How to have a FUN and Frugal Family Vacation to Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World in Orlando is one of the most kid-friendly travel destinations. They have  Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, Animal Kingdom, Disney-MGM, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, Mini Golf, breakfast with Mickey and Other Disney characters, wonderful kid-friendly restaurants, and SO much more! You and your kids are sure to stay busy!

If you have decided to go to Walt Disney World, the first thing to do is to go online to the official Walt Disney World site at: >> home.disney.go.com/travel/index <<

Here, you can choose your hotel, accommodations, and number of nights. In addition, Walt Disney World offers a DVD with a free vacation planning guide for you to view before you book your trip.

You also have the option of forgetting the theme parks all together and bookiing a Walt Disney Cruise!!

Touted for being a fun-filled cruise complete with Disney characters, this is one vacation you will thoroughly enjoy. After all of the sightseeing and running around at Disney World, you will be pampered by the crew; as well as dining and dancing under the stars. The kids will love it too, especially with all of the activities the cruise line has planned for them.

When to Book Your Vacation

It is advisable to book your trip up to six months in advance. The reason for this is that you can derive the best accommodations, best airline prices and cruise rates, and lock into them early. If you choose to book your vacation online, read the terms and conditions for cancellation, and any fees incurred.

When is the Best Time to go to Walt Disney World

As a Florida girl and frequent Walt Disney World visitor, I can tell you that the best time to go so there will be less lines and you will not fry from the heat are the following months; October, Late January though the end of February, May, and June. 

In addition, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best time to obtain cheaper air flights. Also, try to book non-stop flights. While their may be a reduction for connecting flights, consider you have small children and it may not be feasible to have to take them off the plane, wait, and then board another.

Check with Walt Disney World either online or via telephone to determine if there are any discounts offered, and when.

Note: Every Wednesday, the airlines post their new rates. This is the time to call and inquire with them or with your travel agent. In addition, it is advisable to purchase trip cancellation insurance just in case.

Things to Do

The list of things to do at Walt Disney World is endless. You can search Walt Disney World's official website on things to do and see on your vacation.

Note: Reservations for Cinderella’s castle is mandatory. For reservations up to 30 days in advance, call 407-939-3463. For reservations with the Disney characters, you can call the same number up to 90 days in advance.

Another idea which most families find affordable and convenient is to book a suite with kitchen facilities. You can stop by a nearby grocery store and pick up a few things, and prepare breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner in your room.

This will give you the opportunity to have funds for a character meal. The kids can interact with Disney characters, and although a bit expensive, is well worth the experience. Or, even eat at the very kid-friendly and fun Rainforest Cafe located in Walt Disney's Animal Kingdom (my favorite park!).

Speaking of Animal Kingdom, this is definitely worth seeing. You will see beautiful scenery and soome of the most beautiful animals in the world.

Whether this is your first or tenth visit to Walt Disney World, undoubtedly you have not seen it all. Use the online resources mentioned herein to help you in planning each day’s event. Don’t forget Epcot Center! It is a must see, and the kids will love it! Also, don’t forget to take them on the “It’s a Small World” ride! I must warn you though, you may never get that song out of your head afterwards! LOL!

Note: Ensure you bring bottles of water or juice each day, as well as snacks for the kids. You will be walking a great deal and if it’s hot, you want to avoid dehydration. Stop every once in a while (if you can pull your kids away from the next attraction), and sit for a few minutes. Check with the park employees if you need strollers for the kids, which they provide.

I HIGHLY recommend that you use sunscreen on you AND your kids...even if it is cloudy! Trust me, you do not want to spoil your vacation with a painful sunburn!

What to Pack for a Walt Disney World Trip

Since it will probably be quite warm, or even hot when you arrive here in Orlando, be sure that you pack light clothing and hats for the kids, and comfortable walking shoes. Bring sweaters or jackets for nighttime (depending upon the season). Make sure you bring enough underwear for the kids; bathing suits for all; and anything else the family may require.

