Good news and bad news.
Good news: I took my own advice and checked my mail. And in the mail was a check. For me! And by me, I mean the Disney Fund. More on that in a second.
Bad news: I still have no idea when this Disney trip will actually take place and now Mr. B is leaning toward 2021. More on that in two seconds.
Fun stuff first! We got a check in the mail for $150 from our health insurance. And initially I was confused. I was like, “that is not how insurance works, Insurance Company.” But it turns out, our insurance rewards us for doing basic healthcare maintenance things, like getting check ups. Fantastic! And they also reward us for taking health surveys, which was news to me. Especially surprising since, like many of you, I take a lot of surveys. Mr. B told me he was sent a survey from the insurance people and he took it. Then they sent him another one. So he took that one, too. By the third health survey, he assumed this was just how their relationship was going to be. And all that compliance paid off in the form of an actual payout! Huzzah. Now I just have to look into this a little more and see if I can take these surveys, too. And if they pay, well, I have three children… at least two of them are survey taking age. ;)
The less fun part of this update includes the ever changing dates for our trip. Here are current pros and cons of 2020 vs 2021.
2020
- Pro: Less crowded because everyone is waiting for the anniversary celebration
- Con: The new hot rides set to be open by the anniversary (TRONcoaster, Ratatouille) will not be open.
- Pro: It is sooner and that means I get to go to Disney sooner.
- Con: Less time to save and earn.
2021
- Pro: Anniversary celebrations will be huge! Refurbs and new rides and new overlays, oh my. Exclusive character experiences and merchandise.
- Con: A trillions other people also want these things and will also be there.
- Pro: More time to save, meaning maybe even a Deluxe resort (big dream!)
- Con: More time to not be at Disney.
The other night at dinner, we went around the table and everyone shared their one “must have’ for our next Disney trip. The Glass Slipper’s was a pool with a slide, so that rules out the value resorts. The Frying Pan’s was to see Ariel “a lot, like at her house, and on her ride, and at lunch and dinner.” So we’re looking at Ariel character meals, probably the Bon Voyage Breakfast and maybe Cinderella’s Royal Table and/or Akershus. Mr. B wanted to go to Disney Springs. He is the easiest to please. The Teacup wasn’t able to articulate her needs, but we all agree the closer we are to the parks, the better off we’ll be, when it comes to a cranky toddler. I want to ride Splash Mountain with my big girls, which we didn’t get to do last trip because of pregnancy.
Looking at those must haves, knowing we’re probably looking at rack rates with no discounts for October during the anniversary celebration, we’re shooting for the moon with this $8000 goal. If we were to move to the 2020 dates, we would adjust and be looking at a smaller budget. I’m leaving the $8000 there as a motivator. Once we get firm on the when of it all, we’ll adjust savings goals accordingly.
At this stage in the game, Mr. B seems to be planting his flag on the 2021 of things, while I am holding out hope for 2020. I know a lot of the SavEars said 2021 would be their pick, but I know one of y’all has a convincing argument that will change Mr. B’s heart and mind about 2020. Help a girl out.
2021 (??) Family Trip
Goal: $8000
After Last Deposit: $6763.03
Total Deposit: $165
$150, from insurance health surveys
$15, from tutoring
Still Need: $6598.03
When is your next Disney trip? Who do you agree with, me or Mr. B? Take my side 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 five 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!