Disney World vacations can be, and often are, very expensive due to the high costs of park tickets, accommodation, flights, meals, and other unforeseen expenses. To help holidaymakers make the most out of their next Disney trip without spending too much, travel experts have offered few money-saving tips:
- Do not ever buy water at Disney
To avoid excessive costs and unnecessary plastic waste, it is advisable to bring your own beverages or reusable water bottles when visiting Disney World in the Orlando heat. This will ensure you stay hydrated throughout the day without relying on purchasing bottled water and sodas repeatedly.
Ice water is available for free at quick-service restaurants in Disney World. So, instead of spending money on expensive bottled water, you can simply request a complimentary glass of chilled tap water.
- Discounted Disney gift cards help
To save some money on your trip to Walt Disney World, consider purchasing discounted Disney gift cards in advance. These cards can be utilized to cover expenses such as park admission tickets, souvenirs, meals at dining spots, and various purchases on Disney property where credit cards are accepted. It’s a simple Disney hack that can help you cut down on costs during your vacation.
- Use online crowd calendars to avoid peak times
Room rates typically experience an increase during peak periods of the year, including the summer months, school breaks, and holidays.
Lower rates and reduced crowds are typically observed in the periods following January, the first half of May, mid-August to just before Thanksgiving, and after Thanksgiving week until mid-December. By referencing online crowd calendars and adjusting your schedule accordingly, you can save money and avoid large crowds when planning your visit to Disney World during these off-peak times.
- Bring all essential items with you
When you are trying to save some money, it’s important to prioritize practical and affordable items for your visit to Walt Disney World. Here are some key essentials to bring while considering your budget limitations:
• Toiletries including medications, as these can be costly on-site
• Snacks, including reusable Ziplock bags to bring food to and from the parks
• Weather-permitting items, like umbrellas, rain jackets, and sunscreen
• Portable phone chargers
• Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
It is vital to come fully equipped with necessary items listed beforehand, as acquiring them at the amusement parks can be costlier in comparison to purchasing them online or in one’s hometown.
- Bring plenty of weather essentials
When it comes to necessities, remember to pack an abundance of weather essentials for your journey. Regardless of whether it’s raining or sunny, you’ll be spending time at the park. However, purchasing items like umbrellas, rain ponchos, or sunscreen at the park can significantly increase your expenses. To avoid this, make sure to bring your own rain ponchos, sufficient sunscreen, hats, fans, and other essential items to ensure your comfort no matter the weather. This is particularly important as umbrellas or adult-sized ponchos sold at the park can cost more than $12 each.
- Be aware of your food budget
Considering the advantages and disadvantages of the Disney Dining Plan versus paying for meals individually is recommended prior to booking your Disney World trip, as the food there comes with a hefty price tag.
The Disney Dining Plan can be a cost-saving option for certain guests during their vacation, but for others, it may be more economical to not have any plan at all. The decision ultimately depends on the individual priorities and preferences of each guest.
You can save money by buying groceries from nearby stores and cooking your own meals. At Disney World, visitors are allowed to bring their own food, meaning that it’s possible to avoid buying any food within the park.
- Not every vacation day is about Disney World
Consider setting aside a day from visiting the theme parks during your vacation. This will not only help you save on admission costs but also give you a chance to relax and rejuvenate.
Take advantage of the opportunity to discover Disney’s Boardwalk or Disney Springs, engage in boat rides, embark on a tour of the monorail resorts, explore other Orlando attractions, or simply unwind by the pool. Disney World offers a plethora of delightful and affordable activities that won’t put a strain on your budget.
- Work with Disney travel agent
Booking your Disney World vacation through Disney travel agents, despite a commonly held misconception, can actually be a more budget-friendly choice. It is crucial, however, to select a reputable agency that does not charge any fees. It may seem counterintuitive, but Disney compensates these agencies for their assistance in planning and booking Disney trips. As a result, you, as the client, can take advantage of the personalized services provided by a Disney World expert at no additional cost.
Disney travel agents can help you plan and book most aspects of your vacation. This includes giving you expert advice and making informed recommendations, purchasing your park tickets, booking your hotel, dining, and transportation reservations. They also stay updated on the most recent Disney World discounts and promotions, ensuring these are applied to your trip. If a better deal arises after your initial booking, they proactively re-book your trip to take advantage of lower rates.
Disney travel agents can assist you in organizing and reserving various components of your vacation. They are knowledgeable about the latest Disney World discounts and promotions, and in the event that a more advantageous offer becomes available subsequent to your initial reservation, they take the initiative to re-book your trip at the reduced rates.
- Staying off-site could save money
Opting for a non-Disney hotel can yield several advantages in terms of cost. Primarily, these lodgings generally have more budget-friendly rates compared to Disney-owned resorts and offer a wider selection of rooms, including roomy suites that are perfect for big groups and families. Many of these larger accommodations also come equipped with kitchenettes, enabling you to cook meals on-site instead of dining at pricey Disney World restaurants. This straightforward change can lead to significant savings, potentially amounting to hundreds of dollars.
Unfortunately, staying off-site has one clear disadvantage: being farther from Disney World and not having access to complimentary Disney transportation. As a result, you will incur extra costs for renting a car (unless you bring your own) and paying for parking, or you will have to rely on taxis/Ubers to get to the parks.
