I’ve always loved Disney. The magic, the characters, the joy on my children’s faces—there’s nothing quite like it. But let’s be honest: Disney World holidays can be quite expensive. Over the years, I’ve honed my budgeting skills and discovered a few nifty tricks to make our Disney dreams come true despite being very much on a budget! Let me take you through my tried-and-true methods of how to save money for Disney holidays.
1. Selling Unwanted Items on Vinted and at Car Boot Sales
One of the first steps I take when planning our Disney trip is to declutter. You’d be amazed at how much you can earn from items you no longer use. Vinted has been a lifesaver. I regularly go through our wardrobes and list clothes, shoes, and accessories we no longer need. It’s super easy to use, and I love seeing the extra cash flow into my account. I allow it all to build up so that I can withdraw it before we travel to use as spending money, and it goes a surprisingly long way – especially if I sell the Disney clothes from each trip that won’t fit my kids on the next one!
Car boot sales are another fantastic way to turn clutter into cash. They’re also a fun family activity. We gather all the toys, books, and household items we don’t need anymore, and off we go. It’s surprising how quickly the small amounts add up. Plus, it’s a great way to teach my kids about the value of money and the importance of saving.
2. Side Hustles: Online Surveys and More
When it comes to saving for Disney, every little bit helps. I’ve discovered a few side hustles that fit perfectly into my busy schedule. Online surveys are my go-to. Apps like Attapoll and Curious Cat offer rewards for sharing your opinions. It’s something I can do while watching TV or during my lunch break at work. The amounts you earn per survey are small but they do add up quickly!
Another side hustle that’s worked for me is freelance writing. I’ve picked up small gigs here and there on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. It’s flexible and allows me to earn extra money without committing to a part-time job. I also know friends who do babysitting or pet sitting on weekends to save up for their holidays.
3. Utilising Savings via Cashback Websites
Booking a holiday can be expensive, but I’ve found ways to save even when spending. Cashback websites are a fantastic resource. Sites like Quidco and TopCashback offer rebates on everything from flights to hotel bookings. Before I make any purchase, I always check these sites to see if there’s a deal available. Sometimes the savings are small, but they add up over time. I managed to earn over £300 in cashback on the hotel bookings from our last Disney trip, which went straight back into the holiday pot for our next one!
I also take advantage of loyalty programs. Many travel companies offer points or rewards for bookings. By being a bit strategic, I’ve managed to earn free nights at hotels and discounts on flights. Combining these with cashback deals can result in significant savings.
4. Setting a Strict Monthly Budget and Savings Amount
Discipline is key when saving for a Disney holiday. I start by setting a strict monthly budget. I track all our expenses using a budgeting app to ensure we’re staying on track with what we spend every month and this allows me to then allocate a specific amount to our Disney savings fund. It’s a non-negotiable, and with my strict budgeting routine I’ve even managed to keep adding our savings amount on months when we’ve had unexpected expenses like car repairs!
Creating a visual savings tracker helps keep us motivated. We have a Disney-themed chart on the fridge where we colour in our progress. It’s a fun way for the whole family to see how close we are to our goal.
5. Meal Planning
Linked to the above, Meal planning has been a game-changer for our budget. By planning our meals weekly, we reduce food waste and save money. We avoid last-minute takeout and stick to our grocery list. I make a habit of prepping meals on Sundays, so we have healthy, budget-friendly options ready to go. This not only saves money but also ensures we’re eating well.
6. Automatic Savings
Out of sight, out of mind is my motto when it comes to savings. I’ve set up an automatic transfer to our savings account each payday. It’s like paying a bill—non-negotiable and consistent. This way, I don’t even have to think about it. The money accumulates steadily, and before I know it, we’re closer to our Disney goal.
7. Discounted Gift Cards
I’ve discovered the magic of discounted gift cards. There are websites that offer gift cards for popular stores at lower prices. I buy these for places we frequent, like supermarkets and petrol stations. We use these for everyday purchases and save the difference. It’s a small effort that yields significant savings over time.
8. Occasional Small Loans
Sometimes, unexpected expenses arise, or we’re just shy of our goal. On rare occasions, I’ve taken out a small loan to bridge the gap. It’s not my preferred method, but it has helped us avoid dipping into our emergency fund. Always ensure you can repay it quickly to avoid high interest rates. Being strategic about this can prevent financial stress and keep our savings on track.
Wrapping It Up
Figuring out how to save money for a Disney holiday requires planning, discipline, and a bit of creativity but we’ve managed to make our Disney dreams a reality twice now with a third visit coming up, despite it being something I thought I could never achieve. The journey to save is a family effort, and the reward is more than worth it. Seeing the joy on my children’s faces when we walk down Main Street, U.S.A., makes every penny saved feel like magic.