As most of you know, I am a HUGE FAN of anything and everything Disney. And when it comes to my part of the world, we JUMP on it! So, I’m very excited to share with you all that Disney On Ice Presents Princess Classics right here in Dayton- at the Nutter Center from September 30th thru October 3rd! Now, even if you aren’t in the direct Dayton area, the Nutter Center (GO RAIDERS!) is located right off I-675, and only a few miles from I-70 and I-75. It’s SUPER easy to get to, so I hope to see you there!

What’s even better about the location, is that I have a discount code to share with you that makes all seats (except for VIP, Front Row and Rink side-and no doubling up on discounts) ONLY $11 each! There’s a limit of 4 per transaction, but at this price, it makes it a huge savings ($4)!

You can order your tickets online here or you check out the flier below for more information:

*I was provided tickets to this show in exchange for this post. But c’mon, you know how much I love Disney and that I’d do just about anything for them.

As most of you know, Tinker Bell’s all new movie- The Great Fairy Rescue will be released THIS Tuesday the 21st!! And I know you’re just as excited as I am that Disney Movie Reward Members get $10 off the Blue-ray Combo pack (not to mention the FREE charm)! If you’re already a member, click here for the coupon. And if you’re not a member- get with the program and sign up! I’ll be sure to take advantage of this amazing offer. I hope you do too!

Or rather, what not to pack.

When planning on a Disney vacation, most people (first timers) over-pack and forget the fact that:

1) Airlines charge you for your checked baggage.

2) Airlines charge you for over-weight checked baggage.

3) Some airline charge you for carry-on luggage.

4) Airlines aren’t charging for breathing air at the time that I’ve published this article. This is however, is subject to change.

The best thing for you to do, is to pack lightly and consolidate. Basically, pack smarter.

And Disney really helps you in that department.

You don’t need to bring shampoo, conditioner or soap. Those are refilled daily in your room. Need more? Call down to the front desk and they will have you bring some. As for their shampoo, I have no clue as to what it is, but it’s magic on my hair.

You also don’t need to bring a beach towel. Okay, so let me be clear on this one. IF you are staying at a moderate or deluxe resort, towels are available AT your resort pool. If you’re staying at a value hotel, this is a hit or miss. Always bring a towel with you (if you’re staying at a value) from your room. You can always get more towels from Mousekeeping, but it’s very unlikely that you will find them at the pool. There have been rare occasions that they have been there, but it’s more in the off-season and I’d rather you not take the chance.

Laundry facilities are on site in each hotel, and TIDE (oh, how I love thee) is available in the quarter dispensers. I don’t have the prices for these, but make sure you bring quarters with you if you plan on doing laundry. Actually, on second thought, even if you don’t plan on laundry, it’s good to have an accident back-up.

Worried about all the souvenirs? Don’t be. You can ship from almost any resort on property (we usually use the business center in the Contemporary) and Disney has all the supplies you need. There is no up charge on any of this as well, so rest assured that you’re not paying more than you would at home.

Okay, so what to bring…

Sunscreen. You’ll pay an arm and leg- and maybe your first-born child at Disney. Bringing it with you will cut down on the cost significantly.

Sunglasses. It’s Florida. They don’t call it the “Sunshine State” for nothing.

Backpack. To carry your sunscreen and glasses.

Gum. The airport, stores and Disney Resorts do not sell gum. If you like it, you need to bring it.

Clothes. Duh. But only enough for the days you’ll actually be there- and one extra outfit. Wear the clothes on the plane that you’d like to have on for the whole day. In other words, don’t do a bunch of costume changes. Now, if you’re planning on having an ADR (advance dining reservation) at Victoria and Albert’s- you’ll need a little black dress or a suit. Check out your ADRs and make sure none of your reservations have a dress code. Disney will not let you into the restaurant if you don’t meet their criteria, and you don’t want to be turned away because you’re in park-wear.Oh- and don’t forget pajamas. I always take a shower before I get into mine, so I can get an extra night or two out of them so I can pack less.

Shoes. Bring two pairs. That’s it. And wear the heavier ones on the plane, so they don’t count towards your luggage weight. If you’re planning on going to the pool, bring a pair of flip-flops. But make that your max.

Snacks. This one I am iffy about. We’re on the Deluxe Disney Dining Plan, so snacks are in our plan already. If you haven’t gotten this option, make sure you bring your own from home. It’s going to be a lot cheaper for you.