Try to keep it down to two suitcases with wheels if you can; one for the kids and one for you and your hubby. This will make it easy on you, especially if you have to carry of the kids at some point.

Here are additional items you will need:

• Itinerary
  
• Airlines tickets, accommodation vouchers and theme park tickets
  
• Camera
  
• film
  
• batteries
  
• Identification with photo
  
• Sunscreen (spf 30)
  
• Sunglasses
  
• Discount cards, if any
  
• Traveler’s Checks
  
• Credit Card
  
• Cash
• An extra bag for souveneers
  
• EXTREMELY comfortable shoes! No heels ladies, TRUST me!

Since there are many restrictions at the airports being enforced now, be sure to check with your airline to be sure of all the rules and regulations on what you can take on board the flight and what you can’t. As you know, you will probably be asked to put all containers and personal items into a plastic bag and have it available for inspection. Since you cannot bring any food with you, once you arrive you can purchase water and snacks for the family.

Make sure that if you are taking travelers checks, you write down the numbers and place them where you can retrieve them easily if they become lost. Also give a copy of your itinerary to a family member or friend. Photo identification for your entire family is necessary. You can have photo ID pictures taken at a mall, of if you have passports, they will suffice. Make a copy of every piece of identification in your wallet and keep the copies home. This will aid you in case your wallet or purse is stolen.

If you have made reservations to any of the restaurants, bring along the name of the person you spoke to and confirmation number, if given.

Once your book your vacation, the Disney staff can send you information and where you will be able to check on each theme park; hours of operation, parades, fireworks displays, Walt Disney World special events, daily show times,  backstage tours, rides, kids event, rainy day activities, strollers, tours, Disney dining for kids, tips on touring Epcot and Much More!
 
The more you know, the more enjoyable your trip will be. Once more, you too, will become a child again, and the twinkle in your eye will be akin to the star you’ve made your wish on.

Frugal Tips:

• To have the most fun for your buck, do not buy extra batteries, film, sunscreen, and items that can be bought at the local grocery store from Walt Disney World. Stop by one of the local stores instead. You will save a TON of money!
  

• When you buy a drink at Walt Disney, buy a souveneer cup. The refills are $2 or less. It's worth the extra few bucks in the long run.
  

• Try and have a couple simple meals you can make in your room; sandwhiches, assorted fruits, simple things. YOu can also pack some snacks to eat while waiting in line. It will give you the extra money you need so you can splurge at a special restaurant...like one in Epcot's World Showcase.
  

You don't have to break the bank to have a wonderful vacation. Take the time to plan. You will allow yourself to have more money for the things that really matter.

Have a fantastic Joy-Filled Vacation!

God Bless!!!

http://momsoffaith.com

Budgeting for Families
Tips and Suggestions on How to Save Money

With the rising costs of homes, oil, food, healthcare, and college; it’s a wonder how anyone can save enough money to ensure there is sufficient funds to cover all of the necessities in life. Even with moms and dads working full time; living from paycheck to paycheck seems to be the norm rather than the exception for many families.

This report will outline suggestions on how to set a budget and stick to it; teach children the value of money and how to save; and tips on how to invest for your children’s college education.

According to statistics, an average family of four in the US needs an income of $52,000 or more to live comfortably. In addition, college costs have risen to $40,000 to $100,000 or more, depending upon the college and state you live in and whether or not your child is boarding at the school. Health care is another issue which, unless you are covered by your employer, can literally break the bank if you become ill. Housing costs have risen at an alarming rate, and according to the Federal Housing Bureau, although home prices as of 2004 have hit the $264,000 mark, we know today they are more in the neighborhood of $500,000 and up. Rents have skyrocketed due to high fuel costs, and except for rent stabilized apartments, one has to wonder how anyone on a fixed income will survive.

