We've got an awesome, FREE printable packing list for you to use next time you want to add a little Disney to your trip. Print out out for each member of the family, and you could even print out one more as a to-do checklist before you leave the house! 

Click on the picture below or above to download! Printable will open in a new window, then right click to save, or just print directly. 

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​There are more printables coming soon, leave a comment if there is one i particular you would like! 

This Spotlight Sunday I'm telling you my favorite two tricks to make your dream vacation cheaper! 

Do you know the fourth Ferengi rule of acquisition? Never pay retail. Remember that! Even a special deal from Disney can be improved on.


Trick #1 Disney Gift Cards

Make sure you are getting the Disney gift cards that can be used ANYWHERE, not just at the Disney Store.

How will the Disney Gift Cards help you save?

Because you’ll be buying them for at LEAST 5% off.

Target classifies it’s Disney gift cards as “entertainment cards” not, “gift cards”. Using a Target debit card, or Target credit card, when you buy a $100 Target gift card, you’ll actually be paying $95. Use that for your tickets, or resort, your food, and souvenirs, and you’ve got a fancy little discount that other’s don’t know about. 5% right off your vacation cost. Sure, it's not huge, but on a $4000 trip, that extra $200 can buy a lot! 

It gets better though! 

In the fall, near Black Friday, Target also does a one day Target Gift Card sale of 10% off. Buy those Target gift cards, turn them into Disney gift cards...10% off, easily.

Watch for other gift card deals at grocery stores, every now and them I will see $5 off a $50 gift card, pair that with a 1% cash back reward from your credit or debit card, that's a great deal!


Trick #2  Get some free money!


Who doesn’t like free money? I know I love it! that’s why I use a few things like Swagbucks to earn points that I can trade in for gift cards to apply towards our trip. Loads of people make $100 or more a month, I average around $10 a month when I apply my lazy self, without spending a dime, but that’s all going to Disney money! If you aren’t part of Swagbucks already, you can use my referral code below to start off with extra Swagbucks. 

Right now, they even have a QR code you can scan at Best Buy to get $5 in points credited to you, on top of one point per dollar, then whatever percentage your credit card would give you. Go in, buy a $50 Disney gift card, and you'll save 13% on it...! 


http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/sundowner2


I also got the Disney Chase Visa two years ago, because they GAVE me $200 on a gift card, (though it looks like now for some people it’s applied as a credit on your account,) when I spent $500 in the first 3 months, PLUS I get 1 point per dollar that they load onto a Disney Gift Card I can cash out anytime over $10. You also get a 10% discount on Disney stuff at the Disney store, or in the parks. If you want to check it out, you can use my Disney card referral, and get the same offer. (I do get the points equivalent of $25 as a referral bonus)

https://www.referyourchasecard.com/200/RET4X301ZM

There's one more great way to get free money! Do you ever buy groceries? Ibotta is a free app you put on your phone that gives almost instant rebates on groceries. I don't use it all the time, but in the last year, I've gotten about $200 back in gift cards! A lot of times you get offers for something completely free, after the rebate. Recently, I got 20 packages of 6 count fun sized Caramel M&Ms FREE after the rebates that popped up a few minutes after I bought and scanned my receipt. Those are going to be great treats for Mr. Disney Magic's students and coworkers! 

Sign up now, and get a $10 bonus! You can cash out once you get to $20, and it won't take you long to get there! (I will get a $5 bonus also if you signup)  

https://ibotta.com/r/saommsr

It's little tricks like this that you can find, that will make your Once Upon A Dream trip come even sooner! There are loads of great money savings apps and sites... what else do you use? 

Animal Kingdom is without a doubt tied with Magic Kingdom as my favorite park. It's peaceful, relaxing, doesn't ever feel crowded (once you get through the main gates) and it's just incredible. A lot of people think of it as a half day park, but I think those are the people there for the rides, not the educational things, like the Wilderness Explorers, or the behind the scenes animal areas. 

The Tree of Life is also a favorite, it's the first thing your eyes see as you walk into Animal Kingdom and words do no describe how magnificent it is. At 145 feet tall, and 50 feet wide, there are over 300 animal carvings on it. It's beautiful to see from all angles, and something I just love to pause and admire, each time we see it. 


Next time you go, take a few minuites to walk on the Discovery Trail to an area where not too many people ever go. In all the times we have one, it's rare anyone else was there. You might meet a special character, (last summer it was Tarzan!) but I promise you the views are breathtaking.  Just look at a few of them! 

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Do you have a favorite spot at Animal Kingdom? 

If you want to read more of our Animal Kingdom Posts, we've got some rounded up for you! 
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Cick here to join us on the Kilimanjaro Safari!
Click here to get a FREE touring plan with 10 attractions in just 3 hours!
Click here to read about the Best Quick Service restaurants at Animal Kingdom! 
Click here to join us on the Na'vi River Journey!

I love how patriotic Disney is. Every day, at 5pm at the Magic Kingdom, a special flag ceremony is held, the national anthem is played, and guests are invited to sing God Bless America. A veteran, is handed the flag to carry down Main Street U. S. A while musicians follow behind paying U.S. Military songs. It's a beautiful experience, and make's me feel proud that Disney recognizes our great Service Men and Women. 

A screen shot from Disney's website is below, with their description. Click on the picture, it will take you right to the information page. 
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Have you ever watched the flag retreat? We've only ever caught the tail end, but one day, we hope to see the whole thing. 

It's been a year since we started the blog to share our Disney tips and tricks. Hopefully you all have been enjoying reading them, as much as we have been writing them! To celebrate, here are a few helpful posts,  just in time for summer vacation! Just click the links below to go right to the articles!

When Your Perfect Vacation Isn't Perfect

The Number One Way to Put a Stop to Summer Fun

Getting Started With Disney Pin Trading

​Disney Bus Know How

Disney FOMO: Yes, it's a Thing

You'll find loads more articles like this one, including dining plan tips, FREE touring plans and more, just by clicking on the categories to the right. Happy planning!