Odor eaters. There is nothing worse than coming back to your hotel room after a long day, kick off you tennis shoes, only to knock out your whole family by the stench. So throw them in your bag. Trust me. You’ll thank me.

And the obvious- toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, medicine etc…

Body Glide. I’ve heard this one from so many people, but haven’t used it myself. It’s supposed to be used on your inner thighs and prevents chafing. You can get it from sport supply stores.

Now people that want to save on souvenirs-

Head to your local craft or dollar store and pick up as many Disney items you can. Throw those in your carry-on and as soon as your kiddo asks for something, pull that out instead.

Distraction on a dime!

And I’m sure I’ve forgotten something on here, but at least it’s a good run down. If you can think of anything, please add it in the comments!

I have been getting a lot of requests, asking for the monetary breakdown of our Disney Vacation- so I’ve pulled a very detailed report of what I paid for, and when. If you have ANY questions, please don’t hesitate to ask! There are always more ways to save, but I usually chose the route that’s going to benefit my family the best. My options might not work for you- but this gives you a general idea of what a Disney vacation can cost your family.

I made all payments in cash to my AAA office, so NO credit cards were involved. AT ALL!

We booked our Disney Vacation on January 22nd this year, at a AAA event that got us 2 adult Mickey backpacks and 2 Birnbaum’s Guide to Disney World books if we booked that day. I usually wait for these events to book, because I feel like I get a little something extra for a vacation I was already planning on taking. Plus, they have a Disney rep available to answer any questions.

The total cost for a 6 night, 7 day vacation at a Moderate Resort, basic Disney Resort Passes (no park hoppers, no expiration add on or water parks) and the Deluxe Dining Plan through AAA at that time was:

$2500.31

At the time of booking, you have to put down a minimum of $200, which goes towards your balance- so at that time, we owed:

$2300.31

On March 13th, I booked our flights on Air Tran (3 tickets both ways) for $607.20. Obviously, I paid in full on the spot when I booked. I do not add this amount to my “bottom line” but I thought I’d give you an idea of what I pay through AAA.

On April 9th- as an anniversary present to the both of us, we put down $350.31 which brought our total down to:

$1950.00

And then Basic Free Dining was released to the general public- so it was applied to our total (net savings of $377.46 after the upgrade), and then we added the upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan- so that brought us to a total owed of:

$1577.54

Then the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets were released, costing us (2 adults and one child) $165.99. We chose the Will Call option, to save $5.

To cover the cost of the Halloween tickets, and then make a small dent in our balance, we paid $389.54 on May 7th which brought us down to:

$1188.00

Not bad right?

So the next payment was made on May 21st, of $400.00 and our total dropped to:

$788.00

And at that point, we could really see the end of the tunnel!!

The next payment was on June 4th- of $230.00

With our total being:

$558.00!!

We got lucky, and our “extra” paycheck hit this month, so we paid off our balance on June 18th:

$0!!

It was our first year of paying on a vacation with cash only, and to have it done in 6 months was a real accomplishment in my book. Granted, Disney helped out a bit by offering free dining for our stay, and I worked a little extra teaching- but it was worth it! I am so happy that this vacation is paid in full-in cash, and that our food is completely covered. All I have to do now is save for our tips (which I put together in advance in case you didn’t know), Photopass and spending money.

Looking for the Disney Vacation Breakdown parts 1-5? Click here for more!

There are many ways to save at Disney World- and sometimes you can get something for nothing!

Below I have a list of freebies I know are available at the moment (however, it’s subject to change) that you can take advantage of!

Disney Maps- which can also double as scrapbooking pages.

Disney Vacation Planning DvD- a great way to get your family excited about an upcoming trip. It’s also a good way to learn about new events/offers at the resort!

Cupcakes- On your birthday, several restaurants in the resorts will give you a cupcake for free!

Pins- Birthday, First Trip, Anniversary, Just engaged, Just Married and Family Reunion are available at Guest Services, or at check in at your Disney Resort. They are free- so just ask!

Tour of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Drawing class at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Kids activities at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Campfire Sing-along and movies at Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Lodge

If you’re staying on site- Disney’s Magical Express will pick you up at the airport, and Disney transportation will take you throughout the resort by bus or boat.

In downtown Disney, you can get a free sample of chocolate at the Ghiradelli Chocolate Shop!

If you buy something in the parks and are staying on site, the item will be shipped to your room or resort gift shop for free!

*My Disney Vacation Breakdown will continue on Monday. I’m a little behind with my posts right now. See you then!