However, with so much to think about, and in some cases; worry about, let’s move on to budgeting for families and try to come up with solutions that make sense.
The American dream for most families has always been to own a home. Today, however, it is more about survival. Whether you own a home or rent, the concerns are the same. Do I have enough to educate my child? Is my health insurance enough to cover my family in case of illness? Can I pay my bills each month, or do I have to ignore one to pay for another? Will I have to borrow from Peter to pay Paul?

Most of us have asked these questions over and over. Many sleepless nights have us contemplating the all too familiar question: How can I keep up, and still take care of my family?

Saving for College

Paramount in the minds of all parents who want their children to receive a college education is how to save for this eventuality. While some open CD accounts from their child’s birth, others invest in stocks or bonds; and still others haven’t even begun to figure out how to manage the cost.

College tuition today is exorbitant; not to mention the cost of books and other necessities associated with education our youth today. The good news is that most college students can apply for loans and seek Federal assistance, with the understanding the loans have to be paid back within a certain timeframe. In addition, college scholarships can make all the difference in alleviating the cost factor.

To keep college costs at a minimum, your child may have to attend a local college in your state. In this way, the cost to board would not be a consideration, and the savings derived would be within your family budget. However, if your child has his or her heart set on attending a specific college out of state, the cost will be considerable. One of the ways you can save for this eventuality is by setting up a college fund for your child from birth. Perhaps you can invest your tax refunds; and put away as much as you can afford. Investing in the stock market is taking a chance; but investing in a high yield CD account.

According to one source, howstuffworks.com, you can invest by utilizing an education IRA known as Coverdell Education Savings Accounts. It is explained in this way: “ESAs were improved significantly in 2002 because Congress increased the annual contribution limit from $500 to $2,000. Like 529 plans, ESA earnings are tax-free when used for education expenses, and they are considered the parents' asset so they don't adversely affect financial aid eligibility. They do have some advantages over 529 plans, including more control over your investments and the ability to use the money for private elementary or secondary school expenses.

Their disadvantages are the limitations on parents' income. For single tax payers, the eligibility phases out for incomes between $95,000 and $110,000. For married taxpayers filing jointly, eligibility phases out between $190,000 and $220,000. Another disadvantage is that the funds have to be used for education by the time the beneficiary turns 30. Like the 529, there is a 10-percent penalty if the money is used for anything other than education expenses.” For further information, you can check this website to determine if you can utilize this type of account, as well as checking into the 529 Plan.

Teaching Kids the Value of Money

The old saying, “A penny saved is a penny earned” is a wise tenet we were taught by our parents. Today, with computers and electronics; PC games and iPods; cell phones and Blackberrys; the latest fashions and footwear; one would need to save long and hard to afford any of these things. For kids, wearing the most up-to-date clothes and sneakers is foremost on their minds.

Teaching kids the value of money has to begin at an early age. So too, if kids see their parents constantly buying new things; most likely they will want larger allowances and become as frenetic in their buying habits as their parents. Thinking back to when we were kids, if our parents couldn’t afford something we wanted; we didn’t get it. End of story.
Some parents today indulge children way too much, thus the value of money seems insignificant. Moreover, these kids may think their parents are rich when, in fact, they are trying to make ends meet just like the rest of us.

The word “no” has to be placed back into the vocabulary when it comes to teaching children they can’t have anything they want. Moreover, instructing them how to save for their future is a method which has been lost in rearing some children today. Not any fault of their own, our children are exposed to young actresses or teens who have inherited great sums of money and they are pervasive on TV and in magazines.

When we were their age, and didn’t have any money, spending a day at the park or enjoying each other’s company in or outside our home were sufficient. Not so today. With malls incorporating hundreds of high end stores, this is where the kids like to “hang out,” and are thus engaged in looking at the expensive displays of clothes, jewelry and electronics. Just this Christmas, kids begged for the new Nintendo Wii. Those who were fortunate enough to receive them as presents should be thankful. Unfortunately, what they do not realize is their parents probably have to work overtime to pay for the cost of this expensive item.

