I want to know which are the survey pages you are using to save up money? I have seen lots, but I have only found scams. Suggetions please… thank you. We are planning our first family Disney World for June 2017. This is so much fun planning. Great ideas.
How do I get my savings back down to zero so I can start tracking for a new trip? We already went on our August 2014 trip and now I’m saving for Sept. 2015 and would like to track it again. Thanks for your help!
Love this idea – I have always had to do little things to save in order to go and this time is no different – in fact I need to do so even more!
this is my “sanity” fund that I can be guilt free about!
Just signed up for this. Trying to save enough money to take my grandson down to WDW. He is currently 3 yrs old(turning 4 in June). Any suggestions on saving up will be great. I have gone in the past & have always enjoyed going to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
I like to look through the campaigns listed in the track my funds area every now and then and see what kinds of stuff people are doing to save – some people add a lot of detail that helps me understand how they saved that $.
I have never been to Disney. I officially started my “Destination Disney” savings fund today for our Fall 2015 trip. :)
I usually save 1/2 on my grocery trips and plan on using that money I save and my Disney rewards card on all my purchases and paying it off monthly to get the 1 & 2% cash back.
For everyone who has been there, which resort hotel would you recommend? Is it worth upgrading to the “moderate” rooms?
Do you have any advice for a Disney newb?
Thanks for your input I really appreciate it.
Also, my fellow couponers:
**There is a Huntington Bank promo right now $200 for opening up a new checking account. There is a $15 per month maintenance fee and you need to keep the account open for 6 months. But you still profit $110. I’m going to use this account to put in all the extra money I save and acquire and then close it in 6 months unless they offer me free checking**
Just got back from a trip in January and I’m already planning a return trip for May of 2016 to celebrate my graduation from college. I usually don’t wait this long between trips, but I’m hoping to save up enough to stay at my dream resort – the Polynesian – this time!
I just “estimated” the cost of our 2016 trip and figured out how much we need to save to go! I’m soooo excited even though it’s soooooooooo far away! <3
We didn’t get to plan a WDW trip for this year, after going last May… and I have been so sad about it! Every time a commercial comes on, it breaks my heart. BUT, now we are planning a trip for May 2015 and we officially started our fund today!
I am loving this log. I am COMMITTED this time to using it. All the $ is being transferred into a separate saving account at my bank. I like being able to keep track of the deposits with this awesome tool! Been back from Disney for almost a month and already have over $200 in new ‘Found $’ saved :)
I’m going to be saving for a trip for my boyfriend and I. It will be his first time going. Also its going to be a surprise for him. So I’m going to try to save enough money just for the both of us. I can’t wait to go with him. Just planning and saving for our vacation gets me so excited.
We’ve been trying to figure out how to go on another Disney Cruise for a while now and I haven’t seen a way to make it happen. Now, I am going to try tracking my fund and making it work! Here goes!!
Made our first trip to Disney in 2011 and looking forward to going again. I’m tired of hearing “we don’t have the money” so now I’m stepping up to do something about it. ROCK ON!
Disney World bound with my little princess in March 2014! My Husband and I are so happy to be Celebrating our 4yr Anniversary when we go and that we get to take our Daughter along for her first trip to Disney World. I am happy to say that I have reached my Goal but I plan on seeing if I can go beyond it!
Just decided on a September 2014 Disney trip. Took Big DD and Middle DD in 2007 when big DD was 4. Took all three DD’s when Middle DD was 4 in 2011 and now will get when little DD will be 5 1/2. Took us a little longer but glad to get back!
How do I count the discounts for items I buy in advance? For example, I purchased a Groupon for a local place. It was %60 off of the regular price. Do I add that in as savings now or when I use it and save the money? I know it is the same amount of money, just trying to document it right. TIA:)
I hope I did this correctly. Just set up a tracking fund for Disney – goal of $3500
= how do I add to my ‘fund’ – ? am I missing the tab so I can log in my deposit?
sorry, I don’t see the how to process and I am technically challenged! :)
thanks, monica
redheadgirlfromalabama
So the goal is to come up with enough money to buy a 2 bedroom apartment or small house in liveable condition in the Boston Area. Last year I overspent due to credit cards and lack of self control. This year I cut off all the cards(except the Target Card, I figured I could pay the cash everytime I make a purchase,to still get the extra discount) and I want to use cash only . I made a barebones budget, and we will see how it goes. I hope to be accountable to all of you by the end of the year..
