Okay, ya’ll, it’s here. What we’ve all been waiting for. Can I get a drum roll, please?
(DRUMMING DRUMMING DRUMMING)
We’ve done it! We put down our Disney deposit!
I kind of teased this last week, but instead of talking about all the amazing vacation details, I jabber yapped about how we earned an extra $200 with the Disney Visa from Chase. Still a great deal, but today we’re not talking about the means. We’re talking about the ends!
And by ends, I mean the end of the finish line, the thing I’ve been working towards for 11 months…our Disney trip!
(PS, is it just me, or have these 11 months flown by?)
Our details as of right now…
Dates: September 3rd-8th. This could change when flight information is released in a few weeks, but this is the week we usually go.
Park Tickets: Right now, we’ve booked for 2 day Park Hoppers. This could change based on any number of things. Right now, we’re hoping for Free Dining. Last year you had to have a 2 day Park Hopper to qualify, so we thought we line those ducks up so we were promo eligible right away. If we end up taking the room discount over Free Dining, I imagine we’ll go to three day base tickets. There is also the possibility that the Free Dining requirements will change again this year. The great thing about booking a Disney package is that once you have that deposit down, you’ve got space to change your plans and explore your options.
If you work with a travel agent, you’ll have the benefit of them looking out for those new promos and changing deals. They’ve done this countless times. They are pros at navigating the Disney system, and what might take me two hours to accomplish takes them a few minutes. I’m working with the official Travel Specialist for Couponing to Disney, Kari O’Dell, and she has been great at walking us through Option A, Option B, Options C-H.
Hotel: Ok, so this may change, but for right now we are booked at…ohhhhh…more drumrolls…Wilderness Lodge! I have been wanting to stay at Wilderness Lodge forever, and the rates were so, so reasonable for the week we were going. Our saving has been on track, and if we manage to score Free Dining, we’ll still be within budget. If it seems like a lot is riding on Free Dining, you’re not wrong. A lot is riding on Free Dining. I’ve always been interested when that promo comes out, but this is the first year that I am sitting here on the edge of my seat, “Where is Free Dining???” Again, if this hotel doesn’t work out, we can always switch…maybe to our beloved Coronado Springs.
Total Goal: $3500
Last Week: $935.89
Total Deposit: $61.94
$42.10, the return on the Water Service deposit from the move
$19.84, PayPal deposit from Ebates
Still Need: $873.95
Have you booked a Walt Disney World vacation recently? Are you having the excited butterflies that come along with putting that deposit down and feeling official? Waiting with baited breath for the release of Free Dining? Tell me all your thoughts in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!