How do we teach children the value of money and the importance of saving for their future? No doubt, this is one area parents are wrestling with every day. However, parents who incorporate an honest approach in explaining money to their children, do succeed in bring home the point – by example. Living with parents who were never considered rich by any means, we soon learned the true value of saving money, and the consequences of spending beyond our means. Kids cannot relate to the future; they deal with each day as it comes. If they were asked: “How will you support yourself when your dad and I are no longer here,” their likely response would be: “Why do I have to think about that now” or “I don’t want to discuss it now.”

It is a discussion parents must have with their children. There has to be an open dialogue where families can discuss financial matters with children (at an appropriate age, of course). Whether you buy a piggy bank for your infant; open a savings account; clip coupons out of the paper with your child present; discussing purchases and deciding as a family if it is affordable; these are the starting points at which your child will begin to understand the hows and whys of saving money and the ramifications involved when lack of money becomes a serious issue.

As parents, we all want to protect our children and ensure their future is better than ours. But by not disclosing money issues we are not protecting them, but allowing them to live in a world where they believe money will always be available to them. By not showing discipline in our own spending habits, we are denying them the basic fundamental truth that money doesn’t grow on trees; that saving for their future is vital; and that assuming they will always be taken care of is an erroneous one. Conversely, maintaining limits by budgeting; carefully keeping track of spending; and keeping the dialogue open by allowing children to participate in family discussions about money, will give them a keen sense of awareness as to the pitfalls derived by overspending and impart the importance of saving for their own future.

How to Set a Family Budget and Stick to It

There are many ways in which family budgeting can be utilized and maintained. Write down the family expenses and income. Decide where you can eliminate some of the more expensive items you buy. Here are some suggestions:

• Buying groceries in bulk
  
• Use coupons whenever possible
  
• Buy grocery items on sale
  
• Buy generic products in supermarkets and drug stores
  
• Keep the lights off when not at home
  
• Use energy saving appliances, such as air conditioners and refrigerators, etc.
  
• Keep the room temp at your home at the minimum level
  
• Cut up all credits cards, except one
  
• Call credit card companies and ask for lower interest rate
  
• Pay for cash as often as possible
  
• Put money into a CD account
  
• Buy savings bonds
  
• Invest your tax refund in an educational IRA
  
• Put all of the change you’ve accumulated at the end of the day into a large glass jar
  
• Walk more often, rather than driving
  
• Talk to a financial consultant to determine if your budget is appropriate to your income
  

Once you have set a budget, you have to stick to it religiously. Try not to borrow any money unless absolutely necessary. If you do take out a home equity loan, shop around for the best interest rate. Keep your home and furniture in good condition; the last thing you need when on a budget is to have to expend additional dollars for home improvement.

There are several online sites who offer savings deals with online merchants; offer coupons for different supermarket items; and certainly if you need to buy something always check eBay first. When shopping for clothes and footwear; choose clothing warehouses or inexpensive stores to save money. By the way, they do offer brand named items for less.

If these are not available in your area, the major stores always have sale days every week. For Christmas, begin shopping in February – when sales are aplenty. Start a new tradition by buying your kids one expensive gift, as opposed to many. You can also give them items they can use for school as well as accessories they can wear.

For college bound kids; shop online for books. Most college bookstores are very expensive. Save where you can by purchasing used books. Check out the many financial aid services being offered, as well as Federal loans. As mentioned above, utilizing the ESA or the 529 Plan may be to your advantage.

Go to dollar stores to buy incidental items for your home. They also have apparel which you can purchase for your younger kids, as well as school supplies. Or visit Costco or BJ’s wherein you can buy in bulk, and save. WalMart is another place where you can save money as well. Payless offers you unique savings on shoes and sneakers. Instead of buying the more expensive cell phones with unnecessary cameras and text messaging, look into family plans which offer phones for free.

