We have traveled to Disney World 2-3 times a year for almost 5 years now with our 5 year old daughter. Sometimes we'd drive (MA-FL) straight through, but most times we flew. I have learned a lot about saving money going down there, so often with a child, that some may consider me a pro at this place and ways to cut costs.
1. Search airfares and compare the total air price vs total drive price and then decide.
2. If you do decide to fly, don't forget that if you stay at any resort and only plan on staying at the park, you do not need to rent a car.
3. If you do want to rent a car, be sure to check the major car rental companies internet specials.
4. Don't just stop at internet specials, search for promo/coupon codes. Sometimes they can be combined with the internet specials. (I got a $400 estimate for an SUV for 7 days without codes or specials. With coupon codes and the special I paid $160.00 with an additional free driver, unlimited miles INCLUDING taxes!)
5. DO NOT rent a car from the airport. The taxes and fees are so high, that it'll cost you less to take public transportation to an off site rental store.
6. Here's a lengthy tip! Arrange for a group of friends to all go and split the price of lodging. Instead of staying at the hotels on site, stay at what they call "Short term rental properties" or what are also referred to as "Villas" but are home rental communities privately owned but under "resort" type managment. Some of them have more than 5 bedrooms and a pull-out sofa (or two) and can sleep 12+ people. These homes (Villa's) have the pools right outside of the living room. No need to round up the kiddies, just walk out the back sliders and undo the child safety gate! We stay in Clermont, FL which is literally 10 minutes to the gates of Disney and the bonus is that we get there at our own leisure and not squished in on one of the Disney Parks bus shuttle. The best part is that it feels like you're actually coming "HOME" to a large house and not a tiny hotel. You can also go grocery shopping for the week and make lunches right there!
7. Bring ANYTHING "Disney" related (souvenirs, t-shirts, water bottles, princess dresses) WITH you so you do not have to buy them at the park, or buy them at home. We pack anything our daughter's gotten on vacation there back with us the next time. No begging from her for ANYTHING if she already has it, and has it with her or at the house.
8. Buy a hopper pass so you can go to more than one park in a day.
9. ALWAYS do Animal Kingdom in the morning. We find that it's the park that we spend the least of our time at and they do close early! Plus, the animals are out eating during the morning and makes the Safari ride a lot more enjoyable.
10. It should go without saying, buy the hopper pass that doesn't expire. You may think you'll never be back after the second time, with or without children, but for some reason...everyone ends up going back!
My best tip is to NEVER go over the Christmas/New Years vacation. Parks met capacity levels early and we missed THREE parks due to this. If you manage to get in, you will wait hours on end to go on one ride and pretty much burn a day off your pass. This time period also falls under a month long school vacation for the Europeans. ... View related article.
I'm not sure if you can, or if you'd want to. I use a damp rag on mine. I just purchased Resolve Multi-Use cleaner and sprayed it on spots after I dabbed with a damp sponge and I wiped the entire cushions. The sofa looks brand new! ... View related article.
Sell tickets to a car wash, before the car wash. Have a band family yard sale. Bake sale Craft sale Sell tickets to a drawing to win a nice prize. *Ask local business to help in sponsoring the trip.*
If you run out of de-icer for the walkway and/or driveway during the winter, you can shake the cat litter over the walk to prevent people from slipping. It gives a little traction. We've had to do this numerous times.
For those who have cars, littler also provides traction when your car is stuck in the snow. Just dump a little where the wheels are slipping. Keep a bag in your trunk, even if you have all wheel drive!
A big bag of cat little lasts longer and saves money over de-icer in the long run ... View related article.
I did spray the top of the lid and fit the fabric, the cover still snaps shut. The best part is that the lids are not even a safety hazard like some of the toy boxes. I have to push the ends for them to close tight. She can't fall in it because they're packed, and if she did, I have the peace of mind in knowing that she wouldn't be stuck in it and nothing will slam on her fingers. I'm going to have to make another one soon! I hope to post a picture of one of them soon. ... View related article.
Great suggestion, Marilyn! I would enjoy a home cooked meal every night, if I could do it:-)Overstock.com has this book for less than Amazon.com...it's $8.62 and they charge $1.40 for media shipping on one book. ... View related article.
