Today it is my privilege to share with you my thoughts on Lou Mongello’s latest Disney book, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World.  If you have been around the Disney Community for a while, you know who Lou Mongello is, but for those of you who may be newer to the magic, Lou Mongello is a lawyer turned Social Media Pioneer and Entrepreneur who has an unrivaled passion for all things Disney and Walt Disney World.

About Lou Mongello

Uncle Lou, as he is often called, began blogging in 2003, and has since built his business to include his podcast WDWRadio.com, two Walt Disney World Trivia Books (which have gotten me through numerous summer and holiday trips), several Audio Walking Tours, and numerous other Disney endeavors including YouTube videos, monthly meet-ups, special trips and more.  The 22 hour drives from Dallas to Orlando or Anaheim are made much more enjoyable when listening to Lou’s podcasts (and educational too).  Let’s just say, Lou is my kind of celebrity.  🙂

Let’s Face It, a Walt Disney World Vacation can be Expensive.

In his latest book, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World, Lou has compiled his years of Disney experience into fantastic tips that make financially getting to Walt Disney World much more feasible, and offers numerous tips that even seasoned Walt Disney World travellers (like myself), can use as well!  This is by no means a book only meant for the beginning Walt Disney World traveller, but for ALL fans of Walt Disney World whether planning their first visit or their fiftieth.

Coming in at just under 200 pages, 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World really makes an effort to reach the reader where they are; describing Disney-specific jargon in ways anyone can understand, and breaking down the more complicated and/or daunting portions of planning a Disney vacation.  Additionally, each of the 102 tips is really a compilation of several tips to ensure that you have the best possible information!    Topics covered in the book include:

• Strategies for saving for your vacation
• How to book your trip
• Choosing the right Disney Resort
• Understanding Walt Disney World packages
• Disney Dining and Disney Dining Plans
• Budgeting for Souvenirs
• 40 Bonus things to do, see, eat, etc.
• and MUCH more!

My favorite chapter in the book where the Dining  Often times Disney Dining can be unnecessarily confusing.  Disney uses a lot of company jargon, and has been known to make last-minute changes to their Dining Plans.  Lou has broken Disney Dining down into easily digestible morsels of information.   He breaks down the different Disney Dining Plans, the Tables in Wonderland card, making dining reservations, popular snack prices, and more.

Another favorite chapter was While You’re There.  In this chapter I found several new ideas for maximizing the value of our Walt Disney World vacations, and am excited to put them in to play on our upcoming trip.  This chapter was full of information on what you can bring in with you to the theme parks, how you can save on dining when you are IN the park, alternatives to more expensive entertainment options, and more.

My Favorite Tried-and-True Tips in 102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World

Tip  Number 68 – Ship It Home

In the body of this tip Lou goes into detail about what to ship (Snow Globes!), how to ship, where to ship and why to ship.

I learned this one the hard way back in 1997 on my high school band trip.  I bought my dad a really neat coffee cup, which was in pieces by the time I got home.  Fast-forward several years and I purchased a print at Art of Disney and had it shipped home.  It arrived damaged, and a call to WDW Merchandise Guest Services had a new one on it’s way from Disney with absolutely no hassle.  Since then we have shipped home every breakable or easily damaged item we have purchased.  The small cost to ship it far less than the cost to replace!

Tip Number 96 – Disney’s PhotoPass CD

Note: Disney’s PhotoPass CD is now a digital version called Disney MemoryMaker.

This tip is basically your PhotoPass 101 crash course.  
Upfront, PhotoPass seems like a big investment, but take it from
me, purchasing Disney’s MemoryMaker prior to your trip you are
saving money and making an investment in your vacation memories.  We have purchased Disney’s PhotoPass+ CD
for every trip we have taken since 2009 and are excited to try MemoryMaker this fall.

Bonus Tip 35 – Transportation Cards

Did you know that many of the transportation cast members carry little trading cards with them representing the different forms of Disney Transportation?  My son, Connor, is obsessed with them and has amassed quite the collection.  More than that, however, they are a great opportunity for kids to talk to the Cast Members, and they are a fantastic free souvenir!

My Favorite NEW Tips to Try on Our Next Vacation!

Tip Number 64 – Purchase a Tables in Wonderland Membership

As DVC members we typically purchase the dining plan for our vacations, and have honestly always been confused by the Tables in Wonderland card.  But, after reading Lou’s clear description of what the card includes (valet parking!) and how it can be used to save money, I’m in!  We are renewing our vows in November and plan on dining at a few nicer restaurants, and dining with a larger group, so I think the Tables in Wonderland Card would be a great option for us.

Tip Number 85 – Skip the Sides 

I did not know that you could purchase counter-service meals WITHOUT the sides they are listed with!  Honestly, we usually throw away the sides if they don’t come in a package we can take with us since the dining portions are so large.  No more tossing those soggy fries or side of coleslaw in the trash!  I can now ask for just the entree item and save about $2 per meal!

This Book is an Investment in Your Future Walt Disney World Vacations

I cannot recommend this book highly enough.  The information is presented in a clear and concise manner, the graphics are beautiful, and it is written with the passion of a man who truly loves Disney and WANTS you to experience it for yourself.  Additionally, Lou offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee!

-if you are unable to save money after reading this book, you will get the purchase price back!

Now that’s belief in a product!

This review of 102 Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World by Lou Mongello is part of a Magical Blogorail sponsored campaign.

Disney expert and podcasting pioneer, Lou Mongello, shares 102 ways you can have the most magical Disney vacation without breaking the bank in this comprehensive, detailed, 197-page guide.  102 Ways to Save Money For and At Walt Disney World guide is a MUST HAVE for any family planning toward a Disney vacation.

Purchase the Book Here 

Enter to Win a Copy of Your Own + a Walt Disney World Audio Tour from Lou Monghello

If you would like a copy of Lou Mongello’s 102 Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World please enter to win our giveaway below.  Please click here if the entry widget is not shown below.

Enter to Win a Copy of Your Own + a Walt Disney World Audio Tour from Lou Monghello

If you would like a copy of Lou Mongello’s 102 Ways to Save Money at Walt Disney World please enter to win our giveaway below.  Please click here if the entry widget is not shown below.