Saving Money at Disney World for Families | Best Tips and Tricks
If you’re planning a trip to Disney World with your family, you’re likely aware of the costs that come with it. Between park tickets, lodging, food, and souvenirs, the expenses can add up quickly. However, with some smart planning and budgeting, you can still have a magical experience while saving money.
Some of the information below includes affiliate links. When you click these links Moms with Mouse Ears may make a commission from your purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
One of the first steps to saving money at Disney World is to plan ahead. This includes researching the best times to visit, as well as booking your accommodations and park tickets in advance. By doing so, you can take advantage of early booking discounts and avoid paying higher prices closer to your trip.
Another way to save money is to budget for your vacation and stick to it. This means setting a daily spending limit for food and souvenirs, as well as considering bringing your own snacks and drinks into the park.
Additionally, there are many free activities and shows at Disney World that you can enjoy without spending a dime.
Saving Money at Disney World Highlights
- Planning ahead and booking in advance can save you money on accommodations and park tickets.
- Setting a budget and sticking to it can help you save on food and souvenirs.
- Taking advantage of free activities and shows can provide entertainment without spending extra money.
Planning Your Trip
When it comes to planning your Disney vacation, there are a few key things to consider in order to save money and make the most out of your trip.
Here are some tips to help you plan your trip:
Choosing the Right Time to Visit
Timing is everything when it comes to saving money at Disney World. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, consider visiting during the off-season when crowds are lower and prices are more affordable.
You can also save money by avoiding holidays and weekends, which tend to be more crowded and expensive. We’ve gone through different weeks of the calendar to determine the weeks you should look at first, in regards to price level and potentially also crowd levels.
Selecting Accommodations
Choosing the right accommodations can also help you save money on your Disney vacation. Opt for a budget-friendly Disney resort, like one of the All-Star Resorts that have accomodations for families at the lowest prices on Disney property.
You can also save money by sharing a space with family or friends, or by booking an off-site vacation rental like an AirBnB. If you have a large enough group, these rentals can be split between the group to help offset the cost. And you have additional amenities like a kitchen and multiple bathrooms.
Buying Park Tickets
Buying park tickets in advance can also help you save money on your Disney vacation. Look for deals and discounts on multi-day tickets, or consider purchasing an annual pass if you plan to visit multiple times throughout the year. There are frequently special offers on the Disney World website that you should check before booking your travel package.
In 2024, they are running both a 3-day ticket and 4-day ticket special for select dates, that you can purchase a one park per day ticket that can be used at the theme park only once, at a considerable discount. These tickets would work perfectly for families that aren’t interested in park hopping and are looking to visit each park only on one day.
You can also save money by purchasing tickets through a reputable ticket seller, like Undercover Tourist, rather than directly through Disney. Undercover Tourist is one of the few authorized sources of discounted Disney tickets.
Another location that you can check ticket deals from an authorized Disney Ticket reseller is on CityPASS. CityPASS is available in cities across the country, and helps you bundle multiple activities into one ticket price. Check out the Orlando deals on the CityPASS website for both Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando.
Travel agents are also able to help plan your trip at no charge to you, and make sure that you have all applicable special discounts applied to your trip.
By planning your trip carefully and making smart choices, you can save money and make the most out of your Disney vacation.
Budgeting for Your Vacation
Planning a trip to Disney World can be an exciting experience, but it can quickly become overwhelming when you start thinking about the costs. However, with a little bit of budgeting and planning, you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.
Setting a Spending Plan
The first step in budgeting for your Disney World vacation is to set a spending plan. This plan should include all of your expected expenses, such as transportation, accommodations, park tickets, meals, and souvenirs. Start by researching the costs of each expense and then determine how much you can afford to spend in each category.
To make it easier to track your spending, consider creating a spreadsheet or using a budgeting app. This will help you keep track of your expenses and ensure that you stay within your budget.
Check out our easy budgeting pages to keep track of all of your Disney planning!
Saving on Transportation
Transportation can be an added expense when traveling to Disney World. To save money on transportation to arrive in Orlando, consider driving instead of flying. If you do need to fly, try to book your tickets at least 2 months in advance and look for deals and discounts.
Once you arrive in Orlando, consider using the Disney transportation system instead of renting a car. This will save you money on rental fees, parking, and gas.
Take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to get to Walt Disney World property if you are with a large group, to be able to fit everyone in one vehicle for one price. There can be surge pricing that you’ll need to double check that it is the best deal.
If you are a couple or solo travel, an option like scheduling a bus pickup through Mears Connect may be the most economical option. And if a Lyft or Uber is incredibly expense after you arrive, you can just walk up to the kiosk when you arrive at the airport to set up bus transportation for around $16 per adult.
Finding Hotel Discounts
Accommodations can also be a significant expense when visiting Disney World. To save money on hotels, consider staying off-site or at a value resort. Off-site hotels may be significantly cheaper than Disney-owned resorts, however you’ll need transportation to get back and forth to the theme parks.
If you’re flying in and will not have a vehicle, value resorts offer affordable accommodations on Disney property.
Read our review and ranking of the Disney World Value Resorts.
You can also look for hotel discounts and deals online. Many hotels offer discounts for booking in advance, staying for multiple nights, or booking through a specific website.
There are ways to enjoy your Disney World vacation without overspending. Remember to stick to your spending plan and look for ways to save money on transportation and accommodations. With a little bit of planning and budgeting, you can have a magical vacation without breaking the bank.
