[queensmama]

What do you think it the best way to save money at Disney? Is it not renting a car, meal vouchers, staying off site, bring in your own food, stocking up on disney dollars, ect.

[Smayco]

Originally Posted by queensmama

What do you think it the best way to save money at Disney? Is it not renting a car, meal vouchers, staying off site, bring in your own food, stocking up on disney dollars, ect.

Good question! I'd guess I would say either not renting a car, or having breakfast in your room each day. The cost of renting a car offsets any savings you might see from staying off site, and the buses are so efficient. I'd be interested in hearing others' opinions too.

~Sue

[Dana]

Honestly, the easiest way for me to save extra money for disney is this: All of my spare change...all of it, goes into a bank. When the bank is filled, I buy Disney dollars with it. I never pay with exact change....ever. The bank fills fairly quickly and I save around $10 a week. Doesn't sound like much, but it adds up to over $500 before I leave. Sounds like spending money to me..lol If this isn't the answer you were looking for with your question, I apologize. I read your question like which way to save money.

[MerlinMatt]

IMO, there's no "good" way to save money at Disney. Saving money often means sacrificing something.

However, here are some things that we do.

* The Value resorts are definately good bargains, especially if you stay during the value season.
* Then, not renting a car while staying on site is then an obvious additional savings.
* Instead of 3 meals a day, go for two. The breakfast buffets, whether character or not are average price for one meal, but quite a deal for two. Have a late breakfast, get your fill and only have a light snack for lunch.
* Buffets, buffets, buffets: there are a handful of buffet options for various meals that are decent bargains.
* Budget, budget, budget: set a budget and stick to it. Don't "impulse buy" and try to steer towards things that are useful as opposed to things that will collect dust once you get them home. (e.g. mugs, towels, nice clothes (not t-shirts) and other stuff you would ordinarily buy if you were at home)
* Plan ahead. Making advance reservations, especially with airfare will allow you to get the best rates.

[Dana]

Knew I misunderstood the question. Sorry about that.

Saving money at WDW? I choose not to. I save for a year and take way to much money with me. I buy buy and buy more stuff and eat and do whatever I want. I love to vacation without restraint. Yes, I know...I'm bad.

[disneyguy]

Eating breakfast in your room!!!!!!!!!! I will definelty do that next time. OK here is how I figure that: Food: 7 dollars for a platter, Drink: 2 dollars for a OJ or milk. For two people that is like 17 dollars with tax. Another way to save is to not rent a car, use a towncar service and get them to make a stop at Publix on the way. Buy a styrofoam cooler and pack individual OJ's or milk, then buy some pop tarts or muffins. That would save a lot of money, and is something I will definetly be doing next trip.

[Huakai]

We usually schedule our large meal to be mid afternoon on most days. The lunch prices are still in effect at the nicer restaraunts and you still get the great food (plus, it is often the hotter part of the day).

[queensmama]

I have to disagree with the using the towncar service, we got a minivan extremely cheap....$214 for 8 days and we are splitting it with 2 families so that is $107 each. That is great for our situation. Towncars are about $75+ and I have been reading about all the time you waste waiting for buses. To each his own.
Dana I love the extra change idea, though.

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by Huakai

We usually schedule our large meal to be mid afternoon on most days. The lunch prices are still in effect at the nicer restaraunts and you still get the great food (plus, it is often the hotter part of the day).

This is a great variation of my big breakfast buffet idea. So many restaurants have such huge portions that we found ourselves unable to finish some dinners. Eating (and paying for) a lunch size meal is another great alternative. The point about avoiding the heat is a good point as well.

Suggestion: If you do choose this option, get your day started early with a decent breakfast. That way you'll be hungry by mid-afternoon

I must disagree, however, with saving money on breakfast. It's a lot of effort for a relatively small savings.

[lisalovesmickey]

Originally Posted by queensmama

I have to disagree with the using the towncar service, we got a minivan extremely cheap....$214 for 8 days and we are splitting it with 2 families so that is $107 each. That is great for our situation. Towncars are about $75+ and I have been reading about all the time you waste waiting for buses. To each his own.
Dana I love the extra change idea, though.

I agree. Or you can find a deal on a regular car and the price difference is not that much....you just have to do your homework.

I also agree with Dana. I have my change jar and EVERYDAY I put change and one dollar bill. One dollar a day sure adds up! Once you crack that open you don't mind splurging on a few extras! (I do not count the change jar in my budget or actual savings for my trip)

One more thing. I like to bring lunchmeat and the like if there is a complementary refrigerator in the room. That way you can eat a light breakfast (maybe bring some cereal bars or the like), a late big lunch (going back to those lunch prices) and dinner in your room. Great way to save money!

Hope this helps!

Lisa

[Dana]

Originally Posted by queensmama

Dana I love the extra change idea, though.

Thanks. It worked out great for our last trip, so I am doing it again this trip. We started saving the week after we came home and just hit the $150 mark last week. I am trying to be a bit more aggressive with the change saving... My DD loves thaking all that change to the bank and throwing it through the penny arcade. I have her looking for change all over the house...lol It's too funny to see her see a peny in the parking lot of a store or something and get excited about the penny she can contribute to our trip. Sorry again for misunderstaing the original question.

[queensmama]

this is kinda on the topic of saving money, does the disney visa give you any discounts in the parks?

[ilvminnie]

Originally Posted by queensmama

this is kinda on the topic of saving money, does the disney visa give you any discounts in the parks?

No discounts, but I used my Reward $$ this trip & it was so easy...just like using a gift card. Everytime we used it the balance remaining printed out at the bottom. We had $187 so we felt like we got some nice stuff for nothing!!!

[queensmama]

that is just silly they should atleast give you a discount in the parks.

[disneyguy]

I agree with the eating a big lunch. This is a tip that I have applied, some days more than others. I still think the towncar is the way to go, unless you have a large group, more than you can hold in the towncar, then go with a minivan.