We decided after a long family discussion that it would be nice to have an annual family New Years trip to Disneyland. We used the Couponing to Disney tips and ideas for our 2012-2013 trip and found Kristin’s information very helpful to keep us on track with our spending and saving throughout the year. We had planned on going again this year but we missed out on going this year due to the unexpected loss of my income in February. We just recently opened a quality secondhand store this month, so we’re hoping this will put us back on track. I think with hard work, discipline in spending and planning ahead, we can work towards another New Years trip for 2014-2015.
I have a question about posting a new entry. Let’s say I have $15 I want to add into the fund. Do I type that in the “Amount Saved” box? What do I do with the “Title” and “Description” boxes? I’m assuming I do this each time and it will add up each time…right?
You type in the $151 in the Amount Saved box. In the Title and description you add whatever you need to. Let’s say the $151 is from a rebate, you put “Rebate” in the title, and in the description you write what the rebate was for. I am guessing all that is optional and more for your benefit, so you can track your money. And yes, it asks for all the information each time.
Hi Heather!
My family lives on one income as well. My hubby works hard but makes less than the average salary for our area. So I have to find ways to SAVE us money as well! #1 advice: Budget, and stick with it! Shop at Aldi for the bulk of your groceries (if it’s in your area) and then coupon to add the extras at other grocery stores. I’m a stay at home Mom of 2 and am homeschooling our 6 year old daughter as well as potty training our 2 year old but I find time in the evenings after the kids go to bed to take surveys online. This, along with selling items we don’t need or have outgrown, using the rewards dollars from credit cards for purchases that we are making anyway, and taking advantage of rebates on products gives us about $2000 to $3000 a year that goes straight into our vacation fund and allows us to take a vacation once a year. We head to Disney about every other year and it’s only possible through saving in this way! Good luck to you as you start out!
Hi Emily!
I am sorry for the late reply I completely forgot I posted on here and didn’t get an email update. I have started a budget a few months ago and I have been tweeking it to make it work since. My husband is military and stationed in San Diego so we actually live in two different place which makes it pretty hard to budget. I am back home due to our home not being able to be rented and I am going back to school fro nursing. SO in a sense I am a single mother and a full time student. Unfortunately, we don’t have an aldi’s here or even a save a lot. I do most of my shopping by couponing but most of the items are boxed foods. I have started doing surveys as well as rebates. I never seem to find any good rebates though. Anywho….thank you for the great advice!! I am looking forward to what I will have saved in 3 years once we can finally take this trip due to the military!
I just wanted to let you know that if you are still military when you are planning to go they have special military ticket prices. You can get them at the mwr. Also, if you are going to Dineyworld, Shades of Green generally has great rates and the rooms there are larger than a lotof the DisneyWorld resorts. Plus you stay on the property and get the transportation benefit as well. With the military discounts we spent about $2600 for our family of 5 to go, including meals, 10 days at Shades of Green and 4 days at Disney. We took breaks from the parks and did shopping and other things the extra days.
Aldi is a quality no frills grocery store: dry goods, produce, dairy, frozen foods, bakery and a rotating stock of general/seasonal merchandise. Good prices. bring your own bags (you bag your own stuff too). Bring a quarter to rent a cart. It’s worth checking out at least once! I believe the same parent company owns both Aldi and Trader Joes.
Also want to add… If any of you have a Joe Vee’s in your area, you can really get fantastic deals there
I usually buy around 2 – 3 cart loads for around $300 and it lasts my family of me and three kids around 2 months.
I just buy my meat and fresh produce seperate and for all my personal stuff and laundry & cleaning I do couponing at places like Walgreens and CVS, to build up my stockpile.
