Sorry in advance for the long post:
Most people have already offered up some really good advice.
*Have you looked into a modified 52 week challenge? You could look into what it would take to save X amount of money but doing in the compound way that the 52 week challenge is for or whatever way works best for you. Only thing that could be an issue it is not an even amount you are saving for each month as it is designed where you slowly build up a certain amount.
*Target RedCards (ones attached to your checking account) give you 5% off Disney gift cards (they are counted as entertainment so the 5% counts).
*I know there are some Dining Plan cost estimators available somewhere on the internet but as I have often read (and honestly agree with) the DDP doesn't usually save people money (especially as you mentioned you mentioned doing less character meals) but it is usually the convenience that prevails there. You can also access menus on Disney's website and keep an eye out on pricing of food items (though some food items are seasonly priced).
*I personallly would look into places that you can realistically afford with your expected budget and then when next year rolls around (if you book now that is) and there is a promotion call it a bonus and if you want to adjust where you are staying at based on that promotion you can.
*Look into several dates if you can. My trip will be Sep 2017. For two Standard rooms at All Star Movies (which is what our famiy need with 4 adults going-no children) via Disney direct no discounts and just the room no dining plan no tickets from 9/8-9/17/2017 is $110.22 per room per night excluding tax. For both rooms including tax it is $2,241.92
...BUT shifting the vacation to 9/15-9/24/2017 is $123.78 per room per night excluding tax. For both rooms incuding tax it is $2,517.64.
Overall by shifting just 1 week I would save $275.72 (if I went off of the earlier September date) and if basing off of this years
MNSSHP offering going earlier in September wouldn't mean a loss in Halloween decor (years past MNSSHP started Mid-September this year however it starts September 2nd). Obviously with wanting only 1 room (which I completely understand) makes for limited choices but just playing around with some dates if you are a tad flexible (as in my above example it was only a week's difference).
*I'm not sure where you grocery shop but I do combined Costco, Aldi and Walmart and I know I'm not spending as much money on stuff than I used to when I was just going to more grocery type places.
*To me there is no shame in asking for gift cards for gifts from family/friends. Doesn't even matter the amount as they could be just souvenir money which could be just 1 less added expense you wouldn't have to worry about.
*You might look into your family habits such as entertainment costs, eating out costs, utility costs, etc. So not saying go all out and cut everything out but sometimes even 1 or 2 meals out a month could make a difference or a 1 or 2 degree difference on certain days or time of day in a thermostat setting can help put more money in your Disney fund.
