.
Purchase your park tickets from a designated discount location:
AAA (membership required)
your local Disney Store
Costco (membership required – travel services)
Sam’s Club (membership required – travel services)
and book flights through http://www.bookingbuddy.com
to save there.
Also visit http://www.orlandoinfo.com and request a free vacation planning kit. They will send you a booklet that is just filled with coupons for theme parks, restaurants, rental cars, and a lot more.
If you would like help planning for your next trip or if you would just like to read up on some fun tips and ideas that are updated monthly, visit my Disney Vacation Services My space page, at:
http://www.myspace.com/disneymickeyvacation
Have a great time!
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