Their prices are really good and they also accept MQ’s
They are a no frills store from the HEB group and you also have to pack your own bags.
But its truly worth it!
Oh and forgot to say… their fresh produce is great too. I get my big bag of potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, cucumber etc there, but since it does not last forever, I just fill up on those from my local store if they have good deals
Roma Tomatoes are around 47-74c a pound… bananas 3lb for $1, cucumbers 3/$1, bread 68c per loaf etc…
Really is a good deal
118
loisalenesays
Hi! Saving funds for our 4th trip to WDW, the first without kids! Our 30th anniversary and extremely delayed honeymoon!
This is the first trip to Disney with our son. And my first trip since I was a child! I can’t wait! It’s still a while away (September 2014), but the tickets are purchased for the park, and our time share is reserved. My son will be turning four right before our trip – I’m hoping it’s a great time!
You will have so much fun & he is the perfect “magical” age! Take it easy, see & ride what you can, watch the DVD for Disney ~ you can request it for free, do whats important to you, take plenty of rest brakes (even if its just sitting on a bench sipping a cold soft drink), take snacks, take a stroller (he will get tired), stock up on little treats and trinkets before you get there so he has some special surprises (& less expensive than buying in the park)..Have a blast! We are going in Sept. too!
Heading to Disneyland this time, last October we did Disneyworld and loved it. We’ll be leaving in a couple of weeks for Disneyland and we’re looking forward to staying at the Disney Hotel. We were trying to book the Californian but they only allow 4 in a room. I just need to purchase the Photo Pass, I know I saw it on here some place. I usually book my own disney trips, but I loved the travel agent I used for the Disneyworld trip that I used them for the Disneyland trip too. I found Destinations Florida right here on this site!
Hello Everyone,
I’ve been using Couponing to Disney to save money for a few years now and have always followed Kristen’s progress. Figured it was about time I join the saving’s tracker as we want to take our kids to Antigua next summer and we don’t do the credit card thing, lol.
Cheers!
Shara
Disney bound…with Princess in tow this time…March 2014!!!
First trip April 2009 with our 2 sons…have been crying to go back…all of us!!!
My SIL is an auth Disney Travel Adviser (whatever they are called)…and I can vouch she is HONEST and EXCITED to see anyone go, so let me know if you want me to pass on your contact info to her or get it for you!
I am soooo excited about this tracking option on here! I have an agency training Disney trip in October 2014 and can’t wait to see how much I can save by then!! Thank you couponing to Disney!
Mary says
I want to know which are the survey pages you are using to save up money? I have seen lots, but I have only found scams. Suggetions please… thank you. We are planning our first family Disney World for June 2017. This is so much fun planning. Great ideas.
Latasha says
WE are planning our first trip do Disneyland in October!! Any pointers or ideas on more ways to save money?
Melanie says
How do I get my savings back down to zero so I can start tracking for a new trip? We already went on our August 2014 trip and now I’m saving for Sept. 2015 and would like to track it again. Thanks for your help!
Suzanne says
put in a minus sign on your entry to reverse whatever the amount is
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
Thanks for helping! :)
sherae says
I love this track my funds feature! I love seeing how much closer we are getting to our goal! Disney September 2015!
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
That’s great you are making good progress :)
Sherry Hackney says
Love seeing how people saved. Good ideas!
Sherry Hackney says
Love this! I enjoy seeing how some added, bit by bit, for their trips. Gives me good ideas!
Jere says
Love this idea – I have always had to do little things to save in order to go and this time is no different – in fact I need to do so even more!
this is my “sanity” fund that I can be guilt free about!
David says
Im new to this. I hope I reach my goal. I think this is a great idea.
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
You can do it!
T.Dawn says
Just found this site and getting started- very excited to have a plan!
Stacy Clark says
Hey. My son is 14 months. How soon is to soon to go to Disney, and what is the cheapest way to? He would be free for flight, etc…
Cindy says
Just signed up for this. Trying to save enough money to take my grandson down to WDW. He is currently 3 yrs old(turning 4 in June). Any suggestions on saving up will be great. I have gone in the past & have always enjoyed going to Animal Kingdom Lodge.
