How I Booked a Disney Trip for $250
Planning a Disney trip on a budget might seem like a dream, but with a few strategic moves, it's possible to make it a reality. Here’s how I managed to book a Disney trip for just $250, focusing on cost savings and taking advantage of a slower time at Disney.
Flights
As a Southwest Visa cardholder, I've accumulated points towards flights and earned a companion pass. This meant I could book my trip using points instead of cash, and add my husband for free (there's an $11 service charge). Timing is everything—by booking during a Southwest promotion, I also received 20% of my points back at the end of the promotion. This allowed me to maximize my points and save significantly on airfare.
Resort Stay
Being a Disney passholder comes with perks, including access to great discounts on resort stays. For this trip, I found a fantastic 35% discount on rooms for August at Port Orleans French Quarter. Regular discounts can go up to 30%, but the extra 5% for passholders made a big difference.
To clinch the price savings, I used reward points from my Disney Visa card that had been accumulating. By applying these points to my reservation, the final cost for our flights and resort stay for my husband and me was just $250.
Timing
Choosing the right time to visit Disney can also lead to significant savings. Our trip is scheduled from August 1st to the 4th, which is a less busy period at Disney. While the heat and the start of hurricane season are cons, the reduced crowd levels and lower costs are definite pros. This timing allowed us to take advantage of more affordable rates and have a more relaxed experience in the parks.
Using Travel Expertise
To ensure I didn't miss any potential savings, I reached out to Jess from Litterini Travel. Jess thoroughly checked all the price possibilities for me, saving me the hassle of running down all the costs myself. Her expertise and knowledge of Disney travel helped me make informed decisions and find the best deals available.
Want to book with her too? You can get a quote from Jess here.
Planning the Fun
With the major expenses covered, it's time to focus on the fun! We're looking forward to exploring Tiana's Bayou Adventure and making the most of our time in the parks. August may not be the first choice for many due to the weather, but the cost savings make it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
You can get get this listen to how we like to beat the heat here.
Tips for Booking a Budget Disney Trip
Use Credit Card Points: Accumulate points on a travel credit card and look out for promotions to get more value from your points.
Take Advantage of Passholder Discounts: If you're a Disney passholder, use those exclusive discounts to save on resort stays.
Timing is Key: Book your trip during slower times to take advantage of lower rates and fewer crowds.
Use Reward Points: Apply reward points from credit cards to further reduce costs on accommodations.
Look for Promotions: Keep an eye out for airline and Disney promotions that can help you save even more.
Use Travel Experts: Consult with travel agents like Jess from Litterini Travel to explore all price possibilities and save time on research.
With careful planning and strategic use of points and discounts, a magical Disney trip can be both affordable and unforgettable.
