Thursday's Tip

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but today's tip is never pay full price. Now, that doesn't mean that you won't pay full price for most of your Walt Disney World vacation--it's quite possible that you will. At certain times of the year, discounts are few and far between. But if you can't find a discount on your resort or park tickets, perhaps you could use frequent flyer miles for your airline tickets. Or maybe you can earn free dining cards for Orlando-area restaurants by answering online surveys (I do this ALL the time--it's so easy!). Or maybe you can "purchase" free gas cards with credit card rewards. And, of course, you can earn Disney Reward Dollars by using your Disney Rewards Visa for your every day purchase! My point is, take the savings where you can find it. Only log onto Disney's website to purchase the trip package at full price (room, tickets, dining) as a last resort.

Of course, seeking out discounts for your resort and/or park tickets is the best way to save the most money. If you think the only discounts to be had will be advertised on the Walt Disney World website, you're wrong. Here are a few discounts you may not be aware of--and you just might qualify for:

• Military or retired military are frequently offered discounted park tickets and room-only discounts throughout the year. In addition, they can stay at the lovely military-only Shades of Green Resort.


• AAA members can purchase discounted park tickets from their local club and members can save on Disney Resort rates at certain times during the year.


• Airline employees are sometimes offered significant discounts on Disney Resorts, depending on the time of year.


• Homeschooling families can get discounted park tickets during Disney's Homeschool Days and when using Individual Enrollment for Disney's YES Programs.


• Florida residents are offered tickets at a significant discount and sometimes discounted rates at the Resorts as well.


• If you work for a company who sponsors one of the many exhibits or attractions at WDW, your company may offer discounted park tickets. It's likely the attraction also has a private lounge area for employees of the company.


• If you stay frequently at Hilton Hotels, you can exchange your Hilton HHonors points for Disney tickets.


• Orlando-area Wal-Mart stores sometimes sell Disney Parks tickets. However, the specific types of tickets are limited, and I highly recommend calling around to see what is available at each store before making the trip.


• Occasionally, you will a select few Disney Resorts listed on sites such as hotels.com, expedia.com, etc., at discounted rates.

Never pay full price isn't just my mantra for WDW vacations--it's a way of life for our family. Why pay more if you don't have to, right?