The economy is affecting us big time, but we are 99% sure we will go to WDW next year.
In order to do that, we have had to make some major adjustments.
We usually travel every 12-18 months. We have gone nowhere this year.
My parents, who are retired, usually travel every 6 months or more often. They have taken one trip this year.
No dining out, landline, movies, buying new clothes or toys, using the car for unnecessary trips. I cancelled digital cable and Netflix. The daily newspaper is going next. I hang the laundry instead of using the dryer. We only use the A.C. when it's sweltering. 5 minute showers. I catch the bus to work 3-4 times per week. Make multiple stops to run my errands on the weekends.
Learning how to cook from scratch. You get the idea.
Our trip will be "funded" by frequent flier miles, Ebay, rebates and refunds, surveys, the change jar, and gifts of Disney Dollars.
We will rent a vacation home and eat breakfast and most dinners there.
I'm stressed about the economy, for sure. My DH is self-employed and when his clients' businesses suffer, so does he because they can't pay him. I have a government job but they are announcing huge budget cuts, so I can kiss my puny raise goodbye this year. We are all thankful to still have jobs.
Although I am extremely grateful for what we have, this trip is one of the FEW things I'm LOOKING FORWARD to. It will probably be the only 3 generation trip we will take to WDW ever, so we've all decided that we are going before we regret waiting another year.
Good luck to everyone.