A Disney World vacation can add up quickly for families between the expenses of a hotel stay, theme park tickets, dining, souvenirs, transportation, and more. There are some easy ways that you can cut your costs and still have a magical vacation!
Here are twelve easy ways you can save money on your Disney World vacation:
- Skip the park hopper option: If you are concerned about your budget, one of the easiest things to trim is the park hopper option. On a multi-day park ticket, this can save you more than $80 per person which quickly adds up for families!
- Stay at a value resort: There are five value resorts at Disney World- Disney’s All Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All Star Music Resort, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, Disney’s Pop Century Resort, and Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These hotels typically start around $100 per night and still include all of the perks and amenities of staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. So, you can take advantage of complimentary magic bands, complimentary transportation to the parks, complimentary airport transfers, and more!
- Take advantage of discounts: Disney offers various room and package discounts throughout the year. There are rarely times that there isn’t a special offer available so be sure to take advantage of these to save as much as possible on your vacation.
- Travel in the off season: Disney tends to offer the lowest rates in January and September. These times coincide with the lowest crowds so it makes for a great experience all the way around!
- Disney gift cards: Did you know that you can use Disney gift cards to pay for any or all of your Disney vacation? It’s true! You can purchase Disney gift cards at a number of retailers and earn cash back on your credit cards or take advantage of discounted prices at wholesalers like Sam’s Club or by saving 5% with a Target red card.
- Table service breakfast: If you aren’t purchasing a dining plan, breakfast will be the least expensive meal to purchase. This is especially important if you are planning character dining as you can easily save over $10 per person, just by choosing breakfast over dinner!
- Pack breakfast and snacks: Breakfast is a pretty easy meal to pack in a suitcase to bring with you. There are so many choices like cereal, breakfast bars, and even mini doughnuts that can travel well and save a lot rather than having to buy that meal out of pocket. You can also pack snacks to minimize those dining costs in the parks.
- Spend a day at Disney Springs: You can skip a day of the parks for some of the wonderful activities available outside of the theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort! You could spend a day exploring Disney Springs, try horseback riding at Fort Wilderness, swim at your resort’s pool, stroll the Boardwalk, and more, all without having to purchase park admission.
- Get free ice water and/or Bring a refillable bottle: You can get a free cup of ice water at any quick service dining location in all four theme parks. These are readily available and often waiting on a tray behind the counter. If you don’t love the taste of Florida water (few do), bring a water bottle from home that you can refill in the parks and add your own flavor packet to it!
- Bring souvenirs or stop by Character Warehouse: If you can pick up souvenirs from home, whether you go to your local Disney Store, order from ShopDisney.com or even check out the Dollar Tree (or Target Dollar Spot), you can save so much on souvenirs. If you’re looking for authentic park souvenirs, be sure to take the time to visit Character Warehouse at the outlets in Orlando to get discounted merchandise from the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks and hotels (and often Disney Cruise Line)!
- Bring Your Stroller: Stroller rentals can really add up. If you rent in the parks, single strollers are $15 daily or double strollers are $31 daily. Even length of stay rentals from approved companies can come close to $100 so if at all possible, bring your own stroller with you. Chances are, your kids will be more comfortable in their own stroller, too!
- Skip Memory Maker: Memory Maker is available for the discounted rate of $169 when purchased at least 3 days in advance while the cost in the parks is $199. The Disney PhotoPass photographers are happy to take the same pictures on your camera or phone as they do on theirs. The only thing you really would miss are the magic shots and attraction photos.
What are your favorite ways to save money on a Disney World vacation?
