{Book Review} Lou Mongello's "102 Ways to Save Money for and at Walt Disney World"

In just a few short hours, my family and I will be on a plane to our happy place.  You know, the one in Florida with all the magic?

“But weren’t you just there?” all of our friends will say.  They always say that – but this time their question is pretty valid.  My husband and I went for the marathon in January, then our whole family took our spring vacation in February.  Now it’s March.  Yesterday, my husband turned to me and said, “What are we going to do when April comes and goes without a trip?”

Seriously, someday we’re moving.  Maybe even before he retires.

This particular trip was a last-minute addition, and is only happening because our family of 5 is going down for $400 plus dining money, thanks to Southwest airfare credits we have accumulated from checking for price changes on previous flights..  Full-disclosure — trips like this are more likely because of a few things that required a substantial investment up front (Disney Vacation Club, Annual Passes, etc) – but that absolutely doesn’t mean we have extra money lying around, especially for expensive things like travel.

Thankfully, there are lots of ways we can all save money before and during these trips.  A WDW trivia guru I admire greatly has put together a book that spells out more than 102 of these money-saving methods – and I finished reading it just in time for our quick, budget trip.

In “102 Ways to Save Money for and at Walt Disney World” Lou Mongello provides excellent information beginning with how to get the kids involved in saving up for the trip.  He shares tips on saving money on transportation costs that will benefit you for all of your travel – Disney or otherwise.  There are sections on discounted ticket options and perks available for various occupations and rewards club members, all the way to where to find the cheapest gas on property and how to ship a package to your resort ahead of your stay.

From start to finish, Lou goes beyond listing money-saving ideas in rapid-fire style.  Instead, he takes opportunities to provide information on the various hotels on property, Disney transportation, etc.  At one point when discussing how to save money on ponchos for those Florida showers, he adds in bonus content of fun activities to do in the rain.  This book really does have something to offer even the most seasoned WDW vets 🙂

All of this between absolutely stunning pictures, links to the fabulous WDW Radio podcast when there is even more valuable information to add, and this is absolutely going to be a book I recommend to anyone planning a trip to Walt Disney World.  There is immense value in the overviews Lou provides that take this beyond just a list of budget-friendly ideas to an excellent, must-have trip-planning resource.

Check it out at Disney102.com or on Amazon!

Lou did provide a copy of “102 Ways to Save Money for and at Walt Disney World” for me to review, but all the thoughts above are absolutely my own.