Hi, Matt!
Walt Disney World can be tough to budget for. With three kids, it wasn't always easy for us to take big vacations, but I learned a few things.
First, look for
special offers. Right now, for example, guests might be able to take advantage of a free
Disney Dining Plan or a 25% discount on resort rooms. Offers vary throughout the year, so look for something that works with the timing of your vacation.
Second, when you book a package, you only have to pay an initial deposit. You can then make payments as you wish, as long as the package is paid in full 45 days before vacation. If you have a Target Red Card or if you shop at Sam's Club, you can usually pick up Disney gift cards at a discount of about 5%, and you can use those gift cards to pay off your package. That's 5% free money right there.
We also encourage family who buy gifts for our children to give them
Disney gift cards for holidays and birthdays. That gives them their own money for souvenirs.
I find when we are planning a trip, we pack more lunches, skip dinners out and cook in, and we rent more movies as opposed to going out to see them. Find the little things you spend money on and see where you can save. Oh - and I have a friend who puts every $5 bill they get in change into an envelope, not to be spent until vacation. She's saved more than $1000 for her upcoming trip this way!
Happy planning, Matt!
Anna