Suzanne says
I like to look through the campaigns listed in the track my funds area every now and then and see what kinds of stuff people are doing to save – some people add a lot of detail that helps me understand how they saved that $.
couponingmama says
I have never been to Disney. I officially started my “Destination Disney” savings fund today for our Fall 2015 trip. :)
I usually save 1/2 on my grocery trips and plan on using that money I save and my Disney rewards card on all my purchases and paying it off monthly to get the 1 & 2% cash back.
For everyone who has been there, which resort hotel would you recommend? Is it worth upgrading to the “moderate” rooms?
Do you have any advice for a Disney newb?
Thanks for your input I really appreciate it.
Also, my fellow couponers:
**There is a Huntington Bank promo right now $200 for opening up a new checking account. There is a $15 per month maintenance fee and you need to keep the account open for 6 months. But you still profit $110. I’m going to use this account to put in all the extra money I save and acquire and then close it in 6 months unless they offer me free checking**
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
There are a lot of reviews on different resorts here http://www.couponingtodisney.com/category/disney-world-training/disney-world-resorts/ They are both from readers and myself, you can find some great information there! :)
couponingmama says
Thanks Kristin!
Creighton says
Just got back from a trip in January and I’m already planning a return trip for May of 2016 to celebrate my graduation from college. I usually don’t wait this long between trips, but I’m hoping to save up enough to stay at my dream resort – the Polynesian – this time!
SarahB says
I just “estimated” the cost of our 2016 trip and figured out how much we need to save to go! I’m soooo excited even though it’s soooooooooo far away! <3
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
You can do it :)
Niki says
We didn’t get to plan a WDW trip for this year, after going last May… and I have been so sad about it! Every time a commercial comes on, it breaks my heart. BUT, now we are planning a trip for May 2015 and we officially started our fund today!
Suzanne says
GOOD LUCK! I hear you about the commercials!
Suzanne says
I am loving this log. I am COMMITTED this time to using it. All the $ is being transferred into a separate saving account at my bank. I like being able to keep track of the deposits with this awesome tool! Been back from Disney for almost a month and already have over $200 in new ‘Found $’ saved :)
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
That’s awesome! :)
Kayla says
I’m going to be saving for a trip for my boyfriend and I. It will be his first time going. Also its going to be a surprise for him. So I’m going to try to save enough money just for the both of us. I can’t wait to go with him. Just planning and saving for our vacation gets me so excited.
April says
We’ve been trying to figure out how to go on another Disney Cruise for a while now and I haven’t seen a way to make it happen. Now, I am going to try tracking my fund and making it work! Here goes!!
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
You can do it! :)
Jenn says
Made our first trip to Disney in 2011 and looking forward to going again. I’m tired of hearing “we don’t have the money” so now I’m stepping up to do something about it. ROCK ON!
Christiania says
Disney World bound with my little princess in March 2014! My Husband and I are so happy to be Celebrating our 4yr Anniversary when we go and that we get to take our Daughter along for her first trip to Disney World. I am happy to say that I have reached my Goal but I plan on seeing if I can go beyond it!
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
That’s awesome! Good job!
Danielle says
Just signed up to do a huge consignment sale in my area…I have tons of kids clothes and the funds will go right into my Disney savings!!!! Whoohoo!
Charlene says
Just decided on a September 2014 Disney trip. Took Big DD and Middle DD in 2007 when big DD was 4. Took all three DD’s when Middle DD was 4 in 2011 and now will get when little DD will be 5 1/2. Took us a little longer but glad to get back!
