Saving Money at The World - Accommodations

Of all the questions people ask me about planning their Disney vacation the one I get the most is, "How can I save money?"  While this sounds like a completely reasonable question to ask, as most people I know are trying to maximize their dollar -- the sad fact is that people think that a Disney trip has to break the bank, and that just isn't so.  Believe me, my husband and I are both public school teachers, and if our meager salaraies can support a Disney vacation every two years or so, then the typical American can afford one too!


One Suggestion for getting the biggest bang for your Disney buck:

Visit during a Value Season 

WDW Resorts rates dip and dive throughout the calendar year.  These "seasons" dictate the resort rate - but NOT the ticket prices (ticket prices are set for a specific time frame; usually a calendar year).  The best way to save money on accommodations is to book during a value season.  These dates are the ones during time windows where schools are in session, and few families are able to travel to WDW.  While it is difficult for most families to lock in a value season rate, other seasons are available.  The key is to avoid Peak Seasons and Holiday rates.   


2012 Value Season Dates:
Value 1 Season Jan 2 - 4
Value 1 Season  Jan 8 - 12
Value 1 Season Jan 16 - Feb 15
Value 2 Season Aug 5 - Sept 27
* Higher rates for New Year's  Jan 1, Marathon Weekend  Jan 5 - 7, President's Day Feb 17-19, Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend Jan 13-15


2012 Fall Season Dates:
Fall Season   Sept 28 - Oct 4
Fall Season  Oct 8 - Nov 16
Fall Season Nov 24 - Dec 20
* Higher Rates for Columbus Day  Oct 5 - 7 & Thanksgiving Nov 17 - 23


2012 Regular Season Dates:
Regular Season  Feb 26 - March 8
Regular Season April 15- May 31
* Higher rates for Easter April 1 - April 14


2012 Summer Season Dates:
Summer Season June 1 - Aug 4


2012 Peak Season Dates:
Peak Season Feb 20 - Feb 25
Peak Season  Mar 9 - March 31


2012 Holiday Dates:
Holiday Season Dec 21 - Dec 31


Keep in mind that rates are higher on weekends.  Arriving on a Monday and staying through Friday is a great way to maximize your accommodations dollar -- staying off property the the night before your scheduled arrival at the WDW Resort ensures that you get the most time with your theme park tickets.  Even purchasing a day or two fewer theme park tickets for your stay and spending a day or two at Downtown Disney or nearby outlet malls makes for a great way to save some money!


Also worth noting is that Disney DOES run special offers throughout the year!  It is sometimes possible to save up to 40% on Disney accommodations and vacation packages.  www.mousesavers.com publishes an updated list of all discount codes and offers.  


  
  

Disney Destination Specialist?

I've been called many things in my life, but one that ranks near the top in the excitement factor, sans the obvious mother and wife, is a Disney Destination Specialist.  I would have to agree that I have more Disney knowledge than most, and as we all know -- this is okay with me!  I know I am a dork when it comes to WDW and perhaps it is for this reason that I am most excited about my next venture.

My husband pokes fun at me for my Disney vacation planning.  Now, I'm not talking about the trips that we will actually take, those are just in alternating summers.  Specifically, I am referring to the WDW vacations that are planned whenever I get "The Fever."  At any given moment, I may have 2-5 Disney vacation offers saved.  In fact, at this moment, I even have dining reservations for hard-to-reserve restaurants at WDW for a future dream vacation that we likely will not take!  Deep in my heart, I know that these trips will never come to fruition.  But planning Disney Vacations is a great pastime!  Perhaps I've even helped you plan one of yours!

It is for this reason that I have applied to be a "Magic Maker" with Off to Neverland Travel.  This position would basically pay me commission for doing what I do already - plan Disney vacations.  So...how does this help the general WDW-seeking traveller?

Using a Disney Specialist, or any travel agent for that matter, is a sweet deal for any traveller.  This is especially true of the traveller with limited knowledge of the destination.  By partnering with a Disney Specialist, or "Magic Maker", many of the questions that seem to have you stuck in your travel preparations are answered for you.

When is the cheapest time to travel to WDW?
Should I opt for the dining plan, and if so, which one do I choose?
Are my children to young to fully experience Disney?
Do I need to rent a car?
What are the differences between the types of resorts?  Are Value Resorts really a value?
What is all the hype about Character Dining?

These are usually some of the most time-consuming questions that Disney travelers, new and experienced alike, find them selves researching.  Let's be honest - the Internet is a phenomenal tool when planning any vacation, but can sometimes be a bit coy when trying to find Disney answers.

Another great perk is that a Disney Destination Specialist will also have access to discounted rates and other money and time-saving information to help you!  And for even more money and time-saving help - using a travel agent is absolutely FREE to the traveler!  Disney pays a commission to certified travel agents (in my case, Off to Neverland Travel), and therefore there is no cost to the traveler.

So...what are you waiting for?!  Book that Disney Dream vacation!  I will be thrilled to help you plan a magical vacation and answer those questions that are nagging at you!

Note: (1/28/2012) I was actually informed last night that my application with Off to Neverland Travel was declined. Declined!? No worries though, I have applied with two other companies, and have already gotten a call back. The dream is still alive!