Everything you wanted to know about Disney World from your grandmother 😉
How to Save Money on Your Next Disney World Trip Help for Disney Families
Visiting Disney World is a dream come true, but it can also be quite expensive. However, with a little planning and some insider tips, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to save money on your next Disney World trip adventure.
Plan Ahead and Book Early
Accommodations
Booking your hotel well in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Disney offers various tiers of resorts: Value, Moderate, and Deluxe. Opt for a Value Resort to enjoy Disney’s amenities without the high cost. Additionally, consider staying off-property at nearby hotels that offer free shuttles to the parks.
Tickets
Purchase your park tickets early to lock in the best prices. Disney often raises ticket prices yearly, so buying them as soon as you finalize your dates can save you money. Look for multi-day tickets and park hopper options if you plan to visit multiple parks, as these can be more economical than buying single-day tickets.
Utilize Discounts and Special Offers
Disney Offers and Promotions
Disney frequently offers special promotions, such as free dining plans, discounted room rates, or package deals. Keep an eye on the official Disney website or subscribe to their newsletter to stay updated on these deals.
AAA and Other Memberships
If you’re a member of AAA, the military, or other organizations, you may be eligible for additional discounts on tickets, hotels, and dining.
Save on Food and Dining
Bring Your Own Snacks, Dining Reservations, & Share Meals
Disney allows you to bring your own food and drinks into the parks. Pack snacks, sandwiches, and refillable water bottles to avoid the high cost of park food.
Make dining reservations 60 days in advance for popular restaurants. This helps avoid pricey last-minute dining options. Opt for character breakfasts instead of dinners as they are usually cheaper.
Portions at Disney restaurants are often large enough to share. Split meals with your family to cut down on costs. You will want to ask a server if this is allowed in the restaurant where you are, it may not be. Whatever answer you receive, remember to be gracious with your caste member. If you are counting on this discount, call ahead of time and ask before you go. Then, make plans accordingly.
Take advantage of Disney’s complimentary transportation, including buses, monorails, and boats, to get around the resort. This can save you the cost of renting a car and parking fees.
Buy Disney-themed souvenirs and apparel before your trip at stores like Walmart, Target, or online. This can save you a lot compared to purchasing items directly at the parks.
Give each family member a set amount of money to spend on souvenirs. This helps manage expenses and ensures everyone gets something special without overspending.
Use credit cards that offer travel rewards or cashback. Some cards offer points for travel purchases, which you can redeem for flights, hotel stays, or park tickets.
Cashback Apps
Use cashback apps like Rakuten when booking travel and purchasing Disney gear online. This can help you earn back a percentage of what you spend.
Take Advantage of Budget Friendly and Free Activities
Resort Hopping & Disney Springs
Spend a day exploring different Disney resorts. Many offer unique themes, entertainment, and dining options that are free to explore.
Disney Springs offers a variety of free entertainment, such as live music, street performers, and seasonal events. It’s a great place to spend an evening without spending a lot of money.
Traveling during off-peak times, such as late January, early February, and September, can save you money on hotels and tickets. The parks are less crowded, which means shorter wait times and a more enjoyable experience.
Avoid Holidays
Prices tend to spike during major holidays and school vacation periods. Plan your trip outside these times to take advantage of lower rates.
Annual Pass Benefits
Consider an Annual Pass
If you plan to visit Disney World multiple times within a year, an annual pass can offer significant savings. Passholders receive discounts on dining, merchandise, and special events, as well as free parking.
Annual passholders can often take advantage of special rates on Disney resort hotels, which can be a great way to save on accommodations.
MagicBands are convenient but not necessary. You can use the free ticket cards provided or purchase discounted MagicBands online before your trip.
PhotoPass
If professional photos are important to you, consider purchasing the Memory Maker package in advance. It offers unlimited digital downloads of all your photos at a lower price than buying them individually.
Pack Wisely
Bring essentials like ponchos, sunscreen, and portable phone chargers to avoid purchasing these items at higher prices in the parks.
By planning ahead and utilizing these tips, you can enjoy the magic of Disney World without the financial stress. Happy travels, and may your Disney dreams come true!
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