Vacation Budgeting Archives - Explore With Catherine

Planning 101• Vacation Budgeting• Vacation Planner• Walt Disney World

Do Travel Agents Actually Save You Money On Disney Vacations?

May 20, 2026

A Travel Agent Mickey ears with a broken donut

Planning a Disney vacation is supposed to feel exciting. But somewhere between the Facebook groups, TikToks, Reddit threads, and “expert” advice from your coworker’s sister who went once in 2019, it starts feeling like you’re studying for an exam instead of planning a vacation. And somehow, despite spending hours researching, you feel even less confident than when you started. That’s usually when people start asking the question I…

Money Saving Deals• Planning 101• Vacation Planner• Walt Disney World

What is the Walt Disney World Free Dining Promotion?

March 17, 2026

Vegan Totchos in Disney's Hollywood Studios. You can find it at Woody's Lunchbox

Every time Disney releases a new Free Dining promotion, the word spreads fast. Families start talking about it. Social media fills up with posts about it. And suddenly everyone is wondering if this is the deal that will finally make their Walt Disney World trip more affordable. Food is one of the biggest expenses during a Disney vacation, so getting your meals included is an incredible value. So,…

Disney Dining Plan• Planning 101• Travel Tips• Vacation Budgeting

Is The Disney Dining Plan Worth The Cost In 2026?

January 25, 2026

A Nemo themed snack at Walt Disney World

The Disney Dining Plan might seem like a simple add-on when you book your trip, but is it really worth the cost in 2026? Let’s be honest. It’s not cheap. But this is one decision you can’t make based on price alone. I see this all the time. Families skip the dining plan because it feels expensive. But, then they get to Walt Disney World and realize that’s…

Money Saving Deals• Saving For A Vacation• Vacation Budgeting• Walt Disney World

Disney Has a Lot Going On This Year (And It’s Easy to Miss the Good Stuff)

January 10, 2026

Refurbished rooms at the Polynesian Village Resort at Walt Disney World Resort

If you’ve been thinking that 2026 is the year you finally take that Disney vacation, this is for you. Walt Disney World already has some really great deals and perks. And they’re making a big difference for families who know how to use them. Most people I talk to aren’t actively planning yet. They’re just starting to think, “Maybe this is the year we finally do it.” And…

Money Saving Deals• Norwegian Cruise• Planning 101• Vacation Planner

Alaska Cruise Tips: Why This Is the Best Way to See Alaska

August 16, 2025

The Norwegian Bliss sailing on an Alaska Cruise with mountains in the background.

If you’ve ever dreamed of watching glaciers while you sip coffee on your balcony, spotting whales in the distance, and ending the day with a sunset that turns the whole sky pink, an Alaska cruise should be at the top of your bucket list. You’ll sail past rugged coastlines, visit towns you can’t reach by road, and still have time to enjoy great food, live music, and hot…

Disney Dining• Planning 101• Saving For A Vacation• Vacation Budgeting• Walt Disney World

How to Stay on Budget While Eating at Walt Disney World

July 3, 2025

Let’s talk about how to keep your Walt Disney World food budget from totally ruining your plans. I’m heading to Walt Disney World solo soon for a work trip. And while it’s short timing, I’m doing something I always recommend families do way before they go. I need to figure out how much I’m actually going to spend on food. Ideally, you’d do this months—or even a year—before…

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