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Mom and daughter on Expedition Everest; Animal Kingdom
  • On Sep 18, 2012
    Kanisha from WI Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    Hello, I wanted to ask how long did it take your family to save for your trip,? and how did you do it? I'm taking my 5 year old son and dad. This will be there first time, well my son 2nd he was too. Help me plan please

    Hello, Kanisha!

    Saving up for a first family trip to Walt Disney World can be a daunting task, but if you start early enough, you can do it! The memories you'll make with your little prince and his grandpa will be priceless; you'll love watching your dad watch your son as he experiences the magic that is Disney...together.

    We were on a VERY strict budget on our first WDW trip, so we found that early January was more affordable. We stayed mid-week, since Friday and Saturday nights were more expensive in the resort, avoided Park Hopper Tickets & the Water Park and More Fun Options. We planned each day's itinerary so that we would not need to park hop. We stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort so there was no added transportation cost and brought non-perishable grocery items such as breakfast bars, fruit snacks, cheese and peanut butter crackers, etc., so that we could eat a quick on-the-go breakfast.

    Kids may want a special souvenir once there, so I picked up glow sticks at the dollar store and searched other discount stores and Disney Store for sale items to bring with us (T-shirts, light up toys) so go at the end of a season or when there is a sale and pick up what you want then. Pack a new T for each day, and your little guy will be thrilled; no additional purchases necessary.

    From the time I started researching prices to the day we arrived was about a year. To save for this, we switched from Friday nights our local pizzeria to frozen. When I went back to work, I brown-bagged my lunch. Instead of going out to a movie, we'd borrow a DVD from the library. If I could work an extra event (and not pay for childcare...thank you, grandparents!) I'd take it. All of the money went into a "vacation fund" which then payed for our trip.

    All of these sacrifices were so worth it, as the little ones will never be these ages again. So worth it for the memories!

    Send more questions as you think of them; I'd love to help!
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Meet the Panelist: Andrea, Pennsylvania

I am a teacher, wife and mom who has been a member of the Disney Vacation Club since 2003. I love discovering a new favorite DVC resort, fantastic restaurant or hidden gem onboard a Disney ship! I'm a micro-planner who can help you capture your own magic! Learn More About Andrea

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