Disney Savings Challenge: Over $1300 Painlessly

You only need a dollar to get started….

Save more for your Disney vacation with this hack called the Disney Savings Challenge/52 Week Money Saving Challenge.

Have you ever heard of it?

Explanation of the Disney Savings Challenge

Saving money is no easy task, even if it’s for Disney.  What I like the most about this Disney savings challenge is how painless it feels, how easy it is, and that it gets people in the habit of saving money.

So what I’ve done is created a template for you to download, print and/or save, and maybe put it on your fridge.  But let’s talk about how it works first.

The Disney savings challenge is a twist on a popular method for saving money gradually over the course of a year.

To start, only need $1. Then, each week, you add that amount to your savings. For example, if you choose to save $1 per week, you would save $1 in week one, $2 in week two, $3 in week three, and so on.

By the end of the year, you will have saved a total of $1,378 if you stick to the plan.

This challenge can be a fun and easy way to build up your savings without feeling like you’re making a huge sacrifice.

Disney Saving Challenge

(Right click, or hold down, to save image )

How it Works

I mentioned before about how it all starts with only a dollar.  Every week you have an amount to save and every week the previous amount will be increased by $1.

 Importance of Saving Money for a Disney Vacation

 Saving money for a Disney vacation is important for many reasons. First of all, Disney vacations can be quite expensive, especially if you plan on staying in one of the resorts or visiting multiple parks. By saving money ahead of time, you can avoid going into debt or overspending during your vacation.

In addition, having a solid savings plan in place can help you make the most of your Disney experience. You’ll be able to book the best hotels, dine at the best restaurants, and enjoy all of the attractions and activities without worrying about your budget.

Finally, saving money for a Disney vacation can be a fun and rewarding experience in and of itself. You can involve your whole family in the process, setting savings goals and tracking your progress along the way. By the time your vacation rolls around, you’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for having worked together to make your dream vacation a reality.

 Before you start savings: Determine the cost of Your Vacation

To determine the cost of your vacation, it’s important to consider all the expenses associated with it. This includes the cost of transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and any other miscellaneous expenses that may arise. 

To get an accurate estimate, create a budget that outlines all of these expenses and research prices for each item. Be sure to also factor in any discounts or deals that may be available to you. 

I have a budget how-to post

Where Do You Put The Money?

Some people are more visual and like seeing the money add up in a jar, by all means, watch it add up!

I’m always worried about not having constant access or not being to keep track so I use Ally Bank (online savings account).  This way you can schedule your payments weekly.

Since I’m usually saving for different endeavors, I use excel sheets to track deposits and which endeavor they’re for.

Use Disney Gift Cards to Save Money

If you’re participating in the Disney Savings Challenge consider using Disney Gift Cards. These are available in stores and online and come in set amounts of $25, $50, or $100.

They’re a great option if you might spend your savngs or don’t want to carry around cash while in the park, as you can use them to pay for things like your hotel, tickets, souvenirs, and food.

Celebrate reaching savings milestones

Reaching a savings milestone is a significant achievement, and it deserves to be celebrated. However, celebrating while saving money can be a bit tricky. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate your milestones without breaking the bank:

1. Have a movie or game night: Invite some friends over for a movie or game night. You can rent a movie or borrow a game from a friend and provide some snacks and drinks. This is a great way to celebrate and have fun without spending a lot of money.
2. Take a day trip: Plan a day trip to a nearby town or attraction. Look for free or low-cost activities, such as hiking, visiting a museum, or exploring a new city. Pack a picnic lunch to save even more money.
3. Pamper yourself at home: Treat yourself to a spa day at home with a bubble bath, face mask, and a good book. You’ll feel relaxed and rejuvenated without spending a lot of money.

Keep Visual Reminders of your Savings Progress

Have you ever tried to save money, only to forget about it a few days later? One effective way to stay motivated is to keep visual reminders of your savings progress. 

This can be as simple as printing out this chart for your fridge or a note on your phone, reminding you of your goal and how much you’ve saved so far. 

Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating and help you stay on track towards your savings goal. So, give it a try and see how it works for you!

Disney Savings Challenge Hacks

1. Start doing the weeks backward.  Start with $52 and get rid of the bigger increments first and see the money grow quicker.
2. Don’t go in order at all.  Make sure you deposit weekly but do what works for you.  Christmas money making it tougher to deposit? Do a smaller amount week.
3. Save more money by incrementing by a higher amount weekly.  Try $10s or $20s
4. Print the sheet out to make this a visible challenge.  Cross out every week you accomplish.

I heard this TED talk once about why we are naturally not good with money.  It stems from our fear of lost or losing out.  Losing out on the item we want so badly, or on the deal, losing out on the ability to use that money for anything other than a savings account.  But this Disney savings challenge makes it so effortless to save up more than $1300.

Have you tried something like this?

How to Make the Disney Savings Challenge More Fun

If you’re looking to save up for a Disney trip, it can be easy to lose motivation along the way. But fear not! There are plenty of ways to make the Disney savings challenge more fun and keep yourself on track. Here are two ideas:

1. Get the whole family involved: Saving for a Disney trip doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Get your kids or partner involved in the process by making it a family challenge. Set up a savings chart where everyone can track their progress and encourage each other along the way.
2. Add some magic: Incorporate a little bit of Disney magic into your savings efforts. For example, you could create a Disney-themed savings jar or use Disney stickers to decorate your savings chart.

Remember, saving for a Disney trip should be fun and exciting, not stressful. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating magical memories at the happiest place on earth!

Recap of the Benefits of the Disney Savings Challenge

The Disney Savings Challenge is a great way to save money for your dream Disney vacation.

By participating in the challenge, you can enjoy a number of benefits, such as saving money consistently, learning financial discipline, and making your Disney trip more affordable.

The challenge also helps you set specific savings goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements. Moreover, by sharing your experience with others, you can inspire them to save money and make their own Disney dreams come true.

Overall, the Disney Savings Challenge is a fun, rewarding, and effective way to save money and plan your dream vacation.

Emotional Benefits of Saving for a Disney Vacation

Saving for a Disney vacation can bring about a wealth of emotional benefits that extend far beyond the excitement of visiting the happiest place on earth.

For one, the anticipation of the trip can help relieve stress and provide a much-needed escape from the monotony of everyday life. By setting a savings goal and working towards it, you can feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

The act of saving for a Disney vacation can also create a sense of unity and togetherness within families or groups of friends. The shared goal of experiencing the magic of Disney can bring people closer together and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Finally, the emotional benefits of saving for a Disney vacation can also extend to the trip itself. By sticking to a budget and making smart financial choices, you can feel a sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that you were able to make the most of your vacation while still being responsible with your finances.

From relieving stress and providing a sense of purpose, to bringing people closer together and creating lasting memories, the benefits of saving for a Disney vacation are truly priceless.