Disney Savings Plan
My love for Disney travel started thanks to my parents’ planning. My very first trip happened because they took advantage of special travel tax incentives that were available during President George W. Bush’s administration. It wasn’t just a vacation—it was something they intentionally saved and strategized for, proving that even big dreams are possible with the right plan.
So when I had my son, I knew I wanted to give him the same kind of experience—a first Disney trip that wasn’t rushed, stressful, or filled with compromise. I wanted a trip that our whole family could enjoy: my parents, my husband, and my son, all together, soaking in the magic.
At the time, I was working a $15-an-hour job. The budget was tight, but I started small—$20 a week.
Fifty-two weeks later, that simple commitment added up to about $1,000. I didn’t have an exact trip date in mind yet; I just knew that every week I was getting closer to something important.
A couple of years later, I switched jobs and earned a bit more, so I increased my savings to $40 a week—about $2,000 per year. The key wasn’t how much I saved, but how consistently I saved it.
The Rule that Made it Work
The most important part of my strategy wasn’t the amount—it was not touching the money.
The only time I allowed myself to use that savings was if there was a true emergency: a car dying, a medical bill, or something we couldn’t avoid. But not for short-term gratification.
That meant skipping impulse buys, resisting the urge for new clothes, and letting go of the small luxuries like getting my nails done. It wasn’t always easy—but seeing that balance grow reminded me of what we were working toward.
After four years, that account held $6,800 dedicated entirely to our Disney dream.
In the fifth year, I finally booked our vacation package and placed the $200 deposit.
From there, I used my savings to make monthly payments while I searched for the best flight deals. It gave me the flexibility to focus on what mattered most: the experiences.
For this trip, my priorities were clear:
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Attending Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
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Enjoying at least one character meal
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Staying at our family’s favorite resort, Port Orleans – French Quarter
Even though Hurricane Milton and Helene canceled our Halloween plans, we rescheduled for Christmas—and it turned out to be even more magical than we could’ve imagined.
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We had an absolute blast. My husband, who has never called himself a Disney fan, even admitted he wanted to relive the pure joy he saw in our son—especially when he met Goofy and rode the “rolly toasters” (as my son lovingly called them).
It took nearly five years from the first $20 I saved to the day we walked down Main Street, U.S.A., but it was worth every bit of patience and discipline.
That’s the power of long-term gratification. Saving a little at a time gave us the freedom to experience the kind of trip we’d always dreamed of.
My Advice for Other Families
You don’t need a high income to plan an unforgettable Disney vacation—you just need a plan and a little patience.
Start with what you can afford. Stick with it. Protect your savings from the little things that don’t truly matter. The magic will wait for you.
And when you’re ready, I’ll be here to help you make that dream trip happen—without overspending or being overwhelmed.