Hi there, David!
Welcome to planDisney. We're so glad you've stopped by with your
Walt Disney World Resort vacation planning question! David,
planning a visit to The Most Magical Place on Earth is part of the fun, and I think it's fantastic that you're starting the process well in advance. I'm here to help you prepare for a magical and memorable trip to the Walt Disney World Resort!
David,
Disney Vacation Account was a program that allowed Guests planning Disney vacations to contribute savings over time. As a user of Disney Vacation Account, I was sad to hear that the program was discontinued a few years ago. However, you still have options for budgeting for your Walt Disney World Resort vacation. David, I'll share a few of my favorite ways to save for my next Disney vacation:
- Purchase Disney Gift Card eGifts on a biweekly or monthly basis. You'll receive your funds via email and you can combine them on the Disney Gift Card website. Each gift card can hold up to $1,000 (subject to change). (Check local and online retailers for occasional sales on these gift cards as well - especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas!) When you're ready, use your Disney Gift Cards to book your Walt Disney World Resort vacation!
- Book a Walt Disney World Resort vacation package which includes theme park tickets and a Disney Resort hotel reservation. When you book your trip as a vacation package (vs. a room-only Resort hotel reservation), you'll pay a deposit at the time of booking (currently $200, subject to change) and the remaining balance will be due one month before your check-in date.
- Check out the Special Offers, Deals & Discounts page on the Walt Disney World Resort website for available offers. Different discounts on theme park tickets, room-only reservations, and vacation packages are usually available throughout the year. If a special offer is released after you've already booked, you may be able to add it to your reservation, if eligible. This can usually be done either on the Walt Disney World Resort website or by calling the friendly Cast Members at the Disney Resort Hotel Reservations phone line.
- Consider opening an extra savings account with a bank and contributing to this account over time for the purpose of funding your Walt Disney World Resort vacation.
David, I hope you've found this information helpful as you begin planning for an unforgettable Walt Disney World Resort vacation! If you have any additional questions, please feel free to revisit us at
planDisney again anytime. We're here to help you make the most of your time at The Most Magical Place on Earth!
Enchantment awaits,
Lauren