How Budgeting, Planning, and a Little Disney Magic Created Memories That Still Mean Everything
In 2014, we took what would become one of the most meaningful trips of our lives — our first big vacation as a family of four.
Up until that point, our travel looked very different. We took short trips to nearby St. Louis, or we traveled with extended family to help cut down on costs. Big vacations felt like something other people did — not necessarily something that fit our season of life at the time.
But this trip was different.
We planned.
We budgeted.
And then we researched… and researched some more.
Our First Big Trip — Just the Four of Us
Walt Disney World was our first “big” vacation — just the four of us — and looking back, it was one of my favorite trips we ever took together.
It was exciting, overwhelming, magical, exhausting, and absolutely worth it.
It also ended up being our last (and only) big vacation as a family of four, which makes it even more special in hindsight.
How We Made Disney Affordable
One of the biggest surprises of the trip?
Disney World wasn’t nearly as expensive as I expected — because we planned carefully.
Here’s what worked for us:
We Stayed Off Property
Staying off Disney property saved us a significant amount of money. We chose an off-site resort that was comfortable, family-friendly, and close enough to the parks.
Breakfast in the Hotel Room
We ate breakfast in our hotel room every morning. It was simple, easy, and allowed us to start our days early without spending money inside the parks.
Groceries from Walmart
Instead of eating every meal out, we stopped at Walmart and stocked up on:
-Breakfast foods
-Snacks
-Drinks
This one decision saved us so much money.
Lunches Packed for the Park
We packed lunches and brought them into the parks most days — something Disney allows. This helped us avoid expensive midday meals and gave us more flexibility.
Collapsible Water Bottles
We packed collapsible water bottles and refilled them at water fountains throughout the parks. Staying hydrated without constantly buying drinks was a huge savings.
Dinner Back at the Resort
Most nights, we ate dinner back at our off-site resort — and more often than not, that meant pizza. Simple, affordable, and exactly what tired kids needed after long park days.
Dinner Back at the Resort
Most nights, we ate dinner back at our off-site resort — and more often than not, that meant pizza. Simple, affordable, and exactly what tired kids needed after long park days.
A Few Treats (Because… Disney)
We did eat a couple of fast-food lunches inside the parks, and of course we couldn’t resist a few snacks in Epcot. We budgeted for those moments and enjoyed them without guilt.
Why This Trip Still Matters So Much
This trip was magical — not because we did everything, but because we did it together.
It taught me that:
-Disney doesn’t have to break the bank
-Planning makes a huge difference
-Experiences matter more than things
We talk about that trip often — and it’s one we’ll always treasure.
And while that was our only big Disney trip as a family of four, we fully plan to take our youngest — the one who made us a family of five — back to Walt Disney World someday so they can experience that same magic.
Thinking About Your Own Disney Trip?
If you’ve been dreaming about a Disney vacation but feel unsure about the cost — I’d love to help.
I have plenty more budget-friendly Disney tips, and remember:
Using my travel services costs you absolutely nothing.
If you’d like help planning a magical (and affordable) Disney trip, feel free to reach out. I’d love to help your family create memories that last a lifetime.
— Gretchen Leneaye