Mom22blue says
How do I count the discounts for items I buy in advance? For example, I purchased a Groupon for a local place. It was %60 off of the regular price. Do I add that in as savings now or when I use it and save the money? I know it is the same amount of money, just trying to document it right. TIA:)
monica askew says
I hope I did this correctly. Just set up a tracking fund for Disney – goal of $3500
= how do I add to my ‘fund’ – ? am I missing the tab so I can log in my deposit?
sorry, I don’t see the how to process and I am technically challenged! :)
thanks, monica
redheadgirlfromalabama
BG says
So the goal is to come up with enough money to buy a 2 bedroom apartment or small house in liveable condition in the Boston Area. Last year I overspent due to credit cards and lack of self control. This year I cut off all the cards(except the Target Card, I figured I could pay the cash everytime I make a purchase,to still get the extra discount) and I want to use cash only . I made a barebones budget, and we will see how it goes. I hope to be accountable to all of you by the end of the year..
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
You could also think about switching to the Target Debit card.. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about paying in cash afterward. :)
Noel Chapman says
We decided after a long family discussion that it would be nice to have an annual family New Years trip to Disneyland. We used the Couponing to Disney tips and ideas for our 2012-2013 trip and found Kristin’s information very helpful to keep us on track with our spending and saving throughout the year. We had planned on going again this year but we missed out on going this year due to the unexpected loss of my income in February. We just recently opened a quality secondhand store this month, so we’re hoping this will put us back on track. I think with hard work, discipline in spending and planning ahead, we can work towards another New Years trip for 2014-2015.
Julie says
So excited to be taking my Mom for the first time for her 60th Birthday and my son who will be 8 months old!
Kaleigh says
I have a question about posting a new entry. Let’s say I have $15 I want to add into the fund. Do I type that in the “Amount Saved” box? What do I do with the “Title” and “Description” boxes? I’m assuming I do this each time and it will add up each time…right?
Natalie says
You type in the $151 in the Amount Saved box. In the Title and description you add whatever you need to. Let’s say the $151 is from a rebate, you put “Rebate” in the title, and in the description you write what the rebate was for. I am guessing all that is optional and more for your benefit, so you can track your money. And yes, it asks for all the information each time.
Natalie says
‘m sorry, I don’t have my glasses on and read “$151” instead of “$15”
Kaleigh says
Thank you, Natalie! I understood it and I was able to make my first entry. :)
Heather F says
I am just starting out! What advice do you give a newbie on saving?! We live on only one income.
Emily says
Hi Heather!
My family lives on one income as well. My hubby works hard but makes less than the average salary for our area. So I have to find ways to SAVE us money as well! #1 advice: Budget, and stick with it! Shop at Aldi for the bulk of your groceries (if it’s in your area) and then coupon to add the extras at other grocery stores. I’m a stay at home Mom of 2 and am homeschooling our 6 year old daughter as well as potty training our 2 year old but I find time in the evenings after the kids go to bed to take surveys online. This, along with selling items we don’t need or have outgrown, using the rewards dollars from credit cards for purchases that we are making anyway, and taking advantage of rebates on products gives us about $2000 to $3000 a year that goes straight into our vacation fund and allows us to take a vacation once a year. We head to Disney about every other year and it’s only possible through saving in this way! Good luck to you as you start out!
Heather F says
Hi Emily!
I am sorry for the late reply I completely forgot I posted on here and didn’t get an email update. I have started a budget a few months ago and I have been tweeking it to make it work since. My husband is military and stationed in San Diego so we actually live in two different place which makes it pretty hard to budget. I am back home due to our home not being able to be rented and I am going back to school fro nursing. SO in a sense I am a single mother and a full time student. Unfortunately, we don’t have an aldi’s here or even a save a lot. I do most of my shopping by couponing but most of the items are boxed foods. I have started doing surveys as well as rebates. I never seem to find any good rebates though. Anywho….thank you for the great advice!! I am looking forward to what I will have saved in 3 years once we can finally take this trip due to the military!
jes says
I just wanted to let you know that if you are still military when you are planning to go they have special military ticket prices. You can get them at the mwr. Also, if you are going to Dineyworld, Shades of Green generally has great rates and the rooms there are larger than a lotof the DisneyWorld resorts. Plus you stay on the property and get the transportation benefit as well. With the military discounts we spent about $2600 for our family of 5 to go, including meals, 10 days at Shades of Green and 4 days at Disney. We took breaks from the parks and did shopping and other things the extra days.