Call your telephone company regularly to determine if there are special rates being offered. If you have cable or satellite; determine what you can cut down on in that area. Some cable companies, as well as telephone companies, are now offering a three-in-one service; cable TV, phone and internet service. Check to see if it is cost effective for you to use this service.

Remember too, as parents, we have to insure we have the best possible health and insurance coverage available. The last thing we ever want to do is burden our children with added expenses when we become old. Look into term and whole life insurance.

Research different companies and determine which coverage meets the needs of you and your family. The same holds true for auto insurance. Scout around; perhaps you can save on your current coverage by switching to another company. If you have an old car; you will no longer need to pay for collision damage.

Budgeting isn’t easy; but it is necessary in today’s economy. No matter how hard we work, we never seem to make ends meet. However, if we budget early on; set a realistic and reasonable goal for our families; it can make all the difference in the future of our children and ourselves.

http://momsoffaith.com

Jehovah Shalom (our peace) Judges 6:24

The first thing I would just like to mention is that Jehovah is not actually a Hebrew word. It came later. The correct word is Yahweh. However, I will use Jehovah for familiarity.

Let's start with the meanings...

Jehovah Shalom means; God is Peace.

Shalom (shaw-lome') or (shaw-lam') means; safe, happy, health, prosperity, be safe in mind, body or estate, be at peace.

I also looked in the thesaurus for the opposite of peace and here is what I found; conflict, turmoil, disorder, and chaos. Yikes! I would much rather have the peace that God has for me!

Peace is something most people crave. We strive for it. We search for how to get it. We WANT to have peace.

What is the significance of Jehovah Shalom? And, How do we obtain peace?

To find this out, we must dig deeper into the Word and find the hidden treasure of Shalom. The first thing that we need to understand is that peace is a promise of God. And, like all of God's promises, we must understand the clauses. We must also understand that faith plays a major role in everything that involves God.

Below are a few of our promises for peace. I strongly encourage you to read and STUDY the Scripture references.

• Peace comes through Faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1)
  
• A thankful and unselfish heart brings peace (Philippians 4:4-7)
  
• The Holy Spirit was the gift of peace (John 14:26-27)
  
• Peace is a fruit of the Spirit given as we grow in obedience (Galatians 5:22)
  
• Peace is an undeserved blessing from God (Psalm 29:11)
  
• Peace came through the shed Blood of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:20)
  

These Scriptures help us understand that peace is a free and promised gift from Daddy. Now, we must understand God's role for peace.

Jehovah Shalom

His peace is our protection. Our assurance. Our safety.

Be Merciful and gracious to me, O God, be merciful and gracious to me, for my soul takes refuge and finds shelter in You: Yes, in the shadow of Your wings will I take refuge and be confident until destructive storms have passed. Psalm 57:1

David understood that God was Jehovah Shalom. He understood that he had God's peace in Him. He had faith in this. That is why he was confident living under the shadow of the Almighty God of Peace.

In closing; Jehovah Shalom, our God of Peace loves us all so very much. His desire is that ALL of His beloved children live in the peace and assurance of His unmerited favor and Grace. His peace is a gift. It is YOURS and mine for the taking.

We just need to believe what God's Word says, and be willing to walk in obedience. And, when we fail, we need to pick ourselves up, dust off, and get right back on the path God has for each of us. The path of peace. The path that Jehovah Shalom has already paved for us!

Let's Pray;

Daddy God, Jehovah Shalom, My Peace, My Love, You are Worthy of All the glory, honor, and praise. You are Holy and Mighty. You are My God and my Peace. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for creating a way for me to live a life of peace. Thank You for walking with me each and every day...and carrying me on those tough days. I love You, Lord. I love You with all of my heart. I want my life to shine for You. Thank You for choosing me to be Your very Own. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

In His Love and Service,

Lara ;)

Copyright © Lara Velez

Note: All Scripture is taken from the Amplified Bible.