This is such a hot topic on the DCP!
Should I Save Money Beforehand?
How much should I Spend?
Will I make enough to support myself on the DCP?
Throughout my DCP I painstakingly recorded every purchase I made and how much I ended up coming home with in the hopes that it will help you make better financial decisions on your own program.
I try to be very transparent through this post as I include about how much I made total, how much went immediately to taxes and housing, exactly what I bought and paid for on my program- as well as some smart things I did to save money! So let's jump right in!
Coming into the DCP I had thousands of dollars saved. However, I had about $800 in my checking account and that was more than enough to last me the week until my first paycheck.
My Income
I began my program on January 18 and left on June 2. I worked anywhere from 36 to 60 hours a week and made $14.75 an hour ($22.125 for overtime) doing quick service at Magic Kingdom. In that time period I made about $10,500.
All roles are guaranteed at least 30 hours. However, some roles usually get more than others.
For example:
Merchandise + Hotel locations- About 30-36 Hours (Some locations, like Main Street get more!)
Custodial + Horseperson- 40 Hours
Attractions + Food Service- *usually* over 40 (I got scheduled about 45-47 a week).
My Expenses
Housing: $3515
I lived for 19 weeks in a 2x2 apartment at Flamingo Crossings which cost $185 a week.
Taxes: $1500
I'm hoping I'll get back some of this when tax return season rolls around!
Savings: $2000
I made a goal to NEVER touch my savings account, but instead to save $2,000 from my DCP. Each month I set aside $400 for savings.
Food: $1300
Groceries, Park Food, Lots of Breakfasts with Friends, EPCOT Festival Food, etc. You can tell that I am a huge foodie XD
Staycations: $150
My Friends and I stayed at 2 Hotels (with our 50% discount!) and split the cost. We stayed at Coronado Springs and Wilderness Lodge
Gifts: $150
I bought gifts for my family because I love them ;)
Experiences: $500
Mini golfing, Plane Ticket (to visit home), Movie tickets, Universal Studios Ticket, Gas money, Beach trips, etc.
Clothes: $500
Mickey ears, dresses, shirts, pants, LOTS of spirit jerseys
Miscellaneous: $450
Wishables, Pins, Weighted Eeyore stuffed animal, Postcards, Vera Bradley bag, etc.
College Course: $450
I took one online course through my college and paid for it during the DCP
Total: $10,515
Money Saving Tips
When I entered the DCP, I had very different spending habits than when I left. Before I came, I was *very* frugal. After the DCP... Well, it's a different story. Though I felt like I could have improved my spending habits, I did do a few things that really helped me save money. Here are my tips!
Split hotel stays with friends
Shop at Cast Connections instead of in the parks
Bring Meals to work and to the park - I bought maybe 2 meals while at work which saved me around $300+ throughout my program
Check the Facebook Flamingo Buy/Sell/Trade pages - People often resell things for cheap
Stop uber-eating - Make your own food. It's both cheaper and healthier!
Spend money only on things you really want- don't buy everything! I had a policy where if I saw something I really wanted (aka the Eeyore Plush) I would think about it and come back a few days later to purchase it if I really wanted it. Unless something is really popular, I promise it's not going anywhere :) The wait will also help you not have buyers guilt.
Save for expensive purchases - Story Time! I really really wanted a Vera Bradley backpack in the Little Mermaid print but it was $120. I saved $20 a week for 6 weeks to be able to afford it. I felt so happy and proud once it was finally mine!
Use your Cast Member discount - Cast members get 20% off on (some) food locations and merchandise. You also get 30%-50% off Hotels. When that 40% holiday merch discount rolls around, use it!
Use the Disney Provided transportation as often as possible - Gas is expensiveeee
Don't buy a Universal Pass - Buy a 1 day ticket instead and make it a fun event with friends!
I hope this post helps you plan for your own DCP and your finances! Just remember that you'll only work for Disney once, so allow yourself to spend money on things that help improve your experience. BUT be conscious of how much you're spending! It's 100% okay to say, "I don't know if I can participate because I really need to save money right now." It's so important to have good spending habits- even when you're at Disney ;)
As always, reach out through my insta @goldenbrowniebeth if you have any questions! Have a MAGICAL day friends!
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