The website and blog that I founded in 2009 is The Affordable Mouse, and it was born as a response to a comment that I hear ALL the time: “I would love to go to Disney World, but I can’t afford it”. It’s what most people think…and it “can” be
Tag: Disney Deals and Discounts
Affordable Disney Vacations: Splurging on Animal Kingdom Lodge
As one of Disney’s Deluxe resorts, the Animal Kingdom Lodge is not the first place that comes to mind when trying to save money on a Walt Disney World vacation. Still, with the new 25-30% Deluxe Resort Summer Savings, Disney is offering a promotion that may make this stunning resort
The Magic Behind the ‘Company’: Getting to Know Nancy
About You: Name? Nancy Where do you live? Near Baltimore, Maryland How long have you been with Chip and Company? Umm I think about a year…but it seems longer….in a good way of course! 🙂 What topics do you write about? How to make a Disney vacation affordable, getting the
Affordable Disney Vacations: The Kim Possible Adventure at Epcot
Always on the look-out for free fun at Walt Disney World, we discovered something very cool at Epcot’s World Showcase, on our recent trip: the Kim Possible Adventure. Did you know that by reading and following directions, looking for….and finding….clues, you can “save the world”? No? Well don’t feel bad, neither did we until we stumbled upon this fun, interactive activity. Don’t tell your kids, but it’s educational too…but they don’t need to know that part. What you do want to tell them…and all the grown-ups in your group too….is that this is a GREAT way to spend some time in World Showcase, and that they WILL have a blast!
Affordable Disney Vacations: Saving Time AND Money with Disney’s Magical Express
Many people travel to Walt Disney World by flying. For some, there is no other realistic way to get there. Others, who could drive, often choose to fly anyway. My family is in the second group: while I personally don’t mind driving, my family feels otherwise. So we typically fly these days. But the challenge here, if you are trying to have a Disney vacation that is as affordable as possible, is that airfare is way expensive. So unfortunately, a major portion of any Disney vacation budget ends up being spent on transportation.
Details, Details: What You May be Missing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
One of my favorite places to explore is Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where there is a wealth of unexpected fun. Transporting you to Hollywood circa 1940’s, the “Studios” offers many details that can easily be missed unless you take a few minutes to stop and look around.
Affordable Disney Vacations: Should I get the Disney Dining Plan?
One of the most hotly-discussed topics on any Disney blog, podcast or message board is the Disney Dining Plan…or to be more correct, the Disney Dining Plans, because there are several of them. Those who have purchased one, discuss the pros and cons, and try to decide which is the *best* deal. Those who have not want to know if they should get the Dining Plan. And those who are considering a Free Dining Plan want to know if it is worth it, which level they should get, and if they will save more money with room discounts instead.
Affordable Disney Vacations: the Candlelight Processional
While Disney World may be in the midst of the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, for many guests, their vacation planning focus is on the upcoming Holiday Season. So today, let’s answer a few questions about one of the most popular events during this “most wonderful time of the year”, the Candlelight Processional, and specifically discuss if this is an event that you will want to attend.
Disney + Creativity + Saving Money = Autograph Book Magic
You can buy a generic Disney World autograph book when you get to the parks, or even at home before you leave but really, why? Why spend as much as $11 on a way to collect your child’s character autographs, when you can make one for less than half the cost…and have a blast doing it! So get your scissors and glue sticks out and get ready to have some creative Disney fun.
5 Tips for Affordable Disney Pin Collecting
When we discovered pin collecting, we discovered a great way of keeping our Disney vacation souvenir budget under control. Because pins are now our souvenir of choice, we are better able to plan our souvenir purchases and stick to a planned budget. We don’t get sidetracked, and don’t suffer “buyer’s remorse” when we get home either.
Affordable Disney Souvenirs for Penny Pinchers
Among the most affordable Disney souvenirs is something that costs just over 50 cents, offers a good deal of fun involved in getting it, and can provide a great commemoration of your Disney trip……yes, that would be pressed pennies. With pressed penny machines located all over the parks and resorts, there are enough design options to satisfy the “collector” in anyone.
Playing Hide and Seek with Mickey
Hidden Mickeys are Mickey-head shaped designs that have been hidden all over Walt Disney World by the Imagineers as they came up with the plans for every ride, attraction, restaurant, and resort hotel. They are literally everywhere.
Getting Around Walt Disney World
There is a lot to think about and plan for on your Disney vacation. Have you thought about how you plan to get to and from the parks…and any other place you plan to visit while there? You actually have some options, and as with everything when it comes to Disney….planning ahead will save you time and money.
Five Fun (and Free) Things to do at Disney World
When I plan a trip to Disney World, I’m thinking about more than how to make it as affordable as possible…but also how to get the most value out of the many American dollars that we do spend to have a Disney vacation. Which means, I’m all about finding those little *extras* that may be overlooked….but add so much to an already wonderful and magical vacation experience. Have you done the same thing?