Dining at Disney World
When it comes to dining at Disney World, there are plenty of options to suit every budget. Here are some tips to help you save money while still enjoying delicious meals:
Eating on a Budget
One of the best ways to save money on dining at Disney World is to eat at quick service restaurants. These restaurants offer a variety of options, from burgers and fries to salads and sandwiches, and are typically less expensive than table service restaurants.
You can also save money by sharing meals with your family or ordering from the kid’s menu. Portions are big, and our family of four frequently is able to split two to three meals between everyone!
Another budget-friendly option is to bring your own food into the park. Disney World allows guests to bring in their own snacks and drinks, so consider packing a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks to enjoy throughout the day.
Snack Tips
If you’re looking for a quick snack while exploring the park, consider purchasing a refillable popcorn bucket.
For a one-time fee, you can enjoy unlimited popcorn refills throughout your visit. You can also find a variety of other affordable snacks throughout the park, including churros, pretzels, and ice cream.
Using Dining Plans
Disney World offers two dining plans that can help you save money on meals. These plans allow you to prepay for your meals and offer a set number of meals and snacks per day.
The plans are available for both quick service and table service restaurants and can be a great way to save money if you plan on eating several meals in the park.
There are plenty of ways to save money on dining at Disney World. By eating at quick service restaurants, bringing your own snacks, and taking advantage of dining plans, you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.
Maximizing Park Experience
To make the most of your time at Disney World, it’s important to have a plan for how you’ll navigate the parks and utilize the various services available to you.
Utilizing Genie+ Reservations
When it comes to maximizing your park experience, Genie+ reservations are the ultimate way to save time in the parks. These services allow you to skip the lines for some of the most popular attractions, meaning you can spend more time actually enjoying the rides and less time waiting in line.
With Genie+, you can reserve a scheduled return time, and then use the Lightning Lane entrance to bypass the regular line. You can also purchase individual Lightning Lane access for certain attractions, but this can get expensive quickly.
To make the most of your Genie+ reservations, be sure to book them as early in the day as possible, and plan your route through the park accordingly.
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to plan your touring different and not add the additional cost of a Genie+ reservation, since they need to be purchased for every person in your party.
One way to maximize using them is to only use Genie+ for ONE day of your trip, since they can be purchased on each individual day – for example on only your Magic Kingdom day. To make the most out of that theme park day, and save the cost of Genie+ on your other park days.
Navigating Parks Efficiently
Disney World parks can be overwhelming, but with a little planning, you can navigate them like a pro. Start by downloading the My Disney Experience app, which will give you real-time wait times for attractions, show schedules, and even help you find the nearest restroom.
Next, plan out your route through the park based on your anticipated “must do” attractions and Genie+ reservations, as well as any dining or show reservations you may have. Try to hit the most popular attractions early in the day, before the crowds arrive. If you are staying at a Disney resort, utilize the early entry hours to make the most of your day.
There are many side routes and alternate routes available at all of the Disney theme parks. These are often the most efficient way to navigate the parks if the main routes are crowded.
Enjoying Free Attractions
Disney World may be known for its expensive attractions, but there are plenty of free things to do as well. For example, you can take a leisurely stroll through Disney Springs, which offers free parking and a variety of shops and restaurants.
You can also bring your own water bottle into the parks and refill it at the numerous water fountains throughout the park, saving you money on drinks.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of the many free shows and entertainment options throughout the park. From parades to fireworks to street performers, there’s always something to see and do at Disney World that won’t cost you an additional dime.
Shopping for Souvenirs
When visiting Disney World, it’s hard to resist the temptation to buy souvenirs. However, these items can quickly add up and put a dent in your wallet. Here are some tips to help you save money on souvenirs:
Finding Deals on Merchandise
One way to save money on souvenirs is to look for deals and discounts. Keep an eye out for clearance sales and promotions at the various merchandise locations throughout the parks and resorts. You can also check out the Disney Springs shopping area for a wider variety of stores and potential discounts.
Another option is to purchase souvenirs at stores outside of Disney World. Target, for example, carries a wide selection of Disney merchandise at a lower price point. If you have a vehicle, you can stop by one of the Character Warehouse stores in Orlando, that carry authentic Disney merchandise, usually from overstock or prior seasons, at a discount!
You can also find Disney-themed items at other Orlando area retailers such as Walmart and online at Amazon.
One of my favorite tips for families with small children is to order small gift items from Amazon before arriving, and then give them after you arrive as a fun new item and momento from the trip!
Souvenir Budgeting
To avoid overspending on souvenirs, it’s important to set a budget before your trip. Determine how much money you’re willing to spend on souvenirs and stick to that amount. One way to help with budgeting is to purchase Disney gift cards before your trip and use them exclusively for souvenir purchases.
Another way to save money on souvenirs is through pin trading. Pin trading is a popular activity at Disney World where guests can trade Disney pins with cast members and other guests. You can purchase a starter set of pins for a reasonable price and then trade for new ones throughout your trip.
Souvenirs can be a fun way to remember your Disney World vacation, but they don’t have to break the bank. By finding deals on merchandise and budgeting for souvenir purchases, you can save money while still bringing home some magical memories.
Watch Moms with Mouse Ears on YouTube
We have also shared our tips to accompany this blog on YouTube! You can find our channel below!
Creating Magical Moments at Disney
Now it’s time for you to make the decisions to create your own magical moments at Disney World! Use the tips above to save money as you create memories.
These other helpful guides will help you decide the best choices for your family, so that you save money while having the best day ever!
Disclaimer:
** All opinions are unbiased and independent. This post contains affiliate links. Moms with Mouse Ears is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Let's Get Magical!
One Comment