Lll says
Aldis new gluten free items are great!
Lauren says
What is Aldi. I have one right up the street and have no idea what it is
Suzanne says
Aldi is a quality no frills grocery store: dry goods, produce, dairy, frozen foods, bakery and a rotating stock of general/seasonal merchandise. Good prices. bring your own bags (you bag your own stuff too). Bring a quarter to rent a cart. It’s worth checking out at least once! I believe the same parent company owns both Aldi and Trader Joes.
Suzette says
Also want to add… If any of you have a Joe Vee’s in your area, you can really get fantastic deals there
I usually buy around 2 – 3 cart loads for around $300 and it lasts my family of me and three kids around 2 months.
I just buy my meat and fresh produce seperate and for all my personal stuff and laundry & cleaning I do couponing at places like Walgreens and CVS, to build up my stockpile.
Their prices are really good and they also accept MQ’s
They are a no frills store from the HEB group and you also have to pack your own bags.
But its truly worth it!
Suzette says
Oh and forgot to say… their fresh produce is great too. I get my big bag of potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, cucumber etc there, but since it does not last forever, I just fill up on those from my local store if they have good deals
Roma Tomatoes are around 47-74c a pound… bananas 3lb for $1, cucumbers 3/$1, bread 68c per loaf etc…
Really is a good deal
loisalene says
Hi! Saving funds for our 4th trip to WDW, the first without kids! Our 30th anniversary and extremely delayed honeymoon!
Stephanie says
This is the first trip to Disney with our son. And my first trip since I was a child! I can’t wait! It’s still a while away (September 2014), but the tickets are purchased for the park, and our time share is reserved. My son will be turning four right before our trip – I’m hoping it’s a great time!
Donna J says
You will have so much fun & he is the perfect “magical” age! Take it easy, see & ride what you can, watch the DVD for Disney ~ you can request it for free, do whats important to you, take plenty of rest brakes (even if its just sitting on a bench sipping a cold soft drink), take snacks, take a stroller (he will get tired), stock up on little treats and trinkets before you get there so he has some special surprises (& less expensive than buying in the park)..Have a blast! We are going in Sept. too!
mirands says
That is so cool!!! I will also be going to Disney in September. My nephew will turn 5 before we go. How ironic! HAVE FUN!!!!
Sakura says
Heading to Disneyland this time, last October we did Disneyworld and loved it. We’ll be leaving in a couple of weeks for Disneyland and we’re looking forward to staying at the Disney Hotel. We were trying to book the Californian but they only allow 4 in a room. I just need to purchase the Photo Pass, I know I saw it on here some place. I usually book my own disney trips, but I loved the travel agent I used for the Disneyworld trip that I used them for the Disneyland trip too. I found Destinations Florida right here on this site!
Shara says
Hello Everyone,
I’ve been using Couponing to Disney to save money for a few years now and have always followed Kristen’s progress. Figured it was about time I join the saving’s tracker as we want to take our kids to Antigua next summer and we don’t do the credit card thing, lol.
Cheers!
Shara
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
Yay! So glad you are using it!
TraceyMichelle says
Disney bound…with Princess in tow this time…March 2014!!!
First trip April 2009 with our 2 sons…have been crying to go back…all of us!!!
My SIL is an auth Disney Travel Adviser (whatever they are called)…and I can vouch she is HONEST and EXCITED to see anyone go, so let me know if you want me to pass on your contact info to her or get it for you!
Kristin from Couponing to Disney says
How awesome! Good luck with your savings. :)
Mabel says
Hi, Tracy Michelle, is your SIL still a Disney Travel Advisor, how can I get in contact with her. Thanks
Courtney says
I am soooo excited about this tracking option on here! I have an agency training Disney trip in October 2014 and can’t wait to see how much I can save by then!! Thank you couponing to Disney!
Aunt Bea says
I now to early to start saving money for our trip to Disneyland