Funding a Disney Getaway

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After mostly funding (not completely) our latest Walt Disney World trip using the techniques from the great blog Couponing to Disney, I thought I would see if I could squeeze in a small Disney getaway in 2019.  My husband was game as long as I funded it completely.  People have managed to save thousands of dollars for trips, so surely I can fund a short trip in 9 months?  Come along with me as I see if I can do it!  And maybe use the ideas for yourself.

The basic premise of the blog and it's associated Facebook group, products, etc is being able to better use budgeting, couponing, savings apps and more to fund a vacation or any purchase (new furniture, Christmas, etc) without changing your income or lifestyle. Yes, some things involve a bit of work, but any one who has ever planned a Disney vacation knows it takes work!  I don't have a traditional 9 to 5 job as I suffer from (at least) a couple of chronic illnesses but I know fellow savers on forums, social media and elsewhere that manage to save thousands while raising children and working full time. So anyone can do it, it just takes a little time to think it through.

So a few days ago, I was reading a couple of blog posts about using Priceline Express Deals to find great rates on Disney hotels. Now you do have to have a bit of blind faith as they don't tell you what hotel you're booking and your purchase is final.  I'd heard they have super low prices on Value Resorts even into August-early October (kinda weird but it's possible that Disney is anticipating people putting off trips because of Galaxy's Edge's anticipated late 2019 opening). Well I looked and I couldn't find those rates.  But I did find a rate of $161 on a hotel that I was pretty sure was a Disney Deluxe hotel. It turned out to be the Animal Kingdom Villas at Jambo House which is pretty cool. I'm sure it'll have a standard view but there's lots of places to see animals at the resort. Two years ago we stayed at Kidani in a standard and every day we'd see a giraffe while waiting for the elevator.

So at this point I have a room for two nights and no real other plans.  Southwest hasn't released their September schedule yet and I'm not sure about tickets. I'm leaning toward just doing Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween party and that's it. I'm also thinking about buffering the trip with first and last nights at the Hyatt in the airport. We shall see based on how the fund raising goes! If there's an After Hours event held during our brief stay, we will do that instead as we rather enjoyed our experience (more on that in another post!)

So right now in just a few days since booking I've come up with $137 to pay off the cost of the room, plus a small amount in the trip fund left over from the last trip.  More on where the funds came from and a full report in my next post!

December Deposit