affordable disney vacations | The Memorable Journey ~ The Affordable Mouse

Thrifty Thursday: Guilt-Free Tours

Melissa Sue Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Saving Money at Disney World, Thrifty Thursday, What to Do at Disney World July 12, 2012July 8, 2012affordable disney vacation, affordable disney vacations, disney savings, Disney Vacation Planning, disney world hotels, disney world restaurants, disney world vacation, disney's animal kingdom, epcot, magic kingdom, planning a disney vacation, saving money at disney world, thrifty, thrifty thursday, walt disney world, what to do at disney world 2 Comments

I visit Disney World a lot. But it never feels like a lot because, during each visit, I find something new and exciting to explore or discover. Recently, I experienced my first Disney tour–Segway Around the World Tour–and I’m super excited to try some of the other offerings.

But I’m not made of money, which is why I was so excited to discover that Disney’s tours are available at a range of price points, from insanely expensive to reasonably priced to free. Yes, free.

Is there anything thriftier than free? (Staying home, I guess … but that’s not any fun.) Read more

Thrifty Thursday: All You Care To Cheap

Melissa Sue Affordable Disney Vacations, Dining at Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food, Thrifty Thursday June 28, 2012July 6, 2012affordable disney dining, affordable disney vacations, disney savings, disney world dining, disney world restaurants, saving money at disney world, saving money on food at disney world, thrifty thursday 6 Comments

Chef Mickey's Surprise! I’m writing about breakfast again.

Here’s the premise: it’s expensive. Especially if you’re looking for a buffet that’ll offers lots of options for your hungry troops. Take a look at these numbers (adult prices listed): Read more

Thrifty Thursday: Eat This, Not That for Breakfast at the Resort Hotels

Melissa Sue Affordable Disney Vacations, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food, Thrifty Thursday June 14, 2012June 13, 2012affordable disney dining, affordable disney family vacations, affordable disney vacation, affordable disney vacations, Captain Cook's, Contempo Cafe, disney savings, disney world dining, disney world hotels, disney world restaurants, disneys coronado springs resort, Gasparilla Grill and Games, Grand Floridian Cafe, Kona Cafe, Maya Grill, Mickey Waffle, Pepper Market, saving money at disney world, saving money on food at disney world, The Contemporary Resort, The Grand Floridian, The Polynesian, The Wave, thrifty thursday, Tonga Toast, walt disney world 2 Comments

When you’re heading toward an early morning rope drop and a full day in the Parks, breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. Of course, the quickest, easiest way to save on breakfast is to bring your own from home: breakfast bars, coffee-maker oatmeal, yogurt and things like that. But if, like me, you need something warm and full of protein to make it through the day, here are some ways to save cash before you hit the resort bus stop.

Tonga Toast at The Polynesian

The Expensive Version
At the Kona Café, they’ll serve you a delicious plate of Tonga Toast with a side of meat for $12.99.

The Less-Expensive Version
Downstairs at Captain Cook’s, you can get a delicious plate of the sweet sourdough toast (without the meat) for only $5.19.

Potential Savings: $7.80 Read more

Thrifty Thursday: Eat This, Not That for Dessert in Downtown Disney

Melissa Sue Dining at Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Planning, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food, Thrifty Thursday June 7, 2012June 6, 2012affordable disney dining, affordable disney family vacations, affordable disney vacation, affordable disney vacations, Cap'n Jack's, disney savings, disney vacation tips, disney world dining, disney world restaurants, downtown disney, House of Blues, Paradiso 37, saving money at disney world, saving money on food at disney world, T-Rex Cafe, thrifty thursday, walt disney world, Wolfgang Puck Cafe 1 Comment

Today, for our last walk around Downtown Disney, we’re going in search of low cost desserts. Talk about a sweet ending!

Cheesecake

The Expensive Version
At Wolfgang Puck Café, the rich, creamy cake is topped with bruleed sugar for $7.95.

The Less-Expensive Version
For a white chocolate raspberry version of the New York classic, head to Cap’n Jack’s and fork over $5.49.

The Least-Expensive Version
At Wolfgang Puck Express, you can get a vanilla bean-flavored slice for only $5.

Potential Savings: $2.95 Read more

Thrifty Thursday: Eat This, Not That for Dinner in Downtown Disney

Melissa Sue Affordable Disney Vacations, Dining at Walt Disney World, Disney Vacation Planning, Disney Vacation Tips, Saving Money at Disney World, Saving Money on Food, Thrifty Thursday May 24, 2012May 23, 2012affordable disney dining, affordable disney vacation, affordable disney vacations, Cap'n Jack's, Cooke's of Dublin, disney savings, disney world restaurants, disney world vacation tips, downtown disney, Fulton's Crab House, raglan road, Rainforest Cafe, saving money at disney world, T-Rex Cafe, thrifty thursday, walt disney world, Wolfgang Puck Express 3 Comments

After a long evening of shopping, you need a hearty, filling meal to face the long bus ride back to your resort, am I right? I scoured Downtown Disney to find some ways to cut costs on several classic menu items.

Half Chicken

The Expensive Version
At T-Rex Café, $19.99 will get you half of a rotisserie chicken, slow-roasted and served with your choice of sides (garlic mashed potatoes are among the options).

The Less-Expensive Version
In the Marketplace area, WolfGang Puck Express serves up half of a rotisserie chicken covered with garlic butter and rosemary and served with mashed potatoes for only $16.

Potential Savings: